《Axis of Retribution [Dark Fantasy]》


 1. Back into Time

    Like everyone else, I guess I died.


    Chao Zhenyu sullenly stared into the void surrounding him. There was nothing there, not even specks of dust or hints of light, only a seemingly inescapable depth he could not escape from. Nor were there any ripples or movements within the darkness- it was as if he was in a world long gone cold. There was only his belief in his own consciousness, and the silence that followed.


    With a slight tremor, Chao Zhenyu sighed, or at least it felt like he did so. In this void, he couldn''t even see himself, much less hear his own breath. In fact, he still wasn''t sure if he was actually staring into the void, or if he was simply conscious in a dead body, staring into the back of his permanently closed eyelids.


    Well, what difference did it make?


    Yet it was still unbearably painful. In this unending boredom, he could only go through again and again the last bits of his memory- his death.


    How unfortunate, to not have been spared a natural ending.


    His throat had been cut; the disgusting scent of iron seeped into the thick air. His tired, heavy body had long gone limp against jagged rocks, twitching fingers the only indication he was still barely alive. His eyes had dimmed, and although he made out a faint, foggy silhouette, he could no longer recollect who they belonged to, or if he knew them at all.


    He seemed to have tried to say something to them, perhaps begging for life or final words dripping with sarcasm, but in the end, all that came out were defeated gargles of blood. And as his eyes began to close for good, he heard the softening sound of footsteps leaving him.


    From beginning until the end, that silhouette had ignored him.


    He had died alone.


    That same, bare agony once again enveloped Chao Zhenyu. Despite having an eternity to think, he couldn''t seem to remember who he was, much less process what exactly he had done. Whenever he tried, blurry memories floated past him, each one unrecognizable, yet painfully familiar.


    What kind of person was I? What exactly¡­ had happened¡­?


    He seemed to hear those he once knew mock him, as if they knew all along that this would be his fate.


    "¡­ Do you see yourself now?"


    "No body to bury, no tears to cry."


    "This is what you deserve¡­"


    He covered his ears, but it was futile. No matter how hard he tried, how many times he repeated those instinctive motions, the sounds echoed again and again in his mind. Chao Zhenyu bitterly "looked" down at where his feet once were. There was nothing there. Not even a trace of a shadow.


    Chao Zhenyu''s heart leapt, and he quickly stepped back. He glanced at the emptiness around him, but the depth didn''t seem to change. It was as if he hadn''t moved at all. His breath began to fasten, as a deep-set despair took hold of him. The void surrounded him, taunted him, and consumed his very soul.


    He was alone. Even after death, he was alone.


    He couldn''t¡­ He couldn''t do this-


    He needed to get out!


    Chao Zhenyu reached out towards the darkness ahead¡­


    ¡­


    "Young master!"


    Chao Zhenyu gasped, and immediately coughed on the heavy scent of perfume. A young, bewildered servant appeared before his eyes, and behind him lay an expansive luxurious room. Blatantly decorated with gold and jewels in every corner, from the edges of his bed frame to gold threading on fur rugs, Chao Zhenyu was practically blinded.


    He blinked, but the glamor persisted.


    This wasn''t a dream¡­ was it?


    The opulence, the excess, was the complete opposite of the nothingness he was used to. Chao Zhenyu parted his lips, yet could not utter a word.


    Had he actually¡­ gone back? Was this "his" world?


    ¡­Fuck. His head was now beginning to throb in pain.


    Hands tightly gripping the bedsheets, Chao Zhenyu finally remembered there was someone else in the room. Groaning, he rubbed his temples, before narrowing his eyes in an attempt to focus on the boy in front of him.


    It seemed that just now, the servant had parted the translucent curtain over the bed frame. Beaded pearls dangled gently above his head. The moment Chao Zhenyu met eyes with him, the servant immediately stepped back, until all Chao Zhenyu could see was his kneeling silhouette behind the glistening silk.


    "Young master, please forgive me!"


    When Chao Zhenyu failed to respond in time, panic arose in the servant.


    "Y-Young master, please, I didn''t mean to- I never saw anything at all! I-"


    "Wait," Chao Zhenyu interrupted, patience wearing thin. "What''re you talking about?"


    The servant paused. As if realizing something, Chao Zhenyu slowly turned to look at himself. There he sat, loose robe lazily exposing his chest. And there, all over his pale skin, were different colored lipstick stains.If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    This- What¡­


    It was then that he noticed small glass bottles haphazardly tossed onto the floor. Within, there were still visible drops of alcohol, or something much worse.


    Face rapidly darkening, Chao Zhenyu released his hand from the bedsheets. Whether or not those were dirty, he didn''t want to think about it. Gagging, he hastily made his way off the bed, and rushed towards the nearest opening- the bathroom.


    "Ah-"


    "Young master!!"


    Panting over the toilet, Chao Zhenyu emptied out everything from his stomach. Head still pounding in pain, he momentarily wished he''d return to that stupid void. The intensity of the sparkling jewelry, the lights above, the night before¡­ Everything was simply overwhelming, and yet he knew nothing.


    Still¡­ I can''t afford to make any more mistakes.


    Trembling, Chao Zhenyu took a deep breath, and did his best to compose himself.


    "Go change my bedsheets," he whispered, as the servant rushed to his side. "I''m going to take a shower."


    With a "Yes, sir!", the servant immediately left to fulfill his duties. The moment he heard the door shut, Chao Zhenyu closed his eyes and exhaled, before scrambling to the shower. Turning the faucet on, he finally relaxed into the cold water, thoroughly washing his face. It was a much needed relief.


    But still¡­


    Beads of water ran down Chao Zhenyu''s face, as he turned his attention towards his body. He instantly frowned.


    Just as he thought, it wasn''t only his chest. Numerous other lipstick stains and strange marks were peppered around, covering his stomach, legs, and inner thighs. Taking deep breaths in and out, Chao Zhenyu struggled to maintain his composure. He felt bile once again rise in his throat, and an uncomfortable queasiness enveloped him. Gradually, he began scrubbing off each disgusting blemish.


    He wasn''t sure why he was reacting so intensely. It didn''t seem to be a foreign concept, interestingly enough. The idea of bodies on top of bodies, that is. Instead, it was as if there was something else to this, an unsettling feeling he couldn''t shake off.


    The feeling something had happened to "his" own body, in "his" own room.


    And he couldn''t even remember.


    Like outstretched hands sinking deep into his flesh.


    As he stepped out, he glanced by the foggy mirror. Wiping it clear, Chao Zhenyu finally took a good look at his new self. He tilted his head.


    I''m¡­ unexpectedly handsome.


    The first detail he noticed were his deep purple eyes, and long eyelashes. They gave his face a touch of delicacy. Combined with a sharp chin and thin, angled eyebrows, he had an air of condescending disinterest. And when he smiled¡­


    The corners of Chao Zhenyu''s lips slightly rose.


    ¡­Fervid cruelty.


    He was tall, too, with a thin waist and decently built torso. For vanity''s sake, Chao Zhenyu was satisfied. But still¡­ if there was one problem¡­


    He was too young. Most likely coming of age at best. Much too young to hold any real power. If he were to stay afloat, or better yet, seek the answers he needed, he still had a long way to go.


    When Chao Zhenyu finally finished, the servant had already cleaned up his room, save for the bottles. Those were currently being stacked on his bedside table. Chao Zhenyu lifted an eyebrow. He wasn''t sure if the servant thought he cared about those empty things, but regardless, saving them and studying the liquid inside could prove useful later on.


    Just as the servant placed down the last bottle, Chao Zhenyu grabbed his wrist. Before the servant could even open his mouth, Chao Zhenyu spoke.


    "Where were you last night?"


    The servant paused. Tightening his grip, Chao Zhenyu felt the servant subconsciously twitch.


    "I-Young master," The servant began. "I was j-just where I am usually-"


    Chao Zhenyu narrowed his eyes. He didn''t expect me to question him. Were the two of us on that level of trust¡­ or was "I" not the type of person to do so?


    "Doing what?"


    The servant quickly paused and carefully perused Chao Zhenyu''s expression.


    "Answering young master, I was relieved of my duties earlier last night to take care of¡­"


    The servant quickly paused and carefully perused Chao Zhenyu''s expression.


