ã€ŠThe Eye Behind Mistã€‹


 Chapter 1 - Nameless

    Chapter 1: Nameless

    "Having endured loss and grief, we found each other.

    Regret, an unending cycle that echoes through countless moments.

    Decisions that alter the course of destiny,

    written in blood and tears, observed by mortals and gods alike.

    In embrace of each other, we found solace.

    Come, let us write a tale that will never be told again"

    Pain throbbed through Dev''s skull like a relentless drumbeat, each pulse sending waves of agony coursing through his body. His consciousness floated in a haze of confusion, struggling to anchor itself to reality.

    What happened?

    His eyelids felt heavy as lead as he forced them open, only to find the world around him refusing to settle into focus. Everything seemed to shift and blur, as if reality itself was uncertain of its form. His thoughts came slowly, each one struggling through a fog of disorientation.

    The room... This isn''t mine.

    The space around him felt wrong in ways he couldn''t quite define. Dull gray walls loomed over sparse Victorian-era furniture, the air hanging unnaturally still and heavy. A part of him wanted to dismiss it all as a dream, but the gnawing sensation in his chest, the oppressive weight pressing down on him, told him otherwise.

    Was I drunk? The thought flashed through his mind, only to be rejected almost immediately. No¡ªhe didn¡¯t drink. Or at least, he always claimed he didn¡¯t.

    Focus, Dev. Think.

    He tried to gather his scattered thoughts. Slowly, he pushed himself up from the bed, his limbs heavy and uncooperative, as if moving against an invisible force. The silence in the room was suffocating. Even the low hum of the fan above felt wrong, its mechanical rhythm far too steady, the air it churned unnervingly still.

    July 7th.

    The date clung to him, the only anchor in a storm of confusion. Today was important. He was supposed to bring his family somewhere¡ªa surprise. It was supposed to be the happiest moment of his life. The thought gave him a flicker of clarity, but it was gone before he could hold onto it.

    He staggered toward the door, his footsteps echoing impossibly loud in the stillness. Then, abruptly, he froze.

    Stop.

    His pulse hammered in his ears. Sweat prickled along his skin. His breath quickened, shallow and erratic. He turned his head, his eyes locking onto the mirror in the corner of the room.

    No. This can''t be.

    The mirror held secrets that shattered his understanding of reality. Dark hair rippled with shades of mahogany and chestnut, cut in a style that straddled Victorian propriety and modern fashion. The face that greeted him might have been handsome in another context¡ªbut now it was a mask of horror, each familiar expression played out on unfamiliar features. Most striking were the eyes: deeply, impossibly blue, like fragments of twilight trapped in glass. They held knowledge that didn''t belong to him, memories he''d never lived, dreams he''d never dreamed.

    The reflection wasn''t distorted or warped¡ªthat would have been a comfort. Instead, it moved with perfect synchronization, every gesture precise, every blink coordinated. It was alive in a way that transcended mere mimicry. This wasn''t just someone else''s face¡ªit was someone else''s life staring back at him, wearing his expressions like borrowed clothes.

    His fingers traced the cold glass, and the stranger''s hand met his touch. The sensation sent shivers down his spine¡ªnot from the glass''s chill, but from the perfect reality of it all. No dream could manufacture this level of detail, this depth of wrongness.

    Who is that? Is it me?

    Ice seemed to crystallize in his veins as his mind reeled from the impossible sight. The room''s Victorian elements suddenly felt more pronounced, more real, more threatening. His heart raced faster and faster until he feared it might burst from his chest.

    Dev had always prided himself on his mental fortitude. Even in his darkest moments, he''d maintained his composure. But this¡ªthis complete violation of reality¡ªleft him utterly unmoored.

    His body trembled uncontrollably.

    I''m not dreaming. This is real.

    He squeezed his eyes shut, desperately trying to regulate his breathing, to find some kernel of rationality in this madness. Slowly, his hammering pulse began to steady. Then a chill swept through the room¡ªnot the natural cold of night, but something deeper, something that seemed to freeze the very marrow of his bones.

    A whisper, so faint it might have been imagination, brushed against his consciousness.

    Dev''s eyes snapped open. His muscles tensed as the moonlight filtering through the window seemed to flicker and dance with unnatural rhythm. The cold intensified, and with it came a terrible certainty that settled into his soul.

    I''m dying.

    The realization came with the inevitability of twilight, as warmth and vitality drained from his body like water from a broken vessel. His vision began to dim around the edges, reality bleeding away into nothingness.

    What have I done? Why is this happening to me? Is it because I never believed in God?

    For the first time since childhood, he felt utterly helpless, like a small boy watching disaster unfold in slow motion.This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

    Help... please someone. Anyone.

    A clock ticked softly in the distance: 12:00.

    Suddenly, clarity returned to his vision, bringing with it a strange new awareness. The room no longer felt alien¡ªinstead, it carried an odd familiarity, like a place visited countless times in dreams. His body felt lighter, more vital, yet fundamentally changed in ways he couldn''t comprehend.

    An inexplicable force drew his gaze to the window. There, in the darkness, stood a figure. Bathed in moonlight, calm and steady as if it was standing there for an eternity.

    A girl.

    She stood alone, her silhouette melting into the night as if she were its very essence. Her presence consumed the space around her, an otherworldly beauty that seemed both fragile and eternal. The corset dress she wore shimmered like midnight itself, her gloved hands resting delicately at her sides. Her crimson lips curved into a smile that held infinite sadness as a single tear traced its way down her porcelain cheek.

    Who is she? Why is she crying?

    In that moment, all the questions swirling in his mind vanished, dissipating into the void. Nothing else mattered.

    And then, she collapsed.

    Her collapse was graceful, silent, inevitable¡ªlike watching a star fade from the night sky. Even in her weakness, she commanded the very essence of the darkness around her.

    Dev lurched forward on unsteady legs, fighting against his own failing body to reach her. His knees gave out and he fell, finding himself face to face with this otherworldly being, close enough to see the depths of emotion in her inhuman eyes.

    Her voice, when it came, seemed to resonate with the very fabric of reality: "Are you alright... my lord?"

    Dev struggled against the encroaching darkness, his consciousness flickering like a candle in the wind. Yet his gaze remained fixed on the girl before him, her fragile appearance belying the power he sensed within her. Despite his deteriorating condition, he felt an inexplicable connection to her¡ªsomething beyond mere chance or coincidence, as if their meeting had been written in the stars themselves.

    Without thinking, he reached for her hand. Her skin was cold as midnight frost, but the contact sent warmth spreading through his dying body, anchoring him to this moment, this reality.

    The room around them felt suffocatingly still, the silence so deep it resembled the oppressive quiet of a coffin. An otherworldly presence filled the space, raising goosebumps along his skin and setting every instinct screaming of danger.

    Unknown to Dev, a third presence watched from his bed. A figure in a tattered wedding dress, its face a void of absolute darkness, observed their final moments with eternal patience.

    At 12:02 AM, Dev and the mysterious girl drew their last breaths in perfect synchronization, their hands still joined. A single tear fell, its impact silent against the floor.

    <hr>

    Dev awoke, startled, in an unfamiliar place. His surroundings were shrouded in darkness, with a dense mist curling around him like a living entity. This was no dream. The sharpness of his thoughts confirmed that. Questions bombarded his mind, each one feeding his growing fear of the unknown.

    Did I just die? Is this what awaits beyond life?

    Before panic could fully take hold, an ethereal voice cut through the darkness.

    "Why did you save me, my lord?"

    The voice was soft yet poignant, tinged with emotions he couldn¡¯t quite place. Turning, he saw her again¡ªthe girl who was more than human, whose beauty defied mortal understanding. Her corset dress seemed woven from shadow itself, making her appear as if she''d emerged from the darkness rather than merely standing in it.

    Dev forced himself to focus, to analyze the impossible situation before him. Years of betrayal had taught him caution, and had ingrained the philosophy of revealing nothing until absolutely necessary.

    "Who are you?" he asked, his voice a little shaky despite his attempt to sound authoritative.

    Her crimson eyes captured him, seeming to peer into his very soul.

    "I am Anira Veil. At least, that is what those who can perceive me call me."

    Her face remained a mask of serenity, but Dev''s mind raced with calculations. His experience as an IT professional and his years of analyzing problems let him quickly deduce three crucial points: this girl had mistaken him for someone else, this world was not his own, and he was in far more danger than he''d ever been before.

    I''ve transmigrated. All those novels and mangas I''ve read as a self-proclaimed weeb elite didn''t prepare me for how terrifying this actually is. This isn''t some fantasy world with convenient exposition or friendly guides. It¡¯s not like some cat or elf girl is greeting me with exposed breasts.

    This is real, and it could kill me.

    He studied Anira carefully, weighing his next words. His intuition told him she had saved him somehow, but if she discovered he wasn''t who she thought he was, death might be the kindest fate awaiting him. He needed to know more about the relationship between her and this body''s original owner.

    "Anira, why didn''t I see you before?"

    She opened her mouth to respond, then hesitated, uncertainty flickering across her perfect features. Her gaze lowered, as if searching the darkness for answers.

    "....I am sorry, my lord. It''s just a moment ago I found out about you using my vision. Before this, I was searching for you, but I was never able to find you, no matter what," she admitted apologetically.

    Dev frowned slightly.

    Vision? Sounds like something a street fortune teller would claim. But in this world...

    He filed away every word she spoke, building a mental database of information. Two possibilities emerged: either the body''s original owner was some hidden power player meant to meet Anira tonight, or she was somehow looking for Dev himself. The first option seemed far more likely.

    "Anira... do you know what happened after we died?"

    "I am uncertain," she replied with unnatural calm. "But I know this: your Brahman was being devoured by an Oddity. I came to intervene, but my own life force was already at its end. I believed I had perished, yet something pulled me back¡ªyour Brahman, merging with my existence. It anchored me here."

    Brahman? Oddity?

    The terms meant nothing to him, yet Dev understood the unknown language used by Anira perfectly¡ªanother mystery in a growing collection.

    Is it Chinese ? Russian ? No. I don''t think I know this language at all. But then again I am not some linguistic expert. Maybe this is part of a gift as a transmigrated person.

    A cynical part of his mind suggested hidden cameras and elaborate pranks, but he knew better. This was far too real, too dangerous for such mundane explanations.

    The mist swirled around them like a living thing, reminding him of their precarious situation.

    "Where are we? And how do we leave? Are we even alive?"

    Anira tilted her head slightly, her composure unwavering. "We are not dead, my lord. Consciousness does not linger in death. This place... it feels like an extension of myself, yet I cannot fully comprehend it. Perhaps I can sever my connection to it. May I have your permission to try?"

    Dev hesitated before nodding. "Go ahead."

    The moment he gave consent, the darkness began to recede. Reality shifted and reformed around him until he found himself back in the familiar room. The clock read 12:05 AM, and moonlight streamed through the window, casting soft shadows across the floor. The oppressive atmosphere had lifted, replaced by the gentle sounds of night. The shadowy figure was gone, and so was Anira.

    Dev sat up, his mind reeling from everything that had transpired. "What just happened...?"

 Chapter 2 - Shadow and Siblings

    Chapter 2: Shadow and Siblings

    Dev was confused about everything that had happened to him. But soon he gathered his thoughts. The hybrid Victorian-modern furniture cast long shadows across the room. It gave Dev a sense of relief.

    Sigh

    He glanced around. The memory of the mysterious girl¡ªAnira¡ªflashed in his mind.

    ¡°Ani..¡± as Dev was just going to call the mysterious girl. A sudden, searing pain shot through his head, and he collapsed to the floor. His skull felt like it was splitting open as torrents of foreign memories surged into his mind.

    "Ahhh... no..." he gasped, clutching his head. The torrent of alien thoughts and experiences lasted only moments, but it felt like an eternity.

    When Dev finally opened his eyes, he was trembling, his breath coming in short gasps. These weren''t just random visions ¨C they were memories. Memories belonging to this body''s original owner.

    I am Dev... no. My name is Conrad Valor.

    The realization settled over him like a heavy cloak. Conrad Valor: a university student with poor grades and a worse reputation. A young man whose father had succumbed to illness, whose mother had followed shortly after in an accident, leaving behind three sisters...

    Dev felt as if he were living two lives simultaneously, his mind stretched between two sets of memories, two different existences. His usual tendency to deflect serious situations with humor abandoned him as the weight of his situation pressed down on his shoulders. His heart sank as the implications became clear ¨C the original owner of this body, Conrad Valor, was dead.

    The last memory... nothing but cold and encroaching darkness. If whoever killed Conrad discovers I''m alive...

    His thoughts spiraled into panic before he forced himself to take a deep breath. Running wouldn''t guarantee survival in this unfamiliar world. Besides, there was Anira to consider. She could offer protection, though trusting her completely would be foolish.

    "When did I become such a coward?" Dev muttered, running a hand through his hair. "I was stronger than this in my world. But this..." He trailed off, knowing this situation was entirely different from anything he''d faced before.

    After several minutes of controlled breathing, Dev closed his eyes and deliberately sifted through his new memories. When he opened them again, he let out a bitter laugh. Conrad had been both a wimp and an asshole ¨C there was no kinder way to put it. But something didn''t add up: there was no trace of anything supernatural in Conrad''s memories. No connection to Anira or whatever strange power she wielded.

    Did I somehow alter his destiny by taking his place?

    "Anira?" he called out, his voice steadier than he felt. "Are you here?"

    "Yes, my lord." The response came like a whisper of silk against stone.

    Dev turned toward the voice and felt his breath catch. A woman was emerging from his own shadow, her movements as fluid as water. She wore a corset dress that seemed to be crafted from darkness itself, her gloved hands folded elegantly before her. Her presence commanded attention ¨C even the shadows of the room appeared to bow to her. Thick dark hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall of ink, and her eyes... her eyes were the deep crimson of aged wine, holding secrets older than time.

    Despite himself, Dev found his gaze drawn to her feminine features. The memories of both his former self and Conrad''s less noble inclinations made him appreciate her ethereal beauty even more. She was tall for a woman, though still slightly shorter than him, with a presence that put stories of elven queens to shame.

    She really has a figure of every cultured man''s dream. Huh

    "Anira," he said, forcing himself to focus, "explain what happened."

    "Great lord," she began, her voice carrying an otherworldly resonance, "after severing my connection to that place, it seems we have returned to the world. The Oddity may have been returned after we died and vanished. However..." She paused, something uncertain flickering across her perfect features.

    "However?"

    "I believe I am now bound to your shadow, able to manifest only after midnight." Her admission carried a note of curiosity rather than regret.

    "Your body, your powers ¨C did you lose them because of me?" Dev felt a surge of guilt. He''d always lived by his own code of fairness, avoiding debts and dependencies whenever possible.Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.

    "No, my lord," Anira responded quickly, a barely perceptible smile touching her lips. "Quite the opposite. I seem to have gained abilities I don''t yet understand. I feel... more complete."

    Was that a pout I just saw? Surely not.

    "I see," Dev nodded thoughtfully. "I have many questions, but they can wait. You look tired ¨C please, feel free to refresh yourself."

    A practical concern occurred to him. "Can others see you?"

    "Most cannot."

    "Good. My sisters are sleeping ¨C please be quiet."

    "Yes, my lord." Anira gave him one last, lingering look before slipping through the bathroom wall like it was made of mist.

    Walking through walls... that could be quite convenient, Dev mused, before a gentle knock interrupted his thoughts.

    He approached the door cautiously, his newfound wariness making him hesitate before asking, "Who''s there?"

    "Con? Are you awake?" The voice was warm, familiar ¨C

    Isolde.

    Dev opened the door to find his eldest sister standing there, beautiful in her simple cotton nightgown with a shawl draped over her shoulders. She carried a small lamp that cast a gentle glow across her features, highlighting her natural elegance like a nobel woman. But it was her presence that commanded attention. Even in such modest attire, she carried herself with the dignity of someone who had shouldered burdens far beyond her years.

    "Big sister, what''s wrong?" The words felt foreign on his tongue¡ªnot because they were wrong, but because they carried the weight of years he hadn''t lived, a relationship he hadn''t earned.

    "I had a nightmare," she whispered, and something in her voice made Dev''s heart constrict. "Something terrible happened to you. The dream felt so real¡ªlike a premonition." Her hand clutched her shawl tighter. "When I passed your room, it was so quiet... I thought..." She couldn''t finish the sentence.

    Dev felt Conrad''s memories surge forward like a tide of guilt and shame. Each recollection was a knife to the heart: Isolde working extra hours at the bank to pay his tuition; her quiet disappointment when she discovered the gambling debts; the way she''d defended him at family dinners while their younger sisters spat venomous truths about his worthlessness. But through it all, her love had never wavered¡ªa constant star in Conrad''s sky of failures.

    Looking at her now, Dev saw not just a sister, but a guardian angel in human form. The lamplight caught the premature strands of grey in her blonde hair¡ªeach one earned through years of worry, each one a testament to sacrifices made for an undeserving brother. The weight of her unconditional love made his borrowed heart ache with a pain that belonged to both Conrad and himself.

    I''ve never seen such unconditional care in someone''s eyes before. It wasn''t meant for me, but...

    Isolde reached out, her cool hand touching his cheek. "You''re cold, and so pale. Is everything alright, Con? Are you having trouble with your studies? Don''t let what your sisters say bother you ¨C they''re young, they don''t understand..."

    "I''m just tired," Dev assured her softly. "Please rest. You have so much work tomorrow morning..."

    "When did my little Con become so considerate?" Isolde''s smile held both pride and puzzlement. "I should be the one saying such things."

    She adjusted her shawl. "Drink some water and get some sleep. You have classes tomorrow. Good night, Con."

    "Good night," he responded, watching her retreating figure.

    I''m sorry, Isolde. I''m not really your brother, but until I can find my way back to my world, I''ll try to be better than he was.

    After closing the door, Dev leaned against it, exhaling slowly. A date flickered through his mind ¨C July 7th. He needed to figure out exactly what had happened to him, but this world seemed determined to throw him into the deep end without any instruction manual.

    Might as well try the basics...

    "Status window," he commanded in what he hoped was an authoritative tone. Nothing happened. His cheeks flushed slightly as he tried again, "Status window... appear?"

    The silence that followed was deafening.

    Right. Of course it wouldn''t be that easy.

    "My lord..." Anira''s voice made him jump. She stood by the bathroom door, and from her expression, she''d witnessed his entire embarrassing attempt.

    "Anira... how long have you been there?"

    "Since your first attempt at summoning a status window, my lord."

    Dev felt his face burn, but he straightened his shoulders. "I was... testing a new technique."

    Smooth, really smooth, he chided himself mentally.

    "Yes, my lord. I understand." Anira''s bow seemed to hide the ghost of a smile.

    "I should sleep ¨C I have classes tomorrow," Dev said, trying to change the subject. "Will you be sleeping here?"

    "No, my lord. I shall stand guard until morning."

    The image of a beautiful woman standing in the darkness while he slept should have been romantic, but somehow it just made him nervous. "That''s... a bit unsettling. At least sit down. There''s a fridge over there ¨C help yourself to anything you want." He paused, then added, "Look, I''ll be honest ¨C this is all new to me. I don''t know who you are, but you tried to sacrifice yourself to save me. Don''t act like a servant. From now on, for better or worse, you''re my shadow, not my servant. Let''s call it a partnership."

    At least until you discover I''m not who you think I am.

    Anira remained silent for a long moment before her crimson lips curved into a genuine smile. "Thank you, my lord."

    The words were the same as before, but somehow they carried a different weight now ¨C less formal, more sincere.

 Chapter 3 - A New World

    Chapter 3 : A New World

    It was 7 o''clock in the morning when Conrad opened his eyes. Last night felt like a distant dream shrouded in haze and mystery. Even after experiencing a near-death situation, he had slept well through the night.

    "Anira," Conrad called out calmly.

    His nerves had calmed down now. After accepting his situation, he was able to think clearly and organize his thoughts well.

    It''s morning, so she will not be able to respond to me. Interesting...

    Conrad glanced at the clock.

    I have two hours before class. I feel much better. I think that''s because my brain is not hurting from two memories now.

    "Phew!" Conrad took a sigh of relief.

    I should first get ready for breakfast.

    He stood up and went to the attached bathroom to clean his face. Looking in the mirror, he smiled.

    Well, well, aren''t you a handsome fellow.

    Conrad fixed his medium-length dark hair with patches of chestnut. His house was neither small nor big. Before his demise, his father had held a good job. They were not rich, but the Valor family didn''t lack much in day-to-day life.

    Looking at everything in the morning does feel different. Everything is like a Victorian and modern hybrid design. I don''t know what to call these. This coat has a Victorian pattern, but the way it''s designed and the simplicity of it could really pass in my era as well. This is fascinating. The desk and chair feel more modern-styled with a focus on comfort for students like me.

    Conrad adjusted his well-worn, knee-length coat, a faded charcoal garment with subtle hints of Victorian tailoring in its high collar and slightly flared hem. Though the fabric showed signs of age, the patchwork repairs along the cuffs and seams hinted at his resourcefulness. Beneath the coat, he wore a simple button-up shirt in an off-white shade, its collar slightly askew, paired with a loosely knotted narrow scarf that doubled as a tie¡ªpractical and stylish in its simplicity.

    His waistcoat, though plain and slightly frayed at the edges, fit snugly and bore the telltale marks of careful mending. It was dark gray with a few mismatched buttons, a nod to both his modest means and his determination to present himself well. His trousers, slim and practical, were a sturdy wool blend, their dark hue concealing the wear and tear of daily life. They ended just above his scuffed leather boots¡ªserviceable and sturdy, with low heels and faintly Victorian buckle accents.

    Now you look somewhat presentable. Conrad, you''re better than me. See, this is how you use your good looks. As someone older than you, I can teach you one or two things.

    Tuck! Tuck!

    A knock on the door grabbed Conrad''s attention. He stole a glance at the mirror''s reflection, then with a faint smile walked towards the door.

    "Big Sister, is there anything I can help you with?"

    Isalde looked at her younger brother, who now had an air of maturity around him.

    "Oh my, when did my Con learn to dress himself up so well? Maybe it''s true that a girl really does change a man''s life," she chuckled.

    A girl? Oh yes, I recently had a girlfriend. I mean Conrad did. Well, with his good looks, it''s only natural. But I don''t have much memory of her because they just started dating one week ago.

    "Sister, it''s not a good thing to tease your younger brother," Conrad replied with a slight smile.

    Isalde looked at him with warmth in her eyes. "Con, can you do some work for me?"

    "Sure, anything you can ask."

    "We have to make breakfast, but it seems like we need some bread and honey for oatmeal."

    The food is as expected a little behind, but I also have to remember the Valor family hasn''t much wealth left. Only this house that was left by their late parents can be called some kind of asset. In front of society, they may be upper middle class, but in actuality, they are poorer than it seems. Conrad himself has a huge debt to pay for his education. He only gets the loan because Isalde works in a bank. So much to worry about.

    Isalde gave Conrad 25 Sili: two 10-sili notes made of paper and one 5-sili coin made of silver.

    Money. Usually as somebody who worked as an IT professional, I didn''t have that much lack of money, but still, I was from a humble background in my previous life, so I appreciated it more than anybody¡ªin fact, the happiest moment of my life was supposed to happen because of this money, but alas.

    Conrad felt somehow sad deep in his heart.

    Seeing her brother''s reaction, Isalde was lost for some reason; she had never seen her brother show this much calm. Then she said softly, "Con, don''t worry, I received a big bonus recently. Now go and buy these things for me. It will be late otherwise. Take care on your way."

    Conrad took his cane and walked out of the room. In the hallway, he saw a girl walking towards him.

    Leona.

    Leona Valor was the other pillar of the house. She dropped out of her class early due to her worthless brother. She applied for national guard service through application. She was always a very strong-willed girl. Leona got rejected two times but didn''t give up. Instead, she tried once more. She is now an official civil guard who is well respected. She usually comes late due to her job.

    Leona Valor, in terms of earning, she is the main source of income for our family. She is also two years younger than me.If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

    Conrad looked in her direction to say his morning greetings, but before he could speak, Leona passed by him without even looking at him.

    The hatred and disgust runs deep. I see.

    Conrad gave a self-deprecating laugh.

    <hr>

    7:30 am. Prismara, Prime State, Crystalline Republic of Aurealis (Technocratic Democracy, member of UG), Freya (Largest continent by land mass)

    Looking down at two notes in his hands, Conrad felt somewhat curious. There was a strange man''s picture on the note. He was the first president of the country Aurealis.

    It''s very interesting¡ªeven though everything looks Victorian with little marks of modern style, they have a democratic party as the ruling party.

    Conrad put the two notes into his pocket and tried to recall something.

    There seem to be a total of five continents in this world: Freya, Athena, Aisa, Lupus, and Anterca. I don''t have much information on those, but from the memories of this dummy, I can see there are 50 nations recorded in books. There is a Unified Government (UG), which is an organization of 15 different nations. They are more or less the most powerful entity in this world.

    Walking through the market, Conrad noticed many things that left him speechless. Multiple girls were standing there wearing scanty clothes despite the extremely cold weather. This year is even colder than last year. Yet, these girls wore such small clothes. A guy wearing a hat went towards one of these girls; they discussed something before entering the shop behind them.

    A carriage passed by Conrad. The road was neither empty nor full. On the other side was a beautiful place with an exquisite design. Two couples were sipping some beverages. One of the guys tossed a coin towards a man who was performing some kind of dance in outlandish attire.

    "Meat! Fresh Meat!"

    "Fish, Fish, Fish!"

    "Please come this way, sir..."

    Countless voices competed for attention. Year 12001 in the Linear calendar¡ªor year 4001 of the 7th epoch (modern era) in the modern calendar¡ªhas been really tough on people. With the rise of technology, industry, and religion, there has been astonishing growth in the pages of history books, but poverty, prostitution, and crime have been at an all-time high.

    Conrad passed through the road, taking a small turn, witnessing countless lives before him.

    They are also humans like me. Right? Everyone has their own story, their own struggle, and their own conclusions.

    <hr>

    After buying honey and bread, Conrad returned to his house. Before entering, Conrad looked around a bit. His house was somewhat of an isolating place, a little further than the actual market. There were very few neighbors. There was quite a distance between one house and the other. Only in front of his house, across the road, was the home of a newlywed couple who had just moved in.

    I believe they have talked to my sister one or two times. I didn''t get the chance to greet them as I generally stay inside my room. I should greet them at least once when I get the chance.

    Ring!

    The doorbell rang. A beautiful woman with emerald eyes and blonde hair opened the door with a warm smile. Her face was as beautiful as ever. The morning glow made her look like some aristocrat noblewoman.

    "Con, where were you? I was getting worried. I was just about to send Leona to look for you."

    "Hi hi hi, the air was beautiful, so I was taking my time walking through the market," Conrad replied with a small chuckle.

    Isalde frowned a bit but then smiled at her brother.

    "Okay, now come in quickly. Let''s have a good family breakfast."

    There was a table set in the middle of the room with five chairs surrounding it. Two girls were sitting on one side of the table in silence. They didn''t even look in Conrad''s direction.

    After she prepared the breakfast, Isalde sat in the middle seat meant for the head of the house. Previously their father used to sit in that chair. Conrad took his chair opposite his two sisters, close to Isalde.

    Sigh.

    Conrad looked at his two sisters, then sighed quietly.

    There was an uncanny silence during breakfast. Conrad felt really awkward in the silence.

    Clara Valor, my youngest sister who is three years younger than me. She has been attending free schools which have recently been opened by Churches.

    The main religion in this world is Aaka, which worships the sun god as the center of everything. It is said that he is the supreme being who created eight pantheons of gods who oversee our existence. But most people in this world are not religious at all. That''s because after the invention of the telescope and other technologies, people were able to discover the planetary structure, and there were no such gods¡ªjust some planets revolving around a star.

