Chapter 4: Feeling the Warmth of a Family
Obtaining fragments of information from the memories embedded in this new body, I felt a chill run down my spine. The realization hit me like a lightning strike—this situation could very well spell my demise.
The meaning of "Trial," uttered by the enigmatic female voice I heard while trapped in the endless void, now became painfully clear. It wasn't a mere warning; it was a harbinger of my fate.
This world's power system was nearly identical to the one I had left behind, with one key, unsettling difference.
[Narrator]
In this world, individuals have a high chance of awakening their Soul Core between the ages of 15 and 17. The Soul Core forms when a person's soul and heart fuse together, creating a singular, powerful entity. This transformation turns the heart into a glowing, transparent structure shaped like a real human heart. While it continues to function as a physical organ, it becomes the source of an Awakened's power.
Awakened individuals wield control over the four basic elements: fire, water, wind, and earth. However, their abilities don't end there. Through a process known as Elemental Fusion, they can combine these elements to create entirely new ones.
Fire + Wind → Lightning
Water + Earth → Ice
Fire + Earth → Metal
Water + Wind → A luminous light capable of healing
Fire and Water however, will not fuse, instead it will explode into a thick steam.
The color of a person's Soul Core reflects their Fused Element. For instance, someone with lightning as their Fused Element will have a glowing yellow, transparent heart. While most Awakened can control one Fused Element, 40% of the 50 million Awakened in the Brail Kingdom possess the rare ability to wield two. For them, the colors of their Soul Core split, showcasing both elements they control.
Then there are the Blessed Soul Cores.
Blessed individuals awaken a unique Soul Core that doesn't rely on the four elements. Instead, they gain abilities far beyond the ordinary: mastery over time, plasma, shadows, or even the power to create something from nothing, as Kane Malrik's previous ability once allowed him.
Yet, here lies the difference that set Kane's heart racing:
In this world, being chosen for a Blessed Soul Core doesn't guarantee the power outright. Instead, the chosen hear a voice in their dreams—a warning of a trial to come. Unlike the Awakened, who naturally gain their powers, the Blessed must earn their abilities through a harrowing test. And failure? Failure means death, final and absolute.
[Kane Malrik's POV]
To think that this body, Lumian, would be one of the Blessed individuals in this world—a world where only two people possess a Blessed Core. In my previous life, there were over a hundred of us, including myself. But here, just two.
"I wonder how Emilya would react if I were to tell her..." I muttered, my voice faltering as a familiar ache clawed at my chest. Then it hit me, like a cold dagger to my heart. "Oh yeah..."
The weight of it crushed me, sadness flooding in like an unstoppable tide. "Why the hell did this happen?" I whispered, my voice cracking as the grief grew unbearable. Tears spilled over before I could stop them, blurring my vision.
I wiped them away hastily, but it was no use. The pain lingered. My mind drifted back to her—her voice, her smile, her promise. To think that her absurd words, spoken in a moment of whimsy, would one day come true.
The more I thought about her, the more the crushing reality set in: she was gone. Forever.
Everyone I had ever known, everyone I cared about, was gone. Dead. And it was my fault. My foolishness, my arrogance, had led to their demise. I thought my life was perfect, so flawless that hardship could never touch me. And because of that naivety, I let Emilya, her family, and all our friends perish.
My chest heaved as the guilt and regret overwhelmed me, the faces of those I had failed flashing through my mind. I had been so blind. Too blind to see that perfection was an illusion—and my ignorance had cost me everything.
Despite being one of the Blessed individuals, I was too weak to protect them.
If I could sacrifice myself for a better future for everyone… I would.
And so, I decided. Emilya, at least, died in peace alongside her family. Her wish, no matter how absurd it had seemed, had come true. Now, it was my time to fulfill it.
From this day forward, my name would no longer be Kane Malrik. That name was already dead, buried alongside my past failures. I felt a pang of guilt for taking over Lumian's body, for stealing his future. But in return, I made a vow—to ensure I wouldn't repeat the mistakes that had cost me everything.
I am now Lumian.
"I'm sorry, Lumian, for suddenly taking over your body," I muttered under my breath as if addressing him, though I knew no answer would come.
'Well, that was dramatic. Now what?' I thought bitterly. My life had been turned upside down, and now I was left with no clear direction. What was I supposed to do next?
