Chapter: 1
At seven years old, he had grown accustomed to life in the Rochel Dukedom, though noble traditions still felt foreign to him. The Duke's mansion had always been a place of strict discipline and elegance, but today, the air was different—alive with an unusual excitement. Servants rushed through the marble halls, their hurried footsteps echoing off the high ceilings. Elaborate decorations adorned every corner, gold-trimmed banners draped over balconies, and fresh flowers filled the halls with their fragrance. It was clear that something grand was about to happen.
At first, he paid little attention to the commotion. He had spent the past few years growing accustomed to this strange new world, but noble affairs weren't something he cared about. That was until he overheard the whispers of passing maids.
"The young master's talent check is in a few days!"
"His baptism will also be conducted—how exciting! We will finally see if he has inherited the Duke's legendary abilities!"
Hearing this, his heart pounded. A talent check? A ceremony for him? He hadn't expected something so significant. He had been reborn into the prestigious Rochel family, one of the three great dukedoms of the Human Empire, but the true weight of that fact had never fully hit him—until now.
Two days later, tailors arrived at his room with luxurious fabrics, measuring his arms and shoulders for a formal outfit. That was when he realized: this wasn't just a simple event. This was a grand banquet where his identity would be announced to the entire empire. Not only would his abilities be tested, but he would also be officially presented as the heir to the Rochel family.
And he was expected to stand before all these people—nobles, warriors, priests, and possibly even royalty.
He had never attended a noble gathering in either of his lifetimes. The very thought of standing in front of so many strangers made his stomach churn with unease.
The Day of the Banquet,
The morning arrived quicker than expected.
A team of servants entered his chambers at dawn, bowing respectfully before helping him dress. They combed his white-silver hair, tied an ornate black and gold ceremonial coat around him, and fastened the Rochel family crest to his chest—a symbol of power and prestige.
His golden eyes reflected in the grand mirror. He looked regal, noble… but inside, he felt like an imposter. Would he be strong enough to meet their expectations?
As the doors of the great hall opened, he was led forward. The grand banquet hall stretched before him, filled with countless nobles in elegant attire. Crystal chandeliers bathed the hall in golden light, illuminating the vast ballroom where lords, ladies, and influential figures from all over the empire had gathered.
It wasn't just humans in attendance. Among the crowd were elves with pointed ears, beastmen with furred tails and sharp eyes, vampires with pale, elegant features, and even dwarves with finely crafted armor. Some wore robes embedded with mana crystals, signifying their magical prowess, while others carried the aura of warriors, their very presence exuding strength.
The atmosphere buzzed with conversation. Some nobles spoke of the Duke and Duchess of Rochel, praising their achievements. Others whispered about him, their eyes filled with curiosity.
"Is that the young heir? He looks different from the Duke…"
"White-silver hair… a rare trait. I wonder if it holds any significance?"
"A direct descendant of the Rochel bloodline. His potential must be incredible!"
He tried to ignore the stares, keeping his posture straight as he was guided to the center of the hall.
Then, the room grew silent.
From the upper balcony, an elderly man in flowing white robes descended the grand staircase. His robes bore the symbol of the Holy Kingdom, and a sacred aura surrounded him. The moment people saw him, murmurs of shock and reverence spread through the hall.
"The Holy Bishop himself has come?"
"Why would someone of his stature conduct a mere talent check?"
"He is one of the most powerful figures in the Holy Kingdom! Even the Emperor must show him respect!"
Even his father, Duke Rowley Rochel, a man known for his unshakable demeanor, stepped forward and greeted the old man with a respectful nod.
"It is an honor, Your Eminence."
The Holy Bishop turned to face him with a warm smile, his aged eyes filled with wisdom.
"So this is the son of Duke Rowley? A fine young man indeed."
The boy swallowed hard, feeling the weight of countless gazes upon him.
"Shall we begin?" The Holy Bishop raised his staff, its tip glowing with divine light. The hall darkened slightly as the ritual began, the glow intensifying as he chanted ancient incantations.
A brilliant golden light enveloped him. His entire body shimmered as if bathed in holy fire.
At first, he was overwhelmed—his skin tingled, a strange warmth filling his chest. He could feel something awakening deep inside him, something ancient and powerful.
Then, suddenly—nothing.
The golden light remained, but there was no reaction beyond that. No magic surge, no divine blessing, no indication of a beast affinity. The entire hall fell into stunned silence.
His father's brows furrowed. His mother's eyes widened slightly. The nobles exchanged uncertain glances.
"Why… why is nothing happening?"
"There should be an elemental reaction, or at least a beast affinity confirmation!"
"This is strange… is he truly the heir of the Rochel bloodline?"
The Holy Bishop frowned slightly, his expression unreadable.
"Let me try again."
He lifted his staff, this time pouring more power into the ritual. The golden light intensified, swirling like divine flames around the boy. The pressure in the air grew thick, powerful enough that even the high-ranking nobles felt it.
And yet, once again—nothing happened.
A Mystery Unfolds
A tense silence settled over the hall. The Holy Bishop pulled back slightly, his brows deeply furrowed. He examined the boy closely, as if searching for something unseen.
"This is… peculiar."
The Duke's eyes sharpened. "What does this mean, Your Eminence?"
The Holy Bishop did not answer immediately. Instead, he studied the boy carefully before finally speaking.
"This child… is unlike any I have ever tested."
A ripple of murmurs spread through the hall.
"What do you mean?"
The Holy Bishop's gaze deepened, his expression serious.
"I cannot yet say for certain… but this is no ordinary child."
The boy's heart pounded. He had expected many things today—shock, admiration, even disappointment. But this?
For the first time since his reincarnation, he felt truly lost.
And somewhere deep inside him, something stirred—something neither he, nor anyone present, could yet understand.
End of chapter