    Isalde broke the silence at the end of their family breakfast.

    "I will be a little late today. Clara, you''re in charge of taking care of your older brother."

    Taking care of me? My sisters are younger than me. Do they think I am that worthless?

    "Sister, don''t worry. I will be fine. Make sure to take care of yourself," Conrad said softly.

    Leona and Clara looked at their older brother, who was now neatly dressed unlike before and had a calm expression and faint smile on his face.

    "Okay, Isalde," Leona said with a strong tone.

    "..."

    After that, they all fell silent.

    <hr>

    At 8:15 am, Conrad took his notebook and readied himself to go to the university for the first time in weeks. Tomorrow was Sunday.

    It''s really fascinating that there are some terms and similarities like dates and weekdays from Earth. Also, the term ''sun'' is used on Earth. This world is not totally different from Earth after all.

    I figured out at least one question I had before. Why did I understand Anira even if she was speaking some other language? It seems like because she was using a native language of this world. Even before I inherited Conrad''s full memory, I could understand the language that Conrad knew. The primary language used in this world is Heraphant, which has a structure similar to Sanskrit and Latin in our world. But there are also many nations which have other primary languages, such as the Lupus continent''s Wolfhaven mainly using Polyphant. Monoglif is used by Aisa''s most countries, and so on and so forth.

    Conrad was walking through the hallway of his house towards the door when suddenly he noticed some space around the stair that leads to Clara''s room on the upper floor had some kind of distortion.

    This... Conrad squinted his eyes as if focusing on the stairs.

    "What are you looking at?"

    A sudden voice startled him. Leona was standing behind him, ready to leave for her duty. She was holding a sword. Her deep blue eyes held no emotions. They gave chills to anyone who looked into them.

    "Nothing, I was just thinking our house needs some renovations," Conrad said calmly.

    Leona looked at him deeply, then turned around to open the door as if saying ''ladies first.''

    Shouldn''t it be me doing this for you?

    Conrad gave himself a sarcastic laugh inwardly.

    Walking through the road, he stopped suddenly and looked up to the sky, which was more pale than blue. The trees were quietly preparing for the winter. The air was as cold as before.

    I need to ask Anira about that strange space.

 Chapter 4 - Beginning

    Chapter 4: Beginning

    9:00 AM, National University of Aurealis, Prismara, Prime State, Crystalline Republic of Aurealis (Technocratic Democracy, member of UG), Freya (Largest continent by land mass)

    Conrad stood in front of the door for a few minutes before entering the University of Aurealis. It was said to be the best university in the entire nation, which made sense given that Prismara was the capital city of Aurealis.

    Wow, these seats look fancy. I have never attended such a prestigious university in my previous life. Conrad, you really got such a chance. What were you doing wasting Isalde''s efforts?

    Conrad was a history student studying the Fifth epoch, which was said to be the age of conquerors. Many documents contradicted each other to some extent, but all historians agree on one thing: there was a figure called Alexander who unified most of the southern and northern continents under a single rule. Year 5500 in the Linear Calendar was said to be the year of unification.

    As he was going through his study material, he thought to himself: This Alexander guy sure was powerful. Reminds me of our world too.

    "Attention class..."

    A stocky man commanding attention at the front of the room hardly needed his booming voice to establish his presence. A magnificent salt-and-pepper beard cascaded over his chest, matched by an equally impressive mustache that twitched as he spoke. Though he barely reached average height, Professor Dwarcy carried himself with the unmistakable gravitas of a seasoned academic. His rounded frame, draped in a well-worn tweed jacket, seemed to embody the comfortable authority of a man who had made the lecture hall his natural habitat.

    He''s exactly what you''d picture for the head of History, Conrad thought, watching the professor gesture emphatically at the board. Right down to the ink stains on his sleeve cuffs.

    "Tomorrow is Sunday," Professor Dwarcy announced. "Please take your time with the assignment I gave one week ago. It will affect your final score."

    Mr. Dwarcy looked at Conrad for a brief moment.

    Did he just look at me?

    Of course he did. I remember sleeping on the front bench and leaving the class before it finished. Conrad, how much pain are you going to give me?

    Conrad raised his hand. "Professor, can I ask something?"

    Everyone instantly looked in his direction with surprised expressions.

    Yes yes, I know. Don''t look at me like some alien.

    "Sure, go ahead," Professor Dwarcy replied.

    "When is the final deadline?"

    "As I had already mentioned in the past, after July 15th I will not accept any submission."

    "Thank you, professor."

    Dwarcy''s eyes twitched for a moment hearing those words from Conrad''s mouth.

    Ahem.

    "Okay, let''s start the class," Professor Dwarcy continued. "Today we are going to learn about the eight dynasties that ruled five continents. As you know, Alexander was the emerging main figure who shaped that epoch. It''s still a mystery where he came from, but it is said that he used more advanced weapons to defeat eight rulers of that time. Remember that the Monarchy system was the main system at that time. But it''s still part of speculation what kind of weaponry he used."

    A dark-eyed girl with medium-length hair tied neatly spoke up in a sweet voice, "Sir, I believe Alexander used a firearm at that time."

    Conrad looked at her. Yeah, each class does have these oversmart people who don''t let professors finish their lessons.

    "Yes Nadeko, that''s a good guess, but historians have rejected this theory," Professor Dwarcy responded. "As you know, guns take too much time before firing¡ªthat delayed reaction can be hugely detrimental in a war where you''re the enemy of eight huge powers."

    Nadeko''s eyes shone as if she were talking about someone dear to her heart. "Yes, professor, but I still think Alexander was a great man who may have figured out a way to work around that weakness.¡±

    Pff!

    Conrad let out a small audible laugh.

    Everyone looked at Conrad again with different expressions. It was as if the room itself was waiting for some response.

    "What''s so funny, Mr. Valor?" Mr. Dwarcy asked.

    "Nothing, professor," Conrad answered, a little ashamed.

    "If you find history so funny, you can leave the class at any moment as you know I won''t interrupt you. But if you''re planning to attend this class, then please be more sincere about how you behave."

    "Understood sir. I apologize for the interruption," Conrad said, lowering his gaze.

    This is the worst, man. You and your sense of humor. Maybe Conrad and I are not so different after all.

    Nadeko looked at Conrad with anger on her face. It was as if, without the professor''s presence, she would jump at Conrad at any moment to tear him apart.

    You know I can see your face, right? Conrad thought to himself.

    After this small incident, the class continued as usual.

    After class, a guy with light blonde hair approached Conrad.

    "Hey, where were you, Con?" he asked. "I didn''t see you for like a week. What happened after you lost that bet?"

    Bet? I don''t particularly remember. But Isaac wouldn''t lie to me.

    Isaac Edger was a tall man over six feet. He looked like a novel''s male lead in his prime. His long nose and short hair complemented his face well. He was Conrad''s best friend. Whenever Conrad got beaten up, Isaac would show up to save him. Both were good-looking guys. Many in the class envied them for their carefree attitude and good looks.

    "Yeah, I lost that bet," Conrad replied. "No worries. Forget about me. What about you? You were supposed to prepare for your military training."

    "Oh, don''t worry about that¡ªmy dad will handle everything for me."

    Isaac''s dad was the commander of the Navy. Even though in this world the seas and oceans remained largely unexplored, they were said to be the most dangerous places that even gods avoided. Because of this, the Navy didn''t have much of a role. There were very few trade routes on water.

    This meant the borders of each continent were very well guarded by default. Large-scale naval warfare was almost impossible.

    "Hey, I heard a rumor that you''re dating Xie from Science class. Is that true?" Isaac gave Conrad a curious look with a hidden smile.

    Sigh! I don''t even know her.

    "Yes, it''s true."

    "Hey hey, you''re kidding right? I didn''t know you were such a player," Isaac teased, elbowing Conrad''s side. "But Con, be careful. I heard that girl is very weird. She doesn''t talk to anybody. She might have some hidden agenda."

    Don''t worry, I already have many things on my plate¡ªone more won''t hurt.

    "I''ll keep that in mind," Conrad said. "But let''s not discuss those things. Let''s grab something to eat."

    Conrad and Isaac were laughing about something while heading outside. Some students were eating inside the class, while others were going to the cafeteria.Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

    Ahhh... BAM!

    Suddenly Conrad tripped and fell to the ground. When he got his bearings, he noticed a bulky guy standing there with a smirk on his face.

    What''s your problem, dude?

    Conrad thought to himself, but then he noticed a girl of medium stature, dark-eyed, with her hair tied neatly behind her, standing behind the boy.

    Nadeko. Aha, I get it now.

    "Con, are you alright?" Isaac asked with concern in his eyes. Then he turned to the guy behind him and said angrily, grabbing his collar, "You fucking bastard, do you want to die?"

    "Who? Me?" said the guy casually while removing Isaac''s hands from his collar. "You better watch your tone with me. How dare this good-for-nothing insult my girl in front of the class? She was crying in my arms."

    This fucking bitch.

    Conrad stood up, brushing the dust off his clothes. Some students laughed at the scene. Some didn''t care much and passed by to go to the cafeteria, while others expected drama.

    Conrad stared at the tall guy calmly, straight into his eyes. His deep blue eyes didn''t waver from looking at the guy as if he were some kind of insect.

    A little showoff won''t hurt, right?

    "What are you looking at, bastard? Did your sister not teach you some manners? Or maybe she needs some manne¡ª"

    Before he could finish his sentence, a punch hit his face with extreme speed. It wasn''t exactly fast, but it had no wind-up time. It was a straight jab without any telegraph.

    You brat. I''m going to tear that foul mouth of yours before you utter my sister''s name.

    Everyone was stunned. Even Isaac was caught off guard by his best friend''s sudden action. Nadeko was so stunned she didn''t even get a chance to panic. A huge commotion broke out. Everyone stared at Conrad Valor, a student known for being weak and a huge wimp.

    "Ahhhh!" Blood spurted from the guy''s nose.

    Dev had been a mixed martial artist in his previous life. He had been very careful about not letting his skills grow dull even after getting a job, so he went to the gym for practice. That was one reason he never usually panicked in hand-to-hand situations.

    "What was your name again?" Conrad asked, looking down without emotion.

    "You fucking bastard, do you even know who I am?" As he screamed, teachers came out to investigate.

    The hall was now bustling with people. A teacher cut through the crowd and checked on the guy with the bloody nose. Then he looked at Conrad and said, "Mr. Valor, come to the office."

    Here we go.

    <hr>

    That was a really long lecture.

    The university banned Conrad from attending classes for three days and made him apologize to Mr. Lionheart for hitting his son.

    Mr. Lionheart¡ªthat''s some high-status guy. I think he was one of the ministers who held immense power, but he was very understanding and didn''t pursue the issue further. But I didn''t like how he stared at my sister.

    Conrad was lost in his thoughts when he heard a calm voice that wasn''t very loud but had a commanding tone.

    "Where did you learn to fight?"

    Leona asked, walking beside Conrad.

    Conrad gave her a smile and said, "I didn''t learn to fight. He was making fun of Isalde, so I just gave him what he deserved."

    "..." Leona gave him an odd look but then looked ahead. After a few seconds, she said without looking at Conrad, "Isalde already has so much on her plate. She''s at the age where she should have married and started her own family, but because of us, she remained unmarried. I know you don''t care much about anything, but at least you love Isalde. So please don''t give her more troubles."

    Conrad felt an ache in his heart. It was like a dart that came out of nowhere and struck his heart. His heart felt heavy as if it were pressed underwater slowly.

    "Okay," Conrad said simply.

    "I have to go back to my duty. Return home for now."

    Leona turned around and started walking away, slowly fading into the distance. Cold air accompanied Conrad as if coming to him for comfort. The sky was still as pale as ever. A few houses surrounded him. With darkness creeping up slowly, some lights turned on in the distance. Conrad stood there, hands in his pockets. He looked at the sky with an unknown gaze.

    Home.

    Upon returning home, he saw Clara''s sandals, his youngest sister.

    I haven''t had any opportunity to talk to her. I remember she was the one who burst out at Conrad during dinner before I took over his body.

    There was some sound coming from the kitchen.

    Isalde is already preparing dinner. She''s a perfect sister.

    Conrad didn''t wait long; he went straight to bed and started his assignments.

    I don''t know when I''ll be able to return to my world. It''s possible I''ll never be able to return. In that case, at least I should study diligently and find a job so my sisters can get married and live without their worthless brother.

    At 10:00 PM, a sudden bell sound woke Conrad up.

    Did I fall asleep? Oh no. I missed dinner.

    The bell rang again.

    Our doorbell. Someone at this hour?

    The hallway was very dark. Conrad turned on the light first. Clara must be sleeping. I saw her studying in her room while taking a water break during my assignment. Isalde was working, so I didn''t disturb her.

    The bell rang again.

    Yes, I''m coming, give me a minute.

    Conrad walked toward the door and twisted the knob open.

    "Con, have you guys already eaten dinner? Sorry I took so long¡ªyou know I was doing overtime today."

    A woman with blonde hair and emerald eyes said with a smile.

    Conrad''s entire body froze on the spot. He felt the same danger he''d felt when he first came to this world. Sweat dripped down his back. His eyes widened in inexplicable fear. His heart raced. His veins felt light as if they could be cut open any moment.

    Fuck! What did I encounter in the kitchen then?

    "Con, why are you staring at me like that?"

    The usually warm words felt horrifying at that moment to Conrad. He controlled himself.

    "Nothing, welcome back. Clara is sleeping. Please take some rest. You must be tired. Leona won''t return tonight¡ªshe called a while ago saying she has some important work."

    After informing Isalde, Conrad returned to his room. His room was awfully silent. He leaned against the door.

    I need to do something, but what can I do? I can fight humans, not ghosts. Wait, was that even a ghost? I don''t have any information. This unknown is making me very nervous. Calm down. Calm down. I don''t know what''s going on in this world. I need to figure things out really quickly.

    Let''s analyze the situation first¡ªfor now, I don''t think my family is in danger, otherwise Clara and I would have been dead a while ago. It''s possible that whatever that was didn''t notice our presence. Yes, I think that''s possible because I never stepped into the kitchen. Isalde is here, it didn''t react or anything. I think it may have left already, but I''m not sure.

    I need to wait. There''s only one way to find out what''s going on.

    Conrad went back to Isalde to make sure they were safe. He didn''t notice anything unusual. They had their usual family dinner without Leona.

    At 12:00 AM, the clock''s ticking was the only sound in the room. Shadows of furniture cast a looming unease over the wall. Due to some clouds, the moonlight was dim and yellowish, illuminating the outside of the window. Trees were absolutely silent, their shadows visible on Conrad''s window.

    "Anira."

    "Yes, my lord," a figure emerged from the shadows in front of Conrad. Conrad let out a sigh of relief.

    Conrad explained everything to Anira.

    "What do you think?"

    "That was an Oddity, my lord. It may have been the same one that tried to take your life," Anira said after a pause.

    "Oddity? What is that?" Conrad asked without hiding his curiosity.

    "It is hard to say anything specific, but usually whenever anything happens that''s against the laws of nature, it causes an Oddity. People usually refer to this as corruption occurring from Brahman. There are many types. Without knowing what we''re fighting against, it will be dangerous."

    Conrad nodded as if he understood.

    What are you even saying? Do we speak the same language?

    Conrad felt like a dumb child who didn''t know his basics yet.

    I shouldn''t worry too much about these things. One step at a time. Anira is powerful, and she can protect me and my sisters for now.

    Anira looked at Conrad with a blank face. It was as if she was thinking of something.

    "Great Master..."

    Conrad looked at her crimson eyes. His thoughts wandered for a moment.

    "Yes...?"

    "Master, I am sensing some kind of Brahman fluctuations in this house."

    Conrad was taken aback. "What?"

    "Is it dangerous?" Conrad asked immediately.

    "I don''t know. It''s like a constant part of this house," Anira replied. "My lord, shall we check?"

    It feels dangerous. But I''m not some coward. Well, I do fear death, but let''s not back off in front of Anira. What would she think of me if her great master backed off?

    "Let''s go."

    The hallway was quite dark. Conrad picked up a small lamp. Its light illuminated his face.

    Isalde and Clara are both asleep.

    After some searching, they arrived in front of a staircase that led to the upper floor. Conrad''s eyes widened.

    This...

    There was a distorted space that could be seen very clearly. It was the same thing Conrad had seen in the morning, but that had been very faint¡ªnow it was much clearer.

    Conrad touched the area which was distorted and suddenly felt his hand come in contact with something. Conrad''s heart began to race. Grabbing whatever was inside, Conrad pulled out an object from the distorted space.

    What is this? It felt like a magic trick.

    Looking down, Conrad saw a thick book in his hand that read:

    "Basic Guide to Brahman Edition 52, published by UG¡±

 Chapter 5 - World of Essentarii

    Chapter 5:  World of Essentarii

    Conrad''s eyes widened. Corner of his mouth twitched a little. A familiar word caught his attention immediately.

    Brahman.

    Finally something that could be helpful to me. So my luck is not completely terrible at least.

    Basic guide to Brahman. Conrad read the name in his mind.

    Wait, published by UG ? Isn''t that the Unified Government that consists of 15 most powerful nations?

    While each nation maintained its sovereignty, most followed UG''s standardized systems. Take currency, for instance. Here, they used Sili, minted in silver coins and printed on paper. Silver Sili came in denominations of 1, 2, and 4, while paper Sili existed in 10, 50, 100, and 1000 values. However, Sili''s circulation was limited to a couple of countries within the Freya continent.

    Globally, people use Atana-Kata. The UG issued copper Atana coins and Kata paper notes, the latter bearing the portrait of UG''s founder from the sixth epoch year 7046 L.C. (Linear Calendar). Atana denominations were 1, 2, and 5, while Kata came in 5, 10, 20, 100, 500, and 1000 values.

    The exchange rate was fixed: 1 Atana equaled 2 Sili, and 20 Sili converted to 10 Atana or 1 Kata.

    There is no currency which is higher than its value. Conrad was searching for information regarding UG from the depth of his memories.

    ¡°So UG does know about the supernatural, i mean it may be hidden from common people but of course the entity which is essentially the most powerful in this world should know about this. The problem is why don''t common people know about this and why UG has published such a book? What is the thing they want to achieve?¡±

    Conrad again fell into deep thoughts. The epoch before the modern era is a mystery as this was the epoch before us but in universities there aren''t many scholars studying this period of time. Usually it''s the fifth epoch that has been discussed more and more over the course of our semesters.

    "Anira, what do you make of this space?" Conrad turned to his companion, who stood beside him studying the book with preternatural calm.

    ¡°My Lord, this space is not ordinary. The person who created this space is not any weaker than me.They may possibly be at Tier 7 of the Space and Time Domain - capable of minor space-time manipulation. But it can be from another domain as well. This is just based on my speculation.¡±

    Again, why do you always explain things in a way that is impossible for me to understand? What are those strings of words you put together?

    Conrad frowned, feeling a little frustrated, the corner of his mouth twitched twice. He focused on the book again.

    As powerful as Anira - that was no small claim. But why would such a formidable being place a book here in the Valor family''s possession?

    "Could it be that Oddity?" he ventured.

    ¡°No my lord, Oddities are corrupted beings, they don''t have such sophistication  in controlling their Brahman in such a way. They can make unnatural phenomena occur but they are usually driven by instinct.¡±

    Anira answered with crystalline clarity.

    ¡°Anira you can deal with that Oddity, right ?¡±

    ¡°Yes my lord but..¡± Anira hesitated.

    ¡°Whatever it is, speak freely¡± Conrad said with a deep voice trying to sound like he is some great master.

    "My Lord, engaging with anything Brahman-related carries extreme risk, regardless of its apparent strength. The possibilities are boundless and unpredictable. Brahman remains an enigma - mortals attempt to classify and systematize it through symmetrical patterns and hypotheses, but our understanding remains nebulous. New theories emerge daily."

    Conrad was listening very carefully. As an engineer he knew what Anira meant. It''s like mathematics and physics. Even though humanity had explored and made many theories explaining stuff. We still fell short on a grand scale where the creations operate. Things like consciousness, life, end of universe are things that may very well be never known to us.

    Conrad nodded slightly, ¡°what¡¯s your suggestion?¡±

    Anira thought for a moment before giving her answer. ¡°Master, this book holds great value for you. You are already an Essentia tier 0 (Brahman inheritor). Tomorrow after midnight we can explore the Oddity to deal with it¡±

    ¡°It''s not safe, Anira. You know, I am not worried about myself. But I can''t put my sisters in danger¡±

    "My Lord, whoever created this distorted space is protecting this house. They likely use it as a treasure vault and won''t allow disturbances until they discover a missing item. I detect no automatic alarm system. We''re currently safe."

    "Still..." Conrad began, but found no counter-argument. His knowledge gaps left him unable to properly debate.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

    "My Lord, on your command, I can erect a mist barrier to repel any Oddity - a new ability I gained from you," Anira offered, her soothing voice complementing her deep crimson eyes as they awaited his order. Her singular purpose was his protection; his sisters meant nothing to her. Deep in her heart a feeling unknown to her started to take form. She was unaware of this feeling.

    ¡°You can do that ?¡± Conrad asked.

    ¡°Yes my lord. However, as I exist in your shadow, distance affects the barrier''s strength. Its thickness correlates to our proximity, with us at its center."

    A circle with limited range, essentially.

    Satisfied with this solution and having no classes tomorrow, Conrad planned to spend the day studying the book and strategizing about the Oddity.

    "Anira, let''s patrol outside. Just to verify everything''s secure."

    "Yes, my Lord."

    <hr>

    They went outside and circled around the house twice for any supernatural occurrence.

    After that Anira pulled her hands together towards her chest in a prayer motion, after a few seconds white mist was surrounding her ever elegant presence. Her hands were the origin of the mist but it was slowly circling around her. Her dark ink-like hair was adulating with the mist. Conrad was in awe as if he was seeing some goddesses decent in the mortal world.

    Science may have displaced religion, and I''m an atheist myself. But if goddesses existed, she''d embody divine beauty.

    Anira¡¯s corset dress rippled in the supernatural breeze as dense white mist enveloped her dark gloved hands. In an instant, the mist expanded outward, forming a circular barrier around the house.

    This really does feel like something out of a fantasy novel. I don''t know when I will be able to do things like this.

    Sigh.

    The door of the house opened suddenly. Anira and Conrad looked in the direction standing outside of the house.

    "What are you doing out here at this hour?" demanded a female voice, youthful despite its owner''s twenty-two years.

    Clara Valor stood in the doorway, her teenager-like frame slightly taller than Leona''s. Long black hair with mahogany and chestnut highlights matched her brother''s - a resemblance she despised. To her, their family''s suffering stemmed from its sole male member, feeding her broader contempt for men.

    "Ha ha... just checking for thieves," Conrad stammered.

    ¡°Even if there was a thief, what would you have done? Abandoned us and ran?¡± Clara said with slight annoyance.

    "No, I would never¡ª¡±

    ¡°You know you are the worst. Why don''t you just abandon us so we can live happily¡± Clara raised her voice slightly. Then she paused seeing her brother''s face as if she was regretting her words. She was about to turn to enter her house. Suddenly she felt the world around her getting isolated as if something was blocking anything and everything in existence. An unknown fear took hold of her heart.

    Anira¡¯s crimson deep eyes were staring at Clara¡¯s back. Darkness trembled, air itself seeming to flee. Conrad felt unprecedented chills - this was Anira at full power, not the death''s-door version he''d first met. Conrad immediately turned toward Anira. But her focus remained on Clara Valor. Her crimson eyes were filled with blood lust.

    I am getting a bad feeling.

    Clara began trembling. Despite the night''s natural chill, this cold felt different - deathly. As if some ancient deity of death peered directly into her soul.

    Conrad grasped Anira''s hand. Her ageless crimson eyes met his deep blue ones. In her eternal existence, only one being had ever touched her - twice now.

    Clara''s eyes regained focus as the atmosphere normalized. She glanced back at her brother''s worried expression, words failing her before she retreated to her room. There was still lingering fear in her eyes. She wasn''t sure what she felt but all her instincts were screaming at her to retreat. Hmm

    ¡°What were you doing?¡± Conrad asked calmly he didn''t want to anger Anira. Frankly he was also a little scared of her.

    ¡°Apologies Great Master¡± Anira bowed her head.

    You don''t have to. But still what you did was not right.

    Looking at Anira, Conrad noticed her attention was on something else. Her cheeks were a little red.

    Following her gaze, Conrad looked down to see his hands were still holding Anira¡¯s soft slender gloved hands.

    Conrad immediately released his grip feeling flustered.

    What the hell. Why am I panicking?

    "Ahem. Remember one rule: never harm my sisters, regardless of circumstance."

    Still fixated on her hand, Anira eventually looked up. "Yes, my Lord." After a pause, she added, "My Lord, forgive my forthcoming words, but I will eliminate anyone showing you malice - even your sisters.¡±

    Conrad''s eyes twitched a little. Little sweat dripped down from his forehead.

    Gulped

    Yeah she is dangerous. She can take any life without any hesitation. I am not sure why she considers me as her ¡®Lord¡¯. She may very well have some hidden agenda. Maybe she is waiting for some power to manifest inside me so she can snatch it for herself. There are so many possibilities. I can''t be sure.

    Conrad nodded slightly. Anira dissolved into the shadows of Conrad. Darkness around her seemed to be consumed by the entity that lived inside a seemingly normal wimpy person.

    Before entering his house. Conrad glanced behind for a moment as if he noticed something but then turned around to walk towards his room.

    In the suffocating darkness, a figure stood silently, shrouded in stillness. The moonlight, though piercing through the clouds, refused to touch her. The chill in the air dared not brush against her skin. Her wedding dress hung unnaturally, unmoving, as though even the wind feared to disturb her presence. She didn¡¯t smile¡ªor perhaps she couldn¡¯t, for where her face should have been, there was nothing but a swirling void, an abyss that seemed to devour the faint light around it, blending into the shadows with a malevolent grace.

    After returning to his room, Conrad settled into a Victorian-modern chair beneath the lamplight. Through sealed windows, the night''s chill couldn''t penetrate. Before him stood a wooden table bearing an open notebook and expensive modern ballpoint - a study habit carried from his previous life. The thick book lay open, its pages mostly text with some images of unknown origin.

    Here I am in a fantasy world but I still have to study. Last time I remember studying like this before my interview. Well what can you do? Life is life.

    Opening the book¡¯s first page Conrad read:

    Author - Maxwell Condyle.

    This is a book which includes the latest theory and research on Supernatural fields of the world.

    Chapter 1 : World of Essentarii

 Chapter 6 - Brahman

    Chapter 6: Brahman

    In a silent room, Conrad flipped through the pages one by one. The natural sound of turning pages filled the occasional silence. Looking outside, Conrad noticed it was raining. It was already cold, but the sudden downpour made the temperature drop even further.

    Raindrops clashed against the road, breaking the silence of the night. The chilling air drifted through the window in fleeting bursts. Outside, trees stood bathed in moonlight, their wet leaves glistening like silver. Dim lights from nearby houses shimmered on the slick, gray road. A lone carriage creaked along, its wheels slicing through puddles with a soft splash, moving unhurriedly under the faint glow.

    Conrad was lost in a daze when he noticed Anira emerging from his shadow. She appeared as usual in her corset dress, but something was different. It was deep red, complementing her crimson eyes perfectly. She stood there without saying anything.

    I am not sure what her deal is.

    "Anira, is there anything you wanted to discuss?"

    "No, my lord."

    "..."

    Despite the constant sound of rain outside, the silence between them was the only thing Anira and Conrad focused on.

    Come on, say something. Your great master is not good at conversation with girls.

    "My lord, would you like some coffee?"

