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17.64% Reborn as the Mid Boss / Chapter 3: Chapter 3: The Weight of Nobility

Chapter 3: Chapter 3: The Weight of Nobility

Ren—no, Valen—paced slowly through the halls of his tower, the echo of his footsteps mingling with the soft crackling of distant fires and the muffled conversations of servants. The grand stone structure, once a mere set-piece in a game he used to play, now felt far more ominous, alive in its own way. Each step sent a jolt through his body, a reminder that this was no longer a fantasy.

The familiar weight of the Nobility skill weighed heavily on him, more so than before. It was as if an invisible hand gripped his chest, suppressing every ounce of humanity, forcing him to maintain an icy façade. Valen had always been portrayed as indifferent, unfeeling, and now Ren understood why—this cursed skill allowed no emotion, no passion, no outbursts.

He entered the grand hall, where a group of figures awaited him. His disciples. Though he had treated them as tools in the game, seeing them now, as real individuals, made him hesitate. They all knelt in perfect form, heads bowed, awaiting orders from their Duke.

One of them, a tall man with silver hair and eyes like ice, stepped forward and spoke first. His name was Lucian, Valen's first disciple, and one of the most loyal—at least, that's how it seemed in the game. "My Lord, we've received reports from the northern provinces. The Serathin Empire is moving its forces along the border. It seems they are preparing for something... an invasion, perhaps?"

Valen stared at Lucian, his face betraying none of the panic he felt. The Serathin Empire was one of the stronger nations in the game's world, often challenging the borders of Valen's territory. In the game, it was easy to maneuver troops, to strategize without worry, but here? This was real.

"What are the empire's numbers?" Valen asked in his steady, emotionless tone.

"Reports suggest their forces number in the tens of thousands, including their mana cavalry and warlocks," Lucian responded, still kneeling.

Valen clenched his jaw. Tens of thousands. In the game, this might have been an exciting challenge, but now, as he felt the vulnerability of his position, the reality set in. His character had always been underpowered, relying on trickery and manipulation to survive. Without the players' hands guiding him, he was truly weak.

And yet... they all believed he was strong.

"I see," Valen said after a long pause. "We will not act rashly. Send spies to gather more information on their movements, but do not engage. Let them make the first move. We will respond when the time is right."

"Yes, my Lord," Lucian replied, bowing his head further. His loyalty seemed genuine, though Ren couldn't shake the memory of Lucian betraying him in the game, turning against him for a better reward.

Another disciple, Mira, a woman with raven hair and piercing green eyes, stepped forward next. "Master, the academy has sent an invitation for you to attend their annual summit. They wish for you to speak on the growing tensions between empires and the balance of mana use."

Valen's gaze flickered to her. Mira, too, had betrayed him in the game. She had played the part of the dutiful disciple, but at the first sign of advantage, she had turned on him, delivering a final blow in one of his previous defeats. He couldn't trust her. He couldn't trust any of them.

"The academy's matters are of little concern to me," Valen said coldly, his expression never changing. "Tell them I will consider it, but do not confirm anything. My priorities lie elsewhere."

"Of course, my Lord," Mira said, her head lowering, though there was a flicker of something in her eyes. Perhaps irritation, or suspicion. Ren couldn't tell. He couldn't afford to let any of them see through him.

The council of disciples dispersed shortly after, leaving Valen alone in the great hall. He let out a breath he didn't realize he had been holding. This world, this life—it was more complicated than any game. He couldn't rely on pre-determined storylines or scripted events. Everything was a gamble, and everyone around him had their own motives.

---


Chapter 4: Chapter 4: Shadows of Betrayal

Later that evening, Valen sat in his private study, a place filled with ancient tomes and relics from forgotten times. He rested his head in his hands, the weight of his situation pressing down on him. His sister, his disciples, the empire—they all saw him as this powerful figure, but it was all an illusion. The real Valen had always been weak, a mid-boss meant to die over and over again.

Now, he was truly living that reality.

His thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock at the door. He straightened, immediately slipping back into his composed demeanor. "Enter."

The door creaked open, and to his surprise, Lilith stepped inside, her sharp gaze locked on him.

"I see you're busy," she said, though there was no warmth in her words. She never bothered with pleasantries. "I came to discuss the matter of your... disciples."

Valen remained silent, waiting for her to continue. The Nobility skill kept his face calm, despite the growing tension in his chest.

"You must be careful, Valen," she said, her tone dropping to something more serious. "They are not as loyal as you might think. Even now, they are planning... scheming."

Valen's eyes narrowed slightly. His sister knew of the betrayals, even though he hadn't said a word. She was always perceptive, but hearing her speak about it so openly felt... different. It was as if she was confirming his fears.

"I'm aware," Valen replied, his voice still void of any emotion. "I've always known they cannot be trusted."

Lilith stepped closer, her figure casting a long shadow over the room. "Then why keep them around? Why not rid yourself of them now, before they can act against you?"

Valen paused. The answer was simple—he needed them. Even if they would eventually betray him, their usefulness in the short term outweighed the risk. His own power, without them, was fragile.

"They have their uses," he said finally. "And I would prefer to know where my enemies are, rather than have them hidden."

Lilith studied him for a moment longer before nodding slowly. "Perhaps you've grown wiser. But remember, Valen... even the strongest façade can crack."

With that, she turned and left, the door closing softly behind her.

Valen sat in the silence of his study, his mind churning with thoughts. The betrayals were inevitable—he knew that. His disciples, the empire, even his sister... all of them had their own agendas. He couldn't afford to trust anyone.

But he was no longer just Valen, the mid-boss destined to die over and over. He was Ren, and he had something no one else did: the knowledge of this world's rules, its systems, and its hidden truths.

"I will survive," he whispered to himself. "This time, I will rewrite my fate."

The weight of nobility, the power of his blood, and the cold indifference that was forced upon him would all become his tools. This world thought it knew him, but it had no idea who it was truly dealing with now.

Ren—no, Valen—was just getting started.


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