Chapter 4: Choosing the Shadow, Crazy Family
After hearing his mother's words—"Now, Lucen, you need to choose your shadow."—Lucen felt the air shift around him. The flickering lanterns seemed to dim, and from the shadows themselves, figures began to emerge.
They were cloaked in black, each radiating a quiet power that made Lucen's breath catch. Five figures in all—five living shadows, standing silently before him.
Cristiyana's voice was calm, almost ritualistic. "Now you just have to point your finger to the shadow you need, Lucen. That shadow will follow you through your life… and even in death."
Lucen's red eyes glimmered with an eerie light as he took in the scene. In his mind, a single thought echoed, full of wonder: This world… I really like it.
He took a slow breath, then closed his eyes, focusing inward. Okay, let me check my new ability. A flash of excitement flickered across his small face. The name's a bit difficult… let's go with the 'Origin' name.
A soft chime sounded in his mind—"Ding! System ability rename successfully. Minus 1,000,000 points."
Lucen's expression went blank. "Oi… give me back my money, you cheater…" he muttered under his breath, the childish complaint at odds with the intense energy around him.
Ignoring the theft of his points for now, he focused on the five figures before him. Let's check these people's origin.
Ding, din, ding!
A flood of information burst into his mind—like a stream of CV reports, each detail crisp and clear:
Name: Luna (slave)
Age: 11
Specialty: Assassin
Unique Ability: Child of Mana (ex)
Abilities: Assassin (S), Stealth (S), Stab (B)
Strength: A
Magic: S
Agility: A
Intelligence: B
Luck: f
Lucen's eyes widened, a shocked thrill racing down his spine. What with this OP setting…? he thought, his heartbeat quickening. I need her. For my future… and for both our survival.
With a deliberate gesture, he pointed his small, pale finger straight at Luna.
For a brief instant, silence fell—then the air around her seemed to shimmer, the shadows drawing tight around her form. Lucen saw a faint smile flicker at the corner of her lips, though she kept her head bowed.
Cristiyana's eyes softened as she watched. In that moment, the choice was complete. And so, Lucen—the devil—chose his first shadow, the witch of destruction.
After Lucen chose the shadow Luna, Cristiyana drew a small silver knife, her movements careful and precise. She took his hand, slicing just enough to draw a drop of blood.
"Just a little, my darling," she murmured, the blade glinting in the flickering light.
She pressed Lucen's bleeding finger to Luna's lips, and the girl accepted the offering without flinching—her eyes half-closed, her face calm.
At that moment, a soft chime sounded in Lucen's mind:
"Ding! Congratulations—you have established a blood-death contract with individual: Luna."
Lucen felt a shiver race down his spine. This world… it's a bit cruel, he thought, his red eyes glinting with something almost feverish. But what is this feeling?
A slow smile crept across his lips. I'm so excited… have I finally gone crazy?
Cristiyana looked down at him with a soft smile. "Now it's over," she said, her voice warm with pride. "Our baby is very brave. He didn't even flinch at the sight of blood."
At that moment, the rest of the family gathered closer—no more servants, no more outsiders. Just family.
Malzareth, Lucen's father, watched with an amused glint in his eyes. "So this tiny thing is really brave, huh?" he said, his deep voice echoing in the hall. "Come here, my cotton candy—give your father a hug."
Cristiyana stepped away slightly, shielding Lucen in her arms. "Not so fast," she said with a faint smile. "He's still mine."
The twin boys—Vaerin and Xareth—moved forward, their crimson eyes bright with curiosity. "Come here, Lucen," Cristiyana said gently. "These are your brothers. Say hello, twins."
The twins leaned in at the same time, their voices overlapping in eerie unison. "Wow. He's so small. Will he break if we punch him?"
Lucen blinked at them, feeling a mix of amusement and disbelief. Are these my family…? God bless me. Oh right…
He tilted his head slightly, a wry grin on his lips.
God did this to me.