Returning to the Ardentis estate, I felt the hum of the system pulsing faintly in my mind, a steady reminder of the power I had begun to wield. The courtyard was alive with whispers, and the air was thick with curiosity.
[System Notification: Social Influence Detected – Minor Recognition]Current Rank: Bronze → Silver Progress: 20%
Richa walked beside me, his presence a shield against the murmuring nobles. "Don't let them see fear," he warned softly. "They're testing you—subtly, and not all at once."
Even so, the glances I received weren't just curiosity—they were wary, calculating, and sometimes… envious.
A group of minor descendants approached, their expressions carefully polite. One of them, a young man with silver hair and faint thunder in his aura, stopped in front of me.
"You… you're the one who survived the Silver-tier trial," he said, voice low. "The Ardentis boy who drew lightning like a god."
I kept my gaze steady. "I am."
A flicker of surprise passed over his face. "So… the rumors are true." He bowed slightly, a gesture of acknowledgment mixed with caution. "Be warned—power like that draws attention, and not all of it is friendly."
I nodded, aware of the weight of his words. Even as a Bronze-tier just climbing toward Silver, my actions had started rippling through the social hierarchy.
Richa gave me a faint smile. "See? They're beginning to take notice. That's good. You'll need that respect—or fear—later."
[System Notification: Social Rank Updated – Minor Nobility Awareness +10%]
I felt the system's pulse sharpen, hinting at the opportunities and dangers ahead. Every spark I released, every trial I completed, made me more visible. But it also reminded me: survival here depended not just on power, but on perception. Allies, rivals, enemies—they all watched and waited.
Later, in the privacy of our chambers, Richa spoke again. "You did well, Caelum. But this is only the start. There are stronger descendants, powerful enough to crush Bronze-tier abilities without hesitation. You need to train, grow, and master the system quickly. Silver is only the beginning of the real challenges."
I clenched my fists, the hum of Bolt Manifestation filling my veins. "I understand. I'll keep climbing. I'll become stronger… stronger than anyone here, and stronger than anyone who dares to challenge me."
The system pulsed, almost approvingly, as if responding to my resolve.
Bronze → Silver… the storm is gathering.
Outside, the whispers continued, but now, they spoke my name: Caelum Ardentis. A name once unknown, now carrying the weight of lightning and promise.