“Ether,” Xara called softly as she fed him a spoonful of food, her voice taking on a motherly tone. She sat across from him, her eyes warm yet firm as she continued her story,
“So, the cat finally caught the mouse after searching for so long. But instead of eating it, the cat let the mouse go. The mouse, confused, asked, ‘Why did you let me go?’ And do you know what the cat said?”
Ether, chewing slowly, stared at her blankly.
Xara smiled softly, wiping away a smudge of food from the corner of his mouth. “The cat said, ‘As long as you’re still out there, I’ll always have a purpose in the humans’ eyes.'”
She paused, watching for any flicker of understanding in Ether’s blank face. “Do you get it now, Ether? That’s how the world works. If you keep living like this—quiet, passive—others will take advantage of you. You need to stand up for yourself, brat,” she added, her voice firm as she pushed another spoonful into his mouth, her gaze suddenly serious.
I couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly, ‘He’s got a strict mother figure now,’ I mused, as I finally glanced at
Xara Seraphine… dark and enchanting, with raven-black hair that cascades in soft waves, framing her delicate face.
Her captivating black eyes hold a deep, mysterious allure, while her flawless skin glows softly, contrasting beautifully with her dark nightgown. Her serene expression carried an intensity that obeyed her unknowingly…. Graceful and confident, she embodied a mesmerizing blend of elegance and mystery.
‘Damn you, Ether!!’ I thought, feeling a twinge of jealousy, ‘He’s got it too good.’
“M-Mom?” came a small voice from behind me. I turned to see Selene standing there, her eyes narrowing at Ether, clear dissatisfaction written all over her face. ‘Looks like someone’s jealous too,’ I thought, a smirk creeping onto my lips.
Xara chuckled, catching her daughter’s possessive expression, “Come here, my dear child~,” she cooed, extending her arms.
Selene’s frown disappeared in an instant, replaced by a wide, happy smile. She ran to her mother, throwing her arms around Xara’s waist, “Mine!” she declared, glaring at Ether as if warning him to stay away.
Xara laughed lightly, patting her daughter’s head before feeding her too, “Such a possessive little girl,” she teased, though there was warmth in her voice.
I shook my head, smiling, ‘Well, If only he saw this all’ I thought, feeling a strange sense of relief that at least some people in the mansion treated Ether like a human.
Yet… my brief happiness was shattered when I saw Ether standing in a dark chamber that was lit with candles!
!~Ding~!
[Achieved Compatibility is 94%↑]
The room was oppressive, a dark, looming place filled with dread. At its centre was a strange magic circle etched into the stone floor, its intricate designs glowing faintly in the low light….
It was unlike anything I’d seen before, and a deep, unsettling feeling crept over me, ‘What the hell are they going to do to him?’ I thought, anxiety gnawing at me as I stared at the figure standing before the circle.
Velc.. a tall, blue-haired man with cold eyes—stood at the edge of the circle, his expression grim and focused.
I hadn’t seen him interact with Ether much, but I knew one thing for sure: Velc never even acknowledged Ether’s existence. To him, Ether was nothing more than a piece of trash. A garbage that wasn’t even worth looking at… just like his father.
Velc’s voice cut through the silence as he addressed his son, Kai. “Remember this, son, and never forget: this slave standing before you… was the true Chosen One.”
‘Chosen One?’ I frowned.
Kai’s reaction mirrored mine. His face twisted in shock. “B-But… I thought A-Arcane chose me,” he stammered, disbelief heavy in his voice.
Velc placed a firm hand on his son’s shoulder, his face stern. “Yes, she did. That’s why you have it now—because it was taken from this slave.”
Kai’s expression shifted to one of disgust, “But I… I feel sick knowing I got something from a slave,” he muttered, his voice dripping with revulsion.
Velc’s eyes hardened, his tone sharp, “Listen, Kai. Look at him,” he commanded, pointing at the hollow figure that was Ether. “Do you honestly believe he’s worthy of wielding such immense power?”
Kai turned to Ether, his eyes scanning the lifeless boy, “N-No, Father. He’s not worthy,” he replied with certainty… After seeing his personal growth, he knew a Slave should not have this kind of power!
