The atmosphere was heavy, suffocatingly tense. It felt as if an invisible weight had occupied the entire room, wrapping us in an uneasy silence that made my chest tighten with anxiety. Honestly, I despise silence—especially the silent treatment. It’s ironic, really, because I’m usually the one giving it.

The sound of sweat dripping, the rhythmic tapping of fingers against wooden desks, and the heavy, ragged breathing of my classmates seemed deafeningly loud in this stillness. It felt like we were inside the quietest room in the entire world.

You might think I’m exaggerating, but for me, it felt exactly like that. But for them? Probably not. Because today wasn’t just any ordinary day. Today was the day of the final test results—the day that would determine our fate: whether we would walk out of these doors as graduates, or be forced to stay behind for another year.

[THIRD PERSON'S POINT OF VIEW]

"Okay, class, settle down. The results are out," the teacher announced, his voice cutting through the thick air.

Silence remained. No one dared to utter a single word, but their eyes—filled with pleading, fear, and hope—spoke volumes louder than any shout could.

"Asashina Komoto, Miyo Kawasaki, Dani Sawaie, Blake Sawaie, and our top one, Akatsuki Kiyoura—congratulations. These are the top five students who passed with flying colors. However, for those who didn't make the cut: Yui Nakamura, Taro Ito, Emiko Sato, Kenji Tanaka, Naomi Kawai—you will be staying here for another year. And for the rest of you... you've made it. Congratulations!"

The room instantly erupted into cheers and shouts. The heavy atmosphere shifted instantly, replaced by the scent of relief and satisfaction filling the air.

"Congratulations, Akatsuki Kiyoura!" her voice held a firm tone of determination, waiting for an answer.

"Y-yeah... t-thanks. You're... actually the only person who greeted me," Akatsuki stammered, a small, shy smile finally breaking through her usual gloomy and uncertain expression.

"You're welcome," she replied, offering a bright yet unreadable smile, mirroring the kindness she had just shown.

Suddenly, the peaceful moment was shattered.

"Hey, b*tch! Did you cheat again?!"

A sharp, angry voice pierced through the air. It was Dani Sawaie—the girl with dark red hair, the definition of an ungrateful brat. She ranked third in the class and had made it her personal mission to pick on Akatsuki recently. The whole room fell silent once again, everyone holding their breath.

"I n-never cheat," Akatsuki said, her voice low but firm—just loud enough to be heard, and just sharp enough to make Dani's blood boil.

No one dared to defend Akatsuki. Everyone feared Dani, especially since she was the Mayor's daughter. No one wanted to be her next target.

"YOU B*TCH, I'M REALLY GOING TO KILL YOU!!!"

Dani lunged forward, ready to strike, but Blake Sawaie moved faster. He easily blocked her attack and swept her aside with minimal effort.

"Try me, and I'm going to slap you instead," he warned, his voice cold and dangerous.

Dani froze, her anger vanishing instantly, replaced by shock and fear.

[ARAME'S POINT OF VIEW]

'Tsk, what a cringe-worthy sight,' I thought, rolling my eyes internally. 'The main character gets saved by the male lead, and the villain turns out to be his own sister. What a cliché drama.'

I am Arame Sarao. I’ll be turning seventeen tomorrow.

I may not like awkward silences, but I’m infamous for giving people the cold shoulder. I’m an honor student—smart enough to pass every test without breaking a sweat. I hate drawing too much attention to myself, so I prefer to stay low-profile. And yes, I was the girl who congratulated Akatsuki earlier. I just wanted to cheer her up, even though she can be a bit... difficult. Seems like my timing was off, though.

RINGGG!!!

The school bell rang, saving me from this pathetic scene. I grabbed my bag and marched out of the classroom, walking down the hallway and heading towards the stairs.

Suddenly, someone bumped into me hard. The impact was so strong that my phone flew out of my hand, spinning in the air like it had wings—but clearly didn't know how to land.

"Sh*t, my phone!" I exclaimed. Then, my tone shifted instantly. "I mean— I'm sorry but you have to pay me for this"

He stared at me as if I was the criminal, even though he was clearly the one who wasn't looking. His glare was so intense it paralyzed me, leaving me frozen in place, unable to speak or move.

'He just walked off without even saying sorry? What a pathetic excuse for a man,' I thought, watching his back disappear. Only when he was gone did I finally breathe again, my body relaxing as if a heavy curse had been lifted.

