Hidden Weights, Hidden Talents
Victor narrowed his gaze at them, lips curving into the start of a smile.
"…You two are scheming again, aren't you?"
Anna and Ben looked at each other, then exploded into laughter. Theirs were the voices that filled the room, warm and cheerful, rebounding off the gilded walls. For an instant, even the air around them appeared brighter with their laughter.
Victor, though frustrated, couldn't suppress his smile fully. His lips curled up, betraying the tenderness in his chest. He shook his head at them as if warning wayward children, though in reality he loved this—this laughter, this clamor of family he had once merely dreamed about.
Little Ania sat next to him, blinking furiously, small brows furrowing in puzzlement. Her large purple eyes darted between her mother and father's faces, observing them laugh so uninhibited. She cocked her head, lips pursed in a small pout.
What are you two discussing…?" she whispered softly, too adorable in her sincere effort to make sense. Then she blew out her cheeks like a determined little kid set on cracking a secret and furrowed her brow, obviously making an effort to "think hard."
Victor's chest constricted at the sight of that. He was almost laughing, but Anna's teasing voice intervened first.
No, my child," she told Ania, gently brushing her hair back. "It isn't plotting… We merely wished to verify something regarding your brother."
Victor's smile faltered, his eyebrows rising. ".Me?"
Ben's deep voice boomed, firm but tinged with amusement. "Yes, you. You're old enough to know. When I was your age, I'd already attained the Foundation Realm—master level.
Victor blinked, taken aback. His lips parted but he was speechless. His eyes passed from his father's serene face to Anna, who smiled complicitly as if to strike the second blow.
"And I," Anna continued softly, a glint of pride in her voice, "was already in the Stabilization Realm—master level."
Victor's heart missed a beat.
He looked at her—at his mother's serene, self-assured face—and felt something clench inside his chest. He shook his head slowly, incredulous. These two… the parents destiny had provided for him, the parents he had longed for in his desolate orphan existence on Earth—were so powerful, so gifted.
And he?
The previous Victor… a child with no gift whatsoever. A empty husk who could not even set foot on the cultivation way.
A specter of bitter memory danced in his head, but he pushed it away. No. That's not me anymore.
Anna leaned forward, her violet eyes sparkling. "But, you see… that's not what shocks us most."
Victor's eyebrows furrowed slightly. "What do you mean?"
Ben chuckled softly to himself, shaking his head. "You'll see. Your cultivation… it's new. Different. We want to know it."
Victor leaned his head to one side, puzzlement tipping his eyes. But before he could get another word out, Violet's voice moved like silk into his head, smooth and provocative.
Sweetheart. I forgot to mention something.
Victor's eyelashes dipped, covering the flash of annoyance and love that together bristled whenever she spoke. What is it now, Violet?
Your system, she stroked, her voice caressing him like silk. It contains a power. You can see the cultivation, stats, and even the inborn abilities of anyone you look at. You just have to glance at them and speak the word: [Status].
Victor's breath hitched. You're telling me this now?
Violet chuckled lightly, a sound that only he could detect. You didn't ask, sweetheart. And anyway… it amuses me to see you squirm a little.
He clenched his teeth, but a slight smirk played on his lips in spite of himself.
Anna picked up on his hesitation and cocked her head. "What is it, Victor?"
".Nothing," he grumbled. Then, in his mind, he made his decision. Fine. Let's give it a try.
He glanced at Anna. His mom. His rock. Slowly, he mouthed the word in his head.
[Status].
A ring resounded within his skull, crystal clear and defined, and then—
A blue screen flickered to life in front of his eyes, invisible to anyone but him.
[Character Name: Anna Lionheart]
Age: 36
Cultivation: Tempering Realm [Advanced]
Physique: None
Bloodline: Normal
Elements: Fire (Medium Rank), Wind (Medium Rank), Lightning (Master Rank)
Innate Ability: Lightning
Victor's body went rigid. His eyes went wide, a catch in his breath.
".Impossible," he breathed before he could check it.
Three components. Fire, wind, lightning. And not weak—her lightning was master rank. His mother—a mere human, not some carrier of an ancient bloodline—possessed such dreadful ability.
Violet's voice stroked his mind, a laugh. Surprised, sweetheart? You ought to be. Humans don't usually bear more than one element. Three… that's wonderful. Keep in mind, though—your own body and lineage enable you to bear much more. Don't you ever forget who you are.
Victor's throat constricted as he swallowed, gaze never wavering from his mother. So even she bears so much power. I….
He balled his fists, then relaxed them gradually. He would not let this rattle him.
However, curiosity pushed him even more now, smoldering within his chest. He turned his attention to Ben, speaking softly once more.
[Status].
[Character Name: Ben Lionheart]
Age: 38
Cultivation: Tempering Realm [Master]
Physique: None
Bloodline: Normal
Elements: Earth (Medium Rank), Water (Basic Rank), Lightning (Medium Rank)
Innate Ability: Strong Soul
Victor breathed out through his nose, crisp. So his father surpassed his mother by a single level—but the gap was apparent. His foundation in cultivation was more solid, his natural talent abnormal: a robust soul. That was why his composed state was stable, his aura able to ruffle the air effortlessly.
He regarded them both, wonder contorting with something more profound: pride. These were his parents.
Then, softly, his eyes moved to the little figure sitting next to him. Ania. His little sister, blinking up at him in pure innocence.
".Let's see," he whispered.
[Status].
[Character Name: Ania Lionheart]
Age: 10
Cultivation: None
Physique: Yet to Awaken
Bloodline: Normal
Elements: None
Innate Ability: Yet to Awaken
Victor's frown deepened, confusion furrowing across his brow. None? But—
Violet sighed in his head, patient now. Darling… 'yet to awaken' is that she is still sleeping and her real talent. When she starts cultivating, her inner gifts will burst. She is presently untouched clay. But don't be fooled—such situations hide greatness.
Relief swept through him, warm and swift. His little sister was intact. Not talentless, merely not yet awakened.
He breathed out slowly, tension draining from his shoulders.
But then, before he could think any more—
A heavy hand slapped down on his shoulder.
"Victor. Victor! Where are you lost?"
Ben's deep voice cut through the turmoil in his head.
Victor blinked. The light-filled screens faded. He jerked back into the chamber, to the soft light, the waiting eyes of his family. His heart still racing from what he had seen.
Anna's brow creased slightly. Ben's eyes were level and questioning. Ania's lip shook, her eyes shining as she leaned forward.
"Brother…" she breathed, her small voice shaking with concern. "What happened? Why did you go all silent? You… you frightened me."
Victor's mouth dried up. He opened his mouth, trying to speak, feeling all three pairs of eyes upon him.
"I—um—"
His voice failed him. The words stuck in his throat.
"I… hmm… what happened…?"
There was silence.
Anna and Ben traded odd glances, something unsaid flying between them. They waited, observing him.
Ania's eyes shone brighter, sorrow distorting her face into a gentle, heartbreaking pout. "Brother… don't get quiet like that again…"
Victor's lips parted once more, breath tremulous. He compelled himself to look into their eyes.
And then—
The chapter was over.