Kapitel 10: Confrontation I
Roughly six years had passed since Luciel had been reborn.
His days were mostly spent learning noble etiquettes and knight combat training with his teacher being the head maid, Jesse. Luciel had been very impressed with the woman as not only she was unparalleled in all her servant duties, she was also dedicated in her watching out for him.
Luciel had observed she had the unnerving ability to phase through walls as if she was a specter. Fortunately, he has [Sixth Sense (U)] which rendered surprise encounters ineffective against him. Also, he had dropped the pretense of acting clueless concerning his abilities as he was now certain Katherine had grasped his true nature albeit ambiguous at best.
His interactions with Katherine had gradually grown apart as Luciel gained age. Although Katherine would treat him amiably expected of a mother, he knew better than to take her actions at face value. The familial bond between blood relatives was not there. Luciel was fully aware of the intent behind such display from his years of observing people in his previous world. Therefore,
'It's probably time to learn of her ulterior motives.'
Whether she was someone who would pose a threat to his existence or a reliable ally, he had to find out, the sooner the better.
'whoosh!'
A gush of sharp wind just passed his cheeks as a prickling sensation could be felt on the skin of his throat
"Are you trying to invite death, young master?" Luciel could hear a familiar yet cold voice behind him.
"It is retarded to let your thoughts wander in the middle of battle. Not only that, it is a form of disrespect to your opponent, even if the one you're faced with is a scum beyond redemption."
"As a knight who upholds the code of chivalry, you should observe firm resolution in every endeavor you-."
Before the person could finish her words, Luciel abruptly kicked the ground in front with a heater shield in hand as the force propelled his body backward. The impact generated from his unexpected assault gave him enough time to chain his moves. He then took a huge step forward while agilely rotating his body, shield still in guard position to face his assailant. It only took a short moment for him to extricate from his disadvantageous position.
His actions were performed with such finesse and dexterity that even the experienced knights would lower their heads in shame. What was even more outstanding
"Splendid execution! As expected of the young master. You are the first to execute [Swift Castle] with near perfection at such a young age."
"Surely you jest, Jesse" Luciel then lowered his shield and short sword, not intending to proceed with the exercise any further. He beamed a sweet smile at the head maid's compliment.
"Of course not, I do not speak empty praises, especially not when it involves young master's talent". After nodding her head in satisfaction, she gently took the silver pocket watch from a small compartment in her uniform to check the time.
"It's time to see your mother. Take your time and wash up. She will be waiting at the usual venue." She continued. Her genial demeanor turned cold once again as she disappeared into the shadows.
'I really don't get it, how can an assassin type specializing in covert operations train me in the ways of the knight.' To satisfy his curiosity, he activated [Anaylze] to see how much damage he had inflicted to the head maid after their brief training.
Name: Jesse Skyflakes (Human), Level 77
Class: Shadow Walker
Subclass: Chief Maid, Herald of the Dark
Titles: Culinary Master
[HP 15,160/15,500]
[MP 835/1,080]
Active Skills: [Eviscerate], [Nighshade], [Throat Cut], [Shadow Strings], [Shadow Rift], [Elusive Strike], [Dark Mantle]
Passive Skills: [Focused Mind], [Dagger Mastery], [Deaden Nerves], [Gloom Perfection], [Astute Observer], [Blood Canvass], [Dusk Emblem]
Stats:
STR: 125 (+10), VIT: 155 (+10), AGI: 311 (+45), DEX: 226 (+30), INT: 108 (+10)
'Only that much, huh. It's not like I went all out as well. In any case, I'm still far from their level. With only a few figures to serve as a benchmark against which to compare my strength, I'm not certain how I would fare if I am left alone.' Occupied with such thoughts, Luciel open his U.I panel to check his progress.
Name: Luciel Vonbert Mathias (Human), Level: 27
Class: Avenger
Subclass: None
Titles: Otherworldly Drifter, The Unforgivable One.
