The Girl in Red (2)

Inside the study room of Reinharber Castle, bathed in the dim moonlight that seeped through a window, the commanding voice of a dignified man broke the silence.

The owner of the voice was the lord of Reinharber Castle, Theo von Reinharber.

"So, Nox's behavior suddenly changed?" he asked.

"Yes."

Standing by his side, receiving his words, is Theo's loyal retainer, Lordwell. He is not only the head servant of the household but also the most faithful among the stewards.

Every day, he diligently observed and reported the behavior of the family members. Naturally, it was a matter of course for him to convey everything about Nox's activities as well. Due to that, Theo knew everything going on.

It was an interesting turn of events for him—his own son suddenly appearing on the training grounds and even asserting his opinion confidently to Lordwell, when he used to hesitate to even approach him.

Nox had not been the strong and assertive youngest son originally.

He was a child who couldn't even meet his father's gaze. Not to mention that he feared Lordwell and his brothers. But overnight, his attitude had changed.

"Moreover, he said it during the mealtime. He declared that he would surpass his brothers."

If Theo hadn't seen it with his own eyes, he wouldn't have believed it. The frail youngest son. It was his first time expressing his opinion so assertively.

Unless there was something that was backing his words, he wouldn't have done such a thing.

If this didn't spark Theo's interest, it would have been rather strange. That's why he gave the following instruction:

"I understand. Lordwell, continue to monitor Nox."

* * *

A few hours ago, after the family meal had ended.

The twins, Hartz and Allen, glared at Nox for a moment and then left, sticking out their tongues.

Nox also stood up from his seat and returned to his room. He needed to organize the tasks he had to do starting tomorrow.

Once he returned to his room, he first wrote down all the information he remembered that could be useful in the future in a notebook. Then, after accurately assessing the current situation, he looked over it if there were any usable connections or hidden pieces that could be immediately used.

This would provide a shortcut to expedite the growth of the weak Nox.

It seemed like busy days were about to begin.

Nox thought about such things and lightly washed up before throwing himself onto the soft bed. Indeed, even in this rotten world, the beds were still warm and cozy.

Thinking such thoughts, he fell into a deep sleep.

* * *

The next morning, Nox returned to the training grounds.

However, this time he wasn't holding a sword like yesterday and instead began running along the dirt path that circled the field. There was a good reason for doing so.

The biggest issue yesterday was his stamina.

After swinging the sword about three times, my frail body began to scream in agony. Thanks to that, I became the subject of ridicule from the servants, maids, and butlers.

It was definitely not a pleasant experience.

"I need to quickly improve my stamina somehow."

No matter how light a sword may be, it still has considerable weight. With Nox's young body, especially with only 2 points of stamina, it wasn't easy for him to swing a sword.

Of course, he had the "Genius of Swordsmanship and Martial Arts" trait, but...

'Each genius trait has its own conditions for activation.'

Furthermore, due to his current "Curse of Weakness" trait, the growth of his stamina stat was much slower compared to others.

It's a pity, but if Nox didn't build up his stamina now, he would face difficulties later, and his body would only deteriorate.

If that happened, the main story or anything else didn't matter, he would be dead in a year.

"Huuk... Huuk..."

As he ran, his vision became blurry. He hadn't even completed a few laps, but his breath was already ragged...

It's definitely because of the "Curse of Weakness" trait.

"He's here again today..."

"Yeah... Why did he suddenly change like that?"

"He said he would duel with Hatz and Allen to determine the admission rights to the Eldin Academy."

"What? Is that true? Didn't he already give up?"

"Well, apparently not. That's what I heard and it looks like he hasn't either."

"Well, it seems like a poor decision... No matter how I think about it, Nox won't be able to win against the twins..."

He could hear their voices.

Every time he came to the training ground, he could feel people's attention focused on him. The employees seemed uncomfortable with the fact that he was using the training ground.

Nox was not sure if the same thing happens when his other siblings trained...

At least in his opinion, it didn't seem that way.

"Haak... Haa... Hoo..."

After precisely running three and a half laps, Nox's body stiffened. He couldn't run anymore; his body reached its limit.