    "...my family."


    When Chao Zhenyu didn''t relent, the servant nervously swallowed. Still, he maintained eye contact, and after a while, Chao Zhenyu finally released him.


    It doesn''t seem like he''s lying. And for him to dare even imply he neglected his duties for personal affairs, it seems like the past "me" knew of it and allowed him to do so.


    In a hurry, the servant rushed towards the door, afraid of angering him further.


    "Wait!" Chao Zhenyu interjected, stopping him. "One last question."


    He needed to confirm something.


    "In this household, do you know where your loyalty lies?"


    "...With you, young master," The servant tremblingly replied.


    Something important.


    "My name," Chao Zhenyu stated, slowly enunciating each word. "Say. My. Name."


    The servant bowed his head until he couldn''t go any lower.


    "F-Forgive me for my impudence, young master. My loyalty will always lie first and foremost with you... Zain Valefor."


    A different name.


    Chao Zhenyu sighed, and gestured for the servant to leave. When the door finally closed shut, he rolled his eyes, and slumped against the bed. In the corner of his eye, he caught sight of one of those glass bottles. With nothing better to do, he took it in his hand, playing with it in between his fingers. Drops of shimmering pink liquid swished inside. And now that he was finally alone, he could take the time to think.


    Zain Valefor.


    Chao Zhenyu scoffed. He didn''t know much about this world, but one thing was for sure: that name practically screamed "evil", or at least an unimaginative writer''s interpretation of it. And¡­ with what he knew now, his circumstances weren''t looking too good.


    There were so many questions, he didn''t even know where to start. First, where did he come from and how? Why was he given this new chance, if it was one at all? And why in this body?


    "Zain Valefor."


    Chao Zhenyu tasted the name on his tongue. It was¡­ strangely familiar. As if he wasn''t completely opposed to being him. But being opposed or not didn''t matter, when he was forced to regardless.


    If this was who I am¡­ Chao Zhenyu stared at his reflection through the bottle.


    ¡­Forget it, let''s just go through what I know right now.


    He was a "young master". Probably a spoiled one at that, given all of the gold in his room. Coming from a practical chasm of destitution, the constant glitter left a sour taste in Chao Zhenyu''s mouth. He was almost jealous of this past body, surrounded by seemingly endless wealth and beauties galore.


    Indeed, was what happened last night worth looking into at all?


    After all, it could very well be of "my" own doing.


    Chao Zhenyu''s mouth twitched, before he let out a short huff. Whatever.


    Speaking of the servant¡­


    He was probably the most interesting piece yet. Unless he was new, it seemed like he was unused to his seemingly frivolous nature. That was the first point of suspicion. There were multiple times he seemed to care about him, but some actions crossed what was normal. That was the second point. And third¡­


    Chao Zhenyu reminisced on the timidity in the servant''s round eyes.


    Inconsistency. That was the third and most important point.


    Perhaps he was overthinking. Perhaps the servant really was what he appeared to be, a naive boy caught in a trying situation, forced to serve a relentless master. Or perhaps each and every move he made served an underlying purpose.


    Chao Zhenyu placed down the bottle. Bearing a languid expression, he eased into the mattress once more. The painful, drilling sensation in his temples made it difficult for him to think further.


    I''ll deal with this later¡­ after a short break.


    He made himself comfortable against the downy pillow.


    One step at a time¡­


    He closed his eyes.


    I''ll play their game.

 2. Presence of Another

    There was a sweet hum in his ears; a familiar lullaby. Soft, like the daintiest of whispers, yet heavy, drilling into his brain and lulling him into deeper ecstasy.


    And Chao Zhenyu let it.


    All around him now were delicate giggles, some cooing something he could no longer hear. Countless hands and lips caressed his bare body, and they laughed eagerly at his faintest moan or blush. Never enough to satisfy him; tenderly leaving him wanting more. Hazy itching caused by strands of long hair was quickly resolved; His sensitive skin scalded where their fingertips grazed, and in a numbing discomfort, he grasped at the nearest woman.


    I can''t¡­ do this anymore¡­


    He must have accidentally said that out loud, for those words immediately elicited a consonance of fervor. Chao Zhenyu gasped, and one of the women took his parting lips as an invitation, kissing him in impassioned rapture. Her tongue swirled into his mouth, saliva coating his chin, causing him to tilt his head back in an effort to breathe. Even the taste was delectably sweet, like children''s candy. It was all he could make out- steam and sugar. He felt the hot breath of another on his cheek, gently licking away his dried tears.


    Chao Zhenyu closed his eyes, and let the pain blossom into dissonant pleasure.


    In the distant dream, a vague part of him thought:


    If I am Zain Valefor¡­


    ¡­Then who is Chao Zhenyu?


    ¡­


    It took a while before Chao Zhenyu finally awoke. And even now, with his eyes half closed, he was still fighting the urge to go back to sleep. He felt hot and uncomfortable all over, pools of sweat causing his clothes to stick to his skin. Painful, cold tingles rippled throughout his body, like thin worms wriggling underneath his flesh. Gritting his teeth, Chao Zhenyu sluggishly raised the back of his palm to his forehead.


    Hot. Burning hot.


    Chao Zhenyu exhaled with a tired breath, and reluctantly accepted his fate to his bed. He had already thought he was at his most vulnerable, but it seems like the gods decided to make it a physical battle too. He was sick.


    Was a fever considered a "natural" death?


    ¡­Maybe if I die right now, it could be considered a mission accomplished.


    He closed his eyes again, succumbing to the headache and chills. The dream last night, although it seemed like a fantasy, was strangely familiar. He wasn''t sure, but the events of the day before could have unlocked a memory, something his mind had subconsciously hidden away. And if this was his past self, then that ending he feared, the void, had to be avoided at all costs.


    If the dream is a memory, then perhaps "I" really was the type of young master to fall into promiscuity and base desires.


    Regardless, that concealed sadness can''t be ignored. What made my past self feel that way?


    ¡­Something must have happened.


    Chao Zhenyu snuggled into the thick, cozy blanket. Well, first step''s first. I have to get better.


    Just as he made himself comfortable, he heard the sharp creak of the door. Chao Zhenyu stayed still, pretending to be asleep. As the footsteps got louder, so did his heartbeat, thumping furiously against the throbbing in his head. He felt a drop of sweat trail down his cheek, gathering below his chin.


    Fuck. He resisted the distraction, and focused on regulating his breathing.


    Then, he felt a warm touch to his jaw. With one swift flick, the bead of sweat was wiped off.


    Chao Zhenyu furrowed his eyebrows, chest clenching in uncertainty. Underneath the heavy blanket, he gripped the bedsheets.


    Was this one of¡­ those women?


    "Mistress, it seems like the servant was telling the truth."


    A young woman''s voice, blatantly laden with disinterest, caused Chao Zhenyu to pause. Though it was her words, not her tone, that had him thinking.


    ¡­Mistress?


    If I''m "young master", then¡­


    Just as he expected, there was another figure present. A soft hand slowly ran through his messy hair, and Chao Zhenyu grimaced at the touch. Still, as the woman continued, he too began to relax into her palm. It was different from the physicality he had imagined. It was¡­ strangely comforting.


    "Lower your voice, Ethel," The mistress- no, his mother- whispered. Even her words were soft. Not sticky sweet, but rather low and mellow, undisguised with warmth.


    "Props to him," Ethel continued, albeit quieter. "This is rare after all- I still remember all the times he said he was sick before. Even if this was because of his own ineptitude."Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    There was a short pause. Chao Zhenyu noted down their interaction.


    "Mistress, why did you visit Zain this time? Did you know beforehand?"


    Zain. Not "young master", but "Zain".


    Inwardly, Chao Zhenyu scoffed. It seemed like in the past "he" often pretended he was sick, and for what? The only thing that upset him more than the way this new servant was treating him, was the pathetic nature of his past self. And he was forced to inherit it.


    Yet soon enough, his mother''s petting soothed him.


    "I simply happened to pass by," His mother responded. "It was¡­ convenient."


    ¡­Convenient?


    The female servant next to her, Ethel, must have revealed something in her facial expression, for soon after his mother clarified.


    "It''s all the same, regardless. My son won''t succumb to just this."


    And with that, she withdrew her hand, and the two of them left.


