10: Mana
Two days had passed since Harrison's arrival, and Leo was still basking in the warmth of their surprise reunion.
The excitement of having his father back home had filled the Silver household with laughter and stories, but now, as the night wore on, Leo found himself wide awake.
He had been lying on his bed, staring at the ceiling, his mind replaying every moment they'd shared since Harrison's return.
Despite his exhaustion, sleep refused to come.
His thoughts swirled with questions and emotions, making his restlessness grow.
Tossing off his covers, Leo got up, seeking a distraction from his racing thoughts.
The silence of his room seemed suffocating, and he needed a change of scenery to clear his head.
Leo's daily routine was a masterclass in creative procrastination, carefully crafted to evade his mother Aria's watchful eye.
It began with a sacred morning ritual: reading. Leo would devour books on ancient history.
His imagination soared as he explored far-off lands, conjured magical spells and studied about magical beasts.
Leo's stomach would rumble, signaling the next phase: stealthy snack acquisition.
He'd slip downstairs, avoiding creaky steps and Aria's ever-listening ears, to forage for sustenance.
His prize? A stash of sweet pastries or savory meats, pilfered from the kitchen and hastily devoured in his room.
But Leo's true passion awaited, hidden behind a facade of innocence.
Once Aria was distracted, he'd slip into ninja mode.
Sneaking past his mother's vigilant gaze, he'd make a break for the training area – a forbidden zone, according to Aria's strict orders.
With heart racing and senses on high alert, Leo would burst into the training area, his inner warrior unleashed.
Swords clashed, imaginary foes crumbled, and his agility reached dizzying heights as he practiced acrobatic leaps and daring flips with his tiny body.
This clandestine training session was Leo's oxygen. He'd hone his combat skills, perfecting disarms, parries, and ripostes. Sweat drippe, but his determination never wavered.
For in this secret sanctuary, Leo became the master of his own destiny – a hero forged in shadows.
As the sun began to rise, casting a warm orange glow over the training area, Leo would reluctantly retreat.
Breathless, flushed, and triumphant, he'd slip back into his room, arranging his face into a serenely innocent mask.
Aria, none the wiser, would smile and remark, "You've been resting well, dear?"
Leo's response? A beatific smile and a gentle nod, as if butter wouldn't melt in his mouth.
And so, this delicate dance continued – a delicious balancing act between literary indulgence, sneaky snacking, and covert combat training.
Little did Aria know, her baby boy was nurturing a inner warrior, ready to burst forth and take on the world.
As Leonis made his way to the training area, the familiar silence of the hallway gave way to the unmistakable sounds of clashing weapons.
The ring of steel on steel echoed through the corridors, accompanied by the muffled grunts of exertion.
Leo's curiosity piqued, he quickened his pace, his heart beating faster with anticipation.
Who could be training at this hour? The sun had barely risen, and the household was still stirring.
He approached the training area, the sounds growing louder, and peeked through the doorway.
The sight before him made his eyes widen in surprise.
As Leo entered the training area, he was met with a mesmerizing sight: his father, Harrison, effortlessly sparring with seven guards simultaneously.
The air was electric with clashing steel, grunts, and the sound of scuffling feet.
Harrison danced between his opponents, his sword flashing in the morning light streaming through the windows.
With each strike, he offered words of encouragement and critique.
"Good block, Jenkins! But remember, your stance is too narrow. Open up, or you'll leave yourself vulnerable to a flank attack!"
Jenkins, a burly guard, nodded, sweat dripping from his brow, as he adjusted his stance.
Meanwhile, Harrison parried a swift strike from another guard, Thompson.
"Thompson, your swing is wild. Focus on precision, not brute force. Aim for the gaps in my defense!"
Thompson gritted his teeth, re-focusing his attack.
Leo watched, awestruck, as his father seamlessly shifted between opponents.
Harrison's movements were fluid, almost choreographed.
"Rylan, your footwork is sloppy! You're telegraphing your attacks.
Keep your weight centered!"
Rylan, a young guard, flushed but nodded vigorously.
As Harrison disarmed another guard, Leo couldn't help but chuckle at his father's witty remark.
"Harrison continued to train the guards, unaware of his son's presence. Leo remained still, observing and absorbing every detail.
As Leonis hid behind the entrance, his eyes glued to the whirlwind of steel and sweat, one thought dominated his mind
His father was unimaginably strong.
The speed and precision of Harrison's movements defied comprehension.
Even the most skilled martial artists on earth can't keep up, yet alone anticipate, his father's strikes.
"Impossible," Leo breathed, his voice barely audible over the clash of weapons.
"No one can move that fast... no one can see their attacks coming."
Leo's gaze remained fixed on Harrison, his mind reeling with the implications.
His father's abilities transcended mere mortal limits.
What secrets lay behind his incredible prowess?
The guards, despite their valiant efforts, seemed like novice trainees compared to Harrison.