    What? Who would make that? Do you want me to wake my sister up?

    "I learned to make it when I was in a country called Zenithia," Anira explained, sensing Conrad''s puzzled expression.

    "Zenithia? Where''s that?" Conrad asked curiously.

    "It''s directly north of Freya, part of the Aisa Continent."

    "Alright, I''ll review my notes before you return. Make sure to prepare two coffees. I want you to drink with me¡ªotherwise, forget it."

    It''s getting cold. It would be troublesome if Anira caught a cold. Also it would be a little weird drinking coffee all alone.

    "Yes, my lord. I will make it quickly," Anira said with a faint smile.

    Why is she so happy just making coffee? Well at least she feels much more easier to converse with that smile of hers.

    Anira remained standing, gazing at her master. Noticing her lingering presence, Conrad asked:

    "Anything else?"

    "No, my lord." She turned slowly.

    "Anira," Conrad called out, as if remembering something.

    "Yes, my lord?"

    Running his fingers through his hair, Conrad said while looking elsewhere, "You look beautiful in that dress."

    "..."

    After Anira''s departure, Conrad returned his attention to the book.

    The more I read, the more I''m amazed by how this world works. They''ve figured out the fundamental building block of reality, what they call Brahman, which can be measured in BU units. It''s like the smallest particle that makes up reality itself.

    The theory was introduced as far back as the second epoch. Few records remained from that time, but several archaeological expedition teams had confirmed one thing through their research: Adam first discovered Brahman. His theory proposed that Brahman was infinite energy that living beings could harness. This was later refined and partially rejected by a researcher from the fourth epoch.

    Adam was correct that Brahman was a fundamental unit of reality, but it was widely rejected by many scholars that Brahman is infinite. Sir. Philipmaac in his book about the thesis stated ¡®Brahman being infinite adds unnecessary complexity, It is much simpler and consistent with our observations to assume it''s finite¡¯.

    In the fourth epoch, someone proved that Brahman obeyed the conservation law:

    Conservation law: Brahman cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed. It can interact with space, matter, energy, and consciousness.

    Conrad was getting a headache from processing all the information, but his determination to understand this new system drove him forward. This new subject ignited his curiosity to its peak.

    As he continued reading, Conrad took careful notes.

    Brahman is the primordial essence from which all things are made. It exists in a state of superposition, embodying infinite potential but remaining inaccessible to ordinary beings. To access Brahman, one¡¯s body must act as a field, capable of resonating with its energy fluctuations.

    However, this connection is obstructed by natural restrictions¡ªlimitations imposed by the physical world and the untrained mind. Through intense rare circumstances, these restrictions can be overcome, allowing individuals to synchronize with Brahman. When this happens, the superposition collapses into a usable form, granting extraordinary powers. People who have overcome these restrictions are called Tier 0: Brahman inheritors.

    Any living being with supernatural abilities are called an Essentia (plural: Essentarii).

    Conrad set down his pen. This is a lot to take in. This book truly is a treasure¡ªwithout it, it would take lifetimes to figure out any of this. It might never be achievable.

    Just as these thoughts crossed his mind, a glass appeared before him. Anira, in her red dress, stood very close. He can even see through her dress, Conrad¡¯s eyes were drawn towards little cleavage, he felt flustered, he wanted to retreat immediately but a sweet scent made his eye''s unable to move away from the snowhite skin of Anira.

    Conrad looked up slightly. "Anira, can''t you at least knock?"

    "Should I knock, my lord?" Anira asked with innocent eyes.

    "No, forget it."

    Conrad paused, then continued, "Anira, you can pass through walls, but how do these physical objects pass through as well?"

    "It''s one of my abilities called teleportation."

    Conrad was shocked.

    Dude, that''s so unfair. Why are you so OP? And it''s not even your only ability¡ªwait, how many do you have?Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.

    After reading several chapters, Conrad was certain of one thing: performing any supernatural feat was incredibly difficult. Each step had specific rules.

    She must be a prodigy. I''m sure of it. She''s probably one of those people who are like ''oh, it''s so easy'' and then proceed to do university-level mathematics at age twelve. Why do I feel like crying?

    Whoever sent me to this world, I''m going to rip you apart if I ever meet you. Why isn''t there a cheat system for me? Am I just a side character watching from the sidelines?

    Sipping his coffee, Conrad calmed himself. Anira stood beside him, drinking from her cup. Outside, the rain was slowing considerably. Night sounds emerged from every corner, though some insects disturbed the night''s elegance with their untuned melodies.

    "So you''re an Essentia, right?" Conrad asked, turning to Anira.

    "Yes, my lord."

    "How did you become who you are?"

    According to the book, there are two ways to become an Essentia: through pret possession or by inheriting it from one''s parents during birth. Both paths carried significant risks. Because of this, Essentarii usually avoided pregnancies. Pret possession, on the other hand, had a survival rate of 30% at best.

    "I don''t know, my lord," Anira said, as if gazing at some distant memory. Her crimson eyes held a poignant expression.

    Her condition seems unique. There''s no mention of Essentarii becoming permanently invisible. That would violate the fundamental laws of Brahman. Maybe I am just a noob who doesn''t know advanced concepts yet that''s why it seems unique to me.

    "Anira, how do you like your coffee?" Conrad changed the subject, noticing her melancholic look.

    Holding the coffee cup with both hands, Anira met Conrad''s eyes with a warm smile. "I like it."

    Damn, you beauties are always lethal poison to men like us. This is dangerous territory. I shouldn''t dwell on it if I want to survive in this world.

    Conrad felt flustered.

    "Actually... I have a question after reading this book," he said, changing the topic again.

    After a brief pause, he continued, "How did I become a Tier 0: Brahman inheritor?"

    After waking up, I didn''t do anything special, so how did I automatically become an Essentia? It makes no sense. From my memories in both lives, I never had any interaction with the supernatural.

    "I don''t know, my lord. All I know is that when I first met you, you were already at Tier 0," Anira answered, looking somewhat confused herself.

    "Anira, reading the book is helpful, but I''m struggling to connect the practical applications with the theoretical explanations," Conrad admitted frankly.

    Honestly, I''ve been trying to do something supernatural for minutes now, but nothing''s happening. I feel like a normal human being as usual.

    After a brief pause, Conrad continued, "I want you to train me. According to this book, there should be an instructor to guide you, but I don''t have that luxury. I''d like you to teach me these things every night."

    Anira listened attentively, then responded with a caring smile, "As you wish."

    "Tomorrow is Sunday, and you''re only available at midnight. We also need to fight the Oddity tomorrow night. I think it''s best if we start now," Conrad explained.

    "Yes, my lord."

    "My lord, we can''t train inside this room. While I could theoretically create a barrier to block outside interactions, I believe we have a better place for training¡ªone that can completely erase our presence, even from beings above our stages."

    "What? You mean to say we have such power at our disposal?"

    "Yes, my lord. It''s actually the gift from you I treasure most."

    Conrad''s confusion deepened.

    Anira took a step back and spoke in an ethereal, otherworldly voice, using a language only Conrad could understand. It wasn''t Heraphant, Polyphant, Monoglif, or any other language from this world. The words carried an unknown sensation, a mystery with infinite layers:

    "By mine lord¡¯s will,

    A world that none should ken,

    A world cloaked in nameless mist,

    A world governed by The Eye,

    A world yclept Arcane Veil.¡±

    Suddenly, their surroundings transformed. A dark world materialized before them. No sound existed, as if silence was the only law here. A dense mist pervaded everything, like a living entity that had existed for eternity.

    Conrad stood stunned, recognizing this scene.

    Isn''t this the place we were trapped in before?

    "Anira, is this..."

    "Yes, my lord, this is exactly what you''re thinking."

    "So you''ve figured out what this place is?"

    "No, my lord. I only know I can access it at will. This was the new power I mentioned before."

    Why do you have all the cool abilities? Beautiful, mysterious, and powerful. Are you perfect or something?

    Conrad felt a mixture of sadness and jealousy.

    Suddenly, a thick book materialized before them: "Basic Guide to Brahman."

    "Oh, so you can bring objects here?"

    "There are some restrictions, but I can manage with smaller objects under specific conditions."

    "Interesting," Conrad didn''t hide his fascination.

    "First lesson, my lord: in the supernatural world, nothing is truly infinite. Things may seem unfathomable, but everything is built on small foundations and restrictions. The victor in a fight between Essentarii is determined by many factors, but one crucial element is how well one can decipher another''s power mechanics, known as Scripts."

    ¡°Second lesson, my lord: do not believe everything that book or matter of fact any book about Brahman says or proposes. I would remind you, we living beings are just not capable of understanding the truths of the word. Why is it the way it is? Brahman is just the name we gave it in pursuit of understanding the supernatural. Over the course of humanity we may have figured out many things but still we encounter events and phenomenon that are unexplainable by our systems. In the third epoch the Idea of Brahman was even rejected by many. There was even a whole system called Tantrordo Heahmagia that was somewhat different from Brahman¡¯s explanation of our world. There are still many people in this world who follow different systems about the supernatural all together.¡±

    I should keep that in mind. Not everything can be explained or follow rules even if we have systems and theories.

    "Anira, you''re incredibly knowledgeable. I''m truly grateful to have you as my teacher," Conrad complimented sincerely.

    Anira responded with silence.

    Come on, don''t stay quiet. It makes me sound strange.

    The duo remained silent for a few moments. Anira asked: "My lord, can you sense your Brahman within?" Anira asked, already knowing the answer.

    "Huh, I don''t..."

    Before Conrad could finish, he felt something inside his body¡ªa sensation he''d never experienced before.

    What is this feeling?

    A tiny warm sensation arose within him, like a candlelight without illumination inside his body. It has fluctuation and vibration.

    "The Arcane Veil can enhance your affinity toward Brahman. For example, it can elevate me to upper tier 7 or low tier 8. For you, my lord, it can provide sensations typically felt by low tier 10, even as a tier 0."

    Tiers functioned similar to levels, though not strictly as power rankings. They were more akin to classes of mastery and affinity¡ªcomparable to the difference between a first-year and third-year college student. It wasn''t necessarily about one being more brilliant than the other, but rather about knowledge and practice at different stages. Sometimes the distinctions were subtle. The UG provided clarification for tier classification in Chapter 10: Tiers.

    "My lord, what you''re feeling is the Brahman particle after its superposition property has been removed."

    She continued, "First, you need to manifest it outside your body."

    Okay, but how? I can feel it, but do I need some kind of mantra or invocation?

    Conrad stood motionless, uncertain.

    Anira blinked, her expression unchanged, then vanished from her position and appeared behind Conrad instantly. He froze for a moment before feeling a gentle touch on his hands.

    Anira held his hands from behind, bringing them together in a meditative posture. Conrad struggled to focus, distracted by her scent.

    Am I being perverted? I don''t know. Yes, it''s Conrad, not me, Dev.

    Forcing himself to relax, Conrad felt a small warm sensation emanating from within. In his hands, he detected a faint heat, so subtle it was almost imperceptible.

    "So this is Brahman.¡±

 Chapter 7 - A Hug

    Chapter 7: A Hug

    Inside Arcane Veil, Anira was holding Conrad''s hand from behind as if they were one entity standing in eternal darkness for ages. Conrad''s eyes were shining, seeing some progress.

    So this is Brahman. Really, there is nothing better than a good¡ªno, an excellent teacher.

    Conrad felt a sense of happiness inside him. This was the first time he felt this much joy after coming to this dangerous world. There was a sense of excitement and achievement he felt deep within his heart. Then he noticed something that made him a little uncomfortable.

    Clearing his throat, he said, "Ahem, Anira, you can let go of my hands now."

    "Yes, my lord." She waited an additional few seconds before letting his hands go.

    Inside the space that was darker than night and larger than eternity, Conrad and Anira were the only two beings standing there in pure silence.

    "Anira, this space, how do you like it?"

    "Huh? I don''t understand, my lord."

    "I mean to say, do you like this place?"

    "Do you like this place, my lord?"

    "That is unfair. I asked first."

    "I don''t have any likes or dislikes. Now it''s your turn, my lord."

    Conrad gave her an odd look and replied: "Honestly, this place is a little lonely. I can''t live here forever, or I will go crazy just from the emptiness. Also, there is only mist everywhere. Nothing interesting to look at."

    "I can try to summon something, my lord, if you wish."

    "Oh, you can do that also? Please summon something!" Conrad''s eyes grew bigger in excitement.

    Two empty thrones appeared in the middle of the place, surrounded by dense mist. A long crimson carpet lay before those thrones, extending to infinity. Along both sides of the carpet were six chairs.

    What is this? It looks like a throne room. Is it from the past? Is there a king for this place? Wait, Anira said it was a gift from me. Am I the king of this place?

    Conrad''s thoughts were racing when he heard:

    "This is based on one of my past experiences while traveling throughout the world. I saw this place in a little boy''s house."

    Little boy? Conrad thought to himself.

    "Who was that?" Conrad asked with anticipation.

    "He was a courageous little kid who always cried. He was one of the few who could see me. I don''t remember exactly, but I think his name was..." Anira paused for a moment, then opened her pale crimson lips.

    "Alexander Gustavo."

    Conrad''s eyes widened. Sweat formed on his forehead as if he had heard something forbidden.

    Fuck! Who are you?

    Conrad didn''t hide his surprised and horrified looks from Anira. Frankly, he couldn''t hide them¡ªthat would be the better way to say it.

    Alexander Gustavo was the most powerful man in the Fifth epoch, known as the Age of Conquerors. He single-handedly unified eight dynasties at that time. The Northern and Southern continents combined made up most of the world''s landmass, and it was ruled by just one person: Alexander. He never lost a fight in his entire life. It is said he died not in battle but due to an unknown illness. He died at least 6,000 years ago. Wait, Anira called him a little kid. How old is she?

    "Ani...ra?"

    "Yes, my lord?"

    "How old are you?"

    "My lord, it''s not proper to ask a lady her age, right?"

    Conrad was stunned to hear this. He never thought a girl like her would say such things.

    A smile appeared on her face. "I learned this statement from an old lady."

    "Old lady?" Knowing her, it will be some ancient being.

    "Yes, my lord. She couldn''t see me, but she could hear me. She told me I would meet my end when the vision of destiny came to me."

    "Vision? You mentioned that before. What is that?"

    "It primarily happened to people from the space and time domain who have the mind domain as their second domain."

    Why do you always talk in cryptic language? I don''t get any of it. But that''s okay for now. I''ll keep that in the back of my mind.

    "Anira, erase this throne room. Let''s focus on training."

    "Yes, my lord."Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    Mist that was swelling around like a living entity shook and boiled as they engulfed the thrones and six chairs. To an outsider it looked like all the objects were dragged into the abyss by some entity that shouldn''t be seen by anyone. World''s most taboos were hidden inside those darkness only separated by a dense mist.

    "My lord, Brahman is fixed inside our body as it is the very thing that maintains our existence. But we lose consciousness if we constantly use it; each activity involving Brahman expends some of it. Generally speaking, how much Brahman we have at any given moment is fixed, but it can grow or shrink depending upon age and current physical condition. Some people in this world do have a huge quantity of Brahman, but it''s not by a large margin. Essentially, it''s the efficiency in how we use Brahman that matters most. We can, in theory, use all our Brahman at once doing a simple task, but that would not be very efficient."

    She continued, "My lord, you must remember this one rule: Brahman efficiency increases as scale decreases."

    Mathematically speaking, it''s an inverse proportional relation,Conrad made a mental note.

    "Yes, I understand that''s also written in the book, but my question is: Anira, what should I practice next?"

    "Next, you should calculate how much Brahman you have."

    "How?"

    "There is no definitive answer as we know it changes depending upon the situation. Usually, people test this for a year or so and average out their total usage, but if you permit, I can use a faster method."

    "Faster method? Yes, let''s use that. We don''t have a year to just figure out how much Brahman I have."

    Anira hesitated for a brief moment. Then she vanished instantly to appear right before Conrad. Conrad was surprised for a brief moment when he felt something touching him.

    What the...

    His back felt slender gloved hands on it. His skin felt a little warm inside the captivation of two arms. A head was resting close to his heart, hearing a growing thumping sound. Anira was hugging him with her eyes closed. Conrad''s hands were hesitant but then started to move toward the beautifully exposed back of the lady who embodied the darkness around her. The mist danced around them like children holding hands and playing a game of encirclement.

    In an instant, Conrad''s mind went numb as if he had lost control over his thoughts. The Brahman that was around him disappeared. He was gasping for air, but after a few seconds of struggle, Conrad¡ªno, Anira¡ªopened her eyes, holding her body in her arms.

    Ability: Entity possession

    "Mist Sword," Anira''s voice, spoken through Conrad''s mouth, was a deep male voice filled with dignity. Blue eyes were sharp enough to pierce through the sky. Holding her own body, she extended her hands outward.

    Anira in Conrad''s body looked like a mage who had a profound understanding of the world and dignity of a nobel Prince.

    A dense mist started to shake. It was pulled upward towards her hands. A sword as dark as a starless night materialized, its hilt crimson as blood. A silver chain made of mist hung from the sword''s hilt. It was a katana of the most refined quality.

    Ability: Mist Sword Yoru (artifact level - unknown)

    Just as the sword touched her hands, Anira swung it to cut the surrounding mist in a downward cross motion. Then she pushed the sword to her side. It floated in the air as if following her elegance.

    She walked slowly toward the infinite distance inside the eternally quiet Arcane Veil.

    <hr>

    At 2:00 AM, Conrad woke up suddenly, finding himself in a place surrounded by darkness. His mind was disoriented as if he had experienced a long nightmare but couldn''t recall it. His gaze shifted around with lingering fear in his eyes. A pair of deep crimson eyes looked at him with a solemn, worried face.

    "Are... you alright, my lord?" Anira asked worriedly.

    "What happened?"

    "I used one of my abilities that can possess living beings."

    Holy fuck. You''ve got to be kidding me. No, this is extremely dangerous. How would one fight it? I didn''t get any chance to react at all. I can''t let my guard down for a second.

    Remember Conrad: ''In a fight between Essentarii, never let your guard down.''

    Conrad made a mental note.

    "Okay..."

    "Are you feeling alright, my lord?" Anira repeated the question.

    "I am fine. No worries. I may not look like it, but I am stronger than other men around me" Conrad said, raising his arm to show his biceps.

    "So did you figure out the total quantity?" Conrad asked calmly.

    "Yes, my lord. It''s 198 BU," Anira replied.

    "That doesn''t sound so high. I was hoping maybe at least over 9000 or something."

    Conrad mused. Then he asked seriously, "Anira, what''s your total amount?"

    "It''s 200 BU, my lord."

    Holy cow! That much. Wait, I am also close. Right. What is the average in this world?

    "Anira, what is the least and most you have encountered till now?"

    "My lord, I haven''t encountered many entities in my travels as most of them couldn''t even see me, but I did face some who were extremely powerful."

    She continued, "Regardless, it''s almost impossible to guess anyone''s total BU if it''s not recorded or explicitly stated by the person themselves. I did use entity possession ability on two people to gain some insight on them as a favor for helping me in the past"

    "One of them was Alexander?"

    "Yes, my lord. He was just starting out on his journey back then. He made a bet with me that if I could guess his total amount correctly. He wrote a contract stating that if I lost the bet, I would have to go on a date with him or something like that, and if he lost, he would give me his most prized item."

    "Let me guess¡ªyou won."

    "I lost, my lord."

    "..." Conrad was left speechless for a moment.

    Alexander really was amazing. To win against Anira in anything is a miracle.

    "My lord, after some careful thought, I would suggest not taking all of these concepts at once, rather focus on one step at a time."

    Anira is right. I was just thinking of defeating an Oddity when I''m not even a trained Essentia. I was just overestimating myself. I''m not some protagonist that has a cheat ability and can master the unnatural fundamentals of this world that were crafted through eons in just one or two nights. It will take me years before I''m anywhere near Anira.

    Sigh! Reality really does hurt. All the novel heroes are cool from the get-go, and here I am just starting by learning concepts theoretically.

    "Anira, what do you think I should practice tomorrow all day?"

    "My lord should start with core principles of tier 0. It is said to be the common tier that is the same for all beings. This stage works as a foundation that will shape future development. Principle number one includes sensing, channeling, and manipulating Brahman. These should be your priority. Remember to practice to increase efficiency not scale."

    "Okay then, let''s end here. I''m already getting sleepy."

    "Oh, Anira..." Conrad called out, wanting to ask something.

    "Yes, my lord?"

    No, I was just going to ask her if the hug was necessary to activate that ability. But I guess it must be, otherwise she wouldn''t do such things.

    "Never mind, let''s go home.¡±

 Chapter 8 - Zartaj Zaratool

    Chapter 8: Zartaj Zaratool

    Sunday morning at 6:00 AM.

    Conrad''s eyes opened slowly, his body still bearing the burden of Anira''s possession from the night before. She was nowhere in sight. After their return to the physical world, she hadn''t immediately retreated to his shadows; instead, she had sat there on the bed, watching him with concerned eyes.

    She''s becoming more rebellious as time passes, he thought. I don''t understand her true motives. Her behavior grows stranger by the day.

    He sighed and glanced at the clock. "My first Sunday in this world. Everyone will be home today. That''s fortunate¡ªI''ll be able to protect them from the Oddity, given that Anira''s barrier has limited range."

    Conrad rose and made his way to the bathroom to begin his morning routine. Sunlight crept through the windows, illuminating the corner of his room where a notebook lay open on his desk.

    While brushing his teeth, his mind wandered through past events and future possibilities.

    I have to face the Oddity tonight. Even with Anira''s presence, I can''t burden her with everything. This is the first time in my life I''ve felt so powerless. Usually, I lead the charge, but in this world, such recklessness means certain death. Last night, I lost control of both body and mind before I could even comprehend what was happening. This is far more terrifying than I anticipated.

    Conrad was practicing sensing as part of his Brahman practice. After returning from Arcane Veil, he had developed a faint awareness of the energies around him¡ªlike a budding sixth sense, subtle but undeniable.

    The question remains: how can I assist Anira in battle? She instructed me to focus on mastering the first principle of tier 0, but I want to be more than just support. Being her ''lord'' while standing idle doesn''t sit well with me. Perhaps a weapon would help? But would conventional weapons even affect an Oddity? And if I leave to acquire one, the barrier would dissolve. This is beyond frustrating.

    Calm yourself, Dev.

    After completing his morning routine, Conrad headed to the kitchen to help.

    <hr>

    Isalde was preparing breakfast for her siblings when she noticed a young handsome man approaching¡ªher brother, whose deep blue eyes lately held a mature quality that made him seem different from before. Secretly, she preferred this new version of him. It warmed her heart to see her most trusted brother gradually becoming the man of the house.

    "Con, what brings you to the kitchen?"

    "Big sister, you know I can''t let you handle everything alone. I want to help however I can."

    "Oh my, you''re now planning to take away my work from me." Isalde mused, a gentle smile playing on her lips.

    From her chair in the middle of the room, Clara watched Conrad with suspicious eyes. The odd encounter with her elder brother outside the house still troubled her. Deep down, she feared he might be plotting something sinister. She planned to confide in Leona, whom she trusted above all others. Knowing Isalde wouldn''t believe her, she remained silent.

    The doorbell''s sudden ring shattered the kitchen''s atmosphere. Conrad tensed, conscious of Anira''s absence.

    "I''ll answer it," he told Isalde.

    As he approached the door, Conrad noticed the hidden distorted space fluctuating more intensely than before¡ªsomething he''d grown sensitive to through his experience in Arcane Veil.

    The spatial disturbances made him frown, though he tried not to dwell on them. Opening the door, his eyebrows lifted slightly.

    Who are you?

    Before him stood a man nearly six feet tall, wearing a warm smile. Despite his slightly receding hairline, he maintained a distinguished appearance. His light brown eyes and brown skin suggested southern origins.

    "May I enter, Mr. Valor?" the man asked in a deep voice.

    Conrad searched his memories for any recollection of this visitor but found none. As he prepared to request an introduction, a familiar voice spoke from behind the man.

    "Conrad, he''s your future brother-in-law. Don''t block the doorway," Leona said, her face impassive.

    Brother-in-law? What does she mean? I''ve never met this man. Who is he?

    "Please don''t worry, Ms. Leona. The fault is mine for not properly introducing myself," the man continued. "During my last visit, I missed the opportunity to meet you, Mr. Valor. Allow me to introduce myself."

    "I am Zartaj Zaratool, from Zenithia. I hope to join your family for breakfast, if it wouldn''t disturb your peace."

    The name Zenithia stirred memories from last night in Conrad''s mind. He stared at the man with sharp eyes. The old Conrad might have lowered his head, skipped breakfast, and hidden in his room, leaving his sisters to deal with this stranger. But this wasn''t the timid Conrad¡ªthis was Dev in Conrad''s body.

    With a smile, he addressed the imposing figure, "Please excuse my absence during your previous visit, Mr. Zaratool. You understand that with three beautiful sisters under my protection, one must exercise caution."

    Zaratool met the young man''s deep blue eyes and smiled. Leona started to interject, but Conrad raised a hand to stop her¡ªa commanding gesture she''d never seen from her brother before.

    What is this fool doing? Has he lost his mind?

    "I understand completely, Mr. Valor. The fault is mine for arriving unannounced. I offer my sincere apologies."

    "Your Excellency, please don''t! We''re unworthy of your presence, let alone your apology," Leona hurriedly interjected.

    "I accept your apology. Please, come in. Let''s enjoy breakfast together," Conrad said with a casual smirk, as if addressing royalty was an everyday occurrence.

    Leona''s eyes widened at her brother''s apparent insolence before such an important figure. Even she wouldn''t dare show such familiarity.

    Conrad paused briefly before adding, "Ah, I forgot my own introduction¡ªbetter late than never. I am Conrad Valor, owner of the Valor residence."

    Leona stood baffled by such a bold declaration but held her tongue in the presence of their distinguished guest.

    "Who is it, Con?" A sweet voice called from the kitchen.

    Isalde had finished her preparations when she noticed the tall man walking toward their dining area. His commanding presence carried the air of nobility, like some foreign prince. Her eyes widened slightly before narrowing into a frown.

    "Mr. Zaratool, I don''t recall receiving any notice of your visit?"

    "Not every visit requires planning or a permit. Don''t you think, Isalde?"

    Isalde? What''s going on? Conrad glanced at his big sister.

    "Mr. Zaratool, I believe I told you I don''t appreciate people who become too informal too quickly."

    "Excuse me for forgetting such details, Ms. Isalde. I''m reaching an age where these details slip past me."

    "You are very young, Your Excellency," Leona interjected from the side, trying to ease the tension. Among the Valor family, only she truly understood Zaratool''s status and the dangers of offending him.

    Conrad remained quiet, observing everything carefully. As they took their seats, Zaratool chose the chair directly opposite Isalde. Conrad positioned himself near his sister, who as always occupied the head of the table.

    Zaratool''s lips curled slightly as he turned to Isalde. "I thought the owner of the Valor residence was somebody else?"Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    Damn this fucking bastard. You really want to fight with me, huh?

    Conrad thought to himself.

    "Yes, the owner of the Valor residence is my younger brother, but as he''s still learning, I serve as a temporary replacement," Isalde replied without meeting Zaratool''s gaze, her eyes fixed on Conrad instead.

    "A woman as a temporary owner? I think it should be a man, as you know women have their own duties. These matters should be left to men."

    Leona and Clara both froze at his statement. Clara, already fearful of men, felt an inexplicable dread toward this particular visitor.

    Isalde''s sharp eyes locked onto Zaratool. Her elegance never wavered¡ªshe was every bit like a queen regarding someone beneath her notice. Yet beneath her composure, she carefully measured her words to avoid truly offending this man. It was the only reason she hadn''t refused his request to join their breakfast.

