Chapter 10: The Last Day of a Six-Year-Old Genius
Pre-dawn dreams
Romulus stood on the fortress wall, admiring the first rays of sunlight coloring his domain in scarlet.
New copper arteries gleamed along the walls.
Smoke was billowing from the boiler room as the cooks were already working on breakfast.
In the distance, by the barns, towered mountains of barrels of saltpetre, coal, and sulphur-an arsenal at the sight of which the count clutched at his heart.
"Tomorrow I'm seven. And the System will finally open the gates of choice."
He mentally summoned his status:
[ ROMULUS VON ARGELION ]
■ Age: 6 years old (7 tomorrow)
■ Level: 19
■ Characteristics:
- Strength: 14 (incredible for his age)
- Dexterity: 18 (faster than many knights)
- Intelligence: 25 (on the verge of genius)
- Mana: 15/15 MP
■ Skills:
- Fencing (Advanced)
- Telekinesis (Expert)
- Floss of Fire (Medium)
- Thermocontrol (Medium)
- Engineering (Newcomer)
■ Special Tags:
- "Hygiene Reformer."
- "The blessing of servants."
The system reminded:
[🎂 TOMORROW: Class Unlock! ]
■ The available options will be determined by your actions.
The transformed castle
1. The holy of holies - the boiler room
Romulus went down into the dungeon where two blacksmiths were tending to a huge copper monster like priests.
- "Your blood pressure is normal, young master!" - reported the elder.
- **"Great. We're running hot water in the east wing today."
Now even the old warriors, accustomed to icy treatments, were blissfully under the jets of boiling water.
2. Kitchen of the future
Chef Luis, once a grouch at "idle contrivances," was now turning the valve of the warming stove with adoration:
- **"No smoke, no smoke, no smoke! You're a **good man, young master!"
- **"No, just a **good pull," Romulus said modestly, though he knew there was no magic involved.
3. Princess font
My sister loved her new marble bathtub.
- **"Roma, can I have some rose-scented rose water? "** she was making eyes at me.
- "I'll figure something out," he sighed, but in his head he was already drawing a schematic of the aroma distiller.
Polichinel's secret
Count Lucian caught up with his son at the saltpeter warehouse.
- "Romulus, I've come to terms with your pipes. "I've gotten used to your 'souls'. But what is this?" he pointed his finger at the mountains of barrels.
Romulus glanced at the System:
[⚗️ RECIPE: "Black Powder" ]
■ Ingredients:
- Saltpeter (75%)
- Coal (15%)
- Sulfur (10%)
■ Danger: High (do not attempt to repeat!)
- **"Father, this is a *new project*. For... **you'll see tomorrow," he lied.
Romulus realized that there was some truth in what he said, because on his birthday he wanted to give his father a surprise fireworks display. Luckily, gunpowder had not yet been invented in this world....
The Count squinted his eyes:
- **"You're lying. But come on, you're seven tomorrow, you're entitled to a little secret."
Apotheosis rehearsal
In the evening, Romulus honed a new trick:
He used telekinesis to lift a dozen rocks into the air.
A thread of fire that burned them to a crisp.
He threw it at the target - the stones exploded, scattering sparks.
The system cheered:
[💥 New skill: "Pyrokinetic Squall" ]
■ Damage: Medium (+burn)
■ Mana consumption: 5 MP
Suddenly there was applause - it was Alicia and her father enjoying the spectacle.
- **"Tomorrow," the Count said, "you will *officially* embark on the path of a warrior. Or a wizard. Or whomever you wish."
Bedtime thoughts
Before falling asleep, Romulus went over his accomplishments in his mind:
✅ The castle has become cozier than many modern houses from its past life.
✅ People are happier - even the maids' eyes are shining now.
✅ His father was proud of him - and that was more precious than all the honors.
But most importantly, tomorrow he will finally find out what gifts the System has in store for him...