Echo Of Infinity: 100× exp

The Echo of Infinity: Chapter 27 - Seeds of Suspicion

The report on the shadow magic incident caused ripples within the Guild's research division. Lingering environmental spell traps capable of dispatching multiple lumberjacks were uncommon and dangerous. While Kael, Harker, and Elina received commendations for identifying the source and surviving, the incident also subtly increased scrutiny on Kael.

He had, once again, been at the center of an unusual event involving strange energies, and had conveniently possessed the right 'artifact surge' or 'spark' to resolve it. Elara summoned him for a private chat.

"Shadow magic, Kael?" she asked, leaning back in her chair, steepling her fingers. "First crystal resonance, now this. Your artifact seems unusually versatile."

"I don't understand it either," Kael maintained, projecting earnest confusion. "The stone just... reacts sometimes. And I felt cold near those rocks, heard whispers before the attack." He emphasized his sensory input, linking it to his known [Shadow Scout] abilities.

Elara sighed. "Perhaps. But others are noticing the pattern. Instructor Lyraelle asked about you again after the report came in. Her [Weave Analyst] senses were apparently 'agitated' by the residual energies described in your report, and she recalled the 'buffering' effect she sensed around you."

Kael felt a chill. Lyraelle's specialized class was proving a persistent threat to his secret.

"Just... maintain consistency," Elara advised tiredly. "Focus on your documented skills. Avoid any more spectacular 'discoveries' for a while."

Kael agreed readily, but inwardly, he knew consistency was becoming impossible. His power grew daily, relentlessly. He was Lv. 20 [Swift Blade], Lv. 19 [Shadow Scout] with [Nightblade] unlocked, Lv. 18 [Mana Weaver]. He was outstripping the believable progression curve for his fabricated Lv. 13 status at an alarming rate.

He started deliberately 'failing' minor aspects of quests. He'd 'miss' a track occasionally, requiring a teammate to point it out. He'd 'struggle' slightly longer against standard Tier 1 monsters in group fights. He'd ask 'basic' questions about tactics or monster weaknesses. It was a humiliating charade, but necessary to lower his profile.

This deliberate underperformance, however, had its own consequences. Some adventurers started seeing him not just as lucky, but as inconsistent and unreliable. He failed to secure spots on a couple of promising Iron Rank quests because team leaders preferred predictability. He found himself relegated back to less desirable patrols or guard duties more often.

The loneliness intensified. He trained furiously in private, his skills reaching razor sharpness, his stats climbing, but publicly he had to act the part of a struggling, erratic rookie. The gap between his hidden reality and public perception was a chasm.

During a routine sewer patrol quest (exterminating mutated Glow-Centipedes – Tier 1), he was teamed with the brawling Iron Ranker who’d first hassled him, Roric ([Brawler Lv. 14]), and two other adventurers. Roric clearly thought the quest beneath him and blamed Kael for dragging the team composition down.

When they were cornered by a larger-than-usual swarm of the centipedes in a narrow junction, Roric shoved Kael forward. "Earn your keep, artifact kid! Use one of your fancy 'surges'!"

Kael stumbled, catching himself just before falling into the mass of clicking, glowing insects. Anger flared, hot and sharp. He *could* annihilate this swarm in seconds with [Flowing Strikes] or area-effect mana pulses he was developing in secret. He *could* put Roric in his place.

Instead, he gritted his teeth, drew his sword, and engaged the centipedes with basic, believable Lv. 13 [Swift Blade] techniques. He fought competently, holding the line, but took several painful, venomous bites (quickly neutralized by his high CON and tiny, hidden uses of [Minor Heal]). He let the others see him struggle, see him get injured.

They eventually cleared the swarm, but Kael was limping, his fake HP status showing critical levels. Roric just sneered. "See? Useless without your lucky breaks."

Kael didn't respond. He just focused on the flood of EXP notifications only he could perceive. Every bite, every struggle, every moment of holding back fueled the fire within. One day, he wouldn't have to hold back. But that day felt increasingly far away, and the path there was paved with frustration and compromise.

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Publishment Date: 8/4/2025