Chapter 122: Five Nights of Pain, One Day of Destiny
The door creaked open.
Jasmine stepped inside, a plate covered with a lid balanced in her hands.
Rey held his breath, stiff on his bed, watching her every movement as if the wrong sound might break the fragile silence.
She didn't speak.
Her eyes swept over the plain room, then drifted toward him—lingering for a moment—before she turned away.
The plate was placed carefully on the table. Without a word, she headed for the door.
Rey's chest tightened. He wanted to speak, but the words stuck in his throat.
At the doorway, Jasmine paused. Her shoulders trembled ever so slightly before she glanced back.
"Eat it before it gets cold. Don't bother with the dishes. Just… eat, and go to sleep."
The door shut with a dull thump.
Rey stood frozen, staring at the space she left behind. Then his gaze fell to the plate.
He walked over, shut the door firmly, and sat at the table.
Lifting the lid, the warm scent of freshly cooked food wafted out. The portions were neat and carefully prepared.
His chest ached.
Lying to her… sneaking behind her back… it wasn't something he had ever done before Aiden entered his life.
Behind him, the culprit floated smugly in the air, grinning like a mad jester.
Rey ignored him, chewing in silence. Each bite carried a heaviness he couldn't swallow.
When the plate was clean, he quietly carried it downstairs.
He didn't dare turn on the lights, scrubbing the dishes in darkness so Jasmine wouldn't wake again.
Only after the last drop of water slid away did he creep back into his room.
Aiden was there, chuckling under his breath.
"What are you laughing at?" Rey hissed, then instantly slapped a hand over his mouth, realising his mistake.
Aiden smirked, clutching his stomach. "Heh… sorry. The suspense was too good. Watching you freeze like a rabbit was priceless."
Rey narrowed his eyes, dragging in a deep breath. "Hilarious. Now shut up and tell me how I'm supposed to get stronger while stuck inside this house."
"Finally asking, huh?" Aiden straightened, the grin fading into something sharper. "Listen well. You've reached the same condition as the people of mana-infused worlds. Skills can now be learned—not just through brutal repetition, but also through proper means."
Rey blinked, remembering.
The reinforcement skill had taken him half a month to earn through endless practice. Yet in battle, he'd gained one in mere moments.
"So that's how it works…" His voice carried both awe and relief.
"Exactly. Now let's begin." Aiden clapped his hands. In an instant, a tall hat and a pointer stick appeared, making him look like a strict, old-fashioned instructor.
"Sit. Lotus position. We'll establish your foundation first."
Rey obeyed, folding his legs. His heart thudded with both anticipation and dread.
"Breathe in. Breathe out. Feel the mana inside… and outside. Both at once."
Rey tried. His brows furrowed. "Easier said than—AH!"
A sharp smack cracked across his back. He jolted forward, clutching his spine, chills racing down his body.
"That hurt!" He glared, but Aiden simply raised the stick again, expression blank.
"Again."
Grinding his teeth, Rey sat upright. He knew better than to argue—more pain awaited if he did.
Hours passed.
He cycled through breath after breath, his inner energy faintly flowing… but the mana outside eluded him.
Every failure brought another crack of Aiden's merciless stick. His body grew sore, his bones rattling despite his enhanced strength.
By the time the clock struck three, Rey's clothes were damp with sweat. He slumped forward, trembling from exhaustion.
But then—
Something shifted.
A faint current brushed against his awareness, like threads weaving in and out of existence. His eyes widened.
Mana.
For the first time, he sensed it—not just within, but all around him.
[Through repeated actions, the candidate has gained enough enlightenment to learn a skill.][Mutation in progress…]
[You've gained the skill ▶Veil Sense (E)]
[⟪Veil Sense⟫
Grade: E
Description: A darkness-mutated perception that refines the user's awareness of mana into shadow-like streams. Perceives mana inside and outside the body with heightened clarity.]
Rey's lips curled into a smile despite his exhaustion. His heart surged with joy. Finally… a breakthrough.
But Aiden's gaze sharpened. His smile carried no mercy.
"Good. You've laid the foundation. Now the real training begins."
