Chapter: The Apathetic Heir
Chapter: 02
(The Prince of Lies)
My breath came to me in a gasp.
The sensation of being sliced crashed in all at once.
The faint twitch of a finger, the weight of a body that felt heavier and more solid than the one I had left behind, the slow rise and fall of a chest that was, against all reason, breathing.
My eyes opened to a light that took several blinks to settle into something I could see through.
It took me a second to stare before my eyes widened slightly as my brain caught up to my actions, and I gradually sat up and took in my surroundings with a hint of curiosity, my memories of the previous events flooding back.
So that wasn't a dream?
I brought my hand to my face and examined it as I sat up. I quickly realised I was in what appeared to be an extremely comfortable yet spacious bed. The soft fabric beneath me was far superior to what I had grown accustomed to waking up on.
For a brief moment, I savoured its warmth, luxuriating in its comfort. I let out a small sigh of satisfaction. I guess I hadn't gone crazy after all. I doubted I could have afforded a bed like this even if I had saved for years.
Something was different.
The constant aches, the bone-deep weariness I had carried my entire human life, all of it was gone. In its place was power, a chaotic energy coiled in my chest that felt oddly comforting.
Skill Gained
[Appraisal] (Passive)
[Allows the user to gain insightful information about their targets, as well as discern their power and rank.]
Skill gained
[Darklight] {Novice}
The mutated signature bloodline ability of the Lucifer house, created by Lucifer himself after he fell and forsook his light and holy powers corrupting it into a mix of light that was tainted by demonic power to spite the creator. This power behaves like both while possessing animation properties that allow it to "destroy" any magical ability of equal or lower strength than the user's.
Holy light to dark creatures. Darkness to creatures of the light. The power was both, depending on what it touched.
[Passive effect: Cost reduction]
[Gate] [Transcendent]
A power that allows the user to enter temporary dimensions. The user must make progress within this realm to access another realm.
My eyes scanned the various notifications appearing before me.
So I really had landed the Lucifer bloodline.
The thought sent a fresh surge of disbelief through me. The orb's knowledge had told me as much in the void, but seeing the Darklight skill listed in my own status made it feel real in a way the void had not.
The same bloodline as the Prince of Lies himself. That Darklight ability looked dangerous. Enough so that it made Lava Manipulation feel like a consolation prize.
I had expected something decent when I rolled the dice on this new life. Maybe the Gremory or Sitri bloodline. If luck were feeling generous, the Bael clan's Power of Destruction. But the strongest and most coveted bloodline of my race?
How would this shape up to the power of destruction?
I couldn't contain the rare smile that crossed my features.
Status.
The system had already loaded the information on how to use it into my brain.
[Name: Raziel Lucifer
Race: Pureblood Devil
Rank: D
Physique: E (Middle)
Spirit: D (High)
Regen: F (High)
Charisma: A (High)]
So that was where I stood.
Physique was my general physical attributes, and spirit was tied to my energy. Which in this case meant demonic energy. Regen stood for my magical and physical regeneration. Charisma was my ability to charm.
So my Spirit at the higher realm of the High-class without having lifted a finger. The Lucifer lineage was no doubt responsible.
Charisma sitting at an A rank wasn't surprising either. The Devil's Charm perk, combined with the Lucifer bloodline's natural allure, had probably pushed it that high without me having to do a single thing for it.
My Physique at E and Regeneration at F were nothing special, but for someone who hadn't trained a day in their life, it wasn't bad. For someone who had just woken up in a new body, this was a solid foundation. Not world-ending power, but enough to work with.
My thoughts were abruptly interrupted as the sound of a door opening slowly caught my attention. The pair of large double doors that led into my bedroom had opened.
The doorway revealed a beautiful maid entering calmly, holding a cup of tea.
I blinked, the memory of the woman surfacing without me having to reach for it.
Years of life in this castle suddenly formed in my mind. My new life has taken root in my mind and helps me relax. The life I had been living for the past few years was almost docile.
Gremailia.
She was adorned in an expensive-looking maid's dress, with silky, silver-braided hair cascading down her back, cold silver eyes that radiated an icy chill, locking onto me.
'Appraisal'
Name: Gremailia Lucifuge
Title: Super Maid
Rank: C (Low)
Race: Pureblood Devil
"…"
Either I had a long way to climb, or she was monstrously strong. Considering I was of the Lucifer bloodline and she was a Lucifuge Heiress, I was more inclined to believe the latter.
The Lucifuge served the Lucifers, and only the strongest of them would have been chosen for this post.
At least that's what she had told me.
