Ryu turned six years old.
Today was the day of the baptism ceremony.
Six-year-old children from the territory were gathering at the church.
As the children and their parents quietly took their seats, the time came.
The priest began explaining the baptism ceremony.
According to the priest's explanation, by confirming their own skill or "talent," they could use it as a guide to know how to work hard in the future.
For example, if their skill was using an axe and sewing, they could gain related abilities by working hard at using the axe and related martial arts, as well as sewing. Basic stats would also increase accordingly.
If they were an axe user, "strength" and "stamina" would increase, while "dexterity" would increase for sewing, and bonuses would be added.
These abilities would be notified by the "Voice of the World." It was said to be the voice of the heavenly gods and could be heard directly in the brain. The moment they cleared the conditions through their efforts, they would hear the voice.
After the priest finished his explanation, each child was taken to a back room to confirm their skill.
The reason they didn't do it in front of others was that it could cause problems later if others knew their skills. After the baptism ceremony, it was up to the individual whether to talk about it or not. Of course, the priest had an obligation to keep it confidential.
It was Ryu's turn.
His parents gently pushed him forward.
"Go ahead, Ryu. Don't worry, it'll be over soon."
"Yes!"
He replied to his parents and was led into the room by the priest.
There was a statue resembling a god inside, and in front of it was a tool in the form of a glass sphere set in a square box. This was apparently the magic tool used to see their skill.
"Then, while praying to God, please place your hand on this sphere."
As instructed by the priest, Ryu put his hand on the sphere.
Then, a dazzling light covered the room.
Ryu was about to withdraw his hand in surprise, but the priest's voice stopped him.
"Don't let go of your hand."
"The skill of the lord's son is... Gokudo? It's 'Jack of all trades, master of none'... Hmm... that's too bad. Oh, but there's another appraisal. This will be very useful."
"Is being a Jack of all trades, master of none a bad thing?"
Ryu expressed his concern to the priest.
"Being a Jack of all trades, master of none is a special skill that allows you to use most skills, but on the other hand, no matter how hard you try, you won't be able to master any of them. Skills are said to have talent evaluations ranging from S+ to G-, but Jack of all trades, master of none stops at G+. However, there are some useful skills like 'Small Magic Storage.' Please don't be discouraged. Also, the fact that there is a special skill called appraisal means that while there are limits to one's personal talent, there is still potential for growth through hard work. Please rest assured."
"What is Gokudo?"
He had heard of the job in his past life, but he didn't expect it to come up now. Ryu asked the priest.
"I've been a priest for 40 years, but this is the first time I've seen this skill. I recommend having it analyzed by a famous scholar who lives in the territory, Professor Saiten, who can do character appraisals. That's all for now."
"I understand. Thank you very much."
Ryu bowed and left the room.
Father and mother rushed over to Ryu as he emerged from the room, worried that it had taken so long.
"Are you okay, Ryu? What did the priest say?"
The priest cautioned them, "This is a church. Please keep quiet, Lord and Lady."
"I'm sorry..."
The parents bowed their heads and left with Ryu.
Outside, parents who had acquired skills with their children through the baptism ceremony were rejoicing and lamenting.
Some parents were depressed because their children's skills didn't seem to fit with taking over the family business, but it was a day of new beginnings for their children, and most were blessed.
As the lord and as a parent, Father had seen this scene many times and always thought that the future of the territory was bright when he saw it. But this year, it was Ryu's new beginning as a child prodigy, and his happiness was even greater.
Watching his parents rejoice, Ryu felt heavy-hearted. He wondered if his family would be disappointed to hear about his "Jack of all trades, master of none" skill revealed by the priest.