The old man, known as Rohzen Von Ferdant, a Sword Saint of The Storm, held the baby in his arms. The tiny hand of the baby grasped the index finger of the middle-aged man, as if feeling warmth and familiarity.
"In that case, let's go home to your new home."
***
Three years have passed since the incident in the city of Kalen. Aeolus Avel, my new name. I was just an orphan when I first set foot in this world. But now, I have a happy family, with the head of the prestigious Duke of Ferdant family, Rohzen Von Ferdant, whom I consider as my father. He is one of the 12 Sword Saints in the Zenith Empire. About three years ago, at the time of my birth, something called a Trait gave me a system, but I don't know where it is. Even when I say status, game start, or other silly words, there is no response. Maybe I'll be considered crazy if I tell anyone about it, but one of the proofs is this 'Heavenly Martial Sword God Body' within my body. The Sword Heart is also a result of this special body.
However, despite this special body having a cool name, I haven't gained anything else from it except for the Sword Heart. Maybe there are requirements for it to activate? Or something else? I don't know. But one thing is certain, it's just a matter of time before everything is revealed.
"Sigh... My diary is starting to run out; maybe I should ask for more from the servants."
Knock*knock*
"Young Master, lunch is about to begin. The Duke invites you to join."
I closed the book and said, "Alright, I'll be there shortly."
"In that case, excuse me."
The servant's voice behind the door faded. I quickly left my private room and headed to the dining room, which was right next to Duke's study. Honestly, this castle is so huge that it makes the castles on Earth feel like shanties. All the servants who saw me immediately bowed in respect. Feudalism is the best. The servant at the entrance announced my arrival.
"Young Master Aeolus has entered the room."
When the door was opened, I saw the grand dining room. Stone pillars held up the high ceiling, and a red carpet with golden ornaments welcomed me. Knights in high-quality armor stood guard in every corner of the room. The tall windows allowed the bright sunlight to pour in. The room may seem minimal in decoration at first glance, but the grandeur of simplicity was displayed here. There was a long table and chairs that could seat dozens of people. However, only three people were sitting there: Sword Saint of The Storm, Rohzen Von Ferdant; Emilia Von Ferdant, the eldest daughter of the Ferdant family; and Rei Von Ferdant, the second daughter.
"Ah! Avel!"
Rei, my older sister, jumped and pounced on me like a wild animal. She was only 10 years old, but she was already incredibly strong. I didn't even see her shadow when she leaped.
"Guh, sis, can you stop? This is embarrassing."
"Huh? Didn't you always like being hugged?"
Ah, her hug felt like it would crack my spine.
"Stop it, Rie. Father is waiting for us to have lunch today. Don't act embarrassingly, Rie."
Emilia Von Ferdant, my eldest sister, spoke. She was the only normal person in this family. Her white hair was the same as our father's, as was Rie's. Unlike them, my hair was pitch black. In fact, my hair was so dark that it might be called vantablack. With her name mentioned twice by Emilia, Rie reluctantly backed off and sat quietly in her chair. I took my own seat, to the right of my father.
"Avel, how was your day?"
"Fine as usual, Father."
Rohzen Von Ferdant looked at his daughter, who was sipping her soup quietly. He turned his gaze toward his second daughter but sighed at her tomboyish nature. Avel noticed and changed the subject.
"Oh, sis, aren't you going to the Academy in a few days?"
Avel asked with enthusiasm in his eyes. Rie made a regretful face.
"Yes, if only we were the same age, we could have gone to the Academy together."
"I heard that you're going to the Avalon Academy, right? The best sword academy on the continent."
"Well, that's right. As a descendant of the Ferdant family, it's only natural that I continue the family's greatness. Just wait for this name to be at the top of the rankings, big brother."
"Wow, I can see her nose getting sharper..."
"Hmm?" Emilia, who had finished her meal, looked at Rie, "Didn't you rank 2nd in the sword exam and 1,500th in the written exam? You should be ashamed of yourself, Rie."
"Guhhhh..." Now I can see her soul escaping through her mouth. "Never mind, sis Emilia, sis Rie must have struggled this far to get there, right, sis Rie?" A bit of praise to help motivate her.
Rie, hearing that, burst into tears. "Hiks... Avel, you're the best."
"Haish... You should criticize your sister a little, Avel. A mischievous child like Rie should have received special guidance from nobility. Rie has caused a lot of trouble, as you know, right?" Emilia took a handkerchief and wiped away Rie's mucus that had spread across her face.
"Enough already. Congratulations on your acceptance to the Avalon Academy, Rie," Father interrupted and changed the topic.
After lunch, Avel jumped onto his bed and lay down, staring at the high ceiling of the room. The room was large, with a living area, a bathroom, a balcony, a playroom filled with toys, a small library, and even a kitchen for some reason. Perhaps it was a little extravagant due to all the toys, but the Duke Ferdant family didn't have a Duchess; she had passed away 10 years ago when giving birth to Rie. That's why my private room had so many toys; they thought I might be lonely, so they gave me a personal servant who was very buxom.
[Ding!]
[Good afternoon, host]
A thin blue screen appeared in front of Avel's eyes. "So, it's time for the protagonist to move," for the past three years, Avel had always been passive, waiting for destiny to come to him. And now is the time. Wait for me, world. Avel grinned cynically and laughed. Fortunately, no one heard him.
[Host, you have a new quest to complete.]
[Please check the 'Quest' panel right here.]
[Quest]
[]
[Reward: Unlocking 100% of the {Trait-System} features]
[Failure: Death]
"W-what is this? What does it mean to become the strongest? Why do I have to do it? Why are you giving a time limit to complete this quest? And what is your motive, system?"
[{Trait-System} takes over]
{Let me clarify, Master. This universe is on the brink of extinction. Powerhouses at the level of the Universe have been born across the Universe, and a Universal War is about to take place throughout the Void. Meanwhile, this Universe has long been cut off from its original source that sustains the life of all Universes. Adrift in the Void without direction, that's what's happening here. Meanwhile, the Universal Laws have chosen you as the final champion of this Universe. If the Master does not move soon, we will all perish.}
"How much time is left?"
{Approximately 1,000 years until the Universe is fully eroded.}
"Alright, 1,000 years, not 100 years. I will complete all of this in 100 years," Avel's eyes full of determination were fixed on the blue screen in front of him.
{I'm glad to see you're enthusiastic, Master ^v^}
And so begins the journey of Aeolus Avel.