Getting stronger

In a dimly lit room a man sat cross legged deeply engrossed in meditation, the faint glow coming from the man casted an eerie shadow on the walls.

The room was adorned with ancient images and mysterious artifacts.

The sound of the door creaking open suddenly sounded, a man of middle age approaching the seated figure, deep in meditation.

His head was adorned with a crown of lustrous black hair, neatly styled and cascading down to his broad shoulders. A well-groomed goatee framed his serene face.

Draped around his body was a traditional Chinese robe, its fabric flowing gracefully as he sat cross-legged.

This man was the head of the Obsidian order branch in sector 3.

As the middle-aged man drew nearer, he bowed. He could feel the weight of the man's Grandmaster-rank aura pressing down on him.

"Speak". The man said, his voice resounding. The middle aged man knew better than to keep him waiting. The last person who had crossed him didn't live to tell the tale.

'I heard he simply brought him the wrong coffee,' He thought.

"Sir Alvis, the Ravensteins claimed that their 1 year old son was attacked," with a voice laced with respect, he spoke.

"Were we involved?" The man inquired, casting a look at the middle aged man that sent shivers down his spine.

"No, sir Alvis. I've investigated everyone and i can assure you that it was not from us," he replied immediately, trying not to get on his bad side.

"Maybe one of the tier 1 families tried to assassinate their heir?" He said.

"Hmm, perhaps." Alvis replied "Or maybe," he stroke his goatee, "the Ravensteins are hiding something".

Alvis felt it was strange. Why would anyone want to kill a one year old boy? Sure the Ravensteins had a lot of enemies but would they really go out of their way to kill an infant? He didn't think so.

"Hugo, watch the boy. Let me know immediately if anything happens" Alvis commanded.

"Yes, sir" the middle aged man, Hugo replied.

"Good. You may leave," Alvis dismissed Hugo, who turned and left the room quickly.

***

Atticus, oblivious to all the trouble he had caused, was trying his hardest to increase his rank. It had been a week since the incident and he was having trouble finding the time to train.

His progress was hindered by the constant presence of Anastasia, who refused to leave his side.

He overheard Anastasia and Avalon when they came into his room, discovering that what he awakened was his mana core and the energy he was absorbing was called mana.

What had they meant by what they said? How was he in danger? Who was coming after him? Despite this maelstrom of thoughts, Atticus never once stopped.

Undeterred by the challenges he faced, Atticus persisted every day, only absorbing mana whenever Anastasia left to attend to her duties.

Luckily, she had duties as the lady of the Ravenstein family or it would have been harder for Atticus to find a chance to train.

He focused solely on harnessing and absorbing mana into his core, and just like that, a year passed.

As a reward for his diligent training, Atticus finally experienced a major change. The constant infusion of mana had caused his mana core to grow by a few milliliters.

He could feel a powerful surge of mana coursing through his body. 'I feel…healthy.' Atticus felt some changes in his body after the breakthrough, as though his body became much stronger.

He felt alive in simple terms. Before now, he'd just been floating in this new existence. Something was finally anchoring him to the ground.

'I'm glad it wasn't like the day I awakened,' this breakthrough had been quiet, unlike the last time when he had caused a scene and scared his parents.

Atticus lay in his cradle that night. Anastasia had gone to sleep, leaving him 'alone' in the room.

Wanting to know the extent of the changes to his body, he attempted to sit up. To his surprise, it was much easier than it had been before. He raised his arms and clenched his small fists, although tiny, he could feel that his strength had increased.

'Finally! I've been at this like a hungry beast for a year now. Let's see what's changed. Status!'. A holographic system interface materialized in front of his face;

Character Profile:

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

Username: Atticus Ravenstein

Age: 2

Gender: Male

Race: Human

Attributes:

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

Strength: 2

Agility: 1

Endurance: 2

Vitality: 5

Intelligence: 6

Charm: 4

Rank: Novice New!

Talent: Mythical

Bloodline: Locked

Abilities:

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

Innate Skills:

* Conceal [Grade: Mythical]

- The ability to conceal your powers from anyone regardless of rank. You may choose what level you want to be shown.

========================

Atticus had ranked up one sub level.