The second chance of the uncrowned king - (Isekai)

Point of View: Maki

"Are you ready to advance to the next rank?" My mother, sitting on my bed across from me, asks. My father stands by the door, and my grandmother sits on a chair at my side.
"Yes, I'm ready." When I woke up this morning, I tried to heal my cube a little with my Vital Synthesis. The pain was almost double compared to the first time—even with my mental ability active, it was nearly impossible to endure. The pain comes from deep inside me, and the only way to fix this is to advance in rank, because becoming a Sapphire will change everything.

According to many people and books, the Sapphire rank is a huge turning point. It's where it's decided who gets stuck in the lower ranks, and who is destined for a more promising future as a fighter. It's true that not everyone wants to risk their life to earn money quickly, but the percentage is still very high.
You can find many people at the Emerald rank going into dungeons to obtain cores "safely," or working as town guards. These are better-paying jobs. But upon reaching Sapphire, salaries increase exponentially, and by Ruby the prices soar sky-high. Most people think: if I'm already risking myself in a 'safe' way, I may as well try to earn the most money possible. But not everyone can climb out of the pit called Sapphire rank.

"You already know this, since you've done it once before, but let me remind you one more time, little one." My grandmother's voice is serious. "Focus on your cube. When it senses your intent, it will reveal the will to advance. The moment you accept, it will begin analyzing every aspect of you." Almost the same as when I advanced from Amethyst to Emerald.

"I got it. By the way, what's with all this water?" They've brought several bottles—at least five liters in total.

"We don't know how long the advancement will take. The stronger you are, the longer it takes. You might remain in a lethargic state for days or even weeks. When you wake up, you'll be consumed by unbearable thirst and hunger. One of us will come every day to leave food and replace it." My father's words surprise me. It could last weeks? I really hope not.

My mother must have noticed my worried face. "Don't worry about your classes. We'll have everything ready so you can depart for Skyblue River City the very next day." That calms me a little, though I still feel sad that I won't be able to see them as much as I want.

"We wish we could stay with you longer." My father checks his watch and sighs. "But responsibilities and work won't wait. We'll leave you alone so you can advance comfortably." He approaches to bump fists with me, my grandmother ruffles my hair, and my mother kisses my forehead. They all leave at once, wishing me good luck.

"It's time to begin." I close my eyes, focusing entirely on my cube with the clear intent to advance. A few seconds later, I hear the omnipresent voice.

"Calculating conditions…"

"Conditions calculated.

Skill levels: Approved

Imra level: Approved

Magic level: Approved

Pseudo Laws and Laws: Approved

A special mark has been detected… it will merge with *******."

"Rank advancement approved. Do you wish to advance?"

*What's that about a special mark? And what the hell is *****? Will I not know until after I advance? My head hurts just thinking about it. It must be what my grandmother mentioned long ago, the thing I couldn't understand—it's something only certain Sapphires gain when meeting special conditions.

I hesitate for a few seconds before finally firming my decision. I accept the advancement, and suddenly everything feels different—a strange, alien sensation. I feel like I'm floating in the middle of nothingness. At the same time, I don't feel my body at all. It's just a consciousness sinking through the great void. I don't know if seconds, minutes, days, or hours pass. Finally, my mind fades away, as if I were falling asleep. Good night.

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Point of View: Rita

I can't help but let out a mental sigh as I think of my grandson. That magnet for trouble is advancing to Sapphire rank at the age of twelve—that's truly unheard of. I've never heard or read of such a thing. Perhaps there are a few hidden or rare cases among nobles, people who awakened far earlier than normal and dedicated themselves solely to training so they could advance as soon as possible in the best conditions.

Twelve years old… at that age most children are only preparing to advance to Emerald. Nobles have a better foundation, but no time, weighed down by responsibilities. Common folk struggle even more, with limited resources. No matter how I think of it, Maki is both a magnet for problems and for good fortune.

How strong will my grandson become? He's already a demon in human form at the Emerald rank, able to fight multiple monsters a rank higher with ease. Will he be able to maintain that power as a Sapphire? I've asked myself that since yesterday. The difference between a basic Sapphire and an advanced Ruby is massive, like a five-year-old child compared to a forty-year-old adult.

Just thinking of the possibilities makes my skin prickle. We've already gained one Ruby thanks to him, and apparently another might come in the next few weeks, with the influx of people we've desperately needed. Maki will be considered a pseudo-Ruby. The boy has also strengthened his bond with the marquis and forged potential friendships in the tournament. My son's ascension to baron is just around the corner.

This child is earning more than enough merit to be considered heir to our territory. That would be a problem, since Ritmo would have no chance of competing with him in any way. Luckily, Maki isn't greedy—he has no desire to inherit this future barony. I see him wandering about tasting new foods and seeking new challenges for the rest of his life.

Maki is smart enough to devour books and learn from us how to govern a city or a town. The issue is whether he wants to learn. He surely would, if forced—just as I once forced that muscle-brained son of mine. Jarrid used to be worse. I had to drag him by the ears to make him take the position, and now he's a great leader who truly cares for his people.

At first it was painful for him, memorizing processes, enduring endless hours reading documents and sitting through meetings, learning to delegate, ensuring his people's safety—but he managed. He reminds me a lot of that other muscle-brain currently in the next room.

Patt is a little less of a caveman compared to my son, but his problem is lack of knowledge in governing a town. These weeks he has been making slow but steady progress. He asks me far fewer questions now, and my former secretary is enough to advise him on less important matters.

I can't hide a chuckle remembering his face those first days. He came full of enthusiasm, intent on risking his life in dungeons, fighting wild monsters or bandits who threaten our safety. His surprise was great when he saw our reinforced defenses and low crime rate. His joy faded once I sat him down with paperwork and city management.

His wife seems very happy in their new home. They took the second largest house in this town—it isn't as tall as the one we were given in the marquisate's capital, but the grounds are much larger, with a beautiful garden and an impressive view.

The most benefited is Matt, who has dedicated himself to entering dungeons with the town guard and patrolling alongside them. These are tasks he isn't obliged to do—as a future heir of a noble family, he doesn't have to. When I asked why, his answer was sincere and direct: "I want to be stronger and contribute to the new place I live in." Sometimes I see him laughing with the guards, sharing stories of his life in the marquisate's capital.

This boy also has a great future ahead. He'll attend school in Primaver City to improve his abilities: city management, security management, and of course, his strength—the most valuable asset, since he's a future Ruby.

They're a loving, cheerful family, bound by a direct contract in their cube that forbids many things which could harm our territory. In time, that contract will fade. To be honest, I don't think they'll need it. They're already showing love and responsibility toward our land, but guarantees never hurt.

I finish reading some documents requiring immediate attention—on the construction of standard houses with the minimum requirements for living, and a proper house for a Ruby-rank noble in Mancor, all for the people who will soon come to live in our territory. According to the marquis, Knight Moko already has experience in management and is an intermediate Ruby. It's best to place someone competent in our main town.

It will be my duty to guide and oversee him when he arrives. My son will go to Puntsal, and my daughter-in-law will stay in Talar. With this setup, we'll have two Rubies in two towns. Talar will only have one Ruby, but it's where we'll leave the largest number of Sapphires.

I can't help but slump into my chair. More hard work is coming. Every blessing always brings more effort. "Maki, you only ever give me more work." I check the date—Ritmo and Sers should be arriving soon. With them, we'll finally have the pieces needed to expand further into the small forest around us and earn the merits to be promoted to a barony.

"I never thought I'd live to see this little territory grow into something so great." My husband's face crosses my mind. Where on earth is that man right now?