I walk through the bustling streets, clutching my parents' hands tightly. My eyes catch a glimpse of a toy displayed in a shop window.
"A toy!"
Excitement bubbles within me. Without a second thought, I release my parents' grasp and dart toward the toy's inviting glow.
Every kid at school has their own, except for me. The longing for that toy consumes me. Maybe they will get it for me.
"Mommy, can we buy that?"
I press my finger against the glass, pointing eagerly at the toy behind it. I wait, anticipation mingling with hope, for her to say anything.
“…”
Silence stretches on, and she doesn't respond.
"Mommy?"
My voice quivers as I turn around to seek her approval and smile. But there is nothing. No reassuring look, no gentle no or maybe, just the empty space where she stood moments ago.
Panic flutters in my chest, my eyes wide with confusion and fear. She was right here, wasn't she? Maybe Papa will know; he always knows what to do.
“Papa, where’s Mommy?”
I spin around, desperate for an answer, for any sign of him. But as I turn, the world around me dissolves into nothingness, an empty void swallowing everything I know. Papa, too, has vanished.
Where did they go? Why did they leave me?
A profound sense of abandonment envelops me, and I realize that I am utterly alone in this vast, empty space. The toy, my parents, the familiar streets are gone, leaving me adrift in an endless void.
Tears well up, spilling over in silent sobs as the weight of loneliness crushes me.
════ ⋆★⋆ ════
"Hah...hah!"
I jolt awake, gasping for air like I've been submerged underwater for far too long. My heart races, pounding against my chest with an intensity that echoes the confusion and panic swirling within me.
"M-mom...D-dad."
Their names stumble out of my mouth, a whisper filled with longing and distress. Why do they visit me in my dreams now, of all times? Is it their way of expressing disappointment that my life ended prematurely before, leaving them and my responsibilities unfulfilled?
Tears blur my vision, and my heart races as if trying to escape the turmoil inside me. Taking a deep breath, I try to calm myself.
Gradually, my breathing steadies, and I remind myself that I have been given a new life, a second chance. My parents, wherever they are, wouldn't want me to dwell on past regrets. They would want me to move forward, to embrace this new beginning.
Glancing around, I realize I am safe in my bedroom, a familiar and comforting sight. On my bedside, a healing potion catches my eye.
I grasp it, uncork the bottle, and drink, immediately feeling its soothing effects.
Feeling somewhat better, I glance at the clock. It reads 7:33 PM. It seems hours have passed since I completed Maurice's training earlier.
Now that I have completed it, I will add the 200 Stat Points.
"System, my status."
INFO Name: Dominic Eñerforte
Age: 15
Title: None STATS Strength: 118 (E+)
Endurance: 132 (E+)
Agility: 121 (E+)
Speed: 132 (E+)
Mana: 0 (F)
Luck: 402 (C+)
Instinct: 747 (A+)
Charisma: 362 (C)
Stat Points: 200 MANUAL ARTS Basic Gun Arts (D+) – Beginner (56%)
Basic Gun Arts encompass a wide range of basic combat techniques involving the use of firearms from range to melee. This art form requires not just physical dexterity to shoot and maneuver accurately but also a deep understanding of the firearms themselves—maintenance, bullet types, and the physics of shooting.
My stats show slight improvements, especially in Endurance, Agility, Speed, and proficiency in Basic Gun Arts. With 200 Stat Points at my disposal, I want to distribute them evenly.
"System, increase Strength, Endurance, Agility, and Speed by 50 each."
Strength: 118 > 168 (D-)
Endurance: 132 > 182 (D-)
Agility: 121 > 171 (D-)
Speed: 132 > 182 (D-)
After updating my stats, I can't help but smile, seeing myself finally ranked in the [D-] category.
Master, if you reach the [D+] rank, you will unlock a new feature in the System.
A new feature? That's quite exciting. I look forward to it.
-Creak!
The sound of the door opening draws my attention. Celine enters, carrying a tray with a bowl of soup.
