Chapter 3: Early Milestones
The first light of dawn crept gently into the servant's quarters, casting long, slender shadows that danced over the cool stone floors. Hinata's tiny hands and knees tapped against the ground with an insistent rhythm, her three-month-old form creeping across the room with determined purpose. A fresh bundle of linens slipped from Naomi's grasp, her eyes widening as she took in the sight of her infant daughter on the move. She whispered Hinata's name with a breathy incredulity, a gentle echo that floated behind her like a ghost, while Akira's low chuckles punctuated the delicate morning silence. He could not help but beam with pride, his wide smile announcing his astonishment as much as the gleam in his eyes. Lord Cedric strode past with an audible sigh, his footsteps ringing with disapproval as he offered a sharp reprimand for Akira's lack of decorum, yet even his frown could not mask the curiosity that flickered across his face.
The quarters were simple yet tidy, an orderly arrangement befitting a household run by a woman of Naomi's diligence. But today, Hinata seemed determined to leave a trail of mild chaos in her wake. Her journey across the room continued with the tenacity of someone on a grand quest, each small thump of her hands and knees creating a gentle rhythm that echoed against the cold stone tiles. The sight would have been charmingly ordinary if not for the fact that such feats of mobility were a practical impossibility for one so young, and Naomi's whisper turned into an awestruck refrain.
"Hinata, you are moving so fast," she murmured, a shaky breath punctuating her words as she knelt to intercept her daughter. The echo of those words lingered like a question she couldn't quite wrap her mind around. “Do not grow up too quickly.”
Akira watched with unabashed glee, his amazement amplifying the warmth that filled the room. He rubbed the back of his head, adding to the aura of bewildered delight. "She is a little adventurer already! Can you believe it?" His voice, though low, carried an infectious enthusiasm that broke through Naomi's reverent silence. He knelt beside her, arms ready to scoop up the determined crawler. "Maybe she will be up and running by next week!"
Lord Cedric, passing by with the measured steps of a man whose mind was always two moves ahead, caught sight of the spectacle and stopped in his tracks. His tall, imposing figure stood out starkly against the room's modest decor. The sharp lines of his frown appeared etched in stone, and he crossed his arms, casting a long shadow that reached almost as far as Hinata's questing hands.
"Such noise this early," he remarked, the tone as precise and cutting as a well-honed blade. "Contain your enthusiasm, Akira. It's unbecoming."
Despite the rebuke, Cedric lingered, his keen green eyes taking in the scene with an analytical interest that belied his cold authority. The presence of this tiny prodigy, showing such early promise, could not go unnoticed, even by one so used to steering his household with an iron hand.
Naomi's eyes were alight with a mix of wonder and confusion as she gently intercepted Hinata's path. Her nurturing instincts kicked in with automatic grace, and she lifted her daughter, feeling the solid, purposeful wriggles of the little girl in her arms. "Oh, Hinata," she cooed, her voice like a soft lullaby woven from equal parts disbelief and delight. "Where are you off to in such a hurry?"
Akira could not help but chuckle again, this time muffling the sound with his hand as he stood up, a smile broad enough to rival the sun sneaking through the window. "I think we have a genius on our hands," he said, half to Naomi and half to himself, the pride in his voice unmistakable.
Cedric allowed a rare, brief flicker of amusement to cross his face, an almost imperceptible shift before his frown reclaimed its territory. He continued down the hall with an air of measured indifference, yet even his commanding presence could not overshadow the sense that something extraordinary had taken root within his domain.
The room settled back into quiet after his departure, the linens once more neatly stacked, the calm of the early morning reasserting itself with the gentle insistence of a lullaby. Naomi cradled Hinata close, her thoughts still spinning in delightful circles as she pondered the implications of her daughter's remarkable start. A future filled with promise, and perhaps a bit of chaos, seemed to shimmer on the horizon, like the morning light creeping across the floor.
***
The silence of the manor wrapped around Hinata like a secret. She moved through it with the silent efficiency of a small shadow, her newfound mobility guiding her across the hushed corridors and into the labyrinthine world of the library. Here, candlelight danced and flickered, painting the room in shades of whispered intrigue. She crept between the towering shelves, every small step deliberate, until she found a hidden nook where voices spoke in hushed tones of importance. They talked of her, she realized with a thrill, and of an upcoming baptism at age seven—a revelation that would unmask her status and determine her future. Her eyes glowed with anticipation as she absorbed every word.
The corridors had been subdued and quiet, bathed in the soft, flickering glow of the few candles left burning through the night. It was as if the very walls conspired to aid her escape, reflecting the padded steps of a toddler intent on adventure. The halls whispered of a grand house in restful slumber, unaware that its youngest inhabitant was on a mission. Each movement came with the confidence of one who knew she was untouchable, her sense of secrecy and daring heightened by the early morning stillness. She rounded a corner, paused to listen for signs of life, then set off again with the assured speed of someone for whom crawling was no obstacle at all.
The library unfolded before her like a new world, every corner an invitation to explore. Towering shelves stretched toward the ceiling, lined with leather-bound tomes that held stories and secrets long forgotten. Hinata paused at the threshold, taking in the vastness of the room, her small presence swallowed by the expanse of knowledge it promised. The air was thick with the scent of old paper and the mystery of things waiting to be discovered. She moved forward with purposeful grace, her eyes scanning the shadows for any signs of others who might stumble upon her clandestine quest.
The space was alive with potential, the fluttering candles casting a warm, ever-changing glow. They sent soft shadows across the floor, creating pathways of light and darkness that guided her toward the room's hidden depths. She stopped and listened, head tilted like a bird, until the muffled cadence of voices drew her in with magnetic force.
A narrow gap between two imposing shelves became her sanctuary. She squeezed into the dim alcove, her small body fitting snugly among the forgotten volumes. The voices were clearer here, their tone serious and intent. She strained to catch each word, her heart pounding with excitement as she realized they spoke of a ritual that would define her young life.
