The Ardentis estate had quieted after the morning training, but the hallways still buzzed with murmurs. Servants and minor nobles alike whispered behind closed doors, glancing at the young boy whose hands had sparked lightning just yesterday.
I walked beside Richa, trying to ignore the stares, but the whispers followed.
"Did you see that?" a voice hissed. "The boy… the one from the lower branch… he—"
"Shh! Don't speak so loudly! You'll get noticed," another warned.
I clenched my fists, the faint hum of Bolt Manifestation still lingering in my veins. I wasn't here to hide… but I also couldn't afford to reveal too much too soon.
Richa noticed my tension and placed a hand on my shoulder. "Ignore them. Your power isn't for show yet. But I promise… they will remember your name soon enough."
As if on cue, a young man in fine robes stepped forward, accompanied by a few of his friends. His hair gleamed like gold, and a faint aura of divine energy surrounded him. Clearly, he was a descendant—likely Silver-tier, judging by the subtle hum of power I felt from him.
He stopped in front of me, eyes narrowing. "You're the new Ardentis boy, right? The one who… drew lightning yesterday?"
I met his gaze evenly. "That's right."
A sneer twisted his lips. "Interesting. You survived a Bronze-tier training golem? Most mortals would be fried instantly. Are you… some kind of prodigy?"
I didn't answer. Words weren't necessary. I could feel the system's hum intensifying—a warning, a heartbeat of power growing inside me.
[Warning: Social Encounter – Potential Threat Detected]Skill readiness: Bolt Manifestation – 65% Control
The boy's smirk faltered slightly as he sensed the aura. "Hmph… don't think your little spark makes you equal to us. You'll need far more than luck to survive in this world."
Richa stepped forward, his golden gaze piercing. "He's my brother. Do not underestimate him."
The boy's eyes widened, but he quickly masked his surprise with arrogance. "Very well. We'll see how long your luck holds. I'll be watching, little Ardentis."
With that, he and his companions walked away, whispers following them like shadows.
I exhaled slowly, tension leaving my shoulders. The system's hum softened, as if approving my composure.
[Experience +20 – Social Interaction][Bronze Progress +5%]
Richa smiled faintly. "They're testing you, whether you realize it or not. This world doesn't hand power to anyone—even a Zeus descendant. But it seems… you're already beginning to make an impression."
I clenched my fists, feeling the spark of lightning surge inside me. I won't just survive. I will surpass them all. Every last one.
The path ahead was treacherous. Rivals would watch, factions would scheme, and the ladder to divinity would demand more than courage—it would demand mastery.
Rust → Bronze → Silver…Every step, a spark closer to the storm.
And I would rise.