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.
Weekly Power Status
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