    Soon after, Chao Zhenyu heard knocking on the door. Rolling his eyes, he lifted his head from the pillow, and sullenly peeked at the entrance. Whatever. He had a feeling he knew who it was. That, and nothing could override his current determination to stay in bed.


    "Come in."


    The door steadily creaked open, before a familiar head popped through the crack. Of course. A wide grin appeared on the boy servant''s face.


    "Young master," He started. He looked around outside, before quickly closing the door behind him. Then, he made his way to Chao Zhenyu''s bed, carrying a tray of food. The warm and inviting smell caused Chao Zhenyu to sniff the air a few more times.


    "What are you so happy about?" Chao Zhenyu frowned.


    The servant placed the tray on a nearby table, before propping his back with a pillow, helping him to sit up.


    "Please, young master, quit teasing this servant," He beamed. "We both know what I''m happy about."


    Chao Zhenyu had a bad feeling. He eyed the strange food on the tray, before guessing.


    "...The mistress came to see me¡­?"


    "Precisely!" The servant slapped his knee. "I know you''re reluctant to smile, young master, so let this servant express your happiness for you!"


    Wonderful. Chao Zhenyu pinched the bridge of his nose. I need this to stop before it gets even more outrageous.


    "Calm down, I-"


    The moment he said that, he noticed the servant''s expression subtly change. As if he was genuinely happy for him.


    "I mean," Chao Zhenyu stuttered, looking slightly away. "I am indeed¡­ a little happy."


    When the servant''s face lit up once more, Chao Zhenyu could only swallow down his true feelings and embarrassment. He did feel much better, however, when the servant placed down his piping-hot meal on a slight ledge in front of him. His stomach growled in anticipation. Due to his headaches and sickness, he hadn''t noticed before, but he was starving.


    But even a starving beast contemplates swallowing down unknown food.


    He stared in front of him, trying his best not to reveal any incongruities.


    And then, under the servant''s seemingly watchful eye, he slowly raised his knife and fork, and began cutting at the dark objects on his plate. Red juices spilled out at each cut. Could this also be deliberate? Chao Zhenyu held his breath. The servant was reminding him of what could happen¡­


    "...Young master, you''re not supposed to cut those open¡­"


    His hand on the knife stopped moving. Chao Zhenyu suddenly placed down his utensils and threw himself back into the mattress. Coughing relentlessly, a look of rare helplessness spread across his face.


    "Young master!" The servant quickly moved to help him up, before Chao Zhenyu shook his head.


    "I still seem to be¡­ slightly sick," Chao Zhenyu managed in between coughs. "Leave me be¡­"


    "W-Wait, young master, you haven''t eaten for more than a day now- uh- how about I''ll help feed the young master, if you''ll excuse me?"


    Watching the servant frantically sputter about, Chao Zhenyu gave a long look in contemplation, before a seemingly reluctant nod.


    Perfect. Chao Zhenyu relaxed against the bed frame, staring at the servant delicately spooning up the black object, before holding it in front of him. I love the understanding ones the best. Chao Zhenyu opened his mouth, before slowly savoring it.


    It was cold to the touch, and seemed to have been frozen beforehand. A thin skin covered it, and once broken into, sweet juices poured out. The rest of the flesh was creamy, and when combined, was smooth, melting perfection. He understood why he wasn''t supposed to cut them open now. It was meant to be relished in bites, so that the juice inside wouldn''t be wasted.


    After he finished the treat, the servant then moved on to the next plate, the steaming hot dish he had smelt earlier. It was full of some type of common porridge. There was a bowl next to it as well, filled with what looked like saucy cuts of meat. If there wasn''t someone else present, Chao Zhenyu would have probably licked his lips.


    "I''m so sorry, young master," The servant commented as he fed him. "Since the mistress is here, the kitchen is more strict than usual, so your meals will be more like this until you get better."


    Chao Zhenyu wondered what he used to prefer. Luckily the servant seemed to know.


    "And as for drinks¡­"


    "What drinks?"


    "Unfortunately, young master, even the brewery¡­"


    Chao Zhenyu gave a short nod of understanding. His view on his past self dropped another several degrees. His own moral compass was admittedly rudimentary, but even he knew of the bare basics. Drinking¡­ seemed to be fine, but he dimly remembered it was drinking during the day that was looked down upon.


    Even though¡­ I can''t really remember why.


    When he finished his meal, he turned to the servant, who was piling up the plates. In a hurry to satisfy his hunger, he almost forgot to gain more information. He wanted to ask the servant about Ethel, but after thinking it through some more, Chao Zhenyu decided he still didn''t know enough.


    Even if the worst case scenario was improbable, he couldn''t take the risk. If the servant and Ethel were on communicating terms, or even if they weren''t, asking about a person simply unnecessarily conveyed too much. He could be viewed as suspecting Ethel or just disliking her, and if he hadn''t before¡­


    On the other hand, he was fine being seen as stupid or ignorant. It made things easier for him.


    "Mother mentioned she ''simply had to pass by'', what did she mean by that?"


    "Young master, I''m not sure," The servant wondered. "Did you not ask the mistress?"


    "I was asleep."


    The two stared at each other. Chao Zhenyu coughed.


    "...I was pretending to be asleep."


    When the servant still looked at him with that bewildered expression he seemed to always wear, Chao Zhenyu eyed him for a second time.


    "Is there something wrong?" He asked. "If there''s nothing else, then you''re dismissed."


    Forget it. As the servant finished cleaning up and left the room, Chao Zhenyu thought about his next plans. He had wanted to ask him some more about his family, surroundings, and his past self, but it would probably seem like an outright interrogation. Instead, he would have to go around himself.


    He needed to act quickly. Currently, he at least had a breather- he was known to be sick. But soon after, his duties and past schedule would catch up to him. Waiting in bed wasn''t going to be enough. He simply had to get better later.


    Chao Zhenyu firmly decided.


    Tonight, I''m going to finally make use of this body.


    He was going to take action.

 3. Dirty Outfits and Those Who Wear Them

    After supper, Chao Zhenyu sneaked out of bed. He took his time at the wardrobe, and upon realizing every outfit was essentially the same style, randomly picked one to wear. Each was slightly revealing- this one showed a slit of his shoulder- but he didn''t mind showing off his body. Rather, it was interesting to gradually understand his past self.


    It had only been two days, but he had actually grown quite attached to this body. After all, when he wanted it to move, it moved, and when he looked down at his feet, he saw its place in the world. In a way, it comforted him that he was not yet dead.


    But still, the shadow of the void persisted with each step he took forwards.


    Even though he logically knew the next step was to leave his bedroom, irrational fears still ate at his heart. I''m going to start off with an easy task first. He was simply going to walk around the mansion, familiarizing himself with at least the faces of the lower servants. This way, he could gradually get accustomed to exploring the unknown. And if he was lucky, perhaps he could gain more out of it.


    The moment Chao Zhenyu opened the door, grand, mesmerizing portraits appeared before his eyes. He was immediately captivated by the scale of them and how realistic they were painted. The men and women captured were mostly around the same age, evident wrinkles and greying hair betraying the youthful and condescending eyes. There were some younger portraits here and there as Chao Zhenyu walked past. All of the faces, however, showed hints of similarity: noses, eyes, and other such features. And they all seemed to be watching him.


    Each painting frame had a metal sign at the bottom, and as Chao Zhenyu read them, hints of an ancient past were revealed. These were the heads of the Valefors, their birth and death neatly recorded in a single line. The only sense of humanity remaining was the etching of their greatest accomplishments, if they had any at all.


    There were two extra words at the bottom of each name. It was always something like "Zander Valefor of XXX", with repeating words such as "Control" or "Conjuring". Chao Zhenyu kept them in mind, but he had a feeling he knew what they referred to.


    It seems like there''s a raw power I can get my hands on in this world.


    If he was right, then it would make his life, or keeping his life, somewhat easier.


    The descriptions as a whole were fun: some revealed a life of success, and others were basically kept blank. But what was considered success was more interesting to Chao Zhenyu. Expanding the family''s finances and economic gains of that nature were common, but others, especially relating to the claiming of life, seemed to be highlighted more.


    That Zander from earlier, for example, was particularly shrouded in glory. He had slaughtered countless rival families, and in the end, had helped a "Lord of Darkness" ascend to his throne.