Rey's shoulders stiffened.
The hellish night had only just begun.
...
Several days later…
[28th May]
Five days had passed since Rey began training under Aiden.
Five days of hell.
By day, he smiled around Jasmine and Emmy.
By night, he pushed his body until it nearly broke, enduring strikes, lectures, and endless repetition under Aiden's merciless gaze.
The pain was brutal, but the gains were undeniable.
In five days—he had acquired over twenty new skills.
Most of them are basic. Some, slightly better.
But to him… they were progress.
⟪Skills Obtained⟫:
[⟪Darkflow (F+)⟫: The skill of directing mana with precision inside the body, allows smoother and much calmer circulation, amplifying control speed.]
[⟪Darkpulse (E)⟫: Infuses mana into weapons, enhancing striking force and with every empowered blow carries a corrosive undertone.]
[⟪Elemental Kinesis (F)⟫: A composite skill born from the fusion of basic forms of Hydrokinesis, Pyrokinesis, Aerokinesis, and Geokinesis.
Allows crude shaping and control over the elements. Due to mutation by Darkness, the elemental control is amplified, taking on a sinister edge, never seen before.]
[⟪Voidrest (F+)⟫: Aids in calming mind and stabilising mana flow, though curse stains it with eerie clarity, now focusing much more on calming and greater flow and absorption of mana.]
[⟪Leap (F+)⟫: Simple leg-strengthening skill to jump higher, through mutated gains much higher jump strength.]
[⟪Basic Cooking (F-)⟫: Basic understanding of food preparation—just enough not to burn it.]
[⟪Beginner Gardening (F)⟫: Skill gained by nurturing plants, grants mild insight into tending flora.]
[⟪Beginner Farming (F+)⟫: Practical skill for planting and cultivating crops—just enough not to waste it.]
[⟪Basic Taming (F-)⟫: Allows rudimentary interaction and calming of small beasts.]
[⟪Shadowgaze (F+)⟫: Sharpened focus that increases visual detail recognition, through mutation gained more than normal eyes can perceive.]
[⟪Echoshade (F+)⟫: Enhances auditory range, capable of picking up faint vibrations, through mutation gained higher range.]
[⟪Hyper Perception (E+)⟫: Developed through skin reinforcement, heightening bodily awareness of air, pressure, and danger. Through mutation gained a higher level of awareness.]
[⟪Throw (F)⟫: Refines trajectory control when tossing weapons or objects.]
[⟪Persistent Stamina (E)⟫: Increases endurance after countless breakdowns and recovery during training.]
[⟪Heightened Sense (D-)⟫: A skill enhancement that sharpens all basic senses unnaturally.]
[⟪Critical Hit (D)⟫: Instils instinct for striking vital points, increasing chance of lethal blows.]
[⟪Calm Mind (E+)⟫: Suppresses emotions unnaturally, allowing a cold and detached state in battle.]
__
Most of these were nothing special.
Even the two D-grade skills came only through Aiden's—and occasionally Victor's—direct intervention.
Still, one stood out.
Elemental Kinesis.
What began as four weak elemental manipulations fused into one composite skill. Aiden explained it was a fluke, something that couldn't be repeated until the System was fully restored.
Rey didn't care. Even crude control over four elements—twisted by darkness—was beyond what he thought possible five days ago.
Yet despite the growth, one thought consumed him today.
The results.
The day every student dreaded had finally arrived.
The day that would decide whether he could step into a Martial University… or be left behind.
His heart hammered nonstop.
Even Aiden's voice in the back of his head couldn't distract him.
It didn't help that James had been spamming his phone every few minutes, demanding to know if the results were out.
By the time afternoon came, Rey's nerves were on fire.
The notification finally buzzed across his screen—
Exam Results Released.
His hands trembled as he tapped the link.
The website lagged under the flood of students rushing in, the loading circle spinning endlessly.
He closed his eyes, steeling himself while entering his details.
One minute later, the page appeared.
Slowly, painfully, he scrolled down.
His fingers felt heavy, as if weighed down by iron.
At last—the numbers appeared before him.