So, that meant I had low high-class demonic power reserves? Then E was at the middle-class level if I was putting everything together correctly. At the same time, in contrast, my regeneration was in the lower class.
"My Lord." Gremailia greeted flatly, her tone devoid of any emotion.
It was enough to make me worry slightly until the memories caught up. This was simply the way she was. The way she had always been, in every quiet moment I had spent with her over the years.
She was cold and calm.
So much so, I wasn't sure she even liked me.
A problem for the previous me that had been a few touches off in love with her.
She strode towards me with measured steps, placing the tray beside my bed. Then she looked at me properly, her silver eyes regarded me.
"You seem pale, are you okay?" Gremailia asked, her voice smooth.
"I'm fine, Gremailia. Thank you," I replied flatly, my tone deliberately distant as I tested the waters.
Her silver eyes flickered, the only indication of any reaction. It was then that I realised I usually referred to her as 'Mai.'
Oops.
I was sure it wasn't that big a deal.
She studied my face with those frozen eyes.
"Are you sure?"
"I am." I smiled. "I must have done too much-"
I started to brush off her concern when a sudden, stabbing pain tore through my skull.
The world tilted as something old and quiet in the back of my mind shifted, all the memories the orb had given me settling deeper into place, taking root rather than merely sitting on the surface.
Ouch.
"-reading."
I shot her a blank smile.
She blinked slowly, looking over me with an almost painfully patient expression.
"Do you require healing?"
"N-"
I gripped my head, riding out the last of the strange settling sensation as the years of memories I had been handed embedded themselves down properly.
I had had access to them since waking, but only now did they feel like mine. Like things I had lived through rather than information I had been told.
The faces of the people who walked these halls. The cold mornings where Mai had brought me tea exactly like this. The quiet evenings in the library. All of it became something I could reach for without effort.
And suddenly, the memories felt much easier to access.
"No," I managed, soothing the pain. "I must have read too much last night."
I found Gremailia standing beside the bed, watching me with those expressionless silver eyes. Her silver hair caught the morning light, and she looked mightily unimpressed.
"Is that so?" She questioned.
Yep.
She definitely didn't believe me.
"Yes." I sat up slowly. "Sorry for worrying you."
"Your apology is unnecessary." She replied calmly. "Perhaps you would like to tell me what is happening? You're acting strange, and being so resistant is unlike you."
"Nothing is wrong. I've just got a migraine from reading too much." I explained, stretching my arms.
"A migraine, I see." She repeated the word without curiosity. "One that occurred from reading excessively?"
"Yeah." I stretched.
Her expression did not change.
"Is that the reason you have not looked at me since I entered?" She questioned.
"I am sure I have-" I responded before being abruptly cut off.
"Not in the eyes," Gremailia replied aptly.
Yeah. I had been staring at the cute dimple on her cheek in truth.
I finally looked her in the eyes.
"Is it bothering you?"
She looked mildly taken aback by the question.
"No."
I gave her a small smile.
Sadly, this might be the first time someone had shown any care for my well-being, even if it was delivered with all the warmth of a glacier.
She regarded me in silence for a long moment.
"Breakfast will be ready in an hour. Is there anything you require?" She finally said.
"No, that will be all for now," I nodded.
She gave me a single nod before turning to leave without hesitation. At the threshold, she paused, casting one last look over her shoulder. Her face revealed nothing.
I lay for a few moments, processing the surprise before I got up from my comfortable bed. My eyes glanced downward at my attire, and I found I was dressed in a comfortable silk robe that fit me perfectly and felt softer than any clothes I had worn back in my old life.
I turned to the steaming cup of tea on the tray left beside my large bed. Carefully picking up the teacup, I took a sip.
Taking a few sips, I had to admit, this was some good tea. Without a doubt, the best I had ever drunk. Not that my previous life had set a high bar, but it was nice regardless.
I finally got up. That was enough lazing around. I needed to check a few things. Mainly testing out something I was actually pretty excited about.
Magic.
Was it not every man's dream to blow shit up and escape the desperate reality of a shitty job?
I quickly brought up the system interface as I saw the menu.
A new option had appeared in the menu.
[Gate] {Transcendent}
A power that allows the user to enter other temporary dimensions. The user must make progress within this realm to access another realm.
Dungeon Available: The City In Ice.
"…"
To so casually be granted something like this.
The thought of opening a gate into another realm and having to make progress within it before another would unlock for me was absurd.
But this was useful.
Opponents I could test myself against without risk of being seen.
I glanced around my large room, then stood up and made my way over to sit on the large couch as I continued looking through the system interface.
The City In Ice.
