Focusing all day on leveling up to reach level fifteen in Enhanced Senses, I finally achieved it.

  

  “Enhanced Senses has reached level fifteen, possible evolution paths are being unlocked…”

  “Mana Detection, Physical Detection, Pseudo Domain”

  “Just as my grandmother suspected, there are only three options.” After training, she had told me about the possible choices upon ranking up my ability.

  She and my grandfather had obtained Mana Detection and Physical Detection respectively, and she hypothesized a third alternative — a fusion of both.

  “Pseudo Domain… doesn’t sound bad. I wonder what the difference is compared to a real domain…”

  Without hesitation, I choose the third option. My grandmother had already given me permission to select my ability and just report the details to her tomorrow.

  The world feels different now — I can sense every object around me, in a diameter of about fifteen meters.

  It’s a fantastic ability; I feel like I’m seeing in all directions without using my eyes. I can’t tell colors or materials — I simply know what’s inside my pseudo domain. There’s no longer a delay between my mind and body when using this ability.

  With each step, the world opens up to my new vision. I could instantly recognize if someone enters my domain while it's active. I feel a slight mental drain while using it, but nothing that would stop me from maintaining it for a long time. If I level it up further, I might eventually be able to keep it on twenty-four hours a day.

  I keep testing the skill, running around the training room. I try it while using Lightning Step, and my reactions are flawless. THIS IS FANTASTIC! I can fight multiple opponents without fearing surprise attacks or blind spots.

  “I’m ready to go to Mancor tomorrow.” I’m going to fight my first monsters. I’m not as nervous now, thanks to my grandmother’s words and my new ability. I must turn that fear into strength.

  I wish I had acquired an ability to control my emotions and nerves. I’ve been trying the past two days without success. I’m close — I know it — I just need one more push. Maybe putting myself in danger will push me past the threshold.

  With the remaining hours, I decide to practice controlling my Imra. Of all my abilities, it's the least developed. I need to focus on it more until I feel satisfied.

  Time flies, and soon it's bedtime. Not without eating something first — I’ve grown fond of eating; it’s when I feel most relaxed. I’d love to enjoy desserts more, but I can’t let myself become too fond of sweets.

  The next day, during my training with Grandma, I told her what had happened. She was really happy and congratulated me. When training ended, she told me about my next task: I have to go to Mancor after lunch and meet Randy, the head of the guards.

  “This is my first time going to Mancor…”

  My grandmother showed me the way, and I’m now walking to the next town. I shouldn’t encounter any danger along the road.

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  Just as I thought, no monsters or issues appeared on the way. Now it’s time to find Randy…

  Without thinking too much, I started walking around the town. It’s quite small, so it shouldn’t be a problem if I’m a few minutes late.

  The people are cheerful and friendly. Everyone greets each other warmly — it’s quite pleasant.

  Some people stare at me for a moment with puzzled expressions. I can see curiosity shining in their eyes, but no one has asked me my name or where I’m from yet. They keep watching even after I’ve passed — I know thanks to my domain.

  I arrived at a construction site for a new tower along the town wall. Judging by the base of the building, it’ll be taller than the others I’ve seen.

  All the workers are moving stones and large beams. Maybe because I stared for too long, someone called out to me.

  “Hey kid, want to help out? If you work hard, you’ll get good pay and meals.”

  I wasn’t sure if he was talking to me or someone else. I looked around — no other children nearby.

  I started thinking of a polite and casual way to decline, but before I could answer, he continued.

  “Don’t be shy. You’re not the first kid to lend a hand at construction. Extra hands are always welcome, even small ones.”

  Torn between explaining that I was looking for Randy or just saying I was curious, I saw him walking toward me. It all happened in a matter of seconds.

  “Come on, I’ll introduce you to the site manager. He can tell you how to help out. Some extra money might help your family.”

  I gave in. My curiosity about visiting another town and meeting people was too strong. Randy will understand if I explain — I’m a child, and children are naturally curious.

  We entered the site and met the construction manager. He only asked my name and if I had any experience. Since I didn’t, they just put me to work moving rocks and wood with the others.

  “Maki, don’t overdo it trying to impress. Knowing your limits will help you live longer.”

  Edd seems like a really good person. He got me a job and gave advice without expecting anything in return.

  “Thanks, Edd. I trust my physical strength — I can carry as much as anyone else.”

  Edd burst out laughing and encouraged me. Just like I said, I picked up some very large stones — ones a normal child couldn’t lift. Edd nearly fell backward seeing me carry one without effort.

  An advanced Amethyst body is quite strong, after all.

  After almost an hour of moving materials, it was lunch time. Today’s meal was a beef stew — it looked great, and it didn’t disappoint. I’d give it a solid 7.5.

  Just before returning to my new temporary job — I planned to stay only one more hour — I saw people wearing the guard uniform approaching.

  They went straight to the site manager. I could see his eyes widen in surprise as he scanned the area until they landed on me. Looks like the fun is over.

  He stood up and ran toward us. His actions startled all the workers — everyone stopped eating to see what was happening.

  “Young Master Maki, I hope you can forgive me. I had no idea about your identity. I only offered that job because Edd asked — I didn’t mean to assign such work to the son of Lord Jarrid.”

  Everyone around me dropped their jaws — especially Edd, who even dropped his fork after hearing those words.

  I heard people murmuring about me — how my eye color matched my mother’s, how my strength made sense now that they knew I was the baronet’s son.

  “Don’t worry, site manager. I only did it because I found it interesting and fun. I’m not offended or upset.” I gave him a big smile and set my food aside.

  My words seemed to reach him well — he smiled and calmed down enough to stop stuttering.

  “Looks like it’s time for me to go. Thanks for letting me join you all. It was a great experience. The food was delicious, and I’m glad to know the people of Mancor are warm and friendly.”

  I tried to sound noble while staying casual — I didn’t want to make things tense.

  “Oh, and Edd — you’ll need a new fork to finish your fork. Thanks for getting me my first job.”

  I walked over to the guards waiting at the dining hall entrance. Thanks to my domain, I could see Edd blinking repeatedly before finally reacting.

  “Thank you, Young Lord Maki.”

  I turned, raised my hand in a goodbye wave, and smiled nobly and politely, just like I’ve been taught all these years.

  And that’s how my first job ended — now it’s time to do what I was actually supposed to do from the beginning.