The screen reflected in his eyes.
His expression went blank.
Colour drained from his face.
His spirits hovered close, silent for once, watching their master without a sound.
Rey exhaled shakily. Without a word, he stood, walked downstairs, and entered the kitchen.
Jasmine was home early. She turned when she heard his steps.
One glance at his expression—and she knew.
Rey held out the phone. His hand trembled slightly as Jasmine took it.
She read the result. Her face froze, emotion draining away.
Neither spoke.
The silence broke only when Emmy bounced down the stairs, bright-eyed and smiling.
"Mom, brother! What's with those faces? Don't tell me you're playing a game without me!"
She skipped closer, grabbed the phone from Jasmine's unresisting hands—
And her eyes widened.
"Whaaat! Brother scored THIS much? That's awesome!"
She practically jumped in the air, cheering like she'd won the lottery.
Meanwhile, Rey and Jasmine just stood there. Expressionless.
The result on the screen glared back at them—
That single line on the screen was enough to change everything.
Rey's future, which once looked uncertain, suddenly burned with possibility. His score wasn't just a pass—it was far above the minimum required to enter a Martial University. Proof that his path wasn't as bleak as he once feared.
Jasmine gasped before erupting in joy, her tears instantly replaced with laughter. Emmy squealed, clapping her hands as the mother-daughter duo spun in excitement.
Rey leaned against the wall, watching them dance, a rare and genuine smile pulling at his lips.
He had expected to scrape by with something around 240 or 250 at best. But 276? That was far beyond his imagination.
As his mother and sister celebrated, his phone buzzed in his pocket.
The name flashing across the screen made him straighten.
"James."
He answered the call and moved a little away from the chaos, bracing himself to hear his friend's result.
"Hello, James. Did you get yours yet? I already checked mine. Hurry, or the site might crash."
The line was silent.
Rey frowned, gripping the phone tighter. "James? Are you okay? Did… something happen?"
Still nothing. His chest tightened. "Did you score low? Bro, listen, it's not—"
A burst of wild laughter tore through the silence.
"Hahahahaha!"
Rey blinked. "…Don't tell me you've gone crazy from failing."
But James' voice came back sharp and triumphant.
"You fool! This great brother of yours got 258! The lazy genius finally crushed you in grades—Hahaha!"
Rey froze, then pinched the bridge of his nose. "…You nearly gave me a heart attack for nothing."
James' laughter didn't stop. "Well? What about you? Don't tell me I beat you this time."
Rey smirked, unable to hold it in. "Sorry, brother. You lost again. I got 276. That's eighteen points above you. I win."
His voice shot up with victorious pride, and James' laughter finally stuttered to a stop.
"…No way. This was supposed to be my moment."
"You'll just have to settle for second place, as always," Rey teased.
James groaned but chuckled softly. "Fine, fine. I'm happy for you, brother. If only Evan was here… I wonder where he'd rank."
"Probably stuck in the middle. You last, me first." Rey smirked.
"Like hell! Don't forget all those times you came in last between us!"
Their banter carried on until Rey finally asked when they could meet. That was when James dropped the news.
He was leaving the city.
His parents had already enrolled him in a first-tier Martial Academy in the Dragon Kingdom. Not the top, but still prestigious, ranked within the upper five percent. They had paid dearly for his admission and used their influence to guarantee his placement.
James had no choice but to go.
They exchanged promises to meet again someday, but when the call ended, Rey lowered the phone with a faint shadow in his eyes.
"…We'll see each other again." His voice was firm, but a flicker of sadness lingered.
Back in the living room, Jasmine and Emmy were already planning a celebratory dinner. Arguments over dishes flew until they settled—Jasmine as head cook, Emmy in charge of desserts.
Both soon left the house to buy ingredients, leaving Rey as guardian.
He sighed, collapsing onto the sofa. "Two hours, at least…"
With nothing to do, he flipped through channels on the TV, half his mind elsewhere. The cavern's hidden passage still needed sealing—what if another beast found its way in?
Time flew by as two hours quickly vanished while watching the shows.
