Fortunately, Arianne had only been teasing Michael. In the end, they both settled on naming the mutated owl Wisdom.
Owls were often associated with intelligence and insight, and the na felt fitting. It also leaned gender-neutral—perhaps slightly masculine, but still balanced enough not to matter.
Soon after, Michael and Arianne left the garden. As they walked back through the estate, the mont of quiet between them stretched a little too long for comfort.
Eventually, Michael had to bid farewell to the princess. He then had one of the castle stewards request an audience with the Duke. The request was accepted without issue, and he wasn’t kept waiting long.
The Duke’s study was quiet.
Sunlight filtered through tall windows, casting soft shadows across rows of books and polished furniture. The scent of old paper and faint incense lingered in the air.
At the far end, Duke Evermoon sat behind a wide desk of darkwood, his expression unreadable—until he saw Michael enter.
Then, the corners of the old man’s eyes crinkled in sothing that resembled a smile.
"Sir Mic," the Duke said warmly, motioning for him to sit. "I trust your ti with Arianne was... productive?"
Michael offered a polite nod, stepping forward with Wisdom perched quietly on his shoulder. "It was enlightening," he replied, his tone respectful but relaxed.
The Duke’s eyes flicked to the owl. "And this must be the result of that little experint. I must admit, not what I expected you to walk away with."
Michael gave a faint smile. "Neither did I, Your Grace. But it seems I’ve picked up sothing peculiar."
"Peculiar indeed," the Duke chuckled. "Most co to that garden seeking rare bloodlines. You, on the other hand, chose an owl."
Michael didn’t deny it. "Sotis, the smallest things have the biggest impact."
The Duke raised a brow, intrigued by the statent but chose not to press. Instead, he leaned back slightly, lacing his fingers together. "Well then, shall we move on to why you really asked to see ?"
Michael inclined his head. "Yes. Thank you for making ti."
He paused for a mont, then continued, "A few days ago, Your Grace gave an instruction. That when I was ready to leave for my territory and begin ruling as Viscount, I should inform you personally."
The Duke nodded slowly, leaning back in his chair. "And that’s what you’re here to do now?"
"Yes," Michael replied. "I believe I’m ready."
A brief silence passed between them, broken only by the soft rustle of paper as the Duke tapped his fingers lightly on a scroll.
"Very well," the Duke said, his voice calm and assured. "In three days, my people will co to escort you. You won’t need to concern yourself with logistics—by the ti you arrive, everything should be functioning properly. Your staff has been briefed, and your subjects are expecting their new lord."
Michael nodded gratefully. "Thank you, Your Grace."
The Duke’s expression softened slightly. "Of course. You’ve earned it. But before then, soone will visit you."
Michael raised a brow.
"A designer," the Duke clarified. "You’ll need a coat of arms—a sigil to represent your house. Do you already have one in mind?"
Michael shook his head. "I don’t."
"No matter," the Duke replied. "You’ll speak with the designer and create sothing suitable. Symbols carry weight, Sir Mic. Choose wisely."
Michael gave a short nod. "I’ll keep that in mind."
The Duke smiled faintly. "Three days, Sir Mic. Prepare yourself well."
Michael stood as well, offering a respectful bow before turning to leave—with Wisdom fluttering slightly on his shoulder and a thousand thoughts already stirring in his mind.
This was it.
Another beginning.
Michael didn’t waste a second after leaving the Duke’s
He was kind of in a hurry to return ho.
The mutated owl rested calmly on his shoulder, but Michael’s mind was anything but calm. There was so much he needed to test, to verify. That [Taming] skill alone had opened an entirely new door he hadn’t even considered walking through before.
Fortunately, he didn’t need to run back ho. Apparently a steward had prepared a ride for him on the princess orders.
When the carriage arrived, Michael climbed in without a word. The steward offered a polite bow and stepped aside, and the ride back passed in a blur.
He barely noticed the streets.
Barely heard the clatter of hooves or the distant voices of rchants.
By the ti the carriage pulled up in front of his ho, Michael was already halfway out the door before it even stopped moving properly.
Soon, Michael was at his door front.
"Welco ba—" Ace started to say, only to trail off as Michael brushed past him without a word.
Wisdom hooted once, softly, as they crossed into the hall.
Michael didn’t even glance back. "Later," he muttered.
Ace blinked in confusion.
One was Michael’s current behaviour.
The second.
"Was that an owl?"
Backing his room, Michael made his way to his bed to sit.
Michael sat on the edge of his bed, elbows resting on his knees, gaze fixed on the mutated owl now perched quietly on his shoulder.
Wisdom blinked slowly, swiveling his head just enough to et Michael’s eyes.
Michael exhaled through his nose. "Alright then... let’s see what this skill can really do."
His thoughts drifted to [Taming].
[Taming – Basic Mastery – Proficiency: 2%]
20% chance to copy a random skill from a tad creature.
2% chance to copy a specific targeted skill.
10% chance to teach one of the user’s personal skills to a tad creature.
All copied or taught skills will begin at Basic Mastery with a cooldown of 5 days.
At Basic Mastery, you can only ta 5 creatures.
Tad Creatures: [1/5]
Michael tapped his fingers together thoughtfully.
"Only one skill," he murmured, staring at Wisdom. "So really, the random option is the smart one. Twenty percent versus two..."
"I want to copy a skill," he said quietly, directing the command inward. "Random."
[Attempting to copy random skill from tad creature...]
[Chance: 20%]
[Rolling...]
...
...
[SUCCESS.]
You have successfully copied a skill from your tad creature [Wisdom].
Skill acquired: [Phase Shift – Basic Mastery – Proficiency: 1.0%]
******
A/N: End of Volu 2 – Gaining Strength.
And please... no one attack the pacing. I know, I know. I’ll do better. T_T
Next up: Volu 3 – The Universe and Its Inhabitants. Buckle up.
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