C1: A DREAM OR THE REALITY

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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)

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