Jin! His father's voice rang out loudly. The boy quickly climbed down from the tree where he had been gathering moss for soup. He was careful, using the tree for support until his father yelled again, "Hurry up, you useless boy!" Jin rushed forward but stepped on a weak branch, falling hard to the ground and hurting his wrist. Blood dripped from his hand as he got up, but the three soldiers next to his father didn't react. His father was focused on a leather pouch that one soldier held.
The tallest soldier threw the pouch to Jin's father, who caught it tightly. "My son," he said, pointing at Jin, and the soldiers smiled. Jin stood frozen. His father's next words hit him hard: "You'll now serve Duke Iris's son, Rin." Jin's mouth opened in shock as he stepped back, shaking his head. No Father, please no! He tried to grab the doorframe, but his father pulled him roughly by the hair and slapped him, pushing him into the mud. "Your mother died screaming your name when she gave birth to you," his father said as he slammed the door.
Jin's tears fell down his face as he tried to wipe them away. The soldiers laughed, and one grabbed his hurt wrist, pulling him roughly to a horse. Jin gasped in pain as he was thrown over the saddle. They rode for hours until they reached a stone path. The soldier dragged him down, and Jin fell onto the gravel, scraping his knees. When he looked up, he saw a beautiful castle with tall white towers and lush gardens.
"Is this my son's new servant?" a woman asked, her voice sharp. Duchess Tora stood on the steps in a fancy green dress. The soldier bowed, saying, "Yes, mistress." She snapped her fingers and ordered a maid named Reiko to take Jin to the bathhouse and clean him. Reiko was gentle as she wrapped his wrist and told him to call Rin "Master" and bow when he spoke. Jin nodded, feeling defeated.
Jin stood nervously at the oak door, barely knocking when he heard "Enter!" Inside, a boy named Rin was playing with a dagger. Jin froze, staring at the blade. "Well? Age?" Rin asked. "Ten, Master Rin," Jin replied. "Talent?" Rin looked him over. Jin's voice was quiet, "My family couldn't afford the magic tower."
Rin was known for being mean and had hurt others before. Jin didn't want to accept being a servant, but he planned to wait for his chance to be seen as a hero. Rin spun the dagger near Jin's collarbone, claiming he would take Jin to the Magic Tower for testing today. Jin bowed his head quickly.
The journey took a long time. Jin sat with Rin in a carriage, followed by knights. When they reached the Magic Tower, a man named Senior Mage Levi greeted Rin respectfully. Inside, many hopefuls were there, but all eyes were on Rin.
Levi presented a crystal orb to Rin, who pressed his hand on it, and it lit up with bright colors showing his strong skills. Everyone was amazed, and they cheered. Jin felt sick as he realized he hadn't been tested yet.
Rin laughed and called for Jin to touch the orb. With hope, Jin pressed his hand on it, but it only glowed weakly, showing he had little talent. The hall erupted in laughter. Jin felt humiliated, knowing his father had sold him.
"Try to summon something," Rin taunted. Jin blinked back tears but didn't give up. He focused and managed to summon a tiny ant. Though small, it felt special to him. The crowd laughed again, but Jin held onto his hope and calls the cute ant "Ana"