My phone rang, snapping me back to reality. It was a reminder—I had to go home immediately. I had a strict curfew to follow, or else my parents would confiscate my PC, and that would be a disaster worse than death.

I breathed heavily, trying to calm my racing heart, and ran as fast as I could. I arrived home just in time, barely beating the clock.

I slumped onto my chair and hugged my PC tightly, as if it were my entire world—because honestly, it is. I powered it on and immediately opened my unfinished project, a game called "Eternal War." It was a masterpiece, with advanced graphics and unique items I designed myself.

HOW TO PLAY:

This is a world ruled by power. There is only one kingdom, but it is divided and ruled by five men. They are brothers, sharing the same father but born from different mothers. Each controls a different aspect of the world.

👑 THE CROWN PRINCE - Rules the Capital

⚔️ THE COLD DUKE - Rules the Military & Borders

🗡️ THE ROGUE MARQUEZ - Controls the Shadows & Information

🛡️ THE COUNT  - Guards the Law & Justice

🔮 THE DIVINE PRINCE - Controls Mana & Magic

Their goal is to stop you from obtaining the Black Onyx. To win the game, you must seize the gem and crush it completely. Destroying the Onyx means ending the war... and effectively ending the entire world within the game.

I was so focused, just about to finalize the coding and finish my work, when suddenly... the screen glitched.

Colors distorted. Files appeared corrupted. The system went haywire.

My mind couldn't process what was happening. Before I could even react, a blinding light consumed the room, followed by total darkness.

[UNKNOWN'S POINT OF VIEW]

"It's your fault for criticizing my work, Arame... or should I say, soon-to-be KAEL."

A sinister voice echoed in the void.

"I'll show you what love really is. I'll make you realize that love isn't as bad as you think. This is your punishment for turning my creation into a laughing stock. Now... experience it yourself."

[ KAEL'S POINT OF VIEW ]

They call this land AIONIOS KINGDOM.

A name that defines existence itself. Eternal, something that has no beginning and no end. It does not age, it does not break, and it cannot be destroyed. It is absolute, constant, and forever. In this world, time is meaningless, and power is the only truth.

But in this eternal world of magic... I am nothing but a shadow.

I am Kael. And I possess nothing. No flames, no mana, no strength—just an ordinary human being living amongst gods.

My parents loved me dearly. They were wealthy merchants, showering me with warmth and gold, trying to shield me from the cruel reality. But love could not protect me from the truth.

When my grandfather found out... his eyes were filled with nothing but disgust and murderous intent.

"Get rid of that trash," he spat. "If he stays under this roof, I will kill him with my own hands. A powerless existence has no right to breathe the same air as us."

Those words shattered my world. To save my life, my parents made the most painful choice. They sent me away, far from home, into the hands of strangers.

And so, I arrived here.

To the residence of the most powerful family in Eternalis—the home of the Five Brothers.

🏛️ THE RULERS OF AIONIOS

They are not just nobles. They are the Kings of their own domains. Five brothers, different mothers, different powers... but all equally dangerous and breathtakingly handsome.

👑 ZEPHYRION ETERNO - THE CROWN PRINCE

The Ruler of the Kingdom

He is the eldest, the embodiment of authority and grace. He wears white and gold robes, carrying an aura that commands respect instantly. He is calm, wise, and has the face of an angel but the mind of a strategist. Everyone bows to him.

⚔️ CAINE ETERNO - THE COLD DUKE

The Ruler of War

Tall, muscular, and always clad in heavy armor. He has sharp eyes that see everything. He is ruthless, emotionless, and speaks only through actions. His power is overwhelming, and his presence is as cold as ice. He does not tolerate weakness.

🗡️ REN ETERNO - THE ROGUE MARQUEZ

The Ruler of Shadows

Silent, swift, and mysterious. He wears dark clothes that blend with the night. He has a playful yet dangerous smile. He controls the underworld and knows every secret in the kingdom. He is unpredictable—one moment he flirts, the next he could kill you.

🛡️ LUCIAN ETERNO - THE COUNT

The Ruler of Justice

The definition of perfection and honor. He is fair, strong, and protective. He wears shining armor and carries the heaviest sense of responsibility. He believes in law and order, but deep inside... he has a warm heart waiting to be found.

🔮 ELIAS ETERNO - THE DIVINE PRINCE

The Ruler of Magic

The youngest, but the most powerful in terms of mana. He has beautiful features, almost ethereal. He controls the elements and the flow of energy. He is curious, quiet, but very observant. He sees things that others cannot.

