The black cat sitting on my bed spoke with a voice that echoed directly in my mind.
I should have been shocked, a talking cat would've earned that reaction in my old life. But considering I'd just been transported into a fantasy world in a younger body, a talking animal barely registered on my surprise meter. I sat up slowly, taking in my surroundings.
"Where am I now? Who are you? And whose body did I enter?"
The cat's tail swished lazily. "I'm a system, designed to help players survive in this world." It began explaining with the mechanical precision of a tutorial guide. "There are four continents in Eden. You're in Continent One Valdoria, specifically in the Kingdom of Hesperia, located in the southwestern region. Population: approximately three billion across the continent."
I listened carefully as the system continued. My new name was Baren Edward Brown, the last surviving member of a minor noble family. Yesterday had been the funeral for the late baron, who died in war. Due to kingdom law and the absence of direct heirs, Edward, an illegitimate son whose mother was of noble blood, he had inherited the title at seventeen years old.
"What year is this?" I asked.
"Year 1367. May 25th."
I couldn't help but laugh. The game's starting point was 1372, somewhere between spring and winter. I was five years early, five years to prepare, to build power, to position myself. Five extra years in this younger body to enjoy what my old life never gave me.
Suddenly, memories that weren't mine flooded my consciousness. Edward's life played out like a tragic film, growing up in an orphanage after his mother died in childbirth, being dragged to the barony by soldiers, thrust into nobility without preparation. Last night, the Count, a cousin of the late baron, had invited him for drinks. Edward had been terrified, a lifetime orphan suddenly swimming with nobles. But he couldn't refuse.
The Count had seemed kind, offering help. Edward, desperate and naïve, had spilled his worries over wine.
Then he'd returned to his room and died from poison in his sleep.
That explained the bloodstains on the bedsheet.
The political maneuvering became clear. Noble blood was required for inheritance. If Edward died, the territory would pass to the late baron's relatives—specifically, the Count. Edward's common birth would have disqualified him, but his noble mother made him legitimate enough to be an obstacle.
An obstacle the Count had efficiently removed.
"I'll get your revenge," I muttered to the memory of a boy who'd barely lived. "Consider it rent for the body."
The system's voice cut through my thoughts. "With my assistance, you'll be able to read and understand all languages in Eden. No need for study."
One less problem to worry about. I called for servants to prepare a bath and bring fresh bedsheets.
The servant who entered went pale at seeing me alive, his eyes darting to the bloodstained sheets.
"Did you think I'd die from a small poison?" I asked coldly.
"N-no, my lord!" He stammered, clearly unprepared for this version of Edward—confident, dangerous, nothing like the frightened boy from yesterday.
I stepped closer. "Get lost before I kill you."
He fled.
In the bath, I studied the black cat that no one else seemed to notice. "Others can't see you? And what kind of help do you actually provide?"
"Only you can perceive me. I provide a status window, similar to the game interface."
"I'll call you System. And call me Edward—new life, new name."
"Yes."
A blue screen materialized before my eyes:
**[STATS]**
Name: EDWARD BROWN [ALEX]
Race: Human
Level: 1 [EXP: 0/300]
Class: Mage
Strength: 5
Agility: 8
Stamina: 4
Luck: 4
Mana Power (MP): 20
Health Points (HP): 100
Skills: NIL
Affinity:
- Fire Mana: Lv 1 (10/1000)
- Air Mana: Lv 1 (10/1000)
"What's affinity?" I asked. "That wasn't in the game."
"Affinity determines magical capability. Even if you know a spell, it won't function without corresponding elemental affinity."
I explored the system interface—purchase slots, inventory, equipment. One question nagged at me. "Where does the money go when I make purchases?"
"All currency is deposited in God's Altar. Upon ascending to godhood, you'll gain full access."
A savings account for divinity. Interesting.
Before leaving, a thought struck me.
"System, what kind of poison did I drink?"
"Nightshade extract, commonly known as Widow's Kiss. Slow-acting, tasteless when mixed with wine. Death appears natural-heart failure within six to eight hours of consumption."
I felt a smile curve across my lips.
Nightshade, Tasteless, Undetectable. The Count had chosen his weapon well, which meant he likely had more of it. My old life had taught me that the best traps were the ones your enemies built for themselves. And I had just the idea for how to return this particular gift.
My smirk widened as the plan took shape.
I rose from the bath and entered the dressing room, grimacing at the medieval clothing. First order of business: commission something wearable. I can't wear this medieval period dress.
Second order of business: pay my dear uncle a visit.
To be continued...