Reborn as a Useless Noble with my SSS-Class Innate Talent

Kyle and Melissa arrived at the royal castle, dust still clinging to their cloaks from their journey.

News of their return spread like wildfire, and within the hour, an emergency meeting was called in the royal war chamber.

The long table was crowded with nobles, generals, and advisors—all visibly tense.

The moment Kyle stepped inside, murmurs filled the hall, but they quieted as he took his place beside the Crown Prince.

"We need to do something! The black mana is spreading! Our crops are failing, our borders are collapsing, and our people—our people are starving!"

Councilman Hargen slammed his palm on the table, voice trembling with frustration.

Other nobles echoed his concern.

"With harvest season approaching, we can't afford another hit."

"Our villages are losing faith in the crown!"

"They believe the gods have cursed us for siding with you, Kyle!"

The accusations flew, but Kyle raised a hand and the room fell silent.

"I understand. But panic will solve nothing."

Kyle said.

"Then what do you propose?"

The Councilman snapped.

"I've already put something in motion. Artisans and mages trained in rune-crafting are en route to every village as we speak. They will create rune barriers—shields to hold off the corrupted mana. It's a temporary solution, but it'll buy us time."

Kyle replied.

A murmur of cautious relief moved through the room.

"Will it be enough?"

One noble asked skeptically.

"No. But it's better than doing nothing."

Kyle said bluntly.

The Crown Prince leaned forward.

"Temporary solutions won't save this kingdom in the long run. We need a permanent fix, Kyle. The people are tired. I'm tired."

"I understand. But the source of this black mana isn't something we can solve overnight. It's divine in origin. You know that. And the gods won't stop until this land submits… or falls."

Kyle said.

The Crown Prince rubbed his temple, sighing.

"Do what you must, but hurry. If we don't give the people hope soon, we may face rebellion from within before the monsters get us."

Kyle nodded.

"Then I'll return to my village and check how things stand there. It's the only place the mana hasn't touched yet. There might be a clue."

"That's too dangerous. You've made many enemies recently. Some are whispering your name like it's a curse."

The Crown Prince said.

"I'm not surprised."

"I can't stop you, but I ask—no, I order—that you don't go alone. Take at least two elites with you."

The prince continued.

Kyle's eyes flicked toward Melissa, who stood calmly behind him.

"I already have someone."

The prince looked unconvinced.

"Then take another. You're too important to lose now."

Kyle gave a wry smile.

"You're starting to sound like you care."

"I care about this kingdom. And like it or not, you're the only one keeping it from falling."

Mikalius said, his voice sharper than steel.

A heavy silence hung in the room after those words.

"I'll be cautious. But if anything happens, you must continue the rune deployment. That is your lifeline."

Kyle said finally.

The prince nodded slowly.

As the meeting dispersed, the nobles left with mixed expressions—some relieved, others clearly frustrated. Melissa caught up to Kyle in the corridor.

"We leaving soon?"

"Now. Get your gear. We'll take the lesser road."

Kyle said without missing a beat.

Melissa nodded.

"You think someone will try to ambush us?"

Kyle didn't answer. His silence was answer enough.

Behind them, the castle echoed with hushed whispers, but Kyle's eyes were focused forward. The gods had made their move. Now it was his turn.

______

Kyle and Melissa arrived at the village gates just as the sun was dipping beyond the horizon.

Despite the chaos that had been gripping the outside world, the village stood strong—unburnt, undisturbed, and almost eerily peaceful.

A soft, comforting breeze carried the scent of cooked meals and woodsmoke, and the sound of children's laughter echoed faintly in the distance.

Bruce was already waiting at the gate, his stance sharp and attentive. The moment he saw Kyle, he broke into a rare smile.

"You're back, young master. And not a moment too soon."

Bruce said, stepping forward.

Kyle nodded, his eyes scanning the perimeter.

"I can tell the place is untouched. You've done well."

Bruce gave a half-shrug.

"It wasn't all me. Sasha's runes have fortified the entire outer wall, and the dragon—Lysander—he's grown fast. You wouldn't believe how protective he's become of this village. Nothing gets past him."

"I expected nothing less. Keep it up."

Kyle reached out and gave Bruce a firm pat on the shoulder.

Bruce nodded, his expression sobering slightly.

"We've been holding strong, but everyone was getting worried. There hasn't been a day when people didn't ask if you were safe. Seeing you here—it's like hope walked back into the village."

As they walked further into the village, people slowly emerged from their homes and shops.

Eyes lit up at the sight of Kyle, whispers turned into cheers, and soon, the air buzzed with relief and warmth.

A few of the elderly villagers bowed their heads, while the children ran forward to wave, giggling with delight.

Melissa looked around and allowed a faint smile to tug at her lips.

"They really trust you."

Kyle didn't respond, but his gaze softened as he waved back at the people.

Bruce leaned in.

"There's something else."

Kyle turned to face him.

"Go on."

"Silvy's been moved here. Along with her party. The puppet brought her. It said she'd be safer here."

Bruce said, voice dropping to a quieter tone.

Kyle's brows twitched.

"And where is it now?"

"Training ground. But, young master, I don't trust that thing."

Bruce replied reluctantly.

Kyle raised a brow.

"Why?"

Bruce's lips pressed into a thin line.

"It doesn't breathe, doesn't rest, and doesn't speak unless spoken to. It trains endlessly, like it's preparing for something bigger. Something unnatural. And… the way it watches people—it doesn't feel like a mere puppet. It feels like a soldier waiting for orders."

Kyle absorbed the information, thoughtful.

"Still, it brought Silvy here. That's not nothing."

"I'm not saying it's hostile, but be careful. It might be more than we understand."

Bruce admitted,

"You don't have to worry about it. Check on Silvy. Let me know if her condition has changed."

Kyle turned to Melissa.

Melissa nodded, already walking toward the village's medical house.

Bruce gave Kyle a last, warning glance.

"I'll keep watch. But if it tries anything, I won't hold back."

Kyle gave a short nod before heading toward the training grounds.

The path curved through the village's outskirts and eventually opened into a wide clearing, where dummies lined the perimeter and weapons were stacked along one side.

And in the center stood the puppet—a tall, imposing figure with gleaming black armor and a long spear resting on its back.

It stood with its back to Kyle, movements smooth and methodical as it struck a training dummy with rapid, precise jabs.

The force behind each strike shattered the wooden dummy's limbs one by one.

Kyle stopped a few feet away.

"You've been busy."

The puppet stilled instantly. Slowly, it turned to face Kyle, eyes glowing faintly beneath its helm. It bowed its head with mechanical grace.

"Master. It is good to see you again."