And I... I am just a servant. A highly educated servant, yes, but still a servant at the bottom of the food chain.

I hide behind thick, oversized glasses that blur my vision and cover my shame. I let my hair grow messy and unkempt, wearing a permanent gloomy expression on my face. I look pitiful, weak, and pathetic.

People mock me. They despise me. They look at me as if I am dirt beneath their shoes.

'He has no magic. He is useless. He is a curse.'

I know what they think. I know what they say. But what else can I do? If they discover the truth—that I am completely powerless—death will be the only thing waiting for me.

So I stay quiet. I lower my head. I act like a fool.

(current word: 1807)

_★________________°~1~°______________★__

A bright light seemed to pierce my eyes, yet it felt more like torture than anything else. I found myself sitting in a familiar chair, surrounded by books and papers I knew all too well.

"Arame, my daughter! Your teacher just called me and told me you ranked first in your class! I am so proud of you! You can call me Mom right now."

That was Ms. Sarao—my mother. She only allowed me to call her 'Mom' and acknowledge me as her child when I succeeded. If I failed? I wasn't worthy enough to even be called her daughter. A failure had no right to bear her name.

BANG!!

The sharp sound of a wine bottle shattering on the floor snapped me out of my thoughts.

I was in a different place now, but it was still our old house. I was sitting at the dining table, eating, yet I felt hot tears streaming down my cheeks uncontrollably.

"YOU UNGRATEFUL BRAT! HOW COULD YOU MESS UP YOUR LAST CHESS MATCH?! YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO BEAT MY FRIEND'S SON EASILY!"

My hands trembled violently like jelly. I was so scared that the spoon in my grip nearly slipped and fell to the floor.

"What will my business partners think of me at the meeting? UGH!!!!" That loud groan of frustration made my heart beat so fast I thought it would burst out of my chest.

"HAHAHAHAHAHA! WHAT A LOSER!"

A sudden force shoved me hard to the ground. My books scattered everywhere, dirtied by the mud. I remembered this memory clearly. After my parents died, I was sent to an orphanage. But the children there hated me. They were jealous because I always got the highest marks in class.

Then... everything was swallowed by darkness.

A piercing silence filled the void, and it irked me to no end. I hated this state. I hated being helpless.

"Hello, mister. Welcome to the Eternal War System's Hideout. You have reincarnated into your own game."

I stood up abruptly, my eyes widening in shock.

"W-what do you mean? This is a prank, right? Where is the came—"

My words were cut off by the mechanical voice.

"A prank... not detected by the system."

'What the fck is happening!'*

Anxiety coursed through my veins. The thing I feared most in the world was happening again. Being bullied. Being humiliated.

"P-please! I know I have made countless enemies, so just tell me who you are! Please don't bully me! I'm so tired of it! I know someone is playing tricks on me, so just reveal yourself!" I breathed heavily, gasping for air as fear consumed me.

I was terrified of being bullied again. I couldn't bear to be that embarrassing, pitiful person I used to be.

"The system does not detect any harassment."

My words died in my throat. I finally realized... this wasn't a person. It wasn't a living creature. It was truly a system. An artificial intelligence.

"In two minutes, you will be transported to the world. Please, ask anything you wish to know."

I didn't hesitate.

"Reincarnation... right? Does that mean... I died?" I bit my nails, anxiously waiting for the answer.

"Yes."

That single word hit me like a truck. Simple, but the impact was devastating.

"So—"

"Countdown initiated. 5... 4... 3... 2... 1..."

A powerful force grabbed me, pulling me into nothingness.

"W-WAIT!!"

°RING!! RING!!! RING!!!!°

An excruciating pain shot through my wrist, making me groan out loud.

"Arghh... what is this?"

As I sat up, I felt something cold and sharp in my hand. I immediately swiped it away in panic, realizing it was a blade.

It took me a few seconds to process what happened. The original owner of this body... had committed suicide while sleeping.

'What a pitiful person,' I thought. So this was why I was brought here. To take over this empty shell. But wait... I didn't design the main character to kill himself! And looking at myself now... this body is way too thin and frail to be a warrior.

I rushed to the bathroom and looked into the mirror.

