Lucien woke up to the soft light filtering through the tall windows of his chamber. His whole body ached, and as he slowly tried to sit up, he noticed the bandages wrapped tightly around his torso and arms. The room was quiet, not a soul in sight.
"System, how long have I been out?"
Host has been unconscious for 10 days.
"Ten days?" Lucien blinked in disbelief. That was longer than he'd expected.
He sat back against the bed frame, taking a deep breath. "Can I get the second scroll now?"
Newbie Scroll: Blood Sword Technique – Second Volume is available. Do you wish to claim it?
"Of course."
With a ding, a scroll materialized above him and dropped right onto his face.
"Ow..."
He muttered, grabbing the scroll and examining it.
The scroll detailed a technique called Shadow Rush. It was a mana-based stance allowing the user to blend into shadows and reappear instantly at a chosen location. It sounded almost like a dash attack, but with an element of stealth and surprise. Lucien's eyes lit up. This was definitely powerful.
Just as he was about to dive deeper into reading, the door opened. He quickly hid the scroll under his blanket.
His mother, Queen Elizabeth, rushed in with worried eyes. Without a word, she hugged him tightly.
Lucien, startled at first, slowly hugged her back. Of everyone, she was the only one who had shown him true love and care. Even if he hadn't loved her back before, the memories of her affection stirred something inside him.
"You idiot. Don't you ever disappear like that again. I thought I lost you."
Lucien nodded softly.
"I'm okay now, Mother."
She smiled through her tears and quickly called for the rest of the family.
His sisters, Iris and Anri, were the first to arrive. Being powerful healers, they quickly checked his condition.
"Your wounds are healing well. You were lucky. A little deeper and it would've damaged your spinal cord."
Lucien managed a weak smile.
"Lucky me."
Soon, everyone gathered. His father walked in carrying a scroll.
"This is your application for the Pristine Academy. Fill it out when you're ready."
Ran nodded at him with a rare, approving look. Aldric entered last, standing at the back, visibly uncomfortable, and maybe even jealous.
Days passed, and Lucien made a full recovery. Though his mother and sisters remained cautious, he reassured them constantly. Eventually, he returned to training.
His main focus now was the second form – Shadow Rush. But despite reading the scroll several times, executing it was far more difficult than he'd expected.
"System, any tips?"
Lucien asked, frustrated after another failed attempt.
Read the scroll properly.
Grumbling, Lucien decided to seek help. He made his way to Iris's chamber.
"You're up and walking again."
She said, smiling when he entered.
Lucien nodded.
"Feeling better."
Iris placed down the book she was reading.
"The next semester at the Academy is starting soon. I'll be heading back. You should come with me and enroll."
"I plan to."
"Good. Just don't get demoted to the lower class."
She gave him a teasing smirk.
"That'd be awkward for both of us. I have a reputation to maintain."
Lucien chuckled.
"I'll do my best."
"So, what brings you here?"
He scratched his head.
"Is there any kind of magic that lets you hide in shadows?"
She raised an eyebrow.
"That's basic concealment magic. It's not that effective though – can be detected easily. But it sounds like you're working on something."
Lucien nodded.
"I want to learn it."
For the next few days, under Iris's guidance, Lucien trained in basic shadow concealment magic. At first, it was hard. Manipulating mana externally in such a precise way was nothing like swinging a sword. But he persisted.
Finally, during one evening session, he managed to blend into the shadows for a few seconds.
He jumped up, thrilled.
"I did it!"
"Took you long enough."
Iris teased, but smiled warmly.
"As long as you're willing to learn, I'll keep helping."
Lucien looked at her with genuine appreciation.
"Thanks, sis."
He knew the journey was just beginning, but for once, he didn't feel useless.
He felt ready.