《Belcrystal: A New Origin》


 Whispers of Fate

    Prologue: Whispers of Fate


    Year 357, Barley Street, Novar City(City of Triumph)


    The city of Novar loomed vast and sprawling, its heartbeat echoing through the narrow alleys and bustling streets. Section 22, a place of both survival and despair, was alive with the clamor of industry and the whispers of those who dwelled in its shadows. The air was thick with the metallic clang of blacksmiths, their hammers striking iron in a rhythmic dance. Savz-drawn carts lumbered past, their massive forms a common sight amidst the chaos.


    Elijah Serpens walked with a measured stride down Barley Street, his presence commanding attention. His black hair, streaked with green highlights, and piercing green eyes marked him unmistakably as a member of the Serpens family¡ªa lineage both feared and respected in these parts. As he moved through the crowd, people cast wary glances his way, the tension palpable. Mothers pulled their children closer, and vendors paused mid-transaction, eyes flickering with a mix of curiosity and caution.


    Lighting a cigarette with a flick of a match, Elijah inhaled deeply, the smoke curling around him like a shroud. His gaze, sharp and calculating, swept over the scene before him. He noted the dry cleaners diligently at work, their eyes occasionally darting in his direction, and the blacksmiths whose rhythm never faltered, though their attention wavered.


    It was a city alive with stories, each corner and crevice whispering secrets to those who knew how to listen. Elijah, however, was here for one story in particular¡ªa tale woven about the ''fortune girl'', Rita De Maria. She was gaining a lot of attention in Section 22 recently, said to possess an uncanny ability to glimpse one''s fate with a single glance.


    He silently inhaled deeply, letting the smoke from his cigarette curl lazily into the air as he surveyed the scene before him.


    His destination was a small, unassuming alley where the fortune teller was said to reside. The entrance was marked by faded symbols and the scent of incense, a stark contrast to the bustling street. Elijah''s gaze was soon drawn to a young girl with striking black hair and pink irises¡ªRita De Maria, the Fortune Girl. She was accompanied by an elderly woman called Rosa, their demeanor cautious yet curious.


    As they approached, the elderly woman took a protective step forward, her hands slightly trembling. "Mr. Serpens," she greeted warily, her voice wavering slightly as she acknowledged his presence, her eyes flickering between him and Rita.


    Elijah nodded, a silent acknowledgment of their respect, though his expression remained inscrutable. He handed over 30 shells, the currency exchanged quickly and without ceremony, his fingers brushing against the smooth coins.


    "I''ve come to tell my fortune," he stated, his voice low and steady.


    Rita stepped forward, her eyes meeting his with a pinkish glow, her gaze unwavering and penetrating. For a moment, the world seemed to hold its breath, the noise of Barley Street fading into the background as she stared.


    Vague images of high-rise buildings, metallic creatures similar to the four-wheeled aether-powered vehicles used by the rich, and clear blue skies that stretched as far as the eyes could see flickered across her vision for a few seconds, making her flinch. Curiosity painted across her youthful face, she spoke, her voice barely above a whisper, "Sir, you''re not from around here, are you?"


    The words hung in the air, a strange chill settling over the encounter as Rosa shielded the young girl slightly, her body tense. Elijah took another drag from his cigarette, unfazed by the elderly woman''s protective stance, contemplating Rita''s question before responding, his tone laced with intrigue, "Curious, but my body was indeed born in this city."


    Rita raised a brow at his response, her expression shifting to one of earnestness as she hesitated before speaking again. "May I?" she asked softly, pointing at Elijah''s arm, indicating that she wished to see his palm.


    The cigarette dangled from his lips as he exhaled a cloud of smoke, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Okay," he replied, stretching his palm out, his fingers splayed as if offering her a treasure.


    Rita held his hand gently, her fingers delicate yet firm, watching Elijah''s expression intently. A soft glow emanated from her eyes before she glanced down at the lines on his palm. Soon, a vision appeared once again: an elderly man in a dark room began walking toward the stars with a walking stick, slowly morphing into the Elijah she knew. Suddenly, his shadow spread out from his feet at an incredible pace, silently devouring the starry sky. At some point, he stopped moving and suddenly turned to look at her, his gaze piercing through the darkness and finally falling on Rita.


    Rita''s face paled with fear as she stumbled back, her eyes wide and glistening with tears. Rosa quickly knelt beside her, an instinctive move to shield her from the weight of the moment. "I see", Elijah spoke first, his tone thoughtful, as if her vision had confirmed something he already suspected. After collecting herself, she found Elijah watching her silently.