"Oh, you're awake."
She then goes to the bedside and places the tray there.
"Arthur brought you here even though the school has a clinic," she chuckles. "And I heard about your duel with Lumi Everheart tomorrow."
The news has indeed spread fast, even to Celine.
"Yeah...she challenged me out of the blue."
Celine then sits down on the bed. "I see…she must be interested in you."
"It seems to be that way."
Her words make sense. As I know from the web novel, she wouldn't hesitate to challenge anyone who catches her interest, mainly to gauge their strength against her own.
"It seems the future of this family will be bright."
I am puzzled by her comment. What does she mean by the future of the family being bright?
"By the way, why were you injured? I asked Arthur earlier and he was also confused."
Celine's question brings me back to the present. She seems unaware of the specifics of my day.
I explained everything about the training with Maurice, not sparing details about the rigorous exercises and the traps I encountered.
As I keep telling what happened, Celine's expression grows increasingly concerned.
"Dominic, are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm okay."
I reassure her with a nod, though my mind drifts to the wolf cub I encountered. The memory of its guardians falling by my hand weighs heavily on me. The cub, innocent and vulnerable, now face a world without them.
"Mum, what happened to the cub?"
"Arthur took it to an animal conservatory."
Relief washes over me, though it does little to ease the pang of guilt. I am grateful for Arthur's actions, yet I can't shake the sadness for the cub's loss. Its future is now in the hands of others, a small consolation in the grand scheme of nature's relentless cycle.
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
But despite the day's challenges, I feel ready for whatever comes next, especially the duel with Lumi.
"By the way, André went to see Maurice today."
Oh no. Did my injuries somehow tip off André about the nature of Maurice's training earlier?
"Why did he go?"
"I'm not sure, but he looked agitated."
The thought consumes me like a storm, growing darker with every passing moment. I imagine them meeting in some shadowy alley, Maurice's power crackling around him like a living thing, and André standing firm, refusing to back down. What if Maurice loses control? What if André doesn't realize the danger he's in? He might not be strong enough to defend himself against someone like Maurice, someone who could level cities with a mere flick of his wrist.
My mind races through endless scenarios, each worse than the last. André, injured or worse, lying in a pool of his own blood, and me, powerless to do anything. And what if I lose André? I can't lose him too; he's been more than just a father to me—he's been a guide, a mentor, and a friend in this unfamiliar world.
What if their confrontation is just the beginning? What if their disagreement spirals out of control, leading to something catastrophic? What if André's involvement brings attention to my secret, the fact that I'm Manaless in a world that reveres magic?
The fear grips me, squeezing my chest until it feels like I can't breathe. My mind can't stop spinning, each thought crashing into the next like waves in a violent sea. I know I'm overthinking, letting my imagination run wild, but the dread is all too real.
My breathing quickens, my vision blurs as tears well up again. The thought of losing André, the man who has shown me kindness and support, overwhelms me.
"D-Dominic, what's wrong?"
Celine's voice breaks through the fog of my spiraling thoughts, and I feel her hands on my shoulders, grounding me in reality. Her touch is gentle but firm, an anchor in the storm of emotions threatening to pull me under. I blink rapidly, trying to clear the haze from my eyes, only to realize that tears have been streaming down my cheeks.
"Mum, what if...Dad and Professor Maurice fight?"
My voice trembles, barely above a whisper, as I voice the fear that has gripped my heart with icy fingers.
Celine kneels beside the bed, her eyes filled with a warmth and understanding that only a mother's love can convey. She gently wipes away my tears, her touch soothing the chaos within me.
"Dominic, listen to me," she says softly, her voice a calming balm to my frayed nerves. "Your father and Maurice have known each other for years. They may have their disagreements, but they won't fight. They both care about you too much to let that happen."
I take a shaky breath, the weight of her words sinking in slowly. Her confidence in their wisdom is a comfort, though the fear still lingers like a shadow at the edge of my mind.
