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Chapter 3 - Chapter 3: Echoes of Power

The scent of freshly baked bread and rich spices wafted through the air as Ryuji made his way toward the dining hall, guided by faint memory and the layout of his sprawling estate. Every hallway was lined with opulent paintings and vases that probably cost more than his old life's yearly rent. Still, the grandeur didn't faze him—not now that he knew he had much more at stake than material wealth.

As he walked, a system message flickered across his vision like a ghostly projection.

[Welcome, Ryuji Albion. System Initialization: Complete.][Enhanced Intelligence: Active][Extreme Growth: Active][Daily Insight Bonus: Available – Would you like to activate it now?]

[Yes][Analyzing environment…][Scanning soul signature…][Status Update Unlocked.]

A blue, semi-transparent screen appeared in front of his eyes, and he instinctively knew he was the only one who could see it.

Name: Ryuji AlbionRace: Pure-Blood Devil (Extinct Noble Line)Age: 16Abilities:

Enhanced Intelligence (Active)

Extreme Growth (Passive)

High Demonic Power (Innate)

Basic Magic Mastery

Teleportation (Short-Range)

Titles:

Scion of Albion

Reincarnated Soul

Hidden Flame (???)

"'Hidden Flame'? What's that about…?" he murmured, but the system remained silent. Probably locked until he reached a certain condition. Still, the rest was good news. He wasn't just in a devil's body—he was something rare. Extinct noble bloodline meant he was flying under the radar, but with the potential to shake the Underworld to its core.

He entered the dining hall, where a long table stretched nearly twenty meters, though only the head seat was set with a lavish breakfast. Fruits from the Underworld, freshly grilled meat, dark bread, and tea that smelled like heaven—or hell, depending on perspective.

"Thank you," he said to the silver-haired maid who was still waiting nearby. She bowed without expression but he caught the tiniest flicker of surprise in her eyes.

"I'll be in the library after breakfast," he added, already planning his next steps.

Two Hours Later – Albion Manor Library

The library was a sanctuary of knowledge. Thousands of books, ancient scrolls, and magical artifacts were sealed behind enchanted glass, their titles glowing faintly in the dim light.

Ryuji sat at a large circular desk in the center, already halfway through a volume titled "The Founding of the Great Devil Houses."

He devoured the knowledge like a man starving. His Enhanced Intelligence made every detail crystal clear—names, dates, lineages, magical formulas—it all clicked into place like puzzle pieces.

He learned about the Three Factions. About the Great War. About the current balance of power and how political families like the Gremory and Sitri dominated devil society now.

But nowhere, in any of the books, was the Albion Family mentioned.

"Huh… So we're not even in the records anymore. Either we were erased… or someone made sure we stayed forgotten."

[Insight Bonus: Passive knowledge gained – "Albion Bloodline once rivaled Lucifer in power. Forbidden magic rumored. Fate manipulation possible."]

His breath hitched. Fate manipulation? That explained a lot.

"ROB really did drop me into something wild."

He reached for another book—this one a basic magical training manual—and stood up.

"If I'm going to rise in this world… I need to train. I need power."

Later That Evening – The Hidden Courtyard

Behind the manor, surrounded by hedges and enchanted wards, was a secluded courtyard once used for private training. With a deep breath, Ryuji walked into the center, letting the air still around him.

[Initiating Skill Synchronization…][Scanning body…][Beginner Spell Matrix – Basic Fireball][Would you like to attempt learning this spell?]

[Yes]

He extended his hand. The image of the spell matrix appeared in his mind—a circular arrangement of demonic runes channeling energy toward a focal point.

Nothing happened.

He frowned. Tried again. And again.

The system pinged.

[Failure. Spell control: 12%][Failure. Spell control: 21%][Failure. Spell control: 39%][Extreme Growth Trait Activated – Adapting neural pathways.]

On the fifth attempt, his fingers sparked. A faint glow, small but unmistakable, flared to life in his palm.

[Success. Spell Learned: Fireball (Novice Level)][+Magic Proficiency][+Control Efficiency +2%][+Skill Growth Rate Boosted by 10% for 12 hours.]

Ryuji grinned, heat swirling in his hand as the flame formed again, now stronger and more stable.

"I could get used to this."

He trained for hours, pushing his new body to its limits, burning through spell attempts, even experimenting with short-range teleportation. Every time he failed, he improved. Every time he succeeded, he felt the rush of growth.

By the time night fell, he was drenched in sweat, muscles aching, mind buzzing—but there was a fire in his eyes that hadn't been there before.

That Night

Lying in bed, staring up at the golden carvings above, Ryuji whispered to himself.

"This world doesn't know me yet. But soon, they will."

He clenched his fist, feeling the warmth of magic pulse through his veins.

"I'm going to rise from extinction… and shake the heavens."

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