Knock.
Sellas's thoughts were interrupted by a gentle knock at the door.
"Come in," he called.
The door opened to reveal Sara, a young woman in a crisp maid's uniform, her maid. She bowed politely, though her posture was a little stiff.
"Lord Admar wishes to see you in his office."
Sellas's gaze sharpened slightly. Does he want to know what I've decided? Or is it something else? Either way, sitting here wouldn't answer his questions.
He rose from his chair and followed Sara down the polished hallways of the estate, his mind turning over the decision that had consumed him for a while.
Going to the academy would be the safe, expected path. It promised access to formal crafting knowledge, advanced runic theory, and reputable teachers. But what he needed was the Magic coins which can only be earned by crafting his products and selling them.
He could imagine that there was massive knowledge in the Imperial Mage Academy, but he could also buy that from the system's store. So, why waste his time there and go through all the hassles when he can earn that from the system?
And the more he weighed the possibilities, the clearer his answer had become.
He exhaled slowly. "No point in thinking it over any longer. I know what's best for me now."
The heavy oak door to Admar's office loomed ahead. Sara pushed it open and motioned him inside. His father sat behind a broad desk stacked high with documents and sealed scrolls. The morning light fell on the fine parchment and polished wood. Admar glanced up from a sheet in his hand, setting it down carefully.
"Father," Sellas greeted with a respectful bow of his head.
Admar inclined his head in acknowledgment. His sharp gray eyes studied his son carefully.
"So," he asked, his voice calm but direct. "What's your decision?"
Sellas took a deep breath, steadying his thoughts.
"I want to be an adventurer for now."
Admar blinked, surprise flickering across his features. For a long second, he simply stared, clearly turning over the unexpected answer. His lips pressed into a thin line, though not in anger—more in contemplation.
"For now?"
"Yes"
"You want to explore the world… rather than attend the academy?"
Sellas nodded firmly. "Yes. I want to develop my skills and carve my own path after heading outside, only there I can choose what path I want to follow."
This was no impulsive choice. He had considered it from every angle. The best way for him to grow stronger, to gather materials, meet other craftsmen, merchants, and adventurers—and to sell the inventions he planned to craft—was out there, in the world itself. His knowledge from his previous life held boundless potential here.
A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
Back in my old world, even a simple bicycle or a hand fan changed people's lives. If I recreate those things here, and later infuse them with runes, the impact will be enormous. I can easily earn a fortune—and that'll be enough to buy any knowledge the System offers.
But more than just earning coins, he hungered to explore the wilds, slaughter some beasts and earn exp, and see the wonders of magic firsthand.
One of the reasons I want to go out is to gain experience, and to do that, I need to defeat monsters. If I join the academy and choose a path like Runesmith, I'm confident that I can easily master it with the system's help. However, I don't think they would allow me to venture into the wild and battle beasts.
And truthfully, if he stayed home crafting advanced runic artifacts, suspicion would surely fall on him. Explaining the sudden appearance of rare knowledge would raise questions he couldn't answer.
The academy, for all its merits, had its dangers too. If he displayed unusual talent, he would inevitably attract the attention of other nobles—their schemes, rivalries, and hidden daggers. Far better to start independently.
'Though it was also dangerous but at least there was a chance to run away,' Sellas chuckled inside.
Admar studied him silently, then slowly nodded, understanding dawning in his gaze.
"You've thought this through carefully, haven't you?"
"I have, Father. I don't wish to take the academic path. I intend to venture outside and carve my own place in the world."
For a long breath, the room was still. Then, to Sellas's surprise, a rare smile touched Admar's lips.
"Good," he rumbled quietly. "I was hoping you'd say that."
Sellas blinked, startled.
Admar chuckled under his breath. "The academy is not the only path. Too many nobles forget that truth. The world rewards those bold enough to step beyond safe walls."
He rose and strode over to a tall cabinet. With a soft click, he unlocked it and withdrew a small, pouch and a gleaming dagger with an ebony hilt. Turning back, he handed both to Sellas.
"Fifty gold coins. Enough to sustain you for some time. And a blade worthy of your lineage. I had these prepared, just in case you chose this route."
Sellas felt overwhelmed, accepted them with a deep bow. "Thank you, Father."
Admar's gaze hardened slightly, though there was pride in his eyes. "Stay vigilant. Trust sparingly. And remember—you bear the Thorrin name. That alone will open doors… and paint targets on your back. But I believe you understand that already."
"I do," Sellas replied, his voice steady.
"Alright, you can go back and prepare. You'll leave tomorrow morning—there will be carriages heading to the next town. It's a day's journey, but you'll be safer with them," Admar said, dismissing him with a wave of his hand.
Sellas left the study, eager to examine his dagger, which had strange patterns on it. If he was right, those markings were probably runes.
Admar sat in his study for a moment, then murmured softly, "Samantha, I wonder if you're happy now. He's just like you, choosing his own path. But don't worry, I'll protect him. I won't make the same mistake I made back then."
---
Sellas entered his room and sat on the bed. He checked the pouch containing his gold coins, briefly considering storing them in his Inventory, but decided to do it later after he had left.
His attention shifted to the dagger. He picked it up, examining the intricate patterns carved into its blade, which gave it an enchanted appearance. His fingers traced the exquisite designs as he focused on them.
[Analyze Skill unlocked]
-Can identify the details of objects
"Wow, that skill will come in handy," Sellas murmured, then activated it on the dagger.
[Runic Dagger]
-Made of steel
-Engraved with Sharpness Runes
"They really are runes… They look beautiful. I wonder if I can learn this rune," Sellas mused. This time, he aimed the skill directly at the runes rather than the dagger itself.
[Sharpness Runes identified]
-User is unable to learn the rune due to insufficient knowledge. It is recommended to acquire Rune Theory 1 before proceeding.
Although disappointed that he couldn't learn the rune yet, Sellas didn't let it bother him. He set the dagger aside and opened his status panel.
---
The next morning, just after dawn, Sellas stood at the manor gates. A small satchel rested on his shoulder, the dagger strapped securely to his hip, and determination burned in his chest.
Albert approached quietly and handed him a sealed parchment bearing the family crest.
"A letter of introduction," the steward explained. "Should you need assistance in the nearby town of Falrem, present this to the merchant guild master. Lord Admar's seal carries weight there, as that town also comes under Lord's jurisdiction"
Sellas accepted it gratefully, tucking it safely into his pouch. With one last glance back at the towering estate—the home of his second life—he turned towards the winding road ahead.
After he was a bit farther away, he held the pouch and dagger in his hand soon after they vanished into thin air, safely stored in the system's inventory.