    "Let me ask you a question, Rita" His tone was much colder than his initial detached demeanor, "Did you expose your ability to draw me out?"


    Her eyes widened in surprise but quickly pursed her lips, Rosa was also shocked as she looked at the young girl. She was probably wondering why Rita would want to attract the attention of such a man.


    "Yes," She finally says after a bit of contemplation, she added, "I wasn''t sure who you were but I knew exposing myself was the only way to draw out the..."


    A flicker of memories danced in her mind¡ªstories her mother used to tell her about Bestat De Maria, the Witch of Fate, the strongest of her line, her mother would say, "To think my child would be the first in 60 years to awaken this ability on her own without potions, my Little Lily, I don''t know if this is a blessing or a curse. If only your great-great-grandfather was able to entrust us with the knowledge of the Fate Witch''s potion before his demise, that would have helped our women transcend the realm of mortals, But now, that knowledge was lost, buried with my parents in the chaos of the last war."


    A tremor coursed through her as she felt the weight of her lineage pressing down on her. If she couldn''t find the potion or a way to harness her abilities, what was once a gift could easily become a curse¡ªone that would consume her mind and spirit as it had threatened to do in the past.


    "Rita?" Rosa''s voice broke her reverie, filled with concern as she watched the flicker of fear in the young girl''s eyes. "Remember what I told you about your mother''s last words? We''ll find a way, my dear. You have the strength of Bestat in you."


    Rita looked at her nanny, gratitude swelling in her chest alongside her fears. "But what if it happens again, Rosa? What if it takes me?" A tear slipped down her cheek, and she quickly wiped it away, unwilling to show weakness before this powerful man.


    Elijah observed them silently, intrigued. The bond between them was palpable, a mixture of love and desperation. ''They are bound by fate,'' he thought. ''Perhaps I can use this to my advantage.''


    Rosa knelt beside Rita, her voice a whisper filled with loyalty. "I stayed by your side after your parents died, and I will continue to do so. We will uncover the truth together, no matter the cost."


    As Elijah flicked ash from his cigarette, he sensed the weight of their shared history. Rita suddenly paused, before saying to Elijah, "I saw my fate, my power is a curse without the necessary potion, and this was the only way I see myself surviving."


    Upon hearing this, His cold expression eased up "The white patch of hair is the price of seeing that fate, yes?" he responded, his voice calm as he pointed at a spot on Rita''s black hair, masking the swirl of thoughts within.You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    Rita was once again surprised by Elijah''s sharpness but Rosa quickly knelt down, although she didn''t understand what her master meant, she understood that this dangerous man was her master''s only hope, "Please, Sir," Rosa begged, her voice shaky with urgency. "If you can help her, I will do anything¡ªanything you ask."


    "Granny Rosa!" Rita interrupted, her voice cracking as a tear rolled down her cheek, her distress evident. She looked from Rosa to Elijah, her small frame trembling under the weight of the situation.


    Elijah observed the scene quietly, his expression unreadable. ''She might indeed be useful,'' he mused, flicking ash from his cigarette with a casual flick of his fingers. ''Having a descendant of Bestat De Maria under my command might not be a bad idea.''


    "Alright, I''ll help you," he finally spoke, his tone steady as he pulled out his pocket watch, its metallic surface gleaming in the dim light. He checked the time, his brow furrowing slightly as he calculated. "I''ll send for you when it''s time."


    The two women exchanged glances, gratitude flooding their expressions, and they thanked him profusely before retreating. Elijah watched them disappear into the throng, their figures swallowed by the bustling crowd, leaving him alone with his thoughts.


    He stood there for a moment longer, letting the noise of Barley Street wash over him like a tide. The city was a living entity, its streets veins of opportunity and danger, each corner holding both promise and peril. Elijah knew he had to carve his path in this world, armed only with the knowledge of his creation and the weight of his lineage, he was at a great starting point.


    ''Things won''t be the same this time,'' he thought, a hint of an ambitious smile playing on his lips. ''With my knowledge of this world, it shouldn''t be that hard to stand at the top of this world, right?''


    With a final glance at the bustling street, he noticed a henchman approaching, his presence a reminder of the world he now navigated. Elijah flicked the cigarette to the ground, crushing it underfoot as he turned away, determination hardening his features. The path ahead was uncertain, but in a world where shadows danced with secrets, Elijah Serpens was resolved to cast his light.


    For now, though, he had other tasks to attend to...


    "We found him, sir"


    _____________


    Later That Evening,


    The streets of Section 22 were beginning to quiet down as the evening cast its shroud over the smokey skies of Novar. Shadows lengthened, and the city took on an eerie stillness, punctuated by the occasional distant clatter of hooves or muffled voices.


