The morning light streamed through the grand windows of Kieran Vale's estate, illuminating the luxurious chamber he had once taken for granted. He sat on the edge of his lavish bed, staring at his own reflection in the polished mirror. His fingers curled, feeling the smoothness of his unscarred skin. No wounds. No blood. No chains.
Just him—reborn.
The Pain-Linked System flickered in his vision.
🔺 [ SYSTEM ONLINE ]🔺 [ PAIN-LINKED SYSTEM: ACTIVE ]🔺 [ NEW QUEST: BEGIN YOUR VENGEANCE. THE GREATER THEIR SUFFERING, THE GREATER YOUR REWARDS. ]
His lips curled into a cold smile.
"It wasn't a dream. It wasn't a hallucination. I really came back."
A knock sounded at his chamber doors, pulling him from his thoughts. His personal servant, Rowan, the only one in his house who had never betrayed him, stood waiting. The man was still young, unlike the last time Kieran had seen him—when Rowan had been beaten in the streets after being cast out for showing loyalty to the fallen heir.
"Not this time."
"Young Master," Rowan said, bowing deeply. "Your father has requested your presence in the main hall. It seems…" He hesitated before continuing carefully. "Your brother is receiving an honor today."
Lucien.
Kieran's smirk didn't waver. It was already starting—the transfer of power. In his previous life, Lucien had gradually taken over Kieran's influence under their father's guidance, ultimately leading to his downfall. But this time…
This time, Kieran would make sure Lucien's rise would be his greatest regret.
The grand hall of the Vale estate was filled with nobles. His father, Duke Aldric, sat at the head of the room, his expression one of controlled authority. Beside him, Lucien stood tall, basking in the attention.
Seraphina was there, too. She wore a regal blue gown, her expression unreadable. But Kieran knew better. Behind that perfect mask was the same woman who had whispered in his ear, promising love, only to betray him.
As Kieran stepped forward, every eye in the room turned to him. None of them knew.
None of them had any idea that the man before them was no longer the fool they had once played like a puppet.
His father's gaze hardened. "Kieran. I didn't expect you to attend."
Lucien smiled, the same smug grin that had once haunted Kieran's final moments. "Brother, how kind of you to join us. It seems Father has finally entrusted me with greater responsibilities. We wouldn't want you feeling left out, now would we?"
Kieran chuckled. "Left out?" He tilted his head, eyes gleaming with something unreadable. "Lucien, you misunderstand. I would never miss an opportunity… to watch history unfold."
The younger brother hesitated, something in Kieran's tone sending a flicker of unease across his face.
Kieran turned to his father. "Tell me, Father. What grand responsibilities have you given Lucien?"
The Duke's lips pressed into a firm line. "Your brother will be overseeing the finances of the estate and handling external affairs with the merchant families. A duty you were once assigned."
A test.
This was the first step. If Kieran resisted or acted out, they would accelerate his fall, strip him of everything immediately. But if he remained silent, pretended to play along, they would let their guard down.
Kieran smiled, stepping closer to Lucien, voice lowering just enough that only his brother could hear.
"Then I'll make sure it's the worst mistake of your life."
Lucien stiffened.
Kieran stepped back before anyone could notice. "Congratulations, dear brother. You'll do a fine job… I'm sure."
The nobles resumed their chatter, and Kieran's mind raced.
🔺 [ NEW QUEST: BEGIN YOUR FIRST RETALIATION. TARGET: BARON GRANT ]🔺 [ OBJECTIVE: RUIN HIS WEALTH, REPUTATION, AND LOYALTY TO LUCEN VALE. ]🔺 [ REWARD: +10 INTELLIGENCE | UNIQUE SKILL - WHISPERS OF DECEPTION ]
Baron Grant. A man who had once publicly humiliated Kieran, backing Lucien at every turn. He had laughed as Kieran was accused of treason, watching from the sidelines as his family abandoned him.
"You were one of the first to turn against me. That means… you will be one of the first to fall."
Kieran turned on his heel, leaving the hall. There was much to be done.
And the first move of the game had just begun.