I slowly turned around to look at the voice behind me. There was a tall, blond-haired, blue-eyed man who exuded arrogance with every step he took. I understood from the way he addressed me that he was my brother. Since it was known that I had suffered memory loss, I had to speak without arousing suspicion.
"I'm sorry, I don't remember you. I lost many of my memories in the accident."
"So the rumours about my brother's memory loss are true. I suppose I should introduce myself first. I'm Alvin Agnos, your second older brother. I've been too busy to visit you. Please forgive me for this busy moment."
His manner of speaking was irritating, but I had to put up with it.
"No, there's no need to apologise, Prince Alvin. It was my fault that I couldn't visit you because I was ill."
Alvin smiled and continued speaking.
"You can call me brother. I have to go now, but let's talk again later in a better environment."
He said goodbye and left.
'SIGH'
I set off again to find my room.
****
After getting information about the aristocrats from Anna, I did some research for a few hours and realised that getting their support is impossible with my current power. Who would support a prince with no talent and no chance of ascending the throne? My primary goal is to become stronger, but I can't show my power without the ability to repel any kind of threat. In my previous life, I read many novels in my spare time and always thought that people who hide their power are clichés, but they are definitely right. If I reveal everything without sufficient power, I could die again. I don't have enough knowledge about this world, and that is my biggest concern. That's why I need to become powerful, powerful enough that everyone will fear me.
'ping'
The notification sound coming from inside my head separated me from my thoughts.
---------------------------
Task: 100,000 straight thrusts
100,000 cross thrusts
100,000 side thrusts
50,000 vertical cuts
25,000 combos
20,000 straight thrusts with one hand
30,000 straight cuts
Reward 1: Skill selection
Reward 2: Low-level ginseng
Duration: 3 weeks
Failure: ???
------------------------------
Setting a goal to get stronger and getting a quest is really nice, but I don't like coincidences, but this time I'll overlook it because it's useful for me. Skill selection and low-level ginseng are perfect for my current level. While researching potions, I learned that ginseng is very beneficial for raising a person's level. The mission rewards are truly amazing, but the mission itself might be a bit challenging. Even though my body grew stronger while completing the previous task, I only did it for one week. While trying to complete the task, I wondered if it was done by a student. Today, I will spend the rest of the day resting. I need to give my muscles time to rest and repair themselves. I got up from the chair and headed to my bed. I lay down on my back and closed my eyes.
******
'Ha!... Ha!... Ha... Ha!'
There was a red-haired person training alone in an area where soldiers were training. Sweat was pouring from every part of their body. It was clear that they had been working for hours. That was me. I had been swinging a sword non-stop for two weeks. The system didn't tell me which weapon to choose, so I tried many weapons, and the sword was the best fit for me. Swords are really cool and suit me perfectly. I was considering a spear, but who would bother with a spear? The sword is the best. 99% of the task was complete; I only needed to perform a few hundred straight cuts. During this time, my movements became faster, and the amount of force I applied increased. Only my mana remained the same. I did a lot of research to increase it and found two options. 1. Increase my current level. 2. Use potions and herbs, but I don't have the money for that. I spent my allowance on more stamina-restoring potions. Now I'm broke. Luckily, we're entering a new month, and the prince will give me my allowance.
'Ha!'
I swung my sword again and again. Even if my arms started to lose strength, it wouldn't matter as long as I finished the task.
****
'Ping'
The moment I heard the sound, I threw myself to the ground. It's over, thank God. It was exhausting, but I loved the feeling. The sense of empowerment satisfies me. I sat up to look at the status window.
--------------
Mission completed.
Rewards being distributed.
Reward 1: Skill selection
1. Potential measurement
Skill description: It can determine how much potential someone has for growth, but it cannot provide a 100% accurate ratio. Everyone's path is different. Even people with immense potential may die halfway through their journey. Even someone with no potential can rise high if they have determination and a reason.
Level: D
Usage cost: 5 mana
2. The King's Dissatisfaction
Description: The king has lost his desire for the world and has very little reason to live. At the peak of his power, he subjugated everyone, but his closest friends betrayed him. He had expected this, but he was still dissatisfied with the situation. He could have defeated them all, but the king had lost his purpose for living and laid down his sword to sit on his throne. Even with hundreds of swords, spears, and arrows piercing his body, the king did not utter a single sound. Finally, he opened his mouth and said, "What a pity." His voice caused a great commotion throughout the hall. With a single word, hundreds of people died. Only a few people remained, along with the king sitting on his throne, surrounded by hundreds of weapons piercing his body, his eyes open as he lay dead.
