Julius focused on his daily routine, training and learning diligently under the strict but caring Riverwood couple. And soon, six months passed by.
During that time, he learned the basics to increase his mana capacity naturally through absorbing and guiding the energy towards his heart or core. This process occurred passively but was extremely slow. Thus, consciously guiding it would yield better results.
Unfortunately, when he inquired about the subject and any other ways to speed up progress, Lucius shook his head and answered. "You'll learn about it in the academy."
In the baron's opinion, distracting the boy with superfluous knowledge was wasted time. After all, with sixteen strands on the measuring device, he was convinced Julius would naturally reach the first tier's bottleneck and be forced to pause his progress until he enrolled anyway.
With his new knowledge, Julius began his magic journey, spending time to increase his mana. Now, he could already make two strands appear, showcasing average to mediocre talent in magic.
On the other side, Adam discovered in frustration his inability to gather and guide mana. After drawing theories after theories, he understood that his condition was the problem. Yet, his effort proved futile when he tried in the dream place.
He realised that the only way to increase his mana was by distributing his points in intelligence or by consuming potions.
Despite his annoyance, he shifted his focus to mana control and learning Lucius' five spells until the system recognised them as his skills.
Skills: Active: T1 spells: Illuminate LV1, Mana shield LV2, Magical Perception LV1, Mage's hands.
Other: Mana bullet LVMAX.
Passive: Mana Control T2, Enhanced Intuition T1.
After learning the mana arrow and finding it similar to his ability to condense and shoot balls, he methodically analysed the spell's working. Deepening his understanding and replicating the spell's unique features, he improved the technique, increasing its velocity and adding spinning momentum. Lastly, he changed the shape, thinking bullets were better than arrows.
Once he perfected his method, the system added an "other" column, surprising him. After pondering, he realised his spell didn't require incantations and relied on control only, explaining the separation.
His eyes glowed upon discovering that, as he wondered if he could turn more spells into what he decided to call mana techniques.
*****
Today, during their breakfast, Lucius glanced at the boy with respect and admiration before his voice echoed in the dining room.
"Do you remember what I promised six months ago, my boy?" Lucius asked, a kind smile tugging at his lips. However, Julius' answer almost caused him to choke.
"Yes. You asked me to forgive you for what happened. But I swear I didn't do it!" Julius hurriedly responded, panic veiling his childish face as he thought Lucius would blame him.
"Cough... I'm not referring to that," Lucius said while coughing, memories of his torments resurfacing.
On a random day every week, his sleep had been disturbed by an out of nowhere slap, forcing him to wake up in fear and assemble his knights to search for the culprit the first time. After a week, he believed the boy wanted to vent his anger and accepted it, thinking they were even. Yet, when it happened again, he went to confront him, unwilling for the grudge to take root.
However, Julius denied any implications vehemently, swearing he had nothing to do with it. Confused about the situation and wondering if the boy was lying, he asked Max to monitor him for the week to be fixed. Alas, the knight only witnessed the kid's peaceful sleeping while a transparent hand slapped his lord during his sleep.
Even until now, they didn't find the slightest clue about the culprit or his motives, frustrating them.
After coughing again to recover his bearings, Lucius' eyes glowed excitedly as he announced, "I promised a reward if you trained diligently! Today, I'll give it to you."
"Hum, it better be a wonderful reward, or I'll double the slapping for a month," Adam snorted, causing the boy's eyes to tremble slightly.
'I knew it was him! He finally admitted it,' Julius thought, smiling warmly at his brother.
"From today onwards, you are a noble recognised by the Crown," Lucius declared, signalling a maid to give Julius his new documents.
With blazing eyes, the boy opened the intricately carved wooden box, discovering an officially stamped paper and a noble brooch.
Upon reading the title curiously, he realised it was an act of birth, confirming his relation as Lucius' son by blood.
Alina and Eleanor happily applauded him, celebrating his rise in rank and official integration into the family, as he pinned the brooch on his shirt with a radiant smile.
Then, Lucius' voice echoed in the room as he explained how he succeeded in forging the official document. "The document was simple to procure since everyone knows I have another son. I only had to tell them his name was Julius and lie about the date."
His curiosity piqued by the mention of an additional family member, Julius asked curiously, "Where is that other son?"
"Dead," Lucius replied, his tone solemn and his face sombre. Simultaneously, Eleanor's face distorted into a disgusted grimace as her eyes burned in hatred for a second.
"My condolences," Alina said earnestly, sad to hear the news. After living six months in luxury, she felt in debt to the couple and tried her best to help them manage the manor.
"Enough about him! We don't want to speak about him. Ever." He stated firmly before calming down and adding. "I have one more surprise for you. I've witnessed your diligence and good heart. That's why today I'll conduct the talent-unlocking ritual for you!"
Upon hearing his words, Adam perked his ears in curiosity. What was that talent ritual about? Was it similar to the one he would unlock in five years and a half?
"What is a talent?" Julius asked, confused.
With a reassuring smile, Eleanor explained, "It's normal for you not to know about it. Through a ritual, nobles unlock or inherit a talent from magical beasts." Then, adjusting her sitting and raising her index, as she did during their lessons, she added, "Your innate potential and state during the ritual define the talent's quality you'll obtain. So, if a diligent young man like you uses a weak beastcore, you have a high chance of obtaining its best talent. On the opposite, a lazy and talentless young master, despite using the best core available on the market, will only end up with a mediocre one."
After her explanation, Lucius proudly chimed in. "Considering your high potential, we chose the core of a tier four beast named the Ethereal Serpent. It is an extremely rare creature that emerges from unknown and mystical realms. We hope you'll unlock its incredible talent for magic."
"Shit. I'm jealous..." Adam muttered before yelling, "I promise I won't slap you during your sleep again! Unlock my talent, too!"