Chapter 3 – System Awakening and Hidden Potential
The morning sun spilled golden light across the courtyard, illuminating the shimmer of magical energy Harsh had learned to control. At seven years old, most devils were still learning basic mana control. Harsh was already practicing precise energy projections, guided silently by his system.
SYSTEM NOTIFICATION:
[Daily training suggestion: Mana compression exercises. Estimated improvement: +2% power control.]
Mana compression… alright, Harsh muttered, forming a small sphere of energy between his hands. The system's instructions were meticulous, almost like a teacher that never tired. Compress. Expand. Focus. Release.
The sphere pulsed. It wasn't dangerous yet, but it hummed with a raw potential that made him grin.
Rias and Sona appeared at the courtyard gate, carrying a small tray of refreshments. Their eyes lit up at the sight of Harsh.
"Wow… that's stronger than yesterday," Rias exclaimed. "You're getting really good at this, Harsh!"
"Careful with the energy flow," Sona added, ever calm and precise. "You don't want to strain your body yet."
Harsh bowed slightly. "Thanks. The system… it's helping me a lot. I think I can control even more tomorrow."
Rias tilted her head. "System? What do you mean?"
Harsh chuckled softly. "It's… complicated. Let's just say I have a guide that tells me how to get stronger. Like a… training program that never sleeps."
Sona raised an eyebrow but didn't push. Harsh had always been a bit unusual, even among devils.
As the day passed, Harsh continued exercises that no other child could attempt. The system subtly guided him:
[Observation: Harsh exhibits unique aptitude for mana manipulation and multi-task combat strategies.]
[Potential unlocked: Slight foresight of battle patterns based on knowledge of Devil combat hierarchy.]
Foresight…? That's new, Harsh thought, flexing his fingers. He felt the faintest tingle, like he could almost predict how a nearby opponent would move. Not fully, but enough to give him an edge in training.
By evening, Rias and Sona had joined him in sparring exercises—not too intense, just playful duels of magic sparks and minor energy blasts. Harsh felt his heart race not from effort, but from anticipation.
SYSTEM NOTIFICATION:
[Cheesepiece progress: 2%]
[Suggested focus: Bonding with key allies. Upcoming milestone: First demonstration of unique potential at age-of-coming-of-age ceremony.]
Harsh smiled to himself. So it's already counting my progress… huh. Interesting.
As night fell, he sat by the window once more, gazing at the stars. His thoughts drifted to the world beyond the estate, the devils, dragons, and Sacred Gears he had studied so meticulously back on Earth.
All of it… it's real now. And I know how it works.
The system's interface flickered gently in his mind, as if acknowledging his growing awareness. Harsh could feel it: he was no ordinary devil. Not even close.
Rias' voice floated up from the garden below. "Harsh, are you coming to dinner?"
"In a moment," he replied, a confident grin on his face. "I have some… training left to finish."
And with that, the first real spark of his unique potential flared. This was more than childhood play. This was the beginning of a life that would bend the rules of the DxD world itself.
And the system… it was just the beginning.
coming-of-age ceremony.