Skill: When the user activates this skill, every word they speak will exert great pressure on the people around them. The higher the user's level, the greater the pressure. The user exerts great pressure on people of the same level and lower, but less pressure on beings of a higher level.
Skill Level: SSS
Usage Cost: 1000 Mana
You have 1 minute to make your selection. If no selection is made, it will be automatically chosen.
----------------------------
What! What! I shouted so loudly that many people turned to look at me. I calmed my excitement and started thinking again. Option 1 is a really good choice, but I don't know when I'll encounter Option 2 again. The skill description was definitely spine-chilling. Without thinking, I chose the second option. This could be my basic skill, but I can't use it right now. I'll choose it as an investment for the future. I definitely won't regret this. Everyone at my level might even be afraid of me. This skill is literally a cheat, dude.
---------------------
The selection has been confirmed.
The king's displeasure has been selected.
Reward 2: Low-level ginseng.
Description: The lower the level of the person who eats this, the more attribute evolution they experience. The higher the person's power, the less effect it has. Please be alone when using it.
Reward added to inventory.
Inventory added.
----------------------------
I read the item description and stood up, heading toward my room.
****
I locked the door and windows. I didn't want them to know I had ginseng. Even at a low level, it costs 5,000C, and I can't afford that. So I need to eat it secretly. I entered the inventory from the status screen and began examining it. There was space for 100 items, and the other compartments were locked. I think I can unlock them as I complete tasks, and this inventory is very good. Even if it were a dimensional transport bag, it would be very expensive and have to be in the shape of an item, but to access the inventory, I only need to think about it. Even if I'm a prisoner, I have a chance to escape. The system is really rigged. This is my biggest secret. I took the ginseng. It looked like a tree root. I thought it needed to be cooked to eat, but there's no need—just eat it. I put it in my mouth and waited for it to take effect. I waited a few minutes. When I thought I was using it wrong, my body started to heat up. I started sweating. I began taking off my clothes and tried to endure it. Just when I thought it couldn't get worse, every nerve and muscle in my body started to contract.
"AAAAAAARGH!"
I screamed loudly. Every part of my body felt like it was being torn into a thousand pieces. After five minutes, the pain subsided, and I began to relax. I kept breathing in and out. I composed myself and looked at the screen.
-------------------------------
Name: stephan agnos
Title: prince
Class: none
RANK: G
Strength: G+
Agility: G-
Durability: G+
MANA: 450
Skills:
—The King's Favour
Passive Skill: None
Area: None
Points: 0
Store: No Access Rights
Demon Hunter: None
Mission: None
Enventer
-----------------------
This result is beyond perfect. It takes at least three months for someone to level up, and this time increases as the level rises. I... I levelled up in just one month thanks to the system. Low-level ginseng, I guess it's different from the ginseng in this world. The system added something extra. I love you, system. While I was looking at the status window, the doorbell rang. I think it might be to check because he was shouting loudly. I wiped my sweat with a towel before putting on my clothes. I don't want people to see me without clothes and start new gossip. I went to the door and unlocked it. An old man was waiting at the door. It might be because I'm stronger, but I can feel the old man's aura. He's much stronger than me. It would be enough for him to release his power to defeat me. Of course, that was before I grew stronger. Now I can at least last for a minute. The reason is that I don't have enough battle experience and sword skills. At least F. Most likely, the old man examined my body and spoke while looking into my eyes.
"My prince, I am Otis, the head steward. King Julian Agnos invites you to dinner."
Julian is the current king and my father. He didn't invite me because he gave me a few weeks to recover. At least, that's what I think. Refusing is not an option. So I have to go.
"I accept the king's invitation and thank him for his kindness."
"Of course, my prince."
Otis said goodbye and left. I closed the door and went into my room.
I don't know what my real relationship with my current father is like, but I think it's bad.
'PING'
--------------------------
TASK: You have accepted the king's invitation. During your meeting with the king, keep your cool and don't arouse suspicion.
Reward 1: Stephan Agnos's memories.
Reward 2: Class selection
Failure: The King's disappointment
----------------------------
I don't think the king likes me anyway, and his disappointment won't make much difference, but I have to endure it for the reward. Regaining the memories is definitely important. I don't know what the second reward is, but I'm sure it's important.
'Huh!'
First, I need to take a bath and put on proper clothes. Alright, I must not disappoint the king today. Everything is for the prize.