[MC] (I'm so cold. I can't feel anything.)
A young man lays motionless in a hospital bed, doctors and nurses surround him. His vitals grow weaker with every second as his family stands crying in the corner.
[MC] (Mom, Dad, Sis, why are you crying? I'm right here.)
He tries to reach out his hand, but it won't lift an inch. His body is too weak, too damaged from his illness. He can only watch his family break down as the room grows darker.
[MC] (I see, so this is death. I can't believe I'm actually dying. I thought I'd at least live to see my twenties or at least finish high school. It's so dark, I can't see anything. Where did everybody go? Not like it matters now. All alone in an empty void. Heh, not a bad fate for an introvert. Hm? What's that?)
Amidst the void surrounding him, a dim light can be seen in the distance. It keeps growing brighter and brighter, until it feels like the light will consume him.
[MC] (Is this the end? Well, if it is, I won't miss a second of it.)
As the man is ingulfed in the blinding light, he opens his eyes in a new room. His tiny body being lifted and brought into a warm embrace.
[MC] (Huh? Am I a baby?! What the hell happened? Is this that overused trope in anime when someone dies and gets reincarnated?!)
As he ponders his new existence, he is held closely by a beautiful red-haired woman. Despite the tears and sweat streaming down her face, her smile never fades for even a moment. The maid at her side wraps him in a blanket, saying something that he can't understand until a stiff, robotic voice echoes inside his head.
System: [Notice: Otherworlder detected. Issuing hidden skill {Translation} to reincarnated otherworlder.]
[MC] (What the heck was that? Is that a maid? Am I really in another world?! … Awesome. I guess this lady is my mom. This place looks really fancy. I guess I can't complain about this VIP treatment. Looks like this is my life now.)
[Maid] Congratulations, Lady Reika. Your son looks to be in perfect health.
[Reika] He's really here, my baby boy, my Sakyo.
[Sakyo] (Sakyo? Is that my new name? Wait, why can I suddenly understand them? Is this the translation skill that voice was talking about? It's just like a video game. I guess I really am in another world.) Waa, WAAA!
[Reika] Oh, looks like he's awake already. Don't worry Sakyo, I'm right here.
[Sakyo] Waa... (Hm, guess I can't talk yet. Makes sense, I'm only a baby. Oh well, it looks like I'll have to wait a few years before I can do anything on my own.)
… Five years later…
It's been awhile since I reincarnated in this new world. I was able to learn a few things during that time. Apparently, this world is just like a fantasy world you'd hear about it manga and anime. There really are things like monsters and demons. Even dragons are here, although those seem to be mostly legends.
My new name is Sakyo Wolfen. Seems a little over the top, but it's nice that I look pretty much like I used to, even down to the same black hair. Although, I did get a few strands of red from my mom. Speaking of her, my mom in this world is named Reika Wolfen, knight captain of this kingdoms order. She's supposed to be crazy strong, and from what I've heard from the knight's training, she's a real drill sergeant from hell. Although, I guess all that hellish training is why she's known as one of the strongest knights in the Seven Kingdoms.
Speaking of that, there are a bunch of kingdoms in this world. Right now, the one I was born in is known as the Solareth Kingdom. It's located in the center of the main continent, right on the line between human and demi human kingdoms. My mom is apparently the younger sister of the current king. That doesn't mean I'll be the next king though. My uncle already has a son that's next in line for the throne.
[Reika] Sakyo, it's time to go! We don't want to be late for the appraisal!
Crap, I completely forgot about that. Since I'm five now, I have to get appraised at the temple.
[Sakyo] I'm coming down!
…
On a carriage, heading to a temple to get appraised. I can't believe today is really the day.
[Reika] So, are you excited about your appraisal?
[Sakyo] Huh? Oh, yeah, I am.
Honestly, I'm a little nervous about this whole thing. If anime and manga has taught me anything, this can only go one of two ways. Either I get some overpowered skill, or I don't get anything at all.
[Reika] I know, do you want to see my status? You can see what you have to look forward to.
[Sakyo] Yeah, can I really see it?
[Reika] Of course, [Status Open].
Reika Wolfen
Age: 23
Element: Fire
Power: 9
Magic: 5
Vitality: 4
Speed: 8
Trick: 3
Titles:
{Solareth Kingdom Knight Captain}
Bloodline Ability:
{Pyro Armor}
Skills:
{Swordsmanship}, {Fire Magic: Advanced}, {Heat Resistance}, {Burning Presence (Passive)}, {Blazing Dash}, {Firestorm}
Woah, so many skills! It really is just like a video game! Her power and speed look like they're almost maxed out. Based on her stats, she'd probably be considered a glass cannon.
[Sakyo] Wow, you're so amazing, Mom
[Reika] Heh heh heh Of course I am. I'm looking forward to seeing what you'll get. Since your my son, you'll probably get my Bloodline Ability.
[Sakyo] Bloodline Ability?
[Reika] Hm, didn't I tell you about those? Well, Bloodline Abilities are different from normal skills. Skills are more common abilities you can get at the appraisal or learn throughout your life, but Bloodline Abilities are special once that are passed down through a family's generations. They're basically an accumulation of skills that make a new ability, specific abilities that can be passed down from parent to child. Although, there's always a chance that you might not get it, but that's pretty rare.
[Sakyo] Then Mom, is your Bloodline Ability this {Pyro Armor}?
