After a grueling life as a corporate drone, I found myself reincarnated into a fantasy world, retaining memories of my previous life.

This second life began in the vast kingdom of Lise, situated on the eastern side of the Almira continent. Specifically, I was born into a small barony tucked away in the northeastern frontier—a remote, idyllic place surrounded by towering mountains and lush greenery. Here, I was raised with an abundance of love from my parents, growing up amidst nature's embrace.

My childhood was carefree, filled with days spent running through the hills and forests. As I grew older, I studied diligently to prepare for my future as the heir to the barony, learning governance, swordsmanship, and other essential skills. And then, on my fifteenth birthday, a pivotal moment arrived.

In this world, the age of fifteen is of great significance. It is the threshold of adulthood—a time when one is considered a full-fledged member of society. At fifteen, you can drink, marry, and take on responsibilities as an adult. But most importantly, it is the age when everyone receives a Skill bestowed by the gods.

Every human, elf, dwarf, and other sentient race born into this world receives one unique Skill upon turning fifteen. These Skills vary widely in nature. For example, my father possesses the Skill Hunter: it allows him to see glowing trails of animal footprints and enhances his archery skills to a near-masterful level, but only when targeting animals. My mother, on the other hand, has the Skill Chef, which quite literally makes her cooking exceptional. Before marrying my father, she had run a popular diner in the royal capital. Apparently, my father became her most loyal patron, eventually winning her heart with sheer persistence.

Even after becoming a baroness, my mother still enjoys cooking. Her meals, made with the game my father hunts, are nothing short of extraordinary.

"Today's the day, Hugh," my father said, patting me on the back as we rode in a carriage toward the church in the largest village of our domain.

"Yes, Father," I replied, trying to hide my nervousness.

We were on our way to the church to pray and receive my Skill. Despite my best efforts to stay calm, the tension must have been obvious, as my father chuckled heartily and clapped my shoulder again.

"Relax, boy! Look around—we're in the middle of nowhere. This is the Pnosis Barony, a backwater domain in the farthest reaches of the kingdom. Even if you receive a useless Skill, it won't matter much here!"

"...Father, doesn't saying that out loud make you feel a little sad?"

"Of course, but the truth is the truth. Honestly, it'd be more troublesome if you received a Skill too impressive. We don't need the attention of the royal family or the high nobility. Something average will do just fine."

I nodded, though my nerves remained. Skills were assigned randomly by the gods. Stories abounded of people born deep inland gaining Skills for breathing underwater, or bedridden individuals receiving Skills like Spear Mastery. My father himself had never hunted a day in his life before awakening Hunter at fifteen.

There was no telling what kind of Skill I'd get.

"...Father, is there any Skill I should be worried about receiving?" I asked cautiously.

He stroked his beard, considering. "Well, overly powerful Skills can be dangerous. If your Skill threatens the royal family or the great houses, they might see you as a potential enemy. In the worst cases... execution or assassination isn't out of the question."

"E-Execution?!" I stammered, swallowing hard.

Seeing my panic, my father roared with laughter and slapped my back repeatedly. "Don't worry! You'd need an extraordinarily rare and dangerous Skill for that to happen. And let's be honest, Hugh, what are the odds of that? Just pray for something moderate, and you'll be fine."

I nodded weakly, laughing along to hide my growing anxiety. My father's words were logical, but the memories of my previous life gave me an unhealthy sense of self-importance. It was hard not to think, What if I'm special? What if I get one of those Skills that let me rise to power like the protagonists in those reincarnation novels?

Still, I shook my head. No, I didn't want anything like that. I'd been born into a loving family in a peaceful, remote barony far from the intrigue of the royal court. This was the perfect place to live a quiet, fulfilling life.

Please, gods, grant me a modest Skill, I prayed silently, over and over, as the carriage approached the church.

Upon arriving, my father waited in the carriage while I was guided inside by an elderly priest. The man led me through the main chapel into a small, private chamber known as the Sanctum of Blessings. Only those about to receive their Skill were allowed inside.

"I will leave you here," the priest said, bowing as he departed.

Alone in the small room, I knelt as instructed, clasping my hands together in prayer. No chants or rituals were necessary—just a simple, heartfelt prayer to the gods.

Please, grant me a simple, ordinary Skill, I prayed once more.

Suddenly, a voice resounded in my mind, both calm and commanding.

"I shall bestow upon you a Skill."

My heart raced. Something simple, please!

"The Skill I grant you is... Brainwashing."

...Huh?

My breath hitched. Did I hear that correctly?

"This Skill allows you to bend the will of anyone who meets your gaze."

Wait—bend their will? Control them? Brainwashing?! The same kind of power used in... those questionable novels?!

My thoughts spiraled. This kind of Skill wasn't just rare—it was dangerous. The ability to manipulate nobles and royalty alike?! If anyone found out I had this, I wouldn't just be shunned—I'd be executed!

"You have awakened the Skill Brainwashing. Use it well. May fortune guide your path."

"W-Wait! I don't want this!" I shouted, but the voice was gone. The gods had spoken, and their decision was final.

A translucent panel appeared before me, displaying my status:

Hugh Pnosis

Skill: Brainwashing Lv. 1 – Manipulate the will of one individual who meets your gaze. (Maximum targets: 1)

I stared at the screen in stunned silence.

My quiet life in the countryside... was officially over.