"Tell me what mistake the two of you made."
Jin was waiting inside his room with Gilly, so he couldn't hear the conversation.
The Tona twins hesitated to answer. As seconds passed, Cyron's eyebrow twitched slightly.
"I asked you to tell me what mistake you made."
"Th-That's..."
The Tona twins were, without a doubt, individuals with a propensity for violence and a penchant for causing harm to others. However, at this moment in time, they were merely 9-year-old children.
They had reached an age where their father---A Genesis Knight, was a source of dread, and the term 'strict' was an understatement when describing him. Furthermore, their father had explicitly requested them to confess to their mistake.
The fact remained that they had suffered a brutal thrashing at the hands of their younger brother. If they sought to place blame anywhere or on anyone, it would inevitably fall upon Jin. And it wasn't just getting beaten up. It was days upon days of torture.
In their moment of introspection, the twins appeared to conveniently forget the torment they had regularly subjected their younger brother to.
With a collective resolution, the Tona twins decided to speak.
"We would like to apologise, father."
Both of them said in unison.
Cyron's twitched and the loosened jaw tightened. The skin on his forehead shifted subtly, forming a barely perceptible frown before a shallow breath left his lips as the grimace disappeared as well.
"I asked for an answer. Not an apology."
His tone, despite being as light as a feather felt like a poison laced dagger against their throat, burning their insides. Haytona, the one who was on the weaker side of the spectrum closed one of his eye, as he winced in pain.
Daytona bit his lips. His mouth opened and closed, trying to formulate a satisfactory answer. He pursed his lips before finally speaking up. "It was just a little fight because of an argument." He replied.
Cyron looked down at his sons before letting out a deep breath. Even his breath seemed to have a cutting edge to it, sending a crippling sensation down the twins' spine. With a mellow voice, he spoke.
"An argument you say. Hmm. You are dismissed."
"Y-Yes, father." Daytona sighed out loud, listening to his father's order as he helped Haytone on his feet. Staying close to him in a way that he could help him walk properly, Daytona and Haytona walked outside the door.
The door closed behind them as the eyes of all their siblings followed them, a single question on their mind.
'What did the youngest do to make them like this?'
While the question was already stirring a lot of questions in their minds, Cyron had a delighted smile on his face. Of course, however, no one else other than him knew about his chuffed mood. The prospective of their youngest sibling being an evil spawn was too much for them to focus on their father.
(***)
As he strolled down the corridor, Jin's thoughts dwelled upon the Tona twins, the ones who had been tasked with fetching him.
Their emaciated forms were etched into his mind, appearing as though they had been drained of life itself. They bore the resemblance of individuals who had ventured into the clutches of a savage beast, narrowly escaping its lethal grasp with their very existence hanging in the balance.
When they called out for Jin, they only said one thing before running away to their room like corpses. "You owe us one."
Jin simply replied with a "Of course, dear older brothers."
Jin hadn't heard the conversation between the twins and Cyron and hence had no idea about what was going to be discussed. He just walked with a casual look on his face.
'That man most likely asked them a question about that day. Seeing their condition, it was because of the fatigue from not eating much and no sleep. Meaning he did not scold them. Maybe they handled it perfectly.'
Jin's train of thoughts was interrupted as he arrived at his destination.
Jin, having never encountered Cyron, remained oblivious to the precise rationale underlying his actions. Nevertheless, it became apparent that there was no profound purpose concealed within these deeds.
It was simply the way Cyron chose to impart his guidance and education...no, it hardly qualified as education. Remarkably, despite being a father to thirteen children, Cyron had never personally nurtured a single one of them.
The responsibility of raising the children within the Runcandel Clan had been entrusted to the nannies.
In the case of Cyron and Rosa, their roles primarily revolved around observation.
They watched as their offspring matured, meticulously monitoring their growth and development.
Their purpose was to discern which of their children exhibited the qualities most befitting the future leader of the clan, someone who would carry on their father's legacy.
