Moonlight streamed in through the windows casting a silver shade across the walls. Above me, chandelier crystals shone like lonely embers.

I sat on the bed, translucent curtains spilling over my shoulders, and stared at another source of light - this one only visible to my eyes.

[17:40:48]

I spun the ring around my finger, the metal cold to the touch.

It was almost time.

Knock. Knock.

I closed my eyes, and let my mana flow. From my chest, waves of energy began to trickle into countless circuits.

…

"Mana is everywhere, all around us." Victoria glanced around. "They say the great Dragons could manipulate it as if was another limb, forcing their will upon the world with mere words."

"Unfortunately, humans aren't that capable. We have to make do with little trinkets." She slid something off her finger. "Catch."

I reached out, and a ring landed in my palm.

"It's part of a set." She held up her hand. "I have the other one. You can use it to communicate with me."

"How?"

She paused. "Listen. Mana circulation is the most basic of skills, but it can be used in an endless manner of ways. It can lay the foundation for an Aura warrior to tear through their physical limits, and can inject life into a Magi's concept."

"In this case, you'll have to focus the circulation of mana inside of your finger. Then, infuse it into the artifact."

I hesitated. My circuits were strained and I had just learned to use my mana. Wasn't the ring as good as a lump of metal in my hands?

Victoria slapped me on the back. "Don't worry! You always said you were talented didn't you? Well, the past you, that is." Her eyes gleamed mirthfully.

I couldn't respond, hunched over from the pain.

…

Into my finger, she had said.

Focus.

During the battle with Victoria, I had channeled mana into my fist for a sneak attack. It had moved how I wanted then, but now, it was slower - like a flood of molasses.

I tried to remember the feeling, and gradually mana began to creep down my arm. Once it reached my finger, I felt a strange sensation: it was like my mana was being poured into a pit.

As I continued, the ring began to grow warm.

[3.8..]

It felt hot now, and sweat began to drip down my back.

[4.5..]

The orb at the top of the ring glowed, and I felt the suction stop.

[5% Soul Assimilation with ALEXANDER LUNCAN.]

[Skill Infusion(E) -> F unlocked!]

Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

"Hello?" A voice rang out from my hand.

"Yes, I'm here. Just.. just give me a second." I closed my eyes, waiting for my circuits to cool down.

Victoria had healed me as best as she could, but her expertise was in combat - battlefield first aid and minor pain relief were the extent of her abilities.

Knock. Knock.

"I'm coming." I said.

I looked down, and whispered softly. "Come to my room, and get ready to fight."

"What?"

"You'll see when you get here. No need to knock."

I cut my mana off, and the light from the orb faded. I gingerly pushed myself off the bed, and took a step towards the door.

The IMMEDIATE clue had been a single sentence, simple in its meaning, yet confusing in its purpose.

[Go to the kitchen.]

I was stumped. I couldn't leave my room, nor did I even know where the kitchen was. However, that's when Sir Alfred's words ran straight through my head.

My meals were to be brought to me directly from the kitchen.

And so I waited. I cleaned blood and vomit from the floor, and nursed my wounds until the sun fell from the sky and darkness blanketed the ground.

I grasped the doorknob, pulling it gently.

Now, it was time to eat.

A man stood in the doorway, a small cart in front of him. He wore a simple, black suit along with silken gloves. His flaxen hair was neatly styled, and we were of similar stature.

"Young Master, I've brought your dinner."

At first glance, he seemed like the picture of courtesy. However, on a closer look, I could see that he was wary; he was behind the cart instead of in front, and he was stiff, his bow unnatural.

I'd have to adjust a little.

"Thank you very much." I smiled. "Please, come in."

I stepped backwards into the room, observing the cart as he wheeled it inside. There were multiple dishes, each covered by a cloche, along with resplendent cutlery that all laid on top of a draped, black cloth.

"Sir Alfred understands that you may be.. discontent. Therefore, Head Chef Theodore has cooked a grand meal." He pointed at a plate. "That there is the meat of a Northern Griffin."

"This particular cut contains a high concentration of mana, and fortunately, this griffin was a juvenile when it died. I assure you that it'll have a sweet, tender taste. And the others.."

I listened to him silently as he described the different foods.

He finished, and I spoke. "Splendid. Theodore upholds the Luncan reputation."

"I'm sure the Head Chef would be delighted to hear such words." He moved towards the door. "Then, I shall take my leave."

Quick in and quick out, huh? They'd picked a level-headed person to deal with the 'tyrant'.

"Wait." He stopped.

"I've been confined to this room all day. As you can see." I gestured around to the the damaged walls. "It's been a little frustrating. Won't you stay for just a while to keep me company?"

He turned back. "I'm not sure if I can-"

"Oh, just for a few minutes." I raised both hands. "I promise, I'm harmless."

I could see him struggle between fear and duty, but fortunately, the latter won out.

"Just for a bit then, Young Master."

"Wonderful!"

I took off the cloche covering the dish, and admired the sight. Four thick slices of meat sat on the plate, tastefully garnished with green herbs and sparsely drizzled with a light red sauce. It was the meat of a magical monster, but it looked like it'd be the main dish at an upscale steakhouse.

Using the silverware, I cut off a small piece and stuck it into my mouth.

Warm juices burst out, followed by an explosion of flavor. The texture was incredibly tender, and the quality was better than any meat I'd had before. Additionally, with each chew, mana shot through my body, jolting my circuits with a pleasurable buzz.

"Your rich descriptions seem like understatements now." I wiped my mouth with a napkin. "The food is truly delicious. It must be because of your careful handling."

"You jest, Young Master. All of the credit belongs to the Head Chef."

"Of course. Still, you've put in a lot of effort as well, haven't you? To be trusted enough to carry his masterful work."

"I.." A red blush appeared on his cheeks. Bingo.

"Tell me, what's your name? I haven't seen you before."

He quickly bowed. "I'm but an unworthy kitchen servant. To share this lowly one's name to the heir-"

"Please, don't discredit yourself." I smiled. "I pride myself on having an eye for talent, and you caught my attention immediately with your detailed culinary knowledge. Consider it as a fleeting whim."

"I'm.. my mother named me Oliver."

"Oliver..?" I trailed off.

He shook his head. "No last name, Young Master. I'm commonborn."

Warmth emanated through my finger. Finally.

"Well, Oliver. Once this whole ordeal is over, I'll be sure to put a recommendation in for you to my father. Until then, you just need to do one thing for me."

Oliver's eyes lit up. "Anything, Young Master!"

"I just need you.. to sleep."

He paused. "Sleep?"

BAM!

The door flew open, and Victoria stepped through, dressed in a black nightgown.

Her eyes flitted across the room. "Who am I hitting?"

I nudged my head. "Knock him out."

Violet aura wrapped around her, and she hurtled towards Oliver. Her fist crashed into his chest, sending him flying towards the wall.

He slid down to the floor with glassy eyes, his mouth in the shape of an 'O'.

Huh. So that's how I looked.