"Oh? Renewing grace? So simple?" Zanis looked at Charles with interest.
Although the renewal of favors was restricted within the clan, it cost far less mana than the price of leaving it.
After all, only when the "leeks" grow stronger can they be harvested for more profit.
Zanis hadn't expected this to be Charles's request.
"Yes."
"Why?" asked Zanis.
Charles straightened his back and replied, "I have passed the test of the gods, so I should have gained a lot of experience points. Only by becoming stronger can I help Lord Zanis!"
In truth, Charles knew a bit about grace. He might not have had talent before, but now that he had seen through the chaos and awakened from confusion, he believed he could inspire great power.
"Puchi… Hahaha. It's still early for you!"
Zanis recalled Charles's background.
This kid's parents had joined the faction seven years ago and died six years ago. In that time, his average attributes had never exceeded H. He had always been just a supporter — a complete waste who couldn't stir up any trouble.
If Zanis hadn't been generous enough to allow this orphan to join the faction, he might never have even become a supporter.
He remembered that couple having another child… but after their deaths, only Charles had been found.
Could someone have taken the other?
Never mind. Not important.
What mattered was how much profit this new leek could bring in. The better the talent, the faster the money. As for surpassing him?
Don't make him laugh. Except for the occasional prodigy who could level up in a single year, a normal person would need seven or eight years of hard work to catch up — and he could crush them in the cradle at any point.
Thinking this, Zanis turned and said calmly, "Since you want it, I will satisfy you. Follow me."
"Yes."
Charles followed Zanis around the screen in the main hall, through the courtyard, and into the workshop inside the mansion.
Zanis knocked and entered. "Lord Soma, I'm coming in."
Charles stepped in behind him. The first thing he saw was a huge, tall iron pot. A man with long, messy hair — so long it covered his eyes — was stirring the liquid inside with a wooden stick.
Charles instantly recognized the divine aura.
Noble. Majestic. Untouchable.
Even if he looked filthy — like a homeless man.
The god didn't even raise his head, as if the two newcomers were no more than passing shadows.
For the first time, Charles felt his own insignificance.
Was this a god? A being who could decide a mortal's fate with a single word?
"Lord Soma, the routine trial has ended, and this child is the one who stood out," Zanis said respectfully.
Soma paused, raising his lifeless eyes just enough to glance at Charles through his bangs.
It wasn't unheard of for someone to pass so quickly — but it was still rare.
Charles felt a rush of excitement.
Sure enough, my bet was right! This so-called ritual is both tradition and Soma's last bit of kindness. As long as Soma is here, Zanis won't touch me.
Soma set the stick aside and walked slowly over, speaking in a low, tired voice:
"You… came to see me. What do you want?"
Of course, Charles wasn't foolish enough to request something ridiculous like leaving the family.
He had no backer like protagonist Bell. If he left now, even if he succeeded, he'd be dead in the streets within a day.
After a moment's thought, Charles said, "Lord Soma, I want to renew my favor."
"Come with me."
Soma's expression softened slightly.
The divine wine had once been a reward for strengthening the clan. Though priorities had shifted, Charles's request still aligned with Soma's original intent — earning him a rare flicker of approval.
Zanis did not follow as Charles and Soma entered the shrine next door.
"Turn around and take it off."
"Ah? Oh!"
Charles froze for a moment and instinctively covered his rear. Realizing his mistake, he quickly removed his shirt.
Soma pricked his finger, the cold touch of the god's hand tracing down Charles's spine.
A faint glow lit up, revealing the shape of a wine glass. Sacred script floated in the air, and Charles's ability values refreshed.
In that instant, the chaos in his mind seemed to sort itself out, leaving him dazed.
Soma hesitated a long time, looking at the text on Charles's back, and didn't immediately copy it to parchment.
Moments later…
"What's wrong?" Charles asked in confusion.
Soma shook his head, as if waking from a dream, and began copying — but with a subtle shift, using translation magic to alter the content.
"Take it."
Charles accepted the parchment. The memories of the past eleven years helped him easily recognize the words.
Charles – Lv1
Strength: I40 → I50
Durability: I50 → I60
Dexterity: I70 → I80
Agility: I33 → I50
Magic: I0 → I0
Magic: [ ]
Skill:
[Carrying the Burden Forward]
Reduces the weight of equipment and slightly increases durability.
The heavier the weight, the stronger the effect.
[???]
Wow… awful stats.
Not only were all his attributes at the lowest rank I, he had only one magic slot.
Grace attributes ranged from I to S, with rare individuals having three magic slots.
A panel like his… in most games, he'd be an R-rank card at best.
But…
That question mark…
"Lord Soma… what is this skill?" Charles asked.
"…"
"…"
They stared at each other for two minutes before Soma looked away, as if gripped by sudden social anxiety.
"I have no idea…"
"Ha?"
Seeing Charles's shock, Soma added, "It's simply impossible to interpret."
Impossible to interpret?
Charles froze, then his eyes widened.
"Are you sure you can't interpret it? Not just that you don't know?"
Avoiding his gaze, Soma packed up his things and headed for the door.
"Huh?"
Bang!
The door shut, leaving Charles alone.
"Impossible to interpret? Really?" Charles clenched his fists.
Looking back at Earth's history, there had been only one such skill — [Fifth Dimension Troy].
A terrifying ability that could predict the future. He'd never imagined he might have something similar.
Could it be my golden finger?
His excitement built. Clenching his fists, he grinned like Dio:
"Za Worldo! Activate!"
…
…
Silence. Not even a breath of wind to stir the dust.
Charles deflated. If you don't know how to use it, it's as good as not having it at all.
"Grass…"
Outside the room.
Zanis spotted Soma leaving. "Lord Soma, has there been any change in the child's favor?"
Soma paused, tugging his bangs. "A new skill has appeared."
Was the kid truly talented?
"Oh? What's the effect?" Zanis asked, surprised.
Soma turned away awkwardly and said, annoyed, "I don't know."
"Huh?" Zanis blinked, then stepped after him. "Wait, what do you mean you don't know? Can't you tell me?"
Soma's eyes went cold. "Shut up."
Zanis: So… love is gone, right? Or do you value that kid more than me as team leader?
In truth, Soma was helpless. What could he say — that the boy's skills changed every second? Even if you wrote one down, it would be different in the next moment.
The truth wasn't that it was impossible to interpret — just that he couldn't interpret it.
The former meant "unknown," the latter meant a lack of ability.
And this kid…
What, you want to laugh at me too?
Countless thoughts swirled in Soma's mind, but with his usual lack of interest in anything, he had no idea how to explain himself to his subordinate.
Hmph, the child's only immersed in divine wine. No point in talking to him.
Zanis pressed on, "Can you at least tell me the name of the skill?"
Soma, irritated but aware that refusing might interrupt his brewing, finally said:
"Call it… [Second Dimension Pandora]."