Skills.

They are special abilities that everyone is supposed to have at least one of.

Those who are called Silver Sword Saints possess the 《Silver Sword Saint》 skill.
Those who are called sages possess the 《Sage》 skill.

Because of this, skills have a significant impact on a person’s life.

Skills are said to awaken on one’s 18th birthday, a day when everyone is filled with anticipation. The moment a priest announces the name of your skill, people either rejoice or despair.

I — Arios Macba — am one of those people turning 18 today.

“Finally, the day has come, Arios.”

“Yes… It has.”

At my father’s words, I gave a small nod.

“Heh. I wonder what kind of skill you’ll get. Since you’re my son, it’s bound to be a high-ranking one.”

“Haha… I hope so.”

My father — Leon Macba — had no doubt that my skill would be top-tier.

After all, the Macba family has carried the title of Silver Sword Saint for generations. My father, like those before him, was granted the 《Silver Sword Saint》 skill. His abilities earned him a position as a royal family’s close aide.

Because of that, I had undergone rigorous training my entire life.

It was certain that my skill would be powerful.
My father taught me that by honing my abilities before I turned 18, I could become the strongest swordsman in the shortest time possible.

After all, the Macba family’s reputation is built on swordsmanship. A weak swordsman would undermine that trust.

“Look, isn’t that Sir Leon, the Silver Sword Saint?”

“He’s so dashing…!”

“So, that must be his son… He’s at the age to receive his skill. He’s grown so much.”

We arrived at the town’s church.

A crowd had already gathered around us.

The Macba family’s skill awakening was bound to be the talk of the town.

“Arios-sama!”

“Good luck!”

I heard cheers from women in the crowd.
It made me happy, but also a bit embarrassed. I had been so focused on my sword training that I had never interacted with girls before.

Well, the Macba family is quite famous in this country.
Getting married into this family would guarantee a stable future.
Their enthusiasm probably had that ulterior motive.

“Now then, Arios, please step forward,” the priest said from the altar, a solemn expression on his face.

“Yes… Please proceed.”

I couldn’t help but feel nervous.
A shaky mind leads to a shaky sword.

Even though my father drilled that lesson into me, mental control was still a challenge.

“Arios, stand tall.”

“Y-Yes!”

My father stood a few steps back, watching me.
His arms were crossed confidently, as if the result was a foregone conclusion.

The priest placed both hands on the crystal on the altar, his face contorting in concentration.
Colorful lights danced around, and I couldn’t help but be mesmerized by the sight.

Then—

“It is revealed! Arios-dono, your skill is…”

The priest’s eyes widened in shock.

“That’s strange… This can’t be…!”

A sense of dread crept into my chest.

“E-Excuse me, what’s wrong?”

“Arios-dono, steel yourself. Your skill is… 《Cheat Code Manipulation》.”

“…Huh?”

The crowd started murmuring.

“Cheat Code? Do you know what that is?”

“No… I’ve never heard of it. What kind of skill is that…?”

“Could it be… a dud skill?”

I couldn’t blame them for their reactions.

Even I hadn’t heard of such a skill.

“Ridiculous! This must be a mistake!”

My father stormed onto the altar, his face turning red.

“Priest! What kind of skill is this?”

“I… I’m not sure. Arios-dono, please try activating your skill to confirm.”

“Y-Yes!”

I did as instructed and activated the skill by muttering its name.

Suddenly, text appeared in my field of vision:

Available Cheat Codes:
・ Attack Power Up (Small)

“Attack Power Up (Small)?”

I muttered the text in disbelief.

“It seems… my attack power increases, Father…”

“Wh…at…?”

My father’s jaw dropped.

I recalled that “Attack Power Up (Small)” only boosted attack power by about 1.2 times.

A dud skill.

“No way…”

“The son of the Silver Sword Saint got a dud skill…?”

The crowd’s whispers turned into sneers.

“So, marrying him wouldn’t be worth it now.”

“Yeah, what a letdown. I thought he’d be easy to snag since he’s not that attractive, but he’s not even useful.”

The women who had been cheering moments ago now mocked me openly.

All my hard work…
All those painful days…
Everything I endured to become a worthy Silver Sword Saint…
It was all for nothing?

“Father… I…”

My father’s expression had hardened.
Though he wasn’t outright cruel, I could feel his disappointment more clearly than anyone.

“Ahem.”

The priest cleared his throat awkwardly.

“Sorry, but the next person is waiting. Please step aside.”

“Y-Yes…”

I stepped down, holding back my tears.

Next up was a boy who appeared to be an orphan.

The priest once again placed his hands on the crystal.

“Ah…! This is…!”

The priest’s eyes widened again.

“It’s here! Silver Sword Saint!”

The crowd erupted in cheers.

“Wait… what? He got Silver Sword Saint?”

“No way! That’s an even higher rank than the regular Sword Saint!”

“Hey, that boy looks kind of cool, doesn’t he?”

“Yeah, you can tell he’s been through a lot. He’s different from some spoiled noble.”

What… is this?
What’s going on…?

“Father, he’s a Silver Sword Saint!”

“Marvelous!”

But my father didn’t even glance at me.
Instead, he approached the boy, face flushed with excitement.

“You possess the Silver Sword Saint skill? Incredible! What is your name?”

“D-Dudley… And you are?”

“I am Leon Macba, the Silver Sword Saint!”

“Father…?”

“Why are you still here, Arios?”

His words struck me like a sword.

“If you’re dissatisfied, then leave. You’re already 18. It’s time for you to be independent.”

And just like that—

I was banished from the Macba family.