    Chao Zhenyu had finally reached the end. At the last portrait, he paused, stopping in hesitant affection. For on the sign, it read:


    Everitt Valefor of Control, XX/XX-


    He couldn''t seem to understand the symbols afterward, but he assumed it was the date. Although that was strange, Chao Zhenyu didn''t think much of it; he was more focused on the painting itself. When his mother visited last, he didn''t manage to catch her appearance.


    She looked similar to him, or at least his nose and lips. Instead of a more piercing, fox shaped eyes, hers weren''t as upturned, giving her a more graceful, solemn impression. From her voice alone, it was exactly what Chao Zhenyu had in mind.


    This is¡­ my mother.


    After her portrait, there was one last one, left completely blank.


    Chao Zhenyu''s heart leapt. He had always thought this house was just the starting point of his journey, an obstacle standing in the way of his survival. Perhaps it still was, but if he stayed¡­


    Stroke by stroke, arc by arc, his own face seemed to appear on that blank canvas. His usually unkempt black hair, perhaps with white strands, was neatly combed back, purple eyes piercing anyone that walked past. He wore that same vivid expression, condescending, yet this time, with a hint of maturity.


    And on his plate, it would read-


    "If I may, young master, what are you doing?"


    A snarky voice interrupted his grandiose designs. Chao Zhenyu turned around, facing the intruder. The speaker was young, about his age. She was tall, and had dirty blonde hair, tied up in a high bun. Holding a scroll in her hand, she wore a long cloak over her more professional attire, similar to the servant''s. The only difference was a metal plate beneath her chest, covering her stomach and lower torso. Her face was pretty by all means, bearing large, red eyes and small, pouty lips.


    But just by the sound alone, Chao Zhenyu recognized her, and couldn''t help but reveal a disdainful expression.


    Screw it. She already hates me regardless.


    "Ethel," Chao Zhenyu snorted. "I didn''t expect you of all servants to slack off. What are you doing here?"


    Sure enough, the word "servant" seemed to tick Ethel off. Her frown deepened.


    "Young master-"


    "Why aren''t you calling me ''Zain'' like you did before?"


    Ethel raised an eyebrow.


    "So you were only pretending to be asleep," Ethel mocked. "But guess what, young master? The mistress and I thought just as much. At least you were quiet for once. How thoughtful."


    Alright. Chao Zhenyu shrugged. He wasn''t about to condemn himself to the fate of arguing with a little girl. Under Ethel''s stare, he simply walked past.


    But the moment he crossed her, Ethel opened her mouth.


    "Zain Valefor."


    Chao Zhenyu paused. He slowly turned around, facing Ethel''s small smirk.


    "There," She offered. "Now at least you have an actual reason to bother the mistress."


    Under Chao Zhenyu''s stare, she continued.


    "Although it probably won''t even matter."


    Simply put, you don''t even matter, Chao Zhenyu summarized. Although he wasn''t sure where Ethel''s hostility came from, it was at least helpful to know her stance. Props to her, she made it clear from the very beginning. How honest.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    He''ll take that into consideration when dealing with her in the future.


    Once more, he turned around to walk past. He couldn''t let this affect him, though her words did sting. One wrong move, and he could be stuck in a much worse situation. Even being grounded could affect his chances to get ahead, and he might not have a chance to beat her up then.


    But as he walked, Ethel followed, until finally, Chao Zhenyu couldn''t take it anymore.


    "Was insulting me not enough?" He scoffed. "Now you have to follow me to the dredges?"


    "Who has the time to follow you?" Ethel retorted, making a face. "I simply have responsibilities along the same way, unlike you, skipping your own for base pleasures."


    ¡­Responsibilities?


    "What responsibilities?"


    "Your classes, dumbass!"


    Ethel paused, taking a quick look around. Chao Zhenyu seemed to see a maid or two scuttle off, leaving the scene for good. When she deemed there was no one "important" present, Ethel continued.


    ¡­It seems like she''s been harboring these thoughts for years.


    "Your classes, for one," Ethel scolded, gesturing with her fingers. "Rhetoric and politics, history, beast-taming, martial arts, ethics¡­ which one have you learned? How many famous tutors have you gone through?"


    Beast-taming?...Ethics??


    Chao Zhenyu thought back to those signs. The imagery of gold, war, and bloodshed vividly came back to him. The corner of his mouth twitched.


    When Chao Zhenyu didn''t respond much to her ramblings, Ethel stopped. She made a slightly confused expression, before she shrugged and accepted it.


    "Seems like your fever calmed you down a bit, young master," She commented, before walking in a different direction, waving the scroll in her hand. "I''m off to serve the mistress now. See ya."


    It seems like Ethel is special amongst the servants, and is probably my mother''s personal attendant.


    Chao Zhenyu remembered the way she called him by name while he was in bed. But if his own mother didn''t respond to it, then he couldn''t do much about it. Not that he really cared, to be honest.


    And although she hates me¡­ she wasn''t all that bad. At the very least she was diligent in serving mother.


    That was most important. Her listing off what he''d been doing wrong, even if ill-intentioned, wasn''t what someone dangerous would do. Instead, they would let him rot in his own body. Like a frog in a pot, none-the-wiser to the water beginning to boil.


    Chao Zhenyu rolled his shoulders and cracked his neck, before heading off to where he saw the maids running earlier.


    I''m just going to do a quick inspection, before checking out the rest of the mansion.


    ¡­Even for the sake of his own vanity, this place was much too large.


    He retraced his steps, until he noticed a familiar arch. As he walked closer, multiple figures slowly came into view. One of them was standing up, back facing Chao Zhenyu, and the rest were kneeling on the ground, heads lowered. A knocked over bucket was nearby, water pooling over the polished marble flooring. After realizing none of them spotted him from their positions, Chao Zhenyu stopped and waited for a spectacle.


    "You good-for-nothings!!"


    Chao Zhenyu flinched. That insult hit a little too close to home.


    "Have the scraps y''all consumed rotted your brains!? Huh??"


    The servants trembled, none of them daring to respond.


    "Let me tell you all something," The head servant continued, cracking a whip in her hands. "When you lot talked back last time, yeah? I let you off easy. You think cutting off meals was cutting off your heads? You think those pathetic excuses will work this time!?"


    She lashed out near the servants, causing them to crumple up.


    "If it weren''t for your bodies dirtying my mistress''s home," She gritted out. "I would have these tiles dyed red."


    Chao Zhenyu raised an eyebrow. Was this such a serious matter?


    "Alan, Tual, stand up!" The head servant seethed. The two servants she pointed out hesitated, before getting up, all the while maintaining their bowed heads. As they slowly lifted their faces, Chao Zhenyu''s eyes began to widen. One of the servants had dark brown hair and black eyes.


    Have I seen him somewhere?


    "Tual!"


    The one with dark brown hair jolted into position. He nervously looked ahead at the head servant, like a deer in front of a loaded bow. Staring at his creased eyebrows, wide eyes, and tense lips, Chao Zhenyu suddenly remembered.


    Wasn''t this¡­ his servant?


    ¡­Fuck. He wasn''t to blame for forgetting, surely. The boy''s face was simply too plain.


    ¡­


    So his name is Tual.


    "Alan dirtying the floor is one thing. You think you can speak up for him?"


    Chao Zhenyu inwardly sighed, and began to walk closer. As the head servant rambled on, some kneeling servants took the opportunity to peek upwards. When they noticed him, they widened their eyes, unbeknownst to the head servant.


    "Who do you think you are, Tual!? YOU, are just a pathetic little thing¡­"


    By now all the kneeling servants, and even Alan, noticed Chao Zhenyu. They blinked and frantically distorted their faces, not knowing what to do.


    "DOOMED to serve the young master!!"


    The servants'' jaws fell to the ground. The head servant froze, lips still parted open. For now, there was an extra hand on her shoulder.


    She immediately turned around, and the sight of her worst fear befell her. There Chao Zhenyu stood, hand still midair. His face bore a slight, warm smile, but his eyes were cold and emotionless. In her panic, the head servant quickly took a step back, accidentally treading on the spilled water.


