The Shadow Patriarch's Rebirth: Cast Aside as the Weakest, I Returned to Rule the World
Chapter Two — The Shadowed Infant
Location:
House Valerius Estate, Ironcrest City, Kuasha Empire
Time: The night of rebirth → five years later
Scene 1: A Cry Beneath the Sword Hall
The night was heavy with snow.
Inside the Birthing Chamber of House Valerius, a sharp cry pierced the silence.
Midwife: "It's a boy!"
The infant's cries echoed strangely—too clear, too sharp.
For a fleeting moment, the torches lining the corridor flickered, their flames bending inward as if swallowed by darkness.
No one noticed.
Except the child.
Celsius (thought): …I'm alive.
His body was small. Fragile. New.
But his mind was not.
The Sword Hall. Riva. The cliff. The shadow god…
His tiny fingers curled instinctively.
A thin veil of darkness vanished into his palm.
Scene 2: Parents' Guilt
Duke Magnus Valerius stood at the foot of the bed, staring at the newborn.
His shoulders—once unyielding—were heavy.
Magnus: "Another son…"
Duchess Seraphina reached out and held the child close.
Seraphina: "This one will be different."
Magnus said nothing.
Outside the chamber, Lyra Valerius watched through the doorway.
Her breath caught.
Lyra (whisper): "Celsius…?"
The infant's golden eyes met hers.
For a heartbeat—
The shadows behind him stirred.
Lyra felt a chill crawl down her spine.
Lyra (thought): …Welcome back.
Scene 3: The Shadow's Warning
Location: Celsius' Inner Void
That night, darkness swallowed the world.
A familiar throne emerged.
Eridiaries: "You are reborn."
Celsius knelt instinctively.
Celsius: "My power?"
Eridiaries: "Sealed."
The god's voice was calm.
Eridiaries: "Your body is not yet ready."
Eridiaries: "Expose yourself too soon, and this house will kill you again."
Celsius clenched his fists.
Celsius: "What should I do?"
The shadow god leaned forward.
Eridiaries: "Endure."
Eridiaries: "Grow."
Eridiaries: "And remember—shadow survives best when unseen."
Scene 4: Five Years Later
Location: Valerius Training Courtyard
Time: Five years after rebirth
Wooden swords clashed.
Young heirs trained under instructors.
At the edge of the courtyard, a small boy sat alone.
Celsius Valerius.
Five years old.
Thin. Quiet. Watching.
Instructor: "Again!"
Kael's son swung fiercely.
Celsius did not move.
Noble Child: "Why does he just watch?"
Another: "Because he's weak."
Celsius lowered his gaze.
Celsius (thought): Good. Let them think that.
Scene 5: Lyra's Protection
Lyra knelt beside him.
Lyra: "You didn't train today."
Celsius: "I get tired easily."
She smiled softly.
Lyra: "You always did."
Her hand rested briefly on his head.
Lyra (low voice): "If you ever feel afraid… come to me."
Celsius nodded.
Celsius (thought): I won't let you cry again.
Scene 6: Secret Training
Location: Forgotten Underground Corridor
Deep beneath the estate, beyond sealed doors, Celsius stood alone.
The air was cold.
Celsius (whisper): "Shadow… respond."
Darkness pooled at his feet—barely visible.
He clenched his teeth.
Celsius: "Not yet… too much."
The shadows obeyed.
He exhaled slowly.
Celsius (thought): Five years. And my body still can't endure it.
This time… I'll build it properly.
Scene 7: Brothers' Suspicion
Location: High Balcony
Kael watched from above.
Kael: "He's too quiet."
Darius nodded.
Darius: "Quiet things rot—or sharpen."
Kael's eyes narrowed.
Kael: "Watch him."
Scene 8: The Sleeping Sword
Location: Sword Hall
Late at night.
Celsius stood alone before the Patriarch's Sword.
He did not touch it.
The sword vibrated faintly.
Celsius (thought): Not now.
Wait for me.
A whisper echoed only for him.
???: Heir…
Celsius stepped back into the shadows.