But he couldn't rest now. He had to keep going. He had to become stronger, train his body more, and not just for the fight with the twins, but also to survive at Eldin Academy.

For the "Genius of Swordsmanship and Martial Arts," the condition for activation was having a minimum of 4 stamina. There's a clear reason why he was pushing himself to the limit by running like crazy.

"Your stamina has increased by 0.1!"

To be honest, most of the people with this trait start the game with a stamina stat of over 4. But Nox was not one of them. He's encountered a situation where he had to raise his stamina from 2 to 4 in less than a month.

"No, is it 1.9 now?"

He couldn't help but let out a hollow laugh. Nox would undoubtedly die if he only improved at this rate. And it hasn't even been a year yet.

But there was no problem.

Naturally, he had a sneaky trick up his sleeve.

"Young master, um... I brought the items you mentioned."

The voice of Rona, the maid of the mansion that dropped the glass earlier, reached his ears. Nox turned his head, putting on a cold expression for a moment, and then accepted the items she handed him.

'Now I can manage somehow.'

He praised Rona's efforts in the way befitting the heir of a prestigious family. After carefully examining the items he received, he smiled.

"Golem's Core," "Poison of the Three-Headed Gorgon," "Spring Water from a Remembering Fairy," "Rapid Stamina Growth Scroll"

Each one is precious, but they are items that people don't often seek. They all contain poison or have other restrictions on them.

However, Nox knew how to use these items properly.

Rona had disappeared without a trace. She still seemed to be afraid of him. By now, he was quite concerned about what Nox had done to her. However, now was not the time to dwell on such trivial matters.

'The Curse of Weakness. I need to eliminate it first.'

When it comes to stamina, aside from spending enough effort and time to steadily increase it through training, there were no other methods of growth.

However, as for how fast in increases, there are ways to accelerate it, but even that is currently uncertain.

First and foremost, he needed to get rid of one of the negative traits he possessed.

Specifically, the [Curse of Weakness].

'If I have the Curse of Weakness, the rate of my stamina growth is halved. It's evident by looking at how I barely gained 0.1 despite pushing myself to the limit.'

Originally, the starting stats are slightly easier to acquire in Inner Lunatic difficulty.

Should he call it a newbie perk?

However, even so, it's undeniable that the difficulty is far beyond what can be considered reasonable. Even raising a stat by 1 within a few months was a daunting task in Inner Lunatic. That was part of the appeal of the game, though.

'Reducing the stamina growth rate by half is similar to having a time-limited trait... Ultimately, it means I have to put in four times the effort compared to others to raise my stats.'

Moreover, considering that units with the [Terminal Illness] trait can only raise their stamina up to a maximum of 15, he couldn't help but rely on various doping methods and artifacts.

Even now, the collaboration between [Curse of Weakness] and [Terminal Illness] shows a synergy that exceeded his expectations. And it's in a negative way, no less.

Damn it.

"Ugh... Ugh..."

While gasping for breath, Nox continued to ponder.

Fortunately, there are quite a few ways to remove [Curse of Weakness], one of the worst traits that rivaled [Weak Immune System].

However, the problem is that regardless of the method used, a different stat permanently was decreased by 1. That meant that the value equivalent to several months of effort dissipeared in an instant.

However, Nox was an Inner Lunatic veteran. He had already considered such situations, and he knew how to avoid the Curse of Weakness.

The best method is undoubtedly to use a special potion to improve his constitution itself.

The materials he had Rona bring him were for that purpose.

"First, let's change location."

Having too many prying eyes is not a good thing. Nox quickly left the spot and entered the warehouse where the storage units were stacked.

The first thing he did was to put the Poison of the Three-Headed Gorgon into his mouth.

'[Poison of the Three-Headed Gorgon]. It's a potion that temporarily increases the drinker's stamina gain by 1.5 times, but it's also a deadly poison that kills them afterward. But that doesn't mean much to someone like me.'

Next, he swiftly put the Golem's Core into his mouth and kept it there with the poison.

