I figured out that my Stealth skill doesn't improve when I stay hidden in one place for too long. It also doesn't progress if no one's actively looking for me. Appraisal, on the other hand, levels up the more I use it, but I have nothing valuable left to appraise.
I'm still piecing together how this system works. It seems skills improve as I practice them, but how do I raise my level? It's all guesswork, but the Appraisal skill has been a huge help so far.
"Appraise," I muttered.
[MP > Mana Points ]
[To increase: Raise Level to unlock points.]
The words floated in front of me.
Huh, looks like it's more detailed now. My Appraisal just leveled up to Level 2. That's something, at least. But still, the question remains—how do I raise my level? My MP is pitifully low, so magic is out of the question for now.
---
In the kingdom of Aurum , far from the events unfolding in the village of kaze, the faint hum of fluorescent lights filled the room. It was the only sound breaking the oppressive silence, a quiet reminder of the world outside. Shadows danced across stacks of forgotten paperwork as the dim light struggled to illuminate the space.
At the desk sat a man with streaks of silver in his grey hair, each strand glinting like smoke swirling in moonlight. His slender frame bordered on fragility, but the way he carried himself hinted at a power that went beyond the physical. His silver-black eyes gleamed faintly, unblinking, their intensity like a predator studying its prey.
Duke Morgen Aurum.
In the kingdom of Aurum , Morgen was more than just the younger brother of Eternia's king. As a duke of unchallenged influence, his name inspired reverence and fear in equal measure. To the citizens of Aurum , he was a symbol of intellect and authority. But to those in kaze, his name was spoken in hushed tones, a warning of the darkness that lurked just beyond their borders.
Here, in Aurum , Morgen's ambitions operated without the constraints of familial ties or the duties of rule. He thrived in the shadows, where his brother's light could not reach him.
The room seemed to hold its breath as a faint woosh broke the silence. From the shadows emerged a kneeling figure, clad in black, their form almost blending into the dim surroundings.
"How is the plan progressing?" Morgen's voice cut through the air, soft yet laced with an undeniable authority.
"Everything proceeds as expected, Your Grace," the figure replied, keeping their head low.
"And the mine?" Morgen leaned back, swirling the wine in his glass. His movements were measured, deliberate, as though even this simple act was part of a grander strategy.
"The workers have been dealt a significant blow. The operations have ceased entirely. The mine is effectively shut down." A faint, sinister chuckle escaped the kneeling figure.
Morgen's silver-black eyes sharpened, and the faintest of smirks curled his lips. "Is that so? Yet, I trust you understand this is only a preliminary move."
The figure nodded quickly. "Yes, Your Grace. It is but one piece of the greater puzzle. Shall we proceed with the next phase?"
"Patience," Morgen said, his tone calm but commanding. He placed the wine glass on the desk and interlocked his fingers. "This mine, while a strategic nuisance, is expendable. Our goal lies far beyond its reach. Remember that. Conserve your strength for the moves that truly matter."
The figure hesitated, then bowed deeply. "As you command, Your Grace."
With a sharp swoosh, the kneeling figure vanished back into the shadows, leaving Morgen alone once more.
The duke sat motionless, his sharp gaze fixed on the untouched wine. The faint hum of the lights resumed its dominance over the room, but his mind was already leagues away, weaving countless threads of strategy.
"Brother," he muttered softly, a hint of mockery in his tone. "Your kingdom may glitter like gold, but even gold tarnishes. Let's see how well it shines in the dark."
Morgen's hand brushed across a map sprawled across the desk, his fingers trailing over regions marked with ominous red circles. His plans weren't just about mines or workers; they were about an empire undone from within, each move calculated to destabilize the foundations his brother so carefully built.
The faintest smirk returned to his lips. Morgen Aurum, the shadow to Eternia's light, would stop at nothing to claim what he believed was his birthright.
---
---
I had been training my swordsmanship all morning, but no matter how much I swung, the skill didn't seem to level up. Frustrated but determined, I pushed myself further. After one hundred swings, a notification finally appeared:
[Swordsmanship has increased to Level 2.]
