After washing away the impurities and bloodstains that clung to my skin, I stood before the mirror, and what I saw took my breath away. The already handsome face I had inherited was now even more striking. My skin had transformed into a flawless, milky canvas, and my hair shimmered with a newfound luster, slightly longer than before.
"It must be the potion's effect," I mused, a grin spreading across my face. With this transformation, I felt a surge of confidence. Now, it was time to check my status.
"Status, open," I commanded, my heart racing with anticipation.
-: [System Status]: -
Name: Noah von Augustus
Race: Human
Age: 16
Level: 0
Class: None
Potential: Limitless
Skills: Skill Weaver (D)
System Skill: Authority of Creation
(Basic Stats) -
[Strength: F]
[Agility: F]
[Endurance: F+]
[Intelligence: C]
[Charm: S+]
[Mana: F+]
(Remarks: A more handsome ant.)
The improvements were evident, especially in my charm. I could now use mana, and with my limitless potential, the path to strength lay before me. I couldn't help but chuckle darkly, imagining the day she would regret rejecting me.
Suddenly, a knock at the door interrupted my thoughts, followed by a voice calling out to me.
"Young master, Madam and Master request your presence in the office," said the maid, her black hair framing her face and her black eyes reflecting a hint of concern.
"I'll be there shortly," I replied, trying to sound composed.
"Yes, young master," she responded, waiting patiently outside.
After a few moments, I followed her down the corridor, my heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and anxiety. When we reached the office, I paused outside the door, taking a deep breath to steady myself before knocking.
Knock, knock.
"Come in, my son," an authoritative yet affectionate voice called from within. It had to be my father.
Stepping inside, I was greeted by the sight of a handsome middle-aged man with hair similar to mine and striking blue eyes. In the corner stood a beautiful woman with blue hair and eyes just like mine—my mother, Julia. Yes, these were Noah's parents, Richard and Julia von Augustus.
"Hello, Mom and Dad. You called for me?" I greeted them, recalling the memories that told me of their love.
"Hello, dear," my mother said sweetly, concern lacing her voice.
"Hello, son. Do you know why we called you here?" my father asked, his tone stern yet caring.
"To kick me out of the house because I'm useless and have no talent?" I replied, testing their affection.
The moment the words left my mouth, both of their faces registered shock, their eyes wide with disbelief. My mother immediately jumped from her seat and enveloped me in a warm embrace.
"No, dear! We would never abandon you! You are not useless! Who told you this?" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with emotion.
Richard's expression was a mix of conflict and concern. Taking a deep breath, he said, "My son, we will never abandon you. As your father and the head of this family, I give you my word."
They continued to reassure me, their words washing over me like a soothing balm. Finally, I said, "It's okay; I trust you both." Their sighs of relief were palpable.
"Noah, we called you here to inform you that you have been admitted to the Hero Academy, and the entrance ceremony is in two weeks," Richard announced.
"But I can't even use mana! What's the point of going there?" I protested, employing my best acting skills.
"The Hero Academy is not solely about magic. There are other disciplines to learn, such as alchemy, swordsmanship, and making connections. You will go there," my father declared, his voice firm.
"I understand. I will prepare myself. I shall take my leave now," I said, bowing slightly before exiting the office, my heart racing. My parents could do nothing but sigh in concern as I hurried away.
Once outside, I decided to head to the library to gather more information about this world and its workings. After spending three hours immersed in books, I finally grasped the knowledge I needed.
This world was known as Earthe, a name strikingly similar to my previous one, with only a slight spelling difference. Mana had been introduced when a meteor struck Earthe, altering the landscape and opening portals to other realms inhabited by various species like elves and dwarves. However, demons soon began attacking the other races, igniting a war for survival. Thankfully, humans awakened to newfound powers, and with the help of allied races, they achieved emergency victories. Afterward, a non-aggression pact was formed, fostering trade alliances to maintain peace. It had been over a hundred years since the last demon attack, a fortunate circumstance that allowed the races to coexist harmoniously.
Returning to my room, I felt a sense of urgency. "System, do you have any quests for me?" I inquired, eager to begin my journey.
[Generating Quest 1:]
[Run 50 KM in a week.]
[100 push-ups daily for a week.]
[100 sit-ups daily for a week.]
[Quest reward: Agility, Strength, Endurance from F -> E, 1000 CP.]
[Quest 2: Meditate while circulating mana inside your body for 2 hours daily for a week.]
[Quest reward: Mana Sense (F), 10 SP.]
Reading through the quests, I gulped inwardly. The tasks ahead were daunting, not just for a day but for an entire week. Yet, I had no choice; I needed to push myself beyond my limits. Without further thought, I exited my room and made my way to one of the expansive gardens, which was as vast as a cricket stadium.
I began running in circles around the garden, my legs pumping with effort. However, after just ten minutes, I found myself kissing the ground, gasping for breath. "Damn, this body has very low stamina," I muttered, frustration bubbling within me. I couldn't even create a stamina recovery skill because I was still at level 0.
Then my gaze fell upon the ring on my finger. "Is it a dimensional ring? But I can't even use mana. Let's see what's inside." Closing my eyes, I concentrated on the ring and discovered it was indeed a dimensional storage. Inside, I found several potions, crystals, and even a sword. I recalled that my father had given me this ring to motivate me before my awakening.
"Thank you, both of you," I whispered, gratitude swelling in my chest as I gulped down a stamina potion. With renewed vigor, I resumed my grueling training regimen.
After running 5 kilometers and completing 100 push-ups and sit-ups, my legs finally gave out, and I collapsed in the garden. A maid discovered me and rushed to inform my parents, who were understandably worried. They insisted I didn't need to push myself so hard, but I reassured them not to worry.
Later that evening, I had dinner with my parents, and the warmth of their presence filled me with determination. As I lay in bed, exhaustion washed over me, and I fell asleep almost instantly, dreaming of the strength I would one day possess.
The path ahead was fraught with challenges, but I was ready to embrace them. I would not only prove my worth but also carve a legacy that would echo through the ages.