I had messy jet-black hair that covered parts of my face. I possessed a small and slender face with very fair, pale skin. My eyes were like black opals—dark, deep, and looking somewhat sleepy or lazy. My eyebrows were thin and light, not thick at all. I had a small, pointed nose, and my lips were small, soft, and naturally pinkish-red. Overall, I looked delicate, innocent, and soft.

I gasped. This appearance? In a world of combat and magic? What a joke!

I was so busy staring at my new face that I lost track of time.

°Knock! knock! knock!°

I hurried to open the door. As soon as I did, the girl standing there dropped the papers she was holding. She stared at me as if she had just seen a god standing right in front of her.

"Is there something on my face?" I asked, pointing to my cheeks. I picked up the papers and handed them back to her, but she continued to stare. I snapped my fingers in front of her face, and finally, she snapped back to reality.

"U-uhm... excuse me... but who are you? Where is Kael?" she stammered.

So my name is Kael... Hmm. It sounded familiar. Probably because I was the one who created this game in the first place.

"I am Kael. B-but... I-I don't remember anything about myself."

Playing amnesiac was the best way to get information about this world without raising suspicion.

"Y-you don't know who you are?" Her eyes widened in confusion.

I sighed, feeling a headache coming. "Like I said, I forgot everything. My personality, my characteristics, you, this world... I remember nothing. Not even my full name."

"Ohhh! So you have Lethe's Blight illness!" she exclaimed, as if everything suddenly made sense.

"Huh?"

"Lethe's Blight is a condition where you lose all your memories, including your own identity, usually caused by excessive black magic. Your mind cannot recall who you are, but your skills remain... though it might take time to recover them. But your memories... they are gone forever."

I sighed in relief internally. Perfect! She made up the excuse herself. There was no way I was going to tell them I was just a creator reincarnated into my own game. That would be a disaster.

"And by the way, since you forgot everything, I'll treat you like a newbie and give you a tour! And since you suddenly became this handsome... consider it free! Oh, and by the way... that's you in the picture."

She pointed at a boy in the center of a group photo. He was dressed differently from the other servants, looking like a premium servant of sorts. But his hair was so messy it covered half his eyes. He wore thick glasses and a mask. That was me? No wonder she was so shocked earlier.

"Okay, can you tell me about myself and my surroundings?" I tilted my head, acting innocent.

"But first, can we sit down? We've been standing here for quite a while." I guided her to the couch, and we sat down, with me facing her attentively.

"Okay, okay! Let's start! Basically, your name is Kael Shahzaino Clemens. Your family are merchants, but you were forced to serve here because of your grandfather who... well... let's forget that part for now. So yes! We live in the Aionios Realm, ruled by the five powerful brothers!"

She began describing them one by one.

👑 ZEPHYRION | THE CROWN PRINCE

He has thick and voluminous jet-black hair that exudes absolute authority. His skin is pale and flawless, contrasting his sharp, deep eyes that hold immense power. His eyebrows are neat but firm, not too thick. He has a high-bridged, masculine nose and his lips are well-defined, naturally pink but always set in a cold, unreadable line. He looks majestic, noble, and incredibly manly—like a king that no one dares to approach.

⚔️ CAINE | THE COLD DUKE

He possesses short and clean-cut white hair, giving him a sharp and dangerous look. His skin is pale as snow, but his aura burns with intensity. His eyes are like sharp shards of ice—cold and piercing. His eyebrows are thick enough to show his fierceness, always furrowed seriously. He has a strong, straight nose and thin, pale lips that rarely smile. He is tall, muscular, and looks like a walking weapon—untouchable and lethal.

🗡️ REN | THE ROGUE MARQUEZ

He has messy and wild deep-red hair that adds to his dangerous charm. His skin is fair but his face is sharp and alluring. His eyes are dark crimson, glowing with mischief and threat. His eyebrows are thin but arched dangerously. He has a defined nose and his lips are plump, rosy red, often curved into a seductive yet deadly smirk. He looks wild, hot, and masculine in the most unpredictable way.

🛡️ LUCIAN | THE COUNT

He has long, flowing silver-white hair that makes him look holy but stern. He has a broad face structure with fair and tough skin. His eyes are clear and bright, looking strict and protective. His eyebrows are well-shaped and firm, showing his sense of justice. He has a strong jawline, a straight nose, and soft pink lips that are always pressed tightly. He looks reliable, big, and very manly—like an unbreakable shield.