    But before she could trip, Chao Zhenyu caught her. He waited for her to stabilize, watching her quivering with slight curiosity. Then, amidst the servant''s stares, he noticed the whip on the ground. He carefully picked it up, eyeing the worn, metal hooks interwoven in the strips of rawhide. There was the scent of blood.


    How cruel.


    "Why aren''t you continuing?" Chao Zhenyu lazily asked, playing with the hooks in between his fingers. "If I remember correctly, you left off at ''doomed to serve the young master.''"


    "Y-Young master Zain," The head servant sputtered, bringing her hands together. "P-Please forgive this o-old woman-"


    "What''s there to forgive? You were correct, after all."


    Chao Zhenyu paused his actions and stared right into the head servant''s soul.


    "Since to me, any servant¡­"


    Under the head servant, Tual, and the rest of the cowering servants'' gazes, he continued.


    "...Is replaceable."


    An immediate hush befell all of them. Tension, thick enough to cut through, suffocated the servants. They immediately kneeled, knees buckling, foreheads against the ground. Chao Zhenyu gazed over them, strangely comforted by each exposed neck he saw. In a world and a body where he still essentially knew nothing, he knew for a fact death was certain.


    "Tual¡­ was it?"


    Tual lifted his head, and when he saw Chao Zhenyu pointing his chin up for him to follow, immediately stood up. Dusting his robe, he hurried behind Chao Zhenyu, who had already begun to walk past.


    When Tual caught up, they had already passed through the side gate to the courtyard. Upon seeing Chao Zhenyu, guards standing by immediately let them pass, albeit giving each other a strange look. It had long been dark out, the white moon brilliantly gleaming in the hollowing night sky. But it didn''t matter, at least not for this family. Outlining each step, each patch, was the clear glow from ornate lamp poles.


    The moment he set foot outdoors, cold wind chilled his already feverish body. Still, he moved forwards.


    "Young master!" Tual huffed, sheepishly grinning. "T-Thanks, for just then."


    Chao Zhenyu didn''t even bother looking back at him. Instead, where Tual couldn''t see, he rolled his eyes.


    "There''s no need for thanks," Chao Zhenyu said, eyeing the expansive view in front of him. Flowering bushes, blooming plants, and fruit-bearing trees lay ahead, a neat path connecting them. "When I said servants are replaceable¡­ you''re included, you know."


    As expected, Chao Zhenyu heard the pittering sound of Tual''s footsteps pausing. But then, they soon continued, even faster than before.


    "I-I know, young master," Tual clarified. "It''s already an honor for me to serve you this long¡­"


    "Oh? Remind me. How long has it been?"


    "Three years-"


    Tual suddenly stopped, almost colliding into Chao Zhenyu. The latter stood in front of a vast, overarching tree, quietly reading the stone plate next to it. Holding his breath, Tual silently took a step back, fingers tightening into a fist.


    "Here lies Cole Valefor¡­ loving husband and father¡­"


    Chao Zhenyu mused.


    "Hey," Chao Zhenyu began, turning around.


    But when he saw the expression on Tual''s face, Chao Zhenyu stopped his trail of thoughts. He had almost made a serious mistake. Given the tense, almost pitying look in Tual''s eyes¡­


    This out of place grave¡­


    If I had asked who it was¡­


    "...Forget it," Chao Zhenyu sighed, walking back towards the mansion. It was freezing, anyway. He rubbed the side of his arms in discomfort. "Let''s go back."


    He was planning on asking Tual about the whole servant situation, but it seemed like that would have to wait for another day.


    As he slowly made his way back through the halls, portrait after portrait, tiredness began to creep its way into his mind. His eyelids and shoulders felt heavy, and when he finally returned to the comfort of his bed, peace and quiet soon embraced him.


    Tomorrow he would¡­


    Chao Zhenyu couldn''t help but close his eyes.


    Tomorrow¡­


    To¡­


    ¡­


    And then, darkness.

 4. On a Loving Armrest

    "Eh!? Isn''t the young master sick? How could you let him go outside?"


    "I know! Alice, what should I do? If he gets worse I¡­"


    "You didn''t offer him a coat? Or¡­ Tual, you¡­"


    "...I forgot¡­"


    The distant sound of servants whispering filled Chao Zhenyu''s ears.


    Unbeknownst to them, Chao Zhenyu rubbed his eyes, groggily standing outside his bedroom. He had a mist of perspiration on his neck and brow from last night''s dream¨C or rather, nightmare. First it was the endless music, tune after tune drilling into his brain, and then it was his body, unmoving no matter how much he willed it. The moment he woke up, he couldn''t stand staying in his room.


    He was dressed, albeit somewhat sloppily. He had once again thrown on whatever seemed easiest to wear. Messy bangs covered his forehead.


    Ignoring the dull throbbing in his head, Chao Zhenyu decided to think through his next steps. He played with the hem of his shirt, feeling the luxuriously smooth velvet.


    First, there existed a "Lord of Darkness". Whether this was the Lord of Darkness, one of the lords presiding, or an old long-demolished tradition, Chao Zhenyu wasn''t sure yet. He only knew his family served them, or at least this faction. When he first read the carnage on the signs, his eyebrows did lift a little. But now that he thought through the type of person he was and became, he supposed this kind of family background made some sense. Still, he couldn''t help but chuckle at the thought.


    That led to the second point. Carnage. It seemed that with such a precedent, bloodshed might not be uncommon.


    Chao Zhenyu stood in contemplation.


    The courses.


    No matter the risk involved, he must find a way to attend them again.


    He yawned and stretched his arms, waiting for the servants'' voices to dim. After a bit, and to the extent of his patience, Chao Zhenyu turned from the door''s entrance, following where Ethel had gone last time. Breakfast could wait.


    When he finally arrived at where they parted, Chao Zhenyu paused. The opening was much bigger than he remembered it being, with numerous statues and furniture decorating the room. Behind him was an arch, outlining two large doors. It seemed like this was the main entrance to the mansion.


    He looked over where Ethel had left, before leisurely walking towards that direction. And soon enough, he heard the sound of people talking. Chao Zhenyu followed the noise to the source, stopping before an ornate door. Quietly, he rested his head against the surface.


    ¡­


    Unfortunately, he couldn''t hear what they were saying. Chao Zhenyu sighed in disappointment, before returning to a more poised position. Regardless, there was a good chance this was where his mother entertained guests. For it to be so close to the main entrance, this arrangement made the most sense.


    And if he was wrong, then he''d just improvise.


    Finally, the door opened.


    "...Everitt, it was a pleasure¨C"


    "Thank you for your time, Lady Valefor, please reconsider¡­"


    Two men stepped out of the room. Both adorned long capes over their noble attire, and when they saw Chao Zhenyu outside, gave each other a quick look of understanding. Then, they both smiled at him, eyes shaped like crescents in teasing. Laughing, they left without a word of greeting.


    Chao Zhenyu frowned. He clenched his fingers and discomfort. Although it wasn''t a surprise they recognized him necessarily, the idea of a new unknown outside the mansion, something entirely out of his control, made him restless. Especially when they gave him that look.


    "...Zain?"


    His mother''s voice interrupted his thoughts. Forget it. He''ll deal with it later.


    The room was much bigger than it seemed on the outside. Polished furniture and luxuries in filled cabinets were the first things he saw. Each opening contained a different object, some of them large cuts of gemstone, others delicate pottery or detailed works of art. On both sides, the symmetrical furnishing led his eyes towards a raised ledge in the middle.


    There in the center was a large chair, where her mother sat. Back straight and face forwards, she bore an air of elegance. She held a tea cup in her slender hands, beckoning Chao Zhenyu forward.


    To her left stood Ethel. This time, she wore a minimalist hairpin in her bun, encrusted with a single ruby. It complimented the red in her eyes, and when she saw Chao Zhenyu, her eyes subtly lit up. She gave him a teasing look, as if she knew what he was here for.


    Unfortunately, she''s going to be let down.


    Chao Zhenyu''s eyes, however, fell onto what lay right of his mother. An aged man he didn''t recognize stood nearby, a long cloak covering most of his body. His pale, veiny hand gripped the top of a wooden rod or staff, periodically tapping it with a thin finger. Staring straight ahead, he looked in Chao Zhenyu''s direction, but it was as if he was staring past him. As if he wasn''t even there. The man''s eyes were gray and unfocused. Like the living dead.


