Two years had passed in a blur, and Laura's visits had become regular occasions the family eagerly looked forward to. Each time she returned, Raiden could see the results of her training at the academy—her skills were refined, her confidence stronger, and her movements more graceful.
Laura was well on her way to becoming a formidable force, and it was clear the academy had done wonders for her training. Watching her progress filled Raiden with inspiration and a growing determination to push his own growth even further.
Today, Raiden was in his room, thoroughly absorbed in mastering a new skill he'd just purchased from the Skill Draw System: [Minor Mana Manipulation].
It was a D-Rank skill that allowed him to mold raw mana with some precision, enough to form small mana orbs.
While the skill wasn't overwhelming in power by itself, it marked a significant step forward for him. For Raiden, it was the chance to practice controlling pure mana, and the potential thrilled him.
Raiden held his palm out, watching as a small, rotating ball of mana took shape, swirling and glowing softly. A grin spread across his face as he watched the orb spin, entirely engrossed in the task, unaware of anything around him. In that moment, the world outside his room might as well not have existed.
_____
Across the hall, Kent had been reading a book on magical history, though his mind kept drifting to his younger brother. Over the last two years, Raiden had grown in every sense–sharper, faster and more focused.
Their bond had strengthened, and they did almost everything together. Under the guidance of his older brother, Kent, Leonard—the family's Chief Guard—and even Lord Cedric, Raiden's swordsmanship had flourished.
A sudden restlessness pulled Kent from his thoughts. He felt the urge to go for a walk and thought that dragging Raiden along would make it more enjoyable than going alone. Setting the book aside, he rose from his chair and crossed the hall to Raiden's room before giving a solid knock on the door.
No response.
He knocked again. Still nothing.
Kent sighed. "He's probably ignoring me," he muttered. Without further hesitation, he opened the door and stepped inside.
What he saw made him freeze in his tracks.
Raiden sat cross-legged on his bed, a glowing sphere of mana spinning steadily above his palm. His expression was one of deep concentration, and he seemed completely unaware of Kent's presence.
Kent blinked, his mouth opening slightly as he tried to process what he was seeing. His little brother, at just five years old, was manipulating mana with ease. 'Mana manipulation… and that could only mean…'
The sound of the door creaking open finally snapped Raiden from his focus. He glanced up, his eyes widening slightly before he quickly dispelled the mana ball with a flick of his fingers.
"Oh. Uh… oops." Raiden said, clearing his throat and giving Kent a sheepish smile. "You weren't supposed to see that until next year."
Kent's jaw clenched. He remembered the bet they'd made two years ago, and while he'd known Raiden was serious, he hadn't expected this.
Raiden wasn't supposed to have a Mana Heart for at least another year. Yet here he was, casually molding raw mana as if it were nothing.
Kent's face hardened, and he turned, heading back out of the room with purpose. Raiden leaped off the bed, realizing where his brother was going—and that he wasn't going to take this news lightly.
"Hey! Wait up!" Raiden called, but Kent didn't stop.
As Kent reached the hall, he picked up pace and bolted down the corridor with Raiden hot on his heels. For a brief moment, Kent glanced back—only to see Raiden closing the distance fast, something he hadn't expected from his younger brother.
"Since when could you keep up with me?" Kent muttered under his breath. But he pushed himself harder, making a beeline for their father's chamber.
Raiden gritted his teeth. "Come on, Kent! You don't need to tell him yet!"
Kent ignored him; his voice rang through the hallway as he neared the door. "Father! Raiden has a Mana Heart!"
"Hey, hey! Don't tell him!" Raiden's feet pounded against the floor as he poured his energy into one final sprint. He closed the distance between them, and just as Kent reached for the door, Raiden activated one of his other skills: [Binding Grasp].
Mana surged through his fingers, and in a swift motion, tendrils of mana wrapped around Kent, holding him in place.
Kent's eyes widened as he found himself bound, unable to move.
"Hehe…" Raiden grinned mischievously, pulling his brother away from the door. "Let's go somewhere else to talk about this, shall we?"
Kent narrowed his eyes, struggling against the binding, but Raiden's grip held firm. "You little—" Kent growled, but before he could say anything more, he threw his head back and bellowed, "FATHER!"
The door to Lord Cedric's chambers swung open with a resounding bang as he stepped into the hallway, his sharp gaze sweeping over the scene: Kent, bound and being dragged down the hall by Raiden, who was wearing a look of pure mischief.
"What's going on here?" Lord Cedric's voice was calm, but there was a spark of curiosity in his eyes.
Raiden froze, his grin fading as he met his father's gaze.
"Um… good morning, Father," he said, trying his best to look innocent. "We were just… practicing."
Kent shot his younger brother a glare, exasperation written all over his face. "Father, Raiden has a Mana Heart! I saw him manipulating mana!"
Lord Cedric's brows raised high, surprise flickering on his face as he turned his attention to Raiden. He studied his son for a long moment before his face softened into one of pride.
"Raiden," he said quietly, "is that true?"
Raiden hesitated, glancing between Kent and his father. There was no point in hiding it now. Straightening his back, he nodded.
"Yes, Father. I created my mana heart two months ago." He obviously lied.
Lord Cedric's eyes gleamed with a mixture of surprise and pride as he stepped closer and placed a hand on Raiden's shoulder.
"A Mana Heart at five… You've surpassed even my wildest expectations, son."
Raiden's cheeks flushed, though he tried to keep his expression calm. "Thank you, Father."
"Now release your brother," Lord Cedric added with a chuckle, nodding toward the glowing mana strands that were binding Kent. "Let him keep what's left of his dignity."
With a sigh, Raiden snapped his fingers and dispelled the binding. Kent huffed, dusting himself off and shooting Raiden a look of mixed irritation and disbelief.
"I can't believe you've been hiding this from me for two whole months," Kent said, his tone half-annoyed, half-impressed. "And you didn't think to tell me sooner?"
Raiden shrugged, giving him a sly grin. "I thought it'd be more fun to keep it a secret."
Lord Cedric laughed and clapped both his sons on the shoulders. "It seems we have two prodigies in the family. But remember, Raiden—this power is a gift, one that should be used wisely."
Raiden nodded solemnly. "I understand, Father."
As the three of them walked toward the main hall, Kent leaned over, giving Raiden a playful nudge. "Just wait until Laura hears about this. She's going to flip."
Raiden chuckled, excitement sparking in his eyes. "Good. I can't wait to see her face."
Lord Cedric smiled as he watched his sons. "It's a rare thing to see such talent in one family. But never forget: strength and skill mean nothing without honor. Use what you've been gifted to protect, not just to win. Especially your family."
Both boys nodded. Raiden felt a new weight settle in his chest—not a burden, but a sense of purpose. He wasn't just playing with power—he was wielding something meaningful, something that could shape his future… and the future of the Goldheart family.