🔮 ELIAS | THE DIVINE PRINCE

He has soft but thick dirty white or ash-blonde hair. His face is beautiful but carries a heavy, mysterious aura. His eyes are golden and deep, looking down on everyone with indifference. His eyebrows are light but sharp. He has a small but straight nose and very small, light pink lips that are always closed silently. Despite his gentle look, he feels powerful, distant, and overwhelmingly dominant.

👑 THE KING | OBERON ETERNO

The Father of the Five Brothers

He has long, majestic deep-black hair mixed with streaks of silver, resembling a starry night. He has a face that is perfect and ageless, exuding absolute authority. His skin is pale and glowing. His eyes are like voids or pure gold—deep and terrifyingly beautiful. His eyebrows are thick and sharp, showing his dominance. He has a high, strong nose and his lips are thin, pale red, and always curved in an arrogant smirk. He looks huge, overwhelming, and undeniably handsome—the definition of a supreme ruler.

He is the absolute ruler of Aionios. He is cold, ruthless, and incredibly powerful. He treats everyone as if they are beneath him. He loves his sons in his own way, but he values strength above all else. He is the definition of "Top of the Tops"—untouchable, fierce, and divine.

👑 THE QUEENS & MOTHERS

Mother of ZEPHYRION | QUEEN LILITH

She has long black hair and red eyes. She is elegant, dangerous, and the first wife. Very noble and strict.

Mother of CAINE | LADY FREYA

She has white hair and icy blue eyes. She is cold, quiet, and powerful. She values discipline and strength.

Mother of REN | LADY AMARA

She has fiery red hair and charming eyes. She is alluring, playful, but deadly. She has a wild and free spirit.

Mother of LUCIAN | LADY ELENA

She has long silver hair and gentle green eyes. She is kind, pure, and full of grace. The definition of a perfect lady.

Mother of ELIAS | LADY SELENE

She has ash blonde hair and golden eyes. She is mysterious, quiet, and very wise. She loves knowledge and magic.

"They share the same father but have different mothers, which is why their characteristics and appearances are so distinct," she explained.

"But you have no magic or power to protect yourself. That is why your grandfather wanted to... well... this part is hard to explain." Her hesitation only confused me more. Why did she keep stopping whenever she mentioned my grandfather?

"Tell me now, please," I blinked twice, giving her my best pleading look.

'Yuck, that was cringe,' I thought to myself. I felt disgusted acting cute.

"Okay, okay! Your grandfather wants you dead. To protect you, your parents sent you here to serve the Royal Family. Even though you are just a merchant's son, they placed you in the highest rank of servants. You proved yourself capable, but many people are jealous of you and often make fun of your appearance."

Oh! That explained why my room was huge, with a chandelier, a queen-sized bed, and a massive study desk. I wasn't just any ordinary servant.

"By the way, why exactly did you come here?" I asked, face-palming.

"Huh? Why did I— OH SHT! I FORGOT! GO CHANGE IMMEDIATELY!!! WE ARE FCKING LATE RIGHT NOW!!!"

She panicked and started rushing me to get changed.

"But I haven't bathed yet!"

That made her even more frantic. She threw a towel directly at my face.

"GO BATH QUICKLY!!! I'LL WAIT OUTSIDE!!!"

She ran out and slammed the door shut, the loud noise making me jolt. I didn't waste any more time. I took a quick shower, wore the complicated servant uniform—it had so many layers it took me forever to fix—and brushed my hair. When I was finally presentable, I went outside.

The girl stared at me again, jaw dropped. She shook her head to regain composure and grabbed my hand tightly.

"This will be fast! Just hold on tight!"

Before I could protest, she snapped her fingers. In a second, I felt the fastest form of travel I had ever experienced. My stomach churned.

"We have arrived!"

I wanted to throw up. I liked traveling, but this was way too much!

"Just stay here. If anyone in armor asks you, just mention my name and they'll let you pass. I need to get something from my room, wait for me!" She rushed off again, leaving me alone.

Not long after, a pair of strong hands grabbed my arms from behind, twisting me around.

"Who are you, mister?" an armored guard asked aggressively.

I remembered what she said, but wait... she never told me her name!

"I'm... Kael."

"Kael Shahzaino Clemens? Are you joking, man? The build is kinda similar, but the face? No way! Are you an imposter trying to disguise yourself?" He pointed his finger at me as if I was the worst criminal he had ever seen.

I was about to argue when a deep voice interrupted.

"Francisco, what is happening here?"

A tall man with clean-cut white hair, wearing armor that looked more secure and royal than the others, approached us. It was him!