    Through this dim landscape, a man with greasy brown hair hurried across the cobblestones, his movements frantic and his eyes darting nervously. Nicolas was a man driven by desperation, oblivious to the world around him as he made a beeline for apartment number 11. He knocked furiously, casting anxious glances over his shoulder as if expecting danger to materialize from the darkness.


    "Craig!" he finally shouted upon hearing no response, his voice a mixture of urgency and fear.


    The door suddenly swung open with a creak, revealing a bulky man with balding blonde hair and a full beard, his flushed face contorted into a scowl. Craig, notorious for his indulgences in drink, smoke, and fleeting pleasures, was clearly not pleased to be interrupted. "Bloody hell! Nicolas! What''s your problem? A man can''t have a good time anymore?" he growled, adjusting his pants with a huff.


    "I need help, I need your help!" Nicolas blurted out, his voice trembling slightly as he met Craig''s gaze. The latter sighed, casting a wary glance down the street before stepping aside to let Nicolas in. As the door clicked shut behind them, the silhouette of Elijah Serpens emerged from a shadowy alley along with a loyal henchman.


    Dressed in a sharp black suit, the silver glint of his pocket watch caught the light, a twisted snake insignia gleaming on the green ring adorning his left index finger. His presence was a silent promise of power and influence, his eyes watching the apartment door with a predatory gaze.


    He took a final drag from his cigarette, the embers glowing briefly before he flicked it aside. His thoughts were a mystery, hidden behind a calm exterior as he turned and vanished into the alley, his figure melting into the night.


    Meanwhile, inside Craig''s apartment,


    The interior of Craig''s apartment was a testament to his vices. The air was thick with the stale scent of tobacco and alcohol, the furniture worn and haphazardly arranged. Empty bottles littered the floor, and a haze of smoke hung in the air, catching the dim light of a single flickering bulb.


    Once inside, Nicolas wasted no time. "I''m in deep trouble, Craig. I need to borrow 6000 Slorins to pay back the Serpens brothers. I''m already a week past the deadline."


    Craig''s eyes widened, a look of genuine alarm crossing his features. "Blessed Mother Virgo!, Are you mad, Nicolas? You brought this trouble to my doorstep? No one has that many caps lying around, you know? A week!"


    "Please, Craig!" Nicolas said through gritted teeth.


    Craig let out a sigh of regret before declaring "It''s unfortunate, but I can''t help you right now, my friend."


    Nicolas sank into a chair, his face buried in his hands. "Ugh! What have I done, all I had to do was mind my own business, how could Linda do this to me?"


    He looked up at his bulky friend, "I think, I might really die, Craig. I was so stupid, I should have known she was too good to be true, I can''t believe she got me drunk, Somehow she had me stand in for her as a guarantor for some gambling. After that, I couldn''t find her, and after almost losing my arm, I had to lend money from the Serpens, now I owe them more than I can handle."


    Craig hesitated, his mind racing. He genuinely wished to help his friend but... The Serpens brothers were infamous in Section 22, their reputation bolstered by dark tales whispered in hushed circles. It was said they could make men disappear without a trace, their vengeance swift and merciless. It was better to offend the Serpens family as a whole than to offend the "Serpens brothers", Some claimed they were seen as shadows in the night, others spoke of their eyes¡ªlike emerald flames, capable of striking terror into the hearts of even the bravest souls.


    Craig scratched his chin, then sighed in frustration. "If you''re that desperate, maybe you should talk to Goldan. He''s a half-orc loan shark, popular around here. But tread carefully; he''s not known for his kindness, he''s as greedy as they come."


    Nicolas shook his head vehemently. "No, not Goldan. I''ve heard stories about him too. I''d rather face the Serpens than owe Goldan anything."


    Craig shrugged, resigned, and grabbed his half-finished bottle of ale. "Suit yourself. But be careful, Nicolas. It''s a dangerous game you''re playing, it''s probably best you see the Eldest, Charles, at least he''s said to be the most amiable of them."


    With a heavy heart, Nicolas rose, mumbled his thanks, and headed for the door. He doubts that would help, especially with the rumors going around recently that someone robbed their Safe at the pub.


    The night air was a cool balm against the tension that gripped Nicolas as he exited Craig''s disheveled apartment. The street was quieter now, a hushed anticipation lingering in the darkness. He walked cautiously toward his next destination, yet, unbeknownst to him, Elijah followed silently, his footsteps a ghostly echo in the labyrinthine streets of Section 22.