    ¡°We..¡± before Isalde said anything a sharp voice cut her off.

    "Not every country lives in an old era, Mr. Zaratool," Conrad replied, his eyes warm as he looked at his sisters. "I don''t know about others, but in this country, women may very well be more suitable to rule than men because we measure merit, not gender."

    "Hahaha, you''re right, Mr. Valor. It was rude of me to say such things. This food is excellent¡ªI envy you, getting to eat like this every day." Zaratool paused before continuing, "But Mr. Valor, I truly am sorry to take such a capable woman for myself."

    "I believe you''re mistaken, Mr. Zaratool. I haven''t replied to your proposal yet. While I appreciate all you''ve done¡ªaiding Clara''s education and advancing Leona''s career¡ªmatters concerning my life require careful consideration," Isalde cut him off.

    "Of course, Isalde. I''m willing to wait as long as you need."

    Conrad felt rage burning in his stomach, threatening to explode, when he felt a soft, trembling hand grasp his own beneath the table. Isalde''s hands were resting on his, seeking comfort while her face maintained its dignified expression.

    Looking at his elegant sister, Conrad saw past her queenly demeanor to the young woman beneath¡ªone who needed her brother''s support right now.

    Sigh! Being a brother really is hard.

    Conrad turned to Zaratool, his expression carefully neutral. "I have decided, as the head of the house, that we are not worthy of your status. Please forgive my directness, but Your Excellency would find a far more suitable lady to accompany you than my elder sister."

    "Are you rejecting me, Mr. Valor?" Zaratool''s expression turned serious. The atmosphere in the room instantly darkened, like a storm cloud passing over the sun.

    Conrad began channeling his Brahman, creating a subtle but commanding presence. "Rejecting you is not something we can do, Your Excellency. As I said, we are simply unable to bear the burdens that would follow such a marriage. I believe Your Excellency is kind enough to forgive us Valors for our ignorance and unworthiness."

    Clara looked at her brother with confusion; she couldn''t comprehend what her usually useless brother was talking about. Leona, stunned since the beginning, could only observe this unfamiliar version of the brother she''d rarely paid attention to.

    Zaratool rose from his chair and approached Conrad, who now stood at his full height. Leaning close, he whispered in a voice meant only for Conrad''s ears, "You Essentarii are always a pain in the ass, you know. But don''t worry¡ªI''m not petty enough to kill a newly born kitten."

    The statement shook Conrad to his core. He immediately connected the distorted space with this man''s presence. Anira''s words echoed in his mind: ''...he may be on the same level as me...'' That single statement planted a seed of fear in his heart. While Conrad maintained his composed exterior, inside his mind churned like a storm-tossed sea.

    This guy is very powerful. We''ve involved ourselves with something far beyond our comprehension, Conrad thought to himself.

    The tension in the room grew thick enough to cut with a knife, until a chuckle broke through the silence. Zaratool''s laugh dispelled some of the darkness as he spoke, "I understand¡ªI was being impatient. I simply couldn''t pass up the chance to court a capable woman like Ms. Isalde, but forcing anyone is not my style. The offer stands if the Valor family ever reconsiders. I''ve had my fill for today. I should take my leave."

    "Your Excellency, I will accompany you¡ª" Before Leona could finish, Zaratool cut her off.

    "It''s quite alright. You''ve been on night duty, so enjoy your time with your family. My guards are already waiting outside."

    Conrad sensed a terrifying presence beyond their walls.

    After walking some distance from the house, Zaratool addressed a bearded man following behind him. "Kaladin, what do you think of the barrier around the house?"

    "Sir, it''s extremely powerful. I don''t know anyone who could block even my abilities without being physically present."

    "The Valor family might not be just a normal family," Zaratool said with a smile. "That kitten is hiding something."

    <hr>

    The Valor family was not finished with their breakfast, but an awkward silence hung in the room. Isalde, Leona, and Clara were looking at their brother with an odd gaze. Noticing their eyes on him, Conrad broke the silence.

    "Ahem, let''s continue with our breakfast."

    Leona looked at Conrad and wanted to say something but chose not to. Isalde took a deep breath and addressed her brother.

    "I''m sorry, Con. I didn''t tell you about Mr. Zaratool. You were too busy with your studies, so I thought it would be best not to disturb you."

    Well, that''s a lie. It''s more like you just didn''t want to see your brother''s pathetic state in front of this man. You are very kind, my dear sister.

    "Anyway, how is Xie?" Isalde changed the topic.

    Conrad was caught off guard. He nearly choked on his food. After drinking some water, he looked at his elegant sister.

    Seriously, what''s with your sudden question?

    Leona and Clara were unaware of their brother''s new girlfriend. They frowned in confusion.

    "Xie? Who is she?" Leona asked.

    Clara remained silent, however her eyes betrayed her curiosity.

    Isalde chuckled and replied, "She will be the future head woman of the Valor family."

    "That''s way further down the line. We don''t have much interaction. Let''s take these steps one at a time," Conrad said without expression while sipping his tea.

    Conrad has a girlfriend? Both Leona and Clara thought to themselves.

    Is that the reason he''s been acting weird recently? Conrad''s sisters came to the same conclusion. Seeing their confused looks, he sighed.

    Changing the topic again, Conrad said, "Today the weather is very cold. I''ll be in my room all day as I have some assignments to do. If you need anything, let me know."

    All of them were shocked again.

    Assignment? Our brother is doing an assignment? Isn''t that too much of a change in a man?

    This Xie girl is indeed very powerful, even Isalde thought to herself.

    <hr>

    After finishing his breakfast and helping his sisters, Conrad returned to his room to continue his training.

    That was the most exhausting breakfast ever. Anyway, I need to get stronger, or people like Zaratool will push me around in this world.

    Conrad sat on his bed, legs folded in a meditative position. He tried to recall the teachings and sensations from the previous night.

    "Sensing, Channeling, and Manipulation together make the first core principles¡ªInteraction of a Tier 0."

    "Before doing anything complex, I need to understand that everything is some form of these principles. Before creating something unique, everyone needs to go through the common lessons of Tier 0."

    "I can only manifest my brahman and use it to sense things around me, but I''m unable to manipulate it to give it shape or split it apart." Conrad felt impatient seeing such little progress; deep inside, he thought he was special and could master things in just one try.

    Why am I getting so impatient? It''s only my first day. I should learn to do things slowly. Conrad recalled a line from one of his favorite novels: "Journey before destination."

    He practiced all day without breaks. Isalde and Leona were not home. Clara studied in her room.

    They said they''d return before dinner. I wonder where they went? Conrad chuckled. "Am I already starting to act like an overprotective brother?"

    Cold wind passed through the Valor residence. The glass windows, with their old Victorian-style architecture mixed with modern colors, shook slightly under the constant pressure. The sun began to set as evening descended. Conrad continued practicing religiously without breaks. Clara studied diligently in her room. Silence grew with each passing minute; only the steady ticking of clocks could be heard throughout the house.

    At 7:09 PM, Clara felt thirsty. She reached for the bottle beside her, but it was empty. She descended the stairs toward the kitchen. The hallway leading there was dim, slightly illuminated by small wall lights. Her brother''s room was unusually quiet. Though she tried not to care, she glanced briefly at his door while passing.

    "I don''t know what that idiot is doing, probably sleeping, I guess."

    As she approached the empty kitchen, she noticed from the corner of her eye that the refrigerator door stood open.

    "It''s unusual for my big sister to leave it open. It must be that useless brother of mine."

    She sighed and started walking toward the fridge to close it.

    Creak!

    A small sound emerged from the kitchen. Clara tensed instantly. Why do I feel so horrified? I don''t know what it is, but something''s giving me the creeps.

    "It''s all my imagination," she thought, looking at the distant corner. A dark fur of some animal blended with the isolated corner of the room. Clara''s forehead began to sweat, and her feet grew cold. Her heart raced.

    She turned from the kitchen and hurried to Conrad''s room. "Con..." she hesitated for a moment before calling out, "Brother, are you there?"

    There was no reply from the other side. Clara''s legs trembled slightly. She felt utterly alone in the world, as if her fate had been sealed by some unknown hidden truths she couldn''t comprehend.

    Creak!

    The door to Conrad''s room opened. Seeing her brother, Clara couldn''t hide her relief. Her eyes, on the verge of tears, found renewed hope.

    "Clara? What''s the matter?¡±

 Chapter 9 - Oddity

    Chapter 9: Oddity

    A faint light illuminated the room where Conrad was practicing. He sat in a meditative posture, in sync with the world of the unknown. His body felt light as feathers, as if detached and floating in some higher dimension. Before him, a glow vibrated silently with energy fluctuations¡ªhis Brahman manifesting itself clearly.

    My body needs to act as a field that can make these fluctuations happen, he thought.

    There are many theories regarding how it happens, but generally nobody has agreed on signal theory. Still, it''s widely accepted that the thinking body as a field manifests Brahman more easily.

    Conrad tried to concentrate on giving his Brahman shape, but it remained like water without a container. No matter how much he tried, he couldn''t contain it. He began pouring more energy into it. As the Brahman heated, his room blazed with bright light, but Conrad felt his energy draining rapidly.

    No, this isn''t right. Remember what Anira said: Practice efficiency, not scale.

    As Conrad calmed his output, a strange hallucination struck him¡ªan eye staring directly at him.

    What the¡ª

    His Brahman dispersed instantly as his eyes snapped open. A voice called from outside.

    "Brother, are you there?"

    A female voice? Did something happen to my sisters? Wait, let me calm down first.

    Conrad surveyed his room for potential dangers. Just to be sure, let me use my senses.

    He sighed. Good, there''s nothing. I don''t know what that weird image was. It looked like an eye.

    When he opened his door, Clara stood there with teary eyes.

    What happened while I was inside?

    "Clara? What''s the matter?"

    "Brother, sorry I''m being a bother, but believe me, I saw something in the kitchen."

    The kitchen? Isn''t that where I saw that Oddity last time? Wait, it''s impossible. An Oddity can''t cross Anira''s barrier.

    Conrad''s face grew serious, his thoughts racing to determine the next course of action.

    Is it possible the Oddity is much stronger and broke through Anira''s barrier? That would be terrifying.

    "I know you don''t believe me, but..." Clara shifted awkwardly, desperate in facing her brother for the first time.

    Conrad placed his hand on Clara''s head and said with a warm smile, hiding their terrifying situation, "I believe you, Clara. You''re my precious sister¡ªwhy wouldn''t I believe you?"

    Clara''s eyes grew wet. She wanted to hug her brother but held back. For the first time, she felt someone besides Leona was reliable¡ªand it was none other than a man, her most hated person, her brother.

    "Conrad, should we check inside the kitchen?" Clara asked.

    Conrad thought deeply. Without Anira, it''s too dangerous. One misstep and we''ll meet an unfortunate fate. Better to leave it alone for now. We haven''t been hurt, which means it won''t harm us for now. I remember Anira told me Oddities usually don''t have logical thinking¡ªthey act on instinct.

    "Clara, if I ask you not to go to the kitchen, will you listen to my request?"

    Clara paused before replying, "Yes, I will listen."

    "Good girl. Why did you want to go to the kitchen?"

    "I wanted to drink some water."

    "Oh, I have two bottles in my room. Let me get one for you."

    "Ah, Conrad...can...I stay with you until Leona comes back?" Clara asked, tugging slightly at his sleeve.

    She''s stubborn but a very good girl at heart.

    "Sure, come in."

    <hr>

    At 9:00 PM, Leona and Isalde returned.

    "Welcome back," Conrad said, walking toward the door to receive his sisters.

    "Clara fell asleep in my room. I think she was tired from her studies."

    Hearing those words, Leona and Isalde exchanged glances. Isalde smiled at Conrad and asked, "Con, did something happen while we were away?"

    "Nothing serious. She was just a little afraid, so I let her stay in my room."

    "Yes, she gets afraid easily," Leona said while removing her shoes.

    "Should we wake her for dinner?"

    "I''ll do it," Leona replied.

    Conrad gazed toward the kitchen, lost in thought. After Clara fell asleep, I used my sensing ability to detect anomalies. I found nothing, but I''m just a beginner. Still, there should have been something. Maybe the Oddity left? But why so suddenly?

    After some small talk, the Valor family sat at their respective seats and had a pleasant family dinner, unaware of something¡ªor someone¡ªwatching them silently.

    <hr>

    When the clock struck midnight and every woman in the Valor household slept, a lone young man walked the hallway, his sharp eyes focused on the distant corner of the kitchen.

    "Anira."

    A figure emerged from the young man''s shadow. In the darkness, her feminine features could only be described as otherworldly, commanding darkness itself with her mere presence. Her crimson eyes pierced through any night, her snow-white skin outshining pure winter, her corset dress blending with shadows in timeless mystique. As Anira emerged, she parted her crimson lips and responded.

    "Yes, my lord."

    Conrad studied his partner, who wore a deep blue, almost black corset dress with matching gloves.

    Another new dress? Is there a shopping mall inside my shadow? Not that I care, but if you ever marry, your husband will suffer greatly.

    Conrad mused internally. Anira gave him a knowing look.

    What? I didn''t say anything.

    "My lord, this will be dangerous. Please stay close to me."Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.

    Conrad nodded and explained Clara''s incident.

    "It''s really odd..." Anira furrowed her brow in thought before speculating, "My lord, my barrier prevents Oddities from entering from outside, but one could exist within if it was here to begin with."

    Conrad''s eyes sharpened. Very interesting. I hadn''t considered that.

    Though intelligent, Conrad lacked experience in supernatural matters.

    "Anira, you have a point, but I have one problem. Why couldn''t we sense it when we put up the barrier, or when I visited the kitchen? Besides that creepy feeling, I didn''t notice anything strange."

    Anira frowned at this puzzle. "My lord, as I''ve stated, the supernatural world is extremely complicated, even at the lower levels. We must fight the unknown without additional information. That''s how Essentarii usually fight. Only powerful organizations have the luxury of gathering intelligence beforehand, and even that''s considered risky and expensive."

    Conrad scratched his head. Why is this world set to hard difficulty?

    "Anira, can weapons affect Oddities?"

    "Normal weapons work, but it depends on the Oddities strength. Usually, Essentarii use weapons augmented with their own power, specially made for them. Essentarii at tiers 6-5 typically have artifacts to assist them."

    "Artifacts?" Conrad asked curiously.

    "Yes, my lord. In this world, artifacts exist but are few in number¡ªconsidered national treasures. Nations owning even one are deemed powerful. They''re scarce and hard to acquire, but some reportedly hold power to destroy entire worlds or even slay gods."

    Terrifying... How scary are these things?

    Anira blinked at Conrad with her beautiful crimson eyes, then squinted as if considering something.

    "Anira, what''s wrong?" Conrad noticed his partner''s unusual behavior.

    "My lord, would you hold a weapon for this mission? My priority is protecting you, so after careful consideration, I think it best if you take this."

    "What are you¡ª" Conrad''s question cut short as Anira''s ethereal voice pierced the night''s silence.

    "Mist Sword." A sword materialized before Conrad, dark as a starless night with a crimson hilt. A silver chain of dense mist hung from it¡ªthe finest katana imaginable.

    Ability: Mist sword Yoru

    Conrad''s eyes twitched slightly. More than anything, he felt awe at such powers, though he''d grown somewhat used to Anira''s mysterious ways.

    "What is this?" he asked, excitement creeping into his voice.

    "An artifact. The Mist Sword Yoru. I don''t know its origin, but I can''t die while it exists. Only completely erasing me from existence with overwhelming power or breaking this sword would kill me."

    Conrad stared in shock. "Why tell me such vital information?"

    Anira tilted her head, confused. "My lord, my life has been yours since we met."

    "..." Conrad fell silent, an unnamed feeling stirring in his heart.

    Do you trust me that much? Don''t you know such trust can be dangerous?

    After a deep breath, Conrad asked, "How do you know this sword holds your life?"

    "I feel it, my lord. It''s a connection my Brahman understands. It''s the same thing I felt with you, as if¡ª"

    Tuck!

    Anira didn''t finish. A small sound echoed from the kitchen. Conrad gripped the floating sword. It felt neither light nor heavy¡ªas if it could slice through anything effortlessly.

    They entered the kitchen. Darkness filled the space, all lights extinguished. Clouds drifted across the sky, occasionally veiling the moon. Dim moonlight provided their only illumination. Conrad''s tension showed in his sweat while Anira remained expressionless.

    The kitchen stood empty save for scattered dishes and mysterious water droplets breaking the silence. A newspaper lay discarded on the floor.

    I don''t remember the kitchen being this messy. Isalde always tidies up after meals.

    A cold breeze brushed past Conrad as he stood beside Anira Veil.

    Something''s wrong. I don''t know what.

    Conrad turned to ask Anira something but found her space empty.

    She zipped around the room at impossible speed¡ªno, more accurately, she moved instantaneously. Light mist trailed her movements, creating the effect of a silent, miniature smoke bomb.

    Ability: Mist Teleportation

    After several seconds, she stopped. Her gaze fixed on a closet normally kept closed, used for storing old items.

    "My lord, I sense nothing supernatural here, but we should investigate everything..."

    "Alright... let''s open this closet." Conrad gripped his sword tightly.

    As the door creaked open, cold air flooded the room. Distant clouds now completely obscured the moon. In such absolute darkness, without lights, Conrad felt a chill race down his spine at what the small door revealed.

    A bride in her wedding dress crouched inside, skin dry as autumn leaves, as if she hadn''t eaten in years. She stretched nearly twice their height, her body unnaturally elongated.

    "Is... is this an Oddity?"

    "No, my lord, just a dead body. Actually..." Anira paused before turning to Conrad, "It died just a minute ago.¡±

    "Just a minute ago? You mean all this time it was alive in our house?"

    Certain thoughts sent chills through Conrad. His heart thumped with audible force, his legs trembling slightly from facing such a creepy situation for the first time in his life. Bravery manifests through action and experience¡ªConrad had experience from his past life, but this was something he''d never dealt with, something unknown, something beyond human understanding. A single word lingered in his mind:

    Oddity.

    "My lord, I think there are multiple possible reasons for this, but..." Anira broke the unusual silence with her unwavering voice, "we should focus on finding and eliminating the Oddity as quickly as possible before night ends."

    Conrad found himself amazed by Anira''s unexpected composure, as if she''d seen worse and faced countless such situations in her life.

    She really is a blessing. Without her, I would have lost my mind.

    "Okay, let''s do it," Conrad said with a commanding voice, controlling his inner fear.

    "My lord, this is an excellent opportunity to gain experience and apply what you''ve learned about Brahman. Every Essentarii has a unique fighting style with their own strengths and weaknesses. I''ll protect you when necessary, but please proceed as if I''m not here."

    You''re really taking your teaching role seriously, Sensei Anira.

    Conrad''s mouth twitched slightly, imagining an indecent image of Anira in a teacher''s outfit.

    "Okay," he replied.

    After this, Anira fell silent.

    So we''re starting. What''s my fighting style? I prefer to win with almost 100% certainty. I usually don''t like unexpected situations, but Brahman itself is unpredictable. In that case, I''d rather be the unpredictable one instead of the danger I''m facing. My first rule as a tier 0 Essentarii is ''unpredictability.''

    But unpredictability can cause quick demise. I know my second rule¡ªI''ve already implemented it in this world. It''s a variant of never letting your guard down. My second rule is ''caution.''

    Unpredictability and Caution.

    "Let me try to sense if there''s anything unusual," Conrad said, activating his Brahman sensing.

    "Seems like there''s nothing here."

    Conrad considered circling the house to scan the whole area slowly, but turned to Anira instead. "Anira, can''t we dispose of this body? I don''t want to involve my sisters."

    "Yes, my lord."

    Anira grabbed the body and teleported somewhere unknown, returning within seconds.

    So fast, Conrad thought.

    The duo then circled outside the house in the cold, silent night. Only moonlight illuminated the darkness, though it played hide-and-seek with the clouds at intervals.

    Conrad constantly used his senses to detect anything supernatural in the area, but his efforts proved futile.

    He stopped to consider his next step. Anira, who had been walking behind him, also halted.

    For some unknown reason, Conrad''s eyes swept across the neighboring houses. Most stood at a distance, as there weren''t many nearby, but one faced their house directly¡ªhome to the newlywed couple who had just moved in. For one reason or another, Conrad had never met them.

    Newlywed...

    Bride...

    The dress...

    Something clicked in his mind. There was that corpse in our house, wearing a bridal dress. Where''s the groom for that bride? The newlywed couple... I heard my sister mention it during dinner... She didn''t like the husband, and said he was somewhat impatient with his wife.

    Maybe it''s a murder, but this feels like more than just a crime. Wait, what was it Anira told me about Oddities?

    Conrad tried to recall the lessons: "Something that is against the natural order or corruption of Brahman."

    He glanced at Anira, who stood beside him emotionless. A cold breeze passed through both of them as some insects broke the night''s silence. At some distance their gaze fell on the single house without any source of light and a garden which was as silent as the night itself.

 Chapter 10 - Bride

    Chapter 10 : Bride

    "It was the happiest moment of my life¡ªour honeymoon. That night was pure passion, a memory I''ll cherish forever..."

    [...]

    "January 5th

    Kendrick''s been acting strange lately. I suspect he might propose tonight! Though my regular readers won''t be surprised; I''ve mentioned our relationship in previous columns. But I digress¡ªtonight I plan to explore Swanflok''s local cuisine. Despite the biting cold, I''m determined to try their famous ice cream. They craft it using special ice and rare edible crystals sourced from Prismara, the capital of Aurelius. The signature dessert comes shaped like a swan with a delicate heart nestled in its center¡ªquite the romantic treat among couples. I hope my readers get to experience this someday."

    [...]

    "March 2nd

    We''ve encountered the indigenous people of this secluded island, a community largely untouched by modern civilization. Kendrick''s behavior has become increasingly erratic since we arrived. I tried explaining that I''m here purely for my column, to sample their traditional cuisine, but I can''t deny the island''s romantic appeal for couples..."

    [...]

    "Hold still¡ªlet me treat those cuts on your hands. I warned you to be careful on this island..."

    [...]

    ¡°Previously the column was discontinued due to the author''s unwillingness. A new column by Dr. Matt Crawford about the culture overseas will replace it. We are hoping readers will support our efforts to bring something new to Daily Aurelius Times.¡±

    <hr>

    From outside, the Feud Residence looked peaceful¡ªperhaps too peaceful. Surrounded by beautiful Jasmine flowers in their well-maintained and decorated garden, with trees not native to Prismara. A red chimney could be seen from the cobblestone street, and a gate that was neither too tall nor too small marked the entrance. A newlywed couple had recently moved in after returning from their honeymoon. Some people reported that the owner, Mr. Feud, was an odd man who sometimes lost control when his wife talked with others for too long. The newlyweds didn''t like to invite others to their house. Nobody knew if it was true, but Mrs. Feud had once been a popular writer for the Daily Aurelius Times newspaper columns.

    Conrad and Anira crossed the worn cobblestone road that served as an invisible boundary between the Valor and Feud estates. The night air hung heavy with unspoken questions.

    "Kendrick Feud," Conrad mused, his voice barely above a whisper. "How does a man sleep soundly while his wife is missing?" He paused, catching himself. "Though perhaps I''m rushing to judgment. There could be another killer¡ªsomeone else entirely responsible for his wife''s disappearance."

    "My lord?" Anira''s voice carried a note of careful consideration.

    "What are your thoughts?"

    "You raise a valid point about his suspicious sleep patterns. No one rests easily when their beloved is missing¡ªunless they know exactly where that person is. Kendrick might indeed be an Essentia."

    "I''m inclined to agree, as there had been no known investigation or anything. It''s like there is nothing going on." Conrad nodded. "But one piece eludes me: why would his wife hide in our kitchen closet? More puzzling¡ªshe was alive. Alive mere moments ago."

    Anira''s silent nod confirmed she shared his confusion.

    "Come," Conrad said. "Let''s get going."

    <hr>

    The clouds gathered like a thick blanket across the night sky, slowly smothering the moonlight. A gentle rain began to fall, releasing the earthy perfume of petrichor¡ªthat distinct aroma of dust and soil meeting the first raindrops. Conrad and Anira stood in the Feud family''s garden, surrounded by what should have been a peaceful display of beautiful flowers. Yet under these circumstances, even the elegant blooms seemed menacing, like thorny sentinels ready to ensnare them at any moment.

    Now that Conrad was close to the house, his senses were giving him an unsettling feeling. Perhaps it had been the range issue before¡ª

    Anira may have sensed it earlier, or maybe not. But this garden was creepier than it had appeared from the outside¡ªConrad thought to himself.

    For some reason, he couldn''t feel at ease among these flowers. They were just... too quiet.

    "These flowers, what kind are they? I''ve seen them used in weddings... or maybe not?"

    "These are called Night-Blooming Jasmine, my lord."

    "Is that so..." Conrad took a deep look at the nearby flowers. They were white, pure white, like the first snow on some eloquent winter night. His blue eyes fixed upon them, something pulling him toward their allure. His Brahman fluctuated around him as if manifesting without his consciousness.

    The petals looked like wedding dresses, and on closer inspection, each had a tiny face. Conrad looked around carefully.

    As the moon emerged from the clouds, moonlight suddenly illuminated the area around him. "This is..." His eyes widened. His mind could now see clearly¡ªall the flowers were tiny human faces wearing wedding dresses, so small that one could easily mistake them for normal blooms.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.

    His legs began to shake, but he tried his best not to appear weak. He took three deep breaths, then cut through all the flowers with his sword. It was an awkward swing but powerful enough to slice through them as if they were made of air. A mist filled the area with each cut.

    "That felt good. I don''t know how to handle a sword, but I can cut if needed," Conrad said half-jokingly as he turned to Anira. To his disappointment, she remained the same as usual, blinking at him with her emotionless crimson gaze.

    After cutting through the flowers, Conrad cautiously approached the door. He knocked and asked, "Is anyone inside?"

    There was no answer, but there were clear signs of life within. At least two people. The mechanical rhythm of a spinning fan, the constant ticking of a clock, and above all, human breathing could be heard from inside.

    "Why aren''t they answering? Are they so deep in sleep they can''t hear?" Conrad whispered to himself. He turned toward Anira and asked, "Shall we enter without permission?"

    Anira looked at him and replied, "What''s your order?"

    Everything seemed abnormal, but the main problem was the possibility of hallucination or being misled. If they opened the door and everything proved normal, how would he explain to his sisters what he was doing at night at Mr. Feud''s house? But he had to make a decision. His sister''s safety was on the line.

    "Let''s break in," Conrad said, his heart thumping at the thought. It felt like he was doing something illegal.

    Ability: Mist Teleportation

    As Conrad finished his sentence, his sight instantly changed. He was now inside the house.

    <hr>

    At 1:04 AM, Monday, 9th July, inside Feud''s Residence.

    Conrad''s eyes darted around in confusion, as if seeing something unexpected. The house was two stories tall, with two wooden staircases connecting the floors¡ªone from the left and another from the right, spiraling with a slight bend to the second floor. The center was largely empty save for some guest seating. A looming darkness, so dense it was hard to discern the actual structure, shrouded the second floor.

    "From outside, it didn''t look this spacious. It''s almost like a huge manor."

    Multiple rooms with brown doors were numbered in Heraphant, starting from 300 all the way to 325.

    Conrad remained vigilant, repeatedly reminding himself not to lower his guard. His hands stayed on the mist sword as if it were a natural extension of himself.

    "My lord, you can relax a bit. Keeping a tense mind in a fight where Brahman Efficiency is required can be lethal."

    You say that, but how would Ms. Overpower know what it means to be in my shoes? I''ve never been in this kind of situation.

    "Okay... Anira... Thanks for reminding me."

