In a dimly lit room, the faint glow coming from a man casts eerie shadows on the walls. The room is adorned with ancient tapestries and mysterious artifacts, creating an atmosphere of intrigue and mystery.

Amongst the room's enigmatic ambiance, a middle-aged man approached the man seated on a cushion, deep in meditation. The man's presence, commanding, his demeanor exuding an air of authority. Yet, a sense of trepidation lingers, for the man meditating emits an unsettling aura that sends shivers down the spines of those around him.

His head is adorned with a crown of lustrous black hair, neatly styled and cascading down to his broad shoulders. A well-groomed goatee frames his serene face.

Draped around his body was a traditional Chinese robe, its fabric flowing gracefully as he sat cross-legged.

This man is the head of the Obsidian order branch in sector 3.

As the middle-aged man drew nearer, he bowed. He could feel the weight of the man's Grandmaster-rank aura pressing down on him.

"Speak". The man said, his voice deep and commanding. The middle aged man knew better than to keep him waiting. The last person that offended him didn't live to tell the tale. 'I heard he simply brought him the wrong coffee'. He thought.

"Sir Alvis, the Ravensteins claimed that their 1 year old son was attacked" With a voice laced with respect, he spoke.

"Were we involved?". The man inquired, casting a look at the middle aged man that sent shivers down his spine.

"No, sir Alvis. I've investigated everyone and i can assure you that it was not from us." he replied immediately, trying not to get on his bad side. "Maybe one of the tier 1 families tried to assassinate their heir?" He said.

"Hmm, perhaps." Alvis replied "Or maybe the Ravensteins are hiding something". Alvis felt it was strange. Why would they want to kill a one year old boy? Sure the Ravensteins had a lot of enemies but would they really go out of their way to kill an infant? He didn't think so.

"Hugo, watch over the boy. Let me know immediately if anything happens" Alvis commanded.

"Yes, sir" the middle aged man, Hugo replied.

"Good. You may leave" Alvis dismissed Hugo, who turned and left the room quickly.

***

Atticus, oblivious to all the trouble he had caused, was trying hard to increase his rank. It had been a week since the incident and he was having trouble finding the time to train. His progress was hindered by the constant presence of Anastasia, who refused to leave his side.

He overheard Anastasia and Avalon when they came into his room, discovering that what he awakened was his mana core and the energy he was absorbing was mana.

Undeterred by the lack of time, Atticus persisted every day, only absorbing mana whenever Anastasia had to attend to her duties. Luckily, she had duties as the lady of the Ravenstein family or it would have been harder for Atticus to find a chance to train.

With unwavering determination, he dedicated himself to focusing solely on harnessing and absorbing mana into his mana core.

And just like that, a year passed.

After diligently training all this time, Atticus finally experienced a transformative change. The constant infusion of mana had caused his mana core to grow by a few milliliters, indicating a significant progress.

He felt a powerful surge of mana coursing through his body. 'I feel…healthy.' Atticus felt some changes in his body after the breakthrough, as if his body became more healthy.

'I'm glad it wasn't like the day I awakened'. He was glad that this breakthrough was lowkey.

Atticus was currently in his cradle inside his room. It was late at night and Anastasia had gone to sleep, leaving him 'alone' in the room.

Wanting to examine what changed, he attempted to sit up. To his surprise, it was much easier than before. He raised his tiny arms and clenched his fists, although minuscule, he could feel that his strength had increased.

'Finally, progress! I've been absorbing mana like a hungry beast for a year now. Let's see what changed. Status!'. A holographic system interface materialized in front of his face;

===========

Character Profile:

Username: Atticus Ravenstein

Age: 2

Gender: Male

Race: Human

Attributes:

Strength: 2

Agility: 1

Endurance: 2

Vitality: 5

Intelligence: 6

Charm: 4

Rank: Novice New!

Talent: Mythical

Bloodline: Locked

Abilities:

Innate Skills:

* Conceal [Grade: Mythical]

- The ability to conceal your powers from anyone regardless of rank. You may choose what level you want to be shown.

Atticus had ranked up one sub level.