Lucien Vale didn't celebrate his reincarnation.
He didn't scream in joy, or laugh like a madman, or test himself in front of servants.
He sat quietly in his room—legs crossed on the bed, eyes half-closed—sorting through memories that weren't his.
This body's memories were shallow.
Arrogant.
Impulsive.
Angry.
A noble who believed the world owed him respect.
No wonder you died, Lucien thought coldly.
And yet—
That rage had created an opening.
A void.
Something that shouldn't exist.
SYSTEM ACTIVATION
The familiar chime echoed again.
" Bonding System Detected "
" Unique Authority Granted "
A new window unfolded, darker than the status panel—its borders etched with faint runes.
BONDING SYSTEM — CORE INTERFACE
System Name: EIDOLON BOND
Authority Level: Hidden
User: Lucien Vale
"Bonding…?"
The text shifted.
SYSTEM EXPLANATION
Bonding is not ownership.
Bonding is resonance.
Bonding is trust acknowledged by the world.
Lucien's eyes narrowed.
"Go on."
BONDING RULES (ABSOLUTE)
Bond Initiation Requirement
Physical contact (touch) is required
No consent needed at initiation
Emotional trust determines bond depth
Bond Stages
Initial Bond
Awakening Bond
Master Bond
Bond Effects
INITIAL BOND
(Occurs upon physical contact)
Records target's:
Talent
Physique
Affinity
Bloodline
No replication yet
No visible effects
"So it's just observation at first…"
AWAKENING BOND
(Triggers when both awaken at age 16)
At the moment of awakening:
Target's:
Talent
Physique
Affinity
Bloodline
Are multiplied and replicated to the user.
Multiplication Rule:
Replicated power is internally multiplied and expressed as higher Rank manifestation
The system clarified further:
Example:
Target Talent — B Rank
User Replication — A or S Rank (depending on compatibility)
Lucien's breath slowed.
"…That's insane."
User gains:
A Fighting Style born from the bonded individual's nature
Perfect compatibility with replicated powers
No backlash from rank evolution
"A fighting style…"
Lucien smiled faintly.
"So power isn't just copied. It's… refined."
LIMITATIONS
Lucien cannot bond infinitely
Each bond strains his existence
If trust breaks:
Replicated powers weaken
Fighting style destabilizes
"Power borrowed without trust will rot."
FUTURE KNOWLEDGE MEETS SYSTEM
Lucien leaned back.
In the original novel… bonding abilities didn't exist.
Heroes trained. Villains died. Bloodlines ruled everything.
This system?
It was not part of the story.
Which meant—
The gods didn't plan this.
That alone made it terrifying.
SYSTEM PROMPT
" Bond Slots Available: 1 "
" Current Bonds: None "
" Recommendation: Establish bonds before awakening "
Lucien stared at the glowing text.
"…Before the academy."
Before Chapter 30.
Before awakenings.
Before fate locked in.
Lucien stood and walked toward the window again.
The Duke's estate stretched endlessly below—servants, guards, family members who barely noticed him.
"If I wait until the academy… it's already too late."
He clenched his hand.
"I'll bond early."
"I'll bond carefully."
"And when awakening comes…"
His eyes gleamed.
"I won't just awaken."
"I'll explode."