    Anira gave Conrad a warm smile. As they explored the manor-like house, examining room after room, Conrad spoke up.

    "Strange, why is no one here? Didn''t we hear breathing?"

    "Oddities can cause strange phenomena."

    "Do Oddi¡ª"

    Before Conrad could finish his question, they heard something. A sound, not too loud but clearly audible from the first floor, emanated from above.

    Kashh Kashh Kashh

    This oddly familiar sound in an unfamiliar place might have given Conrad a heart attack, but he maintained his composure now. His overtime practice with Brahman and confidence in Anira''s strength kept him calm. The sound seemed to have been going on for a while, filling the otherwise silent house with an eerie rhythm.

    That sounds like someone writing on rough paper...

    Conrad tightened his grip on the sword. As he stepped forward, something fell where he had been standing moments before. He hadn''t even consciously reacted. A huge chandelier crashed to the ground, shattering into pieces, but he had already moved from that spot.

    How did I move? Must be the teleportation ability Anira used before...

    "My lord," Anira''s voice came from behind, "your senses can tell you things related to Brahman, but they cannot detect incidents or abnormalities caused by it. You need to polish your battle intuition, reaction speed, and action speed. Even Essentarii have lost fights against well-trained swordsmen."

    "I''ll keep that in mind." Conrad took a deep breath, his eyes focusing. He had been a well-trained martial artist in his previous life, and he tried to recall and manifest that feeling¡ªwhat fighters called the ''Flow state.''

    I need to focus. No matter how much I remind myself, it can only happen through practice and experience, just like those days in the gym when I was weak.

    Conrad''s Brahman fluctuated inside him, but with a more constant rate and less vibration. He felt more at ease. His deep blue eyes seemed to pierce through the darkness. Raising one hand, he summoned a small amount of energy that illuminated the area.

    A dark vortex-like face, almost twelve feet tall, was bending over, standing very close to Conrad and staring directly at the light he had summoned. She wore a wedding dress.

    "My lo¡ª" Anira tried to shout, but her voice cut off immediately.

    Conrad froze, staring at this behemoth figure. Her limbs were long, perhaps too long for any living being. Her dress had blood on it, but it seemed more like decoration. She opened her dark vortex-like mouth, and a gray tongue, split down the middle, emerged from her non-existent mouth. She licked Conrad''s finger that held the Brahman energy illuminating the area. The light instantly vanished, and darkness engulfed them completely.

    What is this? Is this an Oddity? Where is Anira? What is she doing? I am feeling something wet on my fingers? Is somebody licking them?

    Countless thoughts rushed through Conrad''s mind in a second. But amidst all of them, one thought surfaced clearly when he felt something like a tooth against the tip of his finger in the suffocating silence and darkness, a warm feeling only felt inside someone''s mouth filling his fingers.

    Am... I... being... eaten alive?

    As this realization struck him, fear took hold. His heart thumped like thunder in stormy weather. His sweat glands were too shocked to even react. His body heated up quickly. In the cold, rainy weather, he felt as if he were standing in a desert, waiting for his demise.

    "By mine lord''s will,

    A world that none should ken..."

    A voice rang out from a dark corner, illuminating Conrad''s mind with hope. The voice continued¡ª

    "A world cloaked in nameless mist,

    A world governed by The Eye,

    A world yclept Arcane Veil."

    Conrad''s eyes suddenly found themselves in a familiar place surrounded by darkness as eternal as time itself. The infinite length and width of the place couldn''t be measured by infinity itself. A living mist surrounded the place as if it were its only resident. A girl who was the embodiment of darkness and night itself stood there in all her graceful corset dress.

 Chapter 11 - Mistress of Mysteries

    Chapter 11 : Mistress of Mysteries

    In the dark mansion-like structure, Anira didn''t care much about anything else. Her eyes focused solely on one human in the place¡ªher master, Conrad Valor.

    He was a handsome fellow with ocean-blue eyes and dark hair bearing chestnut patterns. People often praised his beautiful face.

    Anira didn''t care much about the physical aspects of human beings. She had lived long enough to see all kinds of faces and structures. No combination possible could spark any feeling inside her. Only a handful of people could see her thoughts passing through eras.

    She didn''t know her origin; the only thing she understood was that she had been alone throughout the ages. Even when some people could see her, none could understand the deep loneliness inside her. Her heart was frozen in time itself, covered by mist that couldn''t be seen through.

    Her beauty had appeared in countless wars throughout world history and cultures, but none had truly appreciated her. Frankly, she didn''t care. As time passed, she slowly accepted her unique being through madness, pain, and dark loneliness. She wandered through places and continents, witnessing the rise and fall of empires. Monarchy, theocracy, democracy, the rise of people''s greed, lust, and evil inside everyone. The radiance of good seen in every corner of history. Hidden betrayals in every epoch. She had seen it all with her own eyes. There were times she wanted to interfere, but she never could.

    The ever-changing history of the world passed through seven whole epochs, yet not a single moment had she felt any touch on her pale snow-white skin.

    But something kept her from going insane. It was a vision of something calling to destiny. Some people might immediately refuse to obey the course set by fate itself, like some hero fighting against greater powers, but Anira had nothing. She didn''t want to fight. She just wanted something, anything, maybe just to keep her sane. She found her greatest joy whenever she dreamed of certain blue eyes looking at her throughout all these years; only those visions and dreams were her sole companions.

    When she first met the boy she had seen countless times in her vision, she couldn''t hold back her tears. She felt her life had met its destination. What was her purpose? She didn''t know. What did this meeting, that had waited histories to happen, have in store for her? She didn''t know. But she made an oath to never be left alone. She knew she had someone in this world who shared her destiny¡ªher lord. Her sole purpose was to protect him even if the world came crumbling down.

    Standing alone in the darkness, she watched the young man. He suddenly had sharp eyes as he summoned a bright light at the tip of his fingers. Brahman manipulation could do that, but it usually took at least a year of practice for any average practitioner with guidance.

    She couldn''t help but feel proud of her master. Suddenly her senses triggered¡ªas tier 7: minor space-time manipulator, she already had very high sensitivity to the space around her. But before she could react, a tall figure appeared. It was made of pure corrections stemming from natural disorder. She hadn''t fought many battles herself as she never needed to, but she knew what this entity represented very well: a dangerous Oddity. Every fiber of her being gave her a danger signal. A chill ran through her spine. She shouted with all her might; she had never shouted in her life.

    "My lor¡ª" Before she completed her call, her voice was cut off.

    Huh ? A Space distortion¡ªa space-oriented ability?

    Ability: Mist Teleportation

    Didn''t work? What is the rule set here?

    She started to analyze her own script of the ability itself and came to a quick conclusion.

    Dimension separation or maybe new dimension altogether. What should I do? My lord is in trouble. No, I can''t let it happen. Even if it costs me my life.

    Anira''s mind raced as it never had before. She tried all the combinations of abilities in her head. Despair fell upon her. In just a few seconds, the veteran Essentia Anira went from calm to losing her composure.

    What should I do? I need to protect my lord...

    What should I do? I need to protect my lord...

    What should I do? I need to protect him at any cost...

    Suddenly a thought came to her like a tiny light in eternal darkness.

    My lord''s gift. But I don''t know if it will work in a separate space. Even my teleportation is being blocked. But I have to try it... otherwise...

    Anira calmed herself down and without hesitation began to recite:

    "By mine lord''s will,

    A world that none should ken.

    A world cloaked in nameless mist,

    A world governed by The Eye,

    A world yclept Arcane Veil."

    <hr>

    Conrad found himself in a familiar place. His mind instantly calmed. In a place where origin seemed to lose its meaning, where infinity and eternity seemed small, a place that held secrets unknown to the world¡ªAnira stood there alone.

    Conrad looked into her crimson eyes. There was a numbness in those eyes colored by the blood of some unknown being. Maybe there was something like a tear, but Conrad wasn''t sure.

    "Ani¡ª" Before he finished, Anira disappeared from his sight and appeared in his arms. Conrad was surprised but didn''t say anything. They stayed quiet for some unknown time.

    Conrad''s hand rested on Anira''s head. She wasn''t much shorter than Conrad himself, but for some reason, he felt like she was much smaller.

    Anira''s eyes were closed, her head resting against the man she called ''Lord,'' for reasons unknown even to her. After a while, they separated.

    "Anira, are you alright?" Conrad asked hesitantly, surprised by her sudden behavior.

    "Yes, my lord..." she paused. "Are you hurt? Is your mind alright? Can you feel your Brahman?..." she continued.

    "Anira... calm down..." Conrad held her shoulders and looked directly at her. "I am fine."

    Conrad took a deep breath. "Let''s analyze the situation at hand."You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

    "Anira, do you have any idea what that was and how we should deal with it?"

    "That was definitely an Oddity, it felt like some woman''s separated corruption. My Primary Domain isn''t specialized on logical thinking; I can''t discern much, but that''s my best hypothesis..."

    Hypothesis... in this world even a veteran like Anira is unsure of certain things... I need to be a little stronger to protect her...

    Protect...? But why should I...?

    Conrad''s thoughts went in multiple directions. Looking at Anira, he got this odd feeling inside that he should protect her at any cost.

    "Anira, do we really have to fight it? Can''t it just disappear with time? As the principle of Brahman is Conservation, nothing should be permanent, right?"

    Anira looked at Conrad with confusion.

    "My lord, it''s not always the case... you can take mine and your case. It just doesn''t obey the law known by research."

    Conrad became more confused. "Our cases? What do you mean?"

    "My lord, you are immortal like me. We age but will remain in our youth forever. Age itself has no meaning for us..."

    Conrad was shocked to his core. His fear reached its maximum.

    What are you saying? Are you lying to me? Wait, why didn''t you say so before? It''s impossible?

    Conrad''s mind was in turmoil, as if he would collapse from this new revelation. It felt like some divine punishment.

    Wait, let me calm down.

    Breathe... yes... let''s think it through...

    "Anira, are you sure?"

    "Yes, my lord. I can feel it¡ªyou are the same as me. I cannot prove it, but I am sure of it."

    Maybe she is wrong; that is a possibility. Let''s not focus on this.

    "But my lord, we can die. We are not invincible. It''s just that we don''t die by old age, and that''s it."

    Conrad rubbed his temple slightly. Then he crossed his arms and started to tap his fingers.

    "Let''s focus on the Oddity. So you''re saying we can''t be sure if it can die naturally or not?"

    "Yes, my lord."

    Anira hesitated for a moment then asked, "My lord, may I request something from you?"

    Well, that''s new.

    "Go ahead..." Conrad hesitated but said it anyway.

    "May I have my sword back?"

    "Oh, I forgot about the sword. Yes, take it. I think it''s better if you have it. Honestly, I''m not a swordsman, and I was even unable to react while the Oddity..."

    As Conrad spoke, Anira''s mind focused on other thoughts:

    I am going to kill you. Your existence will be erased by my hands. How dare you lay your filthy sight on my lord. I am going to rip you apart.

    "Anira, are you listening...?" Conrad frowned slightly at her unfocused eyes.

    "Yes...? Yes, my lord. Thank you."

    "We pretty much don''t have any clues on how to fight it. So let''s just go there and fight that thing."

    "My lord, while fighting Oddities, it''s good to fight with strategy, but overly complicated plans can fail as they take time and there are many more variables involved. Oddities don''t follow any logical approach to stay alive as their survival instinct doesn''t exist; they act purely on instinct," she continued.

    "Remember, my lord, ''figure out as you go'' is the best approach."

    Thank you for the lessons, Sensei Anira.

    Conrad made a joke inwardly. He glanced at Anira but noticed his partner''s eyes were unusually focused.

    As Anira released her powers, they returned to the physical world. But strangely, there was no Oddity in sight. Not even a hint of its presence.

    "Huh... so it''s playing mind games with us?" Conrad said half-jokingly. But he remained on guard, his Brahman on full alert, sensing any energy sign or supernatural phenomena around him. His eyes were much sharper now. As a martial artist, he took a low guard and high offense stance. He was a great fighter with the ability to switch between Southpaw and Orthodox. He didn''t care much about the position; he switched with each turn of his surroundings.

    As they looked around in the dark room, Conrad''s eyes fell on a door numbered 312. He didn''t sense anything, but there was a vague intuition inside him that told him to go there.

    "Anira... let''s check that room."

    "My lord, please hold onto my hands..."

    What? What are you saying? I know it''s not what you meant, but still, it''s embarrassing. I don''t have a girlfriend, you know... well, it was the same in my previous life also.

    Conrad made jokes inwardly but didn''t say anything out loud.

    "..."

    He held Anira''s soft, slender hands.

    You really are soft. Well, it''s hard to control myself when you''re being this defenseless. But I know better. You can slice my head off without me blinking. Hahaha.

    Anira looked at Conrad as if she heard his thoughts. Conrad gave her an awkward laugh.

    As they entered room 312, they were both on high alert. The Mist sword Yoru circled around them, floating in midair as if it were a sentient being. Each round left a mist-like line around them.

    Creak!

    With a sound usually heard in dilapidated houses, the door opened. A closed window that had some cracks on it, a gray wall that felt like it didn''t belong to the manor-like house and a mundane table was placed in the corner. Overall, the room was minimalist with a small table, a wooden chair, a small bed, and an old fridge that was still functional. It gave Conrad and Anira no sense of danger. What really caught their attention was a single red notebook of some kind on the table.

    The duo approached the table with caution. Opening the book, Conrad read:

    Kendrick Feud''s Personal Diary:

    "January 5th¡ª

    I will definitely propose to her. She is just too perfect for me. I can''t live without her. I want her as my wife. I have prepared a ring. I know she is busy with her writing work; she might not notice, but I love her more than anyone in this world. I don''t want anyone to take her from me."

    [...]

    "February 1st¡ª

    We got married. I am so happy I could die right now. She said she wanted to visit some islands for their local cuisine. Well, honestly, she loves to eat new things. I feel like she may love eating new things more than me. That''s fine by me as long as she is focused on food and work. I don''t care. I can love her as much as I want."

    [...]

    ¡°March 2nd¡ª

    It was the happiest moment of my life¡ªour honeymoon. The night was pure passion, a memory I''ll cherish forever¡­¡±

    [...]

    "March 6th¡ª

    I feel like this island is a little weird. These people are too quiet. I don''t like their eyes that keep staring at me. Anna seems happy though. So I am happy for her."

    [...]

    "March 12th¡ª

    I can''t believe Anna hurt herself like that. There were some cuts on her hands, but I put some medicine on them."

    [...]

    "July 5th¡ª

    She has been acting very suspicious. Honestly, I am a little afraid of her. At night she sneaks around the house without turning on the lights. Sometimes she just sits there beside me without waking me up. I am getting really worried. I should call some doctor to check on her."

    There were no more entries. July 5th was the last one.

    As Conrad finished reading the entries, he heard an ethereal voice that put him on alert.

    "My lord, stay behind me!"

    Ability: Mist Barrier (Coordinate)

 Chapter 12 - Truth

    Chapter 12: Truth

    A cold draft swept through as Conrad saw a faint barrier covered with mist expand outward, its center a girl holding a prayer-like posture. The air grew heavy with an otherworldly pressure.

    I can see it better now. It really is amazing no matter how many times I see it.

    Ability: Mist sword Yoru (Grade - unknown)

    A floating sword suddenly disappeared and condensed into Anira''s hands through a dense mist, bringing with it the scent of winter rain. Her crimson eyes were looking in one direction, glowing faintly in the dim light. She was ready to tear apart her enemy at any moment. Her emotionless face could give even the bravest men an emotion of fear. Her dark thick ink-like hair slightly lifted themselves up as they were pulled by some invisible force, creating soft whispers in the air. A mist of unknown origin was around her presence, making the wooden floorboards creak with frost. She felt like a night in the coldest winter. A boundless sky that had no ends. She didn''t take any posture that looked like she was getting ready to defend or attack. She was calm as deep water, just standing tall with one arm extended towards the east where her sword just materialized in her hands. It was still wet from the condensing mist, droplets falling silently to the ground. Dark as starless night, hilt as crimson blood and a chain that looked like it was made out of mist itself, Yoru was producing some kind of invisible heat wave that made the air shimmer.

    Holy shit...She looked pissed. I don''t know what it is but I can feel her anger from here. Is that what they call ''a woman''s wraith'' ? The air feels like it might freeze.

    Conrad sweated a bit and thought to himself.

    Whoever your husband will be, I don''t wanna be in that guy''s shoes.

    Conrad felt a chill seeing Anira in all of her glory. The mist barrier suddenly shrank rapidly. It was retracting at a speed that could cover a manor in a few seconds.

    What is happening? I have no idea. Why did it expand to begin with just to shrink?

    The sword in Anira''s hand flew out at a speed that broke the sound barrier. Conrad got pushed back just by the force it produced. Before he could react, he sensed an entity appear in front of him.

    Wedding dress?

    Oddity.

    Conrad threw a jab with half of his might to follow up with a combo, but as soon as he made contact with his jab, his vision changed.

    Ahh? Teleportation again. But why?

    Conrad turned to see his original spot. The Oddity was still there. It hadn''t moved from its place but rather it seemed like it was unable to move at all.

    Ability: Mist Confinement (5 seconds)

    As Conrad was just looking at that place, Anira appeared in front of the Oddity.

    One, Two, Three¡­Five

    Anira moved her sword like feathers. She was like the wind. Just her hands moved in different directions breaking the sound barrier multiple times. Anira opened her mouth and whispered like some witch on a dark night,

    "Mist execution..."

    Conrad blocked the whiplash of the environment with his newly found Brahman energy.

    Holy fuck! This is what we call power.

    Conrad''s eyes were in awe at the sight of his teacher''s power display but for some reason he felt she was overdoing it.

    Is she angry or something?

    Conrad felt a little sorry for the Oddity. As the fight was pretty much one-sided, unknowingly Conrad relaxed a bit but then he felt like something changed. The slashes Anira was landing missed in succession.

    Huh? Why is she missing? It''s already over, the Oddity looks like it''s on the verge of dying. Just finish it off.

    "Anira, you are missing..."

    Anira wasn''t able to hear him. Her senses felt dull. Then she stopped. The Oddity was not done yet. It was heavily wounded but not dead.

    Finding some gaps, it disappeared from its spot and appeared before Conrad.

    Conrad''s sharp eyes looked at it without any fear. Conrad twisted his body in a reverse direction in extremely fast motion and threw the 12-foot oddity to the ground using a judo throw.

    How did you like that?

    Anira''s sight was getting dull when she heard a loud male voice.

    "Anira...sword"

    Without any hesitation, Anira threw the sword towards the direction. Without any delay Conrad caught the sword in mid-air changing its direction in mid-air, he thrust the sword down. The sharp black edge pierced through the Oddity''s belly. A dense mist with dark light blood-like liquid splashed out of the belly. There was no stomach, it was a dark vortex that seemed to have blood for a reason. This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

    Conrad looked at the Oddity with his deep eyes. He was panting heavily.

    Ahhh ahhh...finally it''s dead...

    Conrad rushed towards Anira.

    "Hey, are you alright? You looked fine. So what happened? Are you hurt?"

    "My lord, I need some rest"

    "..."

    Conrad felt relieved hearing her say that.

    He reached out to hold Anira and stand her up. Anira leaned on his shoulders.

    "Here is a bed, let''s rest here"

    "My lord, please stay as you are..."

    "..."

    Conrad didn''t say anything further. They sat there still for a while. Conrad was looking into the red diary of Kendrick Feud.

    I don''t know your story. What was that Oddity? Who was that girl in our kitchen closet then? What happened to the husband? It''s all a big mystery.

    Conrad started to review the battle from before. It was a habit he had developed from his days as a fighter.

    Well that judo move never failed me. I hope I get a chance to use my right next time.

    Conrad started to think carefully,

    That fight was pretty fast, I thought it would be some drawn-out manga or anime fight but no, it was over so quickly. But I had to consider I had a powerhouse with me. Would I be able to win that fight on my own? 99.9% chances are no. I didn''t even fully understand what just happened...

    There are a couple of things I did learn. First of all, it''s important to be decisive and fast. The surprise attacks are extremely useful. Yes, my first rule of unpredictability will be very useful.

    Second, I have no useful abilities as of now. From what I saw, an Oddity wouldn''t die just by brute force unless you are Hulk or something.

    I need some kind of weapon. I can''t use swords. I need a gun but from what I can remember from my memories of this world, firearms are not useful. I don''t know the exact reasons but-

    "I need to first find out about the normal weapons used in battles...maybe I should go to a weapon shop. I can''t go alone. I have to contact them at midnight when you will be with me"

    As he said that he glanced at the girl whose beauty could not be described by mere words. Conrad felt she was too perfect to be a human. He noticed a hair strand was disturbing her eyes, which were twitching due to the interference of the hair. Conrad chuckled and reached his hands to clear the hair from her closed eyes when her eyes suddenly opened.

    "My lord?"

    Ahhh it is not what it looked like. I was not trying to touch your face or anything...

    "Did you rest well?"

    "Yes, my lord." Anira blinked with confusion and disorientation.

    "What happened?" Conrad asked curiously.

    "Brahman in this world obeys three fundamental rules known as Core rules or Dante''s laws -

    Efficiency rule: Efficiency increases as scale decreases, Feedback loop: The longer it is used the more entropy (side effects) it accumulates, and synergy and conflict..."

    "So...?" Conrad was still confused.

    "My lord, I had used an ability called Mist Confinement which spends quite a lot of Brahman. As I said before, total reserve is always constant at any given time. It gave me some backlash" she continued.

    "This is the reason why all the Essentarii in this world like to finish their fights quickly or use abilities in minimal ways"

    "Ahhh so that''s the reason. But Anira, are you alright or is it some permanent effect?"

    "No my lord, I am fine. Besides, when I return to your shadows I can pretty much revert to my full strength. It''s also an ability I get from you. It''s called Abyss Healing"

    Conrad was a little puzzled hearing that.

    "So why didn''t you do that before...why are you resting here?"

    "I can''t leave you alone, my lord"

    What are you talking about? The Oddity is finished.

    "Okay let''s drink some water, you will feel better. Oh there is a fridge. For some reason it''s still functional at least." As he approached the fridge door he had a question in his mind.

    "Anira, all this sound can wake all the neighbors up, right?"

    "No my lord, usually when two Brahman energies collide it creates a space that is separated from the physical world. In the real world it will feel like something odd is happening but normal people will not be able to pinpoint that."

    "But there are some people who willingly put a resistance against that space and tried to do supernatural fights outside as an attack strategy but..."

    "But...?" Conrad asked.

    "That is very dangerous as the officially trained people who are associated with various organizations can arrest them for not following the law of the U.G."

    Ohhh yes I know that. The book ''The Basic Guide to Brahman'' did mention UG has this ban on supernatural practices outside officials. The arrest of any rogue Essentia is a rule strictly maintained by the International Brahman treaty among several nations. If you channel your Brahman into the Global UG Newspaper you would be able to see bounty posters. There is a man named Richardo law who had a bounty of 1 million Kata.

    Conrad opened the fridge, the mechanical hum suddenly seeming sinister in the quiet room. The harsh fluorescent light spilled out, revealing what lay inside. His stomach twisted violently as a sickly sweet smell hit his nostrils. He froze instantly, bile rising in his throat. The metallic scent of blood mixed with the lingering aroma of cooked meat made him start vomiting. Conrad fell to the ground, his body shaking, cold sweat breaking out across his skin. The room started spinning.

    "My lord!" Anira''s voice cut through the sound of his retching as she stood up to check the fridge. The light cast long shadows across her expressionless face.

    But she had no reaction. She crouched down, her dress rustling softly, to help her master calm down. The fabric of her sleeve brushed against the cold floor.

    "It''s ok my lord. Please hold my hands to stand up. We should walk outside for some air." Her voice remained steady, a stark contrast to the horror before them.

    In the dark room, where a red notebook was still lying there on an old wooden table, its pages yellow with age, the gray wall that was typically seen in the Victorian middle class was still as isolated as ever, wallpaper peeling at the corners. The moonlight was now coming out and leaking inside the room from the cracked window which was opened now, letting in the occasional whisper of wind. A functional fridge was illuminating the room alongside the moonlight, casting an unnatural glow that made the shadows dance.

    Inside the humming appliance, a human body was carefully sliced into several pieces to prepare for each day''s dinner and was still placed inside, arranged with a disturbing sense of order. There was a stew remaining from yesterday''s lunch, its surface congealed and dark.

    The huge manor-like structure was no more. It was just a normal house of a normal newlywed couple, Feud¡¯s residence.

 Chapter 13 - A Normal Morning

    Chapter 13: A Normal Morning

    Conrad was having a hard time controlling his emotions and discomfort, which were all over the place. He was holding onto Anira, but his body felt as if it would still collapse.

    Don''t think about it.

    An image of a carefully placed sliced arm surfaced in his mind. He vomited multiple times.

    As they got outside for some air, Anira sat Conrad under a tree where moonlight hardly reached. All the sliced-up jasmine flowers were still spread across the garden. The house in front of them felt older, as if in a second it had aged rapidly due to unknown reasons. The surrounding darkness didn''t feel as isolated and suffocating as before. Even though lingering feelings of something unknown remained in the air, Anira knew the danger had been subdued. She didn''t use teleportation due to her concern about side effects in her low Brahman energy state.

    "My lord, please rest here. I will go and fetch some water," she rushed on foot. She was not used to running; the movement felt a little awkward to her.

    That...that...was a human.

    Several thoughts came to Conrad as he started to connect the dots of the missing puzzle pieces. A theory that could only be described as madness surfaced in his mind.

    Ahhh...what on earth is happening in this world?

    Certain words came to his mind¡ª

    ''against the natural order''

    "Now I understand what she really meant."

    As he said that, his eyes noticed a graceful girl rushing toward him, holding a glass not so gracefully.

    It doesn''t suit her personality to be running around like that. To be honest, it''s my fault for making her do that.

    "My lord, are you alright?" Anira asked with worry.

    "You know, it doesn''t suit a beauty like you to be running around..." Conrad said as he grabbed the glass to drink some water.

    Anira''s face felt a little red for some reason.

    My lord, that''s not fair...

    Conrad noticed Anira''s silence but then got caught off-guard by a new expression on her face.

    Did she just pout? She is so cute.

    Conrad felt a little devilish inside. He wanted to grab Anira''s cheeks to pull them, but he controlled his intrusive thoughts.

    "Ahm...Anira, what are your thoughts on that Oddity?"

    "My lord, it is the same as what you may be thinking. I can confidently say that that was probably an ''Odd Desire'' Oddity."

    "Odd Desire?" Conrad questioned.

    "Due to some reasons, the desire inside Mrs. Feud had been corrupted and separated from her body, which was living in your house due to the body''s natural survival instinct, meanwhile the Oddity had been operating on its instinct."

    "I don''t understand what would have caused such a thing to the couple."

    "There are several things that are unknown to us. The World is filled with such Mysteries..." Anira looked deep into Conrad''s eyes. Her crimson eyes were focused on the blue depth of the man in front of her.

    "My lord, what will you do? Are you planning to inform your sisters?" Anira asked.

    "No, the danger is no more. We don''t need to inform anybody. It will eventually be discovered by someone. I am on suspension, so I will take my time to read some books in the library."

    Conrad paused for a few seconds. "It''s been so late. Let''s return to our home. You also need some rest."

    Home...

    "Yes, my lord," a genuine smile was on Anira''s face. She felt her heart was getting filled with a new feeling she had never felt before.

    <hr>

    At 2:23 AM, Inside Feud Residence

    A girl was standing in front of the fridge. She had no emotion on her face. Her sharp blue eyes seemed as if they were seeing something trivial. She picked up a device similar to a transmitter.

    Kach!Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    "Hello Captain, is there any urgent mission?"