    Chills ran down Chao Zhenyu''s spine.


    ¡­Who is that?


    "I heard you got sick, young master," Ethel teased. "And by the looks of it, it seems like you still are. Shouldn''t you be in bed?"


    Chao Zhenyu finally turned to glance at her instead.


    "Or¡­ have you come here for something else?"


    "Ethel," Everitt softly admonished. She raised her tea cup, which was quickly received by Ethel, who then placed it on a nearby table. "It has been a while since I''ve come back. Let the young master speak his mind."


    Chao Zhenyu paused. When he didn''t respond, the robed man thumped his staff. Reverberations rippled across the room, causing Chao Zhenyu to subconsciously take a step back. The sudden intensity caught him off guard; immediately, he turned to glare at the man.


    Animosity. At the sides of his own mother, stood two aides that hated him.


    Pure, undisguised animosity.


    He wanted to say something. He wanted to open his mouth and condemn them, to swear at them, to throw a tantrum and scream and complain, but then he looked at his mother. She didn''t mock him, didn''t tease him, didn''t threaten him, no.Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    His mother¡­ loved him.


    And so Chao Zhenyu couldn''t say a word.


    "Did something at the auction catch your eye again?" Everitt patiently asked. Despite the glances between the robed man and Ethel, she motioned for Chao Zhenyu to come closer. "Come, tell mother, and I''ll buy it for you."


    Taking a deep breath, Chao Zhenyu regained his composure. He tilted his head back, and after a moment of hesitation, stepped forwards.


    Is this the right thing to do? Is this what I''m supposed to do?


    "Come, sit on the armrest."


    Like a child. Reduced to a child.


    And yet Chao Zhenyu did, locking eyes with his mother the entire time. He tried reading any microexpression, or really any change in expression at all, but her face remained the same. Neutrally warm. As if she really thought it was acceptable for him to sit on her armrest. As if she didn''t think this was humiliation. As if she really meant for this to be parental love.


    And if so¡­ then I''ll humor my mother.


    Chao Zhenyu''s heart pounded. He couldn''t look away from Everitt, not even to glance at the robed man or Ethel''s reactions. Rather, embarrassment, hesitation, and subtle anticipation locked his gaze in place, as unmoving as his mother.


    "Is it a girl this time?"


    "That would be inconvenient," Ethel interjected. "Our servant quarters are already full."


    ¡­Servant quarters?


    "Then¡­" Everitt continued, holding Chao Zhenyu''s hand. Her touch was warm, and she gently rubbed circles over his palm. "Did someone upset you again?"


    Chao Zhenyu glanced to the side. Inwardly, he laughed at the absurdity of that question.


    Upset? Sure.


    There were so many heads by now he didn''t even know which one to mention first. Most of them, he didn''t even know their names.


    "Mother," He finally answered, clearly enunciating each word. "I want to resume my studies."


    The entire room fell into silence. It was as if they were holding their breath. Chao Zhenyu''s chest tightened, as he too, waited for a response. The hand that was being held by his mother clammed up, while his other hand clenched into a fist.


    He knew she would probably agree. But if she didn''t¡­ If she didn''t¡­


    Then that feeling of love¡­


    "Oh," Everitt replied, face breaking into a smile. She patted Chao Zhenyu''s hand, the latter immediately relaxing in her grasp. "Is it just that? Look at you, so nervous, and for what?"


    Everitt turned to the robed man and Ethel, amused, as if showing them how funny she thought the situation was. Chao Zhenyu turned away with a cold face, but his reddened ears betrayed him.


    "How come I''ve never seen you act this way when asking for a girl?" Everitt laughed. The rarity of it even caused the robed man''s gray eyes to twinkle. "Ethel, come!"


    Ethel immediately left her position and kneeled with one leg before her mistress. Now it was Chao Zhenyu''s turn to be amused. He didn''t know when, but Ethel''s smirk had darkened into a frown. Even though he could probably guess.


    "Send an invitation to all the past tutors- No, not Arron¡­ How about this, replace Arron with Sir Hawford for ethics. The rest of them can stay the same."


    "Wait."


    A deep voice interrupted Ethel''s recording. Chao Zhenyu turned towards the source.


    The robed man.


    "It''s indeed rare for the young master to change his mind," The robed man slowly remarked. Each word, like the gritting of chalk on cement. "How about letting this lowly servant teach rhetoric and politics?"


    "It seems like your uncle Balsam would like to teach you," Ethel replied. "Very well. Come, child, thank him."


    Was it decided just like that?


    Chao Zhenyu gazed over this Balsam''s solemn face.


    It seems like my opinion still doesn''t matter.


    "...Thank you, then," He carelessly answered. Balsam lowered his head without any further action, as if accepting his reply.


    Chao Zhenyu watched as strands of Balsam''s long, wiry white hair grazed over his wrinkled skin. Indeed, the shady man looked quite disgusting. He didn''t even seem to be that old, probably around the same age as his mother. Yet there was something repulsive about him that aged him in Chao Zhenyu''s eyes.


    He thought for a bit.


    ¡­Ah, it''s his appearance.


    And with that, after some additional empty chatter, conversations soon began to cease. Ethel''s previous, evident joy had long returned back to her just-warm-enough expression. Chao Zhenyu had wanted to see it for a bit longer, but he supposed he was already satisfied. At the very least, he could believe his mother loved him for a bit longer.


    Before he turned to leave, his mother left him with a reminder.


    "Zain, there''s something else you need to tell me before you go. For your coming-of-age ceremony, who would you like to invite?"


    ¡­


    Coming-of-age ceremony¡­?


    Chao Zhenyu''s previous dream-like bubble of a state immediately popped. This was something new. Something he didn''t know about, set in stone. If he was lucky, a deadline.


    If he wasn''t¡­


    "I haven''t decided yet," Chao Zhenyu admitted, uncaring exterior hiding his inner nervousness.


    Everitt closed her eyes, as if expecting the answer.


    "No worries," She replied, reopening them. "It''s going to be private then. I''ll have your servant send you invitations later. Send them as you like."


    And with that, the second ever meeting between mother and new son, was over.


    The entire experience could only be described as a rollercoaster. A part of Chao Zhenyu wondered how Zain had lived in this environment. Clearly his mother loved him, perhaps even encouraging him to grow right, and yet¡­


    Everyone else seemed to treat him as if he was worth nothing.


    Chao Zhenyu began to walk back to his room, twiddling with the edge of his coat. Am I missing something? He wondered what signs he ignored, or what he could have possibly done differently. The inconsistency, that same damned inconsistency, gnawed at the very core of his bones.


    If his mother loved him, and if the servants are all obedient to her, and if all those strangers respected her, then why would they treat him this way?


    Chao Zhenyu stiffly exhaled, and traced through his actions.


    In the back of his mind, he heard that same question.


    "Did someone upset you again?"


    Yes, but¡­


    No. He couldn''t answer that question then, and he couldn''t regret it now. If he did reply, if he did open his mouth, if he did answer that question¡­


    ¡­Would she still love him the same?


    "Here you are again, young master. What''s up with you lately, standing like one of those decorations in the middle of nowhere?"


    Chao Zhenyu blinked. He suddenly felt a growing sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu. Ignoring her, he continued to walk past.


    "None of your business."


    "Funny you say that, considering how most of your actions become my business."


    Rolling his eyes, Chao Zhenyu finally acquiesced.


    "What do you want, Ethel? Did insulting me before my own mother not bring you enough joy?"


    Ethel smiled. Chao Zhenyu regretted replying.


    Fuck. Doing this shit really does bring her joy.


    "You know, I was going to ask you what made you change so quickly, but now I understand."


    Ethel walked closer. Close enough for Chao Zhenyu to feel her breath. She smelled like lavender. As if there were petals right now, stuffed right under Chao Zhenyu''s nose.


    It was... familiar.


    "You''re scared," Ethel whispered, poking Chao Zhenyu in the chest.


    As if she could feel his heart beating faster.


    Suddenly, Chao Zhenyu pushed her shoulders, causing her to fall back. Ethel instantly regained her balance, glaring up at him. But before she could even smirk, Chao Zhenyu stepped towards her, grabbing the collar of her uniform.


