In the Early Morning
Knock, knock—the door's steady rap reached my ears. I stirred from sleep as the sound of a door opening echoed in the hall. Groggily, I mumbled, "Who is bothering me?"
A soft, familiar voice answered, "Master, your father is summoning you to training."
Then came another: "Hina, why did you come? Where is Lucien?"
Yawning and scratching my stomach, I muttered, "He left this morning for some personal purpose."
Hina stepped forward, offering water and a towel. "Here, wash your face, Master."
I rose, splashed water on my face, and quickly dressed in my gym clothes. "Leave, I'll be there in minutes to change," I told her before heading out. But as I left, a thought nagged at me: What are you hiding, Lucien? I need to find it… Yet I reminded myself that training must come first.
With a water bottle in hand, I made my way to the training ground for my daily routine. Today, my father seemed even happier than yesterday. Standing in the corner of the weapon storage area at the right side of the training ground, a new scythe had been placed against the wall of the house. The handle was wrapped in black leather embossed with a dragon design, and the silver blade caught the morning sunlight brilliantly.
The reason I choose the scythe among all weapons is simple: it represents death. More flexible in combos than a sword, it covers a wider range and area—ideal for both defense and offense. It might be a little difficult to handle at first, but it is definitely worth the effort.
"Let's get to work—100 push-ups now, Neron," my father commanded in his firm, resonant voice.
I skillfully held my breath for a second, then replied, "Yes, sir," and began my daily hellish routine. My limbs burned with exhaustion; the soreness from yesterday's workout had not yet faded. Every push-up, every repetition made my muscles scream. Yet I preserved my calm, recollecting myself, and pushed through 100 squats even as my legs gave out. Every drill was harshly enforced—any irregularity, any mistake in the count was not tolerated under the relentless regimen of our training. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I completed my second day of training. I sensed my father's pride in me, surpassing even my own.
"You have done well," he said with a calm expression as he granted me permission to leave.
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The Aftermath of Training
After training, I was barely able to move my legs. Hina, ever dutiful, dragged me along the hallway to my room. She struggled more than usual with my weight—a testament to the rigor of today's hellish session.
"Hina, did you see Lucien this morning?" I inquired.
She replied, "He did not tell me, but I saw him heading into the village while you were doing laundry."
I wondered silently, Where did he go, Master? My mind churned with quiet suspicion as I tilted my head to the right.
"You don't need to think so hard," I said with a slight smile. "Just go and learn etiquette from Mira, and don't you dare skip my class at night."
Hina, pouting yet obedient, murmured, "I would never," and left, recalling her promise.
Left alone, I lay on my bed and mused, Where did Lucien go? Are you perhaps wanting to play the game of wit? I decided to check his room. If he hadn't returned yet, there were only two possibilities: either he was hiding something from me or—worse—he might betray the family in the future. I took a deep breath, gathering my strength, and moved toward Lucien's room.
I soon spotted Mira emerging from his room. I hid in a corner for a moment, silently questioning what she was doing there at such an hour. Allowing her to pass, I boldly pushed open the door, calling out, "Lucien, where did you go today?"
Lucien looked up and replied, "I was on a stroll in the village to see if the people were doing well—it was an order from the Master, so I had to go."
He continued with a teasing lilt, "Is that so? Too bad—I think you lost your book that you were reading. I saw it this morning in the trash bin, but Hina already took it out."
"Is that so, young master?" he asked with a small smile on his calm face.
I fixed him with my dead, steady gaze. "Okay then, I just wanted to inform you because you seem very attached to that book," I said.
"Yes, young master, but more importantly, you need to sleep. It's already your bedtime. If your father finds this out, it will be trouble for both of us," Lucien said, his eyes dark and calm as if delivering a veiled threat. "It seems there really is something you are hiding from the family. I will be sure to find out. You wait in my thoughts," he added before I left.
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The Next Morning
The next day, once again, Hina entered my room. "Master," she said gently.
"Yes, Hina. I am prepared for another day of hellish training," I replied.
"Did you do what I asked you, Hina?" she inquired.
"Yep, I did—and it was exactly as you said, Master," she answered, a note of pride in her small voice.
"I see. Then I will keep my promise. You don't need to worry about that. I'm off to training," I announced.
