Raiden had spent the entire previous day immersed in the intricate process of skill fusion. Each combination demanded focus and precision, as the [Fusion System] required skills with good compatibility rates to ensure successful mergers.
By the end of the day, he had successfully fused several skills but had depleted every last one of his skill points in the process. Now, he was back to zero.
As he leaned against the cool stone wall of his hidden training chamber, he let out a long breath. 'What now?' he wondered. Earning skill points was crucial if he wanted to keep improving, but it would take time. Just as he was contemplating how to speed up the process, a new notification appeared in front of him.
[New Mission Available: Mastery of Skills]
[Description: Master the skills in your possession. Rewards: 5 skill points for each skill half-mastered and 10 skill points for each fully mastered skill. Total potential points per skill: 15.]
Excitement surged through him. This mission was exactly what he needed. By mastering the skills he already had, he could quickly earn more skill points.
With a grin, Raiden nodded to himself. He would start training the next day—after all, his five-hour training window was up, and he needed to make his presence known back at the main estate.
»«»«»«
Feigning sleep, Raiden returned to his bedroom. He pulled the covers over himself and closed his eyes, letting his breathing slow.
When the time was right, he stretched, yawned dramatically, and sat up as if he had just woken up from a nap. 'Now, where was I?' he thought with a mischievous glint in his eyes. 'Ah, right. Kent.'
Raiden hopped out of bed and made his way to Kent's room. He wasn't done exacting a little payback for Kent's "snitching" the last time.
As he pushed open the door, he was relieved to find the room empty. 'Perfect.' He stepped inside, taking in the meticulously arranged space.
Kent's belongings were neatly organized, a stark contrast to Raiden's own controlled chaos. Raiden grinned to himself. It would be a shame not to leave a little surprise.
He scanned the room, looking for something important to Kent—something he could move or hide just enough to spark confusion. His gaze landed on a small, leather-bound book resting on Kent's desk. 'Kent's diary.' Raiden's grin widened. He knew this was the perfect target. Taking the diary outright would be too obvious, so he decided on a subtler approach.
With nimble fingers, Raiden climbed onto a nearby chair and then up to the decorative chandelier that hung from the ceiling.
He carefully wedged the diary into the intricate metalwork, ensuring it was hidden but not impossible to find—just enough to make Kent sweat. Satisfied with his handiwork, Raiden climbed down and stepped back to admire the "new" hiding spot.
'Now for the grand exit.' He turned to leave, but as he stepped out of the room, he nearly collided with Kent, who was walking toward his door. Raiden forced himself to smile, trying to appear innocent. "Oh, hey, Kent!"
Kent's eyes narrowed. "Raiden. What were you doing in my room?"
Raiden put on his best wide-eyed expression. "I was looking for you! When I didn't find you, I decided to come back out. And here you are." He gestured toward the hallway with a smile. "Actually, I was wondering if you wanted to grab something to eat with me."
Kent didn't move, his eyes still fixed on Raiden with thinly veiled suspicion. "Go on ahead," he said finally. "I'll join you in a minute. I just need to… check my room."
"Sure thing!" Raiden chirped, waving as he walked off, his pace casual. He knew Kent too well—his brother would immediately search the room, certain that Raiden had done something. It was only a matter of time before he noticed the diary was missing.
»«»«»«
Kent stepped into his room, his gaze sweeping over every detail. Everything appeared to be in its place—nothing was overturned, damaged, or out of order. But Kent knew Raiden better than that.
His little brother was far too clever to leave obvious clues. He moved around the room, inspecting his belongings with a meticulous eye.
"Nothing out of place?" Kent muttered, frowning. He glanced at his desk, noting that his diary wasn't where he'd left it. His breath caught. 'Where is it?' He opened every drawer, checked under the bed, even examined the back of the shelves. The diary was gone.
"RAIDEN!" he bellowed, his voice reverberating through the hallways. "WHERE THE HELL'S MY DIARY?!"
Raiden, who had just reached the dining hall, couldn't help but chuckle when he heard his brother's roar. 'That didn't take long.' He quickened his pace, knowing that Kent would be hot on his trail in moments.
He darted through the dining hall, slipping past a maid who gave him a curious glance. Raiden waved at her innocently, pretending he had no idea why Kent was yelling. But before he could escape out the side entrance, he heard the pounding of footsteps.
"Raiden!" Kent's voice was closer now, filled with equal parts frustration and determination.
Raiden bolted, his laughter echoing in the halls. "Catch me if you can!" he called over his shoulder. He wove through the hallways, his smaller size giving him an advantage in the twists and turns of the estate.
Raiden ducked behind a statue, peeking out just in time to see Kent sprint past, his expression thunderous.
Raiden waited until Kent was far enough ahead, then slipped out of his hiding spot, his heart pounding with exhilaration. 'This is too much fun.' He knew he couldn't outrun Kent forever, but that wasn't the point. The thrill was in the chase—the game of cat and mouse they'd played countless times before.
Kent skidded to a halt, his sharp eyes scanning the hallway. He knew Raiden was close. "I'm going to find you, Raiden!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the halls.
"Maybe," Raiden called back, laughter in his voice. "But not today!"
He darted into a nearby room, closing the door softly behind him. He pressed his ear against the wood, listening as Kent's footsteps grew fainter. When he was sure the coast was clear, Raiden let out a breathless laugh. 'Too close.' But he'd managed to escape, and that was all that mattered.
For now.
Raiden knew he'd have to face Kent eventually—and when he did, there would be payback. But that was a problem for another day. For now, he had more important things to focus on: mastering his skills, training in secret, and, of course, finding new ways to outwit his brother.
He stepped back out into the hallway, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. 'The game is only just beginning.'