A Series of Overthinking

Inside the realm, he witnessed the first man he had killed, surreptitiously shadowing Henry, Elizabeth, and the original Lucian. The man tracked their every move.

"That doesn't inspire trust," Lucian remarked, his demeanor slightly calmer because only his consciousness inhabited this realm.

The scene shifted, revealing the man orchestrating Lucian's murder while he was engrossed in study. He waited patiently until Henry arrived, then struck him down as well. No trace remained, making it appear as a failed break-in.

"This... He would've perished for nothing. And he is a good man," Lