'So… what will you do now?'
Rey's internal smile was broad despite the mild disappointment in his heart.
Perhaps he was too greedy, but he really wanted access to Sequence 5.
It was only a Mid Sequence point, but the significance was staggering. The gap in power that existed from that point onward was famed to be unreal.
He wanted it—that power.
As for Augustus' knowledge of his capacity, Amara had actually told her brother about it the day after it happened.
Since she informed him before Rey even regained consciousness, and sorted things out nicely for him, the latter didn't have to do any explaining for his sudden surge in power.
He also didn't get into any trouble.
Augustus knew how eccentric and wasteful his sister was, so this action didn't come as a surprise to him.
He also knew she had an interest in his nameless slave.
This was normal.
They were around the same age, after all.
'That girl…' Augustus still couldn't help but make a bitter sigh. 'Why does she think she can act anyhow just because she has such great talent and is preferred over me?'
Even though Augustus was the firstborn, his sister was arguably higher than him in status.
She received a much bigger allowance, had far more freedom, and had access to a lot more special items and resources from the family's treasury.
That was why she could easily toss out multiple Potions to a Slave without feeling any major loss.
Unlike Augustus who had many subordinates to cater to, Amara only had a few.
Her wealth was also greater than his.
Despite this, Augustus never resented his sister and didn't even bother with any kind of sibling rivalry.
He understood why she was greatly preferred.
She was strong.
This was only natural.
He never once hated her because of her abilities, and he never even coveted her possessions since they were rightfully hers.
But—
'Now that you have given this slave such things, his appetite has increased. Why else would he be asking me for a Sequence 5 Technique?'
This was his problem with his sister.
Her actions reflected badly on him, making him appear inadequate as a Master.
'But what else can I do but refuse him? Although I have access to two Sequence 5 Techniques, I only have full mastery over one… and that was since I graduated from the Academy."
He had barely graduated, too.
Sequence 5 was the minimum requirement, and he had only slightly crossed the hurdle.
'Sequence 5 in Inverse Technique is a given, since it is a part of the curriculum. Apart from that, I have one in Null Arts, but that is it… Yet this slave wants to have one? No way!'
Augustus would never allow it.
If this nameless slave ended up achieving greatness with this Sequence 5 Technique, even going ahead to master it despite no proper background and education, wouldn't that further exemplify his own lack of talent?
Of course, he could vicariously enjoy the achievements of his subordinates.
But he also had to ensure none of them truly surpassed him. The delicate balance needed to be struck.
'I'll be a laughingstock if my slave ends up being even more talented than me!'
Augustus sighed.
Although he thought this way, he also wanted to be a benevolent and considerate Master. He liked the image he had presented to his slave and subordinates, and he didn't want Amara's actions to smear it.
A perfect mix of reward and punishment.
He operated that way.
Rewarding those deserving and punishing those who were at fault… just as a just Master should.
Augustus didn't want any of his subordinates to trivialize his actions at any time.
So…
'He actually impressed me yesterday and even brought me great benefits. I can't refuse his next request. As long as it is reasonable, I'll have to accept it.'
Augustus decided within himself, completely unaware that this nameless slave of his had intentionally created this outcome.
Indeed.
Rey knew this was how his Master would think.
'His pride won't let him keep refusing me, especially after all I have done for him. I'm certain Amara's generosity towards me has bruised his ego and he feels threatened by her closeness towards me. He will want to show that he is also capable, so I don't undermine him in my mind.'
That was why—
"A New Technique, Master. Please… have me learn another Technique besides Inverse."
—Rey unabashedly went for what he wanted.
And, unsurprisingly…
"Fine. You've worked hard enough to earn that anyway. I'll also give you a specialized Artifact in addition."
… He got the answer he wanted this time.
*******
"Reversal Technique, huh?"
Rey sat in his room as he read through the scroll that Logan had handed to him right after his meeting with Augustus.
This was the new Technique he would be learning under Chaos Art.
Sequence 9: Minor Inversion
Sequence 8: Outcome Flip
Sequence 7: Effect Betrayal.
'What a cheap Master…' Rey couldn't help but sigh.
He ended up getting only three Sequences, and the Technique itself was disturbingly similar to Inverse Technique.
But… there were certainly differences.
'While Inverse Technique turns existence against itself at an internal or fundamental level, Reversal Technique inverts outcomes, intent, and resolutions at critical moments.'
These were subtle changes, but they could mean heaven and earth in an actual battle.
Rey wasn't exactly blown away by this addition, but he wasn't particularly disappointed either.
He still got what he wanted in the end.
'Plus, I will be getting an Artifact as well.'
The dagger he got from Blood Shark was destroyed in the previous Variety Event, and he needed a new weapon anyway.
This was an essential he required to keep winning, yet Augustus framed it as some kind of favor or reward.
It was nothing more than bravado.
'He doesn't know I have him all figured out…' Rey shook his head and kept looking at the scroll to glean the details.
'Despite being one of the two Young Masters here, he doesn't have a very high status or reputation in this Estate. That's why he is so concerned about his image among his subordinates…'
His wry smile grew even broader.
'I reckon he is actually strapped for cash, which is why he isn't investing in me as much as he should. I make a lot of money for him, but where is it all going? Is he paying off debts, or is there something in particular that he is saving up for?'
All Rey could do was speculate until he was tired of thinking of Augustus.
Then, he rose to his feet.
'I think I've gotten the general concept.' He left his room calmly, leaving once again for his secluded spot in the vast estate.
'I should start practicing.'
[A/N: The novel just got contracted, so if you are enjoying the read so far, I'd appreciate your Golden Tickets and Gifts. Power Stones help a lot too. Your support would really mean a lot to me. Thank you...]