The sound of the front door knob turning snapped him to attention. His senses flared instantly, parsing footsteps and voices. Relief washed over him when he recognised them.
Jasmine and Emmy.
He quickly shut off the TV and met them at the door. Jasmine's arms were weighed down by grocery bags, but when Rey took them, they felt almost weightless in his hands.
Jasmine's gaze lingered on him, noticing the way veins and muscles flexed under his skin. He was changing—too quickly. Growing stronger by the day.
She still wondered if his story about a mysterious master was really a lie. But each glance made her doubt herself more.
Shaking off the thought, she busied herself with dinner preparations, Emmy bouncing at her side.
Rey found no place to help and quietly retreated to his room.
Crossing his legs on the floor, he closed his eyes and exhaled slowly. His focus turned inward.
Voidrest.
The moment he activated the skill, calm swept over him, shadows of system notifications brushing against his mind. Darkflow joined in, pulling his mana into structured pathways.
Aiden had been shocked when he first gained Voidrest. A meditation skill that not only steadied the mind but doubled as a rudimentary cultivation technique.
If nurtured, it could even grow his mana core itself.
Mana flowed within him, guided by invisible circuits. Each failure in control taught him more, showing him how the skill truly worked.
Bit by bit, the rhythm of his body aligned with the current of mana.
He was growing stronger. Slowly, steadily, endlessly.
Rey's breathing steadied as he circulated mana through his body.
Each cycle sharpened his control, and each failure became a lesson.
But when he checked his Core progression, disappointment flickered.
[F+]—unchanged. No movement, not even a single point.
His method wasn't enough.
Still, he pressed on, guiding his mana with patience. Time slipped away without him noticing.
…
A knock pulled him back to reality.
"Brother!" Emmy's voice came muffled through the door. "Dinner's ready! I called you five minutes ago—if you don't come now, Mom will!"
Her hurried footsteps faded as she dashed downstairs.
Rey sighed, glancing at the wall clock. Past 8 o'clock already.
He stood, only to wince instantly. His legs cramped like stone, pins and needles racing up his muscles.
Using Blood Manipulation, he forced circulation back through his limbs. Warmth spread quickly, easing the stiffness until he could finally walk again.
A small victory—proof of progress.
After freshening up, he headed down. Jasmine was halfway up the stairs, worry in her eyes, but when she saw him, she only sighed and returned to the dining table.
The meal was already served. Emmy was munching enthusiastically, cheeks puffed out like a squirrel. Jasmine shook her head with exasperation, but said nothing.
Rey quietly sat, letting the warmth of family settle into him.
He knew these moments were numbered. Soon, the Royal Capital awaited—and distance would steal these dinners from him.
The table was filled with laughter, scolding, and Emmy's constant antics. She sneaked extra drinks when Jasmine wasn't looking, her little victories followed by loud groans as her stomach begged for mercy.
Rey chuckled softly, storing the memory away.
When the meal ended, Emmy slumped back in her chair, too full to move. Jasmine stood ready to lecture her, and Rey slipped away before getting roped into it.
He offered to wash dishes, but Jasmine waved him off firmly. There was no arguing with her.
Back in his room, he told his mother he would sleep early. The door clicked shut behind him.
Rey crouched by the window, the curtains swaying with the night breeze. He pulled his hood low, covering his face.
'Let's get going. Time is precious.'
In the next breath, he was gone.
The curtains fluttered in his empty room as silence swallowed the space.
High above the streets, Rey soared from rooftop to rooftop, each leap carrying him closer to the moonlit sky. His shadow cut across the silver glow—like a phantom drifting above the world.
Down below, a lone passerby glanced upward. His eyes widened.
A silhouette, black against the moon.
He rubbed his eyes furiously, looked again—nothing.
Cold sweat prickled his neck. "...A ghost?"
Panic drove him into a sprint, his footsteps echoing into the night.
Meanwhile, Rey continued his silent flight across the city, his path veiled in mystery. His destination is unknown.
His intent hidden.
Only the moon bore witness.
—To be Continued—
Hello everyone! I hope you enjoyed the small chapter.
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