    "Take AEA unit-21 and come to Prismara street-5, Feud Residence."

    "Yes, Captain."

    Kach!

    This is very mysterious. Mr. and Mrs. Feud seemed very normal; somebody might have corrupted them recently, or maybe they took advantage of young couples to fulfill their desire. From all the destruction in the garden, it feels like someone just recently assaulted them, but why were they preserving Mr. Feud''s body? Even more puzzling, where is Mrs. Feud? There are no traces of any female body. Red notebook...Black liquid...I can''t be sure of anything. Let''s wait for the investigation report. There might be some dangerous entity hiding in Prismara. I need to eliminate it for the safety of everyone.

    <hr>

    Monday morning,

    Conrad was still sleeping when he heard a knock on his door. Due to his constant practice of Brahman sensing, he had become very aware of any sound or energy fluctuations nearby.

    A voice came to his ears, practically shouting from the other side of the door.

    "Conrad, don''t sleep like an idiot. Big sister is calling for you. If you don''t wake up now, I will break into your room," Clara said with a hidden devilish smile on her face.

    Yawn!

    "Huahh...yes Clara, I am coming. Just give me 5 minutes," Conrad said while yawning.

    Last night I slept too late. Anira, for some reason, just sat beside me. I told her to go back to my shadows, but she refused. She is now starting to refuse my orders. It''s just three days, and she is getting cocky. But I did feel at ease whenever she was with me, so as her great master, I will let it slide.

    Conrad felt proud of himself as if he was really her master or something.

    It took him fifteen minutes to get ready for breakfast. When he went to the kitchen, he saw everyone was waiting for him.

    That''s new. I thought they would start without me. Usually only Isalde waits for me.

    "Good morning, ladies," Conrad jested.

    Isalde chuckled; Clara almost coughed up the water she was drinking.

    "Oh my! Con, what''s with your cheerful attitude in the morning?" Isalde asked.

    "Nothing, it''s just I am so happy to see my sisters safe and sound."

    Leona gave Conrad a look. She took a piece of bread with some butter on it. Today was a working day for her, so she was already dressed in her National Civil Guard uniform.

    The Civil Guard uniform was a blend of Victorian elegance and modern practicality that exuded authority. Its headgear, a polished cap, was refined and made of lightweight material for long hours. A jacket featuring a high collar was cut to perfection. To the side of a utility belt, it was mandatory for each member to carry a sword. It was the main weapon of choice in modern times.

    Conrad''s eyes swept over the sword for a brief time.

    This sword is very well designed, but after seeing the mist sword, this looks like a toy in comparison.

    Alas! But even my younger sister knows how to swing a sword. I need at least a weapon. I will go outside today to find one.

    "Con, you''re free today, right?"

    "Yes, big sister, anything you need?"

    "So you can drop Clara off at the church school, right?"

    "I don''t need him to go with me," Clara retorted.

    Does she hate me or something? I thought she was starting to like me. Oh well, that''s a bummer.

    Isalde chuckled. "Con, actually Clara asked me to say this to you," she said nonchalantly with a mischievous smile.

    "Big sister¡ª" Clara stood up , almost shouting.

    Huh? What''s this now? I am confused. Does she like me or not?

    "Anyway...Conrad, the church school is a bit too far from here. If you''re not free, then Leona will drop me off, so¡ª"

    "I am free today," Conrad cut her off.

    "Really?" Clara asked with excitement.

    When did they become so close? Leona thought to herself.

    Conrad was enjoying the bread while thinking of how the food in this world was very plain compared to his old world. As he grabbed the final bite, he paused and asked,

    "Where can I find the largest library nearby?"

    Isalde and Clara thought for a while before turning to Leona, who was just sitting at her table drinking her tea without much sound.

    "You can go to your university''s attached library, which is one of the largest ones in all of Aurelius," Leona said calmly.

    "But I am not allow¡ª"

    "You are not allowed to attend classes but not the library."

    Ah, is that so? I didn''t think it through carefully. She really is a lot more mature than others. She has a lot of experience working outside also.

    After their breakfast, Conrad helped Isalde tidy up the kitchen. Leona went out to her duty. Clara was preparing herself for Church school.

    The Aaka religion is the largest in the world. It is said that 300 million people are followers of the omnipotent sun god named Aaka. Three hundred million is a small number considering this world has a population of 20 billion people according to the official UG records. It is said that there were many religions in previous epochs, but with advancement and science, it has plummeted to just one. Most people do not follow any religion. That being said, the Aaka religion has been growing at an astonishing rate recently. They have also done some really good things overall. They have established relief funds, many charity organizations, and even free schools for people who want to learn. Overall, in my opinion, it is a net positive. I am not really a religious guy myself, but I can get behind doing good things for our society.

    "Conrad, I am ready, let''s go," Clara said with her sparkling eyes.

    "Okay."

    "Be careful, you guys, on your way, and Con, take care of her. I will try to finish my work as soon as possible," Isalde said as she locked the door to the Valor residence.

    Conrad looked up at the sky. The sky was not clear as gray clouds covered it, but some sunlight was peeking from the side, illuminating what was otherwise gloomy weather. Some birds unknown to Conrad flew from East to North. Some remaining memory from last night took shape in Conrad''s mind as he stared at the sky for a minute or so.

    "It might rain in the afternoon.¡±

 Chapter 14 - The Chosen One

    Chapter 14: The Chosen One

    Two years before the current timeline

    "Lost and abandoned, I am a soul severed from faith, seeking meaning again and again in you... Can you give purpose to my life?"

    "Child, the world awaits divine intervention. ''He'' will soon grace us. Keep faith in the Almighty."

    <hr>

    Slave Market, City of Ihled, Sternfall Dynasty

    Reign of Williams Sternfall IV

    Freya Continent, Present Time

    Lines of people stood bound by thick chains around their necks, their dignity stripped away, left with only the barest coverings. In this market, identity held no meaning¡ªonly the price tags and number plates written in Heraphant distinguished one from another.

    Aristocrats wandered between shops, examining their potential purchases with calculating eyes. Ten Kata marked the standard price for a child of ten years. Female prisoners commanded higher prices, their value determined by age and appearance.

    "This one appears somewhat unkempt, but the price seems reasonable," remarked a man in his forties, adjusting his monocle beneath his tailored tall black hat.

    "Indeed, sir. You have an excellent eye," the shopkeeper fawned. "She has just reached her eighteenth year, so it will cost two additional atana above the base price."

    "I''ll take her," the man declared without hesitation. His imperious gaze briefly shifted from the shopkeeper to the young girl, assessing her worth like cattle at auction.

    A servant stepped forward to handle the transaction. Few customers paid above base price unless they were wealthy merchants or nobles with coffers to spare.

    Though the United Governance had officially abolished slave trading under the Mortal Rights Law (10089 L.C.), only twenty nations had adopted the practice. Enforcement remained largely impossible due to various global factors. The deployment of military forces across seas solely to protect slaves exceeded the UG''s practical capabilities. The fifteen UG-affiliated nations could only enforce these laws within their own borders.

    The market housed establishments ranging from year-round vendors with extensive inventory to smaller shops with merely one or two captives. Along the pitch-black road stood exclusive houses reserved for those of noble birth, commanding prices from five to twenty-five kata. Throughout the Freya Continent, these establishments were known as "Veneria Carnalis."

    At night a man in a loose white robe, cinched carelessly around his stocky frame, dragged a dark-skinned boy, his build unusually mature for his age forward. The boy''s golden eyes remained vacant¡ªthis marked his twenty-fifth such encounter this month alone.

    "Let''s try something different today, dear Clotho," the man said, his grip tightening around the boy''s waist. "If I didn''t have to maintain appearances before the nobles, I''d have chosen you over my wife long ago. You cost less than she did, after all."

    The boy remained expressionless as his tormentor continued, his dignity and fate having been stolen long ago, like countless others in this cruel market. His eyes fixed on the clock, his mind waiting for his owner''s pleasure to be satisfied.

    As the clock''s hands moved slowly, distant memories surfaced in the young boy''s mind. It was stormy weather when a tempest blew away his life.

    Clotho remembered his childhood friend Hasina, the most beautiful girl in his eyes. His very first kiss, his mother''s warm smile, his father''s complaints. A village that always welcomed people from anywhere.

    <hr>

    Two Years Ago

    Tempa was a country between the borders of the Sternfall Kingdom and the Meritocratic State of Intellex. It was a very small nation. Sternfall had recently declared war against the nation to capitalize on the trade routes between Intellex and itself, as Intellex offered huge commercial opportunities with its prestigious National University drawing admissions from noble families each year.

    Williams Sternfall IV despised the small country that stood between these two mighty nations. Tempa''s king tried to negotiate countless times but failed due to the current monarch''s attitude. In the year 11999 L.C., Sternfall deployed a sizable army to conquer Tempa. The UG remained neutral, their attention divided among various global matters. Since neither Tempa nor Sternfall were affiliated nations or posed any threat to the Unified Government, they turned a blind eye to this small-scale war.

    In a small village near the Tempa forest lived a happy family of three. A woman in her early thirties called out to a running youth.

    "Clotho, your father will soon return. Don''t wander around the forest too much with Hasina. Come back in an hour or so."

    The boy stopped and replied, "Mom, I''ll be back before lunch. You worry too much."

    "You always say that, but when you go around with your little girlfriend, you seem to forget time," she replied with a teasing tone.

    Clotho''s face instantly turned red. "She''s not my girlfriend! I don''t like her a bit¡ªin fact, I actually hate her. She''s a bully!" His voice rose as if to deny any possibility of it being true.

    "Is that so, Clotho?" a girl asked, standing beside him.

    "Ha...Hasina?" Clotho fell to the ground as if he''d seen a ghost.

    "Did you hear that, Hasina? Clotho doesn''t like you¡ªin fact, he hates you," Clotho''s mom said, enjoying the scene perhaps too much.

    "I...I didn''t mean it that way."

    "So do you like me?"

    "Like...? Ah, no, I..." Clotho grew increasingly flustered until he finally ran toward the forest.

    A smile appeared on Hasina''s face.

    "Hasina, take care of my foolish son. He''s already seventeen and still acts like a ten-year-old child. Oh, and don''t forget to bring him back before lunch¡ªhis father is coming home."

    "Sure, aunty. I''ll bring Clotho back safely."

    "Oh, Hasina, you''re so much more mature than my useless son. I hope you marry him quickly. How is Isabella?"

    "Mom is doing fine nowadays. My father hasn''t returned from the war, so mother seems to worry too much these days," Hasina said with a solemn look.

    "Don''t worry, he''ll be back soon. I recently heard some good news¡ªour king has personally requested help from the UG reserve military. So this war might end very soon," Clotho''s mom tried to cheer her up.

    "I hope so..."

    Hasina was a clever girl, praised for both her beauty and intelligence in the village. She was the only one who had cleared the Intellex National University entrance exam. But due to her family''s poor condition, she couldn''t attend. In her darkest times, only a certain foolish boy from this village could cheer her up, and she had fallen for him since that day.If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.

    After walking some distance, Hasina slowed her pace to observe a dark-skinned boy with beautiful golden eyes and seaweed-like blue hair. It was said that golden eyes and dark skin were characteristics of a warrior race with four arms that lived in the Lupus continent. But no one knew for sure, as it was almost impossible for common people to travel between continents.

    "Clotho?" Hasina asked, feigning surprise.

    "Ah...Ha...Hasina..."

    "What is it?" Hasina asked innocently, feeling particularly devilish that day.

    "Ah...mom...that...this..."

    "I can''t understand you clearly, Clotho. What are you trying to say?"

    Why do I feel like she''s bullying me again? Clotho thought.

    "That thing...as I said earlier...it''s not true," Clotho barely finished his last words in a low voice.

    "Earlier? I can''t remember. What did you say again?" Hasina asked with a confused look.

    Clotho grew increasingly flustered. "I...like..."

    Hasina cut him off. "Oh yes, I remember¡ªyou said you actually dislike me. I thought we were friends, but I didn''t know I was such a bother to you. I should just stay alone¡ª"

    "What are you talking about? I like you... I like you more than anyone!" Clotho shouted.

    "Really?" Hasina smiled and asked.

    Clotho suddenly recalled what he''d just said. "No...I mean not that way...I mean it''s¡ª"

    Stupid Clotho. Why did you backtrack? Just hold me already. I''m getting so impatient with your child-like attitude, Hasina thought.

    She suddenly moved closer to Clotho and touched his lips with hers briefly, like a peck that lasted mere seconds.

    "Huh?"

    "What? Do you have anything to say?"

    "No, I mean...was that..."

    "We''re getting late. We have to head into the forest to meet up with the others. Let''s get going."

    "O...okay."

    Was that a kiss just now? Did she just kiss me? The thought consumed Clotho''s mind.

    What did you do, Hasina? Are you stupid? How could you just kiss Clotho without his consent? You really are unbearable. But...that felt so good. My heart is still pounding like crazy. I need to calm down. Otherwise, Clotho will notice my face. I don''t want to face him right now,  Hasina thought to herself.

    They walked through the rest of the forest silently, avoiding each other''s gaze, to meet up with their friends.

    The village was small, so most kids knew each other. They had all grown up together. After walking through the forest, they reached the end where two more boys waited for them.

    "You''re late, Clotho," said a black-haired boy named Tadano, who usually worked in his father''s fields.

    "Hasina, why did you meet Clotho before us? I told you to wait for me," Marco said scornfully, expressing his discomfort at seeing Clotho and Hasina together.

    "I don''t need your permission to do anything," Hasina replied dismissively, as if Marco wasn''t worth arguing with.

    "You and I live very close. You''re acting like you didn''t visit me just yesterday."

    "Stop twisting your words...it was with my mo¡ª"

    "Okay, okay, stop fighting now," Tadano interfered.

    Why did Hasina visit Marco? The question arose in Clotho''s mind.

    "Clotho, don''t think like stupid people like them. I told you before that they''re a bad influence on you."

    "You bitch, what did you just say?" Marco pushed Tadano aside and stepped toward Hasina.

    Hasina didn''t flinch. She smirked and said, "That''s why I hate men like you who can''t feel comfortable unless they''re in control of something. I remember your father used to beat your mother every day..."

    Hearing these insults from the woman he loved, Marco couldn''t control himself. He tried to slap Hasina with full force, but his hand stopped mid-air.

    "I think that''s enough..." Clotho said with a serious expression.

    Clotho was physically very strong. He could pull a Botia fish on his own, which weighed around 300 kilos. At 6 feet tall, he was an imposing figure in the village.

    "What do you think you''re doing, Clotho? So you''ll even face your friend for a mere bitch? You and I were friends even before she came into our group. Did you forget?" Marco shouted in frustration.

    Hasina looked at her man with sadness.

    Clotho...

    "I am your friend, so I''ll let you go unharmed this time. But don''t try to touch my woman," Clotho said while pulling Hasina closer.

    Seeing this scene, Marco''s eyes turned blood-red. If he had a weapon, he would have killed Clotho instantly.

    I will not let this go. Just you fucking wait. You little fuck and this bitch. I''m going to kill you both, Marco thought.

    Tadano looked at the scene and sighed.

    "I knew this would happen one day. The moment Hasina came to our group, I knew Marco was always chasing her...but I never thought you had this in you, Clotho...you really scared me too," Tadano laughed.

    "Sorry..." Clotho said apologetically.

    "Clotho, you shouldn''t grab there. Try placing your hands higher up," Hasina said with a teasing smile.

    "Huh?" Noticing his hands in an inappropriate position on Hasina, Clotho tried to pull away, but his hands were stopped by the much weaker hands of the girl in front of him. It was as if she were saying, ''If you let me go, I will take your head off.''

    Clotho nervously looked at Hasina and let his hands rest on her waist.

    "Ahem..." Tadano coughed slightly to remind the couple of his presence.

    "Okay, today is enough adventure for me. I need to return to the field. You guys can...hang out on your own for today," Tadano walked away nonchalantly, as if nothing in this world concerned him.

    As soon as Tadano left, Hasina pushed Clotho onto the grass in the middle of the forest. She looked like a ferocious beast instead of the intelligent girl she was known to be.

    "How dare you try to let go of your hands from me?"

    "But..."

    "You dare question your wife?"

    "Wife? When did I get married?"

    As soon as he said that, he felt something wet on his lips, caught off guard during his protests. His defenses were broken in one go. No 300-kilo fish could do that to him. He closed his eyes to match the pace of the certain beast sitting on his chest.

    <hr>

    "I''m home, honey," a dark-skinned man said with a tired voice.

    "Max, you''re finally back. I warned Clotho to return before lunch. That boy is getting irresponsible day by day."

    "Don''t worry, honey. That girl is with him, right? He''ll be fine," Max said while taking his seat.

    His wife handed him a glass of water. After gulping down the whole glass, the man said, "I think we should return to Lupus."

    His wife paused upon hearing these words.

    "Max, you know it''s not possible."

    "I know, but I have these uneasy feelings about this whole war. I heard that UG is ignoring the issues in Freya currently. Aurelius and Swanflok both could help, but if they joined this war, other nations within Freya would not stay quiet. It''s not looking good for Tempa on the frontline."

    "Is it really that bad...?" Clotho''s mother asked, concern clear in her eyes. As she was just going to ask her husband something she heard a knock on their door.

    Knock knock

    Clotho may have come back

    She was just about to open the door when her husband Max stopped her. Grabbing her mouth and pulling her to the side of their door as if to hide from something.

    What is Max doing ?

    ¡°I can sense it¡­don''t you also Annie..the scent of blood¡±

    Both their golden eyes turned sharp. They felt like an animal that was hidden and waiting for their prey to step forward.

    ¡°Which race do you think reign supreme in the entire world currently ?¡±

    A voice came from the middle of the house even though they never opened it themselves. At that moment both of them thought of the same thing.

    An Essentia.

 Chapter 15 - Nation of Intellex

    Chapter 15: Nation of Intellex

    The Jhatt emerged during the end of the Second Epoch, a remarkable race that commanded both awe and wariness. Nature had blessed them with four mighty arms, each limb possessing strength that could bend steel and the grace of a dancer. Their skin, reminiscent of living stone statues, turned even the sharpest blades. But it was their golden eyes that became their most legendary feature ¨C mesmerizing both man and woman alike.

    These warriors first arose in the frost valleys of Northern Lupus, where the harsh climate forged their resilience. As centuries passed, they began their great wandering, spreading across continents until their descendants could be found in every corner of the world. Yet true Jhatt remained as rare as summer snow, their original numbers few.

    In their early history, they practiced the brutal tradition of ''plegious'' ¨C raids to capture others and bend them to their will. But time and interaction with other peoples gradually softened these ancient ways. By the time of the Sixth Epoch, pure-blooded Jhatt had become living legends, with perhaps only a handful remaining.

    Though their mixed-blood descendants rarely inherited the four arms or stone-like skin of their ancestors, one trait proved stubborn in its persistence: those haunting golden eyes. Through countless generations, those amber orbs continued to mark the children of Jhatt blood, a reminder of their formidable heritage.

    Annie and Max were both of mixed Jhatt blood, though Max carried Ancient Dammaras blood as well. This heritage blessed him with heightened senses, allowing him to detect the intruders before even his wife noticed them.

    "Gharak kir trusha," Annie said, her amber eyes fixed on the man before them. In the ancient Lupian tongue, ''trusha'' marked an enemy who posed mortal threat.

    The man lounging in the center of their small house sneered. "Oh, Lupian? I never thought a half-blood like you would speak the language of those barbaric animals. I only speak Heraphant though" His casual demeanor belied the deadly threat he represented.

    "What do you want?" Max''s voice carried an edge of steel, though subtle tremors betrayed his anxiety.

    "Answer my previous question: which race do you think reigns supreme in the world currently?"

    Max and Annie exchanged worried glances, their minds racing to understand what this mysterious figure represented. Their instincts screamed danger ¨C this man could end their lives at any moment.

    "Boring, always boring," he drawled. "Even if I told you, you wouldn''t understand. After all, you''re more like pets rather than intelligent s¡ª"

    Annie''s fist cut through the air with lethal intent, her strike fueled by both rage and desperation. She knew she had to act now, if only to give her precious son a chance later. "Ghrak-ka kir trusha-mrigh!" she snarled.

    But her punch never landed. It stopped mid-air as if striking an invisible wall. The man''s smile grew wider, more twisted ¨C a mockery of their helplessness.

    "You half-breeds really think you can act as you please before me? The great scholar Sr. Travis Scott, strongest general in Sternfall? You fucking bitch, at least pleasure me before I throw you to my soldiers waiting outside..."

    A sudden force struck him, drawing blood from his mouth.

    "Cough! Ahhh!"

    "You bastard!" Travis growled at Max, who now stood protectively before his wife, his dark skin and golden eyes blazing with fury.

    "Don''t you dare speak another foul word. You think we fear you? We''d rather die than cower before someone like you."

    "Is that so?" Travis said, pulling back his long hair. He dabbed at his bloodied mouth with a pristine handkerchief, his smirk never wavering. "Let me show you why humans, though born with no special abilities, have survived in this world. It''s because we are blessed. We are the sole chosen of the almighty."

    Ability: Air Prison

    <hr>

    Inside Tempa Forest

    "Clotho, I didn''t know you were such a naughty boy," Hasina said, her tone playful and teasing.

    "It was my first time..." Clotho whispered, lowering his head.

    "Oh, I had plenty of¡ª" Hasina said nonchalantly.

    "What? Who?" Clotho''s voice rose in shock.

    "Yes, I had plenty of experience sleeping in forests like that."

    "Oh... sleeping. Yes... of course, sleeping," Clotho sighed with relief.

    Hasina''s thoughts drifted: How cute. Don''t act like that or we''ll have to go another ten rounds, you stupid Clotho. Though I didn''t expect it to hurt so much. But I''m happy ¨C I can finally be his.

    She moved closer, taking his arm. "Clotho, promise you''ll never leave me alone."

    "What are you talking about? Let''s go home first. Father might be there already."

    "Oh, I don''t know what to tell Aunty. She told me to bring you quickly, but..."

    "Don''t worry. It was my fault anyway..."

    As they approached their house, they found only devastation. Fire consumed everything, nearby homes reduced to ash as if some calamity had swept through the village.

    "Mom!" Clotho''s cry echoed through the burning air. His world shattered, heart pounding with terrible possibilities. "No... no... where are you? Dad? Mom? Anyone, please answer! Who... who did this?"

    He collapsed to his knees, mind reeling. At seventeen, he knew nothing of his Jhatt heritage or the cruel world that had come knocking at his door. His screams tore through the smoke-filled air until a gentle hand touched his shoulder.

    Hasina stood beside him, tears streaming down her face. "Clotho... please calm down. How will you find Aunty if you break down? Aunty Annie is the strongest person I know ¨C even the village chief fears her. Nothing could happen to her."

    Clotho rose slowly, wiping away his tears with clenched fists. Together, they searched the village, discovering a horror worthy of history books: crimson blood soaked the sand, flames bearing witness to atrocities future historians would debate. One word that sometimes epoches through history surfaced in their mind. The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

    Invasion.

    Having lost everything, Hasina and Clotho retreated to the familiar forest of their youth. Whether driven by fear of unknown enemies or drawn by memories of happier days, they found solace in each other. Though their world lay in ruins, perhaps they could rebuild it together.

    In 11999 L.C., during the sixth month, Tempa fell to Sternfall''s sudden invasion. The kingdom vanished from maps, becoming mere territory of Sternfall. Official documents recorded it as an unremarkable conflict with only twenty thousand casualties. Yet Sternfall''s soldiers still spoke of how the women died last ¨C not by weapons, but by their own hands. Some became slaves, others something less than human, their consciousness stripped away. The king perished alongside his three wives and five sons. The fate of Tempa''s only daughter, sixteen at the time, remained unknown.

    <hr>

    Two months after the war, Clotho sat on a broken chair, its leg threatening to collapse at any moment. Hasina stood nearby, watching him eat.

    "Did you eat?" he asked.

    "I ate this morning. You know us beautiful girls have to maintain our diet," she said with a practiced smile.

    Clotho saw through her lie. Though not the smartest, he possessed an uncanny ability to sense human emotions ¨C greed, lust, anger, and especially hunger showed clearly in people''s eyes.

    "Hasina, they might be hiring at the new clothing factory. They''re launching new designs... I''ll be home late tonight. Don''t wait for me ¨C eat dinner yourself."

    As he rose to leave, her thin fingers caught his arm. She pressed a quick kiss to his lips.

    "Clotho, did you know today''s my birthday?"

    "I... didn''t. I''m sorry."

    "My only wish is for you to come home early so we can spend the night together."

    "I''ll try..." he said hesitantly.

    "Good. Often trying succeeds where promises fail," she replied with a gentle smile.

    <hr>

    Acamis, the capital of the Meritocratic State of Intellex, bustled with life. Students seeking education to break free from middle-class chains mingled with those searching for their next meal. Prestigious universities and research centers dominated the skyline. Book vendors lined the streets, hoping to earn some atana. Despite the city''s grandeur, only a single church stood within its borders.

    Being close to the Sea of Comere, security remained tight, though invasion seemed unlikely. The uncharted waters beyond the Freya Continent remained mysterious to most races, few even aware of life beyond their shores.

    Clotho wandered through the crowds, seeking any work to support Hasina. Her declining health haunted him ¨C she grew thinner by the day. After two months of searching for his parents, even a child would understand their likely fate. He had begun to accept this cruel reality.

    He chose Intellex not only for its proximity to former Tempa but for its booming clothing industry. Outside a mill, crowds gathered, their complaints indistinct. A brown-skinned man wearing an odd hat guarded the gate, maintaining order among those seeking work in a place where humans were treated as insects.

    "No pushing! Anyone who breaks the line will be remembered ¨C no work for a month!"

    "We need three men with good builds. Step forward!"

    "Here! Look here!" Clotho called out.

    "Hmm... yes, good. Come inside, boy."

    The mill stood as a monument to progress, brick and steel merging past with future. Machinery hummed constantly, while the thick scent of fabric and dust filled the air. Men and women worked side by side, their gender marked only by their work attire ¨C practical trousers and blouses that spoke of utility over beauty. Easy to work and cheap was the philosophy that ruled their days.

    Clotho performed his assigned tasks until receiving a meager meal ¨C a small potato he saved for Hasina. As he prepared to leave, a familiar voice cut through the mechanical din.

    "Clotho?"

    The voice struck a chord of memory. "Tadano?"

    Nostalgia washed over Clotho at the sight of his childhood friend. Despite the grime of factory work, Tadano''s eyes still held their familiar warmth.

    "How are you? Is Hasina with you?" Tadano''s enthusiasm pierced the dreary atmosphere.

    "Yes. She and I are together now."

    "Is that so..." A shadow passed over Tadano''s face.

    "What about you? You had vast lands to your name. What brought you here?"

    "You''re as stupid as always." Tadano settled beside Clotho, steam rising from his potato. His eyes narrowed. "Wait, did you finish your meal already?"

    "Yes," Clotho replied, too quickly.

    "Here, take half of mine."

    Before Clotho could protest, Tadano split his potato, the steam escaping like a final breath.

    "After the war, Sternfall seized everything. I had some savings, but..." Tadano''s jaw tightened. "That stupid bastard stole it all."

    "Who?"

    "Who else? Marco, of course. We came here together, but he fell into gambling. I warned him we needed to be careful, but¡ª" Tadano shook his head. "Let''s leave it."

    "Marco''s here in Acamis?"

    "Probably drinking himself stupid in some alley."

    The factory bell rang ¨C three sharp peaks that cut through conversation like a blade. Workers shuffled back to their stations, knowing fifteen hours of labor stretched before them, broken by a single precious break. Some would collapse from exhaustion, but fresh bodies would replace them before their spots grew cold. In Acamis, there was never a shortage of desperate souls.