"The baptism is years away," Akira said, tinged with authority and the weight of expectation. "A momentous occasion, especially for one as unique as Hinata."
Naomi tentatively responded. "Will the card reveal everything? The child's potential, her attributes? I worry about the attention it might bring."
There was a pause, the kind that stretched with unspoken concerns. "The citizen card will show the truth," Akira assured. "It's how all children are registered, how we all find our place. Lord Cedric will know her worth."
Hinata clutched the edge of a dusty book, the coolness of the leather a grounding touch against the flood of new information. The notion of her status, laid bare for all to see, sent a thrill of terror through her young mind. Her world was suddenly larger and more dangerous, but filled with possibilities she had never imagined.
"The legal implications are vast," Akira continued, now a touch conspiratorial. "If her standing is as high as expected, even Lord Cedric will have to consider her differently. She might grow to outrank the entire household."
Hinata's eyes widened, a reflection of her growing awareness and ambition. The words painted a future so vast and varied, she could almost see it stretching out before her, an intricate map waiting for her to explore.
"Should we prepare her differently, then?" Naomi inquired. "Perhaps a change in her upbringing is required, knowing what lies ahead."
"That is not for us to decide," Akira cautioned, tinged with deference and a hint of wariness. "Lord Cedric is aware of the stakes and will likely bind the girl to Lady Julia. For now, we must proceed as planned."
The conversation shifted to logistics, details that lacked the immediate thrill of destiny and identity. Hinata remained motionless, her small frame hidden in the comforting nook as the voices faded into the background of her thoughts. Her mind was a flurry of contemplation, terror, and excitement, each revelation spinning off into a hundred others.
She had known, with the unerring instinct of a child touched by something greater, that they would become wary of her. But this—the promise of a life enslaved due to her attributes and skills, revealed by her citizen card after her baptism—gave a new urgency to her explorations and training. She took a breath, a silent pledge to herself to ensure her freedom at any cost, and crept from her hiding place with the same quiet determination that had brought her there.
The manor remained asleep, its corridors as still and undisturbed as when she had left them. Her return was a mirror image of her departure, every step infused with newfound purpose. As she slipped back into the confines of the servant's quarters, her eyes sparkled with anticipation, and the promise of destiny glowed brighter than any candlelight.
As Hinata closed her eyes, she heard a loud ding as a system notification rang through Hinata's mind with all the subtlety of a shriek. She had acquired a new skill—stealth. Her lips curled into a small, knowing smile as she reflected on the night’s events. Who knew that sneaking into the library to satisfy her boundless curiosity would lead to this? She pictured herself a phantom, an unseen explorer of whispered conversations, and giggled at the thought. Her mind's eye shifted to her status screen, a catalog of abilities she was only beginning to comprehend. Show status.
[Hinata Hikari (Human, Female, Age: 0)]
Health: 12/16; Mana: 50/67; Stamina: 13/22;
Condition: Normal;
Vitality: 6; Strength:8; Agility: 8; Intellect: 25; Wisdom: 24; Charisma: 1; Luck: 1;
Titles: Daughter of Akari Hikari, Daughter of Naomi Hikari, Reincarnator;
Affinities: Fire, Water, Wind, Earth, Light (Light Orb [Lv. 5]), Shadow, Healing, Null;
Skills: Appraisal [Lv. 3], Item Box [Lv. 1], Universal Language Comprehension [Lv. MAX], Rapid Recovery [Lv. 3], Alchemy [Lv. 1], Stealth [Lv. 1];
She studied the screen, her thoughts a blend of amusement and determination. Stealth was just the beginning.
It had come as a delightful surprise, the chiming alert filling her thoughts like a splash of color against the canvas of her morning. The echo of it resonated, reminding her of the bells she had heard from the manor's grand chapel, each one announcing some profound change. But this was her own personal symphony, a recognition of her talents in the making. She pondered the announcement, her smile growing with every moment she considered the possibilities.
Last night had been a thrilling escapade. Her mind replayed it like a treasured storybook, her presence as secretive as a moonlit whisper, slipping into the depths of the library. The joy of exploration and the eavesdropped conversation about her future had filled her with such excitement that even now her heart danced a little jig. And then, this morning, a new skill to show for her stealthy pursuits! Her imagination painted her as a wisp of mist, drifting unseen through the shadows, and she couldn't help but laugh, the sound bright and buoyant.
She shifted her focus to the glowing status screen, a vast array of information displayed with the precision of a craftsman's finest work. It listed her abilities with clinical exactness, each one like a piece of an elaborate puzzle she was just beginning to solve. The newly acquired skill shone like a bright, promising star. Stealth: level 1. She repeated the words in her mind, savoring them like the first bite of a long-anticipated treat. They carried with them the thrill of potential and the satisfaction of a well-played game.
Her analytical nature took over, curiosity and logic mingling in a delightful dance. What had triggered the acquisition, she wondered? Was it the mere act of sneaking, or the complete immersion in her secretive role? She retraced her steps, replaying each moment like a series of carefully calculated moves. There was magic here, in the understanding and the discovery, and it made her spirit soar.
Appraisal was her tool of choice, a window into the heart of each new ability. She used it with the care and precision of an artist at work, drawing out the nuances and the intricacies of what stealth meant. It was more than just hiding; it was the art of not being noticed, the elegance of near invisibility when it suited her needs. The more she thought about it, the more excited she became. She could see how this skill would serve her, how it was one more step on a grand journey that was only just beginning.
Hinata's thoughts turned toward the future, the unknown territory waiting for her to explore. If stealth came so easily, what other abilities lay just beyond her current reach? She felt a surge of determination, a resolve to uncover and master every aspect of her extraordinary new life. The possibilities were as endless as the shelves in the library, and she was ready to embrace them all.