Was it bad that it made me even more tempted to jump in? Part of me wanted to dive into the dungeon right now, but that would be stupid. Testing my powers first seemed like the bare minimum of not getting myself killed.
And honestly?
I was looking forward to it.
Darklight and Lava Manipulation were not exactly party tricks. Magic straight from the Satan's bloodline and the ability to control lava. I saw the potential in both of them, and a part of me felt like I needed to amass power soon.
I knew all about those with more power after all, and I was not going through that again, especially with the new enemies I had most likely inherited.
Then there was the Divine Retribution trait. That meant there was a god out there who wanted my head and was actively hunting for it. The sooner I could meet that threat with some semblance of strength, the less I would have to worry.
I just wish I knew which god it was… considering this was a world of gods.
First though, clothes.
These robes were comfortable, but slightly too loose-fitting. I got up and headed for the wardrobe. Opening the large wooden wardrobe, I was met with an array of formal, old-fashioned attire as expected. It consisted mainly of more robes and clothing befitting a noble.
My memories had been correct. I was hoping for some casual, comfortable clothes, but my hopes were not to be met. After checking the various pieces, I chose the most comfortable set.
A casual buttoned-up silver robe that looked a lot better than it sounded.
Putting them on quickly, I stretched a few times and noticed they felt oddly pleasant. I had worn suits before, but they had always been cheap and extremely uncomfortable, which is why I preferred casual clothing.
Taking notice of a large mirror near the wardrobe, I walked up to it and took this time to look at my new appearance. To say I was surprised would be an understatement.
Staring back at me was a boy with startling silver hair who looked to be around 18 years old. My memories told me I was sixteen in this body.
My eyes were the most noticeable part of my appearance. The lower half held a bright yellow, the middle a sunset hue that transitioned into purple like the night sky. There was a piercing quality to them that bordered on unnatural.
What colour could I even call this?
I knew from my memories that devils had unique eye colours, unlike normal humans, but this felt a bit much. Was this some mix of my father's and my mother's eyes?
For a few moments, I merely stared at my reflection.
I let the subject drop for now as I stood up and made way for the large two doors that led out of my bedroom. I walked out of my room and wandered around the large hallways.
While I was aware I would be receiving a castle due to my selection of the Hidden Legendary Castle, I hadn't expected it to be this massive.
I knew the general layout from the memories settled in my mind, but knowing and seeing were two different things. I wanted to experience it for myself.
That led to a long stretch of walking, each corridor lined with lush red carpets and paintings and trinkets that served no purpose beyond the display of wealth.
Large, clear windows lit the hallways, offering views of a well-kept garden, with flowers of every colour sprawling across the grounds. A castle this size should have shown some sign of wear, some trace of neglect from the lack of staff.
But there was none. Not even a speck of dirt to be found. The place was beyond what royalty should possess.
I made my way outside through a large pair of doors that opened onto a massive courtyard. If not for the running track outlining the entire space, it would have looked too pristine to use for anything practical. I suppose this would do.
Not as private as I would have liked, but it would be fine for a simple test.
I made my way to the middle of the courtyard to gain more space for my tests, since it would not be good if I accidentally blew up part of my castle.
Judging by how long I had been walking around, I should have around twenty minutes before breakfast, so I had better get started. I gave a small grin of excitement that lit up on my otherwise bored visage.
First, something simple.
I raised my hand experimentally, watching it intensely as I slowly pulled on the chaotic mass of energy begging to be used within me. Just as expected, it instantly rushed out, and I found myself having to restrain the amount that came through.
A ball of scorching hot red magma formed in my hand. Immediately, I noticed that the heat didn't damage my skin despite the proximity. Leaving me to stare at the unnaturally hot lava swirling in my hand, almost in a daze.
Then, I launched it towards the wall, watching as it impacted and made a small explosion of red-hot fire. Magma sprayed everywhere, enveloping the ground around the target in its scorching embrace.
The splatters hit the ground with wet slaps, spreading in viscous pools that devoured everything they touched. Rock melted into slag. The air shimmered with acrid smoke as the lava engulfed the area in a scorching blanket, bubbles bursting on the surface with pops that sent plumes of sulfurous vapour into the air.
I watched the puddle roil and spit, its edges cooling to a cracked black crust while the core remained a bubbling cauldron, far beyond what a simple lava ball had any right to do.
Perhaps I should have expected that lava born from demonic energy would behave nothing like the normal kind.
It was hotter than it had any right to be. More aggressive, too. The moment it had hit the wall, it had sprayed as far as it could and begun devouring whatever lay in its reach with what could only be called hunger.
