studiobondurri Chapter 8: First Skill Devour
Chapter 8: First Skill Devour
Chapter 8: First Skill Devour
"I want to be sure you can keep up once we set out."
"Worry about yourself, Princess, not me."
Ryuen trailed behind her, his hands in his pockets, his gaze following her every move.
She wore a flowing gray cloak with intricate silver embroidery along the edges.
The lightweight fabric swirled elegantly as she moved, the fitted waist and sleeves accentuating her curves despite the loose fit.
Beneath the cloak was a sleek black suit, almost like a second skin, clinging perfectly to her form.
Sturdy boots were hidden under the cloak, and a veiled hood rested on her shoulders, for future use.
Every part of her outfit radiated elegance, making it perfect for a princess-hunter.
However, Ryuen wasn't quite sure what to think about her attire.
She looked like she was preparing for a formal event, but might stop by a bar afterward.
Still, he couldn't deny her beauty, nor her commitment to keeping her body covered.
She led him deeper into the palace—into parts he didn't even know existed.
There was an indoor battleground, multiple hot springs, and baths similar to the ones he had in his room, and did not recognise.
The number of servants was overwhelming, especially the women.
Ryuen had changed into simple, functional clothes, similar to what he wore previously, but as Aika had said.
They acted like invisible armor to protect him—since he was a weak mortal.
Soon, they arrived at the palace dungeons, a familiar setting but made of rocks with torches lighting the caverns.
They made their way to a section where low mumbling could be heard—voices Ryuen knew too well.
"Sensei!" Haruka exclaimed.
She shoved Kenta aside and ran into Ryuen's arms without a care.
Ryuen chuckled softly, bracing himself for the impact as he clenched his jaw.
Akari followed, causing him to stagger back.
Kenta let out a quiet sigh, and Yuta simply shrugged.
In the blink of an eye, both students ran into Ryuen, pressing their weight on him until he could no longer stand properly.
Together, they crumpled to the ground with a loud thud, followed by their laughters.
"Should I remind you that we have places to be?"@@@@
Aika chipped in, cutting the brief celebration short.
A smirk appeared on her lips when Ryuen glared at her.
"I could tell Father you're not doing as I say."
Ryuen clenched his fists. "Mention a word of this to your father, and say goodbye to him afterward."
She gasped, her voice echoing through the chambers for nearly a minute.
The students got off Ryuen and helped him up, smiles on their faces as they watched their teacher dust himself off.
"Mister Takeru, where have you been?" Akari asked, her tone laced with worry.
It was clear she had been upset when they were separated.
Ryuen decided to wave that off, knowing they would be apart for a long time unless they left the palace.
The ear-splitting ring came again, scattering his thoughts.
However, he didn't feel weak or dizzy—he felt fine, except for the pain and distraction the sound always caused.
Suddenly, a faint yellow holographic screen appeared before him, with words that looked like symbols he couldn't understand.
Until they shifted and rewrote themselves in English.
[Fifteen seconds to skill cooldown]
[Skill Devour Successful]
[1st Acquired Skill: Vital Restoration]
[Ability: Regenerative Healing (Active 100%) Self-Sustenance and Recovery]
It wasn't much—a basic boost to his physical abilities.
While not entirely normal, it was a skill.
Something he never knew was possible for humans.
He quickly withdrew his hand the moment he felt something else—a vivid memory that wasn't his.
He tried to hide the slight shaking of his hand, but Aika noticed immediately.
She frowned, her brows furrowing as they landed on his uncomfortable expression.
"What's wrong?"
Ryuen shook his head. "Just remembered something from the past," he replied flatly, straightening his posture.
Aika didn't look convinced, but she avoided pressing the matter.
She simply sighed and glanced at Haruka, who smiled at her.
"Let's go... this place is making me... uncomfortable."
She stated, leaving the room without waiting for him.
Haruka turned to him, worry painting her expression as she gazed up at him.
But one smile from Ryuen gave her the reassurance she needed.
"She called us kids," Kenta suddenly said, and Yuta nodded in agreement.
"I'll show her that we're age mates."
"No, she's right though," Ryuen chuckled softly. "You four don't act your age at all."
"But we act our age, sir!" Haruka refuted, refusing to believe she was behaving like a child.
"What did I say about those titles?"
"We can't help it," Akari admitted, but was pushed aside when Kenta threw his arm over Ryuen's shoulder.
"Alright, Ryuen, you should be..." he paused, sizing him up.
"Twenty-two. And I'm twenty, so we could be buddies."
Ryuen slipped out from under Kenta's arm, chuckling as he shook his head and dipped his hand into his pocket.
"Until you four act your age, forget about being treated like my friends—especially you, Kenta."
He said and walked off immediately to avoid their questions and distractions.
He needed to figure out the skill he had devoured and how it would help him return home—or possibly survive.
As he had been told.