The morning sun spilled softly through the embroidered curtains of Rin's room, painting streaks of gold across the lavish furniture. His mind stirred, and as his eyes fluttered open, a familiar presence stood beside his bed.

  “Elysia?” Rin blinked, his voice still groggy from sleep. “Why are you here this early? Do you need something?”

  Elysia, ever poised and graceful, bowed slightly. Her bright green eyes reflected the morning light.

  “Lord Alden requests your presence for breakfast,” she said softly. “He’s waiting in the study. Please get ready, Rin.”

  Rin rubbed his eyes and sat up. “Alright,” he mumbled, stretching his arms. “And… Elysia?”

  “Yes, Rin?”

  “Please prepare my attire,” he added with a small smile.

  Elysia nodded, her expression calm, but a trace of warmth flickered in her gaze. “Of course.”

  Moments Later

  Rin entered his father’s study after getting dressed. The scent of freshly baked pastries and spiced tea lingered in the air. Seated around the ornate mahogany table were his parents, Edwin and Seraphina, and his grandfather, Alden von Everhart. A variety of delicacies filled the table—rare fruits, delicate sweets, and exotic dishes.

  “Ah, Rin,” Seraphina’s gentle smile lit up her face. “Come, sit with us.”

  “Good morning, everyone,” Rin greeted politely, taking his place beside his mother.

  “Eat first,” Seraphina urged, her tone more motherly than usual. “You barely ate last night, and after awakening, your body needs nourishment. Skipping meals will only weaken you.”

  “Your grandfather brought these treats all the way from the Imperial Capital,” Edwin added with a proud smile.

  “Thank you, Grandpa.” Rin’s eyes twinkled as he looked toward Alden, a genuine smile tugging at his lips.

  [Charm Activated]

  Alden’s stern expression softened, and a flicker of satisfaction crossed his face. “Eat to your heart’s content, my boy.”

  As they shared a quiet family moment, a knock at the door echoed through the study.

  Knock. Knock.

  “Come in,” Alden’s commanding voice resonated.

  Kaulin, the head maid, stepped inside and bowed deeply. “My lord, your guest has arrived.”

  A tall, elderly man entered, his presence exuding authority. His piercing gray eyes scanned the room with a practiced gaze. Though his movements were calm, there was an air of sharpness to him.

  “Rin,” Alden’s tone shifted, more formal now. “Meet Nilson Dex, an old friend and one of the finest appraisers in the empire. "My friend Nilson, a 5th Awakening Appraiser, possesses an Epic-grade skill, Insight, which grants him the ability to accurately assess even 6th Awakening classes. His expertise, combined with his class and skill, makes him one of the best in his field. That's why I specifically invited him here to appraise your class, Rin."

  Rin’s brow furrowed. “But… don’t I have the system? Why would I need—”

  His thoughts trailed off. A realization struck him.

  How do others know their class if they don’t have the system?

  Lucien and Elysia had awakened too… but no one appraised them.

  “Grandpa,” Rin asked, his voice laced with curiosity, “why didn’t Lucien or Elysia get appraised?”

  Nilson, his hands clasped behind his back, answered before Alden could. “Most commoners cannot afford an appraiser of my caliber. Only nobles or the wealthy seek class appraisals.”

  Alden nodded, his expression grave. “Class appraisal reveals not just the class but also hidden skills and potential. Without appraisal, they’ll never know the true limits of their growth.”

  Rin glanced at Lucien and Elysia, standing quietly behind him. A flicker of determination flashed in his eyes. “Then… can you appraise them too?”

  Nilson arched a brow but gave a respectful nod. “Very well.”

  The Moment of Truth

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  Nilson’s hands glowed faintly with azure light as he invoked his skill. He placed his palm gently on their heads one by one. As the glow subsided, three sheets of parchment appeared, inscribed with detailed information.

  “Here,” Nilson said, handing the papers to Alden. “Your grandson is… quite unique.”

  Alden’s eyes scanned the parchments, his gaze pausing longer on Rin’s appraisal.

  Rin, unable to contain his curiosity, snatched the papers. He first handed Lucien and Elysia their results before finally reading his own.

  Rin von Everhart

  Class: Arcane Gambler

  An unstable magic class that infuses randomness into battle. Each spell is a gamble, where fate decides if Rin gains an advantage… or suffers the consequences.

  Core Skills:

  Lucky Surge (Active)

  Releases a burst of chaotic mana toward a target—be it friend or foe.

  Buff: +5% boost to a random stat for 30 seconds.

  Debuff: -5% reduction in a random stat for 30 seconds.

  Target is random, making every use a gamble.

  Limitations:

  Cooldown: 30 seconds

  Usage Limit: 5 uses per hour, future casts apply a 5% stat debuff per cast.

  Fortune’s Whim (Passive)

  After 5 uses of Lucky Surge, the next cast is guaranteed to apply a beneficial effect to Rin or an ally.

