Slowly, my eyes fluttered open, greeted by the somewhat unfamiliar ceiling that was becoming a part of my daily view. Sighing, I couldn't help but wish to avoid these situations. Pain, the one thing even the most determined person on this planet would steer clear of, if given the chance.
Yet, it was inevitable. If I intended to reach the strength necessary to clear this Trial before my time limit, pouring my sweat and blood were non-negotiable investments.
Before I could delve deeper into my thoughts, a presence, subtle yet intimate, caught my attention. Someone was breathing softly, in a slumber-like rhythm, right beside my bed. Turning my gaze, I found Anna peacefully asleep.
Why are you here?
The question lingered unspoken, caught in the realization that her serene presence invoked emotions I couldn't easily dismiss. There was an unspoken wish in my heart for her happiness, a desire to see her unchained from feelings for someone who didn't even deserve to be alive.
Unable to resist, I gently patted her head. The vulnerability she displayed in sleep evoked a sense of protectiveness, but I reminded myself to draw a line. This couldn't go beyond a certain point.
...Still, it would be better to let her rest properly.
My intention was to call a servant to move her to her own bed, but before I could act, an unexpected voice reached my ears.
"It's nice to see you have woken up, son."
Father? When did he enter?
"...Father. How long have I been asleep?"
With both Anna and my father present, I must have caused a commotion when I fell. I couldn't recall the details, but to prevent further worry, I decided to play it down.
"It's been 6 hours since we found you collapsed on the floor. We called a doctor, and he found nothing wrong with your body. I told everyone else to rest while I watched over you. However, this stubborn one," he gestured towards Anna, "refused to leave, insisting it was her duty to be by your side."
Silent anger flickered within me. Once again, I was reminded of the familial concern bestowed upon this undeserving bastard.
"I'm sorry, Father, it was not my intention to make you, or anyone else, worry—"
My words were cut short as my Father raised his hand, his expression enigmatic.
"Do not worry about it. In reality, what I came here for is different from what you may imagine. You see, I have decided, for the sake of this house, to let everyone else believe your lie, even though I know for a fact you are not my son. Since I cannot see past your disguise anymore, I just want to ask. Is he...dead?"
His question struck like a well-aimed blow, a stark reminder of the kind of parent he was.
That trash of a son had done nothing but spit on his efforts as a Father, and yet he was still concerned about him.
In me, a profound conflict brewed on how to respond. Disclosing the truth about my identity was out of the question, as it would lead to the failure of my Trial.
Yet, just as I had successfully manipulated the rules by conveying my "knowledge of the future" to WISE through various means, I knew I could navigate this situation as well.
"...He is not dead. Actually..."
I chose my words carefully.
I couldn't tell him the full truth, but I could do my best to explain as much as I possibly could.
A doubt surged in my mind. In his shoulders, would I have been able to calmly accept everything I was telling him...?
After a while since I started explaining, my father smiled, seemingly understanding there was something preventing me from telling him everything, but he was satisfied with that.
"Judging from your care for the girl sleeping by your bed, I could tell you are not someone meant to cause harm to this family. I thank you for your efforts to change my son's reputation, but before you are meant to go, I suggest you enjoy your time here to the fullest. That way, you will leave no regrets behind."
I smiled back, feeling an unexpected connection to this man who, despite the absence of blood ties, resonated as a father figure.
"Sadly, I cannot do that, Father. When I leave, I will cause everyone much more pain than if I just stay aloof like this. As I have my own values, I cannot bring myself to act like your son, but I also do not wish to get any more attached than I already am."
He understood the unspoken sentiments in my words.
"...I see. It's a pity you could not stay with us. I could have adopted you in the future so that the people in our family would not blame you for things you have never done, but if that is your decision, I cannot say anything more. Do whatever you want."
A subtle pang tugged at my heart, a bittersweet acknowledgment I chose to ignore as the conversation between us came to an end.
---
[Status: Healthy
Level: 90
Combat Prowess: Weak ➔ Low
Martial Arts: Karate(Lv.1)
Active Skills: Cooking(Lv.8), Slash(Lv.3), Adaptive Evasion(Lv.9), Turtle Shell(Lv.1), Mirage Veil(Lv.1), Overload(Lv.6)
Passive Skills: Run(Lv.7), Jump(Lv.7), Photographic Memory(Lv.3), Sixth Sense(Lv.10), Observe(Lv.10), Sky Footwork(Lv.9), Orc Body(Lv.9)
Talent: Sword(Lv.8), Movement(Lv.7), Wisdom(Lv.11), Intuition(Lv.8), Body(Lv.8), Determination(Lv.8)
You have 24 unused Skill Points]
[Overload]
[Description: Unleashing the latent potential within, Overload dismantles the built-in safety protocols of the mind, liberating the user from the shackles that typically shield them from self-inflicted harm. This unique skill is a delicate fusion of the innate talents [Body] and [Determination], enabling a brief but explosive release of physical limitations.
Effect: You can release your limits for 2 seconds.
Cooldown: 24 hours
Limitations: Using Overload comes at a price. Disabling this safeguard, even temporarily, induces considerable strain, which will grow the more you use it.
The cooldown will keep increasing with each use]
I still felt a bit down after that conversation, but mulling it over won't change anything.
As my mood slowly lifted, instead of going through each prompt, I focused on my status, finding an answer to a crucial question that lingered.
My father could no longer see through me because I had reached Low Combat Prowess. In his eyes, I was now indistinguishable from his real son.
Truth be told, I didn't want to delve any deeper into that.
Moving on, Orc Body is truly something else.
My hunch was correct. This passive skill went beyond its unappealing name; it's the first skill to showcase the absorption of benefits to enhance itself.
Instead of overthinking and weighing all the possibilities, my immediate focus should be on testing my newfound strength, and that's precisely what I'll do next.