Chapter 2: Talent...

'Chronicles of War' was a well acclaimed game that contained everything a modern man could wish for, a gigantic open world (filled with a suspicious amount of brothels), a complex magic system more often than not used to commit horrible acts of arson. Last but not least, there is the horrifying power of free will.

...

The last 3 months in the Redbird's barony were quite peaceful. Something unusual, however, was clearly happening as the baron's talentless third child, well known for his debauchery and prideful nature, suddenly decided to pass his nights in the library instead of going partying as usual.

— "I say this is a good thing, perhaps the young lord has finally opened his eyes and decided to be useful for once." Said the red-headed maid as she tidied up a bed.

— "Well, it's not like he can do much anyway. Since his past instructors rated him poorly for his talent in magic and martial arts, it would be much better for him to spend his time studying etiquette and stop embarrassing the Lord in those undignified parties." Declared the thin butler.

'Fuck, I'm still stuck in this bloody game.' These were Damien's first thoughts as he woke up to the bickering of the servants in the next room.

As Damien got out of bed, he started spreading his mana towards his surroundings until the whole area was covered with a thin layer of it, giving him the ability to know everything that was happening in the manor.

"I've finally mastered the basics of mana-control... In the game, this was so much easier...'

Sigh

"Although this body's talent is quite poor, I really need a way of defending myself, especially when shit hits the fan during the second game." 

"Well, I guess at least I'm naturally pretty good at mana-control and mana-sensing."

By learning the basics of mana-sensing, Damien was capable of filling up the gaps in his memory by just listening to the gossip of the servants nearby as he prepared himself for his morning training.

"Now, let's give it one last try." He gathered a small amount of reddish mana on his hand as he looked out the window.

While staring at his target, a brown bird with a white head, he closed his eyes. The mana took the shape of a small projectile and flew towards the bird. As the bird flew away in panic before the beam could hit him, a young man could be seen flying nearby.

Clap, clap, clap.

"3 months for a slingshot that can cause blood loss. Truly a terrific talent, Raphael." Damien's older brother, Aaron, who was flying outside the window, laughed at his attempt.

Tsk

"Older-brother Aaron? Oh, my, thank you for your instructive words!! You can truly open my eyes to wisdom, you know? Until recently, I didn't know pigs could talk so well." Damien spoke with a sarcastic smile plastered on his face.

"What did you just say, you little shi-?" Aaron's magic flared up as he scowled at his brother.

"You two morons better end this ruckus before I end both of you."

Tsk

As the voice of their oldest sister reverberated through the walls of the barony, sending shivers down their spines, Aaron could only glare at Raphael as he flew away.

'... It still feels kind of weird to be called Raphael.' Damien smiled faintly as he saw Aaron storm away. 

'On a side note, having siblings is kind of fun...' He smiled.