My body, though still sore, was showing signs of improvement—my stamina and flexibility had slightly increased. Today's training was structured with the same strict regimen as before. Somehow, I felt less exhausted this time; I was beginning to adapt to the grueling exercises. As a result, my training ended an hour earlier than usual. My father appeared prouder than ever.
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Edric Velmore's POV (Neron's Father)
First Day of Training:
I was proud to see my son—who had been immersed in books from the age of one to five—now showing interest in the physical arts. My excitement, built up over years, overflowed as I gave him a routine far beyond the normal regimen. Though he struggled, his determination never wavered. One concern, however, still troubled me: he insists on wielding the scythe. Most boys his age admire swords and do not see the potential in other weapons. Yet, from birth, he has been unique, and I am convinced he has the potential to be a great warrior.
Second Day of Training:
Today, I presented him with a finely made scythe. I did not say much as I handed it over, but his expression told me everything I needed to hear. As we began our routine, he adapted more quickly—the mistakes and irregularities of yesterday were not repeated. He possesses both the intellect and the physical strength necessary to execute his training with a calm mind in even the harshest scenarios. Yet, I sensed something in his eyes—a question about Lucien that lingered after our session. After answering his query, he left with a smile.
Third Day of Training:
Today, despite the brutal session that would have made most quit, my young master burned with an uncommon fire. Even at his age, he shows more courage than many adults. Today's session went the smoothest of all the past days. I observed that he had gained a little muscle. If he maintains this routine for a month, I will begin to teach him the advanced scythe techniques I know. Still, I wonder silently, Where has Lucien gone?
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Lucien's POV
Sitting in my room during the rain, with the storm rumbling outside, I reflected on recent events. It seems the young master has begun to catch the scent of my plans. He now challenges me with his dead, piercing eye. He overestimates himself—he thinks he can defeat the one who taught him the game of wit.
But what concerns me most is the clue he inadvertently gave regarding his missing book. Is it on purpose—a trap? Or is he naive enough to believe it bears no connection to the deeper mysteries? I know well that I am hiding something in that seemingly normal book. It is written in an ancient demonic language long forgotten. Only when I decipher the title do I get a chill down my spine. This book contains the art of an emperor—a knowledge meant for one person only in this world: the Devil Emperor.
(A flash of lightning struck behind the window as I murmured that name, emphasizing the gravity of the lore.)
It may represent only one of his arts, yet it holds incredible strength and knowledge that no ordinary human should possess. Should the young master obtain this book, I fear he might decipher its secrets within ten or twenty days. But then, knowing what ought to be forgotten, his very essence—his "vassal of life"—might perish like thin air.
This is why I hide it from everyone in the house. I have already instructed Mira to keep a close watch on the young master. Even with her connections, I have not found anyone capable of deciphering it. I ventured into the village to search, but what did I expect from such a small place?
I must act quickly—even if it is a trap. I can't afford to lose the book. It is far too dangerous if it falls into the wrong hands. Now, with Hina having taken out the trash, I must follow the trail where all the village trash goes to locate it.
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In the Village
The village was ordinary—brick houses standing under the watchful care of Baron Edric Velmore. Everyone seemed content, living a peaceful life despite any outer dangers.
I managed to find the book. It was almost impossible, searching through heaps of refuse in such a vast area, and it took me the whole night to find it. I returned with the book, arriving just before morning. If I delay another day, the young master will grow even more suspicious. Damn, he played me this time—but I can still hide the book before returning home. To ensure its safety, I decided to bury it somewhere in the village.
I went to the corner of a blue house; to its left stood a uniquely shaped tree that the villagers had nurtured together. From that landmark, I could see an old blind man's house. I had visited him before, and I planned to hide the book there—in his yard—where I could also cleanse myself from this nerve-wracking ordeal.
Now, there is no way the young master will know. You never venture out of your room, young master. You might have known some things, but you always lose your grip when you try to get your hands on them. This, I assure myself, is my win.
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Neron's POV
Later that night, as I lay lazily on my bed with the chaos of the day fading into darkness, a faint, mysterious smile formed on my face. In the quiet, I whispered into the silence, "Are you sure of your thoughts, Lucien?"
A question that hung in the air, mingling with my dreams and the storm outside, hinting at secrets and challenges yet to come.
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End of the chapter 4