Chapter 6:The Invitation

As Alex stared at the ring, expecting another 3D emoji to emerge like before, something different happened this time. A glowing 3D message appeared instead, and before he could even read its contents, the ring spoke:

> "Welcome, Master. You have been teleported through the Random Teleportation skill directly to the world of Agnolenia, within the Tower of Gluttony. Perhaps this is fate."

I had countless questions running through my mind. Without hesitation, I began asking them one by one.

> "Ring… how did I get here? And why has my body changed?"

> "As I've mentioned before, Master, the Random Teleportation skill carries certain risks. One, it can transport you to any random location without my control. Two, it requires energy to activate. At the time, you had no Mana, Aura, or even Demonic energy. Therefore, it consumed your vital energy instead. Normally, this would have aged you rapidly. But due to the world travel effect, the risk was reversed — instead of aging, you were de-aged."

The ring spoke as if it were perfectly normal. But I wasn't satisfied yet.

> "I understand… but why didn't I return to the way I was at age ten? Why has my body transformed?"

> "That, I cannot answer, Master. However, your Gluttony skill has a special power. Once it's unlocked to at least 50%, it can absorb someone's blood and alter your form to resemble theirs. But currently, your skill is only at 1%."

> "So… you're saying you had no part in changing my body?"

> "No, Master. But congratulations — you've unlocked 2% of me, and gained a new skill: Medic. This active skill allows you to detect and cure any disease and build resistance against it. You may activate it whenever you need."

Another new skill? I was surprised again but didn't dwell on it too much. I asked the next pressing question:

> "So… I'm far away from Earth now?"

> "Yes, Master. This place is far beyond your world's universe."

> "Then… can you take me back?"

> "I'm merely a basic ring left behind by my former master. I don't have such power. However, inside the Tower, there may be other items that could help you return to Earth."

> "So, if I want to go back, I have to enter the Tower? What kind of person was your master, anyway? How did he gather such powerful items? How did he even build a Tower?"

> "I cannot tell you much, Master. But I can say this — my former master, Prince Beelzebub, wasn't human. He was a Demon Prince."

That revelation stunned me. A demon? Were they the same demons who make contracts with humans in exchange for souls? Have we unknowingly been bound by such deals?

> "Master, I know you have many questions. But for now, my only advice is: grow stronger. The stronger you become, the deeper you'll be able to dive into the truth."

---

Alex's thoughts were interrupted by Maria, who had prepared a hearty meal and come upstairs to call him. She found him deep in thought on the balcony. Startled by her voice, Alex attempted to turn but stumbled — his legs still unsteady. Maria quickly caught him and, with care, guided him downstairs.

Though walking was no issue now, climbing stairs still proved difficult. Despite that, both Maria and Elmond insisted he stay in the upstairs room because of the better view and comfort.

Downstairs, Elmond was already setting the table — a task he usually handled. In truth, he preferred cooking because Maria's meals, although made with care, often resembled medicine more than food. Today, however, Maria had cooked everything herself for a special reason — something Alex already feared.

The kitchen and dining area were simple. A small table with four chairs — only three were ever used.

> "Honey, was it really necessary for you to cook today?" Elmond asked his wife.

> "What, are you saying my cooking isn't good enough?"

> "No, no, it's just… with the heat from the stove, I worry your beautiful face might suffer," Elmond replied with a playful smile.

> "Today is a special day for our son. I wanted to cook myself."

Despite knowing the food would be rough, Alex ate in silence to avoid hurting Maria's feelings. But to his surprise — the food tasted amazing. Not just edible — it rivaled the best meals from Earth's five-star restaurants. Elmond, watching his son devour the food, was shocked.

> "Wait… today's not Alex's birthday, is it?" he asked, confused.

> "Haha, no. But earlier, someone visited — likely a royal or noble butler. He didn't say a word, just handed me a letter and left. At first, I was angry, thinking it was a love letter. But when I opened it…"

> "What was in it?" Elmond asked.

> "The Duke of Mefas's youngest daughter was impressed by Alex's actions at the capital gate. She's sent him a personal invitation letter to enroll in Mefas Academy."