    "Tell me, Ethel," Chao Zhenyu slowly asked. His heart pounded in his chest, pure adrenaline pumping into his flesh. "What exactly do you understand?"


    He was sure that just now, he had wanted to kill her.


    "You''re scared," Ethel repeated. She wasn''t smiling this time, yet she was also unafraid. Instead, it was as if every word uttered between her lips was what she really thought. "You''re scared. You''re scared of me, of Balsam, of the coming-of-age ceremony, of your own home, of the women you bed, even of your own mother."


    Chao Zhenyu stayed silent, gripping the collar tighter.


    "You, Zain Valefor, are pathetic."


    Like it was simply that. A fact.


    If only she knew.


    "But don''t worry, I''m sure a God will still choose you," Ethel continued. "After all, despite everything, you are still Zain Valefor."


    There was a pause as the two of them stared at each other. A rare moment of, not hostility, but rather something he couldn''t quite name. And with those words, Chao Zhenyu finally spoke.


    "...God?"


    "Yes, Control or Conjuring or even Nature¡­ ha. And so many would give their lives to just feel their presence."


    Chao Zhenyu frowned. He hadn''t expected their conversation to take this turn. With a scoff, he let go of her collar.


    "And what do the Gods have to do with me?"


    Ethel widened her eyes.


    "What do you mean, Zain? Are you actually stupid, or have you finally gone crazy!?"


    ¡­Alright. He also hadn''t expected this reaction. Luckily enough, it was with Ethel, who probably already thought he was both.


    "Well, it doesn''t matter," She huffed, turning around to fix her collar. "You''ll see at the coming-of-age ceremony anyways. But before then¡­"


    Suddenly, she took out a knife hidden beneath her coat, aiming it at Chao Zhenyu''s neck. The blade caused him to stiffen, its sharp edge just barely missing his skin.


    "Good luck, young master."


    Before she walked away, she paused for a moment.


    "Oh, and-"


    It seems like she decided to say it.


    "Be careful, ''cause unlike me¡­"


    Ethel slightly turned around, half of her face showing that familiar smirk.


    "The rest of them don''t pity you."

 5. Learnt

    "Should."


    "Should not."


    "Should."


    "Should not."


    "Should-"


    "Young master, what are you doing?"


    Chao Zhenyu raised his head, staring unfathomably at Tual. He was holding a white flower in his hands, ripping away a petal with each careless phrase. By now, the poor bud was almost bare. Upon seeing the tragic demise of such a beautiful thing, Tual tsk''ed in sympathy.


    "I saw some servants playing this game, and thought maybe I should join in too."


    Tual widened his eyes, hesitating before bravely asking, "Then, could it be¡­?"


    "Yeah," Chao Zhenyu affirmed. "I''m letting the Gods decide for me."


    He pulled out the last petal, before tossing the stem into the air.


    ¡­Should not.


    "So, she has luck on her side."


    Tual''s eyes widened even more, lips parting in disbelief. In his surprise, he momentarily stopped dusting the corners of Chao Zhenyu''s bedroom. When Chao Zhenyu heard the swishing of the feathers cease, he glanced up at Tual, before laying in his bed once more.


    "What? Am I playing it wrong?"


    "No- No, young master!" Tual quickly responded, resuming his cleaning. "I was just¡­ uhm, the outcome¡­?"


    How nosy. His laziness and disregard for proper etiquette must have spoiled him.


    Maybe it wasn''t a bad idea to scare Tual some more.


    "The outcome?" Chao Zhenyu twirled the last petal in between his fingers, holding it up just high enough for Tual to see. "Her dear Gods have preserved her life."


    "Preserved her life¡­?" Tual mumbled, lost in thought. Then, in realization, he jolted with a start. "Y-Young master! That- I!"


    Chao Zhenyu patiently watched Tual panic. He popped one of those iced cream berries in his mouth. Ever since he first tried them, he''d been addicted since. Besides Tual flailing around as entertainment, this was another rare positive in his rebirth, or whatever it was, so far.


    "You have any complaints?" Chao Zhenyu inquired.


    "Well, just¡­ y-young master, if I may, using a servants'' game to d-decide such a thing¡­ isn''t that too¡­ fickle?"


    Fickle? Chao Zhenyu immediately thought of another word.


    "Are you calling me inconsistent?"


    When Tual once again sputtered into thousands of senseless apologies, Chao Zhenyu immediately turned around and filtered his voice out of his mind. After a moment''s contemplation, a small smile appeared on his face.


    Inconsistent. He, too, was inconsistent.


    Chao Zhenyu quietly chuckled.


    He then sighed, and motioned towards the door. "Alright, let him in now."


    Nodding, Tual did as he was told. Right as he unlocked the door, and before he could even hold it open, an old man furiously barged in. In his arms were countless scrolls, books, and other random devices. Chao Zhenyu wondered why he didn''t just use a bag.


    After the old man entered, Tual gave a quick nod, before leaving the room.


    "Young master Zain!" The old man scolded, placing down what he was carrying on a table. "Is this how you greet your past tutor!? I''ll let you know-"


    "What?" Chao Zhenyu smirked. "You still came back. Coins hard to come by these days?"


    The old man protested incomprehensibly in anger, finger frozen pointing at Chao Zhenyu. After a while, he swung his sleeve, and sat down by the table. Silently, he then glanced at his tormentor still on the bed, before pointing to the seat next to him.


    Chao Zhenyu gave the old man a smile, before sitting down.


    So this is Ed Menkel, my past history tutor. An "opinionated" man.


    He had asked Tual for a little introduction of his past teachers earlier, with the reasoning being that he had forgotten. The request was taken surprisingly well, for Tual had thought nothing of it. Probably because he skipped and then flunked his courses.


    "Well," Menkel huffed, seeing as Chao Zhenyu listened. "I''m surprised you actually showed up."


    He then looked around, suspicious.


    "If you have any plans in store for me, just do them now."


    Chao Zhenyu politely smiled, and then spread his arms.


    "I have nothing, Tutor Menkel, can''t a young master simply want to learn?"


    Menkel squinted.


    "The first time we met, young master, you had me knock on the wrong door."


    He paused, staring at Chao Zhenyu''s earnest expression, before continuing.


    "It turned out it was a servant girl''s. Then, the next time I visited, the door to your room was unexpectedly already open. When I called your name, no one answered, but I saw that you had pens and paper on your table, and behind your bed curtain, there was a silhouette. I went in to get seated, thinking you had a change of heart¡­"


    Chao Zhenyu''s smile stiffened.


    "It turned out that there, on your bed, was that same servant girl."


    ¡­


    "Then later, it turned out that the servant girl¡­ was yours," Menkel coldly remarked. "And that, young master Zain, is why coins are hard to come by."


    ¡­Ah. Chao Zhenyu felt a massive headache incoming. He had purposefully let Menkel in late to seem like he hadn''t really changed, so as to not disturb the sleeping waters. Had he known the extent¡­


    What a scandal. His poor tutor, now reduced to a man who stole a young master''s girl. He hadn''t expected his past self to go this far.


    ¡­So when Tual said "opinionated", did he mean that in terms of his outlook on what he taught¡­ or did he mean that in terms of his opinion on me?Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    "I¡­ apologize," Chao Zhenyu said, unsure of what to even say. "This¡­"


    "Hmph, forget it. Since I''m here and the young master''s here, then let''s not waste our precious time. Tell me, what have you managed to learn since then?"


    Chao Zhenyu hesitated. He didn''t expect to be interrogated.


    "There are Gods¡­" Ethel''s snarky voice echoed in his mind. "Control, Conjuring, uh, Nature¡­"


    The more he spoke, the more Menkel''s face darkened.


    "There''s a Lord of Darkness¡­ and¡­"


    "And? AND!?" Menkel suddenly jumped out of his seat, fist clenched in anger. Trembling, he pointed his finger at the ceiling, spewing furiously. "Is this how they teach the young lords of this realm!? Is THIS how they PAY THEIR RESPECT!? This corruption-"


    He struck his hand out, as if to smack all the scrolls off the table. But right as he was about to do so, he caught Chao Zhenyu''s blank face in the corner of his eye. His hand paused in mid-air, before resignedly lowering to his side.


    Menkel raspily sighed, flicking his sleeve.


    And then, he said quietly: "This is abuse.