"This man claims he is Kael Shahzaino Clemens, but he's clearly lying!" the guard insisted.

"H-HOW DARE YOU POINT AT ME LIKE—" I was ready to burst when thankfully, the girl finally appeared. What a relief.

"S-Sorry, General Caine! I will explain everything at the meeting area. Let us head there first, please."

We had attracted quite a crowd. I felt uneasy because everyone was staring. And among them... was one of the Eterno brothers. Caine Eterno. The second son of King Oberon. The Cold General.

We arrived at a massive hall with huge white and red doors. The girl opened them, led me inside, and stood by the side of the long table, bowing respectfully. I could feel her nervousness radiating off her.

"Good morning, Hail, Your Majesty. Hail, Your Royal Highnesses. The council stands gathered before King Oberon and his sons. By your leave, we begin.”

Her entire demeanor changed. She spoke with such formality and grace now.

"Before we proceed, allow me to introduce Mister Kael Shahzaino Clemens. I know you are all familiar with him, but we apologize for our tardiness. Kael suffers from an illness called Lethe's Blight; he has lost all his memories, and I have been doing my best to inform him about our land."

We both bowed our heads synchronously.

"Hmm, what an interesting revelation. It seems your appearance has changed along with your memories," a handsome man with red hair remarked.

They all looked at me as if I was a painting they needed to examine closely. It was creepy.

"Very well. Let us proceed," the King ordered.

The meeting continued while I sat in front of the five brothers, taking notes of every important detail. I felt extremely uncomfortable. It felt like I was their prey, and they were the predators waiting to strike.

"Alright, everything is settled. The meeting is adjourned," the King announced as he stood up.

Strangely, the brothers remained seated. They didn't move an inch. They just kept staring at me in a daze.

This was awkward. Especially since I was originally a girl. I didn't understand men, and I certainly didn't understand this kind of intense attention.

"AHEM! The meeting is dismissed!" The King stated loudly, knocking his hand on the table to get their attention.

Finally, they snapped out of it.

"Uh... sorry, Father. We didn't hear you," said the one with black hair. I recognized him from the description—the Crown Prince, Zephyrion.

"Seems so," the King replied knowingly, a mocking smirk on his face as he walked away, leaving his sons still staring at their new prey.

to be continued........

(current word: 2898)

★_________________°~3~°_______________★

Lacostte finally let go of my hands, causing my knees to buckle as I collapsed, gasping for air. But something felt wrong. I felt strangely light, as if I were floating. The moment I opened my eyes, the world spun violently.

Icy, sharp eyes. Short white hair. A muscular build, sculpted as if forged for battle. There was no mistaking it-this was 'the Cold Duke,' Lord Caine Eterno. He was using magic; it was one of his specialties. But unlike Elias, his power didn't extend further than necessary.

"I was going to throw you aside had I not been informed you were in a healing state," he said, his voice low. With that, he gently lowered me to the ground. I immediately stood up without hesitation, bowed my head, and spoke the words that felt heavy on my tongue.

"Forgive me, Lord Caine. I was wrong to be lazy and to have failed your expectations. I am still learning, and I do not yet fully understand my surroundings, but I am trying my best to serve the Pallas family, my Lord. I beg for your forgiveness."

I placed my right hand over my chest, right near my heart-a gesture of utmost respect, love, and honesty.

"Now I am convinced that you have truly changed," he murmured. His fingers trailed along my jaw, forcing me to look up at him. "The Kael who served me before was quiet, fragile, and powerless. Yet here you are, bowing before me, speaking with such strength and begging for forgiveness... I will make you remember everything tonight."

His last words faded into a whisper-a dangerous, low sound that sent shivers racing down my spine.

He ordered me to stand, and I obeyed instantly, following him toward the carriage. It seemed Lacostte wouldn't be joining us; she simply handed me a thick binder along with a sealed letter. There was nothing I could do but wave goodbye. I didn't realize then that the simple gesture made her blush.

Shaking off my confusion, I opened the binder and began flipping through the pages. It detailed my duties, responsibilities, and a strict schedule. According to the papers:

[WORK TIME SCHEDULE]

Total Working Hours: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM (16 hours total)

Allocation: 16 hours ÷ 5 people \= 3 hours and 12 minutes per person.

