As always there is a solution. 'What is the cost of the skill?'
[The skill 'mana conceal' can be bought with two skill points. to bypass the locked function on the shop, the skill can be bought by paying four skill points.]
[Does the user wish to proceed?]
[Yes\No]
That's actually pretty expensive. Skill points are rare. The system said so self. Yet using four of them on one skill. This means that the skills I can learn from the system are limited. I don't know what this skill does as well. I tried to ask about its description but there is nothing. Going over the possible scenarios I can picture two of them. One it will completely hide my mana signatures. And two, it will simply tone it down to the standards of this world. In the case of the first one, I would be hidden from nefarious intents but there is also another risk, and that is being an outcast. Mana is the nature of this world, not having it would make me an existent that does not belong to this world. The only silver lining is that I don't know if there are people who can't use mana. I didn't even have the opportunity to check the servants of this mansion yet. So, if the result of the skill is like this, then I will have to improvise my plans for survival.
The second process is more likely in my favor. The less talented or those who are overly talented are the ones who gather attention. Average ones don't earn more than a few glances. That is what I'm aiming for. Sure, I belong to the house of a high-ranking noble. Some might criticize me for being average in a family of monsters so I will attract a bit more attention. But still not more than a few years. After that, I will be ignored like the person who is not important in a story more than necessary.
The second scenario is ideal. So ideal that it sounds impossible. Sure, the skill is taking a lot of skill points, but the benefits of the second scenario are way too much for just four skill points. Everything has an equivalent price. I can't expect to get so many benefits for so much less price. For these reasons, the first scenario is highly likely. It's not an ideal solution, and the headaches it would bring, are going to be a lot. Letting myself be declared as a genius is much more of a good option at this point than using the first option.
But it will buy me time. Time is what I need. To gather knowledge. Knowledge about this world is the first step to avoiding complications. If I declare myself a genius, then I will be in the spotlight. Everyone will notice every move of mine. Some to coerce me and take advantage of me, and some to devour me to avoid a future powerhouse to rise. But with this option, I will have time to silently grow. This is ideal for now. If I get the second one, then I'm lucky. But if I get the first one, I'll improvise.
'Yes'
[Command received. Buying skill 'Mana conceal'. Skill 'Mana conceal' bought]
[4 skill points consumed]
[Integrating the skill with the host]
[1%... 13%.... 49%]
[77%.... 83%... 100%]
[Skill 'Mana conceal' integrated with the host]
[Mana conceal: level max
An active skill that can completely hide the user's mana signature. No mana is required to activate the skill. Skill can be activated anytime. During the time skill is active, the power and effects of skills used by the user would decrease by 50%]
It turned out to be the first scenario in the end. But there are some additional effects that make the skill a bit more favorable. I had considered that I won't be able to use mana at all, but it seems like that is not the case. I can still use skills, just their power would diminish by half. Disadvantageous at the start but if used wisely I would be able to use it as an element of surprise. In close-quarter combat, surprises are very advantageous. Such as hiding knives in your sleeves or smoke bombs etc. These factors can turn the situation heavily in one's favor. Here the element of surprise will be mana. No one would be able to expect it. Sure, I will have to do some more improvising for this such as not using it in front of people to avoid it from getting out or using skills that are hidden such as shockwave or stun.
Another benefit is the mp cost. A skill of this caliber would have been impossible to maintain all the time. The only alone time I get is at night. Otherwise, either Rose or Carla are with me most of the time. Even at night, Carla sleeps with me. I just got lucky tonight. So no mp cost is a very big surprise and advantage.
'Activate skill.' As soon as I uttered these words the system showed that the skill had been activated. I didn't feel any different, however. I can still accurately feel the flow of energy. I can still circulate it well enough. Does that mean this skill has no effect internally and only conceals my mana signatures from other people? Well, another advantage discovered. This skill's favorability has increased once again. I will check its effects in the morning.
"Oh, my baby up already?", I heard a familiar voice from behind me. I turned to see Carla entering the room with a beaming smile on her face. Behind her was a servant as well. Seeing her brightened up my mood as well. I will think about this complicated stuff later. For now, I'm going to enjoy the morning course fully. At that moment another person entered the room, but I didn't pay any heed to them Because all my attention was on Carla. At that moment Carla said something that froze the smile on her face, "Look who is here Michael, daddy finally came home to play with you." "Hey there Michael, it's daddy." And the person who had entered was no one other than Joseph, my father.