Her eyes sparkled with ambition as she dismissed the status screen, leaving behind the stark numbers and entering a world where each of those numbers could tell an entirely different story. The game was on, and she was in it to win. With the day's light streaming through the window, her mind set a plan in motion. Stealth was just the beginning, and she intended to discover it all.
***
Three years into her new life, Hinata marveled at the magic that seemed to spring from her fingertips. She was like a child with too many toys, giddy and overwhelmed by the variety. Spells in every element danced through her mind like a glittering parade, each one more dazzling than the last. Fire blazed, water flowed, earth shook, and wind sang, all at her command. Even the gentle glow of healing magic found its place among her growing arsenal, a reminder of her past night's adventure and her commitment to learning it all. Reviewing her status screen became a daily ritual, and she relished each new addition, watching as the list of skills expanded and her understanding of the world deepened.
Hinata's days were a whirlwind of discovery, every new spell a piece of the vast puzzle she was determined to solve. Her young mind absorbed knowledge like a sponge, and she delighted in the sensation of power at her fingertips, a tangible connection to the world she was still learning to navigate. She approached magic with the same curiosity and analytical spirit that had guided her through countless technical manuals in her former life, finding joy in every breakthrough and nuance.
The array of spells she mastered was nothing short of extraordinary. Fire magic crackled with a vibrant energy, small sparks turning into dancing flames at her whim. Water responded with a fluid grace, swirling into droplets that shimmered like liquid diamonds. Earth felt solid and reassuring, the rumble of it echoing in her bones as she commanded it to shift and shape. Wind sang to her, a soft and playful tune that lifted strands of her hair and tickled her skin with gentle breezes.
Even the subtler arts did not escape her grasp. The glow of healing magic, delicate and warm, became an integral part of her repertoire. It was different from the bold declarations of elemental power, but she appreciated its quiet strength and the connection it provided to her past night's explorations.
Every day began and ended with a meticulous review of her status screen. It was her map, her guide, the numerical manifestation of all she had achieved and all she still aimed to accomplish. The screen displayed her progress with the clinical precision she so adored, each line a testament to her tireless efforts.
[Hinata Hikari (Human, Female, Age: 3)]
Health: 46/60; Mana: 32/80; Stamina: 48/72;
Condition: Normal;
Vitality: 27; Strength:36; Agility: 44; Intellect: 91; Wisdom: 89; Charisma: 3; Luck: 1;
Titles: Daughter of Akari Hikari, Daughter of Naomi Hikari, Reincarnator;
Affinities: Fire (Flame [Lv. 4], Fireball [Lv. 2], Fire Arrow [Lv. 2], Explosion [Lv. 1]), Water (Water Ball [Lv. 2], Water Wall [Lv. 1], Freeze [Lv. 2], Ice Arrow [Lv. 3]), Wind (Wind Blade [Lv. 3], Vortex Blast [Lv. 2], Lightning Arrow [Lv. 2], Chain Lightning [Lv. 1]), Earth (Pitfall [Lv. 3], Earthen Wall [Lv. 5], Earthen Spears [Lv. 2]), Light (Light Orb [Lv. 5], Laser [Lv. 8], Purification [Lv. MAX]), Shadow (Hide [Lv. MAX], Shadow Needle [Lv. 2], Phase Shift [Lv. 4]), Healing (Heal [Lv. 3], High Heal [Lv. 1], Cure [Lv. 2], Regeneration [Lv. 1]), Null (Telekinesis [Lv. MAX], Barrier [Lv. 5], Physical Strengthening [Lv. 2]);
Skills: Appraisal [Lv. 5], Item Box [Lv. 3], Universal Language Comprehension [Lv. MAX], Rapid Recovery [Lv. 5], Alchemy [Lv. 2], Stealth [Lv. 4];
Each element proudly showcased its spells and their levels, a marker of the time and energy she devoted to mastering them. The list of skills beneath each affinity grew longer with each passing week, spells she had memorized and wielded with increasing confidence. This was more than just learning; it was becoming, an evolution she embraced with eager anticipation.
Her discovery of how memorized spells translated into skills felt like uncovering a hidden mechanism in a complex machine. The thrill of it was palpable, a jolt of recognition and satisfaction that spurred her to dig even deeper. The realization brought structure to her magical practice, a roadmap she followed with precision and intent. Every new entry on the list was a triumph, each level increase a nod to her dedication. Her satisfaction was immense, the joy of her accomplishments woven into the very fabric of her being. It was not just about the magic itself but the understanding, the unraveling of how each piece fit into the whole.
The more she learned, the more she recognized the importance of knowing the underlying principles. This was her advantage, her edge, and she pursued it with unwavering determination. The vastness of what lay before her was exhilarating, an infinite realm of possibilities she had only just begun to explore. Hinata's commitment was unshakeable, her spirit unyielding. Every number, every spell, every skill was a stepping stone toward a greater goal, a future she was crafting with the precision of a master architect. Her eyes sparkled with ambition as she considered the path ahead, each step an invitation to learn and grow. She was a part of this world now, and she intended to uncover all its secrets.
***
The hush of the secluded corner wrapped around Hinata like a comforting cocoon, shielding her from prying eyes and unwanted attention. She reveled in the isolation, her own little universe where she could test her limits without fear of discovery. The mana flowed like liquid light through her fingertips, and she cast a quick spell—a simple illumination that flared with the eager intensity of a star being born. She repeated it again and again, her breath mingling with the shimmering glow, until her mana flickered like a guttering candle. Even exhausted, her spirit soared when she heard a loud ding from the system, indicating a new skill. Show status.