    Nicolas walked with an uneasy pace, his mind a churning sea of dread and regret. He wished he could find Linda at least but It wasn''t long before the sound of someone whistling a slow eerie tune came from behind him, alerting him of a presence behind him, a chill creeping up his spine.


    He quickened his steps, casting furtive glances over his shoulder. His breath came faster, shallow and panicked, as he realized he was being pursued.


    Elijah followed with a predator''s patience, his demeanor calm and collected as he whistled casually. The moonlight glinted off his silver pocket watch, the twisted snake insignia on his ring catching the light with every measured step. His suit was immaculate, a stark contrast to the chaotic streets around him.


    Nicolas''s hurried pace led him into a secluded alley, a dead end where the city''s whispers faded into an eerie silence. Realization struck him like a blow, and he spun around, eyes wide with fear as he faced his pursuer.


    "Mr. Nicolas, was this where you were headed? I thought you were in a hurry?" Elijah''s voice was smooth, although he sounded surprised, it was almost mocking, as he regarded Nicolas with a small, cold smile. He stroked his chin thoughtfully, the gesture casual in the face of Nicolas''s growing terror.


    The effect was immediate. Nicolas''s legs gave way beneath him, and he plopped to his knees, his body trembling like a cornered animal. His pupils were dilated, heart pounding in his chest as cold sweat slicked his skin.


    "Mister... No! Lord Elijah! Forgive me!" he cried out, his voice cracking as he spoke. ''Of all the brothers, it had to be him,'' he thought in despair. ''I guess my luck ends here.''


    Elijah approached with deliberate slowness, his gaze fixed on Nicolas as though he could strip him of his very soul with a mere look. Nicolas could hardly breathe, the weight of impending doom pressing heavily upon him.


    "You look awful"


    "P...please c-could you Gi... Give! Give me some more time. Six thousand slorins isn''t a small amount," Nicolas stuttered, his voice barely above a whisper, the plea laced with desperation.


    "Unfortunately, Mr. Nicolas, that wasn''t the agreement and we really need that money, you know, mouths to feed, bills to settle, etcetera etcetera" A teasing smile played on Elijah''s lips as he spoke, "Besides..." he paused while looking at the sky with a disappointed expression, "I honestly don''t think you can get the money no matter how long you are given," his tone light yet carrying an undeniable edge.


    Nicolas was speechless, the truth of Elijah''s words hitting him with a finality he couldn''t deny. His mind raced, searching for an escape, but Elijah''s presence was all-consuming.


    Elijah stepped closer, his movements fluid and unhurried. He loomed over Nicolas, his shadow casting a long silhouette in the alley''s dim light. "Am I wrong? Ni-Co-Las?" he asked, each syllable deliberate, like a predator toying with its prey.


    "Argh! I give up!" He finally snapped, He gnashed his teeth as drool slipped off his mouth, his body shook as he recalled the past week, "I tried! I tried everything but nothing seems to be working".


    "All these happened because of that VIXEN!", He staggered to his feet, resentment filling his features as he clenched his fists, "Look, I''ve already lost everything! Kill me if you wish, but it won''t solve the problem, will it?"


    Elijah circled around him, the silence stretching taut between them. He placed a firm hand on Nicolas''s shoulder as the latter flinched, such a gesture was meant to be reassuring but to Nicolas, it was intimidating.


    "Now this is irrefutably awkward, isn''t it? Nicolas Durain," he said, his voice a low murmur that seemed to echo in the confined space.


    Nicolas looked up, his expression from earlier faltered like morning dew. He laughed manically in hysteria and soon began to ramble incomprehensibly.


    Upon listening closely, Elijah found out he was actually mumbling prayers, this made him amused once again. He calmly turned to the side and glanced at his pocket watch before turning his attention back to Nicolas.


    Elijah considered him for a moment, his expression inscrutable. "I have a proposition. A way for you to offset your debt¡ªby doing something for me."


    Nicolas gulped loudly before nodding his head, relief washed over him but it was mixed with apprehension. "I''ll do it.", There was no other choice, saying "No" would only lead to death.


    A smile crept up Elijah''s lips as he probed, "You might die gruesomely"


    Nicolas frowned with worry but still spoke firmly, "I''ll do it"


    "Get yourself in order. Three days, Three days from now, I''ll send for you," Elijah instructed, his words carrying a weight that left no room for argument.


    As Nicolas agreed, Elijah turned to leave, his silhouette melding with the shadows at the alley''s entrance. "See you in 3 days, Mr. Nicolas, try not to eat that day, you''ll just throw it up anyway," he called over his shoulder, his voice a promise and a threat intertwined.


