Reincarnation of Nikola Tesla in another world-Chapter 25: a setup

Kim stirred awake to the soft glow of morning light filtering through the barred window. His mind sharpened instantly, years of discipline refusing to let him wake groggy. He blinked twice, adjusting to the world once more.

Then, a faint chime echoed in his mind.

[ Task Complete: Gather Intelligence ]

Reward Acquired: Appraisal (Lv.1) Unlocked

Kim frowned. The translucent screen hovered in his vision, the letters crisp and clear as if etched into thin air. It wasn't the first time he had seen something like this. But it was the first time he had been rewarded for something he would've done regardless.

"A skill...?"

His curiosity piqued, Kim instinctively reached out. The moment his fingers brushed against the glowing text, the system reacted.

The screen shifted, expanding into new details.

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[ Skill: Appraisal (Lv.1) ]

Allows the user to analyze objects, materials, and basic information about people. Effectiveness is determined by skill level and target resistance.

[ Uses: 1/1 ] [ Cooldown: 14 Hours ]

Kim narrowed his eyes. "Cooldown?"

He leaned closer, examining the details. The skill had a single use for now, and once spent, he'd be locked out for fourteen hours. That meant he had to be selective.

"Tch. That's limiting."

Still, the possibilities intrigued him. Appraisal—if it worked properly—could be invaluable. Identifying rare materials, gauging the strength of people he encountered, maybe even seeing through deception. It was a tool, and Kim knew better than anyone the value of good tools.

His fingers traced the air again, testing the interface. The system was responsive—touch-based rather than thought-commanded. He filed that information away for later.

"What are you doing? Still sleepy?"

Kim flinched.

His head snapped to the side, eyes locking onto the nurse—Catherine—who was casually leaning against the wall, arms crossed, a smirk dancing on her lips.

For someone trained to notice details, he hadn't even heard her enter. Unacceptable.

"How long have you been standing there?" he asked, schooling his features back into nonchalance.

She tilted her head playfully. "Long enough to see you waving your hands around like a madman. Talking to ghosts, are we?"

Kim exhaled through his nose, schooling his expression. "Yes. The spirits of my patience, which you seem intent on exorcising."

Catherine chuckled, pushing off the wall. "Charming as always. Get up, you have somewhere to be."

"Oh?" Kim swung his legs over the side of the bed. "And where, pray tell, am I being dragged off to now?"

She leaned down slightly, her face far too amused. "You've been summoned to the residence of Vaqihr."

Kim's brows lifted. "Summoned? What, did I win a contest I don't remember entering?"

"More like a punishment." She grinned. "Until further notice, you're under his supervision."

Kim stared at her.

Then blinked.

Then sighed. "I'm being babysat."

Catherine laughed outright at that. "Oh, you have no idea how accurate that is."

Kim pinched the bridge of his nose. "Marvelous. Truly, I am honored to be reduced to a ward of the state."

She gave him a teasing pat on the shoulder. "Look at it this way—you're under the care of one of the strongest magic users in the empire. A privilege, really."

Kim scoffed. "A brat with a title. I feel blessed."

"Speaking of brats," Catherine added, folding her arms. "That regal woman you saw before? The one who looked like she wanted to step on everyone?"

Kim gave her a dry look. "You're going to tell me she actually does?"

Catherine laughed. "Not quite. That was Vaqihr's older sister."

Kim blinked. "Come again?"

"Lady Selene," she continued. "She was married off to Vaqihr's best friend ages ago, but—" Catherine sighed dramatically, "—since dear little Vaqihr was too busy rebelling against his father's legacy, she had to pick up the slack and manage the entire administration of the family estate."

Kim processed that. "So she's handling the work he abandoned?"

"Exactly." Catherine smirked. "Imagine being so much of a problem child that your big sister has to run an empire while you play wizard in the backyard."

Kim shook his head, a small grin tugging at his lips. "And what position does their family hold within the empire?"

Catherine's amusement dimmed slightly, though her smirk remained. "The right hand."

Kim stilled.

Catherine let that sink in before shrugging. "So, you know. No pressure or anything."

Kim exhaled slowly, running a hand through his hair. "I take it back. This isn't babysitting. This is espionage training."

Catherine gave him a pat on the back. "Glad you're catching up. Now, get dressed. Your new 'supervisor' is expecting you