The revelation that Raiden possessed a mana heart at the age of five was nothing short of a miracle—a feat that should have been impossible.
For the Goldheart family, it was a reason to celebrate, but they knew that public knowledge of such a remarkable achievement would bring more than just praise.
It would bring scrutiny, envy, and potentially dangerous attention from forces that had no place in their lives—both good and bad.
To protect Raiden, Lord Cedric convened a private family meeting in the manor's hidden chambers.
Only those closest to the family—the Chief Guard Leonard, Healer Hilda, and, of course, Kent and Lady Elise—were present.
As the meeting concluded, Cedric spoke firmly. "The news of Raiden's mana heart will be delayed until he turns six. We will announce it then, claiming he formed it at that age. This is for his safety."
Raiden listened, his young face unusually serious. He nodded in understanding but couldn't entirely mask the spark of excitement that danced in his eyes. As the meeting ended, his father knelt down, placing a strong hand on Raiden's shoulder.
"Promise me, Raiden," Lord Cedric said, his voice low but intense. "No open displays of mana. No slipping up. We can't afford anyone seeing what you can do. Not even the maids or the guards."
Raiden nodded solemnly. "I promise, Father." But inwardly, the mischievous gears in his mind were already turning. 'Not use mana? That's asking for too much.'
His mind raced with plans. 'I'll practice in secret. I just need to make sure I don't get caught. Especially not by Kent—he'd snitch again for sure.'
For the next few days, Raiden devised a plan. He would go "missing" for five hours each day—the exact window when Kent was busy practicing or reading.
During this time, Raiden would slip away to his secret training spot: the abandoned building on the edge of the family estate, the same place where he had first forged his mana heart. But he would be more discreet this time. He couldn't afford to be caught. Not by the maids, not by Kent, and definitely not by his parents.
"I just have to play it smart," he told himself with a grin. "No one will suspect a thing."
On the first day of his self-imposed routine, Raiden waited patiently. As soon as Kent disappeared into the training yard, he slipped out of the main building, careful to avoid any wandering eyes.
Moving quickly, he reached his "fortress of solitude" and closed the heavy wooden door behind him.
Breathing a sigh of relief, he summoned the familiar interface of the [Fusion System]. The translucent screen appeared, listing all fifty of his current skills, which ranged from E-Rank to C-Rank. His eyes roamed over the list as he took inventory:
[C-Rank Skills
Mana's Cloak
Shadow Glide
Minor Mana Manipulation
D-Rank Skills
Silent Pulse
Mana Surge
Enhanced Reflexes
Improved Perception
Binding Grasp
Quick Steps
Mana Sense
Mana Thread
Echo Voice
E-Rank Skills
Light Touch
Silent Step
Minor Energy Bolt
Calm Breath
Small Fire Spark
Water Drip
Mana Shield
Energy Pulse
Sticky Grip
Minor Wind Gustl
Flicker Flash
Mana String
Basic Illusion
Heat Sense
Minor Freeze Touch
Quick Mend
Focused Sight
Tremor Sense
Soothing Aura
Minor Lightning Spark
Breath Control
Vibration Touch
Mana Mark
Sound Dampening
Minor Barrier
Mana Pulse Detection
Heat Spark
Whispering Breeze
Echo Tap
Minor Adhesion
Aura Detection
Enhanced Hearing
Minor Mana Flow Control
Scent Mask
Minor Light Orb
Minor Shockwave]
Raiden's eyes sparkled as he scrolled through the list. He had amassed an impressive collection for a child his age, but he knew that quantity alone wouldn't make him stronger. It was time to combine and refine his skills. Quality was the way forward.
He selected two E-Rank skills to start: [Small Fire Spark] and [Water Drip].
The [Fusion System] interface displayed their compatibility: 75%. Not perfect, but promising.
"Let's see what happens," he whispered, confirming the fusion and then waiting to see what it would create.
[Fusing Skills…]
The mana around him shimmered, and for a moment, Raiden held his breath. The fusion completed with a flash, and a new skill appeared on the screen:
Ding!
[Fusion Successful!]
[You have obtained the D-Rank skill: Steam Burst!]
[Steam Burst - D-Rank: Combines fire and water to create a burst of high-pressure steam, capable of disorienting targets and causing minor burns.]
Raiden grinned, feeling the rush of satisfaction. This was just the beginning. He moved on to his next fusion, selecting [Light Touch] and [Mana Thread]. The compatibility was lower—62%—but he was willing to take the risk.
Another flash, another completed fusion:
Ding!
[Fusion Successful!]
[You have obtained the D-Rank skill: Mana Weave!]
[Mana Weave - D-Rank: Allows for the creation of intricate patterns and objects using mana threads, enhancing their durability and flexibility.]
"Yes!" Raiden was elated. The fusions cost skill points, but the results were more than worth it.
"Let's try this again." He said with a grin that betrayed his excitement and anticipation
As he continued, his skillset grew leaner but far more powerful.
After several hours of intense focus, Raiden slumped against the wall of the chamber, his energy spent. He had fused half a dozen skills, creating three more D-Rank abilities, and each one felt like a new extension of himself.
"Not bad for a first day," he said, his voice low but pleased.
Wiping sweat from his brow, he activated [Mana's Cloak], masking his mana presence completely before making his way back to the main estate. He knew he'd have to be careful—Kent's eagle eyes would be watching, and the last thing he needed was another surprise visit from his brother.
"All I have to do is stay one step ahead and he won't even see me." He grinned, a spark of determination flaring within him. This was just the beginning of his journey, and he had no intention of slowing down.
Today was just the start and as it had proven successful, Rauden could only anticipated tomorrow and the day after. "Let's grind."