As Zephyr steadied his breath, a cold sensation slithered through his veins. A foreign power coiled within him, writhing like a living shadow. Then, a voice echoed in his mind.
You carry my mark, child… and this time, the gods will not turn their backs on you.
The gods had forsaken him in his past life. But now, something ancient and powerful had claimed him. The shadows beneath him flickered unnaturally, stretching as though they were alive.
A cruel smile played on his lips. He was no longer the powerless boy he once was.
This time, the gods will acknowledge me—whether they want to or not.
A black screen materialized before him, displaying his status and newfound titles:
[STATUS WINDOW]
Title(s): The One Contracted with the Forgotten God, Disciple of the God of Shadows, Disciple of the Ruler of Death, Successor of the Forgotten God, Successor of the God of Shadows, Successor of the One Feared by the Gods, The Devourer of All.
Zephyr's eyes widened in shock. The implications of these titles were immense. He had been claimed by forces beyond mortal comprehension. Before he could process it further, a knock on his door interrupted his thoughts.
"Young Master Zephyr, your father is calling for you."
The voice belonged to an old man—his family's butler, a loyal servant of House Ravencrest. Zephyr took a deep breath, pushing aside his lingering thoughts. "Understood," he replied before rising to his feet. He followed the butler through the dimly lit corridors of the Ravencrest estate, his mind already preparing for what was to come.
Upon arriving at his father's office, he noticed four other people in the room—his father, his elder brother and sister, and another sibling who despised him. Only one of his sisters had ever shown him kindness. The rest saw him as nothing more than a stain on their family's reputation.
The reason for Zephyr's past demise stood before him—his eldest brother. The same man who had once pretended to care for him, only to abandon him to die in the ruins. It had been three years since Zephyr was cast aside. When he was ten, his brother had invited him on an expedition to explore an ancient ruin. At the time, Zephyr believed it to be an opportunity to prove himself. But when he was twenty-eight, that same brother betrayed him once more, ensuring his death.
The memory burned in his mind, but he forced himself to remain composed.
"Zephyr, do not disappoint me in the upcoming ceremony," his father spoke at last, his tone cold and commanding.
Zephyr met his gaze without hesitation. "I will try my best, Father."
No sooner had he finished speaking than another voice sneered in contempt. His second brother scoffed, arms crossed. "Father, what do you expect from an illegitimate child? He's just a useless burden on this family."
The room fell silent as tension thickened. Zephyr clenched his fists, but his expression remained calm. They still see me as weak, he thought. They have no idea what I have become.