Duke Valerius stood by the window, watching his wife and children say their goodbyes in the garden below. The gentle sunlight filtered through the tall trees, casting a warm glow over his face, making him look younger than his years.
But in the corner of the room, beside a sleek modern lamp, a faint shadow stirred. It didn't move like something alive—it felt like it had always been there, part of the room itself.
"Master," came a soft voice from the darkness, almost like a whisper in the wind. "Is it really alright to let the young master go out now? A new organization has started to make moves… I don't doubt the measures you've prepared, but what if he's drawn in by their ideals?"
Valerius didn't answer right away. His gaze remained fixed on the garden, on Lucien's figure slowly fading into the distance—until he vanished entirely, teleported away to the nearest high-speed station.
Only then did he speak, voice calm but resolute.
"The Valeblanc family has always found its way. Just like sound—we pass through walls, flow through silence, and never truly disappear. My son shouldn't be caged by a prison disguised as protection. From the very start, our bloodline never rose from hiding in safety."
He narrowed his eyes.
"From obscurity to todays glory. From commoners to dukes—that rise wasn't built by staying in comfort. It was built by facing the storm."
"My son should walk among today's geniuses and monsters alike. Especially in times like this."
"…I see. If that's your wish, Master," the voice replied faintly.
The shadow faded without a sound—gone as naturally as it had come.
Duke Valerius smiled faintly and turned his gaze to Caelan, who sat nearby with his nose buried in a thick book.
"It's time I properly train this boy. The future won't wait."
He looked out the window once more, eyes briefly flicking to a certain energetic figure tumbling in the grass.
"As for Thorne…"
Valerius chuckled and shook his head.
"Let him enjoy his childhood a little longer."
.....
The world on the other side was different and bustling with people.
The moment I stepped out of the teleportation gate, a wave of newness hit me. The air was crisp, humming faintly with mana. People blurred past in all directions—some wore enchanted cloaks, others sleek uniforms, a few dragging suitcases that floated lazily just above the ground. Overhead, shimmering holograms shifted across the skyglass dome, displaying departure gates, magical incident warnings, and flashy ads for enchanted beverages.
This was Gatepoint Station—the central hub connecting most of the continent. I'd seen it before, in books and archives, in Caelan's recordings. But standing here now… it was too real and too good....
"This...This feeling...I like it!"
I was engrossed in the atmosphere of life when a sharp voice cut through the noise behind me.
"Another country bumpkin."
It was high-pitched and smug—like someone trying too hard to sound important.
"Sheesh, don't be rude, Sis." A second voice followed—softer, almost whispery, but strangely more piercing.
I turned.
Two girls around my height (4'8)stood side by side—identical in frame, yet opposite in aura.
One had silver-blue hair that glinted under the light, her icy blue eyes narrowed at me with obvious disdain. Her arms were crossed, and her expression was already scanning me like I owed her something.
The other girl had light purple hair, a shade paler than dusk. with subtle purple hue or highlight in her hair, particularly noticeable in the bang. Her smile was warm—too warm. Like sugar poured over poison. Her eyes, a glowing purple hue, locked onto mine with a tilt of her head and a curiosity that made my spine tense without reason.
They were twins. About my age—maybe older—but their bodies already had that early bloom to them. Slim waists, light curves showing under the uniform jackets. The kind of shape that wasn't fully there yet, but already forming. The embryo of beauty.
The blue-haired one stood slightly taller than me. The light Violet-haired one was just under my eye level.
Their uniforms were neat, high-class. Silk collars, polished boots, tailored jackets. Each detail whispered wealth and upbringing,
"Who's brat is scolding me?" I muttered, still caught off-guard.
The taller one, blue-haired and proud, scoffed. "Tch. You look lost. First time off the leash?"
The purple one giggled softly. It wasn't a mocking laugh—it was… gentle. Sweet. But it still made my chest tighten.
She leaned slightly forward, tilting her head as if observing a rare insect. "Don't mind her. She's always like that." Her voice was smooth, almost melodic. "But you do look interesting."
I should've felt grateful that she stood up for me. But for some reason, I didn't. The way she smiled, the way her eyes stayed locked on mine a second too long—it unsettled me.
Not in a terrifying way.
More like… how you'd feel standing in a room with something too quiet like a doll. Something that was watching.
She was beautiful. Both of them were,
As for who was better looking them or the Princess, Probably the Princess but I guess this depends on the favorite.
