Reflections of power and vulnerability. | 5

The sun had just begun to peek over the horizon, faintly illuminating the living room of Hana's house. Seated on the couch, Hana nervously fidgeted with a cup of hot tea, her thoughts a whirlwind of worries and emotions. Across from her, an agent from the Hero Association, dressed in a pristine dark blue uniform, carefully examined a dossier filled with detailed information.

— Ms. Takumi, — the agent began, his voice calm yet sharp, — we are here to discuss your son Raiden's potential. —

— It's Hana. Hana Yamada. I'm not married— Hana corrected him, lifting her gaze and making an effort to maintain her composure in front of the agent.

The agent blinked, processing the correction, then continued without hesitation. — Very well, Ms. Yamada. We have observed Raiden's abilities during the incident at the Ilamas building. Despite his young age, he has demonstrated a level of control and skill that is uncommon for someone at his stage. We believe that with proper training, he could become an exceptional hero. —

Although the words were flattering, there was an underlying coldness in the agent's tone that made Hana uneasy. — What kind of training? — she asked, seeking clarity.

The agent smiled, but his eyes remained devoid of warmth. — We propose that he attend one of our specialized schools. There, he will have access to advanced resources, experienced mentors, and an environment designed to enhance his abilities. The curriculum doesn't just focus on physical and magical development but also instills heroic values and principles. —

Hana listened intently, but doubts clouded her thoughts. — Is it safe? I've heard rumors that the Association's school is extremely rigorous and difficult. I don't want to put Raiden at unnecessary risk. —

The agent took a sip of his own tea before responding. — Rumors are often exaggerated, Ms. Takumi. The safety of our students is our top priority. The training is rigorous, yes, but every necessary precaution is taken. —

Hana slowly nodded, weighing the agent's words. — Even so, it's a difficult decision. Raiden is my only child, and I want what's best for him. —

— Of course, — the agent said, though a faint impatience tinged his voice. — We are leaving this folder with detailed information about the school and our training program. Take your time to review it and discuss it with Raiden. I am sure he will have his own thoughts on the matter as well. —

The agent placed the folder on the table and stood up, handing Hana his contact card. — If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to reach out. —

Hana took the card and the folder, offering the agent a slight nod of gratitude. — I'll think about it and talk to Raiden. Thank you for coming. —

The agent smiled, though the gesture felt more like a formality than genuine kindness. He said his goodbyes and walked toward the door, leaving Hana alone with her thoughts. She looked down at the folder in her hands, knowing she had to make a decision soon one that could change her son's fate forever.

--

In the quiet town of Shikoku, Japan, Raiden found himself immersed in a mission assigned by the mystical system. Though classified as low-level, Raiden knew better than to underestimate its difficulty.

The mission's objective was clear: eliminate a pack of mutant wolves that had been terrorizing the villagers and destroying their crops. Raiden moved cautiously through the dense forest, surrounded by towering, leafy trees that blocked much of the sunlight. The chirping of birds and the whisper of the wind through the leaves were the only sounds that filled the air, creating a deceptively serene atmosphere.

— Display Profile, — Raiden whispered, and a holographic panel materialized in front of him, displaying his current stats and abilities.

[Raiden's Profile:]

Current Level: 15

Available Attribute Points: 20

Available Skill Points: 10

Player Stats:

Strength (STR): 20

Agility (AGI): 18

Endurance (END): 16

Intelligence (INT): 25

Wisdom (WIS): 22

Charisma (CHA): 12

Luck (LUK): 10

Arcane Control (ARC): 23

[Magical Abilities:]

Arcane Barrier: Level 5

Arcane Projectile: Level 6

Closing the panel, he continued forward, moving silently through the undergrowth. The mission required him to eliminate the magical wolves cunning, dangerous creatures capable of ambushing any intruder who dared to enter their territory. Raiden knew he had to remain vigilant, ready to use every skill at his disposal.

