Chapter 22: Chapter 21: A Talent Restrained (3)

Jun laid back to rest his eyes while his unsettled mind churned.

This boy is so… unrealistic.

His unnatural endurance, his unyielding will. Those pale in comparison to his trial… assassinating a king?

He grimaced upon recalling the boy’s trial.

On top of all that, he can’t even see his stats or abilities. How is he supposed to know his progress or what he’s good at?

“Ugh…”

Jun let out a sigh before glancing at the boy before him.

“Whatever, just… keep a notebook of all the skills you learn, or something like that. Normally the status section in your soul crystal would keep track of your progress in each skill. It would show you the grade of the skill and your proficiency with it. However, you’ll just have to make an educated guess and track it yourself.”

Jun waved his hand as if he couldn’t be bothered with the topic anymore.

“Got it.”

The boy nodded in understanding.

“So, what skills do you currently have… that you know of.”

This was the key point to having the status information. Most people who enter the tower wouldn’t have unique abilities, however it could happen in rare occasions. Those people were pretty much destined to become great figures in the future.

“Well I learned Fire Manipulation months ago, and today I learned Cleanse and Illuminate.”

The boy spoke with confidence, causing Jun to grow speechless.

“That’s… that’s it? Those are just the most foundational and beginner skills that everyone learns. Actually, don’t answer that. I’m not sure why I expected anything crazy.”

Jun let out another sigh.

“I’ve seen your Cleanse skill, so tell me how proficient you are with Flame Manipulation. You can maintain a fire, right?”

Jun asked the boy sarcastically. Part of him was expecting a crazy answer, and the other part of him hoped for a normal answer. Of course, the answer he got…

“I was able to burn away the guard that attacked me earlier. So I guess it’s a little strong.”

The boy replied seriously as if he were being evaluated.

Jun’s mouth hung open and his eye twitched.

He did what?

His brain did a miniature reset as he digested the information.

“You… burned away a guard? What does that even mean?”

Jun asked just in case he had misheard.

“Yea, he’s gone now. At least… I couldn’t find any trace of him.”

“So, he’s gone… just like that?”

“Yea.”

“Okay, cool. Sure.”

A cold chill found its way down Jun’s spine.

He just spent an entire week wreaking havoc on this young boy, and now he’s finding out that the boy could effortlessly end his life at any moment.

Somehow, he forgot the fact that he was already gravely injured and would be helpless even before a toddler, let alone a prodigal teen.

The boy’s voice broke the awkward silence.

“Will I get in trouble for it? The guard attacked me first.”

He explained with a frown.

“It’s fine. Despite how us servants are treated, we’re still Madam Lexene’s prized possessions. She cares very little about the lives of the guards she employs. Either way, the guards aren’t supposed to lay a hand on servants for no reason.”

Jun felt like he aged many years after realizing he would be dealing with the little monster from here on out.

“Although you won’t get in trouble, she might restrict your strength if she finds out. You didn’t tell anyone, did you?”

“Well… I told another guard, but he didn’t believe me.”

The boy scratched his cheek awkwardly.

“I see. Let’s hope nothing more comes of this and try not to show any strength going forward. Believe me, wearing suppression artifacts every single day is not fun.”

“Okay.”

Jun looked at the seemingly harmless boy in front of him and sank into a deep thought.

Not only does he have peerless looks at such a young age, but his strength is extraordinary. Perhaps he’s some young master from a high-ranking family? What if someone comes for him from a higher floor?

“Hey, did you perhaps… run away from home? Or rather, is anyone out there looking for you?”

It was a shot in the dark, but Jun had to ask. Once these types of thoughts entered his head, he grew hopeful that some powerful expert was going to extract the boy from his predicament.

If that was going to happen anyway, wouldn’t he benefit greatly by befriending the boy? After all, he didn’t seem like the type to abandon his friends.

Unfortunately, Jun’s glimmer of hope was quickly extinguished just as fast as it had come.

“Looking for me? I don’t see why anyone would… I have no family left.”

“Never mind that question, it was dumb.”

Jun couldn’t help but feel somewhat disappointed now that he knew for sure the boy was alone in this world.