[Hinata Hikari (Human, Female, Age: 3)]
Health: 60/62; Mana: 70/88; Stamina: 70/77;
Condition: Normal;
Vitality: 35; Strength:40; Agility: 45; Intellect: 98; Wisdom: 96; Charisma: 4; Luck: 1;
Titles: Daughter of Akari Hikari, Daughter of Naomi Hikari, Reincarnator;
Affinities: Fire (Flame [Lv. 4], Fireball [Lv. 2], Fire Arrow [Lv. 2], Explosion [Lv. 1]), Water (Water Ball [Lv. 2], Water Wall [Lv. 1], Freeze [Lv. 2], Ice Arrow [Lv. 3]), Wind (Wind Blade [Lv. 3], Vortex Blast [Lv. 2], Lightning Arrow [Lv. 2], Chain Lightning [Lv. 1]), Earth (Pitfall [Lv. 3], Earthen Wall [Lv. 5], Earthen Spears [Lv. 2]), Light (Light Orb [Lv. 6], Laser [Lv. 8], Purification [Lv. MAX]), Shadow (Hide [Lv. MAX], Shadow Needle [Lv. 2], Phase Shift [Lv. 4]), Healing (Heal [Lv. 3], High Heal [Lv. 1], Cure [Lv. 2], Regeneration [Lv. 1]), Null (Telekinesis [Lv. MAX], Barrier [Lv. 5], Physical Strengthening [Lv. 2]);
Skills: Appraisal [Lv. 5], Item Box [Lv. 3], Universal Language Comprehension [Lv. MAX], Rapid Recovery [Lv. 5], Alchemy [Lv. 2], Stealth [Lv. 4], Magic Control [Lv. 1];
Hinata did not hesitate, immediately using her appraisal skill on her newly acquired magic control skill.
[Magic Control]
Acquired by mages with sufficient experience manipulating mana. Increases mana efficiency and facilitates spell customization. (Current: 5% spell cost reduction)
The hidden nook felt worlds away from the bustling life of the manor, a secret refuge where Hinata's ambitions could unfurl without constraint and her glee burst forth without concern. She cherished these moments of solitude, knowing that her progress depended on them. The absence of other eyes made the air around her seem thick with potential, an empty canvas ready to be painted with magic's vibrant hues.
Her small frame settled with deliberate focus, she whispered the words of her chosen spell. Light Orb. The light responded eagerly, a bright and enthusiastic burst that lit up her private corner like the first flash of morning. Her fingers tingled with the sensation of mana rushing to fulfill her will, a current of raw power harnessed and controlled. It was exhilarating, intoxicating, and she dove into the practice with an intensity that left no room for distraction.
Again she cast, and again, each time with the precision of a watchmaker tuning a delicate mechanism. The glow filled the space, warm and insistent, reflecting in her eyes with the promise of new discoveries. She watched and felt and learned, her breath syncing with the pulsing light, until the mana began to wane. It flickered, uncertain and tremulous, a candle fighting against the dark.
When the exhaustion came, it washed over her like a cool breeze, whispering of limits reached and boundaries pushed. But within that fatigue lay a new strength, a mastery that had eluded her before. Her magic control skill had leveled up. The skill manifested in subtle ways—the longer glow, the almost imperceptible reduction in cost—and her heart sang with the realization.
Not content to rest, even in her drained state, Hinata reached out with senses attuned to magic's every nuance. She wanted to understand, to see the invisible threads of mana that danced in the air around her. The effort was like squinting into the sun, straining to perceive what lay beyond the obvious. Slowly, faint tendrils came into view, ghostly and ephemeral, a web of energy she could only now begin to detect. Magic sense. Another piece of the puzzle, another step toward mastery.
Every aspect of her training brought its own brand of satisfaction, its own revelations and challenges. The journey was endless, but that was what made it so thrilling. She could feel her understanding deepen, the skills compound, her magical abilities grow more efficient and more powerful. This was what she had craved, what she had sought even before her life had taken its fantastical turn.
Her body cried out for rest, the strain of intense practice evident in the heaviness of her limbs and the dull throb of mana depletion. But her mind, her spirit—they were invigorated, energized by the knowledge that she was progressing faster than she had ever dreamed possible.
Hinata paused to catch her breath, letting the remnants of mana settle and the world come back into focus. The room dimmed as the last of the light spells faded, leaving her in a soft, natural twilight that mirrored her meditative state. She closed her eyes, a serene smile gracing her lips, and felt the sweet ache of triumph in every fiber of her being. Another shriek of the system sounded, a ding indicating further growth. Show status.
[Hinata Hikari (Human, Female, Age: 3)]
Health: 60/62; Mana: 42/88; Stamina: 68/77;
Condition: Normal;
Vitality: 35; Strength:40; Agility: 45; Intellect: 98; Wisdom: 97; Charisma: 4; Luck: 1;
Titles: Daughter of Akari Hikari, Daughter of Naomi Hikari, Reincarnator;
Affinities: Fire (Flame [Lv. 4], Fireball [Lv. 2], Fire Arrow [Lv. 2], Explosion [Lv. 1]), Water (Water Ball [Lv. 2], Water Wall [Lv. 1], Freeze [Lv. 2], Ice Arrow [Lv. 3]), Wind (Wind Blade [Lv. 3], Vortex Blast [Lv. 2], Lightning Arrow [Lv. 2], Chain Lightning [Lv. 1]), Earth (Pitfall [Lv. 3], Earthen Wall [Lv. 5], Earthen Spears [Lv. 2]), Light (Light Orb [Lv. 6], Laser [Lv. 8], Purification [Lv. MAX]), Shadow (Hide [Lv. MAX], Shadow Needle [Lv. 2], Phase Shift [Lv. 4]), Healing (Heal [Lv. 3], High Heal [Lv. 1], Cure [Lv. 2], Regeneration [Lv. 1]), Null (Telekinesis [Lv. MAX], Barrier [Lv. 5], Physical Strengthening [Lv. 2]);
Skills: Appraisal [Lv. 5], Item Box [Lv. 3], Universal Language Comprehension [Lv. MAX], Rapid Recovery [Lv. 5], Alchemy [Lv. 2], Stealth [Lv. 4], Magic Control [Lv. 2], Magic Detection [Lv. 1];
Hinata cheered quietly, quickly using her appraisal skill on her newly acquired magic detection skill.