I originally wanted to scold them.but seeing that they are cute and...
About the violet-haired girl… something about her smile gave me a really bad feeling. It wasn't scary, exactly. Just... off. Like she was being cute on purpose. Like she was acting.
I thought to myself that there's no need to make enemy for something as small as this.
Just like a certain gentlemen said "don't lower yourself to their level".
So I said nothing. Just turned away and walked.
"Huh?"
Even the blue-haired one seemed surprised.
They probably expected me to get angry or say something back.
I didn't give them the chance.
I quickly moved through the crowd, blending in with the flow of people. I heard the soft clack of floating suitcases, the echo of boots, the hum of distant trains. My heart was still calm, but I kept my eyes forward.
Behind me, I heard a faint voice.
"…He ignored us?"
"That makes him more interesting," the soft voice said.
I didn't look back.
Those two… they were strange.
Twins, probably. And definitely not normal kids.
I had a feeling I'd see them again.
...
After a while of waking, I turned my head and caught my reflection in the mirror.
Nothing flashy. Just a long black coat, sturdy boots, and a simple necklace tucked under my collar—the artifact my father gave me. If anything went wrong… I'd be back home in one second. My appearance was different now, everything but the hair. I kept it styled like an average teen from this world.
Not bad. Not bad at all. No one would associate me with Lucien now. I rested my hand under my chin, striking a pose like those lookmaxxing guys online.
"Look."
"Who's this delusional lad?"
Sigh. "This is what happens when parents spoil their kid. He's completely detached from reality."
Their whispers stung. Embarrassed, I quickly walked off.
"Hmph! What do they know about looks anyway?"
I pushed through the crowd.
I stopped in front of a glass panel showing a map of nearby cities. My destination: Ashveil City.
It was the safest beginner region near our territory . A place where aspiring mages, hunters, and merchants often gathered. The forest beside this city is filled with weak Monster obviously left behind for training newbie.
Perfect for my first step.
A small rodent-like creature scurried past my boot, then paused and sniffed the air. It had feathers on its back and a glowing tail. I crouched down for a second, watching it curiously.
"Even the pests here look interesting..."
It squeaked, then dashed away when the overhead chime announced the train's arrival.
Chhk-sssshh…!
The platform shook slightly. Wind whooshed across my face as the high-speed rail—sleek and silver—slid into place. Its windows glowed faintly blue from the internal mana circuit. The doors opened with a soft hiss.
I stepped inside.
The seats were wide, and everything was clean and minimal. There were a few passengers already inside—some sleeping, some focused on their wrist screens. One woman had a sword taller than herself leaning beside her chair, runes faintly pulsing along the blade. No one looked particularly friendly.
Good. I wasn't here to make friends.
As the doors sealed shut, I sat by the window, letting the hum of mana surround me.
Then, the city outside blurred.
I was finally moving—really moving—and for the first time in my life, there were no guards, no servants, no watchful parents.
Just me.
I placed my hand over my chest, where the necklace rested under my shirt.
"I'll be fine."
Even if I wasn't.
I'll be alright....
"Hello~ can I sit here?"
A familiar sweet voice and fragrances interrupt my atmospheric mood.
"Hmm smells good"
I looked up. It was her again—the girl with light purple hair. And besides her was the mean blue haired one.
... "There's space in the backs and in the front though?" I carefully considered my reply and pick the neutral one.
"Why are you even asking? Can't you see we want to sit with you?" the blue-haired girl snapped, clearly irritated
"What the fuck is this girl problem? Did I provoke you?" I complained inside.
"Elaris!" the violet-haired girl frowned, scolding her companion.
"He's right. There are plenty of open seats. Why do we have to sit here?"
"Shhh! Lower your voice—you're disturbing others," she whispered urgently.
Elaris glanced around. A few passengers were now looking in our direction.
"Just sit down already. I'm not the owner of this train," I muttered, wanting to end this weird interaction as quickly as possible.
"Hehe~ Sorry, sorry~" the violet-haired girl said with a playful smile, closing one eye and putting her hands together in a cute, prayer-like pose.
Ugh. Why is this girl… so attractive?
She's still just a kid, yet already that pretty?
Now that she's this close, her scent hits me
—
a soft mix of clean shampoo and something like milk candy.
Sweet, warm… almost inviting.
It makes me want to lower my guard.
I shivered unconsciously and reminded myself not to get involved. Nothing but trouble.