> "Incredible!" Elmond said, ruffling Alex's hair. "Just like his old man — charming a Duke's daughter already! But son, you have a lot to learn. I'll teach you everything. Soon, girls will be lining up for you!"

Alex, blushing slightly, kept eating quietly. His father's teasing didn't stop him.

Elmond, though still youthful at around fifty, recalled his past. In this world, people could live up to two hundred years, and youth typically lasted till one hundred. Both Elmond and Maria still had secrets Alex couldn't yet understand, but he wasn't curious about those.

His mind was focused on one thing now — the academy.

Maria noticed Alex's curiosity and explained gently:

> "Mefas Academy is a very special place. Mostly nobles' children attend. With that letter, you'll be admitted without any trouble."

> "Is it like a school?" Alex asked.

> "Schools are simple — made for commoners. Academies, on the other hand, are found only in the capitals of each kingdom. If a commoner enters an academy, there's a good chance they'll gain a noble title someday."

> "Can I learn magic there?" Alex asked eagerly.

Maria and Elmond exchanged glances.

> "To use magic, Alex," Maria said, "you'll need to awaken either Mana or Pran. If you have Pran, you can become an Alchemist or Healer like me. With Mana, you can become a Mage and cast attribute-based spells."

Before she could finish, Elmond interrupted:

> "Bah! Mana and Pran are weak. You're my son — you'll wield Aura. You'll become a legendary Knight like me!"

> "Legendary knight? Don't make me laugh," Maria scoffed.

> "Let's see what the test says at the academy," Elmond said with a grin.

Their argument continued, while Alex quietly finished his meal.

> "Test?" he asked.

> "Yes," Maria answered. "Even noble children must pass a test. For commoners, it's even harder — multiple trials before admission. But with that letter, all you need is to pass the energy affinity test."

Alex drifted into sleep before they realized it. Maria gently carried him to his bed, covered him, and dimmed the lights. A few magical candles glowed softly around the room.

Back downstairs, Elmond and Maria continued their conversation.

> "Honey… was it really necessary to enroll Alex in the academy? We were supposed to visit the family."

> "You saw how excited he was," Maria replied. "He needs friends his age. The academy will help."

> "I hope your friend can heal his leg soon. I can feel Aura in him — it's driving me mad not to start training him."

> "Don't worry," Maria smiled. "Chesley is more than capable. In a week, Alex will be fine."

She added after a pause,

> "As for the family… let them believe we're dead. When the time is right, they'll come looking for us."

---

That night, in the Duke Mandela's mansion in the capital, a grand banquet was underway celebrating the Duke and Duchess's wedding anniversary. Nobles, officials, and families had all gathered.

Among the attendees was Elin von Wexkul, daughter of Duke Elvest — ranked the second most beautiful lady in Mefas. She sat quietly at a distant table, away from the crowd.

Then approached Myra von Rispan, Duke Mandela's youngest daughter and the third-ranked beauty. With two juice glasses in hand, she joined Elin.

> "Elin, today marks our tenth friendship anniversary. Let's toast!"

> "It would've been better if the princess were here too."

> "She wanted to come, but the king is sick — she's with him."

> "I miss her. Without her, it feels incomplete."

> "Well, the second prince is head over heels for you. Marry him — you'll see the princess every day at the royal palace!"

> "Don't joke. I'm not looking for any prince right now. I'm more excited about joining the academy next week."

> "You kidding? Of course I'm excited! We have to enter the tower someday, right?"

> "Do you think we'll pass the Tower's tests?"

> "That's what academies are for!"

> "We both use Mana. Hopefully, we'll unlock the same attribute."

> "Haven't you used a Mana Stone yet?"

> "No. Like you, I'm waiting to use one at the academy."

> "You're too late, though. I already gave away my invitation letter."

> "What? To whom?"

> "A commoner."

Elin paused, surprised. Whoever received that letter must be someone special. She had planned to give her own to her maid's daughter — a girl who could already use Pran.

Now, someone else had taken that opportunity. Elin wasn't angry at Myra — but whoever that commoner was… had just earned the silent wrath of a noble.

And a noble's anger was never a small thing