Meeting the Asakura Family
Renji stood in the grand hall of the Asakura estate, his gaze drifting upward to the towering portraits of his ancestors that lined the dark, marble walls. Each one bore the signature traits of his lineage—raven-black hair, piercing crimson eyes, and an aura of quiet menace. Despite his newfound appearance, he still felt a little out of place among them.
Man, these guys really leaned into the whole "dark and brooding" aesthetic, he thought, adjusting the high collar of his coat.
Nyx, his ever-present shadow companion, slithered around his shoulders, purring softly in his ear. It was almost comforting, except for the fact that he was about to face his biggest hurdle yet—his family.
A deep voice broke through his thoughts.
"So... you're telling me this is my son?"
Renji turned to see his father, Lord Daemon Asakura, standing at the foot of the grand staircase. The man was an imposing figure, with sharp features and a gaze that could freeze a lesser man in his tracks. His long black coat trailed behind him like a cloak of darkness, and his arms were crossed, an eyebrow arched in suspicion.
Renji cleared his throat. "Yup. It's me. Your one and only heir."
His father's eyes narrowed. "I wasn't aware my 'heir' had a sudden... glow-up."
Behind him, Renji's mother, Lady Selene Asakura, observed him with a delicate hand covering her mouth, her eyes twinkling with curiosity. "Oh my, Renji, dear... You've become so... beautiful."
Renji barely dodged the bone-crushing hug she attempted to give him. "Mom—calm down! I just awakened my bloodline, okay? No big deal."
Daemon's stern gaze didn't waver. "The Asakura family's dark affinity does not manifest in such... drastic ways overnight. Explain yourself."
Renji shrugged nonchalantly, internally thankful for the background knowledge he had from the game. "It was bound to happen sooner or later. I guess I finally tapped into our bloodline's full potential. The dark aura, the new look—it's all part of the package."
Daemon stroked his chin thoughtfully, staring at his son with a mix of scrutiny and intrigue. "Hmph. Perhaps it is a delayed awakening. Our bloodline does run deep."
Selene gasped dramatically. "Oh, I always knew you'd become a prodigy someday, Renji!" She clasped her hands together in delight. "Now you'll attract all the noble ladies, just like your father did in his youth!"
Renji sighed. "Mom, please, not in front of everyone."
Just then, a sharp voice cut through the air.
"I don't buy it."
Renji turned to see his younger sister, Sophia Asakura, descending the stairs with a skeptical glare. Her silver hair—an unusual trait among their family—cascaded over her shoulders, and her piercing crimson eyes were filled with doubt.
She crossed her arms. "You expect us to believe you just woke up and turned into some brooding dark prince?"
Renji smirked. "What can I say? Puberty hit me late."
Sophia scowled, stepping closer and inspecting him up close. Her fingers hovered near his chest, gathering a small wisp of dark energy that trailed from his aura. "It feels authentic," she admitted begrudgingly. "But... something's off."
Nyx suddenly slithered out from under Renji's cloak, letting out a low growl. Sophia's eyes widened in shock. "What the hell is that?!"
Renji sighed, scratching his head. "Meet Nyx. When I awakened, this little guy appeared. Guess he's part of the whole bloodline thing."
Daemon's eyes glowed with newfound interest. "A dark beast? Intriguing... it seems your awakening was more profound than I anticipated."
Selene, however, was already cooing at Nyx. "Oh, what a cute little creature!" She reached out to pet him, but Nyx hissed, hiding behind Renji's neck.
Sophia huffed, clearly still not convinced. "Tch. I don't trust it—or you, for that matter." She spun on her heel and walked away, her parting words sharp. "If you really awakened, you should prove it in the next training session. Don't embarrass yourself."
Renji watched her leave and exhaled. Great. More tests.
Daemon gave a rare nod of approval. "If you've truly awakened, then you won't disappoint. Show us what you've gained, Renji."
Renji grinned, already thinking about how to bluff his way through it. "Sure thing, pops. I'll be ready."
As his father and mother left, Renji slumped into a nearby chair, groaning. "Why do I feel like I'm digging my own grave?"
Nyx purred in amusement, curling up on his lap.
Renji smirked. "Well, at least I look good doing it."