Moreover, Cyron and Rosa would gradually become more directly involved with their children's lives, but only once the offspring had reached adulthood and demonstrated exceptional achievements that exceeded the exacting "Runcandel standard."
Hence, Cyron's presence at the Storm Castle had assumed profound significance, despite his primary intention being to meet with the youngest member of the clan.
It was an occurrence driven by a spark of intuition that had ignited a significant turn of events.
As Jin drew closed to meeting room, he inhaled a deep breath. His experience with his previous father was something he didn't really care much about. He thought it would be better if this was a bit better than before. If not a lot.
Even still, he didn't carry many expectations. He was aware of the rotten luck he had.
The siblings who had gathered in the lobby were consumed by an intense curiosity, eager to learn the unfolding events within the throne room.
As Jin finally started walking, the eerie stillness in the air caused his steps to bounce off the walls of the Throne Room and return back to his ears. It was exceedingly spectral, the metaphysical dread almost casting a tactile veil over Jin.
Jin's gaze fixed upon the throne as he approached, where his father, Cyron, sat in patient anticipation. With measured steps, he proceeded toward Cyron.
'He is quite domineering.'
Even at a distance, Jin could already feel the difference in abilities.
'I wonder how long it would take for me...hm, never mind. Might as well just try to live a peaceful life. The siblings outside seem friendly enough...right?'
Cyron retained certain human traits. His brows would twitch in irritation when angered, and a slight smile would grace his countenance when he found something amusing.
Jin had also heard from people telling stories from the past, tales of a younger Cyron who had yet to ascend to the position of patriarch. In those days, Cyron had experienced the full spectrum of human emotions, from frustration to joy, and had even battled for his own survival.
Nevertheless, as Cyron ascended to the realm of demigods and assumed the mantle of the True Holy Knight, his emotions gradually waned.
What remained within him was an unwavering, unconditional dedication to the well-being and prosperity of the clan.
'I wonder if the loss of emotions is related to the class. Maybe for ascension, detachment to emotions is needed.'
Jin knelt in a display of respect before Cyron and conveyed his greetings.
Yet, even as his head remained lowered in a gesture of submission, Jin's gaze remained fixed upon Cyron.
It was a subtle indication that he wouldn't subject himself to extended humility. The defiance shimmering within his bright blue eyes almost brought forth a chuckle from Cyron.
'Such a spirited son I have! Already!'
Cyron mused in his inner thoughts, a faint chuckle reverberating within the confined of his mind. A chuckle no one could hear or anticipate from the stone cold, murderous expression that he wore on the outside.
"Greetings to the patriarch."
Jin's conduct mirrored that of the clan's elders who had long since departed the Storm Castle. He extended a welcome to Cyron not solely as his youngest son but as a valued member of the clan, embodying a sense of duty and responsibility that did not consider familial ties.
Cyron nodded with satisfaction, intrigued by his son's choice of address.
"Why did you call me 'patriarch' instead of 'father'?" he inquired.
Jin feigned contemplation.
"My elder brothers, elder sisters, and the guardian knights, numbering over 100, returned to this castle to welcome you. So, I inferred that the patriarch's visit to the castle was a formal one," Jin explained.
Cyron's eyes widened in approval. "Excellent."
Jin kept standing like a stone.
The approval from The Genesis Knight meant almost nothing to him. Meanwhile, it was something to die for---at least for everyone else. The siblings were already looking at him with keen eyes, their sharp gazes burning holes into his little skull.
'Uhh, someone is going to kill me just from the amount of staring. I am scared.'
Julian shivered internally.
The only one who wasn't taking interest in the whole ordeal was the girl with white bangs as she yawned heavily, rubbing her eyes as her crimson eyes watched her youngest brother's little back before returning to her daydreaming.
Meanwhile, to Cyron, it seemed entirely plausible for a seven-year-old to exhibit such impressive manners.