    Night descended on Acamis like a heavy curtain. The bustling streets fell silent save for patrolling guards and the distant barking of watchdogs. Streetlamps cast pools of light at measured intervals, like stars fallen to earth. On certain benches, painted ladies waited, sometimes joined by guards seeking company through the long hours. Summer nights brought a peculiar mercy to the homeless ¨C at least they needn''t fear freezing in their sleep. Winter belonged to the rich, but summer nights offered the poor a gentle respite.

    Clotho walked alone, his mind wandering between reality and dreams. Sometimes he imagined himself a king, ruling from a grand palace with Hasina beside him, radiant in white silk. The fantasy brought an unbidden smile to his face.

    "She''s probably angry with me," he murmured, clutching the saved potato. "But I have a gift for her."

    As he approached their modest home, sounds from within stopped him cold. His body tensed, ready to charge, but caution held him back. If they held Hasina hostage, one wrong move could¡ª

    He forced himself to breathe, to think. Let''s assess the situation first.

    Then the voices reached him, and his world began to crack.

    "Marco, so this was the girl you always talked about. I have to say, you didn''t disappoint."

    "You know me. I know the quality when I see it."

    "But you know, she resisted quite a bit."

    The door splintered under Clotho''s hands.

    "Huh? Who are you?" A muscled man looked up with the entitled annoyance of one interrupted at his leisure.

    Five men surrounded a figure on the floor. Hasina lay there, blood staining her lips, eyes vacant and unseeing. Bruises marred her legs, and dust clouded her skin ¨C skin that had once been pure as virgin snow. Clotho had known every facet of her: her care, her anger, her teasing, her passion. Her father had named her "Beautiful," and to Clotho, she had been beauty itself. Now he stood frozen, his soul withering as the potato slipped from numb fingers.

    "Clotho?" Marco''s voice held recognition.

    "Clotho? Oh, the one you told us about. Perfect timing for revenge," another man sneered.

    In one fluid motion, a man''s face separated from his skull, painting the wall crimson. Drops of blood fell like tears onto Hasina''s cheek.

    That night exists in fragments in my memory. I remember only flashes: the crimson moon watching overhead, my wife''s silent form below. What happened between those moments, what I did to those men ¨C perhaps it''s mercy that I cannot recall.

 Chapter 16 - Birth of a Legend

    Chapter 16: Birth of a Legend

    "Mons... Monster!"

    The word died with its speaker as his head separated from his body. That night, the sky was achingly beautiful ¨C countless stars scattered across the darkness, no clouds daring to cover the moon''s perfect face. Under its cold illumination, in a small house that had witnessed too much, Clotho continued to pound Marco''s severed head long after it had become unrecognizable. Drops of blood spattered across Hasina''s motionless face, each crimson bead a mockery of the tears she could no longer shed.

    Clotho''s amber eyes, once so full of warmth and life, had become hollow pools ¨C as if something fundamental had been torn from their depths. Time stretched like a wound until finally, he rose. With gentle hands that contrasted sharply with their earlier violence, he covered Hasina''s body with clean linen and lifted her into his arms.

    Moonlight crept through the small window, casting long shadows as Clotho dug into the earth, each shovelful of dirt an act of devotion. He laid his wife to rest in that deep embrace of earth, watching as tears fell like rain upon the freshly turned soil. With trembling fingers, he placed a potato ¨C her favorite, meant to be her birthday gift ¨C in the ground and carved words in Heraphant:

    ''She was perfect''

    His hand lingered on the inscription, unable to break this final connection. If life held meaning, Clotho''s had just been buried in the cold ground. His eyes, though exhausted from weeping, showed no mercy to themselves ¨C tears would pause only to flow anew, like a tide that refused to stop.

    When he finally stood, a bell''s toll pierced the night, drawing him like a moth to flame. In the distance stood the church he''d passed countless times but never truly seen. Men in their despair often sought anchors, but Clotho had lost his ¨C life itself seemed hollow. Still, his feet carried him forward, toward where a solitary figure sat. Even at this hour, God''s forgiveness refused to sleep.

    The priest looked up as Clotho approached. "Child, what do you seek? Food? Shelter?"

    "Purpose."

    "Purpose?"

    "Lost and abandoned, I am a soul severed from faith, seeking meaning again and again in you... Can you give purpose to my life?" Clotho''s gaze fixed upon the great star symbol above, refusing to meet the man''s eyes.

    The priest contemplated before closing his eyes. "Child, the world awaits divine intervention. ''He'' will soon grace us. Keep faith in the Almighty."

    Clotho turned away, the words falling hollow on ears that had heard too much emptiness.

    <hr>

    Present Time

    An hour passed in the quiet room. The man in his white robe slumbered beside Clotho, who rose seeking air on the balcony. The connected balconies of Veneria Carnalis stretched before him like a steel maze. As his vision wavered between focus and blur, a cool draft swept across his face. Turning to tame his wild hair, his gaze met another''s ¨C a girl standing on a neighboring balcony, her collar marked with the number 32. Sensing his attention, she turned, their eyes locking in mutual recognition of something neither could name.

    Why do you feel as if you are the same as me?

    The thought echoed in both minds. Clotho, without wasting his thoughts, retreated to his room.

    "That man..." she whispered to the night, her eyes distant as moonlight illuminated the market below where her innocence had been stripped away mere moments ago.

    Upon returning, Clotho found his owner still sleeping, probably exhausted from previous activities with his slave number 16. He settled on the floor, the clock ticking his only companion until a chilling realization struck.

    Why can''t I hear any breathing?

    He rose sharply, eyes fixing on the sleeping figure. His blood froze. The man wore a smile that should have been natural, but where lips should have been, there was only void ¨C a grotesque parody of human expression, as if something else wore the man''s face like an ill-fitting mask.

    What is this? Some spirit or ghost?

    As his mind raced through possibilities, reality began to warp. The world grew hazy, its edges bleeding like wet paint. Despite his inhuman strength, Clotho felt helpless before this unknown force. Outside, the moon shone with unnatural brightness, the night stretching eternal as time counted down his remaining moments.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    "Wha... what is happening... I can''t... breathe..."

    Seconds felt like eternity until Clotho collapsed, his eyes rolling back as consciousness fled.

    <hr>

    The Basic Guide to Brahman

    Published by UG

    Written by Maxwell Condyle

    Chapter 2: Pret Possession

    Acquiring supernatural powers of Brahman proves more challenging than mastering them. After three centuries of research and an estimated two million casualties, only two methods have been identified: inheritance through bloodline or Pret possession. For detailed information on Prets, refer to Chapter 78: Characteristics of Prets.

    A crucial note: both paths carry extreme risks. Children inheriting Brahman face a 40% mortality rate at birth. Pret possession offers only a 30% chance of survival. These statistics remain consistent across all documented cases...

    <hr>

    The moon illuminated the entire night as if preparing to welcome someone. Clouds that often veiled its light from mortals now cowered in a clear sky. A chill draft blew across the land. In the distance, somewhere in town, a radio played. An old melody by Madam Brunette Marayoor, a famous singer from a century ago, drifted from one of the small houses where creatures who had lost the meaning of humanity now slept. A melody of love between devil and angel:

    "When I met you in a crimson soil bereft of its humanity, did you fall for me as I fall for you.

    Regrets we held in our heart half, did you fill the half with your presence..."

    "Let''s come again and meet under the same light, after this night''s passion we should become what we were as strangers..."

    After some time the world seems to stop around and the silence falls down on the earth while darkness illuminates the room where Clotho was lying down.

    "Who am I?"

    "Ahh..."

    "What happened?" He whispered as he slowly tried to stand on his knees.

    A question surfaced in his mind again and again. He tried to recall everything.

    "Who...am...I?"

    I am slave number 16....

    No...I am Clotho Lucian...

    Clarity started to return as he opened his golden eyes again.

    Hasina...

    A name suddenly hit his mind like a wave among the tides.

    "Hey, catch her!"

    "Don''t let her get away!"

    "She needs to be executed, she has bitten down on the count!"

    "Hey, don''t hurt her too much. She is an expensive goods!"

    Clotho heard countless shouts from outside. He walked forward, his eyes emotionless. Opening the door, he found the girl pinned to the ground by a large man, with three soldiers surrounding her, each holding a spear. They wore metal plates and helmets ¨C the typical guards that accompanied high nobles. The girl wore only thin fabric that didn''t even preserved her dignity.

    It was the same girl he had seen before on the balcony.

    Clotho walked forward toward the scene.

    "Huh? A slave? What are yo-" The guard''s words ended as his head was blown away by his own spear, now in Clotho''s grip.

    The others didn''t even get a chance to react.

    "Who the hell are you, bastard?" They charged forward, but in vain. At a speed imperceptible to normal humans, Clotho ripped all their heads off one by one.

    Pandemonium spread across the Veneria Carnalis. The night was young and the moon bore witness to a beautiful dance of blood performed by a single man. When the entire hallway ran red and silence reigned, Clotho turned to look at the sole girl now standing naked before him, her only piece of fabric lying soaked in the filth of humanity.

    Clotho looked into her blue eyes. Despite the massacre, not a trace of fear was shown in them. Her sharp gaze bore deep into his own.

    "What are you planning to do from now on?" she asked.

    "A world which is not worth living shouldn''t exist. I plan to erase it. I will become the apocalypse for this world," Clotho said, meeting her gaze.

    "Good. It''s also what I want."

    "I don''t plan on taking anyone with me."

    "I don''t plan to take orders from you. I would do what I want, and what I want is to follow you to see the end of this world."

    She continued, "How should I address you?"

    "Clotho..." he paused, then said with determination, "Clotho Servus."

    Servus...it means slave?  The girl thought to herself.

    "If you''re going to follow me, then start by introducing yourself. Don''t you know it''s basic courtesy?" Clotho said, no emotions were visible on this dark skinned face.

    "I don''t have a name...I did have one...but...I want to forget the past....how about..."

    She thought for a moment and said, "I decided I should be Hasina Servus."

    Clotho''s eyes widened. His emotions churned in turmoil within his heart. Outside he remained calm, but inside a sharp pain ached in his chest.

    Clotho turned to walk away but paused and said, "Good name.¡±

 Chapter 17 - Xie Lianhua

    Chapter 17: Xie Lianhua

    Clara and Conrad sat facing each other in a small carriage, silence hanging between them. Rain clouds loomed on the horizon. Clara''s heart thumped rapidly - this was her first time alone with her brother in ages.

    Why am I so nervous with this idiot of a brother?  Clara wondered.

    She stole a glance at him.

    He seemed so different from before. Much calmer, smiling more, not arguing about everything. He even dressed neater now, looking almost... handsome. Must be that Xie girl''s influence.

    Clara felt a surge of annoyance. So some strange girl is more important than your own sisters? You really are an idiot. A big idiot.

    "Clara, how is your studying going?"

    "Huh... aaa... stu- it''s awesome," Clara fumbled over her words.

    Conrad looked at her with confusion. "Did I startle you? Sorry, I didn''t mean to."

    Ahhh, why have you become so nice? You always argued with me before. Did you forget?

    "No... I''m fine... just got caught off-guard by your sudden question."

    Conrad gave her a warm smile. "Clara, if you need any help with your studies, just tell me without worrying."

    "Okay..." Clara nodded.

    "Conrad..." Clara opened her mouth, but the words died in her throat.

    "What? Do you want me to do something for you? I''m free today," Conrad offered.

    "No... nothing."

    Conrad studied her silently.

    Ahhh Clara, were you always this awkward? I mean, I know I don''t talk to boys much, but come on. You''re acting like a total idiot in front of your brother. Idiot... idiot... idiot...

    Clara berated herself internally.

    "We''ve arrived, Clara," Conrad said in his usual tone.

    "Oh... see you later, Conrad." Clara''s voice carried a hint of dejection.

    "Clara..." Conrad stopped her.

    He walked over, took a hat, and placed it gently on her head. "You forgot your hat, my precious sister."

    Conrad said it half-jokingly.

    "I don''t know if it''s appropriate anymore... after all, you''ve grown up quite a bit. But you''ll always be my youngest sister." Conrad pulled her into a hug.

    Wh... what... are... you...

    "Take care of yourself. I''ll pick you up later this afternoon," Conrad told her.

    Clara could only nod in response.

    As Conrad left in the carriage, Clara stood there for a moment before a female voice broke through her thoughts:

    "Who was that handsome guy, Clara? Aren''t you going to introduce me?"

    "Maya, keep your eyes off my brother. He already has a girlfriend."

    "What a waste," Maya replied.

    <hr>

    Inside the carriage, Conrad''s mind wandered through a maze of thoughts - from yesterday''s incidents to his newfound power, the mystery of his immortality, and the enigmatic Anira. He released a long sigh.

    One step at a time.

    First, I need some way to keep track of everything. I''ve never written a diary before. Yes, that''s it - I''ll start writing in English so nobody from this world would understand it.

    Second, I need to figure out my immediate goals. I still don''t know why I was transferred into Conrad''s body, but there must have been some hidden incident or ritual that triggered it. Then there''s Anira, who calls me ''Lord.'' I''m still not sure if she means me or the original Conrad.

    Everything''s such a mess right now. Unknown world, unknown powers, and above all, it''s dangerous.

    He organized his thoughts:

    Primary Goals:

    First, write my diary daily.

    Second, find a way back to my world. From all the novels I''ve read, there''s always a reason - I just need to find it. It must have something to do with this Brahman. But there are so many complications. The time dilation between these worlds is my biggest concern right now. If there is a time dilation then I need to figure out how much bigger that is, if not then I will be fine even if i returned after 100 years.

    Conrad let out another sigh.

    It''ll be dangerous, but at least Anira''s here. She seems trustworthy enough for now, even if just barely.

    I need to become stronger, possibly stronger than her, to understand this whole transmigration business.

    Before returning to my world, I want to see my sisters married and free from debt. There''s our house mortgage and my education loan from SIXS bank - where Isolde works. It''s not just one of Aurelius''s biggest banks, but one of Freya''s too.

    So much to do...

    I''m overthinking again...

    If Anira were here, my mind might be at ease...Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.

    Conrad sat up suddenly.

    "Wait, did I just think about Anira? Am I missing her? No way, it''s just that she understands me better than others, that''s all-"

    "Sir, we''ve arrived at the University entrance," the carriage driver announced.

    "Yes, here''s your ten sili."

    "Thank you, good sir."

    Conrad stood before the grand entrance of Aurealis University.

    "Here I am again..."

    As he started walking, a hard slap on his back pushed him forward. A tall man with a long nose and short hair stood beside him, looking like he''d stepped straight out of a novel. It was Isaac Edger, Conrad Valor''s best friend.

    "Con, why didn''t you tell me you were coming? Wait, aren''t you suspended for three days? What are you doing here?"

    "Couldn''t you ask that without slapping me so hard? Do you have any idea how much that hurts?" Conrad said, rubbing his back.

    "Don''t act tough now, Mr. Strong. Think I forgot how you threw that muscle-head Jared? I was shocked you could fight like that, and I''m your best friend! Can''t believe you never told me."

    "Not everything needs to be shared."

    "I don''t know what happened while you were away, but I like this new attitude. Hey, let''s head to class together," Isaac said, gesturing excitedly toward the classroom.

    "No, I''m still suspended, remember?" Seeing his friend''s confused look, Conrad continued, "I''m just here to check out some books, that''s all."

    Isaac jumped backward. "You... books... since when?"

    "Con, are you alright? Did you hit your head or something? Did you forget you''re among the top ten worst students in the entire university?"

    Conrad raised his hands to stop him and started walking. "Yes, yes, I''ve heard it already. Look, I''m busy, Isaac. I''ll see you later. Have a nice class."

    Isaac stood there dumbfounded as if he didn''t know what to think of his friend anymore.

    "So... people really do change... I think I should work hard," Isaac muttered to himself.

    <hr>

    "Why does everybody have to remind me how worthless I am?" Conrad muttered to himself, walking alone in the hallway that led to the university library. "Freaking Conrad, I will not forgive you. Well, you are dead so what can I say..."

    After a few minutes of walking inside the granular university, Conrad found the library. A massive crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, while mahogany bookshelves three times the height of a human stretched to the walls, containing countless volumes of history, stories, and thought. The entire space sparkled under warm LED lights, reminding Conrad how this world - or maybe this country specifically - blended Victorian aesthetics with modern technology.

    The floor was made of oak with beautifully cut marble inlays. A window of stained glass depicted Aurealis''s first king from the monarchy era, the sight leaving Conrad somewhat mesmerized.

    This is a good place to read, Conrad thought to himself. Walking towards an elderly man sitting behind a tall desk, Conrad asked, "Sir, where can I find books on the history of weaponry used in wars?"

    The old man, who was reading a thick book with a deep brown cover, looked up at the young man.

    "I have never seen you before... are you new to the university?"

    "No sir, I''m actually in my final year. I just never got a chance to visit the library until now."

    "Final year? Oh, so you must know Xie. She''s a regular here."

    "Yes..." Conrad felt lost for words.

    "Conrad...?" A voice called from behind. Turning, his eyes met with a familiar face he had never seen before but recognized immediately.

    Before him stood a woman of pastoral grace and eternal elegance. She wore a blue and white hanfu, imported from outside Aurelius, with delicate floral motifs patterned on the beautiful fabric. Her intricately designed collar and cuffs resembled the color of jasmine flowers. Her beauty could only be described as timeless and pure. Her eyes were blue like Conrad''s but lighter, and her thin hair swept back gracefully. She wore a straw hat adorned with ribbon and lace. She was none other than Xie Lianhua, the girl Conrad was supposed to be dating.

    Conrad looked at her in awe, his heart racing.

    She''s... beautiful... my heart is racing like crazy... is it me or this body''s owner? I don''t know, but I want her... I want this girl to be mine... I''ve never felt this way. Do I really love her? Love at first sight?

    A certain girl''s image floated in his mind briefly before disappearing.

    Huh? What was that? Why did I think of her suddenly?

    Conrad calmed his mind, then said, "Xie... I heard you''re a regular."

    Xie gave Conrad an odd look. "Conrad, can we talk for a few minutes?"

    "Yes, sure..."

    Watching the young couple leave the library, the man behind the desk let out a sigh.

    "Being young must be nice."

    <hr>

    Walking side by side outside the library in a wide hallway, Xie stopped suddenly to look at Conrad.

    "Conrad, I''ve been thinking of you for the whole week," Xie said with a hint of sadness.

    "Me? Yes, sorry I didn''t talk to you much this past week. I should have written you a letter," Conrad replied.

    "No... not that... I just need to explain something to you."

    She took a breath, closing her eyes for a few seconds before looking directly at Conrad.

    "Listen Conrad, what I''m going to tell you might sound odd. You may think I''m crazy like many of the rumors about me, but I don''t want to involve any innocent people anymore..."

    Before Conrad could ask anything, she continued:

    "Let''s end our relationship here. I used you for my benefit. You can think of me as those cheap women, I don''t mind. Please leave me alone for now..." Saying this, Xie turned away from Conrad.

    "What? But you accepted my proposal... what happened in just a week?" Conrad grabbed her hand.

    Shocked by his grip, Xie turned to look at the young man before her.

    "I..."

    Conrad released his grip suddenly and said, "You can go, Xie. But I won''t end our relationship. Come back after a few days, and if you haven''t changed your mind by then, I''ll comply with your request."

    "Okay..." Xie said in a low voice.

    Thank you Conrad, I know you love me, but I cannot put you in danger. I cannot waste your love on a woman with such a curse...

    <hr>

    After Xie left, Conrad stared into the distance, lost in thought.

    I can sense some fluctuations of Brahman around Xie. She''s being followed. These rumors about her... I remember hearing something about how anyone who proposed to her disappeared after a month. It must be related to some Essentia. I need Anira''s help with this... but I want to handle it myself as much as I can. After all, I need to get stronger too.

    Conrad returned to the library and asked the elderly man, who was still reading his brown-covered book, about weapons-related texts.

    "I don''t think we have too many books on such topics, as Aurelius is primarily technocratic, so we tend not to focus on war. Even though we have one of the strongest armies in Freya, books on these subjects are mainly kept in combat training schools. We do have some copies, but they''re very limited in terms of information."

    "That''s fine, I''m just looking for some information out of curiosity," Conrad said with a gentlemanly smile.

    "I like your attitude toward learning. Curiosity is the best trait one can have. I think you can check the historical war section over there. You might find some books on weapons and such."

    "Thank you, sir." As Conrad was about to walk away, the man stopped him.

    "If you don''t mind, may I ask about your relationship with Xie?"

    "Is there any particular reason you want to know?"

    "She''s a very odd girl, always alone. As far as I know, she doesn''t talk to anybody. Whenever I ask about her, people only mention strange rumors. I can see through people very well, and I know Xie is a good girl. I heard her parents and brother died. Honestly, she resembles my late daughter a bit, and I don''t want anything to happen to her."

    After the man finished, Conrad gave him a warm smile.

    "She is my girlfriend.¡±

 Chapter 18 - S(c-3)-16

    Chapter 18: S(c-3)-16

    In the northwest corner of the entire library, behind the books related to human physiology, there was a space dedicated to history books. The upper shelves held countless war-related volumes, their bindings worn from years of countless hand¡¯s touch. While not much is known about all epochs, thanks to the contributions of UG and rare visitors from other continents, the Freya Continent does have access to knowledge that would otherwise be impossible to obtain due to the almost impossible sea travel and long history of this world.

    "The old man said he doesn''t have many books on weaponry, but still, this is a pretty decent collection," Conrad said while examining the towering shelves.

    The scent of old papers and some dust that was yet to be cleaned remind Conrad of his previous life when he was studying engineering.

    "Let''s see..." Conrad was going through the limited books one by one.

    My primary goal for coming here is to find out how far combat technologies have advanced and evolved in this world. So I can figure out how people normally fight to apply my first principle of combat - uncertainty and surprise.

    Although I know in a fight between Essentia it will probably not help much, I wonder what the limit of supernatural powers is. For example, if I were to use a nuke, could an Essentia fight against that? I find that hard to believe. Even though this world¡ªno, this country¡ªseems to have some modern technology here and there, most things are pretty Victorian era compared to our world. Steam-powered carriages share roads with horse-drawn ones, and electric lights illuminate streets where gas lamps still burn, LED and Candles are being used side by side in this fascinating world.

    I need Anira''s help and training to become stronger, so I can always ask her, but as her master, asking everything of her just doesn''t suit me. Besides, some knowledge is better acquired firsthand.

    "Let''s see..."

    Conrad started to go through each book''s title, his fingers crossing along the spines:

    ''History of Aurelius''...

    ''Aurelius as a part of UG''...

    ''Geo-''...

    These are good books, but I need some¡ª

    "What''s this? ''Research on New Strategies of War by T. Scott.'' This sounds interesting."

    The book was not as thick as compared to others and its style of paper revealed it''s a recent publication perhaps.

    From Conrad''s memories, I know swords are seen as prominent weapons along with arrows for long range and other things, but why this world doesn''t use firearms¡ªthat was puzzling to me. It seems like most people don''t care about that stuff, especially the original Conrad, who was more interested in gambling than military history.

    As Conrad was thinking, he flipped through various chapters describing the art of war and strategies. The pages rustled softly in the quiet library, occasional footsteps from others filled the silence of the glowing library.

    This is some good research. The author seems to be from Sternfall; he has described in great detail how he personally led a battle against some Tempa kingdom which was having illegal activities. This is good but irrelevant to me... Wait, what is this...

    Conrad''s hands stopped at a particular chapter named "New Weapons and Possibilities." Conrad''s eyes narrowed a bit as he started to read:

    [......]

    Firearms or guns are a special type of long-range weapon capable of piercing through any armor if fired correctly, but controlling one is very hard. These techniques are relatively old and had been used in various battles recorded by UG, but the main problem with these weapons was always delay in firing or, in the worst case, not being able to fire at all while others could easily take you out. Almost in all battles where firearms were used, they lost that battle. Even though there are myths and legends about these weapons being used by many great leaders in history, historical and archaeological records contradict that heavily.

    Intellx''s Research team has recently suggested reusing these weapons, but for improved combustion speed and much wider range firing, a theoretical element named S(C-3)-16 has been suggested. According to their research, this element has a vital role in the field of biochemistry but usually can be found in nature inside a hard crystal which can''t be separated from the elements with current knowledge in this field. Due to UG''s lack of interest, the research has limited funding, but it is highly speculated that in one year we might find a solution.

    [.....]

    Conrad read the entire thing with great focus, his engineering mind already working through the implications.

    From what I understand, firearms have been invented in this world but are very inefficient in wars due to range and speed of firing, but why? The answer has to be in the basic chemistry.

    I have studied chemistry as part of the engineering curriculum. I was not very good at it, but I can at least recall all the basics. If I remember correctly, gunpowders are mainly made out of saltpeter, charcoal, and sulfur. Does potassium not exist in this world? No, that can''t be¡ªthere are many things I have already come across that use potassium... charcoal I have seen before...

    Firearms... speed... combustion...

    Suddenly Conrad''s mind clicked with a solution, the puzzle started to complete in his mind.

    Oh yes, the speed of combustion is dependent on the sulfur. Even if potassium nitrate can ignite, the 10% sulfur is highly required to actually acquire the speed of firing. Yes, that makes a lot of sense. So this S(C-3)-16 is basically sulfur. But I can''t be sure¡ªI need to verify that. The problem is how...

    Should I take a visit to Intellex? But what reason is there for me to go there? I need to convince my sisters, and there are financial problems. I don''t have much money on me. This fucking Conrad is so fucking broke. I can''t do this all alone.

    I need a partner who I can be open with... wait, don''t I have a partner? In fact, an immortal partner for life. My memories really are all over the place.

    Conrad lampooned himself for his scattered thoughts, running a hand through his hair in frustration.

    After spending the entire morning, Conrad was pretty satisfied with all the knowledge he was able to gather about this new world. He leaned back in his chair, processing everything he''d learned.

    This world is amazing. It has almost twice as much history as my previous world but is still a little behind in technology due to all the continents being unknown to everyone to this day. What I find fascinating is that almost everywhere, the role of UG is vital for this world as sea travel is impossible. There is a book called ''The Mystery of Comere,'' but I am not sure how many things are true. Scholars in this world talked about the sea and ocean as if it is infinite and beyond logic. I am confused about how this planet works actually. People seemed to know about stars, moons, and planets but not the sea. I need to figure out this world slowly, or my mind will get overwhelmed.

    Conrad stood up and bid his farewell to the old man, who was still reading a brown-covered book. Conrad was curious, and before he left, he asked, "Sir, what are you reading?"

    The old man looked up and gave him a smile, his weathered face creasing with genuine warmth. "It''s Qubile, the holy text of Aaka. It is written in Polyphant, so it''s a bit hard to read, but according to the holy text, the almighty did create everything that we are seeing."Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

    Oh sir, you are preaching these things to the wrong person, but okay, sure¡ª''the supposed almighty'' you believe in must be a good person to create everything and still let us live with our greed and selfish desires without just erasing us.

    Conrad laughed inwardly at his own remark, though he kept his face respectfully neutral.

    As Conrad stepped out of the library, the afternoon sun cast long shadows across the cobblestone streets. Horse-drawn carriages shared the road with occasional steam-powered vehicles¡ªa testament to Aurelius''s unique blend of old and new. The thought of Clara waiting made him quicken his pace. Despite the original Conrad''s negligence, he felt a deep responsibility to protect his sister.

    <hr>

    At the front gate of Church school, 2:30 PM.

    The prestigious Church school stood at the intersection of two worlds¡ªthe sanctified grounds of religious education and the grey territory controlled by local gangs. Its old architecture, complete with towering spires and stained glass windows, offered little protection against the harsh realities of Prismara''s underbelly.

