The revelation of Raiden possessing a mana heart at the age of five was nothing short of a miracle—a feat that should have been impossible.
For the Goldheart family, it was a reason for celebration. But they knew that public knowledge of such a remarkable achievement would bring more than just praise.
It would bring scrutiny, envy, and potentially unwanted attention from forces that had no place in their lives—both good and bad.
To protect Raiden, Lord Cedric called a private family meeting in the manor's hidden chambers. Only a few closest to the family were present—the Chief Guard Leonard, Healer Hilda, and, of course, Kent and Lady Elise.
As the meeting concluded, Cedric spoke firmly.
"The world will learn of Raiden's mana heart when he turns six. We will announce it then, claiming he formed it at that age. For now, this must stay secret—for his safety."
Raiden sat quietly and listened, his young face unusually serious. He nodded in understanding, though he couldn't entirely hide the spark of excitement that danced in his eyes. As the meeting concluded, his father crouched down before him and placed a strong hand on his shoulder.
"Promise me, Raiden," Lord Cedric said, his voice low but intense. "No public displays of mana. No slipping up. We can't afford anyone seeing what you can do. Not even the maids or the guards."
Raiden nodded solemnly. "I promise, Father."
But inwardly, the mischievous gears in his mind were already spinning.
'No use of mana? That's asking for too much.'
His mind raced with plans. 'I'll just practice in secret. I only need to make sure I don't get caught. Especially not by Kent—he'd snitch again for sure.'
For the next few days, Raiden devised a careful plan. He would go "missing" for five hours each day—the exact window when Kent was busy practicing or buried in his books.
During this time, Raiden would sneak off to his secret training spot: the abandoned building at the edge of the family estate, the same place where he had first forged his mana heart. But this time, he would be more discreet. He couldn't afford to get caught—not by the maids, not by Kent, and definitely not by his parents.
"I just have to play it smart," he muttered to himself with a grin. "No one will suspect a thing."
On the first day of his self-imposed routine, Raiden waited patiently. As soon as Kent disappeared into the training yard, he slipped out of the main building, making sure to avoid any wandering eyes.
Moving swiftly, he arrived at his "fortress of solitude" and closed the heavy wooden door behind him with a satisfying thud.
Breathing a sigh of relief, he summoned the familiar interface of the [Fusion System].
The translucent screen appeared before his eyes, listing all fifty of his current skills, which ranged from E-Rank to C-Rank.
His eyes scanned the list as he took inventory:
*****
C-Rank Skills
-Mana's Cloak
-Shadow Glide
-Minor Mana Manipulation
D-Rank Skills
-Silent Pulse
-Mana Surge
-Enhanced Reflexes
-Improved Perception
-Binding Grasp
-Quick Steps
-Mana Sense
-Mana Thread
-Echo Voice
E-Rank Skills
-Light Touch
-Silent Step
-Minor Energy Bolt
-Calm Breath
-Small Fire Spark
-Water Drip
-Mana Shield
-Energy Pulse
-Sticky Grip
-Minor Wind Gust
-Flicker Flash
-Mana String
-Basic Illusion
-Heat Sense
-Minor Freeze Touch
-Quick Mend
-Focused Sight
-Tremor Sense
-Soothing Aura
-Minor Lightning Spark
-Breath Control
-Vibration Touch
-Mana Mark
-Sound Dampening
-Minor Barrier
-Mana Pulse Detection
-Heat Spark
-Whispering Breeze
-Echo Tap
-Minor Adhesion
-Aura Detection
-Enhanced Hearing
-Minor Mana Flow Control
-Scent Mask
-Minor Light Orb
-Minor Shockwave
*****
Raiden's eyes lit up as he scrolled through the list. He had amassed an impressive collection for someone his age, but knew that quantity alone wouldn't make him stronger. Strength came from refinement. Quality was the way forward.
It was time to combine and refine his skills.
He selected two E-Rank skills to begin: [Small Fire Spark] and [Water Drip].
The [Fusion System] interface displayed their compatibility: 75%. Not perfect, but promising.
"Let's see what you two can make," he whispered, confirming the fusion and then waited to see what it would create.
[Fusing Skills…]
The mana around him shimmered, and for a moment, Raiden held his breath. The fusion completed with a flash, and a new skill appeared on the screen:
Ding!
[Fusion Successful!]
[You have obtained the D-Rank skill: Steam Burst!]
[Steam Burst - D-Rank: Combines fire and water to release a burst of high-pressure steam, capable of disorienting enemies and causing minor burns.]
Raiden grinned, feeling the rush of satisfaction.
This was just the beginning.
Encouraged, he moved on to his next fusion.
This time, he selected [Light Touch] and [Mana Thread]. The compatibility was lower—62%—but he was willing to take the risk.
Another flash, another completed fusion:
Ding!
[Fusion Successful!]
[You have obtained the D-Rank skill: Mana Weave!]
[Mana Weave - D-Rank: Allows for the creation of intricate patterns and objects using mana threads, enhancing their durability and flexibility.]
"Yes!" Raiden nearly shouted in excitement. The cost in skill points for fusion was steep, but the results were more than worth it.
"Alright, let's keep going," he murmured with a grin that betrayed his excitement and anticipation.
As he continued, the number of skillsets he possessed grew fewer but far more powerful.
After several hours of intense focus, Raiden slumped against the cold stonewall of the chamber, his energy spent. He had fused half a dozen skills, creating three additional D-Rank abilities, and each one felt like a new extension of himself.
"Not bad for a first day," he muttered, his voice low but pleased.
Wiping the sweat from his brow, he activated [Mana's Cloak], masking his mana presence completely before making his way back to the main estate.
He knew he'd have to be careful—Kent's eagle eyes would be watching, and the last thing he needed was another surprise visit from his brother.
"All I have to do is stay one step ahead," he thought, a spark of determination flaring within him. "And he won't even see me."
Today had been a success—and it was just the beginning of his journey. He had no intention of slowing down.
Raiden could only anticipate tomorrow and the day after. "Let's grind."