"I know you worry about them," Celine continues, her eyes never leaving mine. "But remember, they care deeply for you. André might be concerned, but he trusts Maurice to guide you. They've known each other for a long time, and they both want what's best for you."
Her reassurance is like a lifeline, pulling me back from the edge of my anxious thoughts. I nod slowly, trying to absorb her words, to let them soothe the turmoil that has been churning inside me.
"But what if...what if things get out of hand?" I ask, the uncertainty still clinging to me.
Celine smiles gently, her expression a mixture of amusement and affection.
"Dominic, you're overthinking things," she says, giving my shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "Your father isn't the type to act rashly, especially not with someone like Maurice. They're not going to fight."
Overthinking. It's a habit of mine, a trap I've fallen into countless times before. I take a deep breath, reminding myself of Celine's wisdom, the clarity she brings. The world isn't ending; I am safe. André is safe. And Maurice—he is more than capable of handling whatever comes his way.
I nod again, this time more firmly, and take a deep breath to steady myself. The panic that had gripped me slowly loosens its hold, replaced by a growing sense of calm.
"I'm sorry, Mum," I say, my voice steadier now. "I guess I let my imagination run wild."
Celine chuckles softly, brushing a stray lock of hair from my forehead. "It's okay, darling. It's natural to worry, but remember, you have a family that loves you and will always support you."
Her words wrap around me like a comforting blanket, and I can't help but smile despite the lingering traces of fear.
"Thank you," I whisper, grateful for her presence and her unwavering belief in me.
════ ⋆★⋆ ════
In an opulent café adorned with plush velvet chairs, crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the marble floors, and walls with exquisite art exude an air of exclusivity. This isn't just any café; it's the epitome of luxury and privacy, where only the elite can afford to whisper their secrets over gourmet coffee and decadent pastries.
In this extravagant setting, two figures stand out against the lavish backdrop, their presence commanding the space around them. They are André and Maurice, seated at a table set with fine china and silver, the only patrons in the entire café.
"It's quite the gesture to reserve the entire café just for our meeting, André."
"Oh, opting for formalities today, Maurice? That's a departure from your usual demeanor."
The mana radiating from both men fills the room with palpable energy, making even the seasoned café staff uneasy. These are not ordinary patrons; they are powerhouses in human form.
André sets his cup down, breaking the brief silence. "I must say, we've spent long enough dancing around the subject." His gaze fixes on Maurice as he continues, "You know why we're here, don't you?"
"Really, André? Here I was, thinking this was just a friendly catch-up. But by all means, enlighten me."
Maurice's attempt at playing dumb does little to ease the atmosphere.
André sighs, a sound filled with a cocktail of emotions—disappointment, worry, and a hint of anger.
"Maurice, this act doesn't suit you. I'm talking about Dominic. Why did you put him through such an extreme training regimen?"
The heart of their meeting is Dominic's recent training ordeal, which has injured him—a fact that troubles André deeply.
Maurice meets André's intense gaze with a calmness that belies their tension.
"André, knowing your personality, you're going to make his training very easy and coddle him."
André grits his teeth and clenches his fists. However, he can't deny what Maurice says.
Maurice continues, "You, of all people, should understand the necessity of what I've done. Given his lack of mana, intensifying his training is essential. He must compensate for his magic deficit with superior battle IQ and physical prowess. You said it yourself; if magic is out of reach, we must maximize his physical capabilities."
"I understand the logic, Maurice, but the risks—"
"The risks are present in any training, especially for someone in Dominic's unique position. He's more vulnerable than most, and that vulnerability needs to be addressed head-on."
"There's a difference between addressing vulnerabilities and pushing him to the brink, Maurice. I trust you, but I can't help worrying. What if something goes wrong?"
"I appreciate your trust, and I assure you, I'm taking every precaution. Dominic's resilience is remarkable; he's more capable than we anticipated. This training will prepare him for the challenges ahead, making him stronger, both mentally and physically."