Before I could ponder further, a sharp knock echoed through the small room. The sound was followed by a young boy's voice.
Knock, knock, knock.
"Wake up, Lumian, it's time to eat," came the boy's voice from behind the door.
The wooden door creaked open, revealing the figure of a young boy—Morrian.
With just one glance, it was clear that Morrian was far better built than Lumian. His long auburn hair that reached down to his chin, accentuating his sharp features. His emerald-green eyes shimmered with vibrancy, and his tall, well-proportioned frame made him stand out, even at the same height as Lumian—six feet (182 cm).
People with Soul Cores naturally evolved into more outstanding versions of themselves, their appearances refined and their bodies more sculpted. Morrian was no exception. He looked like someone straight out of a dream—every girl's ideal.
"Why are you just standing there? You okay?" Morrian asked, his brows furrowing slightly as he noticed the chair lying on the floor beside me.
"I'm okay. You go ahead, I'll be down in just a few seconds," I replied, trying to sound composed.
Morrian nodded without question and turned, heading downstairs for the meal.
I exhaled quietly and moved to pick up the chair, setting it back in its proper position.
'I can't tell Lumian's family about my situation. If they knew what happened—or worse, what's about to happen—they'd lose their minds. When the time comes for me to be transported to the trial zone, I'll lock the door to my room so no one suspects anything. They might tear the place apart trying to find me otherwise.'
I straightened up, brushing off my clothes.
'Maybe I should go downstairs now, eat, and start planning my next move to survive the trial.'
I stepped out of the small room and made my way downstairs, descending into my new home.
Halfway down the stairs, I paused, taking in the scene before me. At the round table sat three people: Morrian, Donrel, and Eleanor. Four plates of food were set on the table, accompanied by four chairs. The last, unoccupied chair was clearly meant for me.
I took the remaining steps and quietly seated myself. The plate before me held eggs, bread, and bacon, a modest but warm meal.
The three of them were chatting, their voices light and carefree, but I didn't join in. My mind was preoccupied.
'Seeing the current condition of my body, I need to start improving it immediately. Physical training should help strengthen it. And since Morrian is an Awakened, sparring with him might be my best option to adapt to this new body. Sure, it's impossible to beat an Awakened with an unawakened body, but at the very least, I can test my swordsmanship and prevent my skills from dulling in this unfamiliar vessel.'
While I was lost in my thoughts, a deep voice cut through my mental planning.
"So, any sign of awakening?" Donrel's voice rumbled.
Startled, I blinked and looked up at him. "Huh? Oh… no, still no sign."
Morrian leaned forward slightly, his voice tinged with worry. "Are you sure you're okay, Lumian? You seem like you've got a lot on your mind."
I hesitated for a moment before replying. "No, I'm fine, I swear. It's just that…"
The three of them stopped their conversation, waiting for me to finish.
"…not a lot of people from the outskirts have families of their own. But me? I was lucky enough to have a wonderful family like you guys."
The words felt foreign and yet natural, spoken without hesitation. And then it hit me. These weren't my own feelings—they were Lumian's.
Despite me taking over his body, his soul still lingered within me, quietly expressing itself. His emotions were so strong, so vivid, that they compelled me to speak his gratitude aloud.
And I couldn't disagree. Every word he conveyed was true.
"We couldn't just abandon a poor child, right?" Donrel said, his voice steady with conviction.
"Indeed," Eleanor replied with a gentle smile. "And we made the right choice. He's been so helpful and kind." Her words, spoken in a soft and nurturing tone, warmed the room.
"If we hadn't rescued you, I wouldn't have the greatest friend of all time," Morrian chimed in, his voice filled with sincerity.
I smirked, unable to resist the jab. "You don't even have any other friends to compare me to. You're too shy to talk to anyone else."
The room erupted in laughter, their joy washing over me.
"What the hell!" Morrian exclaimed, feigning irritation, but his smile betrayed his true feelings.
As the sound of their laughter filled the room, I felt a wave of determination rise within me. Lumian's gratitude and love for them were undeniable, and now, so was mine.
In exchange for taking over his body, I would protect them. I wouldn't fail. Not again.
Their laughter reminded me of my own family, a memory that stung and soothed in equal measure. It was heartwarming and bittersweet.
I made a vow then and there: I would protect them, no matter the cost. Even if it meant sacrificing my life.
End of Chapter.