[HP 6,655/9,600]
[MP 320/680]
[Offensive Posture 9/10]
STR: 66, VIT: 96, AGI: 47, DEX: 45, INT: 68
Active Skills: [Analyze], [Meditation], [Battle Healing], [Punitive Strike], [Swift Castle], [Shield Bash], [Heal], [Wind Slash]
Passive Skills: [Quick Thinking], [Concealment], [Sixth Sense (U)], [Defiance], [Offensive Posture], [Shield Mastery], [Vanguard Spirit], [Elemental Trifecta]
Over the course of Luciel's intensive training under the strict guidance of Jesse, he was able to learn a few skills which were more defensive in nature. The Mathias' heritage focused more on wielding the shield whilst inflicting damage. Unlike the typical shield bearer who received decreased mobility in exchange for more defense, Mathias' martial skill require their practitioners to be swift and agile without compromising defense. The technique needed one's masterful control of their body weight and proficiency in redirecting the center of gravity.
Upon relentlessly training in the art, he had acquired the [Swift Castle] skill at the age of five which was Mathias' signature move. At the age of six, Luciel was able to gain mastery of the skill, making him the youngest to ever do so, preceded only by his late father, Nathaniel at the age of nine. He received a heap of praises for such an achievement and he accepted it nonchalantly.
From then on, he had acquired a few more skills and discovered that skills automatically merge into a more powerful one with powerful effects. The moment he acquired [Damage Absorbtion], it fused with [Nerves of Steel] becoming [Vanguard Spirit]. It provided the wielder with a strong mental fortitude as well as reduces the damage taken from all forms of attack. Luciel couldn't be happier as he indulged himself in grueling training in hopes of strengthening himself further.
Furthermore, upon gaining sufficient knowledge on the fundamentals of magic, spell activation and manipulation which was a mandatory course for all noble families, he had acquired the passive ability [Elemental Trifecta] as promised by his title [Otherworldly Drifter]. The skill enabled him to have an affinity with three elements. It did not take long for him to find out which elements he had an affinity with, and that was Wind, Light, and Darkness.
There was a considerable drawback in learning magic spells and martial art at the same time. With the limited stat points available, and spells being inherently offensive in nature required one to allocate stat in intelligence to increase their effects such as potency, area of effect, duration, etc. Allocating points on other stats would just be illogical. Likewise, a class specializing in close combat heavily relies on massive investment to stat which increases their sturdiness, survivability and improves the might of their martial skills.
Therefore, Luciel was still unable to make full use of [Elemental Trifecta] until he was able to acquire a skill that would best fit into his fighting style. He hoped he would obtain a spell that would offer more utility sometime in the future.
*****
After taking a well deserved shower, he braced himself as he was about to meet his mother, Katherine. He intended to divulge his unique existence and subsequently, initiate a discourse with the purpose of uncovering her plans for Luciel, her motivation, and overall agenda.
He was well aware of his evident weakness and that was he had no one to rely on except for Katherine and the wealth, connection and resources only she could provide. With this reality which he was helpless against, he had no other option but to accept his fate, at least for now.
'If I will become someone else's puppet, then I need to make sure I obtain substantial benefits, at least'. With such thoughts lingering in his mind, he knocked on the door thrice that led to the enormous dining hall of Mathias' mansion which only the son and mother duo were privy to.
As Jesse opened the door from inside, her body slightly leaned forward and greeted Luciel with respect.
"Welcome, Young Master. Your mother awaits your arrival.'
Luciel then proceeded to the end of the elongated rectangular dining table, directly opposite of Katherine.
"I have come, Mother. Have you waited long?" Offering his utmost respect to his benefactor in this world, Luciel skilfully performed a noble's bow.
"No need to be so formal, Luciel. Come, it's time to dine." Katherine gave off her usual amiable treatment to Luciel, her beautiful smiling face depicted that of a loving mother.
Despite his agitated heart, he calmly pulled a chair and immediately sat on it.
'Let's begin.' He solemnly thought, preparing for the exchange of words that would soon ensue.
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein