Lue had awakened as Ramsey Reed, the bastard son. Ramsey had once been a cripple with the lowest self-esteem a person could have. He was well known for being a fool, mocked by even the servants in his own clan.
However, things were about to change. Now that Lue had taken his body, he was going to let the world know he was completely different from the Ramsey they knew. His first step would be facing a certain figure who sat in the high chamber. Just what shocking impact would such a reveal have? The fool Ramsey, suddenly becoming capable? This news would surely shake the very foundation of the clan.
Somewhere in the clan, in a large room painted red and orange. There were expensive-looking statues and paintings that could be seen in almost every corner of the room. These items made the place look even more grand and luxurious.
The intricate emblem of the Reed clan was etched in the floor and on the doors. The symbol was that of a ferocious beast with rivers of flames spewing from its body.
In this very room, five elders sat in a semicircle around a large table with the patriarch in the middle. He was Corlannius Reed, patriarch of the Reed clan. At this moment, heavy tension filled the room as an important matter was being discussed.
"No, we cannot just sit here and wait. We must prepare young master Liam for the annual festival," Elder Brawn shouted.
"Do you think we are not doing our best? It is not as though we take last place among the other clans on purpose. The question is how to further his power without exhausting our resources," Elder Barbamus replied.
"It is quite simple. We must take the risk and invest our last resources in the boy. Otherwise, if we finish last again during the festival, we will never live it down. We must give it our all."
The elders had reached an impasse. One faction argued that the clan should use their remaining resources to boost the strength of Liam, the first son of Corlannius. The other faction insisted the resources must remain secured.
All eyes turned to the patriarch, for he would be the one to break the tie.
Suddenly, the chamber doors swung open. Corlannius was about to speak, but when he saw who entered, he froze in place. The elders also stared wide-eyed at the shocking sight. For a brief moment no one could believe their eyes. They blinked rapidly, as if to escape whatever illusion they thought they were in. Before them stood the third useless son, Ramsey. The cripple, who couldn't even go to the bathroom without help, was now standing and moving about like a normal person. Just how did this happen?
Lue smirked, savoring their disbelief. His heart became filled with a feeling of satisfaction. These were the same people who had sworn he would remain a cripple forever. Their shock was beginning; he planned to shock them some more.
"Ramsey, is that you?" Elder Sofia asked, stunned. Corlannius's mouth hung slightly open, though he quickly closed it before anyone noticed. One question lingered in everyone's mind.
Who had healed Ramsey?
He would have needed a martial arts expert in healing. Someone at that skill level was extremely rare, so how?
"Of course it is me, Elder Sofia. Do you not recognize me anymore?" Lue said smugly.
"But… how were you healed?" Elder Shama asked. For once, the quiet elder leaned forward with interest. Elder Brawn, Elder Sofia, Elder Barbamus, Elder Tally, and Elder Shama all waited for the answer.
"It was the powerful god of healing. I prayed every day, and now a miracle has happened."
The elders frowned, struggling to process the claim.
Elder Brawn lashed out angrily, his eyes mocking. "Do you expect me to believe you were cured by some ancient god you prayed to?"
Lue smirked and feigned shock. "Elder Brawn, are you suggesting the god of healing is unreliable? Could it be our clan has prayed to nothing more than a stone carved to control the masses?"
Elder Brawn paled and scrambled to correct himself. He could not afford to insult the clan's deity. People had been executed for far less.
"No, of course not. I know our beloved god is capable. I was only shocked to see you, that is all."
The other elders exchanged wary glances. They understood the trick Ramsey had played. They knew the so-called god was nothing but a stone used to spread lies and maintain control through false prophecies. With Ramsey claiming the god had healed him, no one could refute his words without exposing the truth.
Patriarch Corlannius finally spoke in his steady tone. Since Ramsey did not wish to reveal the true cause of this miracle, he would not force him. To Corlannius, that information was irrelevant.
"Why are you here, boy? You barged into our meeting for what purpose? To flaunt that you are no longer a cripple?"
Lue stared at his stepfather without fear, something the old Ramsey would never have done.
"I want to become the representative of the clan during the annual festival."
His words sent another wave of shock through the room. To the elders, it seemed as though Ramsey was ready to walk to his own death.
Corlannius smiled coldly. His chuckle echoed across the chamber before he answered. "It seems the cowardly Ramsey has finally grown some courage." He frowned in thought, then turned to Lue again.
"I have heard you. Here is my condition. If you can complete the midnight trial and return with the midnight herb, I will give you the position of representative."
Gasps filled the room. The midnight trial was notorious. It was meant for lieutenants of the clan, and Ramsey had never even held a sword. To assign him such a challenge was to place him on the edge of death. The elders looked at him with pity.
But Lue's resolve was unshaken.
He bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Patriarch. I will complete the trial and return with the herb."
Ramsey turned and walked out of the chamber, leaving everyone shocked once again at how easily he had accepted.
"Patriarch, you cannot allow Ramsey to take Liam's place in the festival. If he does, we will surely lose. The boy has never once used a technique," Elder Brawn protested.
"I agree with Elder Brawn."
"That is true," Elder Barbamus added.
The room filled with disapproval until Corlannius raised his palm, silencing them.
"I am well aware. Do you truly think I would allow him to take my son's position? Certainly not."
The elders brightened with relief.
"I was merely killing two birds with one stone. If Ramsey enters the forest and, by some miracle, obtains the herb, we can take it from him. If he dies, which is far more likely, then we are rid of a weakling. Either way, the clan benefits."
Sinister chuckles rippled through the chamber as Corlannius revealed his true thoughts.
At the door, Lue pressed his ear against the wood.
"I should have known. That old man will never appreciate me, even if I grew wings and flew. He will probably throw a feast if I die. Now that I know what he truly thinks, I can plan accordingly. In the meantime, I need to start training."
With that thought, he moved toward the only person in this particular life he could still trust, Elder Popas. This Elder could train him until he was ready to leave for the midnight trial.