The sterile void hummed with silent expectation. I stared at the blue screen, the weight of the impossible choice pressing down on me. Cultivation resources? Tempting, a shortcut to power in this unknown world. Techniques? Equally alluring, a foundation upon which to build. But the third option… the lure of a legendary ability, custom-tailored to my strengths… Or what were my strengths, in this new life?
My past life, before the illness consumed me, was spent immersed in strategy, in the subtle art of manipulation and information gathering. I wasn't a fighter, not in the traditional sense. But I was a master of the shadows, a puppet master pulling strings from the darkness.
"Stealth," I muttered, the word tasting foreign on my tongue. "I choose stealth."
The screen flickered, the text dissolving into swirling particles of light before solidifying once more.
[Host has chosen Stealth. Legendary Ability: Shadow Embrace granted.]
[Shadow Embrace: Grants the user the ability to meld seamlessly with shadows. Provides enhanced senses in darkness, improved stealth capabilities, and limited manipulation of shadows for offensive and defensive purposes. Further mastery will unlock advanced applications.]
A surge of power coursed through me, a subtle but undeniable shift in my perception. The void felt… different. The nothingness seemed less absolute, more like a canvas waiting to be painted with darkness.
Then, just as suddenly as it appeared, the screen vanished. The void dissolved, replaced by… a room. The same opulent room from before, with its ludicrously large bed and ostentatious decorations. But this time, the air felt cleaner, my senses sharper. I could hear the faint chirping of birds outside, the rustling of leaves, the distant clatter of what sounded like training swords. My vision was clearer, colors more vibrant.
The door. I remembered the door. The impending arrival. Acting on instinct, fueled by the newly acquired Shadow Embrace, I slipped into the nearest patch of shadow, a sliver cast by the ornate tapestry on the wall. The sensation was… extraordinary. It was like sinking into a cool, comforting embrace. The shadows weren't just darkness; they were a refuge, a cloak of invisibility.
The door swung open. A young woman strode in, her face etched with worry. She was petite, with fiery red hair pulled back in a tight braid and piercing green eyes that scanned the room with a worried intensity. She wore a crisp maid's uniform, impeccably clean and pressed.
"Lord Tokoyami?" she called out, her voice laced with concern. "Are you alright? The commotion… everyone was worried."
She moved further into the room, her eyes darting from one object to another. I remained hidden, a silent observer in the shadows. Her concern seemed genuine, but I couldn't be sure. Trust was a luxury I couldn't afford.
"He must still be disoriented," she murmured to herself. "I'll fetch some calming tea."
As she turned to leave, a sliver of moonlight caught my eye, reflecting off the golden embroidery on the tapestry. I hadn't fully mastered Shadow Embrace yet; I was still visible, a faint distortion within the darkness.
She paused, her eyes narrowing. "Who's there?" she demanded, her voice laced with suspicion.
Think! I needed a plausible explanation, and fast.
I stepped out of the shadows, forcing myself to adopt a regal, if slightly bewildered, expression. The maid gasped, taking a step back.
"Lord Tokoyami! You startled me," she stammered, her cheeks flushing. "I… I didn't see you there."
"I was… meditating," I said, improvising. "A sudden headache came upon me, and I sought the quiet of the shadows to recover."
It was a weak excuse, but she seemed to buy it. Or at least, she was willing to pretend.
"Of course, Lord Tokoyami," she said, bowing her head slightly. "Forgive my intrusion. I was just worried, after… everything."
"Everything?" I prompted, my heart sinking. What had Tokoyami done to warrant such concern?
"The… incident, Lord," she said hesitantly. "Everyone heard the… well, the commotion. They say… they say you were screaming."
So, the vision, the agony… it wasn't just a mental hallucination. It had been real, somehow broadcast to the rest of the household. This was getting more complicated by the second.
"I was merely having a nightmare," I said, dismissing her concerns with a wave of my hand. "Nothing to worry about. What is your name, girl?"
"Elara, my Lord."
"Elara," I repeated, testing the name on my tongue. "Prepare me for my journey to Veritas Academy. I leave immediately."
Her eyes widened. "But, Lord Tokoyami, you're in no condition to travel! And surely you need to prepare… you haven't even been properly introduced to the headmaster yet."
"There is no time," I said, my voice leaving no room for argument. "I must go. Prepare my things."
Elara, though clearly apprehensive, bowed her head in submission. "As you command, Lord Tokoyami."
The journey to Veritas Academy was long and arduous. I traveled by carriage, the gilded monstrosity a stark contrast to the rugged landscape. Elara accompanied me, her face a mask of silent concern. I spent most of the journey studying the information I could glean from her casual remarks and observations. Tokoyami, it seemed, was a notorious figure, known for his arrogance, his cruel temper, and his… lack of talent. He was a disgrace to his noble family, a black sheep destined for mediocrity.
Veritas Academy was my only chance. A prestigious institution dedicated to training the next generation of warriors, mages, and scholars, it was the one place where I might be able to hone my skills, uncover the secrets of this world, and ultimately, survive.
As the carriage rumbled closer to the academy, a figure emerged from the towering gates. He was tall and imposing, with silver hair pulled back in a severe ponytail and eyes that seemed to pierce through me. He wore the uniform of the academy, but it was clear from his posture and demeanor that he was no mere student.
"Tokoyami Kamisute," he said, his voice cold and devoid of emotion. "I am Headmaster Silas. I have been expecting you."
He fixed me with a gaze that seemed to weigh my very soul. My hand instinctively moved towards the shadows, ready to embrace their comforting darkness. This world, I realized, was far more dangerous than I had imagined. And my journey had only just begun.