Reincarnated With the World Domination System-Chapter 12: Claw

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Rael fought more bandits until one of them froze as if he were lagging.

It had never happened before, so Rael stopped and narrowed his eyes at the man.

A moment later, Dominica's voice echoed across the training room.

[Someone is calling you, Lord Rael. It is Anne.]

After confirming it was Anne, Dominica conjured a system window that showed Rael's surroundings.

A little girl with apple-red hair stood at the bunk bed, clutching her teddy bear and calling Rael's name as loudly as she could.

He didn't have the heart to keep her waiting, so Rael ended his session and left the virtual reality room.

Dominica nodded and vanished from the room as well.

[Lord Rael, I do not require sleep. I will use your virtual reality room while you rest.]

Yeah, that's fine. It's probably already afternoon. I should eat something. Food and water in the virtual reality are fake anyway.

[Lord Rael should also get some exercise, even though you trained a lot in there.]

I know.

Upon leaving the training room, Rael kicked away the blanket and peered over the bed's rim, finding Anne's flushed face.

She had shouted so much that her cheeks were as red as her hair, making her look even cuter.

"Anne," Rael said, then realized he smelled quite bad.

It was spring, but it was already hot, and he had spent hours under the blanket while training in his mind.

His clothes, pillow, and blanket were drenched in sweat.

"Next time, just call my name gently and count to ten," Rael said with a smile. "I'll be up before you know it."

"Really?" Anne asked, tilting her head.

Rael only grinned and climbed down the ladder.

When his feet touched the ground, he turned to Anne.

"Everyone's worried about you," Anne said, hugging her teddy bear to her nose. "All okay?"

Rael awkwardly nodded. "Yeah... I just felt like sleeping more. Haha."

"Sister Sophia said you meet her," Anne added, trying to repeat her message.

Her words cut Rael's laughter short, and he froze before forcing a smile.

He couldn't recall how he had acted around Sister Sophia now that he suspected she might be a traitor.

He still cared about her, but he had no idea how to behave naturally.

"Uh, yeah," Rael said. "I'll shower first and see Sister Sophia."

He excused himself, and for the first time, he walked away from Anne in such an awkward manner that even she noticed he was acting oddly.

"Why Rael strange?" she whispered to her teddy bear.

The toy stared back silently.

—

After taking a shower and nervously putting on fresh clothes, Rael made his way to Sister Sophia's room.

He walked slowly, still unsure how to act around her.

[Lord Rael, Sister Sophia raised you and taught you kindness and social skills. Though the orphanage values innate abilities, they do not want children burdened too soon. That mindset helped shape you, even if your social anxiety was severe. Sister Sophia and the other sisters played a major role in preserving your humanity.]

That doesn't solve my problem.

[Lord Rael should act naturally. She is likely worried about you, so show concern for her and assure her not to worry. That is how you would have behaved before learning of her possible hidden motives.]

Thanks.

Rael stopped at her door and knocked softly.

When Sister Sophia told him to come in, he stepped inside.

She sat at her desk, typing on a transparent keyboard projected by her watch.

A moment later, both the keyboard and screen vanished, and Rael took a seat across from her.

"Good afternoon, Rael," Sister Sophia said in her gentle voice. "It's unusual for you to sleep so long. Are you feeling okay?"

Rael gave her his brightest smile. "Yes, Sister. I'm perfectly fine. I'm sorry if I worried you."

She laughed and ruffled his hair. "I'm glad you're alright. I can always count on you, Rael. Ah, what would I do if you left us? You're like a bridge between everyone here."

"I love everyone," Rael said, his eyes big. "Why would I leave?"

Her smile grew. "You see, Rael, it's impossible for you to stay here forever. You'll grow up and become an adult, and being an adult means you have to manage yourself. You won't rely on us or your friends. You'll be alone in a brand-new world. Doesn't that sound scary?"

Even though Rael wanted to disagree, he nodded.

She continued in the same warm tone. "But if you have an ability, I can help you."

"Oh..." Rael mumbled, saying whatever came to mind.

"Rael," she said, leaning forward. "Tell me, do you have an ability? I already know the truth."

He realized she was testing him, so he nodded to confirm.

Sister Sophia's smile turned radiant. "Kids with abilities have a much easier time in the adult world, Rael. I'm so happy you have one. So, so happy."

[She really does seem happy.]

Shut up for now, Dominica.

[My deepest apologies, Lord Rael.]

"You see, my dear Rael," Sister Sophia said, "I have a friend in the military who can take care of you right now and help you become independent. Only kids with abilities are eligible for her program. Anyone without an ability can stay here or be placed in a new home I provide. All you need to do is work hard and grow up to help your friends. For example, Anne may never awaken an ability, or maybe Ali won't. You can help them with the others who join the military at a young age. It will be difficult, but we're the only ones who can give them this kind of support."

[Please, remain calm, Lord Rael.]

"I'll think about it, Sister Sophia," Rael said.

"Such a mature answer," she replied, ruffling his hair once more.

That familiar hand suddenly felt like a claw.