Valac ate in silence, his mind still reeling from everything Xavier had said.
The stew, though bland, provided some comfort as it filled his stomach. After a few more bites, he glanced up at Xavier, who stood silently by the door, arms crossed, watching him closely.
Valac ate quietly, as the greenish-blue screen appeared again, hovering over Xavier's head.
---
Bonus :
2 Lucky Spin Achieved.
Congratulations!
You've received a lucky spin as your mana bound servant has secured a meeting with a very important NPC : Nico Leitzeir!
---
Valac couldn't suppress a small smirk.
Serphine did her job well it seems. She was able to secure a meeting with the Leitzeir Information Guild, which would be vital in gathering intel and helpful in finding a cure in Moonlit Cavern. I should treat her well from now on if I want to exploit her talent.
Valac's eyes stared coldly at the screen.
2 lucky spins that's generous. The rigged system is finally being nice.
He stared at the screen that appeared in his mind, and a large spinning wheel with various options glimmered before him.
---
Options:
Temporary Poison Suppression
Skill Scroll
100 Gold Coins
Random Potion
Clothes
---
Valac narrowed his eyes, focusing on the wheel.
"Spin," he whispered.
Well, the prizes aren't that bad. I hope I can get Poison Suppression will be quite helpful throughout the day tomorrow. Other than that, skill scroll and potion looks like a great or worst bargain. 100 gold coins and clothes sound like the replaced option of 'better luck next time'.
Valac watched as the virtual wheel spun, the various options flashing by in a blur. His heartbeat quickened, a mix of anticipation and desperation swirling within him. If he didn't get something useful, tomorrow would be even more of a struggle.
The wheel slowed, the options gradually coming into focus—Temporary Poison Suppression, Skill Scroll, 100 Gold Coins, Random Potion, Clothes…
Clothes.
The wheel stopped, and Valac's face twisted in disbelief. Really? Clothes?
A message flashed across the screen:
---
Congratulations! You've won: Clothes (3 Piece Suit To Increase Host's Charm).
---
Valac groaned. He tossed the spoon onto the tray, frustration bubbling beneath the surface.
Clothes. Of course. I could've really used something useful. What will I even do with charm? This f**king rigged system!
Xavier raised an eyebrow at Valac's outburst. "I wasn't aware stew could provoke such strong emotions. Is it that bad, Young Master?"
Valac glanced up, realizing Xavier had been watching him the whole time. He quickly schooled his expression, pushing his bitterness aside.
"It's nothing," he muttered, his mind still lingering on the wasted spin.
Well, I still have one left.
But, what if I get gold coins this time? How is that suppose to help me in this situation? I have to find another way to manage the poison coursing through his body if the lucky spin turns out unlucky.
Xavier eyed him for a moment before shaking his head. "You're a strange one, Master Valac." He turned to leave, clearly intending to give Valac some space. "I'll leave you to rest. You'll need it if we're starting training tomorrow. You must quit alcohol."
Valac leaned back against the headboard, pushing the empty tray aside. "Tomorrow, huh? You're really going to work me like some kind of soldier, aren't you?"
Xavier gave a faint smile, a hint of amusement breaking through his stoic demeanor. "You'll need to be if you want to stop being the duchy's weakest link. Please think of protecting Lady Darina if it feels unfair."
Valac snorted. "So kind of you to remind me."
Xavier stopped at the door, glancing back one last time. "Rest well, Master Valac. And for what it's worth, I believe Lady Darina would be proud of you if you tried."
Valac's throat tightened at the mention of his mother again. He waved Xavier off, not trusting his voice to respond.
Once the door clicked shut behind the knight, Valac let out a long breath, feeling the oppressive weight of the room close in on him. His eyes drifted to the spinning wheel still faintly hovering in his vision, mocking him.
Clothes. Of all things...
"Spin again."
The wheel began rotating again. "Kyu!" Valac gently stroked the curious baby dragon's head.
"Lav. You are definitely the cutest thing in this entire game. What evil origin? People are just stupid."
The wheel spun, options flashing by just like before. Temporary Poison Suppression, Skill Scroll, Random Potion, Gold Coins, and... Clothes again.
Come on. Not again.
The wheel began to slow, inching past Clothes and stopping just before passing Poison Suppression and getting to 100 Gold Coins.
The bright words 'Temporary Poison Suppression' appeared on the screen.