[Magic Detection]
Acquired by mages with sufficient experience inspecting mana traces. Enables detection of active mana and identification of spell forms (up to skill level).
There was so much more to learn, so many skills left to acquire. But if this session had proven anything, it was that her resolve was as infinite as the mana she wielded. Hinata knew she was only scratching the surface, and that was just the way she liked it. Each discovery spurred her to find the next, a relentless pursuit of excellence that no one—not even Lord Cedric or her unsuspecting parents—could keep up with.
She opened her eyes, now glowing with ambition, and vowed to push even harder. The next challenge awaited, and she was ready.
***
It was a frigid morning as Hinata ducked beneath the arc of Julia's wooden sword, the weapon whistling past her ears with a whoosh of displaced air. Her own practice blade flashed up in response, but she hesitated, allowing Julia a clean recovery. Lord Cedric observed from the sidelines, his sharp eyes missing nothing.
"You will not defeat your opponents with mere courtesy," he instructed, his voice carrying the weight of countless battles. Hinata bit back a retort, choosing instead to focus her energy on the training.
What was I supposed to do? My attributes are at least double Julia’s. Hinata pushed herself harder, integrating physical enhancement magic with each stroke, feeling the invigorating rush as her limbs moved with newfound speed and strength. Meanwhile, Julia's frustration mounted, the older girl casting her sword aside with an angry huff. She watched as Hinata's dedication eclipsed everything else, even her own desire for attention.
"It is not fair!" Julia pouted, her orange eyes blazing with a mix of admiration and resentment. Hinata's response was as swift as her movements: a quiet determination to improve, no matter the cost.
The training courtyard buzzed with activity, the clashing of wooden swords a steady rhythm underscoring the girls' focused breaths. It was Hinata's playground and battleground, a place where she could test her theories and hone her skills under the guise of simple practice. The cool morning air carried the scent of fresh earth and the promise of hard work, wrapping around her like an invigorating tonic.
Hinata's movements were sharp and precise, each swing of the blade paired with the subtle pulse of magic coursing through her veins. She felt it fuse with her muscles, a living energy that propelled her to new heights. She had learned the art of controlling her magic, bending it to her will and merging it with her physical prowess. Her strokes grew faster, her footwork lighter, every part of her in perfect synchronization with the rest.
Julia's frustration became palpable, an almost visible aura that clung to her like a stubborn mist. She tried to match Hinata's pace, her competitive spirit driving her to the edge of her endurance. But as Hinata's dedication burned brighter, Julia's confidence faltered.
"Why will you only train but not play with me?" she burst out, her voice raw with a mixture of accusation and longing.
Lord Cedric's gaze flicked between them, the strategist in him weighing each girl's potential and determination. His presence loomed large, a silent demand for excellence that spurred them both onward.
"Focus, Julia," he commanded, his tone carrying a hint of expectation that made Julia grit her teeth.
Hinata's mind raced with thoughts and strategies, a dozen different paths of self-improvement unfolding before her. She had always been good at multitasking, even when her limbs felt ready to drop off. This training was more than just exercise; it was a chance to grow, to push herself further than anyone thought possible. She barely registered Julia's emotional retreat, so wrapped up was she in her quest for mastery.
The thud of Julia's sword hitting the ground broke through the morning's rhythm, an exclamation point to the younger girl's mounting exasperation.
"Hinata only cares about training!" she accused, cheeks flushed and eyes shimmering with a defiant, jealous energy. She looked to Lord Cedric for support, but his expression remained unreadable, a master tactician considering his next move. “I want to do something other than training for once!”
Hinata paused, her chest rising and falling with the exertion of her efforts, and considered Julia's words. There was a truth to them, one she couldn't deny even if she wanted to. But it did not change her course. Her dedication to growth and understanding was an unquenchable flame, and she couldn't let anything—not even friendship—dampen it. Besides, Hinata knew that Lord Cedric was planning on enslaving her, so she did not see any point in building up a friendship with Julia when the time to run will eventually come.
She picked up the sword Julia had cast aside, offering it back with a quiet resolve that spoke louder than any argument. Julia huffed but took it, her determination to reclaim Hinata's attention rekindled by the younger girl's stoic persistence. They resumed, the clattering of their weapons a testament to both their wills.
The training continued, relentless and intense, a microcosm of Hinata's wider ambition. Lord Cedric watched with a mixture of interest and detachment, recognizing Hinata's drive but remaining uncertain of its implications.
"Remember, it is not just skill but strategy that wins battles," he advised, casting his words like seeds and wondering where they might take root.
The morning stretched into afternoon, and still Hinata pushed forward, integrating everything she knew and suspected into her rigorous routines. She practiced with unflagging resolve, magic and physical training merging in a dance of innovation and hard work. Her status screen loomed in her mind, the numbers growing in ways no one expected, especially not Lord Cedric, who could only see the surface of her efforts.
The sky shifted from blue to gray, and the chill of early evening crept into the courtyard. Julia stayed by her side, occasionally asserting her presence with a playful demand or a well-timed strike, but Hinata's focus never wavered. She was set on a course of discovery and excellence, and nothing—not even the whims of a noble household—could steer her from it.
In the quiet moments, when her breath and mana both felt spent, she reflected on how far she'd come. The numbers in her mind flickered with promise, a secret known only to her, and her spirit soared with the challenge of keeping it that way.
