Viktor's voice dripped with venom as he spoke, his expression now cold and devoid of emotion. He stood before the woman, his once expressive voice replaced by a monotone tone. Though he didn't truly hate her, he harbored a deep resentment towards her for being weak, and ultimately responsible for his mother's death.
For nine hours straight, Viktor unleashed all of his pent-up anger and hatred onto the bunny lady. With each blow he felt a sense of satisfaction, as if he were taking revenge on behalf of his mother. And in that moment, all the years of pain and bitterness vanished into thin air.
With each punch, Viktor's respect for his older siblings grew. In the castle, he was alone without a mother to protect him. But here in this cellar, he felt like an apex predator feeding off the weak. It was exhilarating and addictive, and he knew he could get used to the feeling of being strong.
Suddenly, a loud slam echoed from above, signaling Werner's return from attending to his other wives and children. The sounds of bones clashing and muffled cries could be heard from the cellar below.
"Viktor, that's enough! Any more and she might die," Werner's booming voice filled the room.
Instantly, Viktor obeyed his father's command and walked away from the bruised demi-human. But the taste of power lingered on his tongue, leaving him wanting more.
"Do you wish to kill this woman?" Werner asked sternly as he approached them. The woman cowered in fear in the corner of her cage at the sight of him.
"I...I don't know, I don't think so father. But maybe...I don't really know what I want. But I feel really good," Viktor admitted, looking down at his bloodied knuckles.
Werner couldn't help but think how twisted it was that his ten-year-old son was boasting about beating a woman. But he couldn't deny the pride he felt in seeing his son take control and display strength.
"Well, kid...would you like to get better at it?" Werner asked, finally locking eyes with Viktor after months of avoidance.
'Why am I doing this? She hasn't done anything to me. I should stop, my father will understand. But the power, is it wrong? Is being weak right? Am I a bad person? Is she a bad person? Who am I? What is wrong with me?' Viktor's thoughts raced as he panicked.
"I...I don't think so, father. But I do want to go somewhere to truly learn about magic. I know the basics, but the instructors seem to dislike me. I'd rather be a support mage than a murderer," Viktor said with a smile on his face, acting as if he hadn't just spent nine hours brutally attacking a defenseless woman.
"Viktor, do you think I am a murderer?" Werner asked.
"Well, before you were emperor, you were a knight. So I assume you've killed some bad guys," Viktor replied, sliding down a wall and catching his breath.
"Yes, in that regard you would be correct. I have slain many foes. But what about those who have not wronged me? Would killing them make me a murderer? Innocent people, perhaps?" Werner asked again.
"I suppose so. Magic and combat should only be used in self-defense. That's what Uncle Virmil taught me," Viktor responded.
"Very well then, maybe you're right. Tell me, Viktor, could you take over the empire by force? Do you have the strength to kill me and claim this territory as your own?" Werner questioned.
Viktor vigorously shook his head. "No way! There's no chance I could rule all of this land or defeat you in battle. You're incredibly strong! And compared to you, I'm weak," Viktor exclaimed, marveling at his father's strength.
"Heh, you sure know how to flatter your old man," Werner chuckled. "Come on, Viktor, someone is probably waiting for you."
After walking through the winding stairs and seemingly endless hallways of the castle, Viktor finally reached his room. Instead of being empty, there were two figures inside: one male and one female.
Viktor felt a sudden shove and heard Emeline's frantic voice calling out his name. He was pushed onto his bed, heart pounding in his chest. She grabbed his shoulders, bringing her face dangerously close to his own. With a quick movement, he pushed her away and saw that his brother Charles was also in the room, quietly sitting in the corner.
"Where were you? We've been worried sick!", Emeline scolded Viktor.
"I apologize. My father and I went to the woods to discuss hunting techniques," Viktor explained to Charles.
"Why are you avoiding our gaze, brother? Lift your head! No one is angry with you," Charles reassured him. "We just wanted to know where you'd gone off to. Anyway, now that you're back, I'll be on my way. Emeline, please take care of him."
"Don't worry, sir. Viktor is always in good hands with me," Emeline replied with a playful salute.
"Thank you. If either of you need anything, I'll be in my study. And Viktor, why don't we visit the my old school together one day? It would be beneficial for you to learn more about your magic abilities."
"Yes... umm... but is it appropriate for someone as young as me to be surrounded by older students?" Viktor asked nervously.
"Nonsense! They would love to have such a talented young student join them. You are already a genius and I have no doubt you will continue to excel. One day, you may even surpass me," Charles said with a smile before leaving the room.
"See? You have nothing to worry about. Now let's go over your lessons for tomorrow," Emeline said cheerfully, trying to ease Viktor's nerves about visiting the academy.
Emeline had rolled off of Viktor and was now lying next to him on his bed. She couldn't help but admire Charles, with his tall and fit figure, chiseled jawline, piercing green eyes, and perfectly styled blonde hair. She let out a little giggle at her crush before turning to look at Viktor.
"Hey, do you want to go out with me? Maybe explore the town and talk to the locals. It's been a while since you've been outside, Vikky," Emeline asked with concern. And she was right, Viktor hadn't stepped foot outside in nearly three years. He simply didn't see the point; he had heard stories from his siblings about the outside world filled with greedy beggars, schemers, thieves, and prostitutes. They had warned him that it was beneath him to interact with anyone outside of the castle walls, so he had obeyed and stayed inside.
"I...I don't know Emi, I mean out there it's so big and I'm just so small," Viktor replied, hanging his head down.
"Don't worry Vikky! That's what I'm here for!" Emeline declared, puffing out her chest and flexing her biceps to show off her strength.
To Viktor's surprise, there was quite a bit of muscle there. He looked at Emeline, who he saw as a loving big sister, and suddenly felt like someone could protect him.
For a moment, his mind went back to what happened in the cellar and how he would have done anything to protect Emeline if needed.
"Okay...um, so what did you have in mind?" Viktor asked. It had been so long since he had left the castle that he couldn't even remember what the outside world was like; he knew he would need Emeline's guidance.
"Well...first we're going to need some money! Because I am flat broke," Emeline exclaimed with a grin, giving Viktor a thumbs up.
"Emi, you know we don't start getting an allowance until we turn fourteen, right? The servants usually take care of us until then. So it looks like we'll both need to come up with some money," Viktor said, throwing his arms up and shrugging his shoulders.
Emeline's head sank in shame as she muttered a curse under her breath. Suddenly, a wicked, sinister smirk formed on her face. She looked at Viktor's features: his smooth, pale skin, white hair, blue eyes, and small stature. A thought came to her mind and the twisted smile grew even wider.
"Hey, Viktor... How about dressing up as a girl?" Emeline asked, the smile still stretched across her face. She knew that having him model women's clothes would bring in some quick cash.
"No," Viktor replied, causing Emeline's mood to instantly shift for the worse. His response was immediate, not giving any consideration to her idea.
But then another idea struck Emeline. Something that Viktor would excel at. Something where brains ruled all.
"Hey... Let's go to the Game House. Your brilliant mind will come in handy there," Emeline suggested hopefully.
"Uh... okay," Viktor agreed, unsure of what he would do at a casino. Emeline's mood brightened once again as her prayers were answered, and she jumped for joy.
"Hurry up and change into some new clothes and take a bath because we have a busy day ahead tomorrow!" Emeline exclaimed as she planted a kiss on Viktor's forehead and raced out of the room to the maids' quarters.
"Ew..." Viktor wiped off the kiss with disgust. But a soft smile appeared on his face as he thought to himself.
"A busy day ahead? I can't wait."