Neron - Morning of Departure
A soft voice tugged at the edge of my sleep.
"Master... wake up... It's almost time."
Her whisper was barely more than a breeze against my skin, but it was enough to pull me from the depths of the rarest kind of sleep—the kind that comes only after years of exhaustion.
Then came the real wake-up call:
"WAKE UUUP, MASTER!!"
I opened one reluctant eye. "I'm awake, Hina. You can stop yelling now."
"Hmph. Then hurry up and get ready!" she said, puffing her cheeks. "I'll be waiting at the main gate—with your scythe, of course."
She left before I could reply, the sound of her light steps fading down the hall. Slowly, I rolled off the bed, washed my face, and donned my casual black tunic, clasped with a silver belt. My eyes caught their reflection in the mirror. They looked... quieter today. As if something within them knew a chapter was closing.
When I stepped out into the sunlight, she was already there—standing at the gate with the poise of a warrior and the grace of a noble lady. Dressed in a flowing white outfit that looked more ceremonial than practical, Hina looked almost... divine. Her kusarigama coiled neatly at her hip. In her right hand, she held my scythe like a knight would carry their king's banner.
Beside her stood Lucien, sharp and composed as ever, and Father—tall, silent, unreadable. Oswin, the ever-loyal butler, stood by his side, gloves pristine, back straight, but eyes... misty.
Then came the sound of approaching wheels—a dark brown carriage, embroidered in the colors of the Royal Family.
The man who stepped out was tall and composed, with a long coat stitched in golden threads. Watson, the caretaker of the Genesis project.
"Mr. Eldric Valmore, Lord Lucien, and Master Oswin," he bowed deeply. "It is an honor."
But before they could respond, I stepped forward.
"Watson," I said with a calm that made everyone still. "Did you bring what I asked for?"
His grin widened. "Of course. The Genesis are a top priority of the Royal Family. Your request was accepted without hesitation."
Then, he turned to my family. "By the decree of His Majesty, King Alden Vermillion, the House of Valmore is hereby promoted from Baron to Count. This elevation is granted on the recommendation of the Genesis Council and is sealed under royal authority."
The silence was absolute.
"What...?" Father's voice cracked.
Lucien looked stunned. Oswin blinked twice, breaking form. Hina turned to me with disbelief painted across her eyes.
No, I hadn't told them. Because it wasn't a reward—it was leverage.
---
Flashback - Three Years Ago
"Genesis?" I had asked, sitting across from Watson after the chess tournament.
"Yes. You're qualified, and the Royal Family is interested in your talent."
"Then wait," I said. "Three years."
He had blinked. "Three—?"
"If you can wait... I'll give you not one, but two Genesis."
He understood instantly. Me and Hina.
"And the price?" he asked.
I stood. "Bring everything you can. Rank, influence, resources. After three years, exactly. Nothing comes for free."
---
Hina - First Arrival in Atlas
"Wake up, Hina," a warm voice said gently, brushing the strands of white hair from my face.
My eyes fluttered open. The world was blurry for a moment—but then I saw him.
Master. Smiling down at me. My head was resting on his lap. My cheeks turned crimson.
"M-Master?!" I sat up in a flustered panic.
I had fallen asleep again...
He chuckled softly, unfazed. "We've arrived in Atlas."
I swung open the carriage door. Before me stretched a vast city—buildings of white stone and sapphire glass lined the streets. The air was thick with the scent of spice, steel, and steam. Workers shouted in the distance, carts rolled by, and... my stomach growled.
"Let's get something to eat."
"I'm fine, master—!"
Grrrrrrr.
"Yeah, sure."
---
Inside a bustling restaurant, the table groaned under eight plates of beefsteak.
"One for me," I grinned. "Seven for Hina."
"I-I didn't say seven...!" she stammered as she chewed her third bite.
Watson sipped his tea. "The Genesis house is ten minutes from here. We can go after the meal."
"Master," I leaned forward, "can we explore the city a bit after? Pretty please?"
"Only after we've reached the house," he replied flatly.
"Aww... fine."
---
Arrival at the Genesis Residence
We followed Watson down a quiet path, away from the stone-paved city into a forest grove, surprisingly lush and serene.
Eventually, a large house came into view. Not as grand as a palace—but dignified. Strong. Purposeful.
Inside, we saw green leather couches and a large glass window. Two girls sparred near the garden. And on the couch sat three people.
Watson clapped once—loudly.
"Attention everyone. I'd like to introduce two new members of Genesis—Neron Valmore, and..."
He paused. "My apologies, Miss Hina. What is your surname?"
"I... I don't—"
"Valmore," Neron said.
My breath caught.
His voice was calm. Decisive. As if it had always been true. Something in my chest tightened, then bloomed.
"Hina Valmore," I whispered. "I like it..."
---
Neron - Within the House of Genesis
The silence cracked like glass.
"Then I'll take my leave," Watson said, and exited through the grand doors.
Hina turned, bouncing slightly. "My name is Hina Valmore! I know introductions aren't required, but I wanted to say it myself!"
From the side, a voice called out: "Hina. Bring a cup of coffee to my room after you're done."
"Huh?" she turned.
A hand gripped my shoulder lightly. I turned.
Luna.
Long blonde hair flowed down her back like night silk. Her golden eyes were calm yet sharp, framed by a violet combat robe tailored for speed. Slender and serene, but with an aura that whispered danger.
"That's right. But don't think you're the only one who knows us. Allow me to introduce the rest."
She gestured toward the group.
"That's Kelvin," she said, motioning to the young man with short silver hair and narrowed red eyes. He wore a military-cut uniform, and had a blade strapped tightly to his back. Calculating and composed—like a knight in an eternal chess match.
"To his right—Laura."
Fiery crimson hair, deep red eyes. Her muscular frame betrayed her immense strength, and she moved like a tiger coiled to pounce. She wore a sleeveless battle jacket and fingerless gloves—scars barely hidden beneath.
"To his left—Arthur."
A massive figure. Brown hair tied into a loose knot, amber eyes that glowed like a lion's. His arms, thick with veins, told the story of a hundred victories. Quiet and loyal.
"And finally—Rean."
He almost blended into the shadows. His black hair and silver eyes made her look ethereal. His presence was so faint, for a moment I wasn't sure he was real. A specialist in stealth, clearly.
"And the one not present is Emily," Luna added. "Scholar of ancient history and language. She's in her room, likely buried in books."
I looked at them, unfazed.
"I know."
They blinked.
I continued calmly, "Kelvin. Swordplay and tactics. Laura—flexibility and brute strength. Arthur—tournament veteran. Rean—presence concealment specialist. Emily—language prodigy."
Their faces froze.
I walked past them without pause, up the stairs.
"Room 8, right?"
---
Luna - What Just Happened?
"He... he knew all of us?" Laura muttered, baffled.
"How the hell...?" Arthur scratched his head.
As they tried to process, a soft voice cut through the haze.
"Excuse me, do you know where the kitchen is?"
We turned.
It was the elf girl. Long white hair with a moonlit shimmer, and clear ocean-blue eyes. Graceful like wind on silk.
"Oh—uh, it's down the left hall," Luna answered. "Why do you ask?"
"To make coffee for my master," she replied sweetly.
"...Master?" we all repeated, stunned.
She smiled.
"Yes. My master—Neron Valmore."
She skipped off, humming.
Silence.
"...What the hell is going on in this world?" I whispered.
---
End of the Chapter 10