'I need help with this situation. Can you do something?'
[ Request denied. User does not have the required system access level. Also… this situation is your mess, not mine. Good luck! ]
'What kind of useless system are you!?'
[ A delightful one. You're welcome. ]
I muttered, "Shit."
The air inside the Crimson Mansion's lobby was suffocating. The Queen of Nowa Empire stood like a tempest in royal silk, eyes sharper than blades.
"If he weren't your son, Serene, I would have killed him on the spot," she spat.
I gulped. Not out of fear, but because this woman actually meant it. My father stepped forward—face blank, hand raised. The infamous disciplinary slap incoming.
Before he could land it, I spoke, my voice louder than I expected, cold and detached.
"Fine. Enough of this circus."
Everyone froze.
I turned my head to the Queen.
'You want to kill me? Go ahead. Just don't worry about my mother, because from this moment on… I am no longer part of this family. I am nobody. Unclaimed. Unwanted. And very much unbothered.'
Gasps rippled through the room.
I wasn't done.
'Father. This is what you always wanted, right? Congratulations. You can now tell the world you've officially disowned me. Feel proud.'
Then, I turned to my mother.
'Mother, you're free now. No more worrying about your liability of a son. Be at peace.'
She broke into sobs before I could continue.
Finally, I faced my sister.
'Sis… you always wanted the spotlight without my shadow behind you. You're the sole heir now. Consider this my gift to you. You're welcome.'
I spun on my heel, cloak fluttering, and walked toward the front gate.
No one tried to stop me.
Only mother moved, but father gripped her wrist firmly.
"He's bluffing," he said. "He'll come crawling back."
Fools.
I wasn't Ashen. I wasn't some moody teen acting out. I was a reincarnator with a vision and way too much genre awareness.
Ashborn Academy had already accepted me. In three months, I'd be untouchable—protected by one of the three strongest neutral institutions. Even royalty wouldn't dare touch me on academy grounds.
Easy life, here I come.
As I stepped into the sunlight, the System chimed.
[ Main Mission Completed: Survive the Family Confrontation ]
[ Rewards Unlocked:
‣ Shadow Element Synchronization: 12%
‣ Skill Acquired: Shadow Veil (Passive) – Reduces nighttime presence by 30%
‣ Inventory Slot Expansion: +2
‣ Bonus Trait: Cold Composure – Resistance to panic and pressure enhanced by 40% ]
'Now that's more like it.'
I reached into my dimensional ring, pulled out a sleek travel cloak, and tightened the strap of my gear pouch.
Destination: Hally Forest.
According to Ashen's fractured memories, a rare beast—blessed by the first moon god—was hidden there. It would've been his familiar in the original timeline.
How poetic. The savior's beast now destined to serve a demon.
Because yes, the truth no one knew?
Ashen was never the real demon of the world.
I am.
And honestly? I'm doing a damn fine job so far.
Five days on foot to the forest. I could've rented a mana-beast carriage but nah—why waste coin when you can train, camp, and loot a few arrogant travelers on the road?
I smiled.
Train. Walk. Steal. Repeat.
It wasn't much, but it was honest villain work.