  However, if Rin receives 3 consecutive buffs, the next cast will automatically apply a debuff to him.

  [TALENT: Tyrant of Commerce]

  Description: Rin possesses an innate ability to perceive the true value of anything—whether it's gold, land, artifacts, businesses, or even people.

  Grade: Legendary+

  Effects:

  Instantly recognizes the real worth of items, investments, and trade deals, even if others fail to see it.

  Has a sixth sense for market trends, allowing him to predict which goods, lands, or businesses will flourish or fail.

  Can spot hidden opportunities, such as undervalued treasures, secret-rich lands, or even people with hidden potential.

  Works in political and social dealings, letting him gauge the worth of allies, lovers, and enemies to make the best long-term choices.

  Rin’s eyes widened. His heart pounded. “What kind of class is this?!”

  He muttered under his breath. “This isn’t the Path of Fortune… It’s the path of gambling!”

  A stunned silence filled the room.

  Edwin spoke first, his voice laced with shock. “Rin… what kind of monstrous talent did you inherit?”

  Hearing his father’s words, Rin glanced at the paper in his hands. As his eyes landed on the description of his talent, Tyrant of Commerce, a wave of shock washed over him.

  Seraphina’s concerned gaze fell upon him. “Rin, you aren’t gambling… are you?” Her tone was soft, but the underlying worry was clear. “Gambling is not a good habit.”

  Alden, however, said nothing. His eyes were distant, his mind already lost in thought.

  Lucien and Elysia stared at Rin like he was some mythical creature. Even they could sense the unusual nature of his class and talent.

  Rin’s mind raced. He checked his system notifications again.

  [Class Name: Arcane Gambler]

  An unpredictable class… where even victory is left to chance.

  How…? Rin’s eyes widened as he scanned the paper. The details of his class and talent were an exact match to what the system had shown him.

  Impossible… How could Nilson replicate it so perfectly?

  Glancing at Lucien and Elysia’s results, Rin felt a chill.

  Identical… Every word, every trait, perfectly matched what the system had revealed.

  Who is this Oldman…?

  “This class… isn’t it just like his?” Alden’s mind echoed with unease, a mix of surprise and puzzlement clouding his thoughts.

  “Father?” Edwin’s concern grew, noticing Alden’s expression. “Are you alright?”

  Alden snapped back to reality and exhaled softly. “Yes… yes, I’m fine.”

  His gaze returned to Rin, his eyes carrying a mixture of pride and caution. “Rin,” Alden spoke with measured seriousness, “this talent and class… are not a curse. But you will need to be careful. Luck can be a double-edged sword. If misused… it can bring ruin as easily as success.”

  Rin forced a smile, trying to hide his unease. “Well… I guess I’ll just have to be really lucky then.”

  Edwin turned to Lucien.

  “Lucien, your talent and diligence are remarkable. Your class is perfectly suited for becoming a butler, just like your father, Alfred. How would you feel about becoming Rin’s personal butler and beginning your training?”

  Lucien, curious, asked, “What kind of training?”

  Alfred, standing nearby, responded with a proud yet serious tone, “Young Master Rin will one day inherit Everhart County. As his personal butler, you’ll be destined to become the future head butler. You’ll need to master everything required to serve and protect him.”

  Seraphina turned to Elysia with a gentle smile.

  “Elysia, you’re already Rin’s personal maid, but you haven’t received formal training yet. Kaulin can guide you. Would you be willing to undergo the training?”

  Elysia nodded without hesitation. “Yes, I’m ready.”

  Alden stood up, his expression turning solemn. “It’s time for me to leave.”

  Rin’s face fell, his eyes filled with sadness. “Can’t you stay a little longer, Grandpa? We just met… Do you really have to go?”

  Alden’s usual sternness melted as he knelt before Rin, his calloused hand brushing gently through the boy’s hair. A warmth lingered in his gaze, but beneath it, a flicker of unease stirred. “If I had more time…” His voice trailed off, the words hanging heavy in the air. He paused, his eyes distant—as if seeing something beyond the present. “But duty rarely waits for old men like me.” A faint sigh escaped his lips. “Rin… remember, sometimes the hardest choices lead to the greatest rewards. And when that moment comes—” He squeezed Rin’s shoulder gently. “—trust your instincts.”

  Though his heart ached, Rin forced a smile. “Goodbye, Grandpa… Fate will bring us together again.”

  Alden gave one final pat before his figure shimmered—and then, he was gone.

  Rin, Lucien, and Elysia stood frozen, eyes wide with disbelief.

  “Mom…” Rin’s voice barely above a whisper. “What… happened to Grandpa?”

  Seraphina’s expression was calm, but her voice carried a hint of awe. “He just… teleported.”

  Rin’s brows furrowed in confusion. “Teleported…?” His mind raced. Everyone needed a Teleportation Gate to travel, yet Alden had vanished effortlessly, as if space itself had bent to his will.

  “Why… didn’t he use a gate?” Rin’s voice was laced with curiosity and unease.