I take a deep breath before pushing open the heavy wooden doors. The dining hall beyond is nothing like the cramped kitchen of my old life. It's massive—easily the size of my entire previous house—with vaulted ceilings, elaborate chandeliers, and tall windows that let morning sunlight pour across polished marble floors.
A long table dominates the center of the room, laden with more food than I've seen in months. Maybe years. Platters of eggs, bacon, fresh bread, pastries, fruits I don't even recognize, and pitchers of juice and what looks like hot chocolate. My stomach growls loudly.
Four people are already seated, and they all look up as I enter.
"Sol! There you are, sleepyhead!" booms a deep voice.
The man at the head of the table is built like a tank—broad shoulders, muscular arms visible even through his fine clothes, and a thick beard that's more gray than brown. His eyes are a striking amber color, and when he grins, it's infectious. This must be Lord Aldric Drake, my... father?
"Come, sit! Eat! You'll need your strength today," he gestures enthusiastically at an empty chair.
Next to him sits an elegant woman with flowing white hair that matches mine, pulled back in an intricate braid. Her eyes are a softer red than mine, almost pink, and her smile is warm as she watches me approach. Lady Helena, I presume.
"Good morning, sweetheart," she says gently. "You look well-rested."
Across from the empty seat is a young man who looks like a younger, less bearded version of Aldric—all sharp angles and confident posture. His dark brown hair is tied back, and he's wearing what looks like training clothes. Marcus, probably. He nods at me with a slight smirk.
"'Bout time you woke up. Thought we'd have to send Aria to drag you out of bed."
"I would have!" chirps the young woman next to him. She's stunning—long auburn hair, bright red eyes, and an energy that seems barely contained even while sitting. She waves excitedly. "Morning, little brother!"
Little brother. The words hit differently than I expected. In my old life, I was an only child. Now I have siblings. A family.
I manage a smile and slide into the empty chair. "Morning, everyone. Sorry I'm late."
"Nonsense!" Aldric laughs, already piling food onto my plate without asking. "Growing boys need their sleep. Especially when they've been working so hard!"
Working hard? I have no idea what the original Sol was doing, but I'll roll with it.
"Speaking of which," Helena says, her voice gentle but with a hint of concern, "are you feeling alright, Sol? You seem... different this morning."
Crap. I need to play this carefully.
"I'm fine, Mom," I say, testing the word. It feels strange on my tongue. "Just... slept really well, I guess? Had some weird dreams."
Marcus raises an eyebrow. "Weird how?"
I shrug, taking a bite of bacon to buy time. It's delicious—way better than convenience store food. "Just vivid, you know? Can't really remember them now."
Aria leans forward, propping her chin on her hands. "Well, you definitely look more energetic than usual! Usually you're all quiet and withdrawn at breakfast."
"Aria," Helena chides softly.
"What? It's true!" Aria grins. "Not that I blame him. Being sick all the time must be rough."
Sick? So the original Sol was physically unwell. That explains the concern on everyone's faces.
Aldric clears his throat, his expression turning more serious. "Sol, your mother and I have been talking. About your future."
Oh no. Here it comes.
"You've been through a lot these past few years," he continues gently. "The illness, the struggle with your mana... We know you've wanted to become an adventurer like your old man, but we need to be realistic."
Marcus and Aria exchange glances, looking uncomfortable.
"The Royal Magic Academy entrance exam is in two weeks," Aldric says. "To even apply, you need to be at least Level 15. Most applicants are between Level 15 and 30."
"I was Level 18 when I took the exam four years ago," Aria adds softly. "And I'd been training in dungeons for years before that. Now I'm Level 52."
Level 52. My sister is Level 52, and I'm Level 1. The gap is even bigger than I thought.
"What Father is trying to say," Marcus interjects, "is that there are other paths.
You're smart, Sol. Brilliant, even. You could be a magical researcher, a historian, work for the Mage Guild in administration..."
"Safe careers," Helena adds, her eyes kind. "Where you wouldn't need to fight monsters or risk your life."
The table falls silent. Everyone's watching me, and I realize this is a pivotal moment. They're trying to protect me, to give me an out from a dangerous life I'm not prepared for.
But they don't know what I know. They don't know about my 8,000 MP, my eight affinities, or the Angel's Blessing that lets me learn any spell instantly.
"I appreciate your concern," I say slowly. "Really, I do. But... what if I told you something changed?"
Aldric's eyebrows rise. "Changed how?"
"My mana. It awakened. Properly, I mean." I meet his eyes. "I can use magic now. Real magic."
The reactions are immediate. Helena's hand flies to her mouth. Marcus straightens in his chair. Aria's eyes go wide. Aldric leans forward, his expression intense.
"When?" Aldric demands. "How?"
"Last night," I improvise. "I woke up and something just... clicked. Like a dam breaking. I could feel the mana flowing through me."
