When I opened my eyes for the first time in this world, I was surrounded by luxury—velvet curtains, golden chandeliers, and the faint scent of polished wood. It didn't take long for me to realize something unbelievable: I had been reborn.
Me, once just an ordinary young man from a modern world, now lived as Adrian Valcrest, the third son of a powerful noble family. The Valcrests were renowned across the kingdom, their bloodline tied to knights, scholars, and mages of the highest caliber. My father, Duke Reinhardt Valcrest, was a man feared and respected in equal measure.
But me? I was only the third son. The extra child. Not the heir, not even the spare. Just another noble boy expected to live quietly behind the house walls.
Except… I wasn't normal.
At four years old, I was already capable of reading, writing, and outthinking the tutors my parents hired. Not because I was a so-called genius by birth, but because of the memories of my past life. I understood things no child my age could. Strategy, history, problem-solving—it all came naturally.
And yet, in this world, intellect wasn't everything. Here, strength reigned supreme. Starting at the age of five, every child undergoes their Awakening Ceremony, where they unlock their status screen and inherit their innate power. That event determined their path in society: a knight, a mage, a healer—or sometimes nothing at all.
Day after day, I overheard the whispers from servants and tutors:
"The first son will surely inherit his lordship."
"The second son has the makings of a master swordsman."
"And the third? Well… he might manage to be someone's steward one day."
They underestimated me. And honestly, that worked in my favor.
I smiled to myself, sitting on the wide veranda as the morning sun poured across the mansion's gardens. Just one year left until the awakening. Just one year until I could finally show them.
And truthfully? I was excited. This wasn't just about proving myself to my family—it was about freedom. Life as a noble meant being chained to politics, etiquette, and endless obligations. I didn't want that.
No. I wanted the world beyond these walls.
Monsters, dungeons, faraway lands, legends told in hushed voices at night—I wanted it all. And I knew that once my powers awakened, nothing, not even my noble bloodline, would hold me back.
I clenched my tiny fist, a child's fist filled with determination.
"Adventurers Guild… just wait for me."
In that moment, I decided my destiny. Not as Adrian Valcrest the third son of the house, but as Adrian the adventurer—the one who would carve his own legend.
And so, my story began.
The grand hall of Valcrest manor glittered with chandeliers, bathing the polished marble floor in soft golden light. Today was no ordinary day. Today was my Awakening Ceremony.
At five years old, every child undergoes this test. Nobles turned it into a spectacle—an event where the family, relatives, and retainers all gathered to witness the newfound potential of their heirs. My father, Duke Reinhardt Valcrest, sat proudly at the head of the long hall in his ceremonial attire, my mother at his side. My two older brothers, Lucas and Cedric, had already awakened in previous years—Lucas with the rare "Swordmaster's Blessing," and Cedric with powerful flame magic.
Naturally, the expectations were low for me, the "extra" third son.
The crystal orb of awakening stood at the center of the hall, glowing faintly with a pulsating light. Each child was to place their hand upon it, allowing it to reveal their status screen and grant access to their innate powers.
My father's stern voice echoed through the chamber:
"Adrian Valcrest. Step forward."
I walked forward with small, measured steps. Despite my childlike frame, my mind was calm. Inwardly, however, excitement thrummed through me. This is the moment.
I placed my hand on the orb. Immediately, it shone brighter than it had for either of my brothers. Gasps filled the room as the hall was bathed in blinding light.
Lines of glowing text appeared in the air before me, unseen by others—but clear to me.
Name: Adrian Valcrest
Race: Human (Reincarnated Soul)
Title: The Unlimited One
Level: 1
Class: None (Unlocked All Classes)
Attributes:
Strength: 999+
Mana: 999+
Agility: 999+
Intelligence: 999+
Luck: 999+
Unique Skills:
Infinite Growth: No limit on level or stat increases.
Skill Devour: Can learn and amplify any skill witnessed.
Heaven's Insight: Perfect memory and analysis beyond mortal capability.
The hall grew eerily silent as the orb continued to glow, brighter and brighter, until cracks appeared across its surface. Then shatter! the awakening orb burst into countless shards of light, disintegrating into nothing.
Everyone stared in stunned disbelief. The orb an artifact said to never break was gone.
My father rose from his seat, his eyes wide for the first time I'd ever seen.
"The orb… it… shattered?"
Whispers erupted among the audience.
"Impossible. No child could…"
"What kind of power did he!"
I turned back calmly, a faint smile tugging at my lips. "It seems I overdid it," I said innocently, my small voice carrying across the stunned hall.
Lucas narrowed his eyes, clearly envious. Cedric clenched his fists, flames stirring around his hands instinctively.
But mother… my mother's lips curved into a smile, eyes gleaming brightly. "Adrian… my brilliant child."
Father finally composed himself, his voice heavy with a complicated mix of pride and dread.
"From this day forward, Adrian Valcrest… you are no longer merely the third son. The kingdom will hear of you."
But in my mind, I knew something they didn't. I had no intention of staying bound to their noble expectations.
The Adventurers Guild awaited. And with power like mine, I wouldn't just join—I'd change the world.
And so, the legend of Adrian Valcrest truly began.