Serena stood alone in the old greenhouse behind the manor. The night wind slipped through the broken glass panes, brushing past her like a ghost. The moonlight painted her skin pale, almost translucent — like a spirit in mourning.
But she wasn't mourning anymore.
She was transforming.
> Ding!
*System Notification: Host's actions have realigned emotional resonance. Essence Vein Barrier weakened.
Breakthrough opportunity available.
Proceed? [Yes] / [No]
Her hands trembled. Not from fear — not anymore — but from something deeper. Anticipation. Need. Rage.
She pressed [Yes].
Suddenly, an icy force gripped her spine. Her vision blurred as heat and cold warred inside her veins. She dropped to her knees, biting her lip to suppress a scream. The pain felt like her bones were being crushed and rebuilt one fragment at a time.
The voice of the system was calm and unfeeling:
> Initiating breakthrough… 32%... 49%... Host's mental resistance noted. Compensating…
A sudden surge of black mist pulsed from her chest, flooding the air around her. The greenhouse trembled. Vines curled away from her body, withering under the pressure of dark energy.
Somewhere, not far from the manor, a flicker of awareness stirred.
But no ordinary person could sense her. Only those tied to a system — and none were nearby tonight.
Not yet.
> Essence Vein Stage 3 achieved.
Trait awakened: [Silent Core] (Passive) — Host's inner cultivation cannot be sensed unless willingly released.
Skill unlocked: [Shadow Step I] — Movement technique. Briefly erase presence when moving within 3 meters.
Serena collapsed forward, gasping. Her vision cleared. Her skin shimmered faintly before returning to normal. She was stronger now. Not much — but enough to breathe easier.
Enough to begin her climb.
---
The next morning, rumors drifted through the estate like smoke.
"Did you hear something strange last night?" a maid whispered. "It came from the greenhouse. I thought lightning struck."
"Nonsense," said another. "The Young Miss probably had another one of her… episodes."
They had no idea.
---
Lady Eleanor called for Serena that afternoon. Serena arrived dressed in muted silver and navy — no longer draped in flowery gowns meant to disguise her humiliation.
Her stepmother looked her over with careful eyes. "I've arranged for you to attend the seasonal etiquette classes. It's time you stopped embarrassing the Valen name."
Serena bowed with perfect poise. "Of course, my lady. I look forward to representing the Valens."
Eleanor blinked. That wasn't the tone she expected.
Before she could respond, Serena smiled softly. "And thank you, truly, for your guidance. Without it, I wouldn't have found clarity."
Eleanor stared at her, unsure whether it was praise… or mockery.
---
That evening, Serena returned to the greenhouse, now her secret refuge. She looked over her hand, feeling the quiet energy humming beneath her skin.
> Reputation: -2
System Level: Tier 1 (35% progress)
Next Mission: None. Awaiting event trigger…
She took a breath.
This world was vast. The Valens were only a speck compared to the noble houses in the inner regions of Valeria — and far beneath the clans of Nytherra, where she once dreamed of studying magic.
But dreams were dead.
Now, there was only ascent.
No matter how much blood it took.
She turned her gaze skyward, where the stars blinked down like watchful eyes.
They didn't know it yet.
But Serena Valen was rising.
And nothing would stop her this time.
---