8 Stealth

A plate filled with slices of juicy steaks topped with various kinds of herbs laid infront of Crid, it looked more of an artist's work than Klaus'. Inhaling it's roasted fragrance, he immediately started eating. Almost feeling bad to ruin the masterpiece on his plate.

The herbs gave it a minty yet bitter taste, complementing the juicy, tender sweetness of the steak. Crid couldn't help but to feel intoxicated, as he stuffed himself with mouthful after mouthful of meat. If it weren't for the bitter taste of his leafy-green drink, he would have gave it a ten out of ten.

A week had passed since Crid completed his quest. With him going through hell everyday with the amount of training he goes through. If it weren't for Klaus' masterful cooking, he would have believed he transmigrated to hell instead.

Klaus didn't just randomly cooked him food, he prepared them according to what nutrients his student needed for his training. With the herbs he uses being centuries old, extinct because of their wonderous qualities.

After washing down his food with the bitter drink, Crid stretched, it was an exhausting day for him. Spending most of his time with his escapism habits, he never really had the time to pursue his martial art skills. But whenever he flexed his muscles, he could feel them being vastly stronger in just a few days.

That was because the inhabitants of this world can grow strong faster. Though his speed can also be credited with Klaus' food.

His explaination for this phenomena is so simple that even a true toddler can understand it. If they didn't increase their strength fast, they can't slay dragons. Though unlike them, Crid had the Essence Absorption. Meaning, he can grow as strong as Klaus in a blink of an eye, given he has sufficient Essence.

"Never knew you were a great cook." Crid said as he patted his full stomach.

"It's called thievery." Klaus replied, while giving his whole attention at mixing a the liquid in his vial. "Go get some rest, your gonna need it for tomorrow."

Even if Klaus didn't remind him, his aching muscle from their training routine did. Falling asleep the moment he fell on the bed.

The next day, Crid felt something strange. Instead of his mentor's rude awakening, he woke up on his own. But instead of enjoying it, he knew there has to be a twist.

Klaus was still the master of deceit, it was a domain none can and dared to challenge him. It was the first lesson this thief thought him in the game.

With the memory of him being given a fragrant drink to congratulate his success, only to find out it was poisoned. After that, Klaus forced him to spar with him. He didn't knew what sick life lesson that was, but it caused him to deeply distrust Klaus' kindness.

Crid was already thinking why Klaus was so nice to him. Maybe today he'll show his true colors, he thought.

He noiselessly slid out of his bed. Being perceptive with every change in his surroundings. Even when he knew he stood no chance if Klaus decided to flank him, he still tried his best. It wouldn't hurt if he tried.

As he tip toed his way to living room, he saw Klaus siping from his mug made of diamonds. Seeing the sight, Crid paused for a minute.

"Being paranoid can also save you." Klaus said while he browsed his bookshelf, trying hard to find something. Though the lines on his tiny forehead suggested it was to no avail.

"I was wondering when we'll have a break." Crid tried hard to contain his joy. Finally, that torturous training was put to rest. He already started imagining the various ways he could enjoy this day, when Klaus rudely corrected.

"We'll still have our training, but we'll have it at the dead of night. Now don't bother me." Klaus said, the frustration from being unable to find his book was getting to him.

Crid almost thought what he heard were the choir of angels. Having spent time time with Klaus, he knew that he only trained someone before dawn. But when it was at night, he'll be teaching Skills.

Closing the door to his room, he jumped in joy. "If I can kill monsters without having any Skills, then just imagine if I had one." Crid said as he danced in joy.

The skills he learned from Klaus, were one of the best he owned. Though he personally didn't hoped to learn them tonight, as he was still a rookie. Any assassin skills would do. Being undefeated in PKs, even the most basic ones can be terrifyingly dangerous at his hands.

Crid had spent the entire day waiting anxiously, but when the boredom of doing nothing struck him. He decided to sleep.

As the starlight replaced the sun, Klaus and Crid left. The area picked was densely covered with vines and vegetation. The perfect place for the Skill Klaus intended to teach.

"There are several Skills I can teach you, but you're hilariously weak." Klaus said with a hint of annoyance. " This is what I want you to learn. Now, look at me closely."

Klaus walked straight towards the trees, but he disappeared long before he step in the shadows. Crid suddebly felt a chill on his spine. He knew what that Skill was, it was Stealth. It allowed someone to escape detection even while in motion.

One had to hide first, before the skill would be activated. Crid himself had this Skill max leveled, but he could never disappear like that.

He thought he knew just how strong this fabled thief was, but after that display. Klaus might have been shy about showing his true strength.

"I'm not dead." Klaus voice echoed in all direction, not revealing a single clue about his location.

After brushing off his amazement, Crid immediately searched the area. Though even after inspecting every inch of the surrounding, he still didn't found a single trace. It was as if what he saw was a ghost.

"I think I might have took it a little too seriously. Though the look of your face was a priceless one." He heard Klaus' voice, but now he knew where it was. It was behind him.

"Geez. Was it your first time seeing that Skill? And here you are aspiring to be an Assassin. Come, sit down. I'll explain the technique." Klaus was disappointed. Questioning weather this was really the person he had to teach.

Klaus eagerly spoke, with a tone used to teach children. After reaching a certain point at his explanation, a notification displayed itself at Crid.

[New Skill Discovered: Stealth]

[Spend 50 Essence Points to Learn]

At last, Crid thought. He immediately accepted. Thinking of how easier his exploration on the academy could have been, if he had it. He felt a tingling sensation at his body, a feeling he got everytime he learned a new Skill.

[Stealth has been Obtained]

Name: Crid

Class: Assassin

Essence: 66

Skill/Spell: Stealth

Passive: None

Crid couldn't help but to smile. After so long, he finally took his first true steps to regaining his past strength.