"Haha! Look at him—stunned by beauty."
Then, Elaris leaned forward with a smirk. "What are you shivering for, pervert?"
More heads turned our way. An older man nearby even gave me a knowing smile.
God, this is embarrassing. Fortunately my face is different,otherwise the reputation of our house would be in jeopardy.
I looked out the window and pretended I didn't hear any of that.
A few minutes passed.
"Hello~ hello~"
Her sweet voice tickled my ears again. I couldn't take it anymore.
"…Can you stop?"
I turned to her with the sternest look I could manage—one I'd seen on my father's face growing up.
But looking at her calm and cheerful expression… Yeah, didn't work at all.
"What do you want from me?" I dropped the act and just asked directly.
The playful glint in her eyes faded a little. Finally, she answered.
"Okay~ Don't glare at me like that. I just wanted to make friends."
"Be serious."
She pouted slightly but then leaned in and lowered her voice.
"It's like this: My twin sister and I heard there's a criminal with awakened Veins of Origin… committing murders in remote areas. We want to catch him."
"…For what?"
"For fun~ of course!" she said brightly.
I stared at her.
"…You're seriously playing a dangerous game, huh?"
"Hehe, just joking~" she giggled. Then her tone shifted again.
"We actually heard he uses a blood-draining technique to strengthen himself. We're curious to see it in action. Not like it'll be useful to us—we're just bored and felt like going on an adventure."
This time, Elaris cut in, unable to keep quiet.
"That's why we want more companions. For safety. My sister noticed your aura—you've awakened your Veins of Origin, haven't you? And she said you seemed trustworthy. So we picked you."
"…How do they know?!"
My eyes narrowed. I was sure I'd hidden my aura completely. I checked again—still sealed. So how?
"Don't be confused," Elaris said calmly. "My sister has a special ability. Not everyone can see your Veins. But she can."
"…I see."
"But wait… did you follow me onto this train?"
"Haha! Y-You seriously think we'd waste our time just to follow you here, then go all the way back to another city?" Elaris scoffed, eyes wide like I'd said the dumbest thing imaginable. "Of course not. The criminal's in Ashveil City."
She looked at me like I was mentally unwell. And yet… even with the way she treated me, I couldn't help but feel she was more trustworthy than the light violet-haired one who's true thoughts and emotion I can't fathom.
"Wait! I'm not masochist right?" No definitely not.
Absolutely not....
"So would you want to join us? The purple haired girl extend her hands towards me now with a serious expression.
...I don't even know your name yet you want me to join you? And do you even did your research about this? I don't want to die on the first adventure.
Oh~ how could I forgot silly me hehe~ My name is Arenya by the way and she's Elaris. She giggled and introduce herself. But not her surname.
"What's yours?"
"I..My name is James..James Lee"
"What a brilliant name James lee~"
She smiled hearing my name but by the look on her eyes she obviously didn't believe it but just like I didn't pursue her surname she didn't mind mine.
"Then James lee~ do you want to join us? I promise this will be good~" her voice like a tempting Devil.
I didn't reply and look outside thinking about what my plan when coming here and I realize I didn't plan a thing so....
"Yes let's take care of each other"
"Wise choice James lee~"
After I accepted her invitation, that uncomfortable feeling faded.
Her movements shifted— more casual. Almost natural.
...
"We're from Luxendar Crown Academy," she said, leaning back slightly.
"And you? Where did you come from, James Lee?"
"Me? I came from—…"
I trailed off.
Somehow, we'd been chatting for way longer than I realized.
I didn't know why, but talking with her felt… comfortable.
Like I'd known her longer than I actually had.
Like…
Like—
No.
What the hell is wrong with me?!
"What's wrong~? Hmm~?" she tilted her head playfully.
I abruptly cut the conversation short, catching her off guard.
"This girl is too dangerous," I thought, mentally backing away.
I almost slipped. I nearly exposed myself.
No more chatting with her. Not for now.
As I turned away, Elaris—who'd been quietly watching the whole time—snickered under her breath.
A short, sharp sound that made my ears twitch.
"Tch…"
I shot her a glance, but she just smirked and looked away, clearly enjoying the show.
I turned my eyes to the window instead.
The sun was still high—probably around 2 PM.
Seeing I wasn't in the mood to talk anymore, Arenya backed off.
She quietly pulled out a phone-like gadget and started playing with it, her mood unreadable.
...