Volume 1. Chapter 11: "Birthday"
The Night Before Dawn
The castle, plunged into predawn slumber, shuddered with a monstrous rumble.
- Ba-BAH!
Echoes rolled along the stone walls, doubling and tripling.
Servants scurried out of their quarters like frightened mice, knights drew their blades from their sheaths and stared into the darkness, waiting for the enemy to invade. Even Count Lucian, rushing out of his bedroom window in only his nightgown, clutched frantically at the rough sill.
- What the devil is this?
And then he froze, startled by what he saw.
Salute for Father
In the central courtyard stood Romulus. Behind him, two dozen knights stood like warriors of light, illuminating the space with dancing torches.
- Father! - The seven-year-old boy's voice rang with excitement. - This is for you!
He waved his hand like a conductor, and the night sky bloomed with an unprecedented palette.
Crimson poppies, emerald scatterings, sapphire splashes filled the darkness, illuminating the ancient castle walls, the vast fields, the faces of the stunned witnesses.
- It's... it's... - the Count froze, speechless.
- Fireworks! - Glowing with happiness, Romulus explained. - I made them out of gunpowder!
The crowd held its breath, watching each new volley. Alicia squealed with joy, the maids crossed themselves as if before the face of a saint, and the old soldiers who had seen the sights looked up at the sky as if it were a miracle.
A gift that will change the world
When the last sparks of the salute were extinguished, the count descended into the courtyard as if in a dream.
- Son... that was... incredible...
- It's not over yet," Romulus smiled slyly and pulled out a heavy, mysterious object carefully wrapped in velvet from behind his back.
He tore the cloth away in a single motion, and a revolver flashed in the soft light of dawn.
The elaborately engraved case shimmered with the luster of rare metals, the polished ebony grip breathed warmth, and the blued barrel bore the inscription:
"To Lucian Argelion - to protect his family.
- This-" The Count took the weapon gently in his hands, as if it were a fragile relic.
- A revolver. A six-shooter. It fires without magic, just gunpowder and lead.
The Count twirled it in his hands, feeling the weight of metal and history.
- You made this... yourself?
- Yes. And learned how to cast bullets. - Romulus held out a small box, filled to the top with cartridges. - Would you like to try?
The knights froze, holding their breath.
The Count deftly inserted the cartridges, cocked the trigger and fired at the target set against the far wall.
THUNDER.
The wooden shield shattered as if struck by lightning.
Silence reigned.
Then the knights exploded with a flurry of enthusiastic shouts.
- By the gods! This is stronger than a crossbow!
- No charging, no spells!
- Young master... you are a genius!
The Count gripped the revolver tighter in his hand, keeping his eyes on his son.
- You're right. This will change the world.
Romulus smiled, looking into his father's eyes.
- But first, let him protect our family.
Class Select
At that moment, the System popped up in front of his eyes, like a window into another reality:
[ 🎉 Congratulations on turning **7 years old**! ]
[ 🏆 Achievement: **"Inventor of the Age "** ]
[ 🔓 **Class Choice**! ]
■ **Available choices:**
1. **Mage Engineer** (synthesis of magic and technology)
2. **Captain of Progress** (strengthening allies through invention)
3. **Artillery Genius** (specializing in gunpowder and firearms)
4. **????** (hidden)
▶ Choose before sundown.
Romulus took a deep breath.
"I wonder... what does the fourth option hide?"