Tenth Rank Skill, Banquet

Letters began to form, slowly spelling out the words:

[Unknown Skill: Tenth Rank]

As the word finished materialising, the room fell silent. 

A collective gasp escaped from the crowd. The nobles exchanged glances with each other.

Their expression was a mix of amazement and confusion.

Aisha, Uncle Lucas and Aunt Celeste stood frozen in disbelief. Their eyes fixed on the crystal.

The room was filled with a strange mixture of uncertainty.

They couldn't believe what their eyes were seeing—A Tenth Rank skill.

A Tenth Rank skill was unheard of, surpassing the known system.

"...A Tenth Rank skill? I can't believe it! This is truly extraordinary!"

"I have heard tales of legendary heroes with powerful abilities... but a tenth rank?"

"He's a prodigy!"

The praises and admiration continued to ripple through the room as the nobles shared their astonishment with one another.

But a voice came from the crowd, making everyone quiet.

"Why are you all amazed? So what if he has a tenth-rank skill? It's just an Unknown type skill."

The owner of the voice was none-other than—Julius.

'So what if he has a tenth-rank skill? It's just an unknown skill. Sir Lucas will surely realise that he is incompetent and throw him out.'

Julius Caesar—The youngest son of Lady Seraphina Caesar Ravenswood, the Duchess of Conner City. 

He was also a big fan of Lucas and today he was going to show his talent but...

'How dare he take my place? Well that doesn't matter now, does it? Can't wait to see his ass kicked.'

Julius was dissatisfied with Frank, as according to him, Frank stole his spotlight. 

Today he was supposed to be the main character but it was all ruined because of Frank.

"He's right, it's a shame that it's an unknown skill."

"tsk, it's a pity."

"Why does it have to be an unknown skill?"

"tush, what a waste?.."

The mood of the room shifted, and the initial awe and admiration seemed to have dissipated.

On the other hand, I didn't give a piece of mind about what the nobles were saying.

I just stared at the empty space blankly, my face had zero to little expression before returning to uncle and aunt.

Aisha, Uncle Lucas and Aunt Celeste mistook my expression as me being depressed.

They exchanged knowing glances with each other and nodded slightly as to agreeing on what to do next.

Uncle Lucas was the first to take action. He stepped forward, gently placing his hands on my shoulder.

"...Huh?"

His touch made me get out of my daze.

"Frank, don't be upset. So what if you have an unknown skill?" 

Uncle Lucas reassured, his voice filled with understanding. 

"Remember, skill alone doesn't determine your worth. What truly matters is your dedication and hard work."

Aunt Celeste joined in, her voice warm and comforting. 

"Life is full of ups and downs, Frank. This is just a momentary setback. Stay strong and keep moving forward."

"Don't worry Frank, I will always protect you." 

Aisha added with a cheerful smile on her face.

Seeing her talk about protecting me, I couldn't help but chuckle. 

Memories of a timid and frightened nine-year-old Aisha flooded my mind—the same Aisha whom I had once protected from a pack of wolves.

Well, they got it all wrong, but... so what?

"Yeah, please protect me."

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Three days later.

It was nighttime, and I found myself standing in front of a grand mansion. 

The entire place was adorned with beautiful decorations, with lights twinkling in every corner, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

 Tonight was a special occasion—it was Aisha's birthday. And also a celebration party for her evaluation.

As I entered the mansion, I was greeted by the lively sounds of laughter and chatter. 

Colourful streamers adorned the walls, and tables were adorned with bouquets and delicious treats.

"Oh, Frank, where are your parents? Did you come alone, again?" 

Aunty Celeste asked me as she saw me alone.

"Yes Aunt, they were busy today as well."

Hearing my answer, Aunt Celeste looked at with suspicious mingling in her eyes.

"Are you sure you're not making an excuse?"

Well it's not her fault for asking that, she had never seen my parents as I always make different excuses.

Well, I don't want them to meet my parents, why? Because there are too many reasons.

First, My parents are stupid.

Second, I don't know how they would react after knowing that I am a disciple of the legendary Sword Saint and the Witch.

It's just too stressful, even thinking about it.

"Well, you know how it is, Aunt Celeste," I replied with a forced smile. "They're always caught up with work and couldn't make it tonight."

Aunt Celeste nodded, seemingly understanding, but I could sense a hint of disappointment in her eyes.

"Come with me, Frank," Aunt Celeste said, taking my hand gently. "Let me introduce you to some of my friends. They'll be delighted to meet you."

Reluctantly, I followed Aunt Celeste as she led me through the crowded room. 

We approached a group of elegantly dressed individuals, their faces adorned with polite smiles. 

They were the high society individuals and former friends of Aunt Celeste, a circle of nobles and influential figures.

"Everyone, I would like you to meet Frank," Aunt Celeste announced, her voice filled with pride.

 "He's a dear friend of Aisha's and has a remarkable talent."

The reason why she didn't introduce me as her disciple was because I had told them to keep it a secret for a while.

If words come out about me being the disciple of both Sword Saint and the Witch. 

Those who oppose them will try to harm me or my family in other ways. And that's not what I want.

 So before I become strong, I don't want outsiders to know about it.

As Aunt Celeste introduced me, the group turned their attention towards me, their polite smiles fading slightly. 

Their eyes seemed to scan me from head to toe, assessing my appearance and background. 

'From his way of behaving, he seems like a commoner.'

 'What's that thing? It doesn't feel like mana or aura. It's like a mixture of both, but it's low, maybe around Fifth-Rate warrior?'

The nobles exchanged glances, their curiosity evident. 

It was clear that they were trying to make sense of my presence and my supposed "remarkable talent."

'Why does Madame want us to meet a lowly commoner?'

'Even the kids his age should be at least Fourth-Rate warriors.'

I could feel their judgement in their gaze, a subtle disdain hidden beneath their polite facade.

"Nice to meet you all," I greeted them, trying my best to maintain a friendly demeanour despite the underlying tension in the air.

"Ah, Frank, isn't it?" one of the nobles replied, her tone laced with a hint of condescension. "How lovely to have you here."

I could tell her words were meant to be polite, but the patronising undertone was hard to ignore.

 It was clear that my status as a commoner was a point of contention for them.

Feeling the frustration rise within me, I quickly excused myself. 

Aunt Celeste tried to convince me to stay, but I insisted, making sure to maintain a polite facade.

I walked away from them and stood in a quiet place.

"Sigh~ Finally some alone time."

As I made my way towards the refreshment table, I decided to treat myself with a drink.

"...Huh?"

Julius, who was surrounded by a group of kids his age, laughing and enjoying, noticed Frank.

'Why's that commoner here?'

After the evaluation, he had investigated Frank a little and found out that he's a commoner.

'Well, that doesn't matter.'

Upon spotting Frank, Julius smirked and nudged one of his companions.

"Look who decided to show up," he said loud enough for me to hear.

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