Of course, there are side effects to this item as well. For example, it petrifies the user for two hours, rendering them unable to move.

Well, compared to the poison he just drank, it was nothing. At least he wouldn't die.

"Hmm... Still tastes terrible."

The essence contained in the small, red sphere begins to mix with the undrunk Poison of the Three-Headed Gorgon, causing the composition to change.

"[Hidden Piece has been activated.]"

"The Poison of the Three-Headed Gorgon and the Golem's Core are reacting."

'Good. This should be enough.'

Originally, the Golem's Core is an item used to petrify humans temporarily and amplify their defense or create other artificial golems.

However, by mixing the two, Nox had brought out new effects: Physical enhancement and removal of the Curse of Feebleness.

That was the proper way to utilize these items.

"[Special effect activated.]"

"The Poison of the Three-Headed Gorgon has been purified."

"The (negative) trait 'Curse of Weakness' was removed."

The Curse of Weakness vanished without any penalties. It truly was the best method that only those with extensive knowledge of the game could use.

But Nox didn't stop there. He took off his light clothes and poured the Spring Water from a Remembering Fairy over his body.

"The petrification effect of the Golem's Core disappears."

The Spring Water from a Remembering Fairy is an artifact that originally had the effect of restoring abnormal states. It cost more than twenty times the price of potions sold in stores. Additionally, its effects weren't much different, honestly, making it just a trinket or collector's item.

Although it was considered a useless item to own, Nox knew very well that it had a great use that no other item could replicate

The reason is simple. When the Golem's Core and the Fountain Water of Memory react, the player recieved a temporary trait.

"The Fountain Water of Memory and the Golem's Core are reacting."

"[Hidden Piece has been activated.]"

"The user is temporarily granted the trait [Blessing of Growth!]"

Blessing of Growth. Even the name had a wonderful feeling to it.

Nox briefly opened his status window to confirm all the effects of what he did.

---------------------------

[Basic Information]

Name: Nox von Reinharber

Gender: Male

Age: 14

Race: Human

Primary Element: Darkness

Achievements: None

[Attributes]

Positive: [Genius in Swordsmanship and Martial Arts] / [Genius in Mana Sensitivity] / [Insight] / [Memory Prodigy] / [Iron Will] / [Genius in Acting] / [Blessing of Growth (NEW)]

Neutral: [Manifestation of Darkness]

Negative: [Terminal Illness] / [Weak Immune System] / [Cold Hands and Feet] / [Possessed]

[Stats]

Stamina: 2.1

Mana: 9

Luck: 7

Willpower: 10

Charm: 25

[Skills] -

Active Skills: Time of the Genius

Passive Skills:

*[Terminal Illness] - Remaining player's lifespan is one year.

---------------------------

[New Attribute Added!]

[Attribute (Positive)]

Blessing of Growth

Increases the user's stamina stat growth rate by 2 times until the stamina stat reaches 5.

---------------------------

As expected, a new attribute has been added.

It was a passive skill that was applied untill Nox's stamina stat reached 5. This skill doubled the rate of his stamina stat growth until it reached 5. With this trait, he could increase his stamina to at least 5 without incurring the penalty from the Terminall Illness trait. It was undoubtedly the best attribute for him at the moment.

Not only that, but the Blessing of Growth attribute had another effect.

[As the initial effect of 'Blessing of Growth,' the user's stamina increased by 0.5 permanently!]

It permanently increased my stamina by a whopping 0.5 when acquired for the first time.

A smile unconsciously formed at the corner of Nox's mouth.

Now, there was only 1.4 left to get.

Additionally, he had also used the [Rapid Stamina Growth Scroll], which caused the temporary effect of doubling his stamina gain again. With this, he could increase his stat twice as fast as before.

"Phew. Now the real journey begins."

If he kept running tirelessly every day, things would somehow work out, right?

Nox pondered such thoughts and stepped back into the training ground.

The employees who had been waiting in front started pretending to clean without brooms as soon as he came out, as if they had been doing that all along.

Nox thought about giving them a piece of his mind, but he didn't want to waste valuable time on such trivial matters. Right now, the most important thing was to keep running.

