In a luxurious room the size of a large apartment, decorated with gold and rare materials, sat a bed large enough to accommodate ten people—though only one person lay fast asleep upon it.
Noah, a boy no older than sixteen, was dead to the world. His golden hair sprawled across the pillows, his arms were stretched in opposite directions, and he was snoring… loudly.
After a moment, his eyelids began to twitch. His ragged breathing evened out, and slowly, his eyes opened to reveal two molten gold irises.
"Ugh," he groaned, sitting up and offering a long stretch.
He swung his legs off the bed and padded toward the bathroom. After brushing his teeth and taking a shower, he dried off and returned to the bedroom, approaching the massive wardrobe. He paused for a beat, eyes scanning the abundance of regal clothing fit for high nobility.
"Hmm... what to pick?" After a moment of pondering, he reached for a white suit with gold trimmings and matching shoes. He finished the look with silver jewelry: three rings, two cross earrings, and a plain silver chain.
Five minutes later, he was ready. Standing before a life-sized mirror, he felt a deep sense of satisfaction. With his short, messy golden hair, molten eyes, and doll-like porcelain skin, his lean frame was perfectly accentuated by the white and gold suit. It added an undeniable noble allure.
"Not to toot my own horn, but... damn," he said, his voice dripping with undisguised narcissism.
[How narcissistic, Noah.]
A female, mechanical voice echoed in his head, laced with mock sarcasm. Noah clicked his tongue but didn't deny it. After all, if you looked as handsome as him, you'd be a narcissist too.
"Anyway, today's the day. I finally awaken, and then you'll finally reveal your functions." His tone was thick with excitement. Ever since his reincarnation sixteen years ago, the System had been by his side, but its primary functions had remained locked until his Awakening. Up until now, the only available features were Status and Inspect.
[That's right. Even I'm excited, as I am not yet privy to those functions myself...]
"Yeah, yeah, I know. I've been begging you to tell me early for years." Noah wasn't exaggerating; every birthday, he had pleaded for a sneak peek as a present, eventually leading the System to ignore him entirely.
[How could I possibly tell you something I don't even know?]
"Tch... I know! But still, do you know how soul-aching it is to wait this long?"
The System paused, its tone turning uncharacteristically melancholy. [Yeah... yeah, I do...]
Noah's eyes narrowed before softening.
"Yeah... sorry. That was mean."
He meant it. When the System first spoke on his fifth birthday, Noah had played a game of twenty questions. When he asked where she came from, her reply had been sobering:
"Me? That... I do not know. I was asleep waiting for you to become compatible. It could have been ten years or ten million; I only know I was with you on Earth, and nothing more."
The fact that she had been with him on Earth was a shock. It led Noah to believe that 'Mana' was the key to their compatibility—a theory she later confirmed.
[It's fine. But... you're late. Stop checking yourself out and go awaken me already.]
Noah flinched. Late?
"Shit. Father's going to kill me," he mumbled, dashing out the door and sprinting down the hallway.
Eventually, he reached two massive white doors. Even standing outside them, he felt as though the world were pressing down on his shoulders.
He knew instinctively that this was the mere presence of his parents—beings of EX-Rank.
Before he could hesitate, a rough, powerful voice boomed from within. "Oh? You're early! That's new. Now hurry up."
Tink!
The doors glided open seamlessly, revealing a grand hall lined with pillars carved with ancient battles. The ceiling was a massive skylight, flooding the room with brilliant sun. At the far end stood two imposing figures: Victor von Vale and Mary von Vale.
The Duke and Duchess. Both EX-Rank.
Victor was known as the world's strongest Summoner, while Mary was the strongest Beast Tamer. They were a match made in heaven, and as their son, Noah carried the weight of massive expectations. Though they didn't say it, he could tell they were hoping for something extraordinary.
As he walked confidently toward them, his mother's expression softened into a loving smile. "You're up early. How are you feeling?"
Before Noah could reply, Victor's stern voice cut through the warmth. "We don't have all day. Noah, get up here." Though his tone was gruff, the slight curve of his lips betrayed his excitement.
Noah merely smirked. He loved his parents; though strict, they were devoted. "Yes, yes, Father—don't rush me!" Provocation danced in his eyes, a "shit-eating grin" plastered across his face.
Victor clicked his tongue.
"Anyway, where's Maya?" Noah asked.
Maya was Noah's eighteen-year-old sister. Rather than inheriting their parents' powers, she possessed a unique, overpowered talent: Queen of Beasts Transformation. By killing and "consuming" a beast, she could permanently transform into it, gaining all its skills and traits. The only drawback was that she became aggressive and brutish for an hour after shifting. When the public found out, the consensus was that such a power was utterly absurd.
"Ha! That girl went out looking for a new beast to inherit," Mary interrupted before her husband could speak. "She left and told us to wish you good luck."
Victor went to click his tongue again, but a single glare from Mary stopped him. She was terrifying when she wanted to be—his soft-looking mother was not to be trifled with.
"Anyway, get up here and put your hand on the crystal, damn it!" Victor shouted, his anticipation palpable. He and Mary had a secret bet riding on this.
"Yes, Father."
Noah ascended the steps and stood before a transparent crystal filled with a swirling kaleidoscope of colors.
He looked at his mother, who gave him a loving smile, then at his father, who offered a curt nod of respect.
With a deep sigh, Noah placed his hand upon the crystal.
VROOOOOOO!
The crystal vibrated violently, glowing and cycling through colors at blinding speed.
[Ding! You have awakened your own Unique System!]
[You may name the System however you like!]
[System Features: Status, Inspect, Gacha, and Omni-Info.]
[Gift Received: One Gift Box, two Gacha Tickets, three High-Tier Info Tickets.]
[Congratulations! May you find eternal happiness upon your journey!]
Noah wasn't even reading the notifications. He was staring, wide-eyed, at his surroundings. Everything—including his parents—was frozen. Time and space had come to a dead halt.
"D-Did you do this, System?"
[Yep! It's temporary and a one-time event. I'm using the residual energy from your Awakening so we have time to go over everything.]
"Ah... that makes sense, I suppose," he said, slightly taken aback. "Anyway, let's get started! You decide the order."
[Very well. First, I will show you your Talent. It is ranked as (Unique).]
Noah's jaw dropped.
[Talent: Omni-Summon (Unique)]
[Description: Once a month, you can create your own summon. The summon can be fully customized by you. Such as its race, name, appearance, personality and talent. The summon will always be one rank above you. The being will be eternally loyal to you. It's impossible to betray you. For every summon you can copy one thing from its status, excluding rank. Each summon has its own sub-space within your soul to rest when not summoned.]
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Also I'd appreciate it if you tell me any mistakes whether plot, story or anything you think I could do better.