It wasn't long before a low, menacing growl reached his ears from the nearby bushes. Raiden halted, muscles tensed, prepared to act. A magical wolf emerged from the underbrush, its glowing eyes locked onto him, sharp fangs bared. Two more wolves flanked it, forming a triangular formation.

— Arcane Projectile — Raiden whispered, channeling Arcane Energy into his hands. He fired a blast toward the first wolf, but it moved with astonishing speed, dodging the attack. Raiden barely had time to raise an Arcane Barrier before the second wolf lunged at him.

The barrier held, but the impact reverberated through his body. He staggered back, launching another projectile, this time striking the second wolf's side. It howled in pain but refused to retreat.

The remaining wolves circled him, searching for an opening to strike. Raiden maintained his focus, recalling his training the importance of strategy. Mistakes were not an option.

With swift movements, he reinforced his barrier and unleashed a rapid barrage of projectiles, forcing the wolves to retreat. Seizing the moment, he repositioned himself for a more advantageous stance. The wolves, wounded and enraged, attempted to reorganize but Raiden didn't give them the chance.

He surged forward with calculated precision, firing projectile after projectile. Each movement was deliberate, each attack crafted to weaken his foes while keeping them at bay. Controlled bursts of Arcane Energy disoriented the wolves, granting him an opening. One collapsed lifelessly, while the remaining two staggered, critically wounded.

Cautiously, Raiden approached, ensuring no threats remained. With a final projectile, he ended the last two wolves, feeling a mixture of satisfaction and relief.

[Mission complete. ]

|> Congratulations. You have gained 150 experience points.

A holographic panel appeared, displaying his mission progress and skill upgrades:

Improved Skills:

Arcane Barrier: Level 7

Arcane Projectile: Level 8

Quick Reflexes: Level 3

Raiden nodded, acknowledging his growth while assessing areas for improvement. His barrier control needed refinement, and his ability to anticipate enemy movements could be sharper.

Suddenly, a faint noise behind him shattered his focus.

A lone wolf, barely clinging to life, lunged at him in a final, desperate attack. Before Raiden could react, a sudden gust of wind sliced through the air, striking the wolf and finishing it off.

Raiden turned slowly, his cold, calculating gaze landing on a trembling boy.

The child, dressed in simple, worn-out clothes, had short, messy dark hair and pale skin. His large, round eyes held a mix of fear and awe. An untamed energy crackled around him wild, uncontrolled. His stance and posture suggested a power he had yet to master.

His labored breathing and shaking hands revealed exhaustion. He had given everything to assist Raiden in that critical moment.

— I... I just wanted to help — the boy murmured, barely audible.

Raiden studied him with disdain and quiet analysis. The child's interference only served to remind him of an unacceptable truth that he had been moments away from vulnerability. The thought alone disgusted him.

Without a word of gratitude, Raiden turned his back, his voice as cold as steel. — Don't do that again. You could have gotten yourself killed. —

The boy nodded nervously, uncertainty flickering in his wide eyes.

Raiden walked away, already calculating how to prevent such a lapse from happening again.

Then, he focused on how to use the 150 experience points he had earned. He analyzed his skills one by one, strategically evaluating where to invest in order to maximize his efficiency.

Arcane Control: He had already improved this skill considerably, but extra precision was never a bad thing.

Arcane Projectile: Increasing his attack power would be advantageous, especially in more intense battles.

Arcane Barrier: It still needed refinement, especially after feeling the impact of the wolf.

Quick Reflexes: Being able to react even faster could mean the difference between life and death.

Raiden opened the holographic panel again and began allocating the experience points he had gained. He decided to invest a significant portion into upgrading Arcane Projectile, raising it to level 12, which would significantly boost its destructive power. Then, he focused some points on Arcane Barrier, bringing it to level 10 to strengthen his defense. Finally, he assigned the remaining points to Quick Reflexes, reaching level 7, improving his ability to react in critical situations.

