It was a beautiful bright morning. Sun sipping through the windows of the Morningstar mansion, the halls pulsing with warmth and joy.
Laughter and chatter came from all sides of the mansion. A beautiful melody from the ballroom fills all corners. The aromatic scent of roasted beef, stew, and wine filled the air.
It was a day of celebration, a day that marked the birth of the mornyin genius triplets. Today was a special day, a day marked on every calendar in the Briston Empire.
I exhale.
Far removed from all the festivities, I sat on a chair, my face buried in books. This was the Morningstar family's library.
I pushed my glasses in place. I was nervously reading a book, "Ken and Ren: The Foundation of Understanding." I learned that magic didn't exist here, only Ken, the understanding of all things and that which gives birth to ability, and Ren, the source that powers Ken.
Think of Ken as a gun and Ren as the bullet.
I smiled. What an interesting book and beautiful analogy. Not like it was my first time; I'd read this book a thousand times over.
"Master Reinhart," a soft voice called.
I turned to see who was standing there at the door.
She stood at the door. Her hair tied by a black ribbon to a bun, she was wearing a maid's outfit. She was tall and had black hair. Regardless of her role, she was looking neat and elegant.
I gestured for her to enter; no one was around to see.
"You know I can't enter the library, young lord; it's forbidden." She paused, then continued, "The ceremony is about to begin. Everyone's waiting for you.
I folded the page neatly and covered the book.
"Sorry, I must've lost track of time."
"No need to apologize to me." She waved her hand dismissively. "Let's hurry and join the others."
"I just need to freshen up; I'll be with you in a moment."
"I'll tell my lord and lady; please don't take too long." She advised gently.
"I won't."
Why was I so nervous?? Isn't this what I had always written and read about in my previous life? Now I was going to experience it in real time.
I have been able to understand a few things since arriving here. Tradition and culture meant everything. Understanding concepts on a deeper level than normal birthed abilities, and Ren helps power such. Knowledge is power, quite literally. That's why it is so tightly guarded.
And today was our assessment. A trial every thirteen-year-old underwent to determine the depth of their understanding and knowledge and the best concept to learn to unlock their Ken.
Those without Ren are labeled as 'lost,' for they have lost the way of the world.
"Looking good," I murmur, checking out my outfit in the mirror. "Time to know my Ken and live a shut-in life."
*************
I descended the stairs into the ballroom. The ballroom was immaculate. The Empire's banner and the family's crest streamed from the marble walls.
The hall was filled with people alike. Aristocrats, nobles, servants, and attendants were all present.
Tables were overflowing with all sorts of food, drinks, and even pastries.
I took one step, then another. All eyes turned to me, pressing with expectations.
My siblings were already standing at the center of the ballroom, impatient yet beautiful and elegant.
"You're late," Amiel, the eldest of us, said sharply.
"Trying to outshine us?" Amon said, ruffling my hair.
The bulter close cleared his voice, "Manner young maters."
Ahh, see what I meant?
If truly my brothers loved me, they wouldn't always drag us into the spotlight.
"My boys," Father began, laced with pride, "you've made my heart rejoice, and today, we celebrate you."
"Yes," Mother added, pulling into an embrace. "You have all been a miracle and a real blessing to the House Morningstar."
The genius trio, as we were usually called. Small talks erupted.
"Did you hear? Reinhart learned to speak fluently at age two," one said.
"I heard Amiel and Amon had mastered the sword by eight, and Reinhart by ten."
"They're following in their sister's footsteps," another commented.
"They might even surpass her."
"How truly blessed."
"All right," Father said, clapping his hands once to silence everyone. He couldn't hide his pride. "Let's begin the main event."
He gestures, and the crowd parts; a butler wheels in a black briefcase, laying it gently on a pedestal near the center of the ballroom.
He opened it gently but steadily, revealing a crystalline orb, roughly the size of a watermelon.
A Ren Orb.
Everywhere fell silent and oppressive, heavy with anticipation. This was the moment. We were about to know our Ken; this will determine how the rest of our lives are going to play out.
Amiel stepped forward with practiced grace and confidence. The firstborn was going first. He straightened his crimson coat, gave a formal bow, and placed his hands on the Ren Orb.
At first nothing happened.
Then—_whoosh_.
The Orb flared up with impenetrable darkness. The orb was so dark it began to bleed shadowy smoke.
"The— the Ken of darkness" The butler stammered. "A ken of rarity." He announced.
People applauded; others murmured words between ears.
Huh. Ken of darkness. That sounded like something a protagonist would get upon reincarnation. Let's see how this goes.
Amon stepped up next; it was his turn. The second child.
He placed his hand on the orb. Immediately, it froze, down the pedestrian beneath it.
"Dual Ken," the butler announced. "Water and Ice."
Gasps filled the room.
"What a rarity."
Two abilities, huh?
I just might have three.
Dual abilities were rare, with only 15% possessing them and 8% being able to manage both efficiently. It is extremely taxing on the mind.
As usual, people applauded, and a few whispers tore through the silence.
Guess it's my turn.
I walked forward with confidence and pride. This is the big moment. I placed my hands on the pulsing white orb; it felt warm, something electric ran through me, and then it felt cold again.
"Must be Amon's ken affecting it," I muttered and waited.
Seconds passed, then a minute.
Nothing happened.
Shit.
Guess I'm taking the no-ability path in an ability-infested world.
Disappointment settled heavily on me. I had really hoped to get an OP Ken.
"Is he...lost?"
"That can't be right. He's nobility."
"How sad."
Side talks and laughter began to ripple through the ballroom. Praises had turned to laughter.
"What's wrong, butler?" Someone mocked. "Too disappointed by the failure to speak?"
Few people laugh at the mocking joke.
"That's not it, sir." The butler said carefully, "He does, in fact, possess a Ken..."
You bastard. You could have started with that.