[Reika] Hehehe I'm glad you asked. {Pyro Armor} is out family's specialty. I can surround my current armor with flames, imbuing it with the fire element. This gives a good boost to my attacks and speed. The best part about it is… continues bragging
When she gets like this, it's best to just let her keep talking. She loves bragging about her strength, such a prideful mother. Although, this can go on for a long time once she gets started. Maybe I should jump out of this carriage and walk the rest of the way. On second thought, that won't be necessary.
[Sakyo] Look, were here!
[Reika] Oh, already? That felt like such a quick ride.
Maybe for one of us. I knew the temple was supposed to be big, but this is way over the top. It looks like someone's waiting for us. Is that guy supposed to be a priest?
[Priest] Welcome, Lady Reika. This must be your son who's getting his appraisal today.
[Reika] Yep, this is my boy. Sakyo, introduce yourself.
[Sakyo] Um, h-hello. I'm Sakyo. (Damnit, you can't just put an introvert on the spot like that.)
[Priest] It's nice to meet you, young man. If you both would follow me, we'll be conducting the appraisal at the shrine.
…
Such a long walk. I guess people take religion pretty seriously around here. There are so many statues of the gods. Just how many gods are in this world?
[Priest] Now Sakyo, please kneel in front of the statues. We will begin the appraisal right away.
Sakyo kneels in front of the largest statue at the front of the shrine.
[Priest] Hear me, out glorious gods! This child has reached his fifth year of life granted by you! As your devoted follower, please grant this boy your blessings!
Just then, a blinding light envelops the entire shrine. The light fades almost as briskly as it had flashed.
[Sakyo] D-did it work?
[Priest] Yes, you should be able to look at your status now. Simply say [Status Open] and we'll all be able to see it.
[Sakyo] Ok, [Status Open].
Just then, something appears in front of Sakyo. A screen-like panel, not to different from something you'd see in a video game, floats before him.
Sakyo Wolfen
Age: 5 Years
Element: Darkness
Power: 1
Magic: 1
Vitality: 1
Speed: 1
Trick: 10
Titles:
R̷̵E̴͘D͡͝A͝C̴̴T͠Ę̢D̷̛"
R͘Ę̕D̷A̵͘C̡͏T͞E̷̡D̸̢.̸̢.̛.͠
R͡E̴̡D̢͠A̷͝C̴͘T̛͢E͟͟D̴͏
Bloodline Ability:
E͞R̸̵R̵O͡R̸̡.̡͞.͞.̵͞"
Skills:
None
The three can only stare in confusion, pondering the unprecedented state of Sakyo's status screen.
[Priest] Um, this is…
[Reika] What's going on with this?
[Priest] I'm not sure. I've never seen a status screen like this before.
[Reika] Sakyo!
Reika rushes over to Sakyo, lifting him up and examining him all over.
[Reika] You're ok, right? You're not hurt? Nothing broken?
[Sakyo] I'm alright, Mom. Put me down already!
[Reika] Phew, thank goodness. Ahem, anyway, what's going on here.
[Priest] Since nothing seems to be wrong with Sakyo, it would appear that there is an error with the system itself. Considering his status shows a high affinity with [Trick], I'd have to guess he does have a Bloodline Ability, but we're unable to see anything right now.
[Reika] I see, so his ability might be there, but we just can't see it.
[Priest] Looking at his status, I think it's safe to assume that Sakyo here could have an incredibly unique Original Bloodline.
[Sakyo] Original Bloodline?
[Reika] Is that really possible? I thought Original Bloodlines were just a myth.
[Priest] I assure you, they are real, but incredibly rare. In fact, the last recorded instance of this happening was from nearly 300 years ago. Original Bloodlines are usually formed when there is a mutation caused from incompatible abilities. Does his father have a Bloodline Ability too?
For a moment, Reika hesitates before giving her answer.
[Reika] N-no, his father doesn't have one.
[Priest] I see, well, I suppose it doesn't matter how this happened. I think the best course of action is to allow Sakyo to experiment with different situations to see if something can trigger his Bloodline Ability to awaken.
…
Well, that was an awkward carriage ride back to the castle. Mom didn't say a word the whole ride.
What was with her reaction to the priest's question about my father. I mean, I've never even met him before. All I know about him is that he doesn't live in this kingdom.
I wonder why my {Translation} skill didn't show up on my status screen. I think it was some kind of hidden skill, so maybe it's like a signature skill thing in video games that's tied to a character, but doesn't show up with their other abilities. I don't know what's wrong with my status, but I can't just leave it like this. Quick, before she gets back to her barrack.
Is this really how it's going to be? Am I just going to be helpless in this life too?...
…
[Sakyo] Mom!
[Reika] What is it, Sakyo?
[Sakyo] (I don't know if this is the right choice, but it's all I can think of right now ) Tomorrow, please let me join the knight's training.
[Reika] What? I can't allow that. You're still a child.
[Sakyo] I know, but the priest said that I should experience different situations to figure out my Bloodline Ability, and what better way than to train with the best warriors in the kingdom?
[Reika] It's too dangerous, I won't let you!
[Sakyo] Then I'll keep pushing until you do!
Sakyo's eyes shine with a faint red glow.
[Reika] !!! (That look in his eyes, it's just like…) Sigh, fine, you can join our training. But I won't let you push yourself too far. If I think your life is ever in danger, I will stop you.
[Sakyo] Deal. (I know she's worried about me, but I can feel it. This is something I need to do in order to live in this world. Usually in a world like this, power is everything. If I can't hold my own in this world, then I won't be able to live here. I don't want to be just some weakling who needs to be taken care of. I'll become stronger, figure out this Bloodline Ability of mine, and then… I'll aim for the top. I'll become the apex of this world!)