That was the only word that fit. A ball of lava the size of two basketballs had exploded and started eating the courtyard, and the only sound left was the hissing of the demonic lava as it worked.
After a moment, I raised my palm once more, allowing my demonic power to react and feeling the way it chaotically channelled through my body.
Another ball of magma came to hover, dripping bits of lava that I had to avoid and attempted to keep in the ball, but to no avail.
Thinking of another use, I opened my hand and formed more magma, but instead of firing it, I commanded it to spread all over my hand. The magma obeyed, though extremely slowly, as I carefully manoeuvred it.
When it spread over my fist, I commanded the heat out of it and watched as the magma began to cool. The process took a few minutes as the heat slowly left, but what was left was extremely hard, black rock covering my hand like a glove.
The gauntlet was uneven, obviously weaker in spots where my control had slipped.
Still, I grinned at the possibilities.
Clenching it, I found my fingers unable to move, which made sense.
I slammed my fist into the ground. Cracks spiderwebbed across the stone, but the recoil shot straight up my arm, and I winced sharply at the impact. Sharper than it had any right to be, in fact.
The Pain Tolerance trait wasn't subtle.
I shook my hand out, the throb settling slowly.
Definitely a work in progress.
Maybe I could keep a layer of molten magma underneath to absorb the impact? If it didn't harm me, then I should be fine. I raised my palm and summoned another ball, trying to exert more control than before.
It shifted slightly, then stopped. No matter how hard I focused, the lava refused to obey once it left my skin. So that was the limitation. I could control it while it was in contact with my body.
After a few more minutes of failed attempts, I gave up and launched the ball at the same spot as before. It exploded on impact, mirroring the destruction of the first.
For the next fifteen minutes, I merely practised my lava manipulation and came up with different ways to weaponise it, with only some success due to my low skill rank.
In that time, I had made good progress, and I had to say, merely experimenting with lava magic felt like a good way to start my new life. I had made significant progress in fifteen minutes, which I think was pretty good.
A screen appeared.
Through intense magical exertion and control, your Spirit has improved.
I raised an eyebrow.
So my stats could climb through pure use as well? I checked my status and nothing had changed. Perhaps it was more of an indicator of natural growth?
That gave me an avenue that did not depend on chasing feats for spins.
I felt my demonic power reserves and could barely sense the change.
I was brought out of my muses as the clearing of a throat caught my attention. I turned around, my vision greeted by the sight of a middle-aged man, dressed in what could only be called classic butler attire.
'Appraisal'
Name: Lucius Satanachia
Title: Right Hand of Lucifer
Rank: C (High)
Race: Pureblood Devil
So this must be the legendary butler, and he was stronger than Gremailia. The Right Hand of Lucifer. No wonder he was so strong.
I stared blankly for a moment.
"Young lord." He said, snapping me out of my thoughts. "Your breakfast is awaiting you, though I suspect it may be cooler than your current... experiments."
"Oh, right. Thank you, Lucius," I said, wiping sweat from my forehead.
Lucius seemed completely unbothered by the residual heat that had me perspiring. His keen eyes swept over me with practised assessment before lingering on the molten destruction I had created.
"An Interesting morning exercise routine." He commented slowly. "I do not recall ever seeing you use the element of lava before, and I don't believe I was informed of this change."
I paused. "It's something I recently found out myself. And you have not exactly seen me train before… at all."
Lucius inclined his head. "Indeed. Is there any reason for this new endeavour?"
"I found some books in the library," I said, lying effortlessly. "It got me interested in the art of magic, and I realise this has been a long time coming. Most devils start well before me after all."
Lucius considered my words.
"May I suggest it would be prudent to work on the basics of imagination magic first?" Lucius offered. "While versatile, despite what its name suggests, using advanced elements without proper understanding will drain far more demonic power than necessary. Even the base four elements are costly endeavours."
He did not know I had Lava Manipulation as an actual magical skill, which was to be expected, so he was assuming I had found a way to use imagination magic to make lava.
"Perhaps, but I'm finding it easy on my demonic power," I replied casually. "Maybe I have an affinity for it."
His eyebrow raised.
"I don't think I have ever known your bloodline to be proficient with lava." He commented strangely. "Then again, perhaps it would be arrogant to say I could truly know. Regardless, I don't think I've seen you take an interest in training at all."
"Just thought I should start training for the future," I replied, technically truthful.
"Ah, yes, because nothing says 'training for the future' like shooting around molten rock." His eyebrow arched elegantly. "Though I must say, this is quite the departure from your usual morning routine of... well, sleeping until noon."
