In the novel Raven had read, there was mention of outwardly and unrealistic abilities.
Swordmasters and Auramasters with their channeling inner core, called aura.
Mages with their mana.
Families with their unique and bloodline abilities.
An example would be the family that she was in, right now.
During the battle of the elite slaves, Raven's eyes had never strayed away from the two opponents. She noticed how the weak elite slave had closed the distance between his face and the other elite slave. Her eyes had also been sharp to catch the tiny pause. If it were coming from one elite slave, she would have dismissed it as a normal reaction when one was faced with fear.
However, what if the tiny pause came from the two elite slaves?
Strange, wasn't it?
All of a sudden, the weak elite slave had snapped out of his daze and swiftly pierced his sword through the chest of his opponent. His action was not without hesitation, as if he had originally meant to kill and not spare.
''….You are silent, meaning that I speak correctly.'' Raven distanced herself from him. Her eyes took in the appearance of the kneeling elite slave. His tanned skin color, his youthful features with an exotic charm, grey hair and eyes staring at her like a prey vigilantly watching his predator.
Though in this situation, Raven knew who exactly the predator and prey were. But she took a risk. A risk that he wouldn't kill her, because he didn't want to be noticed by anyone.
''…..'' The elite slave lowered his gaze without a word.
Seeing that he had no intention of talking about his eyes, Raven moved on to another yet similar topic.
''I never permitted for that elite slave to be killed, yet you ended his life. What reason does your act seek, slave?'' Her head tilted a bit as she put forth that question. Raven had to admit she was impressed with his swift actions, but there was something she needed to know about this new slave of hers.
''…..''
''Isn't he an innocent one?'' Raven asked further in response to his silence.
The elite slave furrowed his eyebrows at her words.
''…He's not innocent.''
''Why do you say so?'' Raven asked, noticing the hesitation. It seemed she had touched a nerve, which certainly pleased her.
''....''
'Back to keeping quiet, are we?' Raven mused, then voiced her guess. ''That was for revenge.'' Her words were not a question but a statement, as though she was absolutely sure.
''…..'' The elite slave lowered his head in response.
''You know….'' Raven suddenly appeared very close to him again. Her face leveling his, with their breath fanning against each other. ''Humans are selfish yet funny creatures.''
Her eyes glinted sharply, with a sneer eminent on her lips. ''I noted how you appeared to be holding back. Perhaps your reason was for your opponent or someone else.''
When Raven said 'someone else,' the elite slave abruptly raised his gaze, and she caught the sight of his grey eyes trembling, even if it was for a fleeting moment.
'Aha.' Her sneer turned into a tiny smirk. 'Gotcha.'
It seemed her elite slave was one of a weak mind.
''My existence must have been quite a nuisance in your life. However, my dear elite slave, all I need from you are your skills….'' Her fingers returned to his cheeks, leaving warm fleeting touches. ''I have no need for a person held back by another. Such person is considered worthless to me. I have goals, and I will do anything and make use of anyone to achieve them.''
''…..''
The elite slave remained silent as he observed the empty eyes of his new master. He understood deeply what the rumored weak fourth young lady of the Langston family was telling him.
Before, he dared not to do this for specific reasons. But now…he was a bit curious. He wanted to look through her. Even if looking into a glimpse of her future was more than risky, he wanted to do it, as his life was now chained with hers from the start.
And so he did what he wanted. Though it was for a fleeting second in reality, it wasn't the same in the world his eyes could only see.
'S-She….' Grey eyes shook at the sight of his new master, all grown up, looking extraordinarily beautiful, both face and body, yet around her were lumps dead bodies, too numerous to count in numbers. The dead bodies were somewhat strange to him, as most of them seemed ethereal with slumped wings.
A grown fourth young lady sat on a chair like a throne fit for an emperor. Her entire aura did not emit any weakness like her reputation. Her eyes were unapologetic towards the stacks of dead bodies. All of a sudden, those eyes peered at him as if looking at him, the real him who was peeking into her future.
A knowing smile settled on those glossy lips, and her forefinger hovered over them.
''Shhh...I hope you don't stick your nose where it doesn't belong….Kieran.'' She called his name in a sultry tone and once that happened, he was plunged back to reality.
''You froze…again.'' His ears pricked at her voice that was very different from what he heard a moment ago.
The elite slave released a small shaky breath. His face was pale, yet he acted calm, as if nothing had just happened.
However, Raven scrutinized him, knowing she wasn't mistaken. The elite slave must have done something, but she didn't feel weird in any way.
'I don't recall any character with his eyes....' She momentarily contemplated. 'Perhaps I can find something in the library.' If she wasn't mistaken, those grey glass-like eyes lightened up briefly a moment ago. There was definitely something special about her elite slave.
''You appear weak all of a sudden.'' Raven snorted, lightly. ''You should have rested well before this meeting.'' She purposely did not bring up her observation lest she give more reason to elicit more dislike.
Her elite slave definitely did not have good feelings for her, since she practically disrupted his life.
Especially serving a known weak member of the powerful Langston family.
'….master should be the same,' The elite slave in question, also remarked with few suspicions. From the beginning of the conversation, the fourth young lady seemed ill with her overly ashen face. As an elite slave of the Langston family, he knew about the unique power only belonging to the Langston family. From some gossipy elite slaves, he also knew some things not entirely known to the public.
Perhaps the power was the reason for her sickly look, but there was no news yet from the Langston family.
''You should stand up now, slave.''
The elite slave silently stood up at her command.
'His skinny figure hides his handsome features. I should definitely feed him well and buy some clothes.' Raven planned mentally.
Since the elite slave was now in her possession, then she might as well take care of him and make good use of him, only if he was worth the risk.
But first....
''Do you have a name or should I name you?''
''….Kieran.'' The elite slave replied slowly.
The name was the same as in the vision, as well as his birth name. A name given to him by his late mother.
''Kieran…What a lovely name.'' Raven inwardly approved of the name. At least, she didn't have to think of a name. On her way here, Lily mentioned that she would have to come up with a name, but it seemed this elite slave of hers was unwilling to bear another name.
Well, it was win-win for them either way.
And so, the new master and subordinate trained after, which ended with both of them fainting from exhaustion upon arriving in their rooms.
****
*Swish*
*Swish*
In the air, the trajectory of small knives took place until each blade had their tips firmly stuck on the circular wooden board with painted round circles. The first circle traced the entire shape of the board. The second circle followed on suit but the size was smaller. The third and the fourth circles were the same. Each of the circles had spaces in between and on the middle of the board was shaded circle which marked the middle.
The thrown knives stuck on the circular board were either on each layer of circles, but none got to the shaded circle.
''…...'' There was a pause until another set of knives were in trajectory again. This time, the knives were thrown in frustration and anger.
*Pak* *Pak* *Pak*
Two knives landed on the same layer of circle, and the last one was the closest to the shaded circle in the middle.
''Hmph!'' In her training clothes, Raven snorted in arrogance. At least she has narrowed the distance to her target. Apart from the daggers, small knives and needles were her specialty back in her former world. Raven knew that starting to learn her former skills all over wouldn't be easy, but she never expected the learning process to be damn frustrating.
Especially when she was the boss in these skills in her former world!
Just as Raven was about to throw another set of knives, a familiar voice joined her on the battle grounds.
''Is this what you can only do? So much for agreeing to my challenge, fourth sister.''