Chapter 19 – Hidden Growth
As the ancient doors of the Arcana Library creaked open, Chris stepped out, the golden rays of the setting sun kissing his face. The warm light almost felt symbolic—as if the world itself was welcoming him back.
But he wasn't alone.
Standing tall in front of the stairs, draped in a cloak adorned with the sigil of House Celestrius, was the Duke—his father.
"You've returned,"he said, voice calm, but eyes gleaming with restrained anticipation.
Chris offered a respectful bow.
"Yes, Father."
The Duke stepped closer, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Let me take a look at you."
In that moment, mana flickered subtly in the Duke's pupils—a detection spell only those above the 5th Circle could cast.
His eyes widened briefly, surprise flashing across his usually stern face.
"You… not only stabilized your broken magic circuits… but you advanced?"he said, as if needing to confirm it aloud.
Chris gave a humble nod, maintaining his calm.
"To the 3rd Circle, Father."
The Duke let out a genuine chuckle, pride brimming in his voice.
"Excellent. Excellent! I had faith in you, but this—this is beyond expectation. In just three months…"
"You are truly my son."
Chris smiled politely.But inside, he thought:
'If only he knew I'm actually a 4th Circle Mage… and a 2nd Star Aura Knight.'
'But revealing that now would only bring more questions than praise… and I can't afford that yet.'
After a few more words of encouragement, the Duke ordered servants to escort Chris to his chambers.
Chris returned to his room in silence, his mind racing. He had changed too much—too quickly. Every step now had to be carefully measured. Every glance, every spell he cast, every spar he took part in—he had to pretend.
Concealment wasn't just a spell now. It was a way of life.
That evening, he was summoned for dinner.
The long dining table was adorned with silver and sapphire, glowing gently under the chandelier of mana crystals. The Duke, Duchess, and even the two concubines were present, as well as Alicia, his bright little sister, and his half-siblings—the ones who had begun growing more confident in his absence.
But tonight was different.
Tonight, the warmth had returned.
The Duke sat at the head of the table, voice filled with cheer.
"Let us raise a toast—to the return of my son, and his breakthrough to the 3rd Circle!"
Everyone clapped politely. Chris raised his glass with a calm, practiced smile.
Only Alicia beamed at him with genuine joy.
"I knew you'd come back stronger, big brother!"
Even the concubines, though usually distant, offered polite smiles. But he could sense it—the flicker of uncertainty in his half-brother's eyes, the one who had taken his position during Chris's coma.
'He's afraid I might take it all back,' Chris noted silently.
The dinner passed with laughter, stories, and wine—but beneath it all, subtle glances, veiled intentions, and silent calculations brewed.
Chris knew one thing for sure.
"The game has started."