Hinata wove between the stately columns of the training courtyard with the fluidity of a cat on the hunt, each step and strike calculated to perfection. The clatter of wooden swords, once daunting, now felt like a harmonious symphony of exertion and improvement. The more she trained, the more her attributes soared, a delightful discovery that had her pushing herself with newfound intensity. She targeted each area with meticulous focus, her strategy as sharp as the edge of the sword she swung. Children could not increase their level until they hit ten years old, but Hinata was convinced that building her base would let her advance with breathtaking speed. Julia, often frustrated, shadowed her every move, always hoping to lure Hinata into play, but Hinata's resolve never wavered. The pursuit of strength was a game in itself, and one she intended to win.
The courtyard had become Hinata's personal arena, a proving ground where she could test every hypothesis and refine every skill. The elegance of its design—a blend of classic stonework and lush greenery—was a stark contrast to the chaos of her relentless practice. She embraced the contradiction, using it to fuel her ambitious drive.
Her approach was as disciplined as it was fierce. She had learned through careful observation and endless trial and error that intense training yielded impressive results, each session like a shot of adrenaline to her status screen. Her speed increased with sprints, her strength with swordplay, her endurance with relentless repetition. She approached each attribute with the precision of a master tactician, focusing her efforts on specific areas to maximize their potential.
The knowledge that she couldn't level until age ten was no deterrent; rather, it was a challenge she met with an architect's foresight and a gamer's glee. She envisioned a foundation so strong that her advancement would be unstoppable, each increase a testament to her unwavering dedication.
Her movements flowed with the grace and efficiency of someone who knew exactly what she was after. The once formidable clatter of practice swords now harmonized with her focused thoughts, each clash a confirmation of progress. She targeted every swing, every dodge, every parry, transforming the courtyard into a symphony of training and achievement.
Julia's presence was a constant, hovering on the edge of Hinata's awareness like a persistent shadow. The older girl's attempts to lure her into playful distraction often went unnoticed, Hinata's single-minded dedication forming a barrier even Julia's determination couldn't breach.
"Hinata, let's do something fun!" Julia implored, her voice a playful mix of demand and plea.
But to Hinata, this was fun, a thrill that resonated in her very core. She glanced at Julia with a teasing smile, aware of the girl's frustration but undeterred by it. "This is fun," she countered, the certainty in her words as solid as the ground beneath their feet.
Julia pouted but didn't relent, matching Hinata's pace with youthful exuberance even as she longed for the younger girl's undivided attention. Her bright orange eyes watched every move, admiration and impatience warring within their vibrant depths.
The competitive atmosphere was electrifying, a current of energy that charged every moment and kept Hinata on the edge of her capabilities. The courtyard rang with the sound of determination, the relentless tempo of wooden swords and the rhythmic echo of exerted breath. Each day brought a new sense of purpose, a fresh opportunity to outdo her previous limits.
Hinata's resolve was an unyielding force, a testament to her spirit and intellect. She viewed training as a puzzle, an intricate game of strategy where the only opponent was herself. The excitement of discovery propelled her forward, the numbers on her status screen reflecting the steady climb of her efforts.
The pace of her life matched the tempo of the training ground, a blur of activity and ambition that left little room for anything else. She immersed herself in the pursuit of strength, the thrill of it making her pulse with a lively, determined beat.
Through it all, her thoughts remained sharp and focused, a clear path of intent guiding every decision and action. The more she trained, the more she understood, each day a chapter in a story of potential and promise. It was a narrative she wrote with every swing of her sword, every increase in her abilities, every triumph over the limits that had held her back.
Julia's persistence became part of the game, an element Hinata deftly navigated with a mix of affection and resolve. The younger girl, unwilling to be sidelined, adapted her tactics, engaging Hinata with strategies that ranged from playful demands to genuine challenges. It kept both girls sharp, their camaraderie deepening even as their goals diverged.
In the end, training was a game, a thrilling and exhilarating challenge that Hinata pursued with all the intensity of her analytical mind and adventurous spirit. She intended to win, to emerge stronger and more capable than anyone expected. Her ambitions were as vast as the world she had been reborn into, and her confidence was as boundless as her desire to explore every facet of it.
***
The manor's library stretched before Hinata like a vast, undiscovered country, its towering shelves and silent aisles beckoning her into their secretive depths. She roamed through it with the confidence of a seasoned explorer, eyes gleaming with the thrill of unearthing new knowledge. The scrolls she sought were hidden among volumes that towered above her like ancient sentinels, their delicate scripts whispering promises of wisdom and advantage. Her mind devoured the information with an insatiable hunger, turning it over and over, each revelation a building block in her grand design.
The library's immense space wrapped around Hinata like a warm, scholarly embrace. It was a world unto itself, a realm where time seemed to bend and twist in favor of those willing to lose themselves in its vast archives. She felt at home here, surrounded by the dusty whispers of old parchment and the subtle scent of aging leather. Each corner promised a new secret, each aisle a new discovery.
She navigated the labyrinth with purposeful ease, her small figure a dart of intent among the towering shelves. Where others might have been daunted by the sheer volume of information, Hinata saw only opportunity. She moved like a shadow, her footsteps silent on the wooden floor, a determined seeker in a land of boundless knowledge.
The scrolls that held her interest were ancient and fragile, tucked away in the library's furthest corners. They were treasures hidden among the weighty tomes, the secrets of status values waiting to be unveiled. Hinata's fingers brushed against them with the reverence of a scholar and the eagerness of a child, her mind racing with the possibilities they presented.
Typical status values for ten-year-olds. Theoretical maximums at level one. The words jumped out at her like keys to a kingdom, each line of script a glimpse into a world she was only beginning to map. Her analytical mind worked at lightning speed, connecting the dots, fitting each piece into a grander picture.
