Celtis walked away at an unhurried pace, brushing past Trey's shoulder as he leaned in close enough for his breath to be felt.
"The poison tasted wonderful, you know," he whispered softly. "Maybe you should try it yourself."
Trey stiffened. His eyes widened, and fear crept unmistakably into his expression as Celtis continued forward without another glance.
He's afraid… but killing him now won't feel nice enough…
Celtis passed behind a tree. There was a brief, wet sound, like flesh tearing, and he vanished in a small burst of blood.
I already told Lira I would gain new skin... hmmm... where could I find a nice pair of clothes?
The world shifted.
Celtis appeared beside a bed in a large, elegant room draped in silk curtains and faint candlelight. The air smelled faintly of medicine and old incense. A young boy lay atop the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling as though counting the cracks.
The boy turned his head when Celtis appeared out of thin air.
"Who are—"
He broke into a violent coughing fit before he could finish. Dark blood spilled past his lips, splattering onto the sheets.
Celtis watched calmly.
"Don't talk, young one," he said gently. "You're sick, aren't you?"
The boy nodded weakly.
He isn't even afraid of me... an intruder who teleported into his home...
Having the skills of a doctor was nice while it lasted, but it's time to begin a new phase.
This boy... his name is Edric Curteis... he's the son of William Curteis and the brother of Oriel.
There is no better option for taking over a body because...
Celtis spoke again.
"You won't have much life left," he said evenly. "But Edric… there is a way for your name to keep living. You can be replaced, and then cured. I can live out your life exactly as you would want it to be lived. I'll pursue my own goals as well, but your existence won't simply disappear."
Edric lifted his arm with effort. Dark veins, nearly black, pulsed beneath his pale skin.
"It hurts," he murmured. "It always hurts. Will the pain go away?"
Celtis stepped closer and rested a hand on Edric's shoulder.
"I hope so."
Edric glanced at the hand, then slowly closed his eyes.
"How much time do I have left?"
"Maybe a month. Maybe a week. Maybe a year. Maybe even just a day. You're only alive because of your will to live. It's slow and painful. The question isn't when whatever's wrong with you will kill you. It's when you decide you've had enough before it does."
Edric swallowed.
"B-but if I agree… what happens?"
"You can live," Celtis replied. "I guarantee you will live in name."
"In name?"
Edric coughed again, his breathing strained from speaking.
"Yes. In name alone. I will carry your thoughts and wishes with me. They won't guide me, but they won't be forgotten. I am a skin walker. I take your life and play the role of you."
Edric hesitated, then asked quietly,
"Then… can you make my life a great one?"
Celtis flinched.
"Ha," he laughed shortly. "Yes, boy. That I can do. Your life will be a great one."
Edric smiled, wide and unguarded, and gave a small nod.
His body began to soften and then melt.
Flesh flowed like wax, rising toward Celtis and wrapping around him. Skin layered itself over skin, merging seamlessly. Celtis's form shrank, bones shifting and compressing. His face reshaped itself, hair turning golden, eyes lightening into a pale green.
Celtis became Edric.
Memories surged in, overwhelming and vivid, as Celtis's own receded.
Edric had died, yet had been reborn.
The nameless man carried Edric's grief, his hopes, and his face.
Who am I?
He clutched his cheeks.
Who am I?
The black veins vanished from his arm.
Who am I?
He lifted his head and laughed softly.
I am Edric Curteis. I am twelve years old. For the past year, I could not leave my bed. Because my condition worsened, and I was sick.
Edric looked down at himself. He was standing upright.
"I'm free! I can walk!"
His voice rang through the room.
He then walked over to a nearby ceramic pot and smashed the side of his face against it. The crack echoed sharply.
They should be coming any moment now.
Two maids rushed in.
They froze when they saw him.
"Young Master! You're standing!"
"Your arms— they're fine!"
"But why are you bleeding?"
One maid hurried forward with a cloth, dabbing at his face.
"T-thank you," Edric said. His voice was steady. No coughing followed.
"Go get Master Curteis!" the maid ordered. The other ran off.
Edric flinched as the cloth brushed above his right eye.
"Oh dear… you hit yourself hard. There's a deep wound here."
"It's fine."
He pushed her hand away, then winced, clutching his head.
"Are you alright?"
Anger flashed across his eyes.
This boy… I… I have been wronged.
The memories poured in.
I was poisoned. By a large, wealthy family… It was their heir.
It was a large rich family... One of the competitors to be there heir poisoned me...
Why…?
I was meant to marry a noble girl… and he poisoned me to stop it.
But if I knew… why didn't I say anything?
I was threatened.
He moved to the desk, opening a drawer and revealing a hidden compartment. A letter lay inside.
Holding the letter, he opened the envelope and looked through its contents.
"Don't say a word, or your father dies."
That's it? It looks childish… Why was I so afraid?
Why didn't I show this to my father...?
Edric racked his brain.
My mother was killed too… by Rhysek Aurethien. Because I didn't keep my mouth shut.
But I thought my family was powerful?
No… my father is gathering power. That's why he wants Trey on his side.
What can I do then?
What magic type do I possess?
Edric raised his palm. A faint spark of blue lightning danced between his fingers.
I've used this before… in this body and others. My magic type is electricity.
Just then, the door burst open and a middle-aged man barged in. It was William Curteis, Edric's father.
William stared at his son in shock, tears streaming down his face.
"I'm okay, Father."
Edric forced a smile as he was pulled into an embrace. He hugged back without hesitation.
"I'm sorry son... I'll make sure this never happens again," William said hoarsely.
I will too. I will make sure every goddamn threat to our family will pay.
They walked out together. Edric's feet touched the manor floor for the first time in years. Servants stared in disbelief as he passed.
I have been born anew once more.
The wonder of a new life never fades… but this child's emotions… they're overwhelming.
Edric tried to suppress his smile. It stayed firm.
***
Trey exited his guest room, drawn by the commotion echoing through the halls. Servants hurried past.
He met Oriel on the stairs.
"Why is everyone gathering downstairs?"
Oriel smiled.
"My brother… he's been cured."
"Really?"
Trey looked toward the crowd.
It must be a coincidence that this occurred right after I arrived, right? If I recall, the heir to the Curteis family had an incurable illness. I also heard rumors that he was poisoned.
The world doesn't revolve around me… but still…
There's no reason to fear anything at this point... I should meet my future brother in law.
"Did you see him already?"
"N-no… I was waiting for things to calm down…"
"It's because now that he's awake, your family will have to deal with a lot more headaches, am I right?"
"N-No! I care for my little brother! Of course I'm happy for his recovery... it's just that..."
"Don't worry too much about it. I doubt your father is oblivious to the matter at hand, but for now, you should go cheer on your brother. His life was at a standstill a day ago, was it not? Only celebration will be tolerated at this current point in time!"
Oriel nodded and forced on a cheery expression.
Trey continued forward side by side with Oriel until he saw everyone crowding around a young boy. They all seemed relieved.
They all seem happy... I don't remember much about affairs regarding nobles in this area, but I doubt most servants would care this much if the subject wasn't respectable.
Then the boy's eyes met Trey's.
His smile faltered for just a moment.
Trey witnessed the break in face as he stood there.
His gaze darkened as it fell to the wound above Edric's right eye. Fresh blood lingered.
And beneath it… the faint outline of a familiar scar.