The air between them grows heavy, laden with unsaid thoughts and the weight of their responsibilities. This isn't merely a debate over training methods but a clash of ideologies on how best to prepare someone for the realities of their world.
André sighs, the weight of responsibility heavy on his shoulders.
"All right, Maurice. I'll trust your methods, but please keep me informed. Dominic is not just a pupil; he's my son, my family."
"Understood, André. Dominic's well-being is my priority as well. You have my word."
In a world where mana and magic are paramount, Dominic's lack of magical abilities puts him at a severe disadvantage, one that only rigorous training can hope to mitigate.
"Anyway, how did Dominic fare earlier?"
"He did remarkably well. He even closed the gap between us despite my emulation of the Everheart family's combat style."
This piece of news brings a semblance of relief to André. Still, another matter needs clarity: Dominic's unexpected proficiency in the basic gun arts puzzles him.
André doesn't fully believe Dominic's reasoning when he questions who taught him Basic Gun Arts. Learning it from Sylvtube is a blatant lie. Learning Basic Gun Arts isn't something that can be picked up from videos. It requires hands-on training and guidance from someone experienced. Watching videos can give theoretical knowledge but not mastery of the technique. He also suspects that Maurice taught him, which sounds like a lie, too. But unlike the Sylvtube lie, Maurice teaching Dominic makes more sense.
With Maurice's extensive knowledge in various martial arts, despite his formidable magical abilities, André can think of no one who might have imparted such skills to Dominic.
"On another note, did you introduce Dominic to basic gun arts?"
Maurice's reaction is one of genuine surprise. He has assumed Dominic's firearms training came from André.
"I presumed you were the one who taught him."
The revelation slightly surprises André. If not Maurice, then who has imparted such knowledge to Dominic?
Maurice observes André's face, a rare occurrence piques his interest even further.
"So, you didn't?"
Maurice's tone is a mixture of intrigue and disbelief. Something rarely catches André off guard, especially when it involves his family.
"No, I didn't."
The revelation that Dominic has acquired skills in essential gun arts without his or Maurice's intervention is astonishing and concerning.
"This raises more questions than answers. If neither of us taught him, then who did?"
Maurice leans forward, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully.
"Indeed, it's quite the mystery. Dominic's sudden proficiency suggests he's been receiving training from someone else, but who? And why haven't they come forward?"
Despite its grandeur, the room feels suddenly constricted as the weight of their conversation grows heavier. The realization that Dominic is potentially hiding more than just injuries from his training with Maurice hints at a depth to the boy they haven't fully appreciated.
"So, what are you going to do?"
André runs a hand through his hair, a gesture of frustration and concern. "I need to ask him again."
Maurice sighs as he hears André's plan. "André, you're once again being a pushover regarding your family. Just use one of your mind-reading spells; Dominic will lie again."
André's eyes widen slightly at the suggestion, and he knows Maurice has a point. But the thought of invading Dominic's mind is crossing a line he's not ready to breach.
"I'll wait," André finally says, his tone resolute. "I'll wait until after his duel against Lumi. I don't want to stress him out before then. After the duel, I'll have a direct conversation with him. Maybe I'll consider other options if he still isn't forthcoming."
Maurice sighs again. If it were him, he would use a mind spell on Dominic. However, Dominic is André's son, so it's not his choice.
André stands up, extending his hand to Maurice.
"Thank you, Maurice, for everything you've done for him. Despite our disagreements, I know you have his best interests at heart."
"Of course, Trash."
Maurice's response, accompanied by a smile, hints at their deep, albeit complicated, respect. But the familiar jab does not go unnoticed by André, whose irritation is palpable.
"What was that, Twat?"
Their handshake turns into a battle of wills, each squeezing harder in a silent contest of strength.
"I'm merely expressing my thanks, Trash, and this is the gratitude I get in return?"
Maurice retorts, their banter echoing their longstanding friendship's complex but ultimately respectful dynamic.