[Swordsmanship +1]

Another notification appeared.

From half an hour of swinging the sword, Niro realized that this was how he gained experience in skills. It took him half an hour because, at first, he had to swing the sword properly, using the strength he currently had. With his weak body, this was difficult, but now, breathing heavily, he stared at the floating status before him.

Before his eyes, the Swordsmanship experience, which was [99/100], finally reached 100. In the next second, he saw the skill flash briefly with golden light before disappearing. A moment later, he saw that his Swordsmanship skill had leveled up to 2.

With a slight sense of excitement, he focused on the skill's description.

[Swordsmanship Skill:

Level 2: [0/1000]

Description:

Cunning techniques and heavy blows

High accuracy and speed

Medium Control]

The skill description raised some suspicion in Niro. He also noticed that the required experience for the next level was ten times more than before.

"So, according to these descriptions, my skill has improved. If we take the descriptions into account, it seems like it has drastically changed?" he wondered.

With some doubt, he raised his sword to try it out. This time, almost instinctively, he adjusted his grip on the sword. Not only that, but changes occurred in several aspects. Tension in certain parts of his body eased, and his body felt a bit lighter. Moreover, the angle of his sword and the way he applied force spontaneously came to his mind, as though it was once again instinct.

His gaze returned to the status screen, and he swung the sword again.

Although he had corrected his swordsmanship, experience didn’t show up right away. He had to swing the sword several more times to see the result.

[Swordsmanship +1]

Another notification appeared, and once again, the skill's experience increased by 1.

Previously, about 2-3 swings would be enough to increase the experience. Now, however, he would need to repeat the process 10 to 15 times.

Feeling this difference, his eyes narrowed as he understood that he would have to exert more effort to level up the skill. After continuing for a while, he found he couldn’t continue any further.

Stopping, he breathed heavily, his face turning red. Without his mask, he now looked a bit unsettling with his deep and labored breaths. His bright blue eyes remained fixed ahead.

Silently staring at the game panel, his expression grew firmer and calmer. The calmness came from knowing he had a simple and straightforward way to grow stronger.

"How can I acquire other skills?" he wondered.

Sitting in a chair, he tried to regulate his breathing and think.

"Besides, I have another skill."

As his gaze focused on the other skill, he was about to consider testing it when a knock came at the door.

Knock-knock.

"Sir Niro, may I come in?"

The sound of the voice briefly caused Niro to turn his attention to the door. However, before he could respond, the door opened, and a maid entered. Her gaze naturally fell on Niro. But upon seeing his appearance and state, doubt flickered in her eyes.

Seeing the maid's reaction, Niro turned his head and stared at her. His face was visible to her, and he clearly saw the disgust in her eyes. She lowered her head and spoke.

"Apologies, sir, for the sudden intrusion, but the master has asked for you to attend the dinner."

Noticing her actions, Niro finally took a deep breath and stood up, turning his head.

"I understand. You may leave."

He spoke as he grabbed his mask and put it back on his face. Niro had seen many similar looks in his past, but he was no longer the same person. So, it didn’t affect his detachment in the slightest.

"Sir Niro, I need to prepare you…"

"I said, leave."

When the maid seemed like she was about to do something, Niro didn’t even glance at her and repeated his command. In response, the maid clenched her fists, standing still for a few seconds. She sighed, bowed, and left, her face grim.

Seeing her leave, Niro turned his gaze to his reflection in the mirror. Disheveled and sweating, his face was covered in perspiration. Without hesitation, he removed his aristocratic outfit and threw it on the bed. Then, he entered the washroom to clean himself up. After a few seconds of washing, he emerged.

Finally, choosing a simple outfit, he left the room. The maid was waiting just outside, as it was her responsibility to ensure everything went smoothly at the dinner.

Seeing that Niro had prepared himself, she sighed with relief and began walking ahead.

Niro didn’t speak and followed her.

From Niro’s memories, he already knew what this banquet was about. He had never been invited to such events before, but now he was. Of course, it was due to his value.

Not his own value, but rather the fact that he was engaged to another powerful family. However, he wasn’t concerned about any of this. On the way, he thought about something else.

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"I don’t know what my skill will be like after leveling up, but for now, it’s the only way to grow stronger. Besides, I need to figure out how to acquire other skills and what exactly the game panel considers a skill. Once the opportunity arises, then I’ll be able to strengthen myself using the knowledge from the game."

Lost in thought, he didn’t even realize they had passed through several corridors and arrived at the meeting place.

From a distance, he could see servants running back and forth, carrying various food and drinks. Inside the large banquet hall, guests dressed in beautiful outfits and gowns were conversing and laughing.

This banquet had been organized due to the marriage between two families. But, from what Niro knew, the Frostveil family had, in a way, forced the other side into this union. They were simply too powerful.

“If we consider that Niro died, it’s most likely going to happen when he enters the academy. Because, at that time, the heroine’s family will finally have a patron, which will naturally allow them to break free from the pressure of the Frostveil family.”

"It seems I have about a month to prepare for the assassins. Right at that time, the other side will likely start taking action."

Passing through the crowd, people occasionally glanced at him. Everyone here knew, through their channels, what had happened to Niro. He could clearly see their cold, disdainful gazes.

Finally, when he approached a group of people sitting on cushions in the center of the hall, he saw the gathering of family heads and their closest associates.

Among them, Niro could also spot his so-called father. But even seeing him, he didn’t show any emotion. Following his memories, he already knew everything, from start to finish.

