A mother's outburst

"… And what grade is this affinity?" The Baroness asked, her face etched with disbelief. Theo didn't know what to take from this, but he was sure that things were not going to be simple from now.

"It's unique," Theo said. "The robed old man mentioned that in humanity's thousand-year history, this is the first time this affinity has been recorded." His tone was dejected.

"Theo… do you know what this means?" she asked.

Theo didn't look at her and spoke, "It means that I won't have anyone to teach me what to do, how to progress. I'll have to figure out everything on my own." His tone deteriorated.

"THEO MERRICK, LOOK AT ME!" A furious voice resounded inside the carriage, making Theo look at his mother in shock.

There was pure anger on her face, and Theo didn't know what had made her so upset.

'Am I going to be disowned finally?' The day he had thought about many times seemed to be here now.

"You should be ashamed of yourself, THEO MERRICK. Your name itself can bring down many, yet you feel scared because of a simple affinity?" His mother's frustration and anger oozed in her tone.

Theo froze, looking at his mother in disbelief.

He felt his hands clench involuntarily, his nails digging into his palms as his mother's words pierced through his despair. He wanted to look away, but her fiery gaze held him captive, demanding an answer from his heart.

"You're only 8 years old, and whatever I ask you, the answer comes out right away. You've studied since you learned how to read and speak. You are the most confident little boy I know, and now I see you like this? All disappointed because of a new type of affinity no one has ever had? Have you learned nothing from your father, Theo?" she asked, her questions one after another.

The last one hit differently. She continued, "Your father is the only knight that has reached this level among all the tamers in this region. He became one of the strongest Barons by simply believing in himself," she said with pride, and Theo nodded. Pride could be seen on his face too.

For the first time, Theo truly understood why his father's name was revered. It wasn't just power... it was the unyielding faith in his abilities. If he was to follow in those footsteps, Theo knew he couldn't falter now that he was sent some more difficulties in the way.

"Now, when I see you meeting with your family, especially your father, I want you to be the brave Theo I know, alright?" There wasn't an ounce of concern left in her eyes; instead, they were filled with pride while looking at Theo—pride that Theo himself didn't see.

"I apologize, Mother… What if I got a unique affinity? I shall become the best, I promise you," Theo said, adrenaline coursing through his body with determination.

The Baroness nodded toward him with a smile. "We Merricks are to never falter—that is our family's quality. Always remember that... And having a unique affinity is not always bad; you just have to work harder than everyone in this world, that's it."

Theo nodded, and the Baroness finally stopped. There was silence in the carriage all the way back. Bram didn't dare speak, seeing his mother so angry.

'It seems I've been thinking like Victor all this time. So what if I have the worst luck? I am a Merrick now… yes… No more negativity...' Theo made a promise to himself.

'System,' Theo thought in his mind, and instantly, the familiar holographic screen materialized in front of his eyes.

He looked at his mother, who had no idea what he was doing. Even Bram was lost in his own thoughts.

====

Theo Merrick

Level 0

Basic Physical Attributes:

Strength: 6

Stamina: 5

Agility: 4

Vitality: 15

Intelligence: 30

Dexterity: 6

Luck: 50

Taming Attributes:

Affinity: Evolution

Taming Mastery: 0

Charisma: 10

Beast Command: 0

Companions: N/A

====

Theo looked at his status with surprise. It took him some analyzing to see that some things didn't add up.

'I can't forget the status screen that I saw for the first time. Everything about it has changed here… It might have to do with my reincarnation. And what is this absurd amount of luck?' Theo thought in disbelief.

Having this much luck helped him get cursed and gain a unique affinity that no one had a clue about?

"Are you looking at your status, Theo?" the Baroness asked with a smile, seeing how Theo was looking at her in a dazed manner.

Theo quickly closed it and nodded with a smile.

"The respectful way of using a status is by looking at your right palm when you are among other people. Like this," the Baroness moved her right hand up and turned her palm to face her.

Theo nodded and did the same thing. There was no change in the way the status looked, but Theo understood the need for such a custom.

"Evolution… that is such a peculiar affinity… it doesn't seem to be related to any elemental affinities…" the Baroness thought aloud.

"I might have to research some things in the library before I can progress further," Theo added with some sparkle in his eyes, making the Baroness chuckle.

"You just need an excuse to enter the royal library anyway," she said, finally happy that Theo was normal again, "Although it is rare getting unique affinities, we see it from time to time. One of your father's friends has a unique affinity and uses it quite well to his advantage."

"Who is he?" Theo asked with curiosity. Someone who had a unique affinity like him and was the age of his father might be a great help.

"Someday you will meet him, don't worry. For now, just focus on yourself and ask for any help you need."

After some time, Theo could tell they had entered his Barony. The people in the market were screaming and shouting happily as his carriage passed by, yet Theo was not allowed to show himself.

He did not like the custom one bit, yet he had no time to entertain such things.

According to his mother, his tutoring that started after the ceremony would help him learn all the basics of taming and its rules.

Soon, he was in front of his Barony, and when the gates of the carriage opened, Theo was shocked to see someone standing right in front of the gate.