Morning sunlight spilled gently through the curtains, painting streaks of gold across Rudy's room. He blinked awake to the soft rustle of footsteps, his mother was already bustling about, humming a tune. Today was the day. The day he'd been waiting for. His evaluation.
For the first time, he'd get to see the world beyond the tall stone walls of House Avara's mansion.
Rudy dressed quickly, heart thumping in his small chest. His mother, Rose, and father, Malik, were already waiting near the entrance. The carriage before them was luxurious, with gold-trimmed edges and two massive horses harnessed at the front. Each horse had a shining white coat and a single long horn growing from its forehead. Not quite unicorns, but close enough to make Rudy's eyes sparkle.
"They're called Horn Steeds," his father said, noticing Rudy's amazement. "Fast and stronger. A perfect animal to pull a carriage."
Rudy nodded, trying to hide his excitement. "Cool…"
The three of them climbed into the carriage, and with a gentle lurch, they began to move. The rhythmic sound of hooves clopping against the cobblestone echoed softly as they left the mansion grounds.
Outside the window, Rudy pressed his face to the glass, marveling at the world rushing by. Green fields stretched out endlessly. Birds soared through a sky so blue it almost hurt to look at. He had lived five years trapped in a mansion, and now, finally, he was free to see what lay beyond.
After nearly an hour of travel, tall gates appeared ahead, adorned with intricate flame engravings. Beyond them lay the heart of the Flame Kingdom, the capital city, Lingonoca.
The moment they passed through the gates, Rudy's jaw dropped.
The streets were alive with motion. Merchants shouted prices from colorful stalls, selling food, jewels, and strange trinkets. Children ran around laughing. Knights in armor patrolled with pride. The air buzzed with energy.
"So many people!" Rudy whispered, eyes wide. He couldn't stop himself from leaning out the window, trying to take everything in.
"Rudy, be careful," Rose scolded. "You'll hurt yourself if you lean too far."
He grinned sheepishly but didn't move back. His eyes darted from face to face, searching for something or rather, someone, he really wanted to see.
No tails.
No cat ears.
No whiskers.
Everywhere he looked, humans. Only humans.
A disappointed sigh escaped his lips. "Mom, why are there no demi-humans here?" he asked, frowning.
Rose's expression faltered for a moment. "This kingdom… no longer welcomes them," she said softly.
Rudy blinked. "Why not? The books said they lived alongside humans."
Malik, his father, folded his arms and spoke with a hint of bitterness. "They did. Until a demi-human killed the king's wife. Since then, the king's fury has not faded. Every demi-human was banished from the kingdom."
Rudy slumped back into his seat, sulking. So much for my demi-human harem dream, he thought gloomily. What a bummer.
The carriage soon came to a stop before a massive white temple, its spires piercing the clouds. Holy symbols lined its walls, glowing faintly with mana. Even Rudy could feel it, the faint hum of power in the air.
Two armored guards flanked the entrance. When they saw Malik, they bowed immediately. "Lord Avara, welcome. The High Priest awaits you inside."
The three entered, and Rudy's awe deepened. The interior was even more magnificent. Blue crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, reflecting light in shimmering patterns. Rows of golden pillars led up to a colossal statue of a woman, gentle and divine, her hands extended in blessing.
"That's the statue of Goddess Reincia," Rose whispered. "Every child receives their class and mana capacity before the orb."
Rudy nodded, pretending to listen, though his heart pounded in anticipation. This is it. This is where I awaken my system. The one Reincia promised me.
At the center of the hall stood an elderly man in pure white robes, a tall hat marking his rank. Several attendants in similar robes stood beside him, hands folded reverently. Before them, upon a pedestal, rested a glowing blue orb.
The High Priest turned as they approached and smiled warmly. "Ah, Lord Malik Avara. We have been expecting you and your family." His gaze softened when it fell on Rudy. "And this must be young Master Rudy. I trust you're ready?"
Rudy swallowed hard and nodded. "Y-Yes, sir."
"Good. Come forward then. Place your hand upon the Orb of Revelation. It will measure your mana and reveal your destined path."
Malik gave a proud nod to his son. "Go on, Rudy. Show them."
Rose clasped her hands together tightly, her eyes glistening with hope. "You can do it, sweetheart."
Rudy stepped closer, his small feet echoing softly across the marble floor. His palm trembled as he reached out. The orb pulsed gently, as if alive, inviting him closer.
This is it. My time to shine.
He placed his hand on the orb.
Instantly, a blinding flash of blue light filled the temple. The mana in the air trembled, so strong that the attendants gasped and took a step back.
Rudy grinned to himself. Heh. Told you. I'm going to be overpowered.
The light grew brighter, then suddenly faded.
Silence.
The High Priest squinted at the orb. His mouth twitched slightly. The attendants exchanged uneasy glances.
Then, above the orb, glowing letters appeared in midair:
[Class: Tamer]
[Mana Capacity: 100]
For a full three seconds, no one spoke.
"…What?" Rudy blinked.
A murmur spread through the temple.
"A Tamer?"
"Only 100 mana capacity?"
"Impossible for a noble's child…"
Rudy's brain froze. Wait… what? No. No, that can't be right. I was supposed to have an overpowered system! Reincia, did you scam me?!
His parents' expressions changed. Malik's proud smile faltered into disbelief. Rose's eyes widened, lips trembling slightly. "T-Tamer?" she whispered. "There must be a mistake."
The High Priest shook his head solemnly. "The orb never lies, Lady Avara. Your son… is indeed a Tamer, and with a capacity of 100. A weak class, and a weak one."
Rudy's shoulders slumped. The words stabbed deeper than he expected. He could feel eyes on him, judging, pitying, whispering.
A weak Tamer. The son of a noble house. What a joke.
He clenched his fists, forcing a smile. "I… I see," he muttered. "Guess I'm special in another way, huh?"
But inside, his thoughts were roaring.
No. This can't be it. There's no way this is how my new life starts.
As his parents spoke anxiously with the priest, Rudy stared at the fading glow of the orb, his reflection in the blue surface looked small, helpless… and angry.
Reincia… you promised me an amazing life. Where's my system? Where's my power?
He looked down at his trembling hand.
And then, faintly, so faintly he almost thought he imagined it, a mechanical chime echoed in his mind.
[System initializing…]
Rudy's eyes widened.