"Hey, listen up! First, you need to understand what kind of world this is, you idiot!" Envi shouted at me. I had to admit that the system wasn't completely wrong. Realizing I needed more information, I asked him to explain this world to me.
"You're currently in a world of swords and magic. There are three main continents here: the Human Continent (Eldaris), the Special Race Continent (Celestians), and the Demon Continent (Doomspire). Eldaris is located in the west and is home to human kingdoms. Celestians is in the east, populated by special races like Elves, Beastkin, and Dwarves. Meanwhile, Doomspire lies in the north, dominated by the Demonic Race under the rule of the Demon King." Envi's brief explanation made the structure of this world a bit clearer.
The thought of demons frightened me, but the idea of meeting a real elf filled me with excitement."Here in Eldaris, three major kingdoms hold power: the Mercenary Kingdom of Gildoria, the Grand Kingdom of Solara, and the Hero Kingdom of Braveheart. Gildoria is the kingdom of mercenaries, mostly composed of adventurers, and the Adventurer's Guild plays a vital role there. It's ruled by the Adventurer King. The Grand Kingdom of Solara is the center of magic studies and is ruled by the Sorcerer King. Braveheart is the Hero Kingdom, where nobles play a big role in politics, and the kingdom's knights and sorcerers are responsible for maintaining peace." Envi's explanation left me wondering where exactly I was now.
"I see... So which kingdom am I in?" I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me.
"Calm down, you idiot! I'm still explaining!" Envi barked back at me.
"You're currently in the Kingdom of Braveheart. It's ruled by the Hero King, Aslan von Braveheart. This kingdom has five major noble families, each descended from a Hero. That's why Braveheart's main strength lies in its Five Heroes, who are all subordinate to the King. A Hero is the highest rank for the kingdom's knights and sorcerers. By chance, you've been reincarnated into the body of someone from one of those noble families—the Blackmore Family." Envi's condescending tone made his explanation sound almost like a lecture.
"And now, you're Naoki von Blackmore, the first son of the Blackmore family. The current head of the family is your father, Count Tetsu von Blackmore. Since you're the eldest of three siblings, you're the designated heir to the family headship and also the Hero representing the Blackmore family."
Listening to this, I couldn't help but notice that my name, Nao, sounded quite similar to Naoki. Even the name Blackmore had a hint of Japanese to it. Was this a coincidence? I wondered silently.
"Now, I'll explain how combat works in this world. Swordsmanship, and the use of other weapons, are standard skills here. You can also use magic by chanting spells and casting various elemental or specialized spells. In the Kingdom of Braveheart, those with talent in swordsmanship or other weapons usually become knights, while those skilled in magic can become royal mages," Envi continued lazily. I glanced at him skeptically.
"So, Naoki is supposed to be a Hero-class knight... even though his swordsmanship is still at level 1? Arrgh, what has this Naoki guy been doing all this time?" I groaned in frustration, feeling stressed out by this ridiculous situation.
"And now that body belongs to you, so are you saying you're an idiot too? Hahaha!" Envi mocked me.
"Huh?! What did you just say? I'll have you know, I was the top of my class in my year back on Earth! Even though... I never managed to land a decent job, T_T." I retorted with a pout.
"Hmm, I wonder why Naoki ended up being a failed Hero. Well, I guess I'll find out over time." I muttered to myself, a little irritated.
Suddenly, I heard a knock on my door.Knock, Knock, Knock!"Young Master Naoki, it's time for lunch. The Patriarch has invited all the core family members to dine together," a maid's voice called from the other side of the door.
"Alright, I'll be there soon." A maid taking care of me, huh? I'd always wanted to be pampered like this since back on Earth no one ever helped me with chores.
Quickly, I put on my clothes, tidied myself up a bit, and followed the maid to the dining room. As we walked through the corridor, I observed the Blackmore household. The walls were lined with dark-colored bricks, accented with gold trim. Various ornaments and portraits displayed the Blackmore family crest—a black raven spreading its wings within a circle. I couldn't help but question their design choices; it all looked so gloomy and ominous.
When we arrived at the dining hall, I saw four people already seated at the large rectangular table. There was no mistaking the man in the center—Patriarch Tetsu von Blackmore. He had a muscular build, dark hair and eyes streaked with gray and looked to be around fifty years old. He bore a faint scar over his left eye, exuding an intimidating aura...
image [https://i.imgur.com/1D1Jz5Q.png]
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...
"Beside him, there was a woman around 40 years old with brown hair and dark eyes. Despite her age, she looked remarkably young. Seated on either side of her were a young man, probably in his twenties, and a girl who seemed around 18 years old. Both had similar features to the woman."
"You can see their general information using my power," Envi suddenly spoke, surprising me.
"What the—Are you crazy? They'll notice it!" I thought in panic.
"Seriously? Only you can see me, you country bumpkin x_x," Envi snapped, annoyed.
"Fine, fine, let's see their information then," I relented, asking Envi internally to display their details.