His father was a powerful man with extremely selfish motives and an insatiable thirst for power. That was why he paid little attention to those who were his sons, unless, of course, they held some value. If they were useful, he would take care of them.

One such person was Niro's older sister and older brother. Unlike Niro, they both had strong builds from childhood, and their talents were formidable. Niro often observed them standing calmly behind their father, carefully watching the surroundings.

Niro also noticed how their gazes shifted toward him as they became aware of his presence.

“Oh, here comes my second son.”

The middle-aged man said this with an air of grandeur, extending his hand toward Niro and causing others to direct their attention to him as well. Some features of his face resembled Niro's, and also that of his older brother.

Niro said nothing, walking silently and standing beside his older sister. She was graceful, yet possessed a strong, toned physique. Her long platinum hair cascaded in soft waves, as if made of pure snow. Despite her appearance, however, she was not a good person, at least not in Niro's eyes. While he stood there, they both continued to watch him.

Niro's older brother had a tall and slender build, with a powerful yet refined posture. His dark chestnut hair shimmered with a silver hue in the sunlight, neatly trimmed into a short, tidy style. His eyes were a deep, icy blue, reminiscent of frozen lakes.

“Welcome, younger brother.”

A delicate voice spoke near him. It was his older sister, Elira Frostveil, who addressed him with a faint smile. But Niro paid no attention to her; he already knew how fake her emotions were.

Seeing that he didn’t respond, Elira raised an eyebrow but didn’t comment on it, as she knew this wasn’t the best time for such things. On the other hand, Arden Frostveil, Niro’s older brother, also ignored him, as though he were invisible, without even offering a greeting like Elira had.

“Well then, Mr. Tarin, now that my second son is here, I think it’s time to discuss more details about the marriage between him and your daughter.”

Liam Frostveil spoke as he glanced at the man standing before him. Niro shifted his attention to the other side.

The man had a strong build, but not massive; his figure spoke more of endurance and confidence than brute strength. His face was framed by thick, slightly gray hair that reached his shoulders, neatly combed back. A dense beard with silver strands highlighted his age and wisdom.

“Oh, Mr. Liam, you’re right. We should discuss this. But I think there’s not much left to resolve.”

He, too, sat with a confident expression. Niro already knew this man. He was the father of the heroine, who had appeared several times during their missions at their estate. Unlike Liam Frostveil, whose character was greedy and impulsive, this man was more calculating and cold-blooded.

Although there had been no hints in the game about the situation between the two families, considering the types of missions he assigned, it could be speculated that this man might be behind the planning of the Frostveil family’s pressure on the Silversong family.

“However, for me, none of this holds any real relevance at the moment. Right now, I need to focus on improving my skills and finding ways to acquire new ones to finally gain power.”

From his memories, Niro knew that both his older sister and older brother wanted to attend the academy. Moreover, Niro’s father had not said he couldn’t try as well. Even if his character was rash, he wasn’t completely foolish. If Niro attended the academy, it would also serve to enhance the family’s prestige.

“Now, my main goal is to find a way out of this killer crisis.”

Not that he couldn’t hint to his father or hide in the most secure parts of the Frostveil estate. However, recalling his past life’s memories, he had already made one decision.

Namely, never to rely on others, even if it meant death. Wasn’t that the same reason he had chosen to take his own life before finding a way to become stronger?

While the heads of the two families debated specific aspects of the marriage, Niro quietly stood, as if disconnected from the world. Even after all this time, he had the feeling that everything before him was just a dream.

The discussion lasted over two hours, after which there was some entertainment that seemed to keep the guests entertained. Niro, however, sat quietly in a corner, observing it all. No one approached him, showing any courtesy or interest. It was as if he weren’t even at the banquet.

After a moment of contemplation, he stood up and made his way toward the exit. However, just as he was about to leave the room, his hand was seized, forcing him to stop.

“Younger brother, it’s not wise to leave the banquet early. After all, you’re formally the face of our family. You shouldn’t show disrespect to the guests.”

A soft voice sounded near his ear. Turning his head, Niro met her bright gray eyes. Elira looked at him seriously, her grip on his hand firm.

Watching her expression, Niro felt nothing but contempt for her words.

“Let go. I don’t care about your hypocritical behavior, and I don’t care what you think about this.”

He spoke, pulling his hand free from her grasp and stepping forward, leaving the room. Meanwhile, Elira stood by the door, slightly stunned, her hand falling to her side and gradually clenching into a fist. Her face became colder, her teeth grinding as she maintained her indifferent expression and walked toward the crowd where her father stood.

Returning to his room, Niro removed his jacket and threw it on the bed. Mentally calling up the panel, he glanced at it, and his gaze finally fell on the second skill.

{Mana Condensation (Level 0:) [0/1000]}

“Unlike fencing, this skill clearly requires more experience. Perhaps it’s because the skill is stronger than the others, or there may be other factors.”

He thought for a moment, sitting down on the bed, and began to concentrate. He was doing exactly what the previous owner of the body had done. From the memories, he knew it was necessary to remain still to concentrate mana within his body. If he succeeded, he would be on the path to power.

However, even though the previous Niro had been practicing this for 3-4 years, there had been no progress.

“I don’t know if I can do this with the game panel.”

Thinking it over, he tried to mimic the previous method and followed the memories.

Finally, after 7-10 minutes, a notification appeared before his eyes.

[Mana Condensation +1]