He attributed it to Gilly's upbringing and recognized Jin's keen insight, much like how he had chosen Barisada during the ritual.
Unbeknownst to Cyron, Jin was not an ordinary seven-year-old. He possessed the mind and experience of someone who was in his early twenties with knowledge that surpassed the norms. Even for adults.
Cyron gazed at his son with a distant expression before resuming their conversation.
"Just now, I asked your brothers what mistake they had made, but they couldn't provide an answer," Cyron remarked.
"Yes, patriarch," Jin responded.
"However, I feel compelled to pose the same question to you. What mistake did Daytona and Haytona make?"
Once again, Jin assumed an air of contemplation, although he had already anticipated the direction in which the conversation was headed.
In fact, he had meticulously planned for this outcome, knowing that Cyron Runcandel would treat his ailing children as though they were battle-hardened veterans who had endured countless trials.
The response Cyron sought had been predetermined from the outset.
"It's simple," Jin stated.
"So?" Cyron prompted.
"Payback."
"Hm!" Cyron's eyes widened in astonishment.
He remained silent for a few moments before Jin elaborated on his previous response.
"They killed my cat. So, as a Runcandel, I did what was the most logical thing to do. I inflicted double the pain they had made me go through by ripping it right in front of my eyes."
"Hmph! So, a Runcandel's life is as lowly and filthy as a cat!?"
Cyron's voice boomed like a canon and the pillars supporting the roof rumbled, the floor quaking as if it was struck by an earthquake. His aura got sharp, like a honed blade.
"It is not about the worth of one life compared to another. Technically, I haven't completely returned the favour. They killed it. I let them off with a warning."
"So, to compensate a wild cat's life, two pureblood Runcandels' blood should be shed?"
"Like I said, it is not about me demeaning the family name. The cat was my property. If anything were to put their hands on what was mine, I would reply in kind. Although, if that is punishable, I am ready to accept it."
Jin felt tired already.
'He feels strict but when I first walked in, he was smiling sneakily. This would satisfy his cravings.'
A heavy silence filled the room.
Jin interpreted his father's lack of immediate response as a sign of satisfaction.
Meanwhile, his siblings were on the verge of having a heart attack.
'This little fucker. Is his nanny slacking off or something? Father is going to cut his head off!' Mary Runcandel thought.
It was not an exaggeration. If he deemed it as unsatisfactory, the option of brutality against his own kids was something that was always an option for Cyron.
The Runcandel Clan did not need anyone who did not satisfy the patriarch's pallet.
Jin stayed silent, his tiny heart beating in a constant rhythm. There was no spike, no rush of blood. No dread in his eyes or heart that showed any signs of wavering despite his father looking down at him while his chin rested on his knuckles.
"Should I ask if my answer was satisfactory?"
"You should."
"Was my answer satisfactory, esteemed patriarch."
"Indeed. Very satisfactory."
"Thank you, patriarch."
Upon hearing his son's words, Cyron's eyes betrayed a trace of sadness.
"For the time being, you may address me as 'father.' While our clan members may have assembled at this castle to welcome me, my visit here is for purely personal reasons."
"Yes, father," Jin replied.
'The rumours seem to be wrong.' Jin thought to himself, the image he had formed in his mind and his personal confrontation with Cyron being completely opposite of each other.
A faint smile appeared on Cyron's face as he gazed down at his son. However, in the blink of an eye, his countenance reverted to one of detachment and indifference as he posed another question to Jin.
"What is this special power you used to defeat your brothers?"
'Must be the guardian knight...he was lurking in the corner.'
"I do not know either," Jin calmly replied.
Cyron's brows furrowed in surprise. It was unexpected for his clever son, who had been providing satisfactory answers, to respond in such a manner.
"You don't know?" Cyron inquired.
"No. This power isn't aura, so I'm not sure what I should call it," Jin explained.
Although everything was calculated, feigning ignorance to his strange power was not intentional.
He created a small amount of dark energy in his palm, the power he had used against the Tona twins.