KAEL'S SHIFT SCHEDULE

- CROWN PRINCE ZEPHYRION: 6:00 AM - 9:12 AM

- DUKE CAINE: 9:12 AM - 12:24 PM

- MARQUESS REN: 12:24 PM - 3:36 PM

- COUNT LUCIAN: 3:36 PM - 6:48 PM

- PRINCE ELIAS: 6:48 PM - 10:00 PM

THIRD PERSON'S POINT OF VIEW

'Oh, so this is how it works,' Kael whispered silently to himself. A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips, his demeanor carefree and vastly different from the previous owner of the body. While they shared the same fragile appearance, this soul possessed immense hope and spiritual power-something that made the Duke want to claim him entirely.

"I will let you off the hook this time, Kael, seeing as you have truly forgotten your duties to this family. But do not forget what I said about tonight."

The Duke's voice carried absolute authority, heavy and commanding. It was enough to make Kael feel numb, his toes curling as his legs began to tremble in fear.

The Duke watched him closely from across the room. To others, the scene might have seemed tense, but in Caine's eyes, he saw nothing but a trembling little puppy that he wanted to protect and caress for the rest of his life.

"U-understood, Lord Caine. I will follow your orders obediently," Kael stammered. The nervousness never left him; he knew he had already made enough mistakes today.

"Obediently..." The word rolled off the Duke's tongue like sweet symphony, music to his ears. Little did Kael know, those words would change his life forever.

"By the way, what is our destination today?" Kael asked, flipping the pages quickly, eager to avoid causing any more trouble.

Even though the Duke knew exactly where they were going, he enjoyed testing Kael's limits.

"Today... we are heading to Nullbane Bastion!" Kael exclaimed, his eyes lighting up. He was genuinely excited to finally see 'the fortress that repels the void'-a place where real battles begin.

The structure was imposing, though parts of it were in disrepair. That was their task for the day. It took him only fifteen minutes to assess everything. He was smart, usually preferring to blend in, but today... there was no reason to hide his true capabilities.

KAEL'S POINT OF VIEW

"Begging your pardon, Your Highness and Master Kael, we have arrived at our destination."

We stepped down from the carriage, and I felt my face heat up in embarrassment. Good grief, this height! Lord Caine towered over me, and I had to crane my neck just to meet his gaze.

This body is freaking useless!

"Lord Caine, dar-ven problem: saen-shield mana loraen, vael Saen-Witch aelta tor dar."

A soldier in armor bowed respectfully as he spoke. Surprisingly, I understood every word. My brain and this body seemed to cooperate perfectly when it came to their language.

It translated to: "Lord Caine, we have a problem: the light-shield mana is low, but the Great Witch is too old to handle this work."

From what I knew, the soldiers here weren't educated in the common tongue; they focused solely on their native language and duties. Aionios prioritized strength over academics. If I had known I'd reincarnate here, I would have chosen to be a warrior instead of dealing with all this, I thought bitterly.

"Grat dar ven saen-dar, Teo. Naog gar vel." (Thanks for the information, Teo. Let's go inside first.)

While the others were busy discussing, my mind raced. I pulled out my notebook and began scribbling designs for a machine. I was the Game Maker, after all. It was time to make this world better.

( author note: THIS IS A LONG DISCUSSION INSIDE'S KAEL'S BOOK PLANNER SO PLEASE UNDERSTAND THAT I PRECISELY DESCRIBE THE PLAN HE IS MAKING)

STAZ-RIN: FULL STRUCTURE SPEC

Nulltung Name: Staz-Rin Gar \= "Stand-Prince Hold"

OVERALL LAYOUT

- Dimensions: 12m x 8m x 6m tall.

- Location: Built into the Bas-Noct wall of Nullbane Bastion.

- Shape: Octagonal tower, 3 levels. Constructed from Stone and Black Iron.

- Defense: Runes carved on every seam to prevent Vaed corrosion.

- Power Flow: Downward. Saen energy descends, Vaed residue vents upward.

LEVEL 3: SAEN-BAS CORE (Top Floor - The Heart)

- Purpose: Houses and protects the mana crystal. Restricted access for the Saen-Witch only.

Component Specification Function

Saen-Bas Cradle 2m diameter iron ring with 8 rune pillars, suspended by chains. Holds the mana crystal 1m off the ground. No contact \= No Vaed rot.

Dar-Rune Circle Floor inlay with 16 Aionian runes. Used for monthly attunement. Locks mana frequency stability.

Vael-Seal Hatch 0.5m thick lead door, airtight. Seals the room after activation. Only opens if the core cracks.

