Chapter 4: Choosing the Shadow, Crazy Family
After hearing his mother's words—"Now, Lucen, you need to choose your shadow."—the air around him shifted. The flickering lanterns dimmed, and from the darkness, figures began to emerge.
They were cloaked in black, each radiating a quiet power that made Lucen's breath catch. Five figures stood silently before him—five living shadows.
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 crimson eyes glimmered with eerie light as he took in the scene. A single thought echoed in his mind, full of wonder: This world… I really like it.
He took a slow breath, closing his eyes to focus inward. Okay, let me check my new ability. Excitement flickered across his small face. The name's a bit difficult… let's go with 'Origin.'
A soft chime sounded in his mind: "Ding! System ability rename successful. 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 origins.
Ding, ding, ding!
A flood of information burst into his mind—like a stream of crisp CV reports:
Name: Lunaria (slave)Age: 11Specialty: AssassinUnique Ability: Child of Mana (ex)Abilities: Assassin (S), Stealth (S), Stab (B)Strength: AMagic: SAgility: AIntelligence: BLuck: F
Lucen's eyes widened, a shocked thrill racing down his spine. What with this OP setting…? His heartbeat quickened. I need her. For my future… and for both our survival.
With a deliberate gesture, he pointed his small pale finger straight at Lunaria.
For a brief moment, silence fell—then the air around her shimmered, shadows tightening 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. So, Lucen—the devil—had chosen his first shadow, the witch of destruction.
After Lucen chose the shadow Lunaria, 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 Lunaria'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: Lunaria."
Lucen felt a shiver race down his spine. This world… it's a bit cruel, he thought, his crimson 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 warmly, pride shining in her voice. "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 outsiders. Just family.
Malzareth, Lucen's father, watched with an amused glint in his eyes. "So this tiny thing is really brave, huh?" His deep voice echoed through 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, a mix of amusement and disbelief washing over him. Are these my family…? God bless me. Oh right…
He tilted his head slightly, a wry grin spreading.
God did this to me.