“For these next couple of weeks, at least until Madam Lexene comes back, try to learn from the other servants on what to do. Also, you don’t have to spend each night in this room anymore. Give me a week and I think I’ll be in working condition.”

Jun laid out some instructions for the boy.

He knew that this period of time was the calm before a storm; with that storm being Madam Lexene’s arrival. There was no way of telling what kind of change would occur when she returned.

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For the next couple of weeks, the boy followed Jun’s instructions.

Each day he followed the other servants and explored the manor grounds. The guards eventually learned of his existence and tactfully left him alone.

The boy gave special consideration not to use any form of strength to avoid attention. The only skill he used was the Cleanse skill, and he made extra effort to reduce the effects to a minimum.

The day of Madam Lexene’s arrival drew nearer, which caused a shift in the manor’s carefree atmosphere. Each of the servants tensed up with anxiety and they performed their housework with utmost scrutiny.

Jun, who was up and walking by now, double checked everyone’s work to ensure that there were no mistakes. Lawns were trimmed, dust was swept, clothes were folded, rooms were organized, and reports were made.

Everything was as immaculate as could be.

The large double doors burst open, and Madam Lexene elegantly strode in with Marcel following behind her. All six servants were lined up in two rows to welcome her, including her newest addition.

“Welcome home Madam Lexene!”

They called out in unison.

Each servant secretly eyed Marcel as he joined them, they were looking for hidden signs of damage. Oddly, he seemed perfectly fine.

Even if he consumed a high-grade pill there should have been some signs left behind, but to their shock, he seemed hale and hearty.

Madam Lexene walked past each servant until she came to a stop in front of her recent addition. She devoured him with her eyes while her mouth creased upward into a smile.

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

She leaned in forward so that her face was a mere inch away from his.

“I’ve thought long and hard while I was away. I’ve decided that I won’t be able to have anything less than you. I’ll wait patiently, so be a good boy now, and don’t get in trouble. It would break my heart if I’m to discipline you.”

She stood back up and let out a small giggle before walking away, leaving all of her servants shocked in the process.

“Did she just… laugh? Like a little girl?”

Clence murmured quietly.

“She did.”

Jun responded in a solemn voice as he eyed the scene.

Out of all the servants, he was the least affected by her actions. He witnessed how desperate Madam Lexene had been to acquire the boy into her collection.

Everything he imagined was coming to be true.

She only has eyes for him, which makes sense.

Jun glanced towards the confused boy.

The only reason she hasn’t pounced on him yet is because he’s not old enough…

Jun shook his head and threw his extraneous thoughts away.

“Alright, let’s be smart about this. Everyone has a job to do. Kid, you’ll be shadowing me from now on.”

Jun clapped his hands, and everyone dispersed.

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In Madam Lexene’s office, a hulking man recited a report out loud.

“No one stepped out of line while you were away. Although…”

His voice trailed off and his eyebrows knit together.

Madam Lexene flipped through some paperwork on her desk. She raised an eyebrow at the man when she realized he stopped talking.

“Although?”

She wore a frown on her face.

The man became flustered once he realized he had gotten lost in his own thoughts.

“Er you see, ma’am. Red Thunder went missing. Fynn saw him go past the main room, but he never came back out.”

Madam Lexene folded her hands and crossed her fingers with a raised eyebrow, patiently waiting for him to explain.

“The strange thing, Fynn came across the new servant. The new servant said he killed Red Thunder, but who would believe that? We’s thought the new servant had a crazy kind of humor, but Red Thunder hasn’t been seen since then.”

The man finished his report with that.

“Oh?”

She sat back in her chair with a look of amusement.

“The boy is funny ain’t he? How could he kill Red Thunder, who is a third-floor veteran. Besides, if he did kill Red Thunder then where is the body? I think Red Thunder gave us the slip and is done with his post.”

Madam Lexene tapped her fingernails on the desk in thought.

“Bring the boy here.”

“You really think he did it? That’s nonsense!”

The guard was bewildered.

“Whether he has the strength to do it or not, I never once got the impression for him to carelessly joke like that.”

The guard opened his mouth to speak but found himself speechless. The boy wasn’t joking? But he was just a boy!

“I don’t pay you to stand there…”

Madam Lexene muttered with a dark look in her eyes.

