Chapter 9 – Silent Tests**
Morning broke over the Gremory estate with a gentle glow, painting the courtyard in soft shades of gold. Harsh awoke before the sun had fully risen, as always. He sat up on his bed, feeling the faint hum of magical energy that always lingered in the air. It was subtle, almost imperceptible to most devils, but to him it was a map of potential, a guide for growth.
*Time to push forward,* he thought, stretching. His system remained completely secret, its guidance invisible and unheard by anyone else. It suggested exercises combining predictive combat, elemental control, and precise mana compression—techniques far beyond the capacity of most children his age. Harsh smiled quietly. The advantage he held was his alone.
By the time he reached the courtyard, Rias and Sona were already there. Rias' crimson hair gleamed in the morning light, and her energy radiated a familiar warmth. Sona followed behind, calm and collected, her blue eyes observing the courtyard's subtle mana fluctuations. Both girls greeted him cheerfully, unaware that his mind was silently running thousands of simulations.
*"Morning, Harsh!"* Rias called, bouncing on her heels.
*"Morning,"* he replied casually, hiding the excitement that surged within him. To the outside world, he was just a talented child ready for friendly sparring—but in truth, each movement, each observation, each reaction was calculated by the system and executed perfectly.
Their sparring session began with Rias attacking in wide arcs of energy, while Sona's strikes were precise and measured. Harsh moved fluidly, dodging and countering without effort. His body anticipated the attacks even before they fully manifested. To Rias and Sona, it appeared instinctive, almost like natural talent—but in reality, it was the product of silent guidance, invisible calculations, and careful observation.
*Predictive combat efficiency… 48%. Mana control stable. Elemental combination output improving.*
A small grin formed on his lips. Every dodge, every subtle redirection, was recorded mentally. Every flicker of energy from Rias and Sona's attacks was cataloged. Soon, he would understand not just how they fought, but the patterns of their energy itself.
After sparring, he retreated to a secluded corner of the courtyard. He began practicing **elemental fusion**, combining fire and wind into a single, flowing stream of energy. It was small and controlled, harmless to the surroundings, but for him, it was a critical test. He adjusted the angle, intensity, and rhythm, ensuring each step was precise. The sparks danced along his fingers and disappeared without leaving a trace, a perfect representation of his hidden mastery.
Rias leaned against the railing nearby, curiosity sparkling in her eyes. *"You've been quiet a lot lately. What are you thinking about?"*
*"Just… experimenting,"* Harsh said lightly, hiding the truth: he was testing combinations of power and refining his technique, silently preparing for future challenges.
Sona's gaze met his. *"Your focus is unusual for a child. Most devils your age would tire quickly from this level of training."*
Harsh's lips curled into a secretive smile. *No one knows. Every movement, every flicker of energy, every thought is mine alone.*
As the day progressed, he secretly tested small, controlled "duels" against magical constructs he created invisibly, using predictive combat and elemental fusion to analyze outcomes without anyone noticing. Each test refined his instincts and strengthened his control, quietly building a foundation that no ordinary devil could match.
*Cheesepiece progress… 11%. Predictive combat improving. Elemental fusion nearing functional synergy. Bond with allies stable.*
By evening, he returned to the balcony, gazing at the stars. Tiny sparks of energy danced along his fingertips, harmless to anyone else, yet a clear sign of growth. The coming-of-age ceremony was approaching, and he felt the thrill of silent preparation.
*They'll never see it coming… not Rias, not Sona, not anyone.*
He closed his eyes, letting his mind replay every dodge, every elemental flow, every reaction from Rias and Sona. His system guided him silently, invisible, whispering strategies only he could hear. Every night, every day, every small test pushed him closer to mastery.
*"Tomorrow,"* he whispered to himself, *"I'll push further. And still, no one will suspect a thing."*
Harsh leaned back, a quiet smile on his lips, watching the moon rise over the estate. The path to the coming-of-age ceremony was still long, but each secret step he took was perfect, precise, and entirely his own.
*The game has begun, and I'm already winning.*