Spending my way to Godhood: I am the heir to a fortune.

The King’s Invitation

The morning sun filtered through the high stained-glass windows of the Vance Guild Manor, casting quiet golden light across the dining hall, Fluffy, the massive S-Rank Shadow Fenrir, lay sprawled near the fireplace like a giant velvet rug, letting out low, rhythmic snores that vibrated the floorboards.

Lucian sat at the head of the long table, swinging his legs back and forth while dipping a buttered roll into hot soup.

Above his head, the blue system screen hummed quietly, showing a relaxed 24-hour countdown.

[Daily Yield Deposited: 200,000 Gold.]

[Unspent Balance: 200,000 Gold.]

[Time Remaining: 15 Hours 42 Minutes.]

[System Rule: Fair Economic Value Required for All Purchases.]

"It's nice having time to eat," Lucian murmured, taking a happy bite. "No rushing, no tummy aches."

"Do not get too comfortable, young master," Barnaby said, floating through a decorative armor stand to check the window. "A full day is plenty of time, but the Fair Value Rule means you cannot simply dump two hundred thousand gold on a single loaf of bread, every coin must buy real, legitimate value."

Before Lucian could answer, the front doors of the manor creaked open, there was no fanfare, no shouting guards, and no drawn swords, An old man walked into the hall alone, he wore a simple, fine woolen cloak over dark tunic robes, carrying a carved wooden walking stick. Yet, despite his plain clothes, the subtle wave of majestic aura surrounding him made even Fluffy open one massive ruby eye, raising his ears in quiet recognition.

It was King Alden of the Capital Realm.

Barnaby's ghostly form instantly straightened, dropping into a deep, respectful bow. "Your Majesty."

Lucian blinked, dropping his roll onto his plate. "The King?"

King Alden smiled warmly, stepping forward and looking around the grand hall with a hint of nostalgia. "Sit down, young Lucian. I did not come today with tax auditors or imperial guards, i came as an old friend of your father, Arthur Vance."

Lucian tilted his head, his small fingers tightening around his napkins. "You knew my dad?"

"I did," Alden said softly, stopping near the edge of the table. "Your father was not just a grand merchant, Lucian, he was the pillar of this territory, the powerhouse who kept our borders safe from rival realms and rogue beasts and he did so because, like you, he was chosen by something special."

The King gestured lightly to the air, pulling back his cloak. A faint, glowing amber seal flickered above Alden's palm, a low-tier, ancient [Ruler's Legacy System (D-Rank)].

Lucian gasped slightly. "You have a box too?!"

"A very modest one," King Alden chuckled, letting the seal fade. "Mine only helps me manage kingdom trade ledgers and court politics but the world outside these capital walls is vast, Lucian, there are many who awaken Systems, some train for years to gain tiny shreds of strength, others seek to conquer."

The King reached into his robes and pulled out a heavy, dark-blue letter sealed with silver wax, stamped with the crest of a sword crossing a golden coin.

"This is an invitation to the Royal Arcane & System Academy," King Alden said, placing the letter gently on the table in front of Lucian. "It is a sanctuary built in the central province, where System Users from every noble house and distant territory gather to master their gifts."

Lucian looked at the silver seal, then up at the King. "Why do you want me to go?"

"Because right now, you are a ten-year-old child holding the wealth of an empire and S-Rank magic in a small body," Alden said, his eyes turning serious yet gentle. "Local greedy merchants and bitter relatives like Robert are small fish, out there, stronger System users, older, battle-hardened youths will eventually come to take what is yours."

The King leaned down, resting his hand lightly on Lucian's shoulder.

"Your father was the shield of this realm, Lucian. If you go to the Academy, you will learn to master your power, protect your legacy, and grow into the true powerhouse this land needs. You won't just hold wealth, you will stand at the very top."

Barnaby floated down near Lucian's side, staring at the invitation. 'The Royal Academy,' Barnaby whispered thoughtfully. 'The concentration of trade networks, rare magic artifacts, and high-tier property deeds there is immense, young master. It is the perfect place for your daily yield to flourish.'

Lucian looked down at his small hands, then at the wooden toy dragon resting beside his plate. He thought of his parents' guild, and how close he had come to losing everything.

"Will... will there be people there who can teach me how to stop getting tired when I use my magic?" Lucian asked quietly.

King Alden smiled, nodding warmly. "The finest masters in the continent."

Lucian picked up the blue letter, breaking the silver seal. "Okay. I'll go."