“Yes ma’am! Right away!”

The guard raced off through the halls to find the suspect.

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Elsewhere, Jun lead the boy through an extremely grand room filled with various antiquities.

“Be very careful not to touch any of these objects. Some are cursed, and others are very expensive. My recommendation… don’t bother coming into this room. If you look there-,”

Jun continued explaining before he was interrupted by the sound of rushed steps.

“There you are! Madam Lexene wishes to speak with the young lad.”

The man looked warily at the small boy. He appeared as if he had been searching around for quite some time.

“Hmm… This is the guard captain, Lupeng. You best follow him. Whatever she wants, don’t fight back. Just comply and never challenge her. Never escalate anything, got it?”

Jun spoke in a low voice to the boy before sending him off.

“Got it…”

The boy nodded, walking towards the man.

“Uh, you walk in front!”

Lupeng hastily stepped to the side and let the boy pass. Lupeng’s behavior didn’t escape Jun’s eyes.

They must suspect something…

He let out a sigh. Nothing could be done at this point.

The servant and guard soon made their way to Madam Lexene’s office, with the latter feeling as if he was on thin ice the whole way. The door opened and they stepped inside.

“Leave us.”

Relief washed over Lupeng as he finally was able to escape the intense atmosphere. He gave a short bow and immediately excused himself.

The boy glanced around the room with uncertainty; he still remembered the last time he was here. He shuddered at the thought of the searing pain from the soul contract.

“How’s your new life?”

Madam Lexene’s voice carried a gentle ring to it. If one didn’t know any better, they would assume she was being sincere with her question.

“I’m still adjusting…”

The boy replied with minimal words. The last thing he wanted to do was carry on a conversation with this woman.

“I see.”

Her mouth creased into a smile—she continued speaking.

“I heard an interesting bit of information… So, I’d like to confirm something.”

She stood up, which gave the boy an unsettling feeling. His eyes darted around the room to the various devices and artifacts.

Which of these is she going to bring out? Probably something to test my strength…

It didn’t take long for Madam Lexene to procure a clear crystal and a stone slab with lines etched into it. She displayed the two objects on the desk.

“Today we’ll be testing the purity and strength of your mana.”

I knew it. The guard must have mentioned something…

The boy thought to himself, but he showed a slight amount of surprise on his face as if he were innocent.

“Give this your all, the better your foundations are then the more preferential treatment you’ll receive. Understand?”

Her smile was like honey over chocolate, but the boy felt it to be more sinister than ever.

Who is she trying to fool here?

“Please take this crystal and channel your mana through it.”

She handed him the clear crystal.

He could feel it trying to draw out his strength as he held it in his hands. He naturally fed it a small amount of mana, as little as he could. The crystal underwent a multitude of changes the moment mana filtered in.

Rapidly changing colors, as if it were an indecisive and emotional being, the crystal eventually settled and pulsed with a red hue.

After the initial red glow, it then changed into an icy blue, a soft green, a murky yellow, a flash of white and gold, and finally the crystal polluted itself with a cloud of black shadows.

Madam Lexene stared at the crystal with wide eyes.

The purpose of this crystal was to test the user’s purity of mana. Red was the lowest rank of purity, followed by green, yellow, and white. Red was considered to be D rank while white was the highest known purity of mana, which indicated that the mana produced would be at the A rank.

Theoretically it was possible to increase one's purity of mana beyond the A rank, but no one in recorded history had done so. Let alone the black color, the gold streaks that appeared in the white beforehand was already unknown territory.

The boy noticed Madam Lexene’s expression and quickly placed the crystal back onto the table, restoring its clarity. He got the feeling that he had already messed up, despite his attempt at trying to downplay his strength.

Madam Lexene couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement at the potential of her slave.

Mana purity beyond A rank? And it’s likely innate purity too!

An individual’s mana purity often indicated their level of future growth, and although some of the most powerful figures in existence started with D rank purity, they generally ended up with at least B rank purity.

The people that were born with B rank levels of purity were essentially at a completely different starting line than those born with D and C ranks.

To date there were no records of someone born with a purity at the A rank.

“Ahem, you are to never take another mana purity test again without my permission. Understand?”