Current Level: 20

Player Stats:

Strength (STR): 25

Agility (AGI): 22

Endurance (END): 20

Intelligence (INT): 30

Wisdom (WIS): 26

Charisma (CHA): 14

Luck (LUK): 14

Arcane Control (ARC): 28

Upgraded Skills:

Arcane Barrier: Level 10

Arcane Projectile: Level 12

Quick Reflexes: Level 7

As he weighed his options, considering the advantages and disadvantages of each, his thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice. He slightly turned his head and saw the boy from before, now with a determined expression on his face.

— You're amazing! I've never seen anyone fight like that, — the boy said boldly. — I saw how you tore those monsters apart... It was incredible. —

Raiden looked at him coldly, still analyzing the disturbing possibility that he had needed help. The boy's praise, instead of satisfying his ego, only underscored his own perceived vulnerability. But in his calculating mind, he decided it wasn't worth showing any sign of weakness.

The boy remained still, anxiously awaiting a response from Raiden. His held breath and fixed gaze reflected a mix of anticipation and respect. However, as he saw the indifference in Raiden's eyes, his excitement gradually faded, his initial enthusiasm giving way to cold reality.

— Sorry, I haven't introduced myself yet! — the boy declared with a nervous smile, trying to ease the tension caused by his own lack of manners. — I'm Inasa Yoarashi! Are you the kid who saved people from a burning building? — he asked, curious, his eyes shining with admiration and curiosity. Raiden's demeanor resembled part of the rumors the townspeople had mentioned about a brave child who had risked his life.

— I don't care who you are, kid. —Raiden replied, his voice sharp and cold. His tone made it clear that he had no patience for courtesies or unnecessary introductions.

Inasa, however, seemed determined to express his admiration. — It was incredible how you destroyed those monsters! They were so big and ferocious, but you tore them apart like they were nothing! — he exclaimed, his eyes glowing with excitement. — I've never seen anyone fight like that; your movements were so fast and precise. It was like watching a real warrior in action! —

The boy spoke with a passion and energy only a child could express, his words tumbling out in awe and genuine admiration. He seemed oblivious to the indifference in Raiden's eyes or perhaps he simply didn't care.

— You have such an incredible quirk, but I still can't fully control mine. — Inasa admitted, a little saddened by his own inability. He then demonstrated his quirk in the palm of his hands. A small gust of wind began to swirl over his skin, revealing his elemental power.

For the first time, Raiden showed a hint of curiosity toward the boy. Unlike the incompetents he had met before, Inasa possessed a quirk that caught his interest. Raiden thought that, with the right training, Inasa's potential could be considerable.

Raiden paused his walk toward the village, observing Inasa's quirk demonstration. The gust of wind in the boy's palm seemed small, but Raiden sensed that its true strength was far greater than it appeared. There was a latent intensity in that power that he couldn't ignore.

— Is that all you can do? — Raiden asked, in a tone that might have sounded offensive to other children. However, Inasa interpreted the question as genuine interest and smiled, pleased that he had captured Raiden's attention.

— If I try really hard, I can cut down a tree! —Inasa exclaimed excitedly, clearly proud of his abilities. He deactivated the wind in his palm and looked up at Raiden, seeking approval.

Raiden was slightly surprised. He hadn't expected to find someone with so much potential in such an isolated village. He observed Inasa with a new perspective, considering that, with proper training and guidance, the boy's quirk could develop to formidable levels.

Suddenly, Raiden reflected on his current situation and the lessons learned from his past life. He must not repeat past mistakes when, as Alexander Stone, he had perished due to a lack of reliable support. A bitter fury burned within him as he recalled his mistake, the people who betrayed him, and his pathetic end. In this new life, he was nothing more than an individual without influence or power in the social sphere, meaning he had to act with triple the caution and cunning. Finding an ally with similar abilities, someone whose power could rival his own, would be a crucial strategic advantage. Inasa could be that person someone whose potential, if properly developed, would be a valuable tool for his own goals.

The idea of molding someone with genuine talent intrigued him, and he began considering the possibility of using Inasa for his own purposes.

— Where do you live, Inasa? — Raiden suddenly asked, keeping his tone neutral. — What class are you in at the village school? —