Saen-Vent Crystal-lined chimney to sky. Vents excess energy as light. Black smoke \= Vaed contamination.

Info: 1 Saen-Bas \= 40kg crystal. Lasts 30 saen-tor cycles before needing replacement.

LEVEL 2: DAR-GAR REFINERY (Middle Floor - The Mind)

- Purpose: Converts raw mana into stable Staz energy. Fully automated.

Component Specification Function

Vael-Tor Coils 4x copper-iron coils, 3m tall. Pulls raw mana down. Maintains stable flow at 1.2 staz/s.

Dar-Gar Chamber 4m x 4m room with slate & silver walls. Raw mana is "cleansed" by the runes. Sounds like chanting when active.

Null-Filter Bone-steel mesh soaked in salt. Catches Vaed particles. Must be burned every 3 days.

Staz-Pipe 0.3m crystal-lined pipe. Transports refined energy downwards. Glows white when active.

Output: Full shield charge \= 20 mins. Weapon enchantment \= 8 mins.

LEVEL 1: STAZ-NAOG ANVIL (Ground Floor - The Hand)

- Purpose: Imbuing items with energy. Main work area for soldiers.

Component Specification Function

Staz-Naog Plate 3m x 2m Meteor-iron slab. Items placed here are infused with energy via runes.

Bas-Ven Stacks 2x large vents on back wall. Burns off corruption. Black smoke \= Item was tainted.

Tor-Stand Rails Iron clamps. Locks items down. Breaks automatically if overloaded to prevent explosion.

Staz-Gauge Crystal rod with 10 marks. Shows power level. 10 \= Max durability (lasts 1 year).

Kael-Lever Floor switch, guarded. Kael rank only. Controls the main flow. Safety measure.

Capacity: 3 Shields OR 8 Swords per cycle. Requires 4hr rest afterwards.

SAFETY SYSTEMS

Vaed-Breach: Runes invert and machine shuts down. Requires Saen-Witch to reset.

Overcharge: Rails snap and item is ejected automatically.

Core Failure: Saen-Vent emits a high-pitch scream. Evacuate immediately.

OPERATING CREW

- Kael-Staz: 1 Warden (Operator).

- Tor-Dar: 2 Guards (Load items, maintenance).

- Saen-Witch: Only required for emergencies or core replacement.

I raised my magic pen, satisfied with my work, only to realize I wasn't alone. Duke Caine was staring at me, and everyone else had gathered around, watching me write as if I were the center of the world. The Duke's expression was unreadable, but his eyes were locked onto mine.

"U-uhm... I just have a suggestion to give, D-Duke Caine," I stuttered, handing him my notebook. He took it and read through every detail, his face impassive.

I felt so small, fidgeting with my fingers, terrified of his reaction.

"Hmm. It seems you are indeed a clever man. You deserve praise."

He looked me directly in the eye and clapped. Suddenly, everyone else joined in, applause echoing around me. But my triumph was short-lived as a woman stepped beside the Duke, looking at me with clear disdain visible only to me.

"Begging your pardon, my Duke, but we do not have the funds to spare for such an extravagant project," she said, her voice sharp.

I knew exactly what she thought of me-just a lowly servant who didn't know his place.

"Sorry to interrupt, my Lady and Lord Caine," I spoke up confidently. "But according to the Treasury records, there is more than enough balance for this. May I see the book for a moment, my Lord?"

The Duke handed it over without hesitation.

"As it states here, the Kingdom of Aionios is the wealthiest realm in the world. This project is merely a piece of cake in terms of budget. Does anyone object? I am ready to answer any questions." I lifted my chin, showing them I wasn't the same person anymore.

"Well done, Kael. You truly make me proud," the Duke praised. He stepped closer, so near that I could feel his warm breath fanning my face. He leaned down, his lips brushing against my ear.

"You really are a good boy," he whispered, patting my head gently. "And I expect you to be a very good boy tonight as well."

He turned away and returned to his duties, leaving me frozen and blank-minded.

'I am definitely not going to survive this...'

My ears were burning red. Overwhelmed with embarrassment, I wandered off to explore the fortress until the Duke called for our return to the castle.

The ride back was deafeningly silent, save for the rumble of the carriage wheels. As soon as we arrived, I rushed out, eager to move on to my third assignment.

Next Stop: REN ETERNO - THE ROGUE MARQUESS

to be continued........

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