A status screen popped up, showing the general information of everyone in the room:
-Tetsu von Blackmore (Patriarch, Hero) | Age: 50 | Level: 100
-Lilia von Blackmore (Second Wife of the Patriarch) | Age: 40 | Level: 5 (Non-combatant)
-Mark von Blackmore (Son of Lilia, Half-Brother) | Age: 20 | Level: 30
-Milly von Blackmore (Second Daughter of Lilia, Half-Sister) | Age: 18 | Level: 15
Seeing this information, I realized that the Patriarch had two wives, and I was the firstborn of the first wife. But where was Naoki's mother? Did something happen to her?
"...." Envi remained silent.
"Why are you just standing there? Sit beside me!" the Patriarch suddenly ordered, his voice stern.
"Y-Yes, sir," I replied, my voice shaking slightly.
I took the seat to the left of the Patriarch. I could feel the cold, disdainful stares from my stepmother and half-siblings.
"Naoki, are your wounds healed?" the Patriarch asked, his tone more neutral.
"Y-Yes, father—" I started, but Mark cut me off sharply, "How dare you address the Patriarch as 'father'! Where are your manners?" he shouted.
I was confused—what had I done wrong? Was it considered rude to address him as 'father' even in a family gathering like this?
"It's fine, Mark. Haha, it's rare for you to call me 'father.' Next time, just address me more respectfully," the Patriarch said, easing the tension. I noticed a faint smile tug at his lips.
"O-Of course, Patriarch," I responded, feeling the pressure rise. Come on, I just want to eat! I thought, frustration building up.
"After lunch, I have an important announcement to make. So, just wait," the Patriarch declared confidently.
We all began eating. I was baffled to find no rice on the table—all the dishes were European-style. I ate in silent misery, mourning the absence of my beloved rice, T_T...
"Alright, listen up. The important announcement is... I've decided to appoint Mark as the heir and the Hero Candidate of the Blackmore family, replacing Naoki," the Patriarch stated firmly.
I was stunned, a whirl of emotions flooding my heart. I glanced at my stepmother and half-siblings—they wore faint smiles, their eyes mocking me.
"!!!!" Even Envi seemed taken aback.
"Hey, Nao, you can't accept this decision, no matter what! You have to become the family's Hero—that's the only way you'll be able to fight against the Demon King," Envi urged.
"But... How am I supposed to do that? Are you crazy?! I don't want any part of this," I protested weakly to Envi.
Suddenly, a notification appeared. It looked different from the usual ones. And sure enough, it was a Goddess Quest notification:
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"Goddess Quest 1:
Defeat Mark and Become the Hero Candidate of Blackmore Family.
Reward: Goddess Wish & 50 Goddess Points. Failure Penalty: Your mother, Takahiro Ayase, will die of cancer at the hospital."
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"....!!!!" I was utterly devastated upon reading it.
"My beloved mother will die? How could this be? Has she been hiding her cancer from me all this time??? No way!!!! I won't just sit around and let this happen!!!" I thought, my mind in turmoil.
"Envi... I take back what I said. Let's defeat that bastard Mark and save my mother!!!" I declared with unwavering resolve.
"Roger that!" Envi replied confidently.
"Patriarch, may I ask why you've made this decision?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
"How dare a failed Hero like you question the Patriarch's decision?! You came back half-dead after failing the Hero Candidate mission, and now you want to oppose the Patriarch?!" Mark yelled angrily.
Hearing that made me realize that my body's serious injuries were the result of a failed mission? Just how difficult was it?
"Calm down, Mark. As he said, Naoki, you're not strong enough to be the family's heir or Hero. I've given you the chance because you're the firstborn, but you've shown nothing but failure! The best option is to have Mark replace you, as he's stronger," the Patriarch asserted.
"Patriarch, with all due respect... If I can prove that I'm stronger than Mark, would you be willing to restore my title as the family heir and Hero?" I proposed, trying to negotiate.
"What nonsense is that? You, a weakling, want to challenge me? HAH! One hit, and you'll be down for the count. Don't act tough!" Mark snarled, his face contorted with anger.
The Patriarch remained silent for a moment. A small smile appeared on his face.
"Very well. Prove your words. In one month, you'll duel Mark for the right to the title and the position of the Blackmore family's Hero."
"B-But darling! Isn't it already decided that Mark would replace Naoki?" Lilia protested, looking shocked.
"Y-Yeah, Patriarch, isn't Big Brother Mark much stronger than Brother Naoki?" Milly added, supporting Mark.
"Patriarch, why question the outcome when it's already obvious?" Mark chimed in.
"Enough, all of you! My decision is final! Naoki, Mark—prepare yourselves for the duel," the Patriarch ordered firmly. With that, he stood up and left for his work.
"Just wait, you failed Hero! I'm going to humiliate you in front of the Patriarch and everyone else!" Mark taunted, glaring at me.
I picked up my fork and pointed it at his face. "Go ahead and try, you pampered little throne-chaser. I'll kick your ass so hard!" I sneered, a condescending smile tugging at my lips.
image [https://i.imgur.com/x4SjWvf.png]
"W-What?! How dare you... Hey, get back here!" Mark screamed, but I turned on my heel and left the dining room, heading straight for my room.
Now, I had to prepare myself for the battle against Mark.
"Envi, we need to train and raise our skills and level. I have to defeat Mark and become the family's Hero," I declared with determination.
"Leave it to me," Envi replied, his tone filled with enthusiasm...
...
---To be continued in the next chapter---