I almost smiled despite myself. "Are you questioning my newfound motivation? Are you really surprised it was a book that got me interested in fighting? You and Gremailia haven't exactly taught me anything magical related."
At that, something shifted in his eyes.
"Perhaps a magical curriculum has been in need. You merely never stated an interest in such a thing, though you are your Father's son." He stepped closer, completely unfazed by the bubbling magma. "Though I must ask, any particular reason for this sudden enthusiasm for property damage? Should I perhaps reinforce the dining room?"
"Very funny, Lucius," I replied, outright smiling.
"I do try." He clasped his hands behind his back, studying me with sharp intelligence.
I met his gaze steadily. "I will try to keep the damage down. I do not really have a place to train since I have never trained before."
"A valid point. Well, whatever has brought about this change, please know that both Gremailia and I remain at your service." He suggested fondly.
"If you could give me a place to train, I would be grateful," I replied. "It is time I stop lazing around and put the knowledge I have gained to work."
He nodded, his eyes becoming assessing. "Very well."
"Is that all?" I questioned.
"No, as stated prior, your breakfast is ready."
I looked thoughtful before nodding as he began leading me towards the dining hall, where my breakfast presumably awaited. I was pretty hungry, I had to admit.
I was feeling more alive than ever. I could definitely get used to this.
We arrived in a large dining hall, where Mai stood beside a king-like throne at the end of the long table. Her silver eyes passed over Lucius with cold disdain. In response, he turned up his nose at her.
I was led to the throne-like chair where a large buffet awaited me. The aroma nearly made me salivate. I sat down and ignored the silent tension between the butler and the maid.
The food welcomed me, and I obliged.
Eating the admittedly delicious breakfast, made from creatures that did not exist on Earth.
I looked at the side of the long dining table.
A large picture of a silver-haired man sitting on a throne hung on the wall. Mai and Lucius stood at attention beside me, exchanging quiet words with frost in Mai's tone.
Eating with people hovering nearby felt strange. In my old life, breakfast was something I inhaled on the way out the door, praying I would not be late enough for my manager to dock my pay. Again.
Now I had all the time in the world. A maid and butler standing at attention, ready to cater to my every whim. Surreal didn't begin to cover the feeling I was experiencing.
As I ate, my thoughts headed in another direction.
How was I going to get a draw?
I knew the system had a function based on it.
I had to take an action that could be seen as an achievement, and then, based on that, would obtain a gacha ticket with a rank assigned to it.
The higher the rank, the more likely I was to get something of that rank. Though I knew it wasn't confirmed. So that once more went around the question, what should I try to do?
There isn't much to do in the mansion.
I hadn't gotten a ticket for starting to train.
So it wasn't going to be that easy.
I wasn't too worried for now, mostly because I had Lava manipulation and Darklight, along with two powerful servants, in a legendary castle that was supposedly hidden from the world.
That didn't mean I wouldn't try to find out how I could activate it.
I glanced down at my plate.
When had I finished?
There had been enough food for several people. I must have been more lost in thought than I had realised. A sigh of contentment escaped me as I stood, and both Mai and Lucius turned in my direction.
"You have finished?" Mai questioned, her silver eyes regarding me with perfect stillness.
I looked back at her blankly. I was pretty sure the maid disliked me. It was hard to tell at this point. And my memories showed she had always been this way.
I racked my brain. I didn't think I had given her a reason to have animosity towards me… besides that time my younger self had accidentally found her coming out of the shower… and then proceeded to ogle her out of bewilderment. But I was a Devil, one who was lustful apparently, and she had been acting like this before that particular moment.
I flashed her a blank smile.
"Yes, thank you for the meal. It was delicious," I replied sincerely.
She gave me one nod, turned without a word and began clearing the plates, moving with mechanical precision toward the kitchen.
"Any plans for today, young lord?" Lucius asked dutifully. I started to reply before giving it some thought.
"I plan to relax for a while, perhaps look through the library," I explained. "Would you be willing to transform the courtyard into a training area?"
I could have trained longer, my demonic power was still ready to go, thanks to my high-class reserves that I was beginning to realise were massive even at the lower stages.
Lucius looked slightly confused at my request and attitude, but nodded nonetheless. I could tell he was wondering what had caused my behaviour change.
I suppose it could be seen as puberty making me more confident in what I wanted. However, my dampened emotions would be harder to explain. Now with Mai cleaning and Lucius going to set up the courtyard, I only had one thing on my mind.
There was one place I had been quite a bit, and that held a lot of knowledge I had admittedly overlooked.
Time to explore the library.
-END-