CHAPTER 8: The Schemer's First Moves
Three months. That was the window I had secured, a precious sliver of time granted by my father's calculated assessment. Three months, I thought, the words a silent promise to myself.
The System's voice, now back to its usual flat, synthesized tone, chimed in, a peculiar blend of curiosity and what almost sounded like bewilderment. [Host, why did you ask for three months?] it questioned. [You are powerful for your age already. I don't think you need to train more, Host.]
I stood in the middle of the vast Training Hall, the ancestral sword, now mine, a cool weight in my hand. I looked up at the high, vaulted ceiling, ignoring the System's query. "No, it's not for training," I murmured, my voice barely a whisper in the echoing space. "It's for something else. Something I've wanted for a long, long time."
[What is it, Host?] the System persisted, its digital curiosity unwavering.
A flicker of annoyance, cold and sharp, went through me. "You are annoying," I stated, my tone flat. "You should be quiet. You will know, slowly, what I am doing." The System fell silent, a rare moment of obedience. It was still learning, still adapting to its new host.
"System, show me the stats," I commanded.
The translucent screen shimmered into existence before my eyes, displaying the familiar green text:
Name: RYU JIN {Regressor}Physique: 3Strength: 3Aura: 3
Only three types of stats present, I mused, my gaze lingering on the numbers. It means I will have to take them to their maximum. But I have a lot of time for that. No need to rush now. The thought brought a strange sense of calm. My path was clear, my goals defined.
"System, what is the maximum for these stats?" I asked, a hint of a smirk playing on my lips.
After a brief, almost imperceptible delay, as if processing an unusual query, the System replied. [Host, it is 10. You can only go till 10.]
"Ohh, so it's gonna be pretty easy," I said, a dry chuckle escaping me. The System remained silent, perhaps processing my unexpected confidence, or perhaps already sensing the deeper layers of my intent. Easy? No. But certainly achievable. And far more satisfying than my past life.
Now, let me prepare something for my 'brother', I thought, my eyes narrowing, a dangerous glint appearing in their depths. The game had truly begun.
CLAN HEAD'S CHAMBER - RYU CLAN MAIN CASTLE
The chamber was steeped in a profound silence, broken only by the faint crackle of incense. Ryu Yong, the Clan Head, sat upon his chair, a throne carved from dark, ancient wood, inlaid with gleaming gold. His presence, even in repose, was immense, a silent, unyielding force. His gaze was fixed on Old Master Lee, who stood before him, head bowed respectfully.
"You have taught him a thing or two, Lee," Ryu Yong's voice rumbled, a deep, resonant sound that filled the room. "I am satisfied with my son. I will reward you, Lee." There was a rare note of genuine contentment in his tone, a subtle shift from his usual sternness.
Old Master Lee, however, seemed genuinely shocked. He lowered his head further, his voice laced with an earnest disbelief. "Patriarch, I did not teach him anything. I don't even know how he grew this much. He never used to go out of the castle since you sent him there." His words were sincere, a testament to his confusion.
"What are you saying, Lee?" Ryu Yong's voice sharpened, a hint of impatience returning. "Do not be humble. Tell me what you want." He clearly believed Old Master Lee was feigning humility, a common trait among loyal retainers.
"How dare I lie in front of the Patriarch?" Old Master Lee insisted, his voice unwavering despite the implied accusation. "I am telling you the truth. I truly did not do anything."
Ryu Yong fell silent, his immense aura momentarily wavering as he processed the servant's unwavering declaration. His surprise was palpable. If you didn't teach him anything, then how did he get powerful? His mind, sharp and analytical, raced. Before I exiled him to the old castle for punishment, he didn't even want power. He actively hid it. But after he came back... there is something fundamentally different in his eyes. It's like he is hiding something, yes, but also... his aura.
A faint, almost imperceptible frown creased Ryu Yong's brow. Green color at his age... it's not possible. He knew the true rarity of such a feat. It's the first time for anyone, not only in the Ryu Clan but the whole world, to achieve something like this. Green aura at the age of ten. A cold, calculating gleam entered his eyes. He has truly done something.
He paused, a long, contemplative silence stretching between them. He is hiding something, Ryu Yong concluded, the thought settling deep within him. But it doesn't matter. As long as he doesn't do anything against the Ryu Family, or against me... it's okay. Let him do what he wants. Let him grow. Perhaps this is the awakening I always sought. A subtle, dangerous smile, unseen by Old Master Lee, touched the Clan Head's lips.