S5 Assessment Stone

Today is the long-awaited day for checking status using the鉴定 stone.

This world has stats.

One might wonder how that would work in reality, not just in a game—but that point has already been abandoned.

It was easier to enjoy this world if one simply accepted it for what it was.

Yes, enjoyable.

This world truly feels like a game.

Effort is rewarded in direct proportion to its magnitude.

There is likely a difference in talent, but it is certain that effort is more readily acknowledged in this world than on Earth.

After all, effort returns in the form of skills.

Skill levels increase through consistent actions appropriate to the skill, accumulating a metric known as proficiency. When sufficient proficiency is attained, acquisition becomes possible.

The acquired skill can be immediately utilized as one's own ability.

The more it is used, the higher the proficiency increases. The skill level rises accordingly.

The more effort applied, the stronger the skill becomes.

There is no such thing as effort going unrewarded.

A remarkable world.

And since birth, I have learned various skills from Ana and Crevia.

Every action returns a tangible result.

I became addicted to this sensation, greedily acquiring skills.

Soo began mimicking me, acquiring skills at a similar rate. Ana and Crevia even recoiled in dismay at times, but it was merely a quirk.

In games, strength enhances enjoyment.

Some prefer restricted playstyles, but I prefer relentlessly increasing power.

If this were not a game character, but my own self, the preference would only grow stronger.

Yet, growing stronger in this manner is acceptable—though there are inconveniences within this world.

Status values cannot be viewed.

The concept of status exists here, but accessing it requires fulfilling strict conditions.

There is a skill known as Identification.

Using this skill allows one to view status values, yet few possess it.

Acquiring the Identification skill demands advanced abilities akin to those of Earth’s appraisers—deep knowledge required to judge worth, and sharp observational skill to determine material composition. These are beyond the reach of ordinary individuals.

Additionally, even if one obtains the skill, raising its level proves extremely difficult. This is another reason why few possess it.

In truth, merely acquiring the skill is not impossible.

Skills can be acquired by consuming Skill Points.

Thus, the鉴定 skill can also be obtained if one pays the required Skill Points.

It is possible—yet the difficulty lies in sustaining it afterward.

To increase the level of the鉴定 skill, one must activate it.

Each activation increases proficiency. Upon reaching a threshold, the skill level advances.

However, activating the鉴定 is problematic.

The鉴定 consumes no mana or stamina upon activation.

One might assume it can be used freely—but that is not the case.

A hidden constraint exists: each activation induces headache and dizziness.

The severity varies by individual. Some experience such extreme effects that merely activating the鉴定 once causes loss of consciousness.

Even among those with talent, attempting to鉴定 multiple targets simultaneously induces severe headache and nausea.

Given that a single activation causes such harm, repeatedly using the skill to gain proficiency constitutes extreme hardship.

Moreover, the鉴定 skill remains unusable at lower levels—a further limitation.

For these reasons, few actively seek to acquire the鉴定 skill.

Only heirs of families that have served as鉴定ers for generations.

Then, how do one confirm stats? Here enters the鉴定 stone.

The鉴定 stone is a magical artifact crafted through a specialized process. While carried, it temporarily grants the ability to use the鉴定 skill.

The skill level of鉴定 available depends on the quality of the鉴定 stone. Stones equivalent to the royal family’s鉴定 level 10 are rare enough that they can be counted on one hand across the world.

Access requires special permission. In practice, only high nobles closely aligned with the royal family may use them.

I am a member of the royal family. There is no issue with me using it.

Yet even as a royal, I cannot use it freely.

I once persistently begged Ana to allow me to use a鉴定 stone. I was told I must reach a certain age before permission would be granted.

Apparently, the first鉴定 of one’s status is a formal ceremony. Noble families hold elaborate rituals, conducting the鉴定 in solemn atmosphere.

I too was required to undergo this ceremony.

The ritual also serves as an official introduction of the child.

The鉴定 results are displayed under the scrutiny of the crowd—evaluated in real time by the adults.

I possess skills far beyond my age, so I am unaffected. But low stat values can lead to abandonment in the worst case. That thought is terrifying.

In any case, both I and Sophia are finally making our debut.

We are dressed in ceremonial children's attire and repeatedly questioned about the ceremony's procedure.

The reigning king—our father—will attend the ceremony.

Other prominent figures are expected as well. A single mistake here would be unforgivable.

Even children must act as members of the royal family.

As the ceremony's central figures, we must bear the family's prestige.

For someone like me, a former commoner, the burden is immense.

Yet, upon seeing her sister’s composed stance beside me, a resolve akin to紧迫感 arises—this must be done.

“Are you ready?”

Anya’s final confirmation. I nod in silence.

“Then, please.”

She presses gently at my back. Su and I step through the doorway into the hall, side by side.

The preceding segment was longer than expected. Pausing here. Continuation in S6.