"That's incredible!" Aria practically bounces in her seat. "Sol, that's amazing! Do you know your affinity yet?"
I hesitate. Should I tell them about all eight? That might be too much.
"I do, actually. I tested it this morning using one of the books in my room."
"And?" Marcus prompts.
"I have... multiple affinities."
"How many?" Aldric asks, his voice careful.
"All of them."
Silence.
"All... of them?" Helena whispers.
"Fire, water, earth, wind, lightning, ice, light, and dark. All eight primary elements."
The silence stretches. Then Aria lets out a noise that's half-laugh, half-squeal. "ALL EIGHT?! Sol, that's impossible! That's—I've never even heard of someone with more than four!"
"Your mother has four affinities," Aldric says slowly, stroking his beard. "Fire, water, wind, and light. She was considered a once-in-a-generation prodigy. But eight..."
"Show us," Marcus says suddenly. "If it's true, show us."
I glance at Aldric, who nods. "The training grounds. Right now."
Minutes later, I'm standing in the center of a large courtyard behind the manor. Weapon racks, training dummies, and scorch marks indicate this is where the family practices.
Aldric, Helena, Marcus, and Aria form a semicircle around me, watching intently.
"Whenever you're ready, son," Aldric says.
I take a deep breath and reach for my mana. It responds instantly, that now-familiar warmth spreading through my body. I decide to start simple.
I hold out my right hand. "Ember."
A small flame appears above my palm, dancing cheerfully.
Aria gasps. "He really can do it!"
I switch hands. "Frost Touch."
Ice crystals form around my left hand, glittering in the sunlight.
"Two affinities confirmed," Marcus murmurs.
I don't stop. I cast Spark, and lightning crackles between my fingers. Then Gust, and wind swirls around me. Then Illuminate, and a ball of light hovers above my head.
Then Shadow Veil, and darkness pools at my feet. Then Stone Bullet, and a smooth pebble materializes. Finally, Aqua Sphere, and water forms in my palm.
By the time I'm done, I've demonstrated all eight elements. The family stares at me in stunned silence.
"Eight," Aldric finally says. "You really do have all eight."
"Sol, this is incredible!" Helena rushes forward and pulls me into a hug. "My baby, you've awakened!"
Aria is next, tackling me with enthusiasm. "Little brother is a prodigy! This is so cool!"
Marcus claps me on the shoulder, grinning.
"Well, I'll be damned. The family disappointment turned out to be a genius."
"Marcus," Helena scolds, but she's smiling through happy tears.
Aldric approaches more slowly, his expression thoughtful. "Sol, this changes everything. With eight affinities, you're not just talented—you're extraordinary." He pauses. "But you're still Level 1, aren't you?"
I nod.
"Thought so. You've got the affinities, but not the physical stats or combat experience. The Academy won't accept you at Level 1, even with exceptional talent. You need to be at least Level 15."
My heart sinks. "So I can't apply?"
"Not yet," Aldric says. "But I have an idea."
His serious expression breaks into a grin. "How would you like to go dungeon diving with your old man?"
"What?" I blink.
"There's an F-Rank dungeon about an hour's ride from here. Perfect for beginners—monsters range from Level 3 to about Level 20. With proper training, you could reach Level 15 in a week or two."
"A week or two?" Aria sounds skeptical. "Father, that's crazy. It took me three months to go from Level 1 to Level 15."
"Your brother isn't normal, Aria," Aldric says, still grinning. "He has eight affinities and—I'm willing to bet—an exceptional mana pool for his level. Plus, he'll have me guiding him. I may be retired, but I haven't forgotten how to fight."
"What about me?" Aria asks. "Can I come too?"
"And me," Marcus adds.
Aldric laughs. "Fine! We'll make it a family training trip. Your mother can hold down the fort here." He looks at Helena. "What do you say, love?"
Helena sighs, but she's smiling. "I suppose if you're all going, Sol will be safe enough. Just... promise me you'll be careful."
"We'll protect him," Marcus assures her.
"Like he'll need it," Aria says excitedly. "With eight affinities and Father teaching him? Sol's going to be a monster by the time we're done!"
I'm still processing this. A week ago—well, a day ago from my perspective—I was dying on a street corner. Now I have a family that wants to train me, siblings who are excited for me, and a father who's planning a dungeon expedition.
"When do we leave?" I ask.
Aldric's grin widens. "Tomorrow morning.
That gives you the rest of today to prepare, get some basic equipment, and rest up. Your first real adventure starts tomorrow, son."
The day quickly passed by and That night, I lie in bed staring at the ceiling, too excited to sleep. My mind races through everything that's happened.
Less than two days ago, I was a lonely gamer dying on a street corner. Now I have a family, magic powers, and I'm about to go on a real dungeon expedition.
I close my eyes, letting exhaustion finally claim me. Tomorrow begins my real adventure.