After all, they say stamina is a country's strength.

* * *

Talia von Steeliner

The girl, a daughter of the Steeliner family, had been observing a young boy with white hair running tirelessly around the training ground for several days while twisting her own, red hair.

He was running obsessively, whether it was against opponents of similar stature or even weaker ones.

"How can such a weak and feeble boy agree to fight against the Reinharber family's twins...?"

"...Miss, please refrain from insulting the youngest master of the Reinharber family. Such behavior goes against etiquette..."

"No, that's not what I meant!" Talia said with a look of injustice.

In her eyes, there was no sign of anger towards the running Nox.

It was just that she didn't like the inefficient running and the mindless training of running around without holding a sword. Moreover, he had rejected all the proposals from the other members of his family to teach him swordsmanship.

If it were the Steeliner family, they would never allow such a weakling to engage in a duel.

First of all, he wouldn't be allowed to duel under the family's jurisdiction, and once the duel started, it wouldn't end with just a few light beatings.

Why did that weak boy have the audacity to make such a declaration in front of the family over a meal? How could he claim to defeat his own siblings?

Moreover, Nox was known as the black sheep of the family. He was said to have never been in a fight before and even declared that he wouldn't learn swordsmanship.

Talia had never looked favorably upon him as someone who would become a fellow knight. Holding a sword was not something to be taken lightly.

But now, it was different. Talia looked at Nox intently, her two red eyes shining brightly.

Now, she didn't have such thoughts. Despite his exhaustion from running so hard, he maintained his composure and a fragile-looking physique. Everything about him stimulated her curiosity.

"It won't do! Emma, I'll be right back!"

"Ah, Miss!"

Talia rushed off like a bullet and headed straight towards Nox.

Emma, the maid who had been watching over her, let out a deep sigh. There was no way to stop Talia when she had that expression. She could only watch.

Please, do not cause any trouble...

Amidst her prayers, Talia's pure and clear voice reached Nox.

"Hello! I'm Talia."

"...What's the matter? I feel like I've heard that name before."

At that moment, the response that came back from the boy was truly shocking.

Talia was amazed that he could react like that though he knew her identity. Even if he was from the Reinhaber family, it was surprising...

She herself was the daughter of a prestigious duke's family, after all. It wasn't to the point where the lowest-ranking youngest son could disregard her.

Yet, Nox's reaction towards her was unusually indifferent.

'He must be surprised because I'm so beautiful... Yeah, that must be it...!'

After calming herself, Talia grabbed Nox's shoulder.

Though Nox's body was soaked in sweat from running, it didn't bother Talia much. She, too, was a formidable young knight, and coming back sweaty from training was commonplace.

"You're called Nox, right?"

"Yeah."

"And you said you would fight your siblings for an entrance ticket to Eldin Academy in a month?"

"So?"

Thalia's delicate brows furrowed at Nox's curt response. The grip on his shoulder tightened.

"Do you really think you can win against your siblings by just running like this? Do you think that's possible? If you want, I can help you."

"I'm not interested. Just go away, will you?"

Talia stumbled back, shocked by his cold tone.

'How can he say something like that...!'

To her, who had been raised as the golden leaf of her family, Nox's words were shocking in themselves.

"Don't come any closer...!"

Even the maids who bathed her and cleaned up her mess after rolling around in the mud every day never said such things to her.

"This...! I wanted to help, and he speaks to me like this! Fine! Do whatever you want!"

As Talia turned around in frustration and spoke, Nox simply shrugged his shoulders.

No one present there knew. Nox's words to Talia and all his actions were simply meant to keep her at a distance.

"Ha... Even when things are already complicated, they become even more messy."

Muttering to himself in such a way, Nox resumed his dry training. He found himself in a desperate situation, just like when he first crash-landed.

To think that the little brat who was supposed to kill him in the future would approach him first.

Was it even possible to get along with her here in the first place...?

Nox felt unfairly treated, but there was nowhere for him to vent, so he simply continued running in silence.

'Oh well, let's just live and see what happens.'

That's how he felt at the moment.