[Lv. 1 - Avg Child (Human, Male, Age: 10)]
Health: 50/50; Mana: 20/20; Stamina: 30/30;
Condition: Normal;
Vitality: 10; Strength:10; Agility: 7; Intellect: 5; Wisdom: 5; Charisma: 5; Luck: RND;
Affinities: One or two;
Skills: Dependent on training;
[Lv. 1 - Avg Child (Human, Female, Age: 10)]
Health: 50/50; Mana: 30/30; Stamina: 20/20;
Condition: Normal;
Vitality: 5; Strength: 5; Agility: 5; Intellect: 10; Wisdom: 10; Charisma: 7; Luck: RND;
Affinities: One or two;
Skills: Dependent on training;
[Lv. 1 - Max Child (Human, Any, Age: 10)]
Health: 100/100; Mana: 100/100; Stamina: 100/100;
Condition: Normal;
Vitality: 100; Strength: 100; Agility: 100; Intellect: 100; Wisdom: 100; Charisma: 100; Luck: RND;
Affinities: Four;
Skills: Dependent on training;
She absorbed the information with an intensity that bordered on hunger, each new revelation feeding her ambitious spirit. The knowledge was a springboard, a launchpad for plans that reached beyond the horizon of what anyone else imagined. Hinata saw the numbers and values not as mere figures, but as living entities, elements she could shape and manipulate to her advantage.
The knowledge that her attributes and resources would max out at one hundred was useful knowledge, but more than that was the information that four magical affinities was considered the maximum for a human child.
Her thoughts swirled with potential, each strand weaving into the tapestry of her future. If these were the typical numbers, could she achieve the maximum with her unrelenting drive and unique abilities? The idea thrilled her, a surge of excitement that pushed her to dig deeper, to find more, to understand everything this world had to offer.
Hinata's determination was palpable, a force that animated her every move and decision. She read with the focus of a master strategist plotting a campaign, each line of text a battlefield to be conquered. The typical status values were starting points, but she aimed for the stars, for the maximums that others barely dreamed of reaching.
The scrolls piled around her like fallen leaves, each one studied and committed to memory before she moved to the next. Her intellectual curiosity knew no bounds, a driving force that propelled her through the library with unstoppable momentum. It was not enough to simply know; she had to understand, to incorporate, to use.
Hinata discovered and noted that her appraisal was considered a legendary skill (orange), item box was considered an epic skill (purple), universal language comprehension was another legendary skill (orange), rapid recovery was an unknown skill (black), and alchemy was considered a trash skill (grey). The author noted that it was common for children born with the rare item box skill to be enslaved by nobles or rich merchants and used for their business. Hinata shivered in disgust at the thought.
But still, she reveled in the isolation of the library, the uninterrupted hours where nothing mattered but the pursuit of knowledge. The library was her sanctuary, the perfect place to cultivate her grand ambitions without the prying eyes of the household. She imagined what Lord Cedric or her parents might think if they knew the depths of her planning, the audacity of her goals.
With every new insight, every calculation and prediction, Hinata's plans took shape. She was building more than just her attributes; she was constructing a future, one that sparkled with potential and glittered with possibilities. Her mind was a flurry of activity, each new piece of information adding another layer to her strategic vision.
The hours passed in a blur, the steady tick of time irrelevant in the face of such discovery. The library became a living, breathing entity, a co-conspirator in her quest for mastery. Hinata thrived within its walls, her spirit soaring with every new understanding, her ambitions growing with every revelation.
She left the library with the knowledge she had come for and more, her heart pounding with excitement and her head buzzing with plans. Typical status values for ten-year-olds? Theoretical maximums at level one? She was ready to surpass them all, to chart a path no one else could follow. The thrill of it filled her with an exhilaration that carried her through the silent halls and back to her waiting world, a world she was determined to shape in her image.
***
Hidden in the quiet refuge of the manor's forgotten wing, Hinata embarked on a magical odyssey, a personal quest for mastery that she pursued with the determination of one racing against time. Her baptism in four years loomed large, a pivotal moment that demanded nothing short of perfection. She was relentless, a force of nature wrapped in the guise of a child, uncovering and mastering skills with a precision that left even her breathless. Magic control. Magic sense. Elemental spells. Alchemy. Each new discovery was a beacon on her journey, lighting the way to the bright future she was determined to claim.
[Hinata Hikari (Human, Female, Age: 3)]
Health: 70/70; Mana: 87/95; Stamina: 85/89;
Condition: Normal;
Vitality: 39; Strength:43; Agility: 46; Intellect: 99; Wisdom: 99; Charisma: 5; Luck: 1;
Titles: Daughter of Akari Hikari, Daughter of Naomi Hikari, Reincarnator;
Affinities: Fire (Flame [Lv. 4], Fireball [Lv. 2], Fire Arrow [Lv. 2], Explosion [Lv. 1]), Water (Water Ball [Lv. 2], Water Wall [Lv. 1], Freeze [Lv. 2], Ice Arrow [Lv. 3]), Wind (Wind Blade [Lv. 3], Vortex Blast [Lv. 2], Lightning Arrow [Lv. 2], Chain Lightning [Lv. 1]), Earth (Pitfall [Lv. 3], Earthen Wall [Lv. 5], Earthen Spears [Lv. 2]), Light (Light Orb [Lv. 6], Laser [Lv. 8], Purification [Lv. MAX]), Shadow (Hide [Lv. MAX], Shadow Needle [Lv. 2], Phase Shift [Lv. 4]), Healing (Heal [Lv. 3], High Heal [Lv. 1], Cure [Lv. 2], Regeneration [Lv. 1]), Null (Telekinesis [Lv. MAX], Barrier [Lv. 5], Physical Strengthening [Lv. 2]);
Skills: Appraisal [Lv. 5], Item Box [Lv. 3], Universal Language Comprehension [Lv. MAX], Rapid Recovery [Lv. 5], Alchemy [Lv. 2], Stealth [Lv. 4], Magic Control [Lv. 3], Magic Detection [Lv. 3], Swordsmanship [Lv. 3];
The secluded corner served as her sanctuary, far from the eyes of curious servants and imposing nobles. It was a place where she could practice with abandon, pushing herself to the very limits of her endurance and skill. The air shimmered with mana and possibility, a living testament to her ceaseless efforts.
