The morning light filtered through the tall windows of his room, brushing over the polished floor and the folded academy uniform waiting on the nearby chair. Noel sat at the edge of his bed, fully dressed but unmoving, staring at his open system window.
He had waited three days to press the damn button.
And now, there was nothing left to stall.
He exhaled and selected Claim Reward.
The light dimmed.
A pulse ran through his hand—cold and sharp. Then something appeared above his palm.
A small ring, matte black with a single emerald set into its surface, hovered in the air. Its presence was silent but heavy, like a secret no one should've remembered.
The system responded.
[Item Identified]
Name: Ashen Sigil – Mark of the Lost Heir
Type: Artifact – Ring
Grade: ??? (Unawakened)
Description: Forged in the forgotten vaults beneath Thorne estate, the Ashen Sigil was never worn by any rightful heir. It was not given, nor passed down.
Status: Bound to User – Noel Thorne