Velc smiled thinly, pleased with his son’s response, “That’s why Arcane chose you,” he said, tightening his grip on Kai’s shoulder. “Listen, son, What you have is something given for a reason… Now, prove to her that you are not like him. Show her that you are worthy of the power she bestowed upon you.”
Kai swallowed hard, absorbing his father’s words.
Velc smirked, “Who is the real chosen one now?”
Slowly, a sense of pride replaced his uncertainty. “I… I am the real Chosen One,” he said, his voice growing more confident.
“Good,” Velc nodded approvingly. He then turned his gaze back to Ether. “Now, it’s time to bond this slave to you… eternally.”
My heart skipped a beat as the ominous words sank in, ‘What the hell are they planning now?’ I thought, unease rising in my chest.
“Father?” Kai asked, his head tilting in confusion.
Velc smiled reassuringly, “Don’t worry, my son. Just follow my commands without hesitation. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Father,” Kai nodded, his face serious.
“Alfred!” Velc called out, and an older man with greying hair appeared, bowing his head respectfully.
“Yes, Master,” Alfred responded as he approached, carrying an ancient-looking scroll.
Velc took the scroll from him and knelt in front of the magic circle, his focus now entirely on Ether. As he began preparing the ritual, Alfred, watching his master closely, couldn’t help but speak up, “Are you sure about this, Master?” he asked, his voice cautious.
Velc frowned but sighed, recognizing the concern in Alfred’s voice, “I’m doing this for my son’s future. There’s no need to inform Father,” he said firmly.
Alfred hesitated but continued in a respectful tone. “I apologize for asking, but… why use the Sacred Eternal Slave Contract? You know the consequences.”
Velc snorted dismissively. “I’m well aware of the risks, Alfred.” He glanced at Ether. “You understand why Father kept him alive, don’t you?”
Alfred nodded slightly, understanding but still uneasy.
“That’s exactly why I must do this,” Velc continued, “He is the true Chosen One, Alfred. If there’s even the slightest chance he could awaken and reclaim what’s his… I refuse to put my son’s life on the line.” His eyes flashed with determination.
The truth weighed heavily on Velc’s mind…. Even though Mortimer had transferred the authority to Kai, Ether had once been chosen by fate itself. And who knew what might happen if Ether regained his power? He could easily turn on them, kill them and reclaim what was rightfully his, and Velc wasn’t willing to take that chance.
Of course, He had thought about killing Ether many times before, but the fear of what might happen if Ether’s death disrupted the balance of power stayed in Kai’s hand.
‘If Ether dies, what happens to the authority that Kai has?’ Velc wondered, ‘Ether is the real owner right?’
Neither Mortimer nor Velc wanted to take that risk…. Ether’s existence was a double-edged sword—both a threat and a safeguard.
That’s why Velc had decided to use the Sacred Eternal Slave Contract. The only way to ensure complete control over Ether, without risking his son’s future.
“Using the ancient Eternal slave contract binds the slave’s body and soul to the master,” Velc explained. “If the slave dies, the master will suffer the consequences but won’t die. However, if the master dies… the slave will lose their soul forever and become a stray slave and slowly their body rot away; It’s a safeguard. It ensures Kai’s future.”
Alfred frowned, still troubled, “But… isn’t his soul already lost?” he asked hesitantly.
Velc grinned darkly, his eyes gleaming. “Exactly. That’s what makes this so interesting. How will the contract react to a slave who’s already lost his soul? Will it even work?”
Alfred’s eyes widened in astonishment as he realized what Velc was implying, “The contract itself will become void… and instead favour Young Master Kai,” he whispered. “The consequences will be minimal… focusing only on the slave’s body.”
Alfred bowed deeply, his voice filled with newfound respect. “I deeply apologize for doubting you, Master.”
Velc just smiled calmly, “It’s fine, Alfred. You’re only obeying my father’s orders.” He looked down at Ether, his expression hardening again as he opened the ancient scroll and mumbled something,
“Vyn teymai ishkar en Vel’Araeyn, ee thaemar lai’ri en ilaeth nyro thar ves…”