Hinata approached her training with methodical precision, her focus as unyielding as her will. Each session was a carefully orchestrated symphony of practice, a blend of magic and strategy that left no aspect of her abilities unexplored. She pushed herself with an intensity that bordered on obsession, repeating spells and skills until they became second nature, until they bent to her command as naturally as breathing.
The skills she discovered came in rapid succession, each one an affirmation of her progress and potential. Magic control allowed her to manipulate spells with exquisite finesse, reducing their cost and increasing their power in ways that made her heart race with triumph. Magic sense revealed the intricate web of mana that surrounded her, a hidden world she now navigated with the ease of a seasoned traveler.
Her focus extended to every corner of magical knowledge, each element a challenge she met with eager determination. She wielded fire, water, earth, and wind with growing mastery, the spells dancing through her mind in a vibrant choreography of power. The inclusion of alchemy added depth and intrigue to her repertoire, a skill that marked her as unique and carried with it both promise and peril.
Hinata's rapid progress was a source of exhilaration and urgency. The baptism was a looming deadline, a race against time that filled her with both excitement and resolve. She knew the event would reveal her status, lay bare her attributes for all to see. She was determined to shape those numbers, to present herself as nothing less than extraordinary while concealing everything she could.
The secrecy of her training added an element of thrill and danger to her pursuits. She was cautious, always aware of the potential for discovery by her parents or Lord Cedric. She moved like a whisper, her presence in the forgotten wing a well-guarded secret known only to her. The fear of being caught spurred her to greater heights, an invisible pressure that honed her focus and sharpened her ambition.
Hinata's world narrowed to the single-minded pursuit of excellence, each day a testament to her unrelenting drive. She practiced until her mana flickered and her body cried out for rest, and even then her spirit soared with the knowledge of her accomplishments. The breadth of her abilities expanded with each session, her skills growing in strength and number like a well-tended garden blooming in vibrant, chaotic splendor.
The more she learned, the more determined she became. There was no end to what she could achieve, no limit to the potential she could unlock. The baptism would be a turning point, but Hinata saw it as only the beginning of a much larger journey. Her ambitions stretched beyond the immediate, a path of discovery and power that she was already charting with relentless intent. When she learned that one could set components in your status to hidden, she quickly took advantage of the knowledge, marking most of her information as concealed. Show status.
[Hinata Hikari (Human, Female, Age: 3)]
Health: 70/70; Mana: 87/95; Stamina: 85/89;
Condition: Normal;
{C} Vitality: 39; {C} Strength:43; {C} Agility: 46; {C} Intellect: 99; {C} Wisdom: 99; {C} Charisma: 5; {C} Luck: 1;
Titles: Daughter of Akari Hikari, Daughter of Naomi Hikari, {C} Reincarnator;
Affinities: {C} Fire (Flame [Lv. 4], Fireball [Lv. 2], Fire Arrow [Lv. 2], Explosion [Lv. 1]), {C} Water (Water Ball [Lv. 2], Water Wall [Lv. 1], Freeze [Lv. 2], Ice Arrow [Lv. 3]), {C} Wind (Wind Blade [Lv. 3], Vortex Blast [Lv. 2], Lightning Arrow [Lv. 2], Chain Lightning [Lv. 1]), {C} Earth (Pitfall [Lv. 3], Earthen Wall [Lv. 5], Earthen Spears [Lv. 2]), {C} Light (Light Orb [Lv. 6], Laser [Lv. 8], Purification [Lv. MAX]), {C} Shadow (Hide [Lv. MAX], Shadow Needle [Lv. 2], Phase Shift [Lv. 4]), {C} Healing (Heal [Lv. 3], High Heal [Lv. 1], Cure [Lv. 2], Regeneration [Lv. 1]), {C} Null (Telekinesis [Lv. MAX], Barrier [Lv. 5], Physical Strengthening [Lv. 2]);
Skills: {C} Appraisal [Lv. 5], {C} Item Box [Lv. 3], {C} Universal Language Comprehension [Lv. MAX], {C} Rapid Recovery [Lv. 5], {C} Alchemy [Lv. 2], {C} Stealth [Lv. 4], {C} Magic Control [Lv. 3], {C} Magic Detection [Lv. 3], Swordsmanship [Lv. 3];
Satisfied with the changes, Hinata cast appraisal on herself to view the public information that would show up on her citizen card.
[Hinata Hikari (Human, Female, Age: 3)]
Health: 70/70; Mana: 87/95; Stamina: 85/89;
Condition: Normal;
Titles: Daughter of Akari Hikari, Daughter of Naomi Hikari;
Affinities: N/A;
Skills: Swordsmanship [Lv. 3];
It would have to do. It is not like Hinata can conceal the results of her efforts on her health, mana, or stamina. She spent every moment in training, an investment in her future, a future she was crafting with the precision and foresight of an architect building a world from the ground up. Her thoughts buzzed with possibilities, her mind a hive of activity that mirrored the fervor of her practice. How closely would they watch her after her baptism?
The quiet refuge of the manor became a crucible for her growth, a place where she transformed herself in preparation for the revelation that would define her young life. Hinata embraced the challenge with open arms, her heart filled with the fire of ambition and the certainty of success.
As she emerged from her sanctuary, the echoes of her determination followed her like a loyal shadow. The path ahead was clear, the goal in sight, and she was ready—more than ready—to seize it with everything she had.
