Chapter 2: Chapter 2: The Tower of Despair
Valen—no, Ren—stood frozen before the mirror, his mind racing to make sense of the impossible. His heartbeat, or whatever remained of it, had slowed to a chilling rhythm. This body, these powers... everything was just as he had designed for his in-game character. But now, he was living it.
His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of heavy footsteps approaching. The grand door to his chamber creaked open, revealing a figure draped in elegant black robes. A woman, with sharp, calculating eyes and raven-black hair tied in a severe bun, stepped forward.
"Brother," she spoke, her voice calm yet commanding. "You're finally awake."
Ren—now Valen—turned to face her, unable to fully mask his confusion. It was his sister, Lilith, a figure he had created in the game as the head of the family. She was the only other surviving member of their vampire bloodline, a powerful figure who managed the family affairs while Valen remained secluded in his tower.
"You've been unconscious for days," she continued, her tone cold as always. "The family's matters are still under control, but you've been... absent from your duties."
Ren clenched his fists, trying to stay composed. His Nobility skill made it impossible for him to show emotion. It was a curse in moments like this, where panic and fear should have been etched on his face. Instead, his expression remained distant, unreadable.
"I'm fine," he replied, his voice flat, devoid of emotion. He wanted to scream, to ask questions, but all that came out was a monotone response.
Lilith raised an eyebrow. "Fine? You've never been one for words, brother, but this... lack of concern is troubling. The empire is watching us. As Duke, you have responsibilities."
Valen nodded mechanically, his mind still racing. He couldn't tell her the truth—not that he even understood it himself. He wasn't her real brother; he wasn't Valen at all. He was Ren, a man from another world, trapped in the body of this cruel character.
"Of course," he managed to say. "I will attend to my duties."
Lilith studied him for a long moment before sighing. "You're weak, Valen," she said, her words laced with frustration. "Everyone believes you're powerful, but I know the truth. Your power is more illusion than reality. You need to focus, or our enemies will exploit your weakness."
Ren felt a chill run through him. Even in this world, in this body, Valen was still weak. No matter how others perceived him, the truth remained: he was vulnerable, surrounded by enemies and false allies alike.
"I understand," he replied, his voice still calm, still emotionless.
Lilith gave a curt nod. "Good. Don't forget, the tower is yours, but it's more than just a property. It's a symbol of your authority. Fail to manage it, and everything you've built will crumble."
She turned to leave, her long robes sweeping behind her. Just before she exited, she glanced back. "And brother," she added, her voice softer, almost gentle, "try not to get yourself killed again."
Ren stood in silence long after she left, his mind reeling from the conversation. Everything around him was real—too real. The game mechanics he once manipulated now felt like laws binding his very existence. He couldn't express fear, couldn't show weakness, yet he was acutely aware of how fragile his position was.
"I have to figure this out," he muttered to himself. "I have to survive this world... my world now."
He stared at the grand halls of his tower, a place that should have been his sanctuary but now felt like a prison.
This was just the beginning.
Weekly Power Status
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