Raiden returned to his private chambers within the fortress, the weight of his new role pressing heavily upon him. Sitting down in the dimly lit room, he allowed himself a moment of silence, his mind racing to strategize his next moves. Despite his extraordinary circumstances, Raiden had always been different from those around him, even in his former life.
In his previous world, Raiden had been an ordinary human, but his experiences had shaped him into something much more. He had been bullied relentlessly, forcing him to hide his true self. He dyed his naturally silver hair black and avoided trouble at all costs. When others tormented him, he endured silently, his endurance a testament to his inner strength and resolve. Raiden knew what he wanted, and he knew that to achieve his goals, he had to be patient and strategic.
At school, Raiden focused on his studies, aiming for a good profession to support his poor family. His endurance wasn't just a facade; it was a necessary strategy. He understood the influence and power of the families behind the rich kids who bullied him. Confronting them would have only brought more trouble. Unlike most children whose goals shifted with the seasons, Raiden was steadfast. His mind was mature beyond his years, shaped by the harsh realities of life.
Raiden never asked for things from his parents, understanding their financial struggles. He accepted whatever they could give him with gratitude. Most children his age were obsessed with toys and games, but Raiden was different. He was a beast in his determination, his past life riddled with traumatic events that had forced him to evolve. After his mother's death, he had no shoulder to cry on. His father, a factory worker, struggled to make ends meet, and Raiden had to be strong for both of them.
Despite being average in academics, Raiden possessed a strategic mind that far surpassed his peers. Academics often measured memory, not strategic planning skills, and Raiden excelled in the latter. He had read countless novels, immersing himself in fictional worlds that offered an escape from his harsh reality. As a member of the novel club, he even tried his hand at writing, hoping to earn money to support his father.
As Raiden sat in the pitch-black room of the Demon Cult Master, he allowed the memories of his past life to fuel his resolve. The silence was interrupted by a knock on the door, a sound that echoed ominously in the stillness. The heavy wooden door creaked open, and Shadow entered, her presence as silent as ever. The room's darkness seemed to fold around her, making her appear almost as a specter.
Shadow always wore a black mask that covered her face, much like the Demon Cult Master's own mask. This time, as she stepped into the room, she removed her mask, revealing a beautiful and serene face. Her striking features were only seen by the Demon Cult Master, a sign of their unique bond. Most people in the cult believed that the Master's face was monstrous, a myth perpetuated by the secrecy surrounding his identity.
Shadow's eyes were filled with a mix of emotions as she approached Raiden. "My lord," she began, her voice steady but tinged with concern, "what is the reason for your sudden decision to leave the cult?"
Raiden met her gaze, his own eyes reflecting the determination he felt. He knew that revealing too much could undermine his plans. "I cannot disclose the reason," he replied firmly.
Shadow's eyes shimmered with unshed tears, though her face remained expressionless. She had always been stoic, but Raiden could see the cracks in her façade. Her loyalty and concern for him were palpable. "Do you not trust me now, master?" she asked, her voice cracking despite her efforts to remain composed.
Continued...
The auxiliary chapter: The Demon Cult .