Rynhara stretched her wings lazily as she lounged in her chambers, still contemplating the ominous titles and overwhelming skills from her status screen. Tiamora had left her with the advice to "grow into your power," but that didn't help her understand how to not accidentally obliterate someone with her apparently apocalyptic roar.
Her musings were interrupted by Kaelira, who barged into the room holding a sleek black device engraved with glowing runes.
"Here," Kaelira said, tossing it onto Rynhara's lap.
Rynhara caught it with a frown. "What's this?"
"An advanced status reader. Mother dearest thought you should have more information about yourself now that you're, you know, clueless as always."
Rynhara raised a brow. "Wow, thanks for reminding me."
Kaelira smirked. "You're welcome."
---
A Whole New World of Numbers
Rynhara tapped the runes on the device, and a far more detailed status screen materialized in front of her.
---
Status
Name: Rynhara Tiamora Drakethorne
Level: 1
Job: Dragon Princess
HP: 300/300
Mana: 250/250
Strength: A
Defense: A
Agility: S
Luck: E
Titles:
Darkness Dragon Princess: You are the heir to the throne of the Drakethorne dynasty and a ruler of shadow. Command fear and awe in equal measure. Minor resistance to light-based attacks.
True Dragon: A rare and legendary title marking you as a pure-blooded dragon with unrestrained potential. Your power will continue to grow exponentially as you mature.
Villainess: An aura of menace surrounds you, making others instinctively wary. Gains a bonus to intimidation skills.
Incarnation of Evil: A title inherited from the Queen of Dragons herself. Causes enemies of weaker will to flee in your presence. All hostile actions against you have a small chance to fail due to fear.
Skills:
Dragonflight (SS): Mastery of flight through wings enhanced with draconic energy. Speed and control improve with practice.
Infernal Flame Breath (S): Unleash a devastating torrent of dragon fire capable of melting even enchanted metals.
Regal Presence (A): Instill awe and obedience in those around you with a commanding aura.
Shadow Weave (A): Manipulate shadows to form barriers, weapons, or traps.
Nihilistic Roar of Victory (EX): A roar that shatters both physical and mental fortitude. Unleashes destruction proportional to the user's intent and mana.
---
Rynhara stared at the screen, her mismatched eyes wide. "Okay, Luck E is just an insult."
Kaelira peered over her shoulder. "You're shocked about that and not the fact that you're walking around with enough power to level a kingdom?"
"I mean, sure, that's wild too, but I feel like the universe is really rubbing it in with the luck thing."
After spending the better part of the morning fiddling with her advanced status reader, Rynhara reluctantly dragged herself to the royal training hall for another session of etiquette lessons.
Her new teacher, Lady Vaelith who was filling in for the sick Lady Scalesworths, was waiting with her usual hawk-like gaze and an elaborate ledger full of notes.
"Your Highness," Lady Vaelith said sternly. "Today we will focus on posture, diction, and table manners. I expect improvement."
"Uh-huh," Rynhara muttered, slumping into her chair.
The session went about as disastrously as usual—Rynhara stumbled over pronunciation exercises, nearly tipped her chair during posture training, and fumbled her way through an elaborate mock dinner setup.
But just as Lady Vaelith was about to deliver another scathing critique, a familiar, mechanical voice echoed in Rynhara's mind:
"Congratulations! Through consistent effort, you have acquired the skill: Etiquette (E)."
Rynhara froze. "Wait, what?"
Lady Vaelith, unaware of the notification, narrowed her eyes. "What is it now, Your Highness?"
Rynhara stood abruptly, the status reader materializing in her hands. Sure enough, there it was under her list of skills:
---
Etiquette (E): Basic understanding of noble decorum. Provides minor improvements to posture, speech, and social grace.
---
"Look!" Rynhara exclaimed, shoving the display in Lady Vaelith's face.
The normally stoic woman gasped, her eyes lighting up. "You... you've finally done it! You've gained the skill etiquette!"
Kaelira, who had been quietly observing from the corner, burst into laughter. "Congrats, Princess. You're officially slightly less of a disaster."
Lady Vaelith clasped her hands together, her stern demeanor cracking into an uncharacteristic smile. "This is a momentous occasion. Your Highness, you are progressing!"
"Sure, if you call 'barely functional' progress," Rynhara muttered.
Lady Vaelith ignored the comment, already jotting something down in her ledger. "With this breakthrough, we can move on to more advanced lessons! Perhaps dancing or diplomacy—"
"Whoa, whoa, let's not get carried away," Rynhara said, holding up her hands.
Later that evening, Rynhara sat in her chambers, staring at her status screen again. For all the jokes and complaints, she couldn't help but feel a tiny spark of pride.
"Guess I'm not completely hopeless after all," she muttered, a small smile tugging at her lips.
From the hallway, Kaelira's voice called out, "Don't let it go to your head, Princess Etiquette!"
Rynhara laughed, shaking her head. Maybe this princess thing wouldn't be so bad... eventually.