Exhausted, I wiped the sweat from my brow and decided to take a break. I climbed the large rock near the village's edge, a favorite spot of mine. From there, I could see the lush greenery of the fields stretching into the distance. The gentle breeze felt amazing against my face, calming my tired body and mind.
Looking down, I noticed a group of kids playing. My parents never pressured me to make friends. They always said it was better to take things at my own pace, but sometimes I felt... different. Maybe they thought I wouldn't fit in with kids my age.
As I gazed at the scene below, something caught my attention. Three kids were ganging up on a smaller boy.
"Huh, three against one? That's just wrong," I muttered to myself. I hoped the kid could hold his own, but the odds weren't in his favor.
Then, out of nowhere, a notification appeared:
[System Quest: Save the Kid]
[Reward: 5 points] [Penalty: Lightning Shock]
"What the—?!" I shouted. "You've got to be kidding me. Lightning shock?"
Before I could argue further, a sharp zap jolted through my body.
"Zzzzzt—Aaaah! That hurts!" I screamed, clutching my sides. "Do you have any idea how high this rock is?!"
"Amura, are you okay?" my mom called from the house.
"I'm fine, Mom!" I yelled back, wincing. "I just slipped... Say, can I go out and play?"
She paused, clearly surprised. "What brought this on?"
"A kid waved at me, and it caught me off guard. I want to play with him."
She studied me for a moment before nodding. "Alright, but don't wander far, okay?"
"Got it!"
---
I approached the commotion and overheard the three boys mocking the smaller one, a half-beastkin with ears and a tail.
"What did you say, filthy beastkin?" one sneered. "You think you can participate in the knight selection exams? That's a joke!"
"Yeah, it's not even funny!" another chimed in.
The smaller boy clenched his fists. "I will become a paladin one day! You'll see!"
The group laughed louder. "Paladin? The only thing your kind is good for is working as slaves for the rich. You don't have a chance!"
The beastkin boy tried to fight back, but he was clearly outnumbered. One of the bullies began chanting a spell.
"Thy great water, lend me your power—Water Splash!"
A burst of water hit the boy square in the face, drenching him as the others roared with laughter. They began throwing rocks at him.
"That's enough," I said, stepping forward. My voice was calm but firm.
The boys turned to me, surprised. "Who are you?"
"My name's Amura, and I want you to leave. Now."
One of them sneered. "We don't take orders from kids like you!"
The boy closest to my age charged at me. I sidestepped his attack and landed a quick kick to his stomach, sending him tumbling backward.
"Fine! We'll handle him together!" The remaining two got ready. One reinforced himself with mana, his movements more precise, while the other started chanting another water spell.
I dodged the first boy's punch and countered with a headbutt, leaving him dazed. Barely avoiding the water caster's attack, I charged at him. He wasn't as physically strong, and a single punch knocked him out.
[Level Up!]
[Level Up!]
[Level Up!]
Panting, I realized the system worked through combat. "So that's how it is..."
The beastkin boy looked up at me, tears in his eyes. "Thank you," he said, his voice shaky.
I smiled at him. "My name is Mamoru Amura. What's yours?"
"Ren Amagai," he replied.
"Let me take you home, Ren."
As we walked, Ren chatted excitedly. "You were so cool, Mamoru! You were just like a knight!"
"Amura is fine," I said, smiling.
"Alright, then call me Ren. I think we live near each other. My house is just up ahead."
When we reached his home, I realized we were neighbors. "Talk about close. I guess I'll be seeing more of you."
Ren grinned. "It's like we were fated to meet. See you later!"
---
Later that night, I sat on my bed and opened my status.
[status window]
[Name :Amura Level :4]
[Age: 7 Race: Human]
[INT: 15 MP:5 STR: 10]
DEX: 13 STA: 12]
>
Skills:
Stealth lvl 3. Swordsmanship lvl 2 Appraisal lvl 3
+5points
I should really think carefully how to distribute my points
-----