Chapter 210: Burden
Health: 11.320/11.320
Mana: 13.330/13.330
Stamina: 13.090/13.290
Strength: 962 + 100
Dexterity: 517 - 100
Intelligence: 825 - 100
Vitality: 1053 + 100
Wisdom: 1243 - 100
Endurance: 1081 + 100
Luck: 227
Free Points: 155
Main Skills:
[Punch Mastery Lv 67)
[Iron Fist Lv 39]
[Unyielding Endurance Lv 27]
[Vitality Surge Lv 21 ]
[Crushing Blow Lv 13]
Support Skills:
[Health Bonus Lv 52]
[Basic Training 98]
[Language Lv 68]
[Insightful Mind Lv 30]
[Meditation Lv 73]
"What the hell… it didn't affect my health, stamina, and mana, even though it affects all of my parameters," Rain thought.
The technique should be at level one, but the bonus was already obvious. Rain could feel his body lighter, but his mind was a bit clouded as well… it was a double-edged technique, but he already knew that.
After a prolonged analysis of the technique, Rain's deductions solidified: it exacted a cost of fifty stamina points every second he employed it. This assessment, he reckoned, wasn't too shabby, considering the power it bestowed. However, Rain's scrutiny also led him to recognize a more profound issue inherent to the technique.
The true challenge didn't solely lie in the stamina drain. Rather, it was the considerable strain the technique placed on his heart manifesting in its accelerated pace. This, Rain deduced, was the underlying reason why the enemy general had judiciously reserved the technique for the climax of their battle. Its potency was matched by the taxing toll it took on the body.
"Rain! We have come to play!"
Rain frowned when he suddenly heard Jori's voice… it was about time for their time off as well, so they probably wanted to talk with him about future missions and plans.
While he wanted to check more the effects of that technique, Rain decided to do that later; he would have time, after all. In any case, Rain found the whole group waiting for him at the entrance of the mansion, and they sure looked impressed by it.
"I told you that he would be training instead of enjoying the good life," Reca said and then shrugged.
"This place looks quite big for a person to live and maintain alone," Liss said once Rain opened the gates.
"I can clean everything with magic. Besides, my little sisters will come to live here next month," Rain said.
"Are they geniuses like you as well?" Liss asked.
"They are hard-working, to some extent; they don't want to get as strong as father or me since they don't want to join any battles," Rain explained.
Despite Rain's confident words, he remained acutely aware of the uncertainty that lay ahead. Despite his best efforts to anticipate and plan for the future, the future held its own set of surprises that he couldn't fully predict.
Rain's teaching had undeniably endowed his sisters with skills beyond their years, setting them apart from their peers. This very fact could attract the attention of others – those seeking skilled individuals for their own agendas. The possibility that his sisters might be targeted for recruitment wasn't lost on Rain.
However, Rain's determination to protect his sisters was unwavering. The mere thought of anyone attempting to coerce or manipulate them into unwanted roles stirred a fierce resolve within him. He was resolute that if faced with such a situation, he would ensure that those who sought to exploit his sisters would come to fear the consequences.
He was committed to shielding his sisters from the grim realities of violence and manipulation. Rain's protective stance was unyielding – no one would force his beloved siblings to compromise their innocence or partake in deeds that would taint their hands with blood.
In any case, since it was about time for lunch, Rain invited his friends to eat with him. He had been cooking a bunch of things from Earth to get more experience even though he didn't have the Cook or Chief path. Still, just making things like milkshakes or ice cream already granted Rain a bunch of experience. It was easy for him to make them with magic, after all.
In any case, that day for lunch, Rain ended up making a lot of spaghetti with cheese filled with a lot of tomato sauce.
"This tastes great! Asche said while she was stuffing her mouth. "You can probably earn a ton by selling this!"
"No one would ever guess that you like to cook…" Terra frowned. "Is this just another method of training for you?"
"My youngest sister likes to cook a lot, and I taught her a few things; she also likes to eat even more," Rain replied. "That is why I practice now and then."
"You already said that, but since sometimes you act so aloof, it is hard to imagine you being an older brother who spoils his sisters," Terra said.
Rain couldn't deny the truth: whenever he wasn't in the presence of his family, he found himself perpetually in a state of work mode. This relentless dedication to his responsibilities seemed to define his every moment away from them.
As Rain contemplated the prospect of his sisters residing with him, he couldn't help but ponder how this would alter the dynamic. It was clear that their presence would demand an increased commitment from him – not just as a protector but also as a guide. The notion of this substantial responsibility loomed large.
Rain recognized that it would be a substantial undertaking, requiring him to foster their independence and self-sufficiency.
The impending reality that he would need to leave for work periodically further complicated matters. Balancing his duties as a guardian and provider with his own obligations was a daunting challenge. Rain's concern rested not only on the logistics of managing these responsibilities but also on ensuring his sisters' well-being during his absences.
The burden of guiding them towards independence would weigh heavily on his shoulders.