Chapter 5: The Smile of a False Saint

The morning sun illuminated the Veyron estate.

Servants hurried through the corridors, knights patrolled the gardens, and noble guests gathered in the grand hall.

But Kael Veyron had no interest in the morning festivities.

He sat beside his bedroom window, studying the notifications floating before him.

[Special Quest: The False Saint]

Objective: Discover the secret behind Lucien Veyron.

Reward: Hidden.

Failure Penalty: Unknown.

Kael leaned back in his chair.

"One of the seven future heroes... and my system calls him a false saint."

He remembered the original novel.

Lucien Veyron was described as a kind-hearted young noble blessed with extraordinary talent. He would eventually become a hero loved by the people and respected by the kingdom.

Unlike Kael, Lucien had everything.

A powerful bloodline. A beautiful appearance. Exceptional talent.

And the ability to make everyone believe he was perfect.

But Kael remembered something else.

In the original story, Lucien never once tried to save his older brother.

He simply watched Kael's execution.

"Let's find out what you're hiding."

A knock interrupted his thoughts.

"Young Master Kael, Master Lucien requests your presence in the garden."

Kael smiled.

"How thoughtful of him."

### The Perfect Younger Brother

The garden was filled with colorful flowers and the sound of a small fountain.

Lucien stood beneath a white gazebo, speaking with several young nobles.

His expression was warm, his posture elegant, and his smile perfectly composed.

When he noticed Kael, he immediately approached.

"Brother! I'm glad you came."

The surrounding nobles exchanged uncomfortable glances.

Everyone knew Kael's reputation.

Some stepped away.

Others whispered.

"Why would Young Master Lucien invite someone like him?"

"Perhaps he still feels obligated because they're family."

Kael heard every word.

[Negative Emotions Detected.]

[Abyss Energy +4]

Lucien placed a hand on Kael's shoulder.

"I heard about the incident beneath the estate. Father has been very worried."

"Has he?"

"Of course. He only wants what's best for you."

Kael looked at the hand resting on his shoulder.

Then he looked into Lucien's eyes.

"You're a terrible liar."

Lucien's smile remained.

But his fingers tightened slightly.

"Brother, why would you say that?"

Kael leaned closer.

"Because you're smiling like a saint while looking at me like I'm already dead."

For a brief moment, Lucien's expression froze.

Then he laughed softly.

"You haven't changed at all."

[Hidden Observation Activated.]

[Analyzing Target: Lucien Veyron...]

[Analysis Failed.]

[Warning: Target possesses an unknown protective blessing.]

Kael's eyes narrowed.

So that's why.

Lucien wasn't simply talented.

Something was protecting him.

### The Noble's Challenge

A young noble stepped forward.

He wore a silver embroidered coat and carried a polished sword at his waist.

"Young Master Kael, is it true that you threatened the estate guards?"

Kael glanced at him.

"And who are you?"

"Leonard Ashford. My family has served the Veyron household for generations."

Leonard raised his chin.

"Someone like you should be grateful that Master Lucien still treats you as family."

Several nobles nodded.

Lucien stepped forward.

"Leonard, please. There's no need to argue."

But Leonard ignored him.

"Perhaps Young Master Kael should apologize to everyone for his disgraceful behavior."

Kael sighed.

"Are you finished?"

Leonard's face reddened.

"You—!"

"Then move."

Kael walked past him.

Leonard grabbed his arm.

"Don't turn your back on me!"

A sudden wave of pressure filled the garden.

The flowers trembled.

Leonard's grip loosened.

For an instant, he saw something behind Kael.

A pair of enormous crimson eyes surrounded by endless darkness.

He stumbled backward.

"W-What are you?"

Kael looked at him coldly.

"Someone you should stop touching."

[Negative Emotions Absorbed.]

[Abyss Energy +12]

Lucien watched the exchange carefully.

His smile had finally disappeared.

### The Secret Behind the Smile

Later that afternoon, Kael returned to his room.

He closed the door and activated his system.

"Show me the results of the analysis."

[Previous Analysis: Failed.]

[Attempting Secondary Scan...]

[Partial Information Retrieved.]

TARGET: LUCIEN VEYRON

Unknown Blessing Detected

- Talent: Exceptional
- Mana: Abnormally High
- Blessing: Unknown
- Soul Condition: Restricted
- Hidden Trait: Undisclosed

Warning: Target cannot be fully analyzed.

Kael stared at the final line.

"Restricted soul?"

Before he could investigate further, another notification appeared.

[Abyssal Perception Activated.]

His vision darkened.

For a split second, he saw a black mark beneath Lucien's chest—a symbol resembling a crown surrounded by seven broken stars.

Then the vision disappeared.

Kael slowly stood.

"That symbol..."

He remembered seeing it somewhere in the original novel.

It was the emblem of the Seven Divine Contracts, the ancient blessings granted to the kingdom's greatest heroes.

But there was something wrong.

The symbol on Lucien's soul was incomplete.

And something was eating away at it.

### A Visitor in the Night

That night, Kael was awakened by a strange sound.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

He opened his eyes.

Someone was standing outside his bedroom door.

"Young Master Kael?"

It was a servant's voice.

"Master Lucien requests that you meet him in the eastern library. He says it's important."

Kael remained silent.

The servant knocked again.

"Young Master?"

Kael checked his system.

[Warning: Unusual magical energy detected outside the room.]

His expression turned serious.

Lucien wouldn't send someone at this hour without a reason.

He quietly approached the door.

"Tell my brother I'll come tomorrow."

Silence.

Then the servant spoke again.

But this time, the voice sounded different.

"I'm afraid you don't have until tomorrow, Master Kael."

A black hand slowly slipped beneath the door.

Kael stepped backward.

[Emergency Quest Activated.]

Emergency Quest

THE UNINVITED GUEST

Objective: Survive the entity outside your room.

Time Limit: 10 minutes.

Reward: Unknown.

Failure Penalty: Death.

Kael stared at the hand.

Then he smiled.

"So the little saint has finally made his move."

The voice outside began laughing.

"Open the door, Young Master. Your brother sends his regards."

Kael raised his right hand.

Black flames gathered around his fingers.

"Then let's give him a message."

"Tell Lucien..."

His eyes turned crimson.

"...that his older brother is no longer afraid of the dark."

[Skill Activated: Abyssal Blade.]

The bedroom exploded with black light.

End of Chapter 5

Next Chapter: Chapter 6 – The Assassin Behind the Door