[Warning: Will Most Likely Get Deleted. This Is Just A Testing. Will Be Reuploaded Once 2025 Spirity Awards Come.]
Tick... Tick...
It was almost midnight, the day I was about to finally awaken my skill.
My 16th birthday, the grand moment that would decide my future. No pressure, right?
The legacy I would bring to this family, the future heir of a house with too many expensive things to count.
My name is Kuroyami Ryo.
And fun fact: I died once before, rotting away in my apartment in my previous life.
Yup, just a lonely guy, doing nothing but binge-watching anime and ordering takeout.
Oh, and I died at the same age I'll be in a few minutes. Talk about deja vu.
When I reincarnated into this world, I hit the jackpot.
A rich, wealthy family? Check.
Doting parents who cared about my well-being? Double-check.
And, oh yes, a face that could make anyone swoon with my greyish hair and silver eyes.
I was basically an isekai protagonist, minus the harem and the constant battles against demons.
Still, not too shabby.
But here's the twist: I was still a loser.
I have zero friends, a social life that consisted of eating snacks alone in my room, training and, well… nothing.
But now? Now, I'm about to be something. I mean, really something.
After all, I'm the oldest son of Duke Herold, head of House Terasial, the most prestigious noble family in the land.
My family had big expectations for me, and I had big dreams of actually living up to them without tripping over my own feet.
Right now, we're in the Sanctum of Awakening, perched high in a mountain that has a crater so perfectly positioned, it looks like the moon's just been waiting for this moment.
The full moon was shining brightly above us, as if the universe itself was throwing me a spotlight. No pressure there, right?
"Young Master, move along now," my butler said with a polite but firm push.
Everyone was watching. My father? Oh, he's got high hopes. My mother? Soft smile, probably thinking about her next tea party. My little brother? Well, he couldn't care less. I don't even think he knows what day it is.
"Yes..." I muttered, taking a step forward.
There it was. The statue. Majestic. Glowing. Holding a glowing orb. Shamans in ceremonial robes were scattered around, whispering something in a language I couldn't care to understand. Probably some ancient mumbo jumbo to help me connect with the gods.
This was it.
The day I became something.
I inhaled deeply, staring at the orb. It shimmered in the moonlight, just like the stories said it would.
The orb was supposed to reveal an ancient text, some kind of color-coded message about my new skill. No pressure, right?
I hesitated for a second. Then, with a dramatic sigh, I placed my hand on the orb.
Thus, the shamans began to chant. The midnight had hit already.
"Oh mighty forces, hear our plea,
Grant this child his skill, so free.
From shadow, light, from void to flame,
Reveal his power, reveal his name."
The orb pulsed with energy. What was going to happen? Would I get something cool? Would I be able to shoot lasers from my eyes? Please don't give me the power to talk to squirrels...
"Ancient powers, break the seal,
Grant him strength, grant him zeal."
The chanting grew louder, the stone around me vibrating slightly as though the very earth was speaking.
.....
"Ah, I'm fucked," I muttered under my breath, because, well, what else was there to say?
I rubbed my eyes, thinking maybe the shock would clear my vision.
Maybe I had a little eye twitch.
Maybe a spark of magic would finally pop up.
But no.
Not even a flicker of light. Just an orb, glowing like it was taunting me.
Oh, finally! There it was!...
Nothing.