Volume 1: The Poor Charming's Tower Gamble
Prologue Arc: Poor Charming's Last Shot
Chapter 10: Returning as the First Extraordinary Reincarnator – Family Cheers, Nobles Already Scheming
The swirling portal light faded, depositing Elodas Charming back into the familiar circular antechamber inside the Reincarnation Tower. The humming energy that had carried him through the Cinderella trial world vanished, leaving only the quiet glow of cyan runes on the black stone walls. He stood exactly where he had entered, patched tunic still lightly dusted with faint sparkles that were already fading, iron pendant warm against his chest, and Mira's pink ribbon still tied around his wrist.
A gentle chime echoed through the chamber. The Tower's calm, genderless voice spoke directly into his mind and the surrounding air:
"Trial Floor 1: Cinderella Kingdom – Cleared. Fate successfully defied. Power consolidation beginning."
Elodas felt a warm surge flow through his body. The Royal Charming Swordsmanship, the full suite of transformation and illusion magic, and the minor resistances he had gained all settled deeper into his soul, becoming permanent. He was stronger now—far stronger than when he had stepped through the portal—but on the outside he looked exactly the same: a slightly dusty seventeen-year-old (now officially eighteen) from the slums with golden hair and a calm half-smile.
First floor cleared, he thought, keeping his expression neutral. One-shot the stepmother while yawning, turned the ball into a comedy roast, and rewrote the entire romantic ending into something chaotic and open-ended. No one in that world will ever know it was me. Perfect. And still completely hidden. No one here will suspect I comprehended everything from watching one sword swing and one dress-up spell.
The Tower voice continued: "You are now recognized as an Extraordinary Reincarnator. Basic privileges granted: minor protection aura, access to the public guild registry, and one free return visit to the Tower for future floors when you are ready. Return to the plaza."
A soft light guided him toward the exit archway. Elodas walked through it at a measured pace, hands in his pockets, as if he had simply taken a short stroll rather than rewriting a fairy tale.
The moment he stepped back into the bright midday sun of the plaza, the reaction was immediate.
Hundreds of eyes turned toward him. The crowd of families, guild recruiters, and curious onlookers who had been waiting for the new batch of eighteen-year-olds fell into a stunned hush, then exploded into noise.
"He's back already!"
"First one out! That was fast!"
"Look at that golden hair… isn't that the Charming boy from the slums?"
Whispers turned into shouts. A guild attendant in official robes rushed forward with a glowing crystal tablet. "Elodas Charming! Confirmed successful return. You have cleared your first trial floor in record time for a first-timer. The Tower recognizes you as an Extraordinary Reincarnator. Congratulations!"
The crystal tablet flashed, projecting a small holographic emblem above Elodas's head—a simple glowing tower rune that marked him as one of the successful. It would fade after a few minutes but could be reactivated at any guild hall.
Elodas kept his face calm, offering only a small nod. "Thank you. It was… lucky."
Inside, he was chuckling. Lucky. That's going to be my catchphrase from now on. Let them think I trained hard in secret or got a fortunate world. No one learns about Heaven-Defying Comprehension or Instant Full Mastery. Ever.
His family pushed through the crowd, faces lighting up with pure joy and relief.
"Elodas!" Lira cried, tears already streaming down her cheeks as she threw her arms around him. "You're back! You did it! My boy is an Extraordinary!"
Tomas gripped his shoulder with trembling hands, eyes shining with pride he couldn't hide. "Son… you cleared it. First try. I knew you had it in you. The Tower didn't break you."
Mira squeezed between them, hugging his waist tightly. "You came back smiling! Just like you promised! Does this mean I get the dress with real buttons?"
Elodas ruffled her hair gently, the pink ribbon on his wrist brushing against her cheek. "Deal's a deal, Mira. We'll get you that dress soon."
The family's cheers drew even more attention. Other families nearby looked on with a mix of envy and awe. Some of the newly returned who had failed their trials stood at the edges of the plaza, shoulders slumped, already beginning the long process of learning how to kneel and beg for protection from the successful ones.
Guild recruiters moved in quickly—sharp-eyed men and women in fine robes bearing emblems of the major Extraordinary guilds. One middle-aged woman with a silver pin approached first, smiling professionally.
"Elodas Charming, was it? Impressive first clear. Most first-timers take the full duration of the trial world and come back exhausted. You returned in under a day with a clean success. The Azure Tower Guild would like to offer you immediate recruitment—training resources, a modest stipend, and protection details. Your… unique name and appearance could open many doors."
Another recruiter from a rival guild stepped closer. "The Crimson Blade Guild offers better combat resources. With your looks and quick success, you could become a public face for our operations. Nobles are already asking about the 'golden-haired Charming who cleared on his first try.'"
Elodas kept his voice polite and slightly disinterested. "I appreciate the offers. I'll think about it. Right now I just want to go home with my family."
The recruiters exchanged glances but didn't push too hard. They had seen plenty of new Extraordinary who wanted time to adjust. They bowed slightly and retreated, already whispering among themselves about how to approach him later.
As the family began walking back toward the slums, the news spread faster than they could move. People on the streets stopped and stared. A few children pointed excitedly. "It's the new Extraordinary! He looks like a prince!"
Garrick and the Mud Rats were loitering near the edge of the poorer district. When they saw Elodas walking with the glowing emblem still faintly visible above his head, Garrick's face went pale. The bully who had mocked him for years now looked genuinely shaken.
"You… you actually did it?" Garrick muttered, voice cracking. His friends took a step back, instinctively lowering their heads.
Elodas gave them a small, lazy wave as he passed. "Morning, Garrick. Scar's looking better. Try not to trip over any kneeling positions later."
The Mud Rats said nothing, just stared as the family continued on.
Back at the shabby shack, the celebration was small but heartfelt. Lira scraped together the last of their supplies to make a slightly better porridge than usual. Tomas pulled out a hidden bottle of cheap wine he had been saving for "a miracle." Mira danced around the room waving her stick-figure drawing like a flag.
"We're going to be okay now," Lira said softly, wiping happy tears. "No more worrying about you kneeling. You're protected. The Tower marked you. Nobles and guilds will think twice before bothering us."
Tomas raised his cup. "To our Extraordinary son. May your next floors be just as lucky."
Elodas clinked his cup with a small smile. "To family. And to a little bit of luck."
Inside, his thoughts were calm and amused. First floor done. Swordsmanship, transformation magic, and more already mastered and hidden. The nobles are already scheming—recruitment offers, possible marriage alliances, public appearances. They see a promising new talent with a prince-like name. They have no idea I'm carrying two broken cheats that let me comprehend and master anything from a single glance. I'll keep pretending I'm just a hardworking guy who got a good trial world. Let them chase the "Charming" legend while I quietly clear floor after floor.
As the small family celebration continued into the evening, messengers from various noble houses and guilds began arriving at the edge of the slums, leaving polite letters and small gifts "for the new Extraordinary."
Elodas watched the growing pile of envelopes with quiet amusement.
The poor Charming from the backwater city had returned as the first Extraordinary of his batch.
His family cheered.
The nobles schemed.
And somewhere high in the Reincarnation Tower, the next portal waited patiently for when he chose to step through again.
Elodas took another sip of the cheap wine, the pink ribbon still on his wrist.
The real journey had only just begun.