Reincarnation of Nikola Tesla in another world-Chapter 28: noob

The first thing Kim became aware of was warmth.

Not the harsh heat of a forge or the burning sun overhead, but a gentle, comforting warmth—the kind that wrapped around his body like a thick blanket. His mind stirred, drifting between sleep and wakefulness, refusing to rise from the depths of rest.

Then, the sound of footsteps.

Soft but precise, moving with an unhurried rhythm.

Kim's eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the soft glow of the morning light spilling in through the curtains. He found himself staring at the ceiling, the intricate patterns of gold and silver lining its edges.

Oh. Right.

He wasn't in the orphanage anymore. Or a village inn. Or even some rundown storage shed.

He was in a wizard's castle.

A polite cough broke the silence.

Kim turned his head slightly, eyes landing on Alphonse, the ever-efficient butler standing by the doorway.

"Good morning, young master," Alphonse greeted, his tone perfectly neutral. "I trust you had a restful sleep?"

Kim stretched, feeling the luxurious sheets under his fingers. He had to admit—it was the best sleep he'd had in years. No thin straw mattresses, no cold drafts sneaking through wooden walls, no faint smell of mold hanging in the air.

Still, he wasn't about to make it easy for the old man.

"I slept adequately," Kim said with a lazy smirk. "Though I must say, for a so-called Grand Wizard's Tower, I expected the beds to float or at least be enchanted to massage your back while you sleep."

Alphonse didn't even blink. "Master Vaqihr prefers practicality over excessive luxury. He believes comfort should be appreciated, not indulged in."

Kim clicked his tongue. "Tch. So he's one of those nobles."

"A rather powerful noble," Alphonse corrected, stepping aside and motioning toward the door. "Now, if you would follow me, breakfast is ready."

Kim sighed but got out of bed. "Well, I suppose I shouldn't let free food go to waste."

The dining hall was massive.

Kim had seen noble banquet halls before, but this? This was a different level. The ceiling stretched impossibly high, supported by polished marble pillars. Chandeliers hung above, their glow illuminating the long, absurdly long dining table that stretched down the room.

At least thirty seats lined each side, all empty except for one at the very end where Kim was led to sit.

A steaming meal was already placed before him—a spread of meats, fresh bread, fruit, and a cup of something warm that smelled like honey and herbs.

Kim sat down, taking in the sheer size of the hall. "Bit much, don't you think?"

Alphonse stood nearby, as composed as ever. "Master Vaqihr values tradition. The dining hall remains prepared for any unexpected guests, though that is a rare occurrence."

Kim picked up a fork. "Right. A whole castle and no one to eat in it. Sounds lonely."

Alphonse only gave a slight nod, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

Kim took a bite of the roasted meat and hummed in approval. At least the food is good.

"So," Kim started after a few moments of quiet chewing, "does Master Vaqihr ever eat here?"

"Occasionally," Alphonse answered. "But he often prefers his private chambers or is too occupied with his studies."

"Workaholic," Kim muttered.

He let the silence sit for a while as he enjoyed his meal. It was strangely peaceful—no orphans fighting over scraps, no merchants shouting over prices, no distant hum of city chaos.

Then, something caught his eye.

At the far end of the table, nearly opposite to where he sat, was a golden chair.

Not a chair with gold accents.

Not a fancy wooden chair painted to look expensive.

A proper golden chair.

It gleamed under the chandelier's light, the metal molded into elegant curves and detailed engravings. It wasn't just for decoration—it looked used, built for someone to actually sit in.

Kim set his fork down.

He motioned toward the chair with his chin. "And that? A throne for a guest of honor?"

Alphonse followed his gaze, his neutral mask unchanging. "That seat was designed specifically for Lord Valenforth, Master Vaqihr's father."

Kim raised an eyebrow. "And he sits there every time he visits?"

A pause.

Then, Alphonse let out a small, barely noticeable sigh.

"Alas," he said, "he never comes here."

Kim frowned. Before he could ask anything else, Alphonse smoothly changed the subject. "If you are finished with your meal, I have other matters to attend to."

Kim narrowed his eyes. Dodging my question, huh?

But he let it slide.

"Yeah, yeah," he waved a hand. "Go do your mysterious butler things."

Alphonse gave a small bow before walking off, disappearing into one of the many corridors.

As soon as he was gone, Kim leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers against the wooden table.

Lord Valenforth. Vaqihr's father.

A man important enough to have a custom golden chair in a massive dining hall... but he never came here?

Kim filed the information away for later.

Then, his eyes flicked back to the golden chair.

He had Appraisal, didn't he?

His lips curled slightly. "Might as well put it to use."

With a casual glance, he activated Appraisal.

Nothing.

No pop-up. No text. No item description.

Just an error message.

[ Skill Level Too Low ]

Appraisal is insufficient. Upgrade required.

Kim stared at the message.

"Huh."

That was... unexpected.

At first, he thought the chair might've been something special—a relic, an artifact, a cursed object—but now?

lets try it once more.

[ Skill Level Too Low ]

Appraisal is insufficient. Upgrade required.

Kim frowned. Again?

He glanced around the grand dining hall, his gaze landing on the knight's armor standing tall near the entrance. The metal glistened under the morning light, its polished surface almost reflective. If the chair didn't work, maybe this would.

Appraisal.

[ Skill Level Too Low ]

Appraisal is insufficient. Upgrade required.

Kim squinted. What?

He turned toward the decorative treasure chests lined up against the walls. Probably empty, just there for show—but still, worth a try.

Appraisal.

[ Skill Level Too Low ]

He clicked his tongue. Fine, what about that?

A marble statue of some regal-looking figure stood near the staircase. The detail on the carving was impressive—every groove of the robes, the cold yet dignified expression, the outstretched hand as if it were about to speak.

Appraisal.

Updated from freewёbnoνel.com.

[ Skill Level Too Low ]

Kim exhaled through his nose. Right. Now it's just getting annoying.

It wasn't the chair. It wasn't the armor. It wasn't the statue.

It was the tower itself.

This entire place was covered in magical suppression, preventing casual magic from being used. A control mechanism.

But why?

The obvious reason was security. Wizards weren't idiots—they wouldn't let people snoop around unchecked. But the level of restriction here? It wasn't just about keeping outsiders from stealing secrets. It felt more like... his previous office where any new ideas were suppressed.

Interesting.

Very interesting.

Kim smirked, resting his chin on his palm.