    "Maya, when will your sister come? Or are you planning to return by yourself?" Clara asked her best friend, on her hand, a book about literature.

    "Oh come on, Clara, we are adults now. You actually treat us like little girls all the time. I can go by myself now." Maya''s confident tone couldn''t completely hide her appreciation for her friend''s concern.

    "Yeah, yeah, I know, Ms. All Grown Up." Clara''s voice carried a hint of playful mockery.

    "Hey, take me seriously now!" Maya pulled Clara''s arms, causing both girls to laugh.

    "By the way, you usually go home alone. Why are you waiting today?" Maya asked, her eyes anticipating something from her best friend.

    "N-nothing," Clara hesitated while looking around, her gaze scanning the street hopefully.

    "Is your brother coming?" Maya asked with barely contained enthusiasm.

    "Maybe..." Clara wasn''t sure, given all the previous records of her brother and his gambling habits. Though lately, something about him had changed¡ªsomething she couldn''t quite put her finger on.

    Where are you, idiot? I am waiting.

    She was getting worried herself, unconsciously tightening her grip on her books.

    "Hey, look at him. He actually studied with us, but doesn''t he look like some prince from other places?"

    Clara looked in the direction her friend was pointing. A boy of their age with short hair, neatly styled with modern elements and a touch of some chestnut patterns, was walking alone.

    He was wearing a typical middle-class outfit¡ªa pressed white shirt under a navy vest, matched with well-fitted trousers. In his arms were two books related to theology: "Church Principles" and "Interpretations of Aaka."

    He looks kind of like my brother but less handsome, of course.

    The thought brought a mix of pride and worry¡ªpride in her brother''s natural good looks, worry about his recent strange behavior. Ever since that day, Conrad seemed... different. More focused, less reckless, but somehow more easy to rely on.

    Sensing two girls'' gaze, the boy looked at Clara.

    Ah shit, he looked this way. He must be thinking we are some kind of perverts ogling him. It''s all Maya''s fault.

    Clara looked at her best friend, who was still looking at the boy with a mischievous smile. Clara facepalmed herself. Seeing Maya''s wide smile, the boy quickened his pace to walk past the two girls, but while passing, he stole a glance at Clara. Clara was busy observing her friend, so she didn''t notice.

    "Maya, I told yo¡ª"

    "Sister, you''re here finally! I was waiting!" Before Clara finished, Maya called out to someone who had just arrived in a small car.

    A dark-eyed, medium-stature girl with hair neatly tied behind her back was standing before the two girls. Nadeko Kazuma, top scorer of National Aurelius university¡¯s history department and her rather obvious infatuation with the historical figure Alexander Gustavo.

    "Yes, the class was too long, so it took some time to reach here. Oh, Clara, how are you?" Nadeko asked after bidding a good bye to some boy in the car.

    Clara looked at the beautiful girl in front of her and replied, "Sister Nadeko, are you going to leave right now?"

    "I told you to just call me Nadeko..."

    "Yes, Nadeko."

    "No, not now. Actually, I was planning to visit the museum. I heard there was some new stuff related to Alexander Gustavo, and you know I want to see it. Maybe it has his diary or something. I might find out what kind of girl he liked," Nadeko said without stopping, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

    The corner of Clara''s mouth twitched a little.

    I can see the similarity in the two sisters. Their passionate focus on their interests is almost identical.

    "Why don''t you join us, Clara?" Maya asked, seeing an opportunity to include her friend.

    "Who? Me? But..." Clara looked at the street where a few carriages passed by, still hoping to catch a glimpse of her brother.

    Maya saw her friend''s struggle and suggested, "Nadeko, let''s wait a couple of minutes. One more person will join us."

    "Huh? Who?" Nadeko asked, curiosity piqued.

    "Well..." Maya was about to say something when Clara interrupted.

    "My big brother."

    Nadeko was taken aback by the revelation, her scholarly composure momentarily broken.

    "You never mentioned you have a brother. I know you have big sisters, but now a brother?"

    Clara didn''t say much, her silence speaking volumes about the complicated relationship with her sibling.

    Nadeko felt a pinch in her side. It was from Maya. Maya gave Nadeko a look not to ask any further, understanding the sensitivity of the topic.

    Nadeko looked at Clara and added, trying to lighten the mood, "Well, I don''t have any problem. More the merrier."

    As the three girls were talking, Nadeko felt someone behind her. The acrid smell of cheap liquor could be smelled in his words.

    "Excuse me, miss. Why don''t we get a coffee or something?" The man''s weathered face and expensive but poorly maintained clothes marked him as one of the gang members that controlled this area.

    "Not interested," Nadeko replied firmly, her academic confidence showing through.

    "Oh, acting hard to get?" A man in his thirties gave a mocking remark with a smirk that had intimidated many before.

    "This is a church. Please don''t disturb the peace here¡ª" As Nadeko spoke, she felt her hands being grabbed by the man in front of her.

    "Oh, the church. Do you even know who I am? This place is controlled by our boss. What would these bunch of devotees do to me? Come closer so I can show you¡ª" The man was about to pull Nadeko in his arms when he felt a kick to his groin. It was from Clara, who was infuriated, acting on instinct before her fear could paralyze her.

    She didn''t like men to begin with, so she couldn''t bear to see such things happen to anyone.

    "How dare you, you filthy pig! Take your hands off Sister Nadeko!"

    "You little bitch," the man growled, his face contorted with rage.

    Slap!

    Clara felt a hard slap across her face. The sound echoed in the suddenly silent street. It instantly reddened her white cheeks, the pain bringing back her fear of men. She had seen countless men harassing her sisters when she was little while her brother hid himself somewhere until Leona became a national Guard, it was that way for a while. It had a deep impact on her mind while her hatred grew for her brother.

    Even through countless fights with her brother, he had never lifted a finger against her. Deep down, Clara was afraid of men. Violence made her feel small, helpless, like that terrified ten-year-old girl again.

    "What happened, bitch? You were saying something? Where did all that energy go?" The man''s voice carried the same mocking tone.

    "Clara!" Nadeko and Maya shouted, their voices seeming to come from far away.

    People started to gather around, forming a circle of passive observers. The church school was in a place where many gangs ran their business. National guards or local Prismara police usually avoided this area, knowing better than to interfere with gang politics.

    I am afraid. I don''t like it. Please, someone...

    Clara''s body felt cold, her legs trembling beneath her uniform skirt. All she wanted was to run away as far as possible. She felt the world closing in, unsafe and threatening. Then, cutting through her panic like a blade through silk, she heard a familiar voice¡ªa young man''s voice that carried both warmth and steel.

    "Clara?"

    The gathered crowd parted, revealing Conrad standing there. But something was different about him. His usual carefree demeanor was gone, replaced by something else¡ªsomething dangerous. His blue eyes, normally warm and playful, now held a coldness like an uncertain ocean.

    The air itself seemed to change, growing heavy with tension. In that moment, Clara realized that while this was definitely her brother, something fundamental had shifted. The gambling good-for-nothing was gone, replaced by someone who radiated quiet, lethal competence.

    This wasn''t just Conrad anymore¡ªthis was someone who understood violence more than anyone.

 Chapter 19 - Brother

    Chapter 19: Brother

    The sun shines above, peeking through the rain clouds in Prismara as a horse-drawn carriage clatters through the busy thoroughfare. Inside, Conrad absently watched the passing scenery as a smiling face of Clara surfaced into his mind.

    "I am late. Clara will definitely yell at me," he mused, his lips curled into a genuine smile. "Many people tend to avoid her because of her fierce attitude, but I like my sister that way. Honestly, she is a very good girl. She thinks of others before anyone; that is one reason she gets those mood swings."

    His expression softened as he continued his internal monologue. I am really becoming more protective of my precious sisters. But what can I do? Even if I am not really their brother, I just really love them. They are my only family in this world. I want their sufferings to end. This bastard Conrad definitely didn''t deserve such lovely sisters. I will take care of them.

    Conard Sighed a little. At this point, people might mistake me for some siscon.

    The periodic clip-clop of hooves suddenly ceased as the carriage drew to a stop.

    "Sir, there is a huge crowd blocking the street ahead. Should I wait?" The carriage driver''s old face full of concern appeared at the window..

    Conrad leaned forward, his deep blue eyes narrowing at the mass of people ahead. "Crowd? Is there any festival or something?"

    "No sir," the driver shook his head grimly. "This area is controlled by local gangs. Fights often break out here, especially near sunset."

    "I see." Conrad reached into his pocket, producing five silver sili coins. "Here, take this. I will be getting off here."

    "Thank you, good sir. Be careful."

    As Conrad stepped onto the street, the crowd''s murmuring grew louder. Through gaps between shoulders and heads, he caught glimpses of the Church school''s front gate.

    That''s strange. Why would there be such a gathering here? An inexplicable unease settled in his chest, his combat-trained instincts tingled.

    I hope Clara isn''t there. These gang fights have a way of dragging in innocent bystanders.

    Something pulled him forward ¨C call it intuition, call it fate. He pushed through the crowd, apologizing quietly as he made his way forward. Then he saw her.

    Clara.

    His sister stood trembling, a bright red mark marking her previously porcelain cheek. Two other girls were with her, but Conrad''s vision focused solely on his precious sister. His blood turned to ice, then blazing fire. In his previous life as a trained martial artist, he had mastered the art of controlling his killing intent. But now, seeing that mark on his sister''s face, something primal broke loose.

    "Clara?"

    His voice was barely above a whisper, but it carried. Clara turned, her eyes widening as they met his blue ones. But these weren''t the gentle blue eyes she knew ¨C these were the eyes of a predator, calm as the eye of a storm.

    Tears welled up in her eyes as she ran to him, burying her face in his chest. Her entire body shook with silent sobs.

    Conrad gently patted her head, his touch contrasting sharply with the deadly focus in his gaze as he assessed the situation. The man responsible for hurting Clara stood nearby, his meaty hand wrapped around another girl''s wrist ¨C Nadeko, Conrad realized with surprise.

    Nadeko''s mouth opened on seeing a familiar face. "Yo¡ª" She caught herself, reading the atmosphere. These weren''t the eyes of the annoying classmate she knew from university. This was someone else, full of raze. A certain incident in university surfaced in her mind.

    The difference between Essentarii and normal people was, those who could control Brahman possessed heightened senses, enhanced reflexes, and supernatural strength. But Conrad was something else entirely. In his previous life, he had been a trained fighter who had honed his body and mind through hard training. His combat instincts and reaction speed surpassed even the elite tier 0 Essentarii of this world.

    The gang leader ¨C a man with a scarred face ¨C sneered at Conrad. "Hey, what are you staring at? Do you want that girl? You can have her. I don''t want some wimpy all-talk girl, but make sure to bring her back to me after you''re done." His gaze shifted lecherously to Nadeko. "And you¡­¡± He Smiled ¡°I should enjoy you all afternoon today.¡±

    The punch that followed was too fast for anyone to see. One moment the gang leader was leering; the next, he lay unconscious on the ground, blood trickling from his nose.

    The crowd gasped collectively. Clara stared at her brother in amazement, seeing a side of him she''d never witnessed before.

    Three more gang members emerged from the crowd, welding steel pipes. They moved to surround Conrad, their weapons glinting in the afternoon glow.

    Conrad''s face remained eerily serene, but his eyes promised violence. He didn''t want to just win this fight ¨C he wanted to send a message that would echo through every dark alley in Prismara.

    The first attacker charged, the pipe raised high. Conrad''s movement was fluid poetry ¨C he redirected the pipe''s momentum, wrenched it free, and delivered a precisely targeted kick to the attacker''s calf. The crack of fracturing bone was followed by an agonizing horrified scream.

    The remaining thugs hesitated, witnessing speed and precision they''d never encountered. Conrad''s fighting style wasn''t the flashy techniques of tournament fighters or the raw power of Brahman users. This was clinical, efficient violence, honed by real combat experience and modern knowledge only his previous world had developed through countless centuries.

    They attacked together ¨C one high, one low. Conrad moved like water, catching the high strike while checking the low kick. In a blur of motion, he slipped behind one attacker, applied precise pressure to the neck, and dropped him unconscious. The last man received a kick that shattered his ribs.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.

    The street fell deathly quiet.

    Conrad retrieved the original gang leader, dragging him back to consciousness with a rough shake. The man''s eyes fluttered open.

    "Ahhh... who... what..."

    SLAP!

    The sound cracked like a whip, drawing blood from the man''s lip.

    "Why are yo¡ª"

    SLAP!

    "Hey I¡ª"

    SLAP!

    "Let me e¡ª"

    SLAP!

    Each slap was precisely targeted, maximizing pain while minimizing permanent damage. The crowd watched in horror as Conrad maintained his gentlemanly demeanor throughout the brutal punishment.

    "Clara, come here." His voice was warm honey, completely at odds with his actions. He smiled as if inviting her to afternoon tea.

    Clara approached, her fear replaced by something else ¨C awe, perhaps, or the realization that she truly was safe with him.

    "Conrad?" she asked softly.

    "Do you fear this man?" Conrad gestured to the bloody-faced gang leader.

    Clara studied the man with a bruised face, who now looked pathetically small. "No¡ª"

    "Slap him as hard as you can," Conrad interrupted, his smile unchanged.

    Clara hesitated, then nodded. She understood this wasn''t about violence ¨C it was about conquering her fear. She swung her hand.

    SLAP!

    The man sprawled in the dust.

    "Good. I don''t want your hands to get dirty anymore. It¡¯s already late but let''s go have a good lunch, Clara."

    "Okay, Conrad." A small smile graced her lips.

    Conrad turned to address the crowd, his voice carrying to every corner of the street.

    "This is my sister Clara. I know some of you cowards are still hiding. Remember this well ¨C if you touch her, you won''t simply die. You''ll wish for death long before I grant it. Come directly to me if you want to test your luck. At least then, I''ll make it quick."

    Nadeko stood frozen, her worldview shifting. Maya stared at Conrad, her heart racing for entirely different reasons.

    <hr>

    The busy streets around the church district buzzed with whispered retellings of the incident. The late afternoon sun painted everything in warm golden hues as the group made their way through the crowd.

    "I told you we should first go to the museum before lunch," Nadeko complained, trying to restore normalcy to the situation. "Didn''t you hear me before?"

    Conrad sighed dramatically. "Clara, why is this bitch talking to me again?"

    "How da¡ª" Nadeko started.

    "Conrad," Clara interrupted, squeezing his arm. "You shouldn''t talk to a lady like that. Sister Nadeko is a good person. She always looked after me."

    Behind them, Maya drifted in her own world of romantic fantasies. After I marry him, how would my relationship with Clara change? Ahhh, it''s so complicated. I need to prepare¡ª wait, I have rivals. I didn''t know my sister and Clara''s bro¡ª no, Conrad studied at the same department.

    "Ahem," Nadeko cleared her throat. "Don''t you ever think I''ll thank you, especially after what you did to my boyfriend at university."

    "Wasn''t that your fault?" Conrad''s tone was deliberately casual.

    "Mr. Valor, please refresh your memory. That was entirely your fault."

    "Is that so?" He made a show of trying to remember.

    Clara''s giggle broke the tension. "I didn''t know you were friends."

    "We are not friends!" Both Conrad and Nadeko spoke in perfect unison, then glared at each other.

    Clara hugged her brother''s arm tighter, laughing freely.

    I am so happy right now. I have never felt this happy in my entire life. I didn''t know having a big brother could feel this wonderful.

    "Hihihi," she giggled again.

    Conrad''s expression softened immediately. "Clara, do your cheeks still hurt?" Worry crept into his voice.

    "Ohh Conrad, you''ve asked me five times already. It''s not that big of a deal."

    "Is that so..."

    A subtle pinch at her side made Clara turn. Maya was giving her meaningful looks, practically bouncing with anticipation.

    Come on, introduce me to your brother. Please, I beg you!

    Clara felt a little bit possessive. After today''s events, she had become acutely aware of how precious her relationship with her brother was. The thought of sharing his attention made her surprisingly uncomfortable. But Maya was her friend, and she couldn''t ignore her plea, even if it conflicted with her newfound protective instincts.

    "Conrad, this is my best friend Maya," she said finally. "You never met her. She is also the younger sister of Miss Nadeko."

    "Ohh, hello Ms. Maya." Conrad''s tone was perfectly courteous. "I apologize that you had to witness such an unpleasant situation."

    "No tha¡ª"

    "Hey!" Nadeko cut in. "You didn''t greet me that politely. Do you have a thing for younger girls, you pedophile?"

    "Huh? You and your boyfriend don''t deserve anything from me. So shut up."

    Maya''s internal cry of frustration went unvoiced. Why are you interfering with my conversation, sister?

    As the sun began its slow descent, they arrived at their destination. The Aurelius National Museum in Prismara rose before them, its grandeur temporarily silencing their bickering.

    <hr>

    The Aurelius National museum stands as a granular structure gracefully intertwined with minimalist design of modern artistic touch. Carrying many epochs of history with a whisper of air that reminds anyone who enters the place of histories varies grand events and milestones of humanity.  Crimson bricks that covered the entire outside cast long shadows where people feel so small as if they were standing under something so granular that''s beyond comprehension.

    Polished wooden floor which creek softly with each footsteps guiding its visitors through the large Labyrinth of lavishly decorated hall. Ornate oil painting and glowing chandeliers can be seen as mere side decorations in front of tarnished timepieces and intricately inscribe invitations of some grand banquet of long forgotten royals.

    Visitors often spoke of the museum''s almost magical ability to create a mosaic of memories they never knew they could experience. Today was no different.

    Conrad and his companions felt transported, as if a wizard had woven a spell to bring countless historical moments into the present. The weight of ages pressed gently against their consciousness.

    "This is what we live for," Nadeko spoke softly, her usual antagonism forgotten in the face of such majesty.

    "A history that shapes us, an origin that may never affect our future but defines our present. Truths that everyone has the right to know and study." Her eyes held a depth of passion Conrad had never witnessed before.

    History... that shapes our present....

    The words echoed in Conrad''s mind as he gazed back at the museum''s entrance, his thoughts turning to his own complex history and the present he was trying to shape.

 Chapter 20 : Weapon

    Chapter 20: Weapon

    The rain started to pour as Conrad and team entered the grand museum. In Prismara, July was the rainy season. Though Prismara was close to the northern hemisphere, this year had seen a steep fall in temperature all over the world. Frequent rain didn''t help as overall temperatures plummeted over the months. People were eagerly waiting for summer to arrive early.

    Nadeko was filled with excitement as every corner of the museum displayed historical artifacts. Even though Conrad and Nadeko both were from the history department, their interests were in stark contrast - Nadeko was the top scorer while Conrad ranked lowest. The new owner of Conrad''s body was an engineering major, so Dev didn''t have much interest in history either. However, after coming to this world, Dev was eager to learn more about history, believing there could be clues to help him return to his world.

    "Where is the new stuff of Alexander Gustavo?" Nadeko asked Conrad as if they were already friends.

    Conrad frowned. "Huh? How would I know?"

    "So go find out first," Nadeko ordered.

    "Hey, did you forget we''re not friends? I beat your boyfriend. Why are you ordering me around like we know each other?" Conrad retorted.

    "See Clara, your brother''s true colors," Nadeko turned to Clara. "He''s just good in front of his sisters. He''s actually a terrible person."

    "Sister Nadeko, my brother is a good person," Clara defended.

    "Hey, don''t try to turn my sister against me. That won''t work," Conrad said annoyingly.

    Conrad looked at Nadeko with narrowed eyes.

    Noticing his gaze, Nadeko said, "See Clara, your brother is now looking at me. He wants me as his girlfriend even though he knows I have a boyfriend who is way richer and more handsome than him."

    "More handsome? That guy? You''ve got some jokes," Conrad said sarcastically.

    "Hey, just because you have a good face doesn''t mean it can cover your terrible personality. Jared is a way better guy," Nadeko snapped.

    "What did you just say, you bitch?" Conrad raised his voice.

    "Stop, you two!" Clara intercepted them both.

    "I don''t know what happened between you two, but I know you''re both good people, so please don''t fight," Clara said, looking at them with angry eyes.

    "Yes sister, why are you arguing with him when he saved us just now?" Maya asked her older sister.

    Conrad and Nadeko looked at each other. A moment of understanding passed between them as they recalled the earlier incident - Conrad moving without hesitation to protect them, Nadeko''s genuine fear turning to relief.

    It''s such a pain. It''s not like I don''t like her, it''s just that she pisses me off so much. Though, seeing her scared earlier...

    "Hey..." Nadeko said while looking away, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of her sleeve.

    "Huh?"

    "I''m sorry, I shouldn''t have said those things about you. Thank you for saving me and my sister earlier. It... it must have been scary for you too, but you didn''t hesitate.¡±

    Is she for real? I didn''t know she could apologize sincerely.

    "Ah... No... I''m also sorry for calling you a bitch and for what happened in class. I honestly admire your efforts towards history," Conrad admitted.

    "Really?" Nadeko asked.

    "Yes, actually I want to learn more from you. I was just in the library looking into some history books."

    "Huh? I can''t believe it. Why didn''t you ask earlier? Next time, invite me over. We can go together after class," Nadeko suggested with sparkling eyes.

    "Ahem..." Maya interrupted. "A minute ago you were arguing, what happened to that? And sister, you have a boyfriend, so don''t act too cozy around Mr. Conrad."

    Because he is mine.

    "Huh? What are you talking about? We''re just classmates. What does that have to do with me having a boyfriend?" Nadeko asked, tilting her head.

    Conrad looked at Maya with the same confusion as Nadeko. Seeing Conrad''s gaze on her, Maya started to feel flustered.

    "Now that you''ve cleared your differences, we can explore the museum," Clara said excitedly while grabbing her brother''s arm. "Especially with two history students here to teach us many things, it should be fun!"

    "Hey Clara, I didn''t know you were so clingy to your brother. It''s as if you''re an entirely different person," Maya said teasingly, through her eyes held a hint of concern. Growing up as the younger sister, she''d always watched how Nadeko handled relationships. But lately, something felt different about both her sister and Clara.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

    Clara remained silent.

    Maya glanced between Conrad and her sister, remembering how differently Nadeko acted around Jared. With Conrad, there was a natural flow to their arguments and reconciliation, unlike the careful way Nadeko spoke around her boyfriend. Being the younger sister meant Maya noticed these things, even if she didn''t always speak up.

    Well, she does feel different. I think she might like me more now. Honestly, I don''t mind her being clingy. I have inherited Conrad''s memories, so I know how much Clara and Conrad used to fight. She never showed this side to Conrad before. Now she feels like a little girl appropriate for her age. Wait, I think she''s already over twenty, so it''s not like she''s a little kid anymore. But in this world people tend to live longer. I know people get married in their late thirties and that is normal for this world. My Sister Isolde for an example is just in her right marriage age according to this world''s standards but she is still single. I do worry for her.

    Sigh. Conrad let out a sigh thinking of the future of his sisters.

    "Hey Conrad, what kind of books were you reading in the library?" Nadeko asked from beside him.

    "Oh, I was looking into books related to weapons in war, but I didn''t find much," Conrad explained.

    "That makes sense. Those kinds of books are usually in military schools. Conrad, are you perhaps interested in joining the army of Aurelius? The way you fight seems like you''re very strong and well-trained. Honestly, I''ve never seen someone fight like that."

    "Yes, yes! You felt like some kind of superhuman!" Maya said excitedly.

    Clara looked at her brother, also confused about his sudden strength.

    Well, I have pretty much trained my entire life, even as an engineering student I never skipped.

    "Well, I practiced a lot. I''m not that good. If you see a true fighter, you wouldn''t even get a chance to blink," Conrad said to Nadeko.

    "Really? Wow, the world really is huge."

    Well, there''s Anira. She could beat me without even blinking, I think.

    "Conrad, look there... it''s Alexander... let''s go!" Nadeko jumped in excitement as she grabbed Conrad''s hand and pulled him toward the section.

    "Hey... slo-"

    Clara and Maya were dumbfounded by Nadeko''s actions.

    Maybe making them friends wasn''t a wise choice after all.

    Clara looked at her best friend and asked, "Maya, are you sure your sister has a boyfriend?"

    "I think..." Maya hesitated.

    "Hey, let''s not fall behind. Let''s go!"

    When Conrad and Nadeko reached the section, an old diary page was showcased as if it were jewelry.

    "A diary page of the legendary conqueror Alexander Gustavo. He was truly the man among many. I don''t think anyone can match his majesty," Nadeko said with passion in her eyes.

    "So you like strong men, huh?" Conrad said with a smile.

    Nadeko gave him an odd look.

    "Well, Alexander was really special. No matter what I read, it''s said he couldn''t be defeated. But the most fascinating thing about him was his origin. Nobody knows exactly where he came from. Some say he was a hidden noble, some said he was actually a bastard child of the king, others suggested he was a slave. There are many myths surrounding him too - people believe he was a demigod who was very close to being a god. His fighting style remains a mystery to this day."

    Nadeko listened intently to Conrad. When he finished, she said, "Conrad, you know so much. It doesn''t seem like you have low scores. Do you score low intentionally?"

    "Ah..." Conrad scratched his head, at a loss for words.

    "You don''t have to say... well, what you said about Alexander is true, and that''s what fascinated me since childhood. Our family isn''t very well off financially. Growing up, my dad was my hero, but after his passing, the books about Alexander kept me from being lonely. It''s like I have some special bond with him even if we''re epochs apart."

    Maya and Clara joined them. Clara grabbed her brother''s arm again.

    "What is that, Conrad?" Clara asked.

    "That''s a diary page left behind by Alexander. It''s written in a cryptic language, but there''s a close relation to Monoglif, so some letters are identified by scholars," Nadeko explained, lifting one finger like a teacher. "For example, there was mention of someone named ''An-'' - the full name wasn''t identified because of the cryptic letters used later, which are very different from any current language."

    "Some scholars believe that might have had huge significance in the war of the 5500''s."

    "Is that so? Thank you, Sister Nadeko," Clara said.

    "Just Nadeko."

    "Okay..." Clara replied softly.

    An... An... Anira? Yes, she knew Alexander Gustavo, so it''s natural for him to mention her name. But why cryptic letters? Is there some kind of secret?

    "Conrad, what do you think Alexander used in the war?" Nadeko asked suddenly, snapping Conrad out of his thoughts.

    "Huh? Oh, swords maybe? It''s an ongoing discussion between historians and archaeologists."

    "I think he used firearms," Nadeko said seriously.

    "But professor said that''s debunk-"

    "No, you fool. Our professor doesn''t know everything. I truly believe there was something mysterious about Alexander, as if he wasn''t a normal human..."

    That part you''re absolutely right about. He was an Essentia like me.

    "Look at that thing in the center of the museum."

    "Huh, where?" Conrad turned to look.

    In the center of the museum stood a glass case surrounded by ropes and guards who watched every movement carefully. Inside, a rusted stone and metal object was placed with precise care. Below it, written in Heraphant: ''Unidentified object of Alexander.''

    What is that...

    Conrad''s eyes widened. Countless new thoughts flooded his mind. His engineering knowledge from his past life sparked recognition - the oxidation patterns on the metal, the specific way it had degraded over time, the apparent mechanical components visible despite the rust.

    Is that a... gun? Wait, guns are useless, it''s not like no one knows that. But why is it heavily guarded? The degradation pattern isn''t natural for this world''s timeline. From an engineering perspective, the metal composition seems... wrong for this era. Something is odd about that thing.

    "I believe that''s a firearm Alexander used in his bottles. I don''t have any basis for that, but it''s my instinct," Nadeko whispered to Conrad.

    Conrad didn''t say anything, only nodding slightly as his mind raced with possibilities.

    Alexander Gustavo¡¯s weapon.