Chapter 1

Short version (https://ncode.syosetu.com/n8337ii/) has been revised for serialization.

The continuation of the short version starts from Chapter 4.

"From this point on, I will conduct the [Rite of Appraisal]. Those who are called, please step forward."

The church located in the capital.

Standing before the altar is an old priest with a white beard.

In front of him, children the same age as me, who are 15 this year, have been gathered.

They are here to participate in the Rite of Appraisal.

The Rite of Appraisal. When one turns 15, every citizen of the kingdom undergoes this ceremony and receives a [Job Skill] from the heavens.

A Job Skill is a special ability that everyone receives. For example, if one obtains the job of a swordsman, they can freely wield a sword from that day forward.

If one becomes a mage, they can use magic without training, and if a knight, their body becomes tougher.

Therefore, the result of the Job Skill received in this ceremony greatly influences one's life.

I, [Hiraku Matou], am the eldest son born into the renowned Matou family of swordsmen.

The Matou family has a lineage of receiving the [Sword Saint] Job Skill in this Rite of Appraisal.

"Finally, Hiraku. I have high hopes for you."

"Yes, Father..."

Next to me stands a bald man.

[Tosars Matou]. My father and the current head of the Matou family.

"What, are you nervous? Don't worry, there's no problem. After all, you are my son! You will definitely receive the Sword Saint. 100%, guaranteed!"

"...There's nothing in this world that's 100% certain, Father."

Father possesses the Sword Saint skill and openly claims that his son will also receive the same skill.

However, skills are not inherited.

"...Damn, only Hiraku gets all the expectations... It's so frustrating..."

Next to me on the left stands a slightly shorter boy.

[Jimer Matou].

My twin brother. However, because I was born first, I am the older brother and Jimer is the younger brother.

"Jimer. Father has high hopes for you too."

"Shut up, Hiraku! Just because you were born first, don't act all superior! Trash!"

Our relationship is not good. Father's excessive expectations for me have hurt Jimer's self-esteem.

It's not entirely my fault, but indirectly, my existence has hurt Jimer.

I feel guilty.

"Next, the eldest son of the Matou family. Hiraku Matou. Please step forward."

It's finally my turn.

I move to the front of the altar. Father says it will be fine, but I don't believe anything is certain in this world.

I have read literature on skills, and while the probability of inheriting a Job Skill might be high, it is not 100%.

...What if I don't get the Sword Saint?

Father's expectations will turn into disappointment.

...If I fail... No, fearing the result won't change anything.

Until today, I have diligently studied and practiced swordsmanship.

Surely the goddess of creation will evaluate me and grant me a skill.

"Alright, Hiraku Matou. Place your hand on this crystal. Then, the Job Skill you have received will be displayed here."

"Yes, I understand."

The result is already decided. Even knowing this, I am afraid to find out and hesitate to touch it.

Oh well, here goes.

I touch the crystal.

The crystal glows with seven colors.

"Wow! What beautiful light! You must have received a wonderful skill! As expected, my son, Hiraku Matou!"

The light being seven colors doesn't necessarily mean it's amazing.

Indeed, when other children received their appraisals, the crystal didn't glow with such colors.

Soon, the light fades.

The old priest reads the result.

"Hiraku Matou. Your Job Skill is... h, [Open]?"

"......What? [Open]...?"

What is this...?

I've never heard of it. I have read the skill encyclopedia at home.

There was no [Open] skill listed...

The old priest also seems confused.

"What is [Open]?"

"Have you heard of it?""N, no..."

"Could it be a dud skill...?"

My heart jumps in a way that feels unhealthy.

A dud skill. Skills have a hierarchy based on their abilities.

...[Open]. Its effect is unknown.

From the name, it seems to be the ability to open something?

"Hahaha! Hahahaha! Did you hear that, Father! Hiraku got a dud!"

Turning around, I see Jimer with a triumphant smile.

...Is he that happy that I didn't get the Sword Saint? Yes, he is.

"[Open]! It's just the ability to open doors and windows, right?"

"A son of a Sword Saint with just the ability to open...""That's... quite..."

Jimer is happy, and it seems everyone around thinks I got a dud.

"Wait a minute. It's not decided that it's just the ability to open doors and windows..."

"Shut up! Be quiet!"

"Father..."

Father, with a red face from anger, grabs my collar.

"You failure! I had high hopes for you! And you betrayed them! Trash! Scum! Die! Die!"

"I, I'm sorry..."

At that moment.

A cheer rises from the crowd.

What is it?

In front of the altar stands my brother, Jimer.

"Amazing, Jimer Matou. Your job is the Great Sword Saint! An advanced version of the Sword Saint skill!"

Jimer has received a skill even higher than the Sword Saint.

Father, seemingly delighted, smiles broadly, throws me aside, and rushes to Jimer.

"Fantastic, Jimer! Thanks to you, the family's honor is preserved! You did a great job!"

"Thank you, Father!"

Father pats Jimer's head.

Jimer looks at me and mocks me.

"By the way, Father, what should we do with that dud scum over there?"

Ah, this moment has finally come.

The moment I drew [Open], I understood my fate. In a world where one's job determines their life.

What awaits me, having drawn a dud job...

"Hiraku. You are no longer needed in this family. Leave. Never show your face before us again, you dud skill holder!"

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