    Nicolas fell to his knees once again in the alley and long after Elijah''s footsteps faded into the night, his breath turned into ragged gasps. Relief washed over him, though the future remained uncertain. For now, he had escaped the jaws of disaster, but the path ahead was now shrouded in shadow.


    "He''s just as unpredictable as they say"

 The First Steps ?(1)

    Chapter 1: The First step?(1)


    East Tower Avenue


    It was late at night when Elijah returned to Tower Avenue, one of the hearts of Section 22''s vibrant nightlife. This popular area connected four major roads, each leading to bustling spots filled with life. At its center stood the imposing black clock tower, a marvel of Aether and intricate machinery, its chimes echoing softly in the stillness of the night. Four similar towers marked the cardinal points of Section 22, each said to power the district''s electricity, their shadows looming over the streets like watchful sentinels.


    Elijah strolled towards the "Little Rabbit" Inn, his left arm tucked casually in his pocket. As he walked, he exchanged nods with a few familiar faces¡ªmen who raised their hats in greeting, a subtle acknowledgment of their silent vigilance. It was a clever ruse he had devised upon waking three months ago, turning ordinary bystanders into eyes and ears for the Serpens brothers.


    With an impassive expression, Elijah navigated through the well-lit streets of Tower Avenue, noticeably better maintained than the surrounding areas¡ªa testament to its significance to the council, receiving regular upkeep every three months.


    As he approached the "Little Rabbit," a wide two-story building that served as both an inn and a tavern, the atmosphere shifted. The exterior exuded warmth, built from a mix of wood, stacked stones, and white marble pillars, all harmonizing in a delightful brown and white theme reminiscent of milk and chocolate. The cheerful sounds of laughter and music spilled out through the large curtained windows, wrapping around him like a familiar embrace.


    Elijah pushed open the heavy wood-metal door, and an intoxicating blend of scents welcomed him¡ªsmoky meats, spiced brews, and the unmistakable hint of mischief. Inside, the tavern buzzed with life, every corner filled with chatter and clinking glasses.


    "Evening, Master Eli!" greeted Ruth, the bartender, her voice rising above the din as she rushed past him, laden with orders.


    "How''s business, Ruth?" he asked casually, scanning the lively room for any sign of his brothers.


    "Fine, Sir!" she replied, her footsteps light as she darted away.


    Inside the tavern, rounded wooden beams crisscrossed above, supporting the upper floor where iron fans lazily stirred the warm air. The walls adorned with photographs told tales of triumph¡ªfamiliar faces smiling from summits conquered, beasts hunted, and moments shared.


    The place was thrumming with energy, a testament to the hard-working union men who favored this establishment. Long tables overflowed with a traveling merchant group, while smaller tables hosted laughter and revelry, the air thick with the scent of stale beer and sweat. Elijah wrinkled his nose slightly; the cacophony and disarray of the tavern clashed with his innate desire for order and cleanliness. He had always preferred the tranquility of solitude, but the weight of his family legacy anchored him here. The "Little Rabbit" was the final gift from their father to their mother, a name derived from the endearing nickname he had called her¡ªhe always said he was the snake that caught the moon rabbit.


    A small, wry laugh escaped his lips at the thought; it was all a bit too sentimental. Shaking off the nostalgia, he approached the bar, where a different bartender, Marcus, slid into view.


    From the side, he could hear talks about a possible strike from some Union Workers...


    "Evening, Master Eli," Marcus greeted, wiping his hands on a rag.


    Elijah reached into his inner suit pocket, pulling out a slorin note and placing it on the bar. "Just the usual, Marcus," he said, his voice steady.


    "As you wish," Marcus replied, getting to work with practiced precision. A minute later, he slid a vibrant drink towards Elijah. "Here it is¡ªa blooming Lotus."


    Elijah eyed the drink, its colors swirling like a captured sunset, before downing it in a single gulp. "Are my brothers in?" he asked, dropping the empty glass back onto the bar.


    "Master Adam was here about an hour ago, but I haven''t seen the Boss or Master Thomas," Marcus replied quickly, his brow furrowing slightly.


    Elijah nodded, the absence of his brothers wasn''t necessarily a bad thing. "Keep up the good work," he said, turning to leave, the vibrant atmosphere behind him fading into a distant hum as he stepped back into the night.