---
Congratulations! You've won: Temporary Poison Suppression (Duration: 7 days).
Description : All kinds of poison in hosts's body will be suppressed for 7 days .
---
A breath he hadn't realized he was holding him, and Valac allowed himself a small, satisfied smile. Finally, some progress.
Well, that should keep me alive for a bit longer. It's long enough to get rid of the poison and clear the dungeon.
With a last thought, Valac dismissed the system screen, allowing the silence of the night to settle in.
The room seemed darker now, more oppressive, like the walls were closing in on him. His body still ached, his limbs heavy with exhaustion, but sleep wouldn't come easily. His mind was a swirling mess of frustration, anger, and an unfamiliar sliver of hope.
Hope.
That was a new sensation. One he hadn't felt since he arrived in this cursed body.
Valac turned his gaze toward the window, where the faint glow of moonlight filtered through the curtains. Outside, the world continued as if nothing had changed.
But for Aamon, everything had. He now had someone he needed to protect. He no longer yearned for love.
"If Lady Darina wasn't so kind…" Xavier's words echoed in his mind, fueling his resolve.
Valac clenched his fists, feeling the fabric of the blanket bunch beneath his grip.
Tomorrow, he thought, determination settling in his chest. Tomorrow, everything will start to change. My revenge… I must have my revenge.
—
The night passed in restless silence, and as the first light of dawn crept through the curtains, Valac forced himself out of bed. Lavathore was still curled up on the pillow, sleeping peacefully like there was no tomorrow.
Valac's body groaned in protest, his muscles aching from disuse, but he ignored the discomfort. He needed to be ready for whatever Xavier had planned.
He dressed in the simple training clothes.
Valac glanced at the mirror, taking in his reflection. Pale skin, tired eyes, and a body that looked far too fragile for someone carrying the Noctis name.
He ran a hand through his dark hair, trying to smooth it down but ultimately giving up.
"This is the body of a villain," he muttered to himself. "I have a long way to go. But, at least the face is amazing."
A knock sounded at the door, and Valac straightened, bracing himself for the day ahead. Xavier entered, his usual serious expression in place.
"Ready, Master Valac?" the knight asked, his gaze sweeping over Valac's form.
"As ready as I'll ever be," Valac replied, his voice lacking enthusiasm but brimming with coldness.
"Good," Xavier said with a nod. "Follow me."
They made their way through the winding corridors of the Noctis castle, the atmosphere heavy.
Valac's footsteps echoed off the stone floors, the sound a constant reminder of his own insignificance blending with the roughly painted walls surrounding him.
Finally, they arrived at a small training courtyard, tucked away in a secluded corner of the estate.
The morning air was crisp, a slight chill biting at Valac's skin, but it was refreshing… a stark contrast to the suffocating stillness of his room.
Xavier turned to face him, arms crossed. "We'll start with something simple. Running laps around the courtyard."
Valac blinked. "Running? That's it?"
Bruh. As Aamon I mastered the skill of running. Run whenever something stronger than you appears. I'd rather be alive than brave.
"Don't underestimate the basics," Xavier replied, his tone firm. "You need to build your stamina before we can move on to anything more advanced. If you collapse after a few laps, you're not going to survive any real battle."
Valac rolled his eyes but didn't argue. He understood the logic, even if he didn't like it.
Well, I suppose running should be hard for a drunkard's body.
With a resigned sigh, he started running, his steps awkward and sluggish at first. His body protested with each movement, muscles screaming in protest as he forced them to work.
Valac could feel the effects of years of negligence... weakness in his limbs, shortness of breath, the pounding of his heart.
After just a few laps, Valac's vision blurred, his lungs burning with exertion.
"Keep going," Xavier called out from the sidelines, his voice unyielding. "You won't get stronger by giving up."
Valac gritted his teeth, pushing himself forward despite the pain. Each step felt like a battle, each breath a struggle, but he refused to stop. Not now. Not when he had finally decided to fight for something.
When he finally collapsed to the ground, gasping for air, Xavier approached with a water skin in hand. "Not bad for your first day."
Valac took the water gratefully, gulping it down between labored breaths. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, glaring up at Xavier. "You call that not bad? I feel like I'm dying."
Xavier smirked, but there was a glimmer of respect in his eyes. "You'll live, Master Valac. And with time, you'll get stronger. But only if you keep pushing yourself."
"The Duke has called Master Valac in the dining room."