Arthur stood quietly with his arms slightly outstretched as Sebastian made the final adjustments to his ceremonial attire.
The coming-of-age garments were far more extravagant than the military uniform he had worn the previous day.
Layers of pristine white fabric rested beneath a long black ceremonial coat embroidered with silver and gold patterns that shimmered whenever they caught the light.
A flowing crimson sash was fastened neatly around his waist, while polished silver pauldrons bearing the Ashbourne family crest rested upon his shoulders.
Arthur shifted uncomfortably.
"...Is it just me..."
"...Or is this thing a little tight?"
Sebastian circled him once before gently straightening the collar.
"It is meant to be, Young Master."
"The ceremonial attire is tailored to accentuate one’s figure."
He gave a satisfied nod.
"I must say..."
"You look considerably more refined and charming dressed this way."
Arthur glanced at his reflection.
"...Refined, huh?"
Sebastian smiled warmly.
"Today is an important occasion."
"You are no longer simply the Young Master of House Ashbourne."
"Today, you officially enter adulthood."
He brushed an invisible speck of dust from Arthur’s shoulder.
"And, naturally..."
"You must look your very best."
Arthur raised an eyebrow.
"...Naturally?"
Sebastian chuckled.
"Many Star Heiresses from neighboring star systems have already begun arriving."
"They come bearing gifts to celebrate your coming-of-age ceremony."
Arthur nodded.
"That sounds nice."
Sebastian’s smile widened ever so slightly.
"Many of them also intend to formally ask for your hand in marriage."
Arthur froze.
"..."
A soft chuckle escaped him.
"...Right."
"I almost forgot about that part."
Sebastian gave a polite cough, though Arthur could have sworn he was suppressing a smile.
"It is only natural, Young Master."
"You are the son of Lord Elizabeth of House Ashbourne."
"Not to mention..."
He took another appreciative look at Arthur.
"...quite the handsome young man."
Arthur rubbed the back of his neck, giving himself a smug look in the mirror.
"I guess..."
"...when you put it that way."
Sebastian gave one final nod.
"There."
"Perfect."
Arthur looked at himself in the mirror one last time.
Then, inwardly...
A smug grin slowly spread across his face.
So...
All sorts of women are going to be lining up to ask for my hand in marriage?
Oh, how the tables have turned.
He couldn’t help but chuckle to himself.
"...What more could a man ask for?"
Sebastian took a respectful step back before placing a hand over his chest and bowing.
"If that is all, Young Master, I shall take my leave."
"I imagine you would appreciate a few moments to catch your breath before the ceremony begins."
He straightened his posture.
"I must also assist the other maids and butlers."
"They are currently preparing the reception hall and directing where the many gifts presented to you will be displayed."
Arthur smiled gently.
"I understand."
"Thank you, Sebastian."
"You may be on your way."
Sebastian bowed once more.
"As you wish, Young Master."
With that, he quietly departed the room.
Click.
The door closed softly behind him.
Silence settled over the chamber.
Arthur let out a slow breath before walking over to a nearby chair and lowering himself into it.
"...Alright."
He leaned back comfortably.
"System."
"Open Inventory."
DING!
〘Inventory〙
• Premium Starter Riki Cultivation Gift Box ×1
• Premium Starter Weapon Gift Box ×1
Arthur’s gaze settled on the two remaining unopened gift boxes.
A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
"Let’s see what else the developers left me."
His eyes locked onto the second item.
"...Open the Premium Starter Weapon Gift Box."
DING!
The unopened gift box dissolved into countless particles of emerald light as the system began processing the command.
DING!
The countless emerald particles converged before Arthur, swirling together in a dazzling vortex of light.
A long, elegant sword slowly materialized from within.
Its jet-black scabbard was adorned with intricate silver engravings that resembled flowing stars, while the hilt was wrapped in pristine white leather. The guard curved gracefully like a crescent moon.
Arthur instinctively reached out and caught it.
The moment his fingers wrapped around the hilt...
DING!
〘Congratulations, Player.〙
〘You have obtained: Yasharam, Blade of Nasha’O Rimia.〙
A status window appeared before him.
〘Yasharam, Blade of Nasha’O Rimia (Incomplete)〙
Level: 1
Grade: Silver
Type: Bound Artifact Weapon
Description:
〘A weapon once wielded by the legendary Iron Angel, Nasha’O Rimia, during the Age of Gods.〙
〘Renowned as the fastest swordswoman of her era, her blade was said to move with such impossible speed that no eye could perceive the moment it left its scabbard.〙
〘As generations passed, many came to believe she had never drawn her sword at all, but instead cleaved her enemies apart through intent alone.〙
Arthur’s breathing halted.
"..."
His eyes widened.
"...A Named Weapon?"
He stared at the sword in disbelief.
"..."
A Named Weapon.
His breathing unconsciously slowed.
Named Weapons weren’t ordinary artifacts.
Each one was tied to one of the Seventeen Great Constellations, legendary relics that had shaped entire eras within Interstellar Lords Online.
Every single one possessed its own history.
Its own legend.
Its own wielder.
Even obtaining one through normal gameplay was considered an incredible stroke of luck.
Yet...
He had just pulled one from a starter gift box.
"...This is insane."
Arthur stared at the elegant silver blade resting inside its ornate scabbard.
Although it was only Silver Grade, merely two ranks above Black Iron...
It was still an absolute steal.
Named Weapons possessed growth potential that ordinary weapons could never hope to match.
Even incomplete, they were treasures that countless players would fight wars over.
A grin slowly spread across Arthur’s face.
His heart pounded with excitement.
"...System."
"How many Enhancement Points would it take to raise the Yasharam Blade of Nasha’O Rimia to Divine Grade?"
DING!
〘Calculating...〙
A few moments later...
A new window appeared before him.
〘Target Item: Yasharam, Blade of Nasha’O Rimia (Incomplete)〙
〘Current Grade: Silver〙
〘Target Grade: Divine〙
〘Required Enhancement Points: 3,000,000〙
Arthur blinked.
"...Only three million?"
He couldn’t help but smile.
Compared to his seemingly endless reserve of Enhancement Points...
Three million was practically nothing.
Without the slightest hesitation, he looked at the floating prompt.
"...Proceed."