    "Guess I should head home and conclude the experiment"


    _______


    As Elijah stepped away from the lively chaos of the "Little Rabbit," the cool night air wrapped around him like a cloak, a stark contrast to the warmth he had just left behind. The streetlamps illuminated East Tower Avenue with a soft, golden glow, casting flickering shadows on the cobblestones beneath his feet. He made his way to a waiting horse-drawn carriage, its dignified dark green exterior and brass fittings hinting at the solemnity of the evening ahead.


    "Fortune Street, No. 9," he instructed the driver, his voice steady and calm, concealing the turmoil that brewed within him. As the carriage lurched forward, the rhythmic clatter of hooves against the cobblestones formed a soothing cadence, allowing his mind to drift through thoughts of family and the work that awaited him at home.


    The ride was brief, yet the familiar sights of Section 22 slipped by in a blur of muted colors and shadows. Elijah gazed out the window, momentarily lost in the flickering lights of the city, each one a reminder of lives intertwined with his own. When they reached Fortune Street, he stepped down from the carriage, the invigorating coolness of the night air reawakening his senses as he approached his home.


    No. 9 Fortune Street was a modest two-story building, its fa?ade simple yet inviting, adorned with a few potted plants that whispered of care and attention. Inside, the familiar scent of home enveloped him¡ªa blend of aged wood, lavender, and the lingering warmth of memories. The walls were adorned with photographs, each frame a snapshot of life: a family gathering, the twins playing in the garden, and the largest photo capturing a moment of joy¡ªElijah with his wife, Maya, and their two children, all smiles and laughter.


    He paused in front of the family photo, his heart tightening at the sight. "To think I would be a family man in this life," he murmured, a sigh escaping his lips. He felt grateful for their trip to visit his in-laws; the past two months had been a difficult masquerade as Elijah Serpens. Yet, he had grown accustomed to the role, and the weight of it mattered less now.


    "Best finish this experiment and move the lab before their return," he mumbled, glancing back at the photos, the captured faces reflecting moments of joy he felt detached from, yet held memories of. His fingers brushed the glass lightly, lost for a heartbeat, nostalgia battling the chill of his current reality. Maya''s smile seemed to beckon him, a reminder of love and warmth amidst the shadows of this body''s life.


    With a heavy sigh, he tore himself away from the memories, the burden of the moment settling on his shoulders. It was time to shed the facade of normalcy. Swiftly, he unbuttoned his tailored suit, the fabric sliding off his shoulders and pooling at his feet. He pulled out the short intricate dagger sheathed and hidden in his left sleeve. He took off his jacket and shirt,  In its place, he donned a roughly sewn lab coat, its fabric worn and stained from countless failed experiments.


    The coat felt like a second skin, grounding him in purpose as he prepared to face the night''s true calling. "It''s not strange to say that tonight''s results will decide how my life unfolds," he thought, his resolve hardening. He moved deliberately through the apartment, ensuring the doors and windows were securely locked. The faint sounds of the city outside faded as he descended into an atmosphere of isolation and focus.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    Approaching the dining table, he pushed it aside with practiced ease, revealing the edge of a rug beneath. With a sharp tug, he pulled it back, exposing a trapdoor leading to his hidden sanctuary. The basement was a makeshift alchemy lab the original Elijah had crafted over the years, and now it was a refuge for his restless mind. The air was thick with the heady scent of herbs and chemicals, a testament to his relentless pursuit of answers over the past two months.


    Descending the creaking wooden stairs, the dim light illuminated shelves lined with jars of strange substances¡ªcrushed herbs, shimmering powders, and vials of liquid that sparkled like stars. In the far corner, a woman lay chained to the wall, her form still and lifeless, the implications of her presence hanging heavy in the air.


    With an indifferent expression, Elijah settled into the lab, the world above slipping away as the quiet hum of his thoughts mingled with the buzzing of the aether-powered lamp. He began his work, the meticulous nature of alchemy soothing his restless mind.


    He picked up his previous notes, glancing through the information with a practiced eye.


    "Test Subject Number: 012


    Name: Unknown


    Potion Experiment: Imposter


    Subject''s Gender: Female


    Date: 15/4/357


    Source: Homeless and dying, sold herself as payment after being rescued.


    Origin Material: Star-dotted Chameleon(65% compatibility)


    Corresponding Materials: 100 ml of blood from a clay fox aged one to three years old + 20 mg of dream-faced chameleon heart powder + 4 ml of 3-year-old Lunar Bright blossom extract + 5 ml of ...


    Precautionary measure: A strand of my hair, a drop of my blood, and Xannis rune encrypted crystal for dominance.


    Initial Side Effects upon ingestion: body temperature rises immensely within 4 minutes, heartbeat intensifies, impurities in the body are discharged with sweat, skin all over the body continues to disintegrate and reorganize, and skin becomes slightly pale after reorganization.


