*The bell rings.* "Alright, we'll inform you about the tournament in the next class. For now, today's lesson ends here," he says as he leaves the classroom. A red-haired teacher with glasses, his face handsome and full of charisma. His physique is well-balanced, neither too bulky nor too thin—a flexible and agile build.
---
**System**
**Name:** Arlot Reiner
**Age:** 26
**Skills:** Assassin, Poison, Night Vision
**Blessings:**
**Curses:**
---
So, it was him. But last night, the one who intervened wasn't Arlot, but the classroom teacher, Sylvia. It was wise not to kill her then. The missing students will stir up some concern, but if a teacher goes missing, it would cause a real commotion across the whole academy.
Anyway, I planned to visit the academy library today, but it seems I can't. The Aizer family has summoned me. Their carriage is probably waiting for me outside the academy.
I stood up from my seat and stretched. *Sigh.* As always, the eyes around me are filled with disgust.
*Another sigh.* I reach for my neck, massaging it as I walk out of the room. Being at this academy isn't exactly fun. I should get out of this damned place as soon as possible. The whispers around me are a mix of gossip about me and other matters, but what catches my attention is talk of those so-called "senior lambs." They didn't attend any classes today, so the teachers will likely start looking for them. But it seems everyone is misunderstanding the situation.
As I was about to turn a corner, my shoulder collided with a girl who was in a hurry.
"I'm s-sorry," she murmured in a sweet, soft voice as she hurried away, her long, black, silky hair brushing against my face, leaving behind a sweet scent. The fragrance was intoxicating. I'm not sure what it was, but it seemed like a blend of various ingredients. It captivated me Ig .It was strange. I couldn't get a good look at her, not even her face.
"Look at that scum. Disgusting. He was eyeing her with those perverted eyes of his."
"Seems like the prostitutes weren't enough for him, and now he's preying on her."
"Creep."
*Sigh.* Their mouths start blabbering again. I paid them no further attention as I turned back to continue on my way, only to be confronted by some familiar faces. The blonde girl, the redhead, and the blue-haired boy. The blonde turned away in disgust when our eyes met, while the other two glared at me with hatred.
"You—" Before they could start their usual nagging, I passed by them with an indifferent, cold expression. Their faces contorted with anger as I ignored them, and while it irked the other two, the blonde girl just looked at me with tired, pained eyes.
-
"Young master, we are ready to go," said an old servant of the Aizer family. His tone was neutral, unlike the others these days. "Shall we, young master?" This time, his voice held a different note as he looked down the road ahead, his eyes filled with exhaustion or perhaps sadness—maybe even disappointment. But he did his best not to reveal it in front of his young master.
"Hm. Let's go then," I replied, settling into the carriage, resting my arms on the couch, and stretching my legs out on the opposite seat. I closed my eyes, facing the ceiling.
The sun's rays, red like cherries tinged with a sweet yellow hue, fell over my face.
When I opened my eyes and looked out of the window, I saw that it was already evening. We must be almost there. Upon arriving at the mansion, I was greeted by Aizer's stepmother, with her expression cold. Beside her stood his sister, Raisy, her face contorted with anger.
"Hello there," I said, giving them an indifferent glance.
There was a heavy silence in the air. And as for the servants? Well, they simply mirror their masters, don't they?
I entered the mansion and headed to my room to freshen up. The sound of water flowing from the tap filled the void, making the space feel even colder, sending shivers through my body. Staring at my reflection in the mirror, I felt something was off—something wasn't right. I reached out towards the mirror as if trying to uncover something hidden.
*Tap tap tap.*
*Shhhhhhhhhhhhh.*
*Knock, knock.* Someone rapped on the door, bringing me back to my senses, or so I thought. I glanced back at the mirror, but alas, they wouldn't wait.
"Young master, it's time. Everyone is waiting for you," came a cold voice from outside.
"I see. I'll be there in a minute," I replied. I stepped out of the washroom, dried myself with a towel, and dressed in a simple black shirt and pants. Comfortable, even though I suspect the quality of the clothes was intentionally degraded.
[Door opening.] As I entered the dining room through the large doors, I was greeted by a sight that truly pleased me. The room, adorned in shades of red, black, and their blends, was captivating. A unique vibe permeated the space. The dark-red enigma enveloped the entire room, and behind the patriarch's seat, there was something akin to a heart—a core that made the room feel alive, like a living organ. It was an intriguing sight.
I approached and greeted the patriarch.
"Take a seat," commanded , the man with a heavy aura, his white hair and beard accentuating his serious yet piercing gaze. His deep voice reverberated through the room.
I was drawn to the heart behind the patriarch.
---
**Analysing...**
**Codex:** ######***##*"**""
**Race:** D***(Other w******##)
**9************************++ years**
**Piece of a story:** The Fo*##*#***
**Last piece.**
---
I see. I tore my gaze away from the heart. It wasn't just any heart, even if it appeared to be a typical dragon heart. Though a dragon heart is a valuable treasure among hunters, this one didn't belong here. I picked up a piece of steak. I wasn't sure of their knowledge of the story, so it was best to act normal.
The patriarch's eyes focused on his scummy son, Aizer. The old man didn't directly look at him, but it was as if his eyes were tracking his son's every movement. His cold, piercing gaze lingered on the bloody steak being torn apart by Aizer's hands. He paused for a moment.
"This world is cursed, indeed. It always has been," the patriarch thought. "I had hoped my daughter would recognize the value of that treasure, but now... *a faint, warm smile tugged at his lips as his cold eyes looked down with a calm expression.* I'm not sure what to do anymore. My heart was shattered long ago. I thought it could finally rest in my old age." A glimmer of pain flickered in the calm eyes of the old man.
"Do you know why I called you here?" he asked as we finished our dinner.
"Perhaps," I answered.
"I see. Then you already know what to do," he replied with calm expression . But if you looked closely, you could see the truth. He was in pain. Despite everything making him restless and exhausted, he managed to handle things with a sense of calm. Even though I deserved to be cast out, he was still hesitant. I guess this is what you call the betrayal of one's own son. Without delay, I answered.
"Yes." A father who sacrificed everything—his life, time, health, and money—for his child, only to watch him fail.
As I stood up to leave, he asked, "Do you have anything to say?"