My name is Halie Sylvester. 15-year-old this year. I'm from the Sylvester Family, which is famous for being Slayers since the first dungeon appeared.
Many might fantasize about being born in a rich and powerful family like the Sylvester. But in reality, being born in this family can be hell.
The Sylvester family only cares about maintaining their strength and reputation. Weaker members would be shunned by the family. But because of the reputation of our family, the public has high expectations for us and those born weak will suffer from criticism and bullying.
On the first day at Kray, I saw someone I know or at least he looked like him. He looked exactly like my late brother. I know he is a completely different person but I just can't stop thinking about it.
My brother, Cain Sylvester, is 2 years younger than me. Born with a weak body, he was called the shame of the Sylvester family. Even after reviving all this criticism, he still stayed optimistic. He wasn't allowed out of the estate and mostly stayed in bed since his body was weak.
Unlike my brother, I'm born strong and talented. I was "loved" by everyone, at least that was what I thought. As I grew up, I learnt that they only cared about my talent and how I could benefit the family.
It doesn't matter how hard I try to achieve something because, In the end, all they would say is "As expected of a Sylvester". It's like everything I achieved is because of my blood and never my effort.
The only one that has ever cared for us is our mother. But after her passing, we only had each other. He was my only light in this hell we called family. He was all I had.
On his 11th birthday,
"Sister, why can't I leave this place?"
"That's because you're sick. If you get better I'll take you out."
"Really? Promise?"
"Promise."
Never had I thought that that was the last time I would ever see him again. In the end, I would never be able to fulfil my promise. To make it even worse, they said that he died from a contagious disease and couldn't bury him.
Until that day, I met Zane Felix who looks exactly like Cain. Even though we are the same age, he is quite short which made them look more alike. But unlike Cain, he was quiet and had an expressionless face.
On the second day, I took my friend's bow and tried it out. I got distracted when I saw him and accidentally released the arrow. Coincidentally, the arrow shot in his direction. I yelled
"Watch Out!" I didn't know if the arrow had hit him but the thought that he could get hurt frightened me. I rushed over and pulled him to the infirmary only to find out he was ok.
As an apology, I wanted to treat him to lunch. And when I found out he didn't have breakfast, I dragged him to the cafeteria.
As we were about to have lunch my friend came and complained about how I ran away without telling her. Without us knowing it, he had already disappeared.
The next day, I got the news that someone is having a duel. What caught my interest wasn't the duel itself but the fact that the challenger is a few hundred ranks lower than his opponent. A duel between a ranked 800 and ranked 100.
Recruits are supposed to challenge someone of higher rank but seven hundred is just too big of a gap. The ranking system isn't always accurate but for a gap this big, the power gap wouldn't be small. I wanted to know who it was. As I clicked at the announcement, what popped out shocked me. It was Zane.
Killing intentionally in a duel is forbidden but that doesn't mean it couldn't happen. There are also cases where recruits died during a duel. Even though it wasn't my business, I couldn't bear seeing him get hurt or even worse killed. Deep down I know they are two different people but I'm scared that It would feel like seeing someone dear die twice.
The next day I confronted him to cancel the duel. The outcome was obvious, who would listen to someone who they just met the other day? I know I wouldn't but I just didn't want to give up.
It seems like a stupid thing to do but I stalked him and even thought of kidnapping him. I would have if Nino didn't stop me.
Moments before his match started, I barged into the waiting area.
"Don't die." My voice trembled as I said that.
"I won't," he replied.