    Side note: It is important to keep the subject conscious or they might die during the process."


    At this moment, Elijah glanced at the revised potion simmering in the cauldron, its contents swirling with an eerie lavender luminescence. The hours of preparation had led to this critical juncture, where the fate of both his subject and his own future hung in the balance.


    With careful precision, he retrieved a vial from the cluttered workbench, the glass cool against his fingers. He poured the shimmering liquid into a small glass, watching as it reflected the dim light like trapped stars. This was it¡ªthe culmination of his relentless pursuit, the moment that could either redeem him or plunge him deeper into darkness.


    Elijah approached the woman, her chains clinking softly as he knelt beside her. He glance at for a heartbeat, her wavy ginger-colored hair swayed lightly as he raised her face to look at him.


    He frowned slightly, perhaps at a former life, the weight of his present decision might have pressed heavily on his conscience, after all, if it fails, It would mean another innocent death. But, It doesn''t matter in this life, if he wished to survive in this world, he needed power, as much as he could get...


    At that moment, the lab felt like a world apart, a sanctuary of experimentation and desperation intertwined.


    "Be strong, little one," he whispered, a plea to the shadows that surrounded him, subconsciously, he was reminded of his granddaughter in another life and then, with resolute determination, he raised the glass to her lips and unleashed the potion that would change everything.


    ---


    Four minutes later, The chained woman in cream-colored inner clothing suddenly rolled and screamed in pain, her long ginger-colored hair wet with sweat stuck to her face, her skin peeled off and grew again like gray wall skin, her forehead and neck bulging with blue veins, showcasing the rush of aether coursing through them and she was soon grinning like a fish dying of thirst.


    Elijah frowned slightly, he must succeed. Luckily he had prepared water this time, and as soon as he brought it close to her, she grabbed the bucket and lifted it overhead, taking big gulps.


    God knows how much effort he spent collecting these materials over the past week. It had even attracted unwanted attention during the last transaction.


    He calmly watched the time on his silver pocket watch, and soon narrowed his eyes slightly with determination, "there was really not much time left for me."


    With a sigh, he went to his seat and crossed his legs to wait, "Compared to his brothers he has more aether in his body, although this shows how much potential he has compared to them, it was also the reason he died of Aether poisoning 3 months ago, making way for my soul to come to this world and replace him as Elijah Serpens. But It won''t be long before I suffer another attack from the aether poisoning and just follow suit."


    "Ahhhhh!" Her miserable scream broke his train of thought, She climbed to the top of the chain with her limbs leaving the ground and her face twisted to the side in a weird and twisted posture, with thick wavy hair hanging down like a ginger waterfall, and then her plump body suddenly fell to the ground.


    Plop~


    A few minutes later, she gasped for air and her voice was hoarse: "You, what did you do to me..."


    Immediately, Elijah''s mouth curled up, morphing into a crazy expression as he confirmed the time, "Great! Not dead, being alive is already half the success."


    ''My path to power and immortality has just opened its arms to me'' He completely lost his usual composure as he thought about the slow death he had suffered in his previous life, that feeling of powerlessness.


    ''I''ll never go through that again!''


    Ignoring her questions, Elijah calmed down and collected blood with a syringe, sealed the test tube put it in his pocket, and then glanced at the bucket of water on the ground. "You should drink more water"


    "to moisten your throat, so you can tell me the changes in your body after drinking the potion, speak in detail so that everything can be accurately understood."


    He picked up the file and pen again and prepared to record.


    Then he watched her struggle to get up, holding the bucket with both hands and pouring the whole bucket of water into her mouth.


    Gulp gulp gulp, burp~~~


    Elijah was slightly surprised and confused, "Are you really that thirsty?"


    The woman''s messy long hair covered half of her cheek, and the left eye that was exposed was a little at a loss, and she said timidly, "Ah? Sorry, I thought you wanted me to drink the whole bucket of water."


    This aroused Elijah''s interest "But did you have to do it?"


    The woman knelt on the ground, her plump buttocks pressed on her ankles, and nodded meekly like an elegant Persian cat: "Subconsciously, I feel the urge to go by your wishes."


    "Oh, interesting.", He calmly recorded this information, ''Looks like the precautionary measure works perfectly but what happens if they still go against my command? There''s no way to test it for now"


    On the bright side, it seems to have given the experimental subject a brand of "loyalty".


    "What else?"


    "I feel like my physical fitness has developed exponentially. I don''t know how to put it in words!"


    "Keep going."


