Chapter 8 – Secrets in Motion
The courtyard was bathed in the soft morning light, dew still clinging to the blades of grass. Harsh stood silently, his small hands clasped together, feeling the flow of magical energy around him. To anyone who passed by, he appeared to be simply enjoying the quiet morning. But in truth, his mind was alive with calculations, predictions, and invisible training sequences.
Today, I'll push the combination of elemental control and predictive combat further, he thought, already visualizing the energy arcs in his mind. The system's guidance was invisible, a constant whisper only he could hear, detailing the most efficient way to refine his abilities.
Rias arrived first, as always, bright and cheerful, bouncing lightly on her feet. Sona followed shortly after, calm as ever. The girls exchanged morning greetings, unaware of the depth of Harsh's secret preparations.
"Morning, Harsh!" Rias called. "Ready to spar again?"
"Of course," he replied casually, smiling. Outwardly, he seemed relaxed, playful even—but internally, his mind ran simulations, analyzing potential outcomes, calculating mana expenditure, and adjusting attack patterns before even moving.
Their morning sparring began. Harsh moved fluidly, blending fire sparks with controlled wind currents, dodging Rias' wide arcs and anticipating Sona's precise strikes. To the girls, his movements appeared instinctive, almost effortless—but each action was carefully calculated, guided by the secret system only he knew.
Predictive combat efficiency… 42%. Elemental fusion output stable. Reaction time improving.
He allowed himself a small, unseen grin. Each dodge and counter was perfect, and yet, no one suspected the hidden hand behind it.
After sparring, he retreated to the balcony to practice mana compression and elemental synergy. Tiny sparks of fire and wind danced along his fingers, harmless to others, but he observed them closely, adjusting angles and intensity. He tested new combinations silently, experimenting with energy flow in ways no other child could.
Rias leaned against the railing, curiosity in her crimson eyes. "You've been quiet again. What are you thinking?"
"Just… experimenting," Harsh said casually, hiding the truth: he was testing combinations of powers, cataloging energy patterns, and planning improvements, all invisible to the girls.
Sona's calm gaze met his. "Your focus is impressive. Most devils your age would tire themselves quickly."
Harsh's lips curved into a secretive smile. Not them… they'll never know the real work is happening in my mind.
As afternoon fell, he practiced evasive maneuvers integrated with elemental bursts, creating a silent dance of fire and wind that left no trace behind. Every step, every flicker of energy, was precise—refined by countless calculations only he could see.
Cheesepiece progress… 10%. Predictive combat improving. Bond with allies stable.
Night approached, and Harsh stood on the balcony, gazing at the stars. He flexed his fingers, tiny sparks of energy flickering and disappearing in the dark. No one saw them, no one suspected them.
The coming-of-age ceremony… soon. And when it arrives, they won't know what hit them. Not Rias. Not Sona. Not anyone.
With a quiet smile, he whispered to himself:
"Every day, hidden progress. Every day, closer to mastery."