    Chao Zhenyu''s eyes flickered. Seeing how he was still quietly watching him, Menkel took a long pause in contemplation. Then, he decided to continue.


    "One by one, these hearts of beasts and wolves pay their visits in the name of tutorship," He rasped. "One by one they climb into the young lords'' rooms, pleasing them in the stead of knowledge. In the end, what do they learn? Nothing. No. They are ruined."


    Hearing Menkel rant so seriously, Chao Zhenyu couldn''t help but laugh. Against Menkel''s glare, Chao Zhenyu tried his best to regain his composure.


    "Sir Menkel," Chao Zhenyu snorted. "You have visited me in the name of tutorship. And instead of our precious lesson time, you are pleasing me with entertainment. And¡­ you are in my room."


    Menkel smacked the table.


    "Who asked you to not have your own study!? And be serious! What I''m telling you is more important than anything you could learn right now!!"


    "Alright," Chao Zhenyu nonchalantly responded. "I''m listening."


    "Do you understand, young master?" Menkel stressed.


    "Yes, I understand. I''m surrounded by wolves and beasts and whatever¡­"


    Then, with a softer tone, as if talking to himself, Chao Zhenyu continued.


    "And they''re all trying to ruin me."


    Giving Chao Zhenyu a long look, Menkel once again deeply sighed. He then took out a scroll and unravelled it, revealing a detailed, exquisite map.


    "The map of the modern world. Take a close look, young master."


    There were two main land masses, on the left and on the right, with countless islands and larger blocks in the middle. Red lines dictated boundaries between forces, their names etched on with black ink. Not all of it was established, however, for covering most parts of the map were drawn on wisps of cloud and smoke.


    "Isn''t this a history lesson?" Chao Zhenyu sarcastically remarked. "I didn''t realize you were also my tutor for rhetoric and politics."


    "Quiet!" Merkel scolded. "Who knows what your other tutors will teach you? And bah, who decided those course names anyways? Politics and history have always been more intertwined. How can current events not be reflected in the past? How can so much blood be shed without past wars and massacres?"


    Chao Zhenyu''s head hurt. He massaged his temples.


    Then, Menkel traced over the center of the map, over the slim ocean in between the land masses.


    "See how thin the ocean is? In the long past, it''s said that all the land in the world used to be connected, until¡­"


    Menkel snapped with his fingers, and a small glow was emitted from the tip of his nails. The dots of light spread onto the map, until where there used to be an ocean and emerging rivers, there were now black cracks. And in the center of them, was the image of a blade pointing out of the map itself.


    "...The first beads of blood stained the world."


    Chao Zhenyu widened his eyes. Magic? He had never seen anything like this before.


    This map¡­ Was it rare? For if it was, then this Menkel¡­


    "But seeing as how the young master knows nothing, let''s go back to the basics."


    Chao Zhenyu rolled his eyes, but his gaze was still fixed on the scroll. As he thought, the coarse fabric once again changed, the image of the map becoming that of three symbols. The one on the left was a downwards arrow through the center of a circle. The one on the right was similar, the only difference being an upwards arrow. And the one on the center was both of them combined.


    "Before the existence of humans, there was only a dead world." Menkel taught. "And yet, emerging from the cosmic, there came Chaos, Balance, and Order."


    He pointed at each of the symbols from left to right respectively.


    "We call these three primordial Gods the ''Axis.''"


    The map then changed again, lines emerging from the three symbols.


    "From them came the Gods we worship now, manifestations of the three original deities. As the young master mentioned before: Control, Conjuring, Nature, and so on and so forth. The Gods may have names, but we do not know of them. As such, we call them by what they command. It is from these Gods, then, that magic exists as you know of it."


    "So how many Gods are there?" Chao Zhenyu indifferently asked.


    "That we do not know," Menkel explained. "Each God, after all, is only known through the people they-"


    "Alright, alright," Chao Zhenyu interjected. "Continue with your history lesson."


    Menkel sighed, before giving Chao Zhenyu another look. The boy''s body was faced against the scroll, but his eyes were attentively focused on it. And every time he rambled, Chao Zhenyu would sarcastically respond, but Menkel could tell he was listening.


    Has he really changed? Menkel shook his head with a smile. He chose to believe what was in front of him, and so, he continued.


    "But as the world developed, and as beasts evolved into men, Chaos threatened everything. Mountains fell, oceans evaporated, and entire souls were disintegrated."


    The map changed, portraying each sentence.


    "Faced with the very destruction of the world, the Gods could not idly stand by anymore. Thus, Balance shifted, the manifestations raised Their hands, and Order drew Their sword¡­"


    Chao Zhenyu watched on.


    "Piercing Chaos''s very being! Their body fell from the skies onto the world, but no matter how They thrashed, Order''s sword fixed Them in place. From Chaos''s blood, came the ebb and flow of magic. With a roar, the land cracked open, becoming what we know of it today."


    And with that, the map returned to its previous state.


    "So where are we now?" Chao Zhenyu could honestly care less about the Gods, if he even believed it at all. Knowing they existed, and that magic existed, was enough for him.


    He had to get his hands on that map, however.


    "...Young master," Menkel sighed once more, before pointing at the left land mass. "Remember the Lords of Darkness? We are here, in Necrosia, the dark realm."


    "Lords of Darkness". Lords. So there''s more than one.


    "And the right land mass is Lumina, or more widely known as the Empire of Light. In between are various forces. There''s the Unified Ring, those scattered islands you see, and others that aren''t so important.


    You must be wondering why we are split this way. Despite what people might say, there''s no such thing as light or dark magic. In reality, we are simply held back by traditions¡­"


    Okay. Chao Zhenyu was beginning to understand where this "opinionated" tag was coming from. From his own biased view, he could kind of see why he was in the "dark realm". At the very least, it didn''t surprise him.


    Dark is dark. Light is light. Why make it so complicated? What does it even matter?


    "Ah, forget it," Menkel sighed, for the hundredth time. "Let''s conclude our lesson for now, young master. Short, but quite heavy to sit through."


    Before Menkel left the room, he gave a final wave. Then Chao Zhenyu sat alone, pondering through everything he had just learned.


    Magic came from the Gods. Or at least that''s what Menkel said.


    Then when the name of a God was listed after a person''s¡­


    Chao Zhenyu thought back to the signs in the halls. Of "Everitt Valefor of Control."


    And then he thought back to the conversation with Ethel. The coming-of-age ceremony. The "being blessed by a God."


    He spun a pen in his hand. Slowly, he connected the dots.


    It seems like this coming-of-age ceremony¡­ is more important than I thought.


    After Menkel, Sir Hawford arrived. This man was a lot more eloquent and cool-headed, what he had expected from a noble''s tutor. As such, it was also a lot less fun. Chao Zhenyu wondered why his mother would choose such a bore, or what differences he and the past tutor Arron had. Was this "heart of beasts and wolves" preferred? Then why was Menkel selected?


    Faced with that always calm, pleasing face, Chao Zhenyu actually began to prefer Menkel. Even if Sir Hawford, who knew what to say and what not to, was easier to deal with. For an ethics tutor of all things, the only guidance that came out of his mouth were the most uncontroversial basics- stupid shit like "Do not harm your family unless you have a reason to" and "Killing is a complex topic that greatly depends on circumstance". The only upside about him was his soothing voice.


    "...And although we are of Chaos, there are still matters most of us should abide by¡­"


    Chao Zhenyu tilted his head. "I''m a believer of Balance."


    Sir Hawford paused, still smiling, before he repeated what he said.


    "And although we are of Balance, there are still matters most of us should abide by¡­"


    "I don''t like the sound of that," Chao Zhenyu interjected. "I''m now a supporter of Order."


    "...And although we are of Order-"


    With a hum, Chao Zhenyu got up from his table, before moving to his bed.


    "Good," He yawned. "Now keep repeating that sentence. If I hear you stop¡­"


    "Of course," Sir Hawford immediately replied, wiping the sweat off his brow. "And although we are of Order¡­"


    As Sir Hawford''s voice repeated in the background, Chao Zhenyu closed his eyes. Perfect. He had attended his lectures today- He deserved an afternoon nap.


    And as for Sir Hawford, who ironically taught ethics, Chao Zhenyu could care less.