[1 Week Later]
As the days passed after my rebirth, I found myself growing stronger and more aware of the world around me.
At one week old, I could already lift my head and observe my surroundings with curious eyes.
My parents, beaming with pride, showered me with love and care, and it felt like I had been a part of this family for much longer than a mere week.
'It's been a very fast week, though...'
I spent most of my time sleeping, thanks to this new body, so time seemed to fly pretty quickly.
Only one thing of note took place within this week, and it held great significance to me and my family.
Five days after my birth, the grand Naming Ceremony took place. It was a momentous occasion, and the entire estate buzzed with excitement.
The hall was adorned with intricate decorations, and representatives from the Vassals of the Emperor graced the event with their presence.
I had attended my fair share of them in my previous life, so I knew the significance of this gathering.
When I looked around the Naming Ceremony, I had recognized many familiar faces. They were family friends, loyal servants, and esteemed members of our Vassal Family, the Nile Family.
Representatives of the 12 Noble Households, which our Family was a part of, also showed up.
However, I couldn't help but notice the absence of the actual Heads of the Noble Households.
It was understandable, as their presence was often reserved for more critical events, like a coming-of-age ceremony. Still, a small part of me couldn't help but feel a tinge of disappointment at not meeting them.
'I guess I just have to be patient..'
During the Naming Ceremony, as the elders announced my name, memories of my past life came flooding back.
Aksel. The same name I had borne before. It was a powerful name, one that resonated with our family's illustrious history.
One couldn't help but think of Axel Nile, our ancestor and one of the 10 Great Heroes of the world if they heard my own name.
In my previous life, I had admired him greatly, aspiring to follow the path of righteousness that the Nile Family represented.
But now, circumstances were different.
I was no longer the same person who once revered the ideals of our ancestors. The memories of my past life served as a bitter reminder of the tragedy that had befallen me and my family.
The desire for revenge gnawed at my very core, already consuming the nobler aspirations that once fueled my spirit.
As I lay in my cradle, contemplating the path ahead, a sense of determination washed over me.
In this new life, I knew I had the opportunity to rewrite my fate, to protect my loved ones, and to enact vengeance upon those who had wronged us.
To achieve this, I would have to veer from the path of righteousness that my family had always upheld. I would have to embrace the darkness, delve into the shadows, and embrace the path of evil.
It was a decision that didn't come lightly, and it weighed heavily on my tiny heart. Yet, I knew that to preserve this second chance at life, sacrifices had to be made.
I would bear the burden of this choice, fully aware of the consequences it might bring. In this new journey, I would be the master of my own destiny.
'I have to!'
[DING!]
~Hehehe... I'm happy you feel that way, Aksel.~
That's right, I almost forgot about my roommate... or would it be more appropriate to call it my benefactor.
The Primordial Aspect of Evil—the only reason I was still alive.
~I can't wait to see what you'll show me. The path of depravity that awaits you. The horrors you'll unleash...~
I straightened my expression, instanly narrowing my gaze as I stared at the System Window in front of me.
'Yes, I seek revenge. I won't ever forget about that.' I confessed, my thoughts firm and resolute.
"But it is not only for my sake. I must protect my family, shower them with the love and safety they deserve. I will do whatever it takes to accomplish that."
Those who deserved to be punished would have what was coming to them. Nothing more, nothing less.
~Ah, love and vengeance, a delicate balance indeed.~
I felt like it was mocking me.
~You may be resolute now, but remember, Aksel, to embrace the darkness fully, you must shed your former self.~
I completely understood what was expected of me. I knew the reason I returned. I knew the reason I made a deal with this vile entity.
I was going to carry it out.
However...
'I will not waver in my pursuit. I will make my enemies pay for the pain they inflicted upon me and my family. But I will never forsake the love I hold for them. I will protect them at any cost.'
~Time will tell. Let's see how it goes, shall we?~
As I was still engrossed in my conversation with my benefactor, the doors to my room creaked open, and a warm light flooded in, illuminating the scene.
My heart skipped a beat as my mother's voice, sweet and filled with adoration, filled the room.
"Oh, my little darling, there you are!" she exclaimed, her voice melting my heart. "Look at how cute you are!"
'A-ahh...' I could never get used to this.
Embarrassment flushed through me, torn between the sinister presence before me and the overwhelming love from my mother.
I longed to maintain my resolve in the face of darkness, but my mother's endearing words pierced through, reminding me of the humanity I still clung to.
With a sigh, I shifted my attention to my mother, a mix of emotions swirling within me. As she lifted me from the cot, showering me with affectionate kisses, guilt tugged at my heart for the path I had chosen.
I hoped that amidst the shadows, I could cling to the light of love and shield my family from the encroaching darkness.
And so, cradled in my mother's arms, I embarked on my journey, aware of the complexities that lay ahead.
The Primordial Aspect of Evil lingered on the periphery, a constant reminder of the path I had chosen.
Only time would unveil the true extent of my strength and the sacrifices I would make to safeguard the ones I cherished.
One thing was for sure, though...
'I can't forget what I'm fighting for!'
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[A/N]
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