Ugh... Where am I?

  "You're already awake," the woman spoke beside the bed.

  Who are you?

  "Can't you recognize your own sister?"

  My sister?

  "Well, it's your fault that you don't even recognize your own family members because you're always cooped up in your room," Wise said.

  How would I know that's my sister? The last time I saw her was when I was like two or something. She changed so much... Eight years have passed already, huh? Since the last time I saw her.

  Alice? Is that really you, sister?

  "Yes. Honestly, I didn't expect you to recognize me. You guys were still little babies when I left. I have a gift for you—it's your birthday today, right? Happy birthday. I should get going; you should rest. I know you're exhausted. I heard from Reynard that you've been training. And don't make Mel worry again. She was so worried when you collapsed, she almost passed out," Alice said softly and left the room.

  She sounded more like a mom than a sister to me.

  "Actually, she’s the one who was worried for you—not Mel. She just tends to hide it. Hahaha," Wise said.

  You're kind of creepy sometimes, you know that, Wise?

  "It can't be helped. I can read anyone's mind without ease."

  Gideon replied while giving a flat look, "Yeah, right."

  "You should claim your rewards from your mission."

  Oh, right. I forgot.

  Open mission.

  [Mission Complete]

  [Reward: Common chest]

  [Claim]

  Gideon pressed Claim. A chest suddenly popped out.

  Does this open on its own or do I have to do it manually? Well, whatever, I'm just gonna open it manually.

  Gideon was blinded by the light of the chest when he opened it.

  Ouch, my eyes... it hurts. What’s this? A ring?

  Gideon, looking like a beast, said, "All that fxxking hard work just for a ring?! Wraaahhhhhh!"

  "Stop stressing out, you damn idiot. Click it to check the details—to see what stats and passive skill it has."

  Let me see...

  [Details]

  [King of All Rings]

  [Tier: S]

  [Passive: Can deflect any critical attack from any opponent. Cooldown: 24 hours]

  [+20 Strength]

  [You need to be Level 20 to use this item]

  Oh... not bad after all. What happened, Wise? You suddenly froze?

  This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

  "Y-you lucky bastard. You got an S-tier item!" Wise said, shocked.

  Hehe. What do you expect from me? Gideon gave Wise a smug look.

  "Don't give me that damn look. Oh—I forgot to mention, you also leveled up earlier."

  I did? Open system.

  [Name: Gideon Valentine]

  [Title: None]

  [Job: None]

  [Level: 2]

  [EXP: 26/100]

  [Skill Points: 6]

  [Status]

  Strength: 3 +

  Stamina: 8 +

  Endurance: 18 +

  Speed: 5 +

  Wisdom: 6 +

  So the system gives me 3 skill points for every level, huh?

  "Don't worry about that. Stats will increase even without using skill points."

  How so?

  "By training, of course. But I suggest that you use those skill points on Strength and Stamina, considering that you're still weak."

  If you say so...

  * * *

  [Name: Gideon Valentine]

  [Title: None]

  [Job: None]

  [Level: 2]

  [EXP: 26/100]

  [Skill Points: 0]

  [Status]

  Strength: 6

  Stamina: 11

  Endurance: 18

  Speed: 5

  Wisdom: 6

  I feel like... there’s something. A power? Surging through my whole body.

  "That's normal. It’s because you upgraded your status."

  And now, it’s time to open the gift my sister gave me. Gideon looking like a devil.

  "You look like you're about to do something evil."

  A sword? Let me check its details.

  [Details]

  [Tier: A+]

  [Rafael]

  [Passive: Deals true damage against demonic enemies]

  [+12 Strength]

  [+4 Speed]

  This one is very good. Hell yeah—and it doesn’t need a requirement to use!

  "It’s not an accessory, that’s why you can use it."

  Well, this is enough. I should sleep now...

  * * *

  While Gideon was sleeping, the system suddenly opened.

  [Congratulations]

  [You've unlocked new a Passive Skill]

  "Huh? What's this? The kid is already asleep... why did the system open? A new skill?"

  * * *

  Gideon yawned. "Oh, it’s already morning."

  The air feels fresh...

  Mel suddenly spoke, "Young master, you’re already awake. I’ve already prepared your clothes. Milord has summoned everyone to eat at the dining hall."

  Gideon’s heart skipped a beat. "You scared me, Mel. You almost gave me a heart attack."

  "Forgive me, young master," Mel replied.

  Gideon and Wise were having a conversation while he was changing.

  "I'm already bursting with laughter about what happened, yet your maid still keeps a straight face. What a professional. Huge respect," Wise said.

  The House of Valentine has high standards when it comes to choosing maids for their future generation. They are also good fighters. From what I remember, they need to be 1st-class swordsmen.

  "That’s such a high standard. You know how hard it is to find a 1st-class swordsman nowadays?" Wise replied.

  I’m finished changing.

  "Let’s go now, young master. I will escort you to the dining hall," Mel said.

  As they walked down the hallway, Gideon saw portraits of his ancestors—and suddenly froze, staring at a portrait of a woman he once loved.

  "Is there a problem, young master?" Mel asked.

  No... let’s just continue.

  "Who was that woman in the portrait? You looked like you’d seen a ghost when you saw her," Wise asked, curiously.

  It’s just someone I used to know... before.

  "Young master, we’re here," Mel said and opened the door.