Chapter 17: Late Night [1]

A year passed in blissful serenity, with no signs of impending calamity. I turned 12 and had now spent over a decade in Aetohria, a land of fantasy and magic.

I had transmigrated at the point of my death into this world and swore to live out the rest of this life peacefully. But for that, I had to survive a Calamity.

"Oof!" An embarrassing groan escaped my lips as I fell back to the ground with a thud. A wooden spear pressed against my neck from above. Flashing a carefree smile, I said to the person standing over me,

"It's my loss, again, big sis."

'Again.'

Adrianne's strict face promptly frowned.

"You're kidding, right? This is it?"

Ah, it seems she's unsatisfied with my performance as usual.

Feigning discomfort, my smile grew a little strained, and I shook my head.

"No, no, no. You're just too strong, even more so after spending five years away. The Main family must have trained you really hard. And here I was, thinking I could catch up, but you're already an Awakened," I sighed despondently for the grand finale.

Adrianne's expression eased up slightly, and she withdrew her spear. Watching her back, I stood up and rubbed my neck.

It has already been a few years since Adrianne was adopted by the Main family. Until a couple of years ago, my sister had Awakened and become a Hero.

Days like this weren't as common as in the past. As Adrianne lived with the Main branch, we only got to see each other a few days a year, three at most, before she would return. Aside from that, we communicated monthly via letters.

"Get up. We'll go one more round," Adrianne suddenly said.

"Eh?? But why?! I already lost though!" I protested

***

The day soon ended, and it didn't take long before the sun began to set and the evening began to unravel.

After having my ass whooped in a series of spars with Adrianne, I returned to my room and locked the doors.

Immediately, I let out a deep sigh and listened to the silence of my room. Rays of orange sunlight trickled through my open window.

'Meta, status.'

As soon as Meta began, my status screen appeared before me.

---

Name: Victor Bright

Level:14

Race: Human

Rank: Mortal

Hp: ???

---

I had only advanced two levels in one year since ranking up to Mortal. It wasn't that much progress, really, but I was fine with that for now.

Two levels in one year might have seemed extremely slow, but this was good. If I leveled up too quickly, it would become increasingly harder to hide my powers and restrain my aura.

For the meantime, I had zero plans concerning leveling up anytime soon. At least not until I turn 14 two years from now, or halfway through 15.

[That's when you will fake your Awakening.]

Nodding to Meta's words, I walked up to my bed and took a seat. I instantly felt the soft cushion of the texture and ultimately fell back against it, enjoying the warmth and softness it provided.

'Exactly. It'll be hard, considering I'd be wasting over a full year without trying to level up, but this is necessary.'

And it wasn't like I had been or would be sitting idle the entire time. I'd spend it perfecting my Art and manipulation while also polishing my skills and other aspects.

I would use the strength from my Mortal status to show significant 'progress' for when I pretend to awaken. This was to entice my parents and family to continue to sponsor my growth for as long as possible.

But even after that, I would still have to hide and reduce the speed of my progress until I could find some way to turn this situation around. Maybe I could find an item that could mask my level and hide my true strength.

'Meta, is that possible?' I asked inwardly.

[Affirmative. There exist various methods, from skills to exquisite items that can provide similar effects of masking one's true strength.]

'That's a relief.'

I made a mental note to seek out one of these items or skills in the future. It would be hard to keep hiding my level and rank the stronger I got in the future.

There's a chance I might be seen through by something or someone unexpected.

I also didn't want to attract any unnecessary attention until the advent of the Calamity, so disclosing my abilities anytime soon, or eventually, was out of the question.

But where do I find a skill or an item that could let me do that? If this had been a novel or a show I had transmigrated into with prior knowledge, I'd have thought of a particular cheat-like item right now.

'Y'know, this is the part where you, as a system, conveniently provide me, your host, with a relatively easy or safe option, like say, a purchasable item or skill in a store function. But heck, you won't even let me see my stats!'

The night continued to unravel splendidly and calmly. I had dinner with my family and politely retreated back to my room once it was over.

Before that, I decided to take a small, leisurely stroll around the Manor to enjoy the pleasurable evening breeze and bask in the sterling moon.

Its silver-white rays bathed the world in comfort and grace. The moon of Aetohria was especially beautiful and large. If I wasn't mistaken, I believe it was a tad larger than the one from Earth. The distant stars sparkled in its company, glinting like faraway shimmering dust.

Unfortunately, there were no constellations I could recognize; regardless, I still felt the inexplicable urge to suddenly paint the night sky.

After having my fill of a pleasant night stroll, I finally returned to my room for the night. I took off my evening wear, had a short bath, and changed into something more appropriate to spend the night.

With my head wrapped in a towel, I suddenly heard a knock from the other side of my door. Before I could even respond, the door was pushed open, and someone abruptly stepped into the room.

I turned to give an incredulous stare at the person who stood before me and froze a bit.

What is she doing?

It took a little effort to control my facial muscles to the desired expression I wanted to make.

"A-Adrianne?"