The word 'stealing' is merely terminology for those without authority. Within the walls of the Noctis Residence, where family lineage was the highest law, the act of taking family property was never called theft. It was merely an internal asset transfer. And to gain access to the forbidden artifact storage room—the place where the "Codex Ignis" or other ancient artifacts were enshrined—I did not need the dexterous hands of a thief. I needed legitimacy.
I needed permission from the man who stood as the head of this family.
The Noctis family dining room was vast, adorned with candles whose flames danced in silence. If it weren't for my existence, which had now become an anomaly in the storyline, this long table would have looked like an illustration of a harmonious noble family. Yet, beneath the surface, there were sharp cracks that I could feel.
My father sat at the head of the table, his face as hard as granite stone, showing no emotion as he chewed his roasted meat. My mother, on the other hand, struggled to maintain a gentle maternal mask, although her eyes watched me with veiled wariness.
"Father," my voice broke the silence, sounding flat yet firm. "There is something I wish to discuss regarding my preparations for the Academy."
Mother set down her fork with a delicate clink. "Whatever it is, it can wait, Veyr. We are eating. Value this family time."
I did not reply to my mother. My gaze was locked onto the head of the Noctis family. He did not look up, nor did he stop cutting his meat.
"Come to my study after this," he finally said, his heavy voice echoing in the dining room. "I hope what you will discuss is something worth taking up my time, Veyr."
"Of course," I answered curtly. I had already prepared a conversational script designed to trigger his logic, not his emotions.
I rose from my chair, leaving the rest of my meal still untouched. This plan was already proceeding on track. Now, I needed to ensure my physical condition was at an optimal point. If I wanted to access that artifact, I had to prove that I was not only worthy, but also possessed potential that this family could exploit.
I walked toward the private training room in the west wing of the residence. The place was filled with rows of neatly arranged cold weapons, from longswords, rapiers, to small daggers. The scent of metal and old dust greeted me.
"STATUS WINDOW," I whispered softly.
A transparent holographic screen flickered before my eyes, displaying data I had already memorized, yet still needed to be monitored periodically.
[STATUS WINDOW]
Name: Veyr Noctis
Class: Curse-Bound/Noble
Condition: Unstable (Black Reflux: Active)
Skill Set:
· Black Veil (Active)
· Cognitive Analysis (Passive)
Weapon Proficiency:
· Dagger : A
· Sword : B+
· Unarmed : B
"Sword rank B+. A fairly respectable number for a body on the verge of death," I muttered. Honestly, the base talent of Veyr's body was indeed extraordinary. The only problem was the Black Reflux curse that burned his internal energy every time he tried to surpass his limits. It was like trying to fill a leaking gas tank in the middle of a desert.
I drew a long breath, focusing my concentration. Now, I had to start practicing the concept of 'The Creator'. I did not only want to copy skills; I wanted to create new skills based on a deep understanding of mana's working principles. For that, I had to force the system to adapt with Black Veil.
Activating Black Veil.
Thick black shadow seeped out from beneath my feet, creeping up like living tentacles. The training room grew darker. I disappeared from the starting point and reappeared instantly at the weapon rack.
First swing.
I snatched a wooden training sword and swung it at high speed.
Whoosh!
The air was cleaved. Its power was real. Yet, at the exact same moment, a bone-piercing cold assaulted my chest. Black Reflux retaliated. The sensation of thousands of hot needles stabbing my lungs emerged. My pores exuded thick cold sweat, and my vision briefly flickered black for a split second.
Side effect: Neural tissue degradation. If I pushed too far without stable mana protection, my blood vessels could rupture from within. I had to learn to minimize the 'vibration' backlash of this curse by channeling mana more efficiently, not just exploding it.
I kept swinging. 10 times. 20 times. 30 times. My breath began to quicken.
[SYSTEM ALERT: Body status 45%. Warning: Black Reflux reaching critical threshold. Immediate cessation advised.]
I gasped, my body collapsing onto one knee. My chest felt tight, as if an invisible hand was squeezing my heart. Sweat poured down my temples. Yet, I did not stop smiling. 10 activations of Black Veil and 50 sword swings. This body was indeed trash, but with the right training, it could become a lethal weapon.
Suddenly, the sound of rhythmic clapping was heard from the direction of the entrance.
Clap. Clap. Clap.
"Well, well. My little brother, usually too lazy to train, has suddenly become diligent. Wouldn't you like to spar with me, Veyr?"
Selena stood there, followed by Eris who followed with her head bowed. Selena's aura was sharp, radiating a thick military discipline.
I stood up, ignoring the pain in my stomach. "I can't right now, Selena. I have an appointment with Father in his study."
Selena wore a feigned disappointed expression, yet her eyes remained sharp, investigating. "What a pity. I hope you're not discussing nonsensical things or asking for something embarrassing in there."
"I'm not that stupid," I replied coldly. I glanced at Eris. The girl stood trembling, her hands clutching a cloth tightly. She looked like prey that knew its predator was watching it.
I walked closer toward Eris. She reflexively stepped back, but I had already grasped her chin with my slightly sweating hand.
"Hey, why are you looking down?" my voice lowered, pressing on the fear in her heart. "Look at my face. Wipe this sweat properly."
The expression on Eris's face was a mixture of pure terror and despair. It was a canvas of emotion that was truly beautiful to savor. I could feel her racing heartbeat through my fingertips.
"O-okay," her voice was nervous, almost breaking. She began wiping my sweat.
"Hey, look into my eyes," I commanded again.
She looked up, her clear blue eyes meeting my gaze. Her eyes were teary, her breath quickening. She was utterly intimidated. It felt... satisfying.
"Veyr, that's enough. Don't toy with your servant like that," Selena interrupted with a cold voice that cut through the atmosphere.
I released Eris's chin and smirked slightly at Selena. "Alright, alright. I was just testing her loyalty."
I turned and walked past them. I could feel Selena's stare stabbing into my back, but I didn't care. I could faintly hear their conversation as I moved away.
"You've tried hard enough, Eris. If he acts like that again, don't force yourself," Selena's voice sounded gentle, a contrast to her tone with me.
"Alright, Young Miss. I..." Eris sounded hesitant.
"Just say it, Eris. What is it you want to convey?"
"I... I will accompany him to Father's study. I'm a little afraid," Eris whispered.
"Don't be afraid. After all, you will also be a student at Lumina Academy later. He won't be able to act out in public. Just serve him according to your duties, understand?"
"Alright, Young Miss. Th-thank you."
I could only smile thinly inwardly. Lumina Academy? Of course, Eris would go there. And there, she would see a side of me far more terrifying than this small intimidation.
I strode down the corridor leading to Father's study. Every step I took was part of a grand move to seize control of my fate in this world. The plan was perfect. I would convince Father that "intensive training" was the only way to awaken the talent that had lain dormant behind this curse.
I stopped right in front of the large teak wood door.
I straightened my collar, inhaled deeply to calm the remnants of Black Reflux, and finalized the vocal intonation I would use. I would not ask for permission. I would present a proposition he could not refuse.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
A heavy voice from behind the door sounded, "Enter."
I turned the doorknob, stepped into the lair of the Noctis family head, ready to play my first pawn.