Volume 1 – The Weight of a Name
Prologue – The Last Case
Arya Mehta was walking home from school, backpack bouncing on his shoulders, gripping the worn detective novel he could never finish.
If only I could solve a real case… if only I could catch a criminal… but… what if I fail?
He had read hundreds of detective stories, memorized clues, and imagined the criminal's next move—but real life was terrifying. Every shadow was a threat. Every person a potential danger.
At the corner of his eye, a man sprinted past, clutching a purse. Arya froze.
Thief…? Should I…? No… I can't… I'm too small…
His mind raced, instincts kicking in. Observe… predict… maybe I can help…
The man stumbled, colliding with Arya. Chaos erupted. In a desperate bid to escape, the man drew a knife. Arya's chest burned as the blade pierced him.
Pain exploded. The street, the screaming girl, the man running away—everything blurred.
Even in agony, Arya's mind clung to patterns. Why did he run that way? Did he plan this escape? Could I have… prevented it?
Tears mixed with blood on his cheek. Regret, fear, and obsession battled within him.
I… I just wanted to help… I just wanted to… solve…
And then darkness swallowed him.
Chapter 1 – Awakening in the Novel World
Arya awoke in warmth, soft hands holding him, murmuring soothing words.
Where… am I? This isn't… my world…
Voices whispered nearby: "He has his mother's brown eyes… such delicate hands."
Julian Vaelmont, tall, sharp, and imposing, stepped forward.
"He will carry the Vaelmont name," he said.
Arya blinked. Names, faces, everything felt familiar.
This is… the world from the novel I never finished…
Fear and curiosity churned together. I know some of the story… but I don't know the ending… I must survive… maybe… maybe I can finish it this time.
Chapter 2 – First Lessons
Three years passed. Arya's fear never left him.
He noticed every servant's glance, every subtle movement. Are they angry with me? Did I do something wrong?
Julian, his father, was strict, precise, and often angry.
Elena, his mother, was sweet, calm, and protective.
Aren, his elder brother, teased him constantly, sometimes showing warmth.
His cousin enjoyed annoying him, and he flinched at every laugh.
I must hide… watch… survive.
Chapter 3 – Sword Training
"Focus, Arya," the master said. "A sword is more than strength. It is thought, anticipation, and timing."
Arya's hands shook. If I fail… Father will be angry…
He swung again and again, missing. Sweat dripped down his face.
I can't fight like Aren… but maybe I can survive by thinking… by observing… by predicting…
Chapter 4 – Kingdoms and Styles
Arya studied the five kingdoms:
Valdren – intelligence and strategy, detectives
Ironcrest – heavy armor, shields
Velkar – dual blades, agility
Sorynth – spear formations
Draelith – brutal hand-to-hand combat
Every map, every note he memorized.
If I can't fight… I must think. Observe. Anticipate.
Even at three, Arya understood: survival required intelligence more than strength.
Chapter 5 – The Brother Returns
Laughter echoed in the courtyard.
"I can still beat you, little shadow!"
Aren returned from school, confident and energetic.
Arya's hands shook. Don't look at him too much… he'll see how small I am…
The sword master nodded. "Rest now, young master."
Aren ruffled Arya's hair. "You've grown. Careful not to fall on your face."
Arya scowled silently. I won't. I just… need to survive.
Chapter 6 – Celebration Party
The estate buzzed with voices, music, and candlelight. Guests praised Aren for continuing the family legacy.
Arya watched from the corner, clutching his wooden block.
Do they all look at him? Will they notice me?
Elena moved among the crowd, soothing tensions. Uncle John quietly observed. Cousin teased Arya mercilessly. He flinched.
Why do they laugh at me? I didn't do anything wrong…
Chapter 7 – The Confession
Later, Aren approached Julian.
"Father… I don't want to follow your path."
Julian's eyes blazed. "What did you say?"
"I… I want to start a business. I want my own life."
Julian's hand twitched, almost striking him.
Arya crouched behind a curtain. Oh no… please… don't let Father hit him…
Elena intervened. "Julian, stop. He is your son. Not your mirror."
Julian froze. "He is throwing away our legacy!"
Aren's knees shook. "I just want a choice…"
Arya's heart pounded. Legacy… danger… I must survive… I must watch… I must learn.
Chapter 8 – Study Room
Julian stormed into the study. Arya peeked in, heart racing.
"What are you doing here?" Julian demanded.
"Learning… I just… want to understand," Arya whispered.
Julian's jaw tightened. "These are not toys!"
Arya flinched. I didn't mean to… I just wanted to…
Julian picked him up and carried him to bed. Arya's mind raced:
Observe everything… survive… maybe understand… maybe be useful…
Chapter 9 – Quiet Observations
Arya watched servants, family members, and visitors.
Are they angry with me? Did I do something wrong?
Even small gestures felt like tests of courage.
Elena entered quietly. "It's alright. You are safe here."
Arya hugged his wooden block. Safe… for now… but not forever.
Chapter 10 – Balcony Reflection
Night fell. Arya quietly slipped to the balcony. Aren followed.
"Do you think it's wrong… to want something different?" Aren asked.
Arya looked at the mansion, the crest, and the stars above. The weight of a name pressed on him.
He said nothing.
Fear… curiosity… questions… I must survive… I must understand…