Everyone had gathered in the conference room. I was seated in the middle chair like some sort of puppet on display, with people flanking my sides. To my left sat my father, Lu Urcel Pion, along with my family, two guests, and Elder Chen Lu. The right side was led by Elder Chen Lu as well, joined by other elders and seniors. On my left stood Butler Ghoul, and to my right, lounging arrogantly on a high chair, was that evil spook Sesy.
This is so embarrassing. Who the hell made me the head of this clan?
[Nero: The only thing I can say is... it's not me.]
My father, Lu Urcel Pion, rose from his seat. The movement alone silenced the room as all eyes turned toward him. He cleared his throat and pointed a firm hand in my direction.
"This is the new head of our clan. He was blessed by the Exorcist World. If you have any objections, feel free to take it up with them. Not that anyone here has the ability to set foot there."
The tension shifted. Some seniors clenched their fists while the elders exchanged knowing glances, even chuckling under their breaths like they expected this outcome.
One of the seniors raised a hand, and my stomach churned. What now? I had no idea what to say if he spoke.
"It's not that we disapprove," the man began with a smirk curling at the edge of his lips. "It's just... who even knows where the hell this new head came from?"
The seniors nodded in agreement, murmuring their discontent.
Before I could react, a loud slam echoed through the room as Elder Yao Lu struck the table with her clenched fist. "So rude! How dare you say 'where the hell'? You're not even blessed by the Creator!"
Who's that, Nero? I asked silently, narrowing my eyes at the fierce elder.
[Nero: Accessing profile...]
Name: Yao Lu
Rank: S Legendary
Title: Arc Fifth Season Dragoon
Age: 67
[Nero: That's all I can show you. Your level isn't high enough for bigger details.]
I straightened my back, stunned, my jaw slightly ajar. "Wow," I murmured to myself, gulping at the realization. A Legendary Dragoon? In my clan?
One of the seniors scoffed and crossed his arms. "Hah! You elders always say things like that. Isn't simply having a life already being blessed?"
"Stop being dramatic, Seniors," another elder chimed in smoothly, sitting beside Elder Chen Lu. His fingers tapped rhythmically against the table. "And Elder Yao Lu, show some respect. Even if they're not as blessed as us, the Creator still acknowledges them."
The room broke into quiet bickering between the elders and seniors. The title Elder was reserved for those who could access the Exorcist World, while Seniors were known for their exceptional knowledge. People always debated who was more capable—elders or seniors—and today was no exception.
I sighed and raised my hand, forcing the arguing voices to still.
"Excuse me." I plastered a big smile on my face, feeling everyone's gazes pin me in place. My eyes gleamed with curiosity as I looked at Elder Yao Lu. "Elder Yao Lu... You're an Arc Fifth Season Dragoon, aren't you?"
The elder's eyes widened in shock, and she stared at me as if I had just revealed her deepest secret. "How did Lucist Shian know that?" she demanded, the air growing eerily still.
I blinked, feeling a sudden wave of unease. "Wait… was that supposed to be a secret?" I whispered, but Elder Yao Lu burst into laughter.
"Oh, I'm sorry," she said between giggles, wiping tears from her eyes. "No, everyone knows that. I just wanted to see your reaction. Aren't I a good actress?" she teased, winking playfully.
The elders shook their heads, leaning back in their chairs, unimpressed. Meanwhile, the seniors looked gobsmacked. For all their wisdom and knowledge, they clearly hadn't expected me to pull out that piece of information.
Tok. Tok. Tok.
An abrupt knock shattered the moment, pulling everyone's attention toward the door. Butler Ghoul opened it, revealing another butler who bowed deeply before speaking. "I apologize for interrupting, Master Shian, but there's something urgent I must report."
I nodded, allowing him to approach. The butler leaned close and whispered into my ear, his hand covering his mouth for discretion.
"There's a young woman outside claiming to be your girlfriend. Don't worry, we already know you two broke up."
I stiffened, shooting him a side glance. Her? What is her problem this time?
"Do you know why she's here?" I muttered under my breath.
"No, Master," he replied.
"Never mind," I sighed, rubbing the bridge of my nose. "Let her in. I'll handle this myself."
The butler bowed and swiftly exited the room, leaving me feeling drained. I muttered to myself in frustration, "What the hell is her problem this time?"
The words slipped out before I could stop them. I froze, realizing the entire room had heard me.
"Oh~" Elder Yao Lu hummed, her hand resting under her chin. "To be young," she teased with a nod.
"Nero, can I use 'Two People, One Soul'?" I asked desperately.
[Nero: Yes, but you need to activate the 'I'm The Great Head' title first.]
Activate it.
A sudden light erupted around me as I activated the title. The room gasped audibly as a second me appeared, stepping out from my own body. I stretched casually, as if this were the most normal thing in the world.
My younger brother, Lu Cian, stared at me in shock. "What…? How…?"
I ignored him and turned to my duplicate. "Go deal with her. Be cold. Make sure she understands we're done for good."
The other me nodded silently and left the room.
The stunned silence lingered for a moment before laughter erupted.
"Oh, Lucist Shian is cute," Fel Yang remarked suddenly, causing heads to turn.
"Ohhh~ Young love? Interesting," Elder Yao Lu sang playfully, winking as her eyes sparkled.
I groaned inwardly. This was going to be a long day.