This power, known as Spiritual Power, had been granted to him through his contract with Solderet, the God of Shadows. However, Jin had no clear understanding of what it was or how to use it effectively.
All he knew was that it had been bestowed upon him by the voice that welcomed him to this new world during his Debrief. Due to the lack of information and guidance, he had yet to unlock its full potential.
Scratch full potential, Jin had no clue what to do with it.
'I hope it is not something that would put a responsibility on me. The word thousand years contractor seems ominous enough.'
"May I request, father, to give this power a name?" Jin asked, his eyes shining with fake anticipation as his face seemed dull and tired.
Cyron was left stunned, his jaw dropping for the first time since he had reached the demigod realm and become a True Holy Knight. He couldn't believe what he was witnessing.
"Lord Solderet..." Cyron's thoughts raced as he gazed at his son's palm and the swirling dark energy within.
Was it possible that Jin was the reincarnation of the clan's founder and first patriarch? The questions swirled in Cyron's mind.
Solderet, the God of Shadows, was a being that all magicians in the world yearned for. However, Cyron knew a different truth.
Originally, Solderet wasn't solely associated with magic but was more akin to a God of Swords. Moreover, a thousand years ago, Solderet had made a contract with the clan's founder, safeguarding the Runcandels for generations.
Cyron had believed that Solderet had abandoned the clan after the founder's passing, but now it seemed that the god had taken an interest in his youngest child.
As Cyron considered the implications, he couldn't help but wonder if this was a sign that the Runcandels might rise and prosper once again.
However, he also knew that gods were fickle beings, and this interest could just as easily wane.
Jin, perceptive as ever, understood the thoughts swirling in his father's mind.
'Don't entrust me with the clan. Just let me retire to an old village and let me live my last days there...wait, I am a 5-year-old. Well, I identify as an old man! Retirement is my right!'
Jin listened attentively as his father explained the nature of the power he possessed.
Cyron revealed that the power came from a god named Solderet, and it was a closely guarded secret of their clan. He emphasized that Jin, despite his cleverness, was still too young to fully comprehend the significance of Solderet and the shadows in the world.
The young boy nodded in understanding, acknowledging the weight of the secret and the limitations of his current knowledge.
"Do you realise with that power; you have some responsibilities." Cyron looked at Jin's palm, his chest inflating with pride.
"There are?"
'Oh well. There goes my peaceful life.'
"You are a pure-blood Runcandel. Of course, wielding powers of Solderet who has blessed our family for generations, you carry responsibilities." Cyron explained as Jin lowered his head. However, much to his own surprise, Cyron suddenly placed his hand on Jin's head, gently patting it. "It was a good decision to come here. No matter how hard the responsibilities lie ahead, I have high hopes of you."
Jin felt his eyes widen. It was not a selfish intent that he felt in his words. Just a genuine tone of a proud father who saw a bright future for his son.
"Thank you, father."
Hearing Jin say father after seeing his rogue and wild side calmed Cyron's heart. He truly felt happy. Despite the lack of emotion in Jin's voice, he seemed satisfied with his son.
It seemed like the void that his oldest kid, the eldest daughter had left finally got someone to fill it up.
"Although, I must ask, what do you intend to use your powers for?" Cyron asked, his hand still on Jin's head.
Jin knew that roundabout answers would lead to trouble.
"To kill anyone standing in my path."
Hearing those ominous words from the mouth of a 5-year-old was terrifying. How Cyron bursted into laughter and pinched Jin's cheek.
"You little bastard! You really make me feel like I didn't leave my meditation for naught. I will be watching over you!"
As Cyron left the room, Jin's awareness of the tense situation began to sink in.
He could feel the cold sweat running down his face and back, a physical manifestation of the anxiety and pressure he had been under during his conversation with his father.
'He almost crushed my head...'
As the adrenaline rush subsided, he could finally hear his heart beating. He placed his hand on his chest.
"Well, this is a first..."