The boy nodded in response.

Her first reaction was to hide his talent as if he were going to be snatched away. After all, there were plenty of people that eclipsed her in strength and power. If any one of them were to catch a hint of his potential, then there would only be one of two outcomes for the both of them, to be killed or placed under their control.

She smiled and withdrew the crystal, leaving just the stone.

“Please repeat what you just did, but with the stone instead.”

She gestured towards the stone slab with a gleam in her eyes.

I can’t mess this one up…

His thoughts raced as he held the stone with both hands.

He once again felt a natural draw of mana into the stone. This time he saw the different lines light up one by one.

He attempted to reduce his mana output, but whether he reduced or increased it, the glowing lines didn’t change at all.

The boy became somewhat flustered as he realized he couldn’t fabricate the test and he quickly placed the stone back down onto the desk.

“Incredible…”

Madam Lexene murmured quietly with her eyes lingering on the lines that were still faintly lit up. Out of the ten lines on the stone, six were still lit.

“Six lines. Do you understand what that means?”

She glanced at the boy.

“No…”

The boy frowned in thought.

Why didn’t the stone produce less lines? I was giving it so little of my mana…

“Perhaps you’re confused, so let me explain.”

She flashed her iconic, sinister-sweet smile.

“The stone doesn’t care about how much mana you put through it. Instead, it’s able to determine the density and volume of your mana as it passes through. From there, we can gauge your strength based off the lines that are lit up. Every two lines that light up indicate one rank’s worth of strength.”

She pointed to the sixth line on the stone.

“You lit up the sixth line, indicating that your mana’s strength is roughly B rank…”

B rank… and not even of age. There’s a chance that…

Madam Lexene looked at the boy oddly for a moment, whom of which merely fidgeted uncomfortably in response.

Is he stronger than me?

She took the stone slab between her own hands beneath the desk, out of the boy’s eyesight.

One, two, three, four, five…the sixth is dimly lit.

Her heart shook momentarily as she calmly observed the oblivious boy.

He’s easily strong enough to challenge the seventh floor. He must never find out…

Her heart thumped faster the more she instinctively felt threatened by his presence.

No… no! I’m the one in control! Yes! I have the soul contract! A-and, yes, let’s seal his power away. I must prepare for… yes, I will contact that guy.

“Ahem.”

She cleared her throat to gather his attention.

“It appears we’ll need to restrict some of your strength, for the good of the other servants. It would be quite unfair for everyone if one person had more strength in performing their duties, don’t you think?”

The boy remained silent as his heart sank a little lower.

I couldn’t avoid suppression cuffs after all.

“And so, I have a gift for you!”

She beamed a brilliant smile and procured two sleek black cuffs.

B rank suppression cuffs should be fine. My, my, he’s an expensive servant.

A rank suppression cuffs were not artifacts that could be commonly found. In fact, they were practically non-existent below the ninth floor of the tower.

The only reason why Madam Lexene was in possession of B rank cuffs was due to her past, as she was once a high ranker challenging the trials of the sixth floor.

Unfortunately, due to the nature of her trial, she deemed it impossible to succeed in her current state, which led her to starting a new life on the first floor.

However, with the arrival of the boy before her, it seemed fate had other plans for her.

With two clicks, she neatly fitted the cuffs around his wrists while happily humming a tune.

“Go on and try using your mana.”

Madam Lexene crossed her arms and looked at him with a smug smile.

The boy looked at the new decorations that were bound to him. If one didn’t know any better, they’d assume the cuffs were merely a fashion piece.

He tried circulating the mana within his body, and after a few moments he frowned.

“It feels heavy…”

He murmured out loud with a pensive expression.

Although it feels heavy, I can barely manage if I push myself hard enough.

“Perfect! Alright little one, you may go about your chores. Oh, and do perform to your best ability, I’ll be keeping a close eye on you. Go on now.”

The boy gave a small bow before excusing himself from the room. Perhaps he had imagined it, but the way Madam Lexene stared at him often gave him chills.

It was almost as if he could see either hearts or knives forming in her eyes, potentially both. However, what worried him the most were the misty clouds that seemed to be encroaching towards her pupils.

Did the cloudiness always exist?