Viktor was ten the first time the System spoke to him.It happened during a nighttime training session. The forest was still, the kind of quiet that made every breath sound loud. He had just finished a sprint through the trees, stopping near a fallen log to catch his breath—not because he was tired, but because he still had to pretend to be human.He threw a punch at the air.Then another.Then—DING.
A soft, metallic chime echoed inside his mind, making him freeze.System Online.
User Age: 10 years.
Core Functions Unlocked: Status | Skills | Traits | Quests
Would you like a summary?Viktor nearly choked on his own breath.Finally. He forced his breathing slow—in case anyone was nearby—then nodded slightly.Yes.A warm pulse went through him.
STATUS NAME : Viktor Mikaelson
Age: 10
Species: Human (Enhanced)
Traits:Perfect PhysiologySiphoner Adaptive Growth: Training progress increased x3.Stats:
Strength: 32 (average adult man baseline 50)
Speed: 28 (average adult man baseline 40)
Endurance: 41 (average adult man baseline 50)
Magic: 2 (average adult witch baseline 300 p.s he hasn't trained in magic)
Perception: 15 (average adult man baseline 20)
Charm: 10 (average adult man baseline 20)Notes: You are currently stronger, faster, and more durable than any kid in the world Viktor grinned before he could help it. This is going to work. This is actually going to work.But the smile faded as quickly as it came.
A new quest appeared.QUEST — The First TragedyPrevent or delay the death of Hendrick Mikaelson.
Reward: Stat Boost + Skill Unlock
Failure: Irreversible Timeline ImpactViktor's stomach dropped.He knew this moment would come, but seeing it in writing… it felt heavier. More real. Hendrick's death was the catalyst that pushed Esther to create vampires. It started everything—the immortality, the powers, the curses… and the suffering.Saving Hendrick could save all of them.But it could also break the story.And the System didn't say how to do it.
"Viktor?"He jumped and spun around.Niklaus stood a few feet away, rubbing sleep from his eyes, hair messy, feet bare."Why are you out here?" Klaus asked, frowning in confusion. "It's the middle of the night."Viktor swallowed, trying to calm the adrenaline pounding in his chest. "I… couldn't sleep."Klaus stepped closer, studying him. "You're breathing too fast."Viktor froze.Klaus wasn't dumb—not as a kid, not ever. He watched people too closely, felt emotions too deeply. He always noticed when someone was scared or hurt.
"I'm fine," Viktor said. "Just training.""At night?" Klaus raised an eyebrow. "Father says only cowards hide their training.""And yet," Viktor said dryly, "I don't see you swinging a sword right now."Klaus scoffed, but a small smile tugged at his mouth. "That's different.""It always is," Viktor shot back.Klaus's expression softened a little—something like understanding flickering in his eyes."…Can I train with you?"That made Viktor pause.Training with Klaus meant exposure. Risk. Klaus was already good at reading people—too good. If Viktor let loose too much strength, even once, Klaus might question why.
But Klaus was also a boy who grew up desperate for someone to choose him.And Viktor couldn't forget the future man he'd become—fearful, paranoid, violent—because no one ever made him feel safe.Viktor exhaled slowly."Fine," he said. "But you have to keep up."Klaus brightened instantly. "I can keep up with anyone."He couldn't.But he tried.
Viktor slowed his movements just enough, correcting Klaus's stance, teaching him how to balance his weight, how to pivot without falling face-first into the dirt. Klaus listened closely—eyes focused, jaw set, determination burning through every clumsy step."You're good at this," Klaus panted."You're loud," Viktor said. "Quiet your feet."Klaus huffed. "Why are you so serious all the time?""Someone has to be," Viktor muttered.Klaus laughed. Actually laughed. It echoed through the trees, bright and warm—so different from the man he would one day become."Viktor," Klaus said suddenly, catching his breath. "When I grow up, I want to be like you."Viktor froze."You're brave," Klaus continued. "You're strong. You're not scared of Father. And you don't let Kol bother you. I… I wish I could be like that.
"Viktor felt something tighten in his chest. Guilt? Or maybe something sadder—like regret for things that hadn't happened yet.Before he could reply, Klaus nudged him lightly with an elbow."But don't worry. I'll catch up to you someday."Viktor almost smiled. "I hope you do."They trained until the moon dipped behind the trees and the first hints of dawn colored the sky. Then they sneaked back into the village, brushing dirt off their clothes and pretending their night had been normal.But Viktor couldn't stop thinking about the quest.Hendrick's death was coming.
The turning was coming.
The entire future was coming.And Viktor needed to be ready.