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Chapter 3 - Chapter 3

In my previous world, I didn't live a good life; my mother was a prostitute.She used to beat me every day, from the age of four until I turned eighteen. I worked so hard just to get away from her.

After I turned eighteen, I was technically free, but I had no hope left for life. In the end, I became a lawyer.

Honestly, I don't like thinking about my past, but I remember it like it was yesterday, because my soul was strong, and I can't forget anything.

These thoughts filled my head. When I first came to this world, I was affected by magic, but using mana was easy, so I gave up on that and used just aether. What irritated me was how people here thought.

They thought inside the box.

I'm a bit emotionless, but that stupid smile was always stuck on my face.

Damn it, I wish I hadn't been born here either. Seriously, how can a world this advanced still not have condoms?

Actually, there used to be something similar, but it was destroyed, made of slime or something. The very thought of it is disgusting.

Eventually, I arrived at my father's door. I had only seen him in the hallway for a long time; he didn't even talk to me.

All I got from my noble education were etiquette lessons — and a little sword training, just enough to seem average, and lazy at the same time.

The butler opened the door. "Good luck," he said, and I stepped inside. The room was lit by a chandelier.

I bowed my head."Sit, Raul," my father said, pointing to the chair with his eyes.

I did as he said. "Yes, Baron Victor. To what do I owe this honor?"

"Stop with the nonsense, Raul. You're fifteen now — an adult." Victor had a wild smile. I didn't really look like him, except for his black hair.

As for my red eyes, I have no idea where they came from."So, is it already time for me to leave? You're making me tear up," I said sarcastically.

"Again with your nonsense… You were like this as a kid, too. But I have good news. At least, for you," Victor said, clearly annoyed.

Raul was always sarcastic, though he didn't even realize it.

After all, no one in this world could ever grasp the magnitude of the insults a thirteen-year-old who played Call of Duty could come up with.

"You're going to the Duchy of Florence. I got you a job there as a servant to the Duke's daughter, Victoria," Victor said.

And in my mind? Hell nah.

Seriously, fate? Of all people.....

She's the villainess from the damn game.

The Florence family is powerful; their ancestors were dragon hunters."Uh, I don't remember agreeing to this. I refuse."

"You can't refuse, Raul. They made the first offer, and they specifically asked for you. I've already received the payment. For once, do something useful for the family." Victor smirked mockingly.

I never once called this man 'father.'"Well, fine then. Since I can't refuse, is there at least a reason behind this?"

Victor touched his chin, then seemed to remember something."There's a letter for you — sent by Victoria herself. I was warned not to open it. You'll travel alone."

He leaned forward, pulled a letter from a drawer.For god's sake, these nobles are so damn dramatic.

In a world with social media, who even bothers with letters anymore?Then again, it makes sense, you can burn it afterward, no traces left behind.

"Understood. When do I leave?" I asked because there was no point in fighting it. Deep down, something told me I needed to read whatever Victor handed me.

Victor raised his hand. The old butler appeared, holding a suitcase."Right now. Your belongings are ready. Set out immediately," he said, clapping his hands.

I sighed, turned around, and followed the old man.The doors closed behind me — no one was there to see me off.I was sure my stepmother was celebrating the news.

When nobles reach a certain age, those who don't inherit the family are kicked out. Becoming a servant in another noble house is the best option.

My father arranged this for me. He'd tried to use me many times before, but since I was known as the bastard among nobles, he could never marry me off to anyone.

His disappointments were honestly entertaining.I was about 185 cm tall and only fifteen years old.

Florence… how familiar.Andre, you bastard, even if you were useless to everyone else, at least you were useful to me.

If I weren't afraid of the gods, I'd deal in souls more relaxed.Even the gods of the underworld can't fully absorb or control souls.

Every soul I've taken, I've either absorbed or turned into an ability.

You could say the system helped me — or rather, the library in my head did.There wasn't some blue screen; instead, whenever I wanted to know something, information just… appeared in my mind.

I looked at the butler. He looked quite sad."Old man, don't be upset. You've been more of a father to me than he ever was. Thank you for everything."

"It's nothing. Just take care of yourself there, young master," he said.

Without realizing it, he'd walked me all the way to the front door. I found myself outside, suitcase in hand.

"See you around, old man. Call me if you ever need help," I said.

The old butler looked surprised, but I was already walking toward a nearby tree. When he looked again, I was gone.

He sighed. "Always the same… unpredictable as ever."He turned away, feeling a deep sadness — the boy he'd helped raise was gone.

At that moment, deep in the forests of Florence, a figure appeared.

It was Raul. He had teleported here; walking was a waste of time.He pulled out the letter from his coat.

"Let's see what you've sent me, Miss Villainess," I muttered, sighing, because something inside me said this wasn't going to end well.

I burned the outer cover of the letter, leaving only the paper inside.

When I read what was written, my eyes widened — because this shouldn't have been possible.

Dear Raul von Vance,

How have you been? How's your soul-collecting business going?I'm sure you're shocked reading this, but no one knows what you truly do.I only know that you take the souls of bad people, though people are too blind to see that.

How do I know all this?Come to me and I'll tell you the answer…

You'll come, I know you will. After all, you wouldn't want anyone to know your little secret, would you?Otherwise, you'll become the enemy of the world.But I think you already understand that better than anyone.

Sincerely,Victoria von Florence.

The moment I finished reading it, I destroyed it, not even letting the atoms remain.

If she truly knew what I did to stay out of the gods' sight, she wouldn't have sent me this.

I had an idea of what was going on, but couldn't figure out the details.

Seriously, what the hell is happening? I'm about to lose my mind.

Yes, it's true, I only take the souls of the wicked. Like Andre, he destroyed too many families.

That blacksmith dwarf? He used human bones to forge weapons.

And vampires? No need to explain. The one whose soul I took was a rapist, even though he preferred drinking virgin blood.

No one cared about these truths. But somehow, someone managed to discover my identity.

I left no traces. How could this be?

I still have a few souls left to claim. I'm just waiting for the right time.

I sighed and slowly began walking toward the Duchy of Florence.

I walked instead of teleporting; if the Duke learned I arrived too quickly, it would raise suspicion.

So, I moved carefully.My outfit was simple: a white coat over a shirt, black pants, and a jacket — basically a suit with a topcoat.

I walked quietly through the forest, humming to myself.

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