Chapter 5: Level-Up


    Ameli stumbled into her room, her breath coming in shallow gasps. Her front was already soaked in crimson, the warm trickle of blood still seeping from her nose. She barely registered the mess as she slammed the door shut behind her. Heart pounding in anticipation, she pressed her fingers against her nose and whispered, “Healing Touch.”


    A soothing warmth spread from her fingertips, sinking deep into her skin. The bleeding stopped instantly, the pain dulling to a faint throb. Encouraged, she cast it again. Another wave of relief washed over her, and the lingering discomfort faded. A third time, and it was as if she had never been hurt at all.


    DING!


    The chime rang in her mind, making her breath hitch. She scrambled to open her status screen, her hands trembling. The glowing text appeared before her eyes:


    [Level Up!]


    She had done it! She had reached Level 1!


    Her eyes eagerly scanned the screen. The experience bar now read:


    24/200


    She needed 200 points to reach Level 2, and she already had 24. Her mana pool had also changed.


    [Mana: 16/16]


    A rush of realization hit her. Her mana had been refilled and even increased. This truly means that she could train it like a muscle and she could even expand her limits with practice. Amazing.


    DING!


    Another notification popped up, and her pulse quickened. A new skill?


    [New Skill Acquired: Cleanse]


    Cleanse?


    She tapped the description.


    [Cleanse: Instantly removes all dirt, grime, and impurities from your body and clothing within a 30cm radius.]


    Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Amelia blinked. That meant her clothes were included! She could stay spotless no matter how much she worked or sweated. This was better than she could have imagined!


    DING!


    Her excitement doubled as yet another message appeared.


    [All attributes increased by +2]


    Her body tingled as a warmth coursed through her, like sunlight filling every inch of her being. Her stats had increased! She quickly checked her status.


    [Strength: 4] [Agility: 5] [Endurance: 6] [Mana: 18]


    Faith, however, still remained blank.


    DING!


    [Skill Points +2 Earned!]


    She could now improve any of her abilities. The possibilities thrilled her. She could enhance Healing Touch, making it more potent. Or perhaps invest in Cleanse? She had so much to consider.


    But first—


    A wicked grin tugged at her lips. She cast Cleanse.


    Warmth surged through her again, but this time, it was accompanied by an odd sensation, like a cool breeze wiping across her skin. A moment later, she felt as if she had just stepped out of a refreshing bath. Her clothes, once stained and rumpled, were now pristine. The sweat and grime from her hard labor were gone, leaving her feeling brand new.


    She stared at herself, awestruck. “This is amazing.”


    A sharp knock on her door shattered her moment of triumph.


    The door burst open before she could react. Celeste stood there, her golden locks shimmering in the morning light, her expression twisted in annoyance. “You lazy bum!” she snapped. “The guests are almost here, and you’re lounging in bed?!”


    Amelia turned slowly, her good mood still bubbling inside her. Normally, such words would sting. But today?


    Today, she had power.


    Celeste marched into the room, thrusting a pair of embroidered shoes at her. “Shine these. Now.”


    Amelia looked at her sister, then at the shoes. She had spent years obeying without question. But now?


    Something had shifted inside her. Something strong. Something unbreakable.


    She straightened her spine. “Go away and shine them yourself.”


    Silence.


    Celeste’s mouth fell open. For a moment, she seemed unable to process what had just been said.


    Amelia continued, her voice firm. “Mother and Father may command me. But not you.”


    Celeste’s shock quickly morphed into rage. Without warning, she raised her hand and slapped Amelia across the face.


    A sharp sting bloomed on Amelia’s cheek.


    But—that was all.


    Celeste pulled back, shaking out her hand as though she had struck stone. Her expression turned from fury to bewilderment. “W-What?”


    Amelia simply met her sister’s gaze, unfazed. “Get out.”


    Her voice was quiet, but the command in it was undeniable.


    Celeste took a shaky step back, her face pale with disbelief. This wasn’t how things were supposed to go. Amelia was supposed to cower. To cry. To obey.


    Instead, she stood firm, her gaze unwavering.


    Celeste’s face twisted with frustration. “I’m telling Mother!” she spat before storming out, her heels clicking against the floor.


    Amelia exhaled slowly, her hand brushing against her cheek where the sting was already fading.


    For the first time in her life, she had defied them.


    And it felt incredible.