    "The sensitivity of all my senses has been enhanced, especially the eyesight, which can capture almost every micro-expression and small movement of yours. For example, when you were staring at me just now, your pupils shrank and glowed slightly, and your Adam''s apple bobbed up and down while swallowing saliva. Your writing stopped for half a second before proceeding. ..."


    "Fascinating!", Elijah curled his lips and said, "Look at the mirror on the left!"


    She did as she was asked and screamed "What?!."


    At some point, while observing Elijah intently, Her appearance slowly warped into his, albeit slowly.


    "Looks like you got the core ability of the Star-dotted chameleon, which is transformation, aren''t you lucky?"


    Hearing this, the face of the respectful and docile woman suddenly changed, like a ferocious wild wolf, she rushed towards Elijah but was held in place by the chain on her neck, and blue glowing veins popped out on her forehead, as she shouted: "Lucky? After all that torture? Lucky?"


    The moment Elijah counted her actions as disrespectful, She crumpled, holding her head in pain as she squealed like a deranged banshee, writhing on the floor like a worm doused with salt.


    "Damn it, who are you? What the hell did you do to me?"


    Elijah looked at the lady who reverted back to her appearance at this point and nodded slightly as he stood up from his seat while approaching her calmly,  "It seems everything is working properly."


    He squatted down to her eye level and spoke coldly, "It''s in your best interest to keep the same attitude you had that day I found you. You are not allowed to go against me in any way, this is an order. For now, Keep practicing and try to get control over your abilities quickly"


    With that, he got up to leave but glanced at her gasping form and added, "If you feel fatigued and drowsy while practicing, stop, it means you have run out of aether, rest immediately to avoid losing control"


    "What do you mean lose control?"Finally, she asked through gritted teeth as she struggled to regain composure, pain spasmed through her body. She was aware that this was a result of trying to attack that man, so she became humble.


    "You remember the incident 2 years ago at the west gate leading to section 16?" He suddenly asks, throwing her off for a bit. She looked at him as she tried to recall the incident mentioned.


    "Yes I remember," she finally says, nobody could fully forget that incident, it was a distorted monster whose piercing cry sounded like a child''s, and over a hundred people lost their lives that night before it was successfully taken down.


    "You become something like that if you lose control or maybe something worse" Her eyes went wide with shock upon hearing Elijah''s words, and a teasing smile spread across his face as he watched her skin shift unnaturally, "yes, that thing was a human once, that was the beloved monitor of section 22. May the Gods bless his soul."


    Feeling the urge to sigh, Elijah added, "Ordinary folks always envied the transcendent as Noble existences that hold magical powers," he pulled out the collected blood from his coat and admired it, "You envy the privilege and the promise of immortality but have no idea how close their existence is to madness and death... Well, now..."


    He pocketed the vial once again "You get to experience this life, firsthand, uhm, I''m sorry but it seems I never asked your name"


    She let out a deep breath that she didn''t know she was holding and said, "My name is Dalia, Dalia Rosevelt."


    "Alright Dalia, your abilities as what I would like to call ''the Imposter'' are transformation, imitation, perfect control of micro-expressions, voice changing, and body movements, you can mimic any target character vividly".


    Pa da ~


    Elijah closed serial file No. 012 in a good mood, turned around, and walked out with light steps.


    Dalia spoke unwillingly, her face pale and her hair messy: "Who are you? What exactly do you plan to do!"


    He didn''t stop and neatly arranged the file on the experimental table filled with various files and test tubes while thinking, ''This body''s habit of arranging things perfectly was really strong''


    "I told you that night, well I''m not surprised, you were dying after all, My name is Elijah Serpens." When he was done, he looked at her and smiled slightly, "The current situation is very simple. You are my experiment, my property as per our agreement. As long as you cooperate with me honestly, there is a high probability that you will gain the ability to take revenge on the transcendent that did that to you and get back what you lost, Serve me well and that day won''t be long."


    Clang.


    The trap door was locked, and the basement suddenly fell silent.


    In the dimly lit lab, Experiment 012, Dalia''s eyes burned with a vengeance but soon relaxed as she murmured nervously: "Is it really okay to live? Can I really get it back?..."


    A chill swept through her whole body as She subconsciously wrapped her hands around her knees and huddled in the corner, her eyes filled with perpetual fear as if she was lost in a memory.


    Elijah had climbed out of the basement and quickly arranged everything properly before opening the curtains.


    "Now I just have to move the lab later and then proceed to find the perfect origin material for myself." A cunning glint flashed across his eyes as he walked up to the mirror hanging on the sidewall.