The carriage rolled through the wide streets of Lurenthia, the grand city revealing itself in full majesty as Raven peered out the window. The city was far larger and more bustling than anything he had imagined back in the orphanage. Towering structures, gleaming merchant stalls, and crowds of people surrounded him, filling the air with a hum of activity. Every detail felt overwhelming—the rich aromas of street vendors, the clatter of horses' hooves on cobblestone streets, and the vibrant colors of banners fluttering in the breeze.
Raven's black eyes, sharp and thoughtful, took in every movement and feature. Though only twelve years old, his experiences had matured him, sharpening his instincts. His black hair, a little longer than before, framed his face, and his gaze held a quiet intensity. He no longer felt like the lost child he once was. The chaos of the beast tide had left its mark on him, and his near-constant reflection on his weaknesses had hardened his resolve.
Lady Althea, the wealthy merchant who had adopted him, sat across from him in the carriage. Her calm and composed demeanor radiated an aura of control. Raven had learned from Lady Emma that Althea had once been an orphan too, building her merchant empire from the ground up. Now, she was one of the most respected figures in the kingdom. Her decision to take Raven in had come as a surprise, but there was something about her calm authority that Raven found strangely comforting.
They entered Althea's estate through a massive gate, and Raven's jaw tightened in amazement. The estate sprawled out before them like a small city in its own right. The mansion stood at its center, more of a castle than a house, with towering walls covered in ivy, expansive gardens filled with statues, and numerous fountains that sparkled in the late afternoon sun.
The carriage stopped at the mansion's grand entrance, and as Raven stepped out, he was struck by the scale of everything around him. The building loomed above him with marble columns and arched doorways, leading into an interior that gleamed with luxury. The world he had known back at the orphanage, with its small rooms and simple furnishings, felt like a distant dream.
"Welcome, Raven," Althea said, a gentle smile playing on her lips. "This will be your new home."
Raven nodded, still too overwhelmed by his surroundings to speak. He tried to act calm, but his mind raced. He had never seen wealth like this—never felt the weight of what it meant to live among the elite. It was a world far removed from anything he had ever known.
As they entered the mansion, Raven's eyes darted from one thing to another. The grand hall was lined with chandeliers that glowed like captured stars, and tapestries depicting ancient scenes hung from the walls. He could feel the presence of servants moving discreetly through the hallways, their steps soft but purposeful. Everything seemed meticulously arranged, as if each detail held a deeper meaning.
Suddenly, as he continued to observe his surroundings, he felt a familiar pull within his mind.
[System Notification]: Skill Acquired — Appraising Eye (E Rank)
Raven froze mid-step, his eyes widening slightly. The system's voice echoed in his mind, as clear as if someone had spoken directly to him. His heartbeat quickened. He had gained a new skill, just from his intense observation of the things around him. The skill wasn't unfamiliar—he had read about it in a book once. Appraising Eye would allow him to assess objects or people in greater detail, revealing hidden information that others might miss.
His gaze sharpened as the realization hit him. Of course, he thought. Just as his stealth had evolved from sneaky actions, now his habit of observing everything with careful attention had rewarded him with an appraising skill. His system adapted based on his actions, helping him grow stronger, little by little.
Lady Althea seemed not to notice the change in his expression as she led him further into the house, but Raven was acutely aware of the new power coursing through him. He could almost feel the subtle shifts in the air, the smallest movements of the servants, the materials used in the house's construction—his senses had become keener, sharper. It was as if a veil had been lifted from his eyes, allowing him to see more than he ever could before.
They reached his new room, and Althea opened the door, revealing a space that was almost as large as the entire orphanage had been. The bed was massive, covered in fine linens, and the room had a large window that overlooked the gardens below. There was a desk against one wall, and shelves filled with books and scrolls that beckoned him to explore their knowledge.
"This is your room," Althea said kindly. "You may not be used to all of this yet, but take your time. This place is yours now. You'll find everything you need to make it home."
Raven glanced around the room, still processing everything that had happened since they had arrived. The mansion, the wealth, the system notification—it was all so much to take in. He nodded slowly, not trusting himself to speak without revealing the chaos of thoughts swirling in his mind.
As Althea left the room, Raven collapsed onto the edge of the bed, exhaling a long breath. His new ability lingered at the forefront of his mind. Appraising Eye was a significant step forward, a tool that could help him not only understand his surroundings but also gauge the strengths and weaknesses of those around him. He knew that knowledge was power, and this skill was one that could put him a step ahead in any situation.
Curiosity got the better of him, and he opened his status screen, feeling the familiar pull of the system as it appeared before him. Instead of checking his stats as he usually would, Raven focused on his abilities:
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Abilities:
Wind Manipulation (B Rank)
Stealth (C Rank)
Accelerated Healing (E Rank)
Appraising Eye (E Rank)
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Raven smiled to himself. Appraising Eye was already listed among his abilities, a confirmation of the system's reward for his careful observations. He stared at the text for a long moment, considering the possibilities this skill would open up for him. With time, it could become even stronger—like his other abilities—and he was determined to master it.
But despite the thrill of gaining a new skill, Raven couldn't shake the memory of the beasts in the forest. What had driven them into such a frenzy? Something darker lurked in the shadows of that mystery, and he knew that, eventually, he would have to confront it. Whatever it was, it had spurred him to grow stronger, faster, and smarter. He wasn't the helpless child from the orphanage anymore.
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the estate, Raven stood up and gazed out the window. The sprawling gardens and distant city felt like a new world waiting to be explored.