Two weeks after the blessing, the Tanuki family home pulsed with anxious energy and swelling pride. Every movement carried anticipation, weighted and expectant.
While Dolo played with a coin between his tiny paws, his parents talked at the breakfast table.
—I think it's time. Our little raccoon already has five skills unlocked. Five. Most kids his age barely have two or three. If he doesn't learn to control them soon, he could hurt himself or reveal too much power at the wrong moment.—his father said.
His mother's eyes shimmered with both worry and pride as she nodded, her hand squeezing his father's.
"The Academy of Games is the only place that can teach him that." His voice quivered with hope and fear. "From a young age, they teach them how to handle their racial skills, read probabilities, detect traps, and above all, not to show all their power at once. I want what's safest for him. It's important that he goes as soon as possible."
Dolo looked up with a crooked smile.
—School? What for? I already know how to play better than most.—
His father let out a nervous laugh.
—Exactly because of that, son. Imagine what will happen when the other kids see that a one-month-old baby has five active skills. The academy will teach you how to hide, how to pretend, and how to control your power.—his father said with a nervous laugh.
After breakfast ended, the mood shifted as they gathered their things and got into the family carriage, marking the beginning of their journey to the Academy. The ride was quiet, each parent's visible pride and anxiety growing as the school drew nearer.
—My little raccoon is going to the Academy…—his mother murmured, stroking his head, her voice trembling.—I'm overflowing with pride… but my heart aches with fear. What if they treat him differently because of his age? What if someone sees just how special he is?
His father's knuckles whitened around the reins, jaw clenched tightly, betraying the anxiety he fought to hide.
—Let them realize it. Our son is already different. I just hope the academy respects his uniqueness—may they value him, not turn him into a spectacle, he thought, doubt flickering in his eyes.
When the carriage finally stopped in front of the Academy of Games, Dolo was surprised by a new sensation: he felt at home.
The building was massive, constructed from dark stone and ancient wood. Carved columns resembled giant poker tables, lending a grandiose air. It looked like an old, luxurious casino. The main walls had no windows, just enormous double doors etched with carvings of cards and dice. Inside, everything was overwhelming: high ceilings, crystal chandeliers, thick red carpets, and a faint scent of old wood and money. Warm, magical light filled the space, making it feel like eternal night within.
Inside the grand entrance, a long line of parents with their children waited. At the end stood a reception desk where every child had to pass a quick test before being allowed into the official exam.
Dolo's father swallowed hard, fighting to disguise his worry for Dolo's sake.
—This is it. Every student has to play a game with the receptionist to qualify. Only three out of five pass. If you end up among the last two, you're eliminated and have to wait until next year.—
It was Dolo's turn.
The receptionist was a gray-furred werewolf with sharp eyes. On the table in front of him was a single coin.
—Simple rule. I toss the coin, cover it with my hands, and move them around. You have to guess which hand the real coin is in. Five children per round. Only three passes.—the wolf explained.
As the first four children failed, Dolo kept a close watch, paying careful attention to every move.
"He's cheating," he thought.
With his Swindler's Eye at Level 2 active, Dolo saw what others couldn't. Each time the wolf tossed or moved the coin, it was a fake. The real coin never left his left pocket.
When it was Dolo's turn, the wolf smiled arrogantly.
—Your turn, little one. Ready?—
Dolo stepped forward. The wolf performed the usual motion.
Just as he was about to ask, Dolo spoke in a clear voice:
—The real coin is still in your left pocket. The one you just "tossed" is fake. Just like all the others.—
The receptionist froze, his face frozen in genuine surprise, a ripple of unease, the arrogance draining from his posture.
At that exact moment, a blue window appeared before Dolo's eyes:
[Experience gained from detecting a trap in an official test] [Level Up: Dolo is now Level 3] [You have received 3 additional attribute points (Total available: 6 points)] [Intelligence has increased to 7] [Luck has increased to 12]
Energy surged through Dolo's body. His mind cleared, and his perception of the world sharpened.
The wolf's throat bobbed as he swallowed, his mask of confidence shattered by Dolo's unnerving clarity. For a moment, fear flickered in his gaze.
—How… how do you know that?—
Dolo simply smiled, his trademark dangerous grin now tinged with heady satisfaction, eyes flickering with unspoken challenge.
—Because I'm better than you.—
The receptionist wrote something in his register with a trembling hand.
—…Passed. You may proceed to the final test.—
Meanwhile, as Dolo and his parents walked through the corridors of the academy, a dark figure watched everything from a high, shadowy balcony on the second floor.
It was a tall silhouette wrapped in a black cloak with golden details. Only the sharp glint of his eyes and a wide smile were visible.
The director of the Academy let out a low, deep laugh that echoed softly through the grand hall.
"Never thought a new student would spot the trick so quickly…" he murmured, delight and anticipation curling beneath his low voice. "Interesting… very interesting."
The director's shadow slowly retreated into the darkness of the balcony, unnoticed by anyone else.
Unaware of the watchful eyes above, Dolo strode forward with his parents, his chest tight with exhilaration and nerves as his mind spun with possibilities.
"Intelligence 7… Luck 12… Level 3. Five active skills before even entering the academy. This is going to be fun."
He glanced back at the receptionist, who was still staring at him with a mix of surprise and respect.
Dolo thought with an inner laugh:
"Welcome to school, Dolo. This is where the real game begins."