I woke with a pounding headache, my body small and frail, like it belonged to someone else. My mind was a whirlwind, clinging to the memory of a knife buried in my back by someone I trusted. I should be dead, but here I was, alive, in Gravemarch—a place promised by an enigmatic voice with glowing green eyes. My hatred kept me whole, a flame that refused to die.
— Young master, you're awake! — An older woman with gray hair tied back and brown eyes brimming with worry hurried to my side. Her calloused hands hesitated, as if I might lash out. — Ten days in a coma… we feared we'd lost you.
— Who are you? — My voice came out high-pitched, childish, and I hated every syllable. A kid? I wasn't a kid. — Stop calling me that.
— I'm Lirien, your personal maid, young master Riveny. — She forced a smile, but her eyes trembled. — I've cared for you since you were born.
— I don't remember you. — My words were sharp, cutting. I didn't remember anything except the betrayal still burning in my chest. — Get out.
Lirien stepped back, but other faces appeared. A tall man with graying hair and blue eyes that dissected me. A woman with dark blue hair and green eyes like mine, her tenderness grating on my nerves. A muscular boy, trying to look friendly. A cold girl, staring at me like I was a dangerous puzzle. They spoke of a "fall down the stairs," "lost memory," "family." The word made my fists clench.
— Riveny, my son — said the woman, Elira, reaching out. I jerked back, nearly falling off the bed.
— Don't touch me. — My voice came out like a growl, still high-pitched. — You're not my family.
The man, Alaric, looked at Elira, his face stern. — I'm your father, Lord Alaric Valthorne. This is your mother, Lady Elira. Your siblings, Kael and Syra. You hit your head. The doctors said there'd be confusion.
— Confusion? — I laughed, the sound sharp and biting. — I didn't fall down any stairs. You think I'm an idiot?
Kael stepped forward, smiling like we were buddies. — Easy, Riveny. We're your siblings. We'll help you.
— I don't want your help. — I glared at him, and he faltered, his smile wavering. Syra raised an eyebrow, a half-smile on her face, like she found my anger amusing.
— Give him space — Syra said, her voice cool but with a glint of curiosity. — He's not one to back down.
— I don't need anything from you. — I stood, my legs shaky, the small body betraying me. I wanted to run, but this world was a cage, and I didn't know the rules.
My rage erupted, and a screen flashed in my mind: Aspirant - Level 1. Dark Heir. Initial Mission: Demonstrate basic combat skill. Reward: 50 EXP. Penalty for failure: Loss of status.
— What's this? — I muttered. Syra narrowed her eyes, like she knew something.
— The system — Alaric said, his voice calm but heavy. — It guides everyone in Gravemarch. It's rare for you to see it so young.
— System? — My laugh was bitter. — A thing in my head giving orders? Who's in charge?
— No one — Alaric replied, but his eyes flicked away for a moment. He was hiding something. — The system is Gravemarch's law. Complete the mission, and you'll understand.
— I'm not anyone's dog. — The screen blinked: Complete the mission or face consequences. The word "consequences" made my teeth grind. I wasn't giving in.
Kael grabbed a training sword and handed it to me, his smile returning like he was saving me. — Just hit the dummy. I'll show you how.
He swung the sword in a slow arc, his body moving with confidence, every muscle aligned in a precise strike. Then he sped up, executing a quick sequence: a diagonal slash, a spin, a direct thrust that made the training dummy sway. His eyes gleamed, like he was showing off. — See? Easy. Your turn.
My mind absorbed every move, every angle, like I'd trained for years. I took the sword, its weight awkward in my small body, and moved. My arm shot forward, mimicking Kael's diagonal slash but faster, sharper. I spun, the sword dancing through the air, and struck the dummy with a blow that nearly split it in half. I didn't stop. Another slash, another spin, each move perfect, like the sword was part of me. I finished with a direct thrust, the blade lodged in the dummy, my chest heaving, rage guiding every strike.
Kael's jaw dropped, his training sword dangling in his hand. — How… you did that on your first try?
Elira's hand flew to her mouth, her eyes wide. — Riveny, that's…
— Impossible — Alaric finished, his voice tight, his eyes locked on me like I was a threat. Even Syra, always cold, tilted her head, her half-smile gone, replaced by something like… respect?
— Not impossible. — My voice was steady, despite the childish pitch. — It's just who I am.
The servants around us, who I'd barely noticed, stepped back, whispering "Dark Heir" like it was a curse. One of them, a skinny boy with nervous eyes, dropped a tray, his face pale with fear. Lirien, still nearby, wrung her hands, her worry now mixed with something like dread.
The screen in my mind flashed: Mission completed. 50 EXP gained. Progress: Aspirant - Level 1 (50/100 EXP). Then: Ability Absolute Learning activated. Basic sword technique absorbed.
— Absolute Learning? — Elira whispered, her face pale. — Riveny, that's… extraordinary.
— Dangerous — Syra said, her tone sharp but with a spark in her eyes. — A skill like that makes you a target, Riveny. Better get ready.
— I don't care. — I met her gaze, my rage pulsing. — Let them come.
The servants exchanged glances, fear etched on their faces. Even Kael, who tried to smile again, looked uneasy, like I'd stolen something from him. Alaric stepped forward, his expression hard. — That skill… it's rare. And dangerous. You need guidance, Riveny.
— I don't want your guidance. — I cut him off, pointing the sword at him, more bravado than threat, but enough to make Elira step back. — I just want to know who's behind this. The system. This "Dark Heir."
Alaric sighed, his shoulders tense. — The system is the law. The Dark Heir is a title. A burden. You'll understand in time.
— I'm not waiting. — The screen flashed: Warning: You are an anomaly. Balance must be maintained. The word "anomaly" hit me like a punch. An anomaly? Like that enigmatic being said? My rage surged, but I held steady. I wasn't anyone's pawn.
That night, alone, I decided I'd use Absolute Learning to become untouchable. No one would control me. The screen blinked one last time: New mission: Survive the Courtyard Challenge. Reward: 100 EXP, access to Bronze ranking. Penalty for failure: Loss of level. A challenge outside the manor. Perfect. I'd show Gravemarch I wasn't prey. My voice, though childish, carried a cold promise: no one would ever bring me down