Back in his room, Yuki couldn't hold back his excitement any longer. He clenched his fists and shouted eagerly:
"Status!"
A translucent blue panel flickered into existence before his eyes.
---
────────────────────────────────
> Name: Yukiharu Akio
> Level: 1 EXP: 0 / 1000 Title: Scion (Sealed)
> Bloodline: Asura Clan — Sealed
Legacy: Unknown
─────────────────────────────
HP: 850 MP: 0 (Sealed)
STR: 120 AGI: 110
DEX: 110 VIT (Endurance): 120
INT: ?? (Sealed) DEF: 100
LUK: 50 CHA: 60
STM (Stamina): 100
Skill Slots: 0 / 3
Ability Points (AP): 0
Hidden Trait: Accursed Soul (Dormant)
─────────────────────────────────────
Status: Awake — Fatigue 10 / 100
Affinity: Sealed (???)
Growth Rate: S (Adaptive)
Notes: "Perfect Bloodline System - Adaptive Difficulty: Engaged"
────────────────────────────────
---
Yuki's jaw dropped. "Damn… the original me was a beast."
At his age, the average kid's stats should've been around ten. Maybe fifteen if they were considered prodigies. Even HP and MP usually capped at a mere hundred each. Yet here he was, blowing those numbers out of the water.
He grinned proudly. "Guess I owe the old Yuki some respect. All that training actually paid off."
Still staring at his stats, he suddenly perked up. "Hey, System, what about your shop? You've got one, right? Items, weapons, upgrades?"
The monotone voice responded immediately:
> "I do not possess a shop. However, I can unlock abilities for the host once certain conditions are met. These gifts are not related to magic."
Yuki froze. "Wait—what? No shop?! Isn't that standard system procedure?!"
> "Incorrect. The host is confusing me with generic systems from fictional literature."
"…Tch, fine. Then what about magic? Why do I have zero MP?" Yuki asked, brows furrowed. "Isn't the whole point of reincarnation getting awesome powers?"
> "The host does not have access to that information yet. To unlock more details and skills, host must grow stronger."
Yuki groaned and flopped back onto his bed. So I got a system, but it's the most stingy system alive.
His mind wandered to his parents. Both were ridiculously powerful magic users—his father, Hayate, known as the Ice Phoenix, a warrior whose ice abilities never faltered even in near-death battles. His mother, Suzume, wielded both earth and plant magic, once nicknamed the Nature Goddess in her youth. Compared to them, his magic-less status felt like a cruel joke.
"…Man, what are they going to say if I never get magic?" Yuki muttered.
Still, he had his physical stats to lean on. If magic was off the table for now, then he'd build his strength. Testing his limits seemed like the only reasonable choice.
That's when a voice suddenly cut in from the corner of the room.
"Young master, where would you like to go?"
Yuki jumped slightly before realizing who it was. The familiar silhouette materialized from the shadows—it was Kentaro Akio, the loyal guardian assigned to him since birth. To Yuki, he was simply Shadow.
"I want to train," Yuki said quickly. "Could you… take me somewhere?"
Shadow tilted his head. "Does the young master not need more rest?" His expression, usually stiff and unreadable, carried the faintest trace of surprise.
Yuki smirked. "No, I'm full of energy right now. Besides… would you mind training with me?"
This time Shadow's eyes widened a fraction. "The young master wishes to fight me?"
"Yes, yes," Yuki said, waving his hand. "Let's just go already."
---
Clash! Clash!
Hours later, Yuki was drenched in sweat, his chest heaving with every breath. He had been trading blows with Shadow for over five hours in the secluded training hall.
Of course, he hadn't landed a single decisive strike.
"Young master," Shadow said evenly, not even winded. "We should stop here. You are still recovering."
"I'm not that weak…" Yuki muttered, swaying slightly on his feet. He clenched his fists but then sighed in defeat. "Fine. We'll end it here. But one day, I'll wipe that stoic look off your face. Just you wait."
Shadow, as expected, didn't reply.
As they left the training grounds, a maid approached and bowed gracefully. "Dinner is ready, young master. Would you prefer to bathe before eating—or after? If you wish, the meal can be delivered to your chambers."
Yuki blinked, then laughed awkwardly. "I'll… take a bath first, then dinner. Yeah."
The maid bowed again and retreated.
A grin spread across Yuki's face. "Finally. A hot bath. The bath of my life!" His love for hot springs from his past life hadn't dimmed one bit.
Before stepping away, he called out quietly: "Thanks for today, Shadow. You can stop following me now. I'll take it from here."
He knew Shadow wouldn't answer, but the silence was reassuring in its own way. Yuki smiled to himself and headed toward the bath, anticipation bubbling in his chest.