Raiden lay on his bed, feigning sleep while his ears continued to listen to the sound of his mother's footsteps as they faded down the hallway.
Lady Elise had personally escorted him to his room after their visit to Healer Hilda, making sure he was comfortable and giving him a stern warning to rest.
"No more mischief, Raiden," she had said, her eyes soft but serious. She had even tucked him in, as if he were a child half his actual age, before finally leaving him alone.
The moment he sensed her presence fade, Raiden's eyes snapped open. He scanned the room with his eyes first, then activated [Mana Sense], extending his awareness through every corner of his room.
He had no intention of being caught off guard.
Finally satisfied that he was alone, he let out a breath and sat up, and stretched his body. The soreness in his muscles had eased a little less now, thanks to Healer Hilda's treatment.
Calling forth the familiar translucent panel of the [Skill Draw System], Raiden's thoughts shifted to his next step. He had completed the mission to be healed by a healer, earning himself a 50% discount on healing-based skills. It was a valuable reward, and he intended to make good use of it.
"Show me the healing skills," he commanded. The next instant, a list of abilities filled the screen before him, each with its own unique effects and ranks. Some offered minor healing for superficial wounds, while others boasted advanced and powerful regenerative abilities.
Raiden's eyes skimmed over the descriptions, searching for something that would serve him well without draining too many skill points.
After a few minutes, he finally found it: [Vital Mend], a C-Rank skill capable of accelerating the healing of wounds, soothing pain, and even restoring some of the user's stamina.
It was versatile, practical, and most importantly, powerful enough to matter. The cost, without the discount, was seventy skill points—a hefty price. But with his reward, he could purchase it for only thirty-five.
"I'll take it," Raiden said, confirming the purchase. A warm sensation washed over him as the skill was added to his repertoire, accompanied by a brief notification.
[Skill Acquired: Vital Mend - C-Rank]
[Description: A healing skill that accelerates the recovery of physical injuries, soothes pain, and restores minor stamina. Consumes mana based on the severity of wounds being treated.]
Leaning back against the headboard, Raiden sighed. Acquiring the skill was a step in the right direction, but it also left him with limited skill points.
"Thirty-five points gone in a blink—but worth it."
His gaze shifted to the ceiling as he considered his next problem: Kent's growing suspicion about his daily disappearances.
Raiden knew he couldn't keep sneaking away so easily. If he wanted to continue his training, he'd need a new strategy—something that was more subtle.
Healer Hilda!
The idea struck him like a spark. She was the perfect ally—skilled, knowledgeable, and someone who could be convinced to keep secrets under the right circumstances. If he played his cards right, he might even be able to use her lab as a cover for some of his training. 'It's risky, but it could work.'
Satisfied with his plan, Raiden allowed himself a rare moment of rest. Both his mother and Healer Hilda had insisted that he take it easy, and for once, he was inclined to listen. He closed his eyes, letting the weight of exhaustion pull him into a deep, dreamless sleep.
When he woke up hours later, Raiden was met with an unsettling sight—Kent was sitting in a chair by the window, his arms crossed and eyes narrowed. He looked every bit the watchful older brother, and it was clear he hadn't come for a friendly chat.
Raiden blinked, trying to shake off the grogginess. "Kent," he said, his voice dry. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"You've been asleep for a while," Kent replied, his tone even but edged with suspicion. "I thought you might try to sneak out again."
Raiden suppressed a groan. 'He's really not letting this go.' Forcing a smile, he sat up and met his elder brother's gaze. "Come on, big brother. You won't find what you're looking for."
Kent leaned forward, his eyes never leaving Raiden's. "I don't know what you're up to, but I will find out. Whatever secret you're hiding—it won't stay hidden forever."
Raiden's grin widened, but a flicker of unease stirred within him. Kent was relentless, and Raiden knew that if he slipped up even once, it could spell trouble for him. And so, he decided to deflect.
"Maybe I'm just enjoying life," he said lightly. "You should also try it sometime."
"Is that so?" Kent leaned back, a smile playing at his lips. "You've always been good at dodging questions, Raiden. But you can't fool me forever."
Raiden gave a casual shrug, as if it didn't matter. "Maybe not. But today isn't the day you find out either."
Kent chuckled, a rare sound that caught Raiden off guard. "You know, you're lucky Father hasn't noticed yet. He's got enough to keep him busy."
The mention of their father sent a shiver down Raiden's spine. If Lord Cedric ever discovered the full extent of his training and newfound skills, the consequences could be… complicated.
"Thanks for the warning," Raiden said with a forced smile, though the weight of it lingered. "I'll keep that in mind."
Kent stood and stretched. "I'm serious, Raiden. Don't push too far." Without waiting for a reply, he walked out of the room, leaving Raiden alone.
After Kent left, Raiden sat in silence for a few moments, replaying the conversation in his mind. Kent's watchful eyes were a problem he couldn't ignore. 'I'll have to be even more careful.'
But he had no intention of stopping. He couldn't afford to.
Standing up, Raiden activated [Vital Mend], testing the new skill on his lingering soreness. A warm glow enveloped his body, and an energy swept through him, easing the aches and leaving behind a deep and soothing sense of relief. 'This will come in handy.'
The road ahead was only growing challenging, but Raiden's resolve only strengthened. He would continue to keep pushing himself forward—one skill, one step, one secret at a time.
Scanning the room, Raiden's eyes landed on a glass. He picked it up, shattered it by dropping it on the floor and selected a sharp shard. Pressing it against his palm, he drew a thin cut on his hand.
Raiden watched as his palm bled almost instantly before activating the skill.
The faint energy glow of [Vital Mend] wrapped around his left hand, and as he brought it closer to his right hand, the cut slowly closed up and the pain ebbing away.
It was healing.
"Good. It works as intended." Raiden grinned.