Leo felt a shiver run down his spine as he realized that his father's true power remained hidden, even from him.
The battle raged on, Harrison's sword slicing through the air with deadly grace.
Leo's awe grew with each passing moment, his thoughts consumed by a single, haunting question:
What was the true extent of his father's strength?
The Omni system's holographic interface flickered to life before Leo, its soft glow illuminating the dimly lit training area.
Notification: Visual Enhancement Activated
Leo's vision shifted, and Harrison's movements became crystal clear. The speed and complexity of the battle were now easily discernible.
With his enhanced vision, Leo watched as Harrison effortlessly parried and riposted, his sword slicing through the air with precision.
The guards' attacks, though swift, were now predictable, and Leo could see the subtle openings Harrison exploited.
Leo's eyes widened as he absorbed every detail, his mind racing with excitement.
(Notification: New Skill Acquired -
Perception (Level 1)
Perception (Level 1): Enhances awareness of surroundings, allowing you to detect subtle changes in movement and intent. Increases ability to anticipate attacks and track multiple targets.
Leo's eyes sparkled with excitement as he absorbed the notification.
Minutes passed, and Harrison finally called out, "Break time, everyone! Let's take a few minutes."
The guards lowered their weapons, panting, and stepped back. Harrison turned, his gaze sweeping the area.
"I know you're hiding, Leonis," Harrison said, a hint of amusement in his voice.
"Come out, son."
Leo's heart skipped a beat. How did his father know?
Slowly, Leo emerged from the shadows, his eyes locked on Harrison.
Harrison's face broke into a warm smile.
"Ah, Leonis. I should have known you'd be curious about my training."
Leo felt a mix of emotions: excitement, nervousness, and a dash of guilt for hiding.
Harrison's eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze piercing as he approached Leo.
"So, what do you think?" he asked, his voice low and expectant.
Leo swallowed hard, choosing his words carefully.
"You're... incredibly strong, Father. Your battling technique is fluid and precise.
. It took me some time to even see your movements."
Harrison's expression turned thoughtful, a hint of confusion flickering in his eyes. "And what changed?, How did you adapt to seeing my movements?"
Leo shrugged. "I don't know."
Harrison's face went blank, dumbfounded.
He seemed to be expecting a more elaborate explanation.
Leo's simple response left Harrison silent for a moment.
"Sir, may we ask," Thompson, one of the guards, spoke up, "how you manage to maintain such speed and precision?"
Harrison's smile widened. "That's a secret for another time, Thompson. But I think Leonis here might have some potential in that area."
Leo's heart skipped a beat. Potential? What did his father mean?
The guards, now rested, began to stir, curiosity etched on their faces.
"Very well, that's enough for today," Harrison said finally, his expression clearing. "You're all dismissed."
The guards bowed and filed out of the training area.
Harrison's gaze lingered on Leo's face, as if searching for more.
Harrison's eyes widened, astonishment etched on his face. "You can actually see my movements?" he asked, his voice laced with incredulity.
Leo nodded, unsure why his father was so surprised.
Harrison's mind reeled.
This is impossible, he thought.
He's just a kid. On the battlefield he was known as The Silver Storm, unstoppable and unseen, yet... his own son can see his movements.
"How could he not be surprised, after all he's just a kid, a 3 year old kid and yet he can see a talented Saint rank warrior mage's movements ? Who wouldn't be baffled.
General Ravenswood, Lyra Flynn, and a handful of others were the only ones who could keep up with him. What did it mean that Leonis shared this gift?
Was it a coincidence, or was his son truly destined for greatness?
Harrison's gaze lingered on Leo, filled with wonder and curiosity.
Harrison's thoughts deepened:
Could it be? Is Leonis a combat prodigy?
The potential is staggering.
He recalled the ancient mantra: "A child's affinity for mana reveals their innate talent." The better a child responded to mana, the higher their talent.
If Leonis can see my movements at such a young age... His mana sensitivity must be off the charts.
Harrison stepped closer, his eyes locked onto Leo's, and placed his palm firmly on Leo's chest.
Leo felt a sudden jolt, like a surge of electricity coursing through his veins. A sensation unlike anything he'd ever experienced.
It was as if Harrison's touch had unlocked a hidden doorway, allowing a flood of energy to pour in.
Leo's senses came alive; his vision sharpened, sounds intensified, and his skin tingled.
The air around him vibrated with an otherworldly power, making Leo's heart race. He felt his mana awakening, responding to Harrison's touch.
Leo's eyes widened, locked onto Harrison's, searching for answers.
Leo's thoughts swirled: Isn't this... mana?
Suddenly, the Omni system's voice echoed in his mind:
"Notification: Mana detection confirmed. You have made contact with external mana."
"Mana signature: Harrison Silver"
Leo's eyes remained fixed on Harrison's, searching for answers. Harrison's expression was unreadable.