A young man with a delicate appearance, dressed in noble garments, sat on a bamboo chair facing the veranda. His gaze lingered on the blue moon in the star-filled night sky, as if it were the last time he would ever have the chance to witness such a scene.
After all, it was possible that Ryuh might die tomorrow.
With a heavy sigh, he raised his hands toward the heavens and clenched them, as if trying to grasp everything above.
"What am I even thinking? Still… before I die, I'd like to see a star up close… what must it be like?"
Curiosity stirred in him, but he knew such a thing was impossible. In his opinion, not even the strongest person in all humanity could achieve it.
"Let's sleep."
Ryuh pushed aside his unrealistic thoughts and yawned. The next moment, he closed his eyes. That night, he chose to sleep under the starlight—something new to him, as he had always rested in a comfortable bed, wrapped in a warm blanket.
Something Ryuh now longed for.
The chill brushed against his fragile skin like a wave of cold wind, making him tremble to the point of nearly freezing.
"Should I go back?"
Shivering from head to toe, Ryuh considered retreating, but quickly dismissed the thought. If this truly was his last day alive, why not enjoy this scene at least once?
With that decision, he remained on the veranda.
He pulled his feet onto the chair, hugging himself tightly and curling up to withstand some of the cold.
Time passed, and in that position Ryuh eventually drifted off to sleep. His head rested on his knees, yet surprisingly did not fall, showing his body's flexibility.
.
.
.
"Young Master."
Ryuh, who was in a deep sleep, faintly heard a woman's voice calling to him. But since it was quiet, he ignored it.
"YOUNG MASTER!"
This time, the voice thundered, and he abruptly opened his eyes in fright. His mood soured immediately from being woken.
"What is it? Can't you see I'm sleeping?"
He snapped irritably, hating to have his rest disturbed.
"Young Master, look at where you're sleeping! Go to bed!"
"I won't. It's my last day alive, let me enjoy it."
Ryuh rejected the order, glaring at the young maid before him—her long black hair cascading down her back, her deep blue eyes glimmering.
"Stop spouting nonsense."
The maid was impatient—only Ryuh could make her lose her composure.
"Being accepted into the Academy of the Seven Races doesn't mean death," she added, still annoyed.
"I don't believe that."
Ryuh retorted immediately.
"Everyone knows the end of the war was nothing but a façade. The Academy, which they claim is a symbol of unity, is nothing more than a stage for a new war. Only this time, it'll be fought by the younger generation. A war that will lead to countless deaths. Even if there are rules, there are seven races… and some hate each other to the bone—like us humans and the demons."
As he spoke, a shiver ran down his spine. In his mind, he could already see himself being devoured.
"Get out of my head!"
He smacked himself, and the pain drove away the dreadful image.
The maid, on the other hand, only frowned, her expression darkening.
"Young Master, even if that's true, you are a member of the Malavic Family. How could we ever fear death? Especially before demons? Besides, you won't be alone."
Her expression softened.
But Ryuh remained firm.
"What do you mean? Personal guards aren't allowed in the dormitories."
The maid smiled faintly at his words and pointed to herself.
"Don't forget me. Aside from being your maid, I have another identity that allows me to attend the Academy as well. I assure you, none of those nobles from the seven races can lay a hand on me. I can protect you."
Seeing her narcissism, Ryuh felt his future grow even bleaker.
'At least she's useful, and she doesn't boast without reason.'
This narcissist was a noble-blooded Warlock of the Valerie Clan, who had become Ryuh's maid because of his mother.
The reason?
He didn't know. His mother never explained, and Julie Valerie—the woman standing before him—only made things worse.
'What a mess… Still, at least I have an ally. I won't be alone. And if I die, why not drag her down with me? The loyal maid who follows her master to the end…'
"Hehehe."
Ryuh began to laugh sinisterly.
"What are you plotting?"
Julie asked, already knowing nothing good could come of it. From Ryuh, only misfortune ever came.
"Nothing, just thinking the Academy will be fun with someone close around."
Ryuh scratched his head and gave a foolish smile.
"Young Master, I'm selfish. If things turn ugly, I'll abandon you. Dying with you is a big no."
Julie folded her arms.
"…"
Ryuh felt betrayed at that moment.
"What a loyal maid you are…"
He muttered with a disappointed look.
'Looks like I'll have to scrap the plan of relying on this witch.'
He sighed at the thought, already reflecting on how he could survive. But suddenly, something materialized before his eyes.
---
[Sinful System Activated]
[Do wrong deeds to gain (SP) — Sin Points — which can be used to enhance cultivation.]
[Have sex with women to obtain their bloodline and experience, which can be used to boost overall combat strength.]
[Character Panel]
Name: Ryuh Malavic
Mana Cultivation: N/A
Body Cultivation: Warrior – 59/100
Weapon Cultivation: Aura Master – 150/500
Race: Half Human, Half Warlock
Bloodline: Malavic, Morgan
Age: 18
Overall Combat Strength: 104.5 (Intermediate Bronze Rank)
Mana: 2000 (Due to his Warlock blood, his mana is extremely high, even without practicing any breathing technique)
"…?"
Ryuh's eyes widened in shock as he stared at the panel, unable to believe what he was seeing.
"Am I dreaming?"
He blinked several times, but the panel remained. He pinched himself, but still, the vision didn't fade.
'A system? Isn't this a common trope in novels? Why do I have one?'
Ryuh was full of doubts, which only grew when he saw his race.
'Warlock? Morgan? What kind of clan is that? Is my mother from this lineage?'
This revelation wasn't too shocking—he had long suspected it. What truly startled him was this unknown clan he had never heard of.
'When I get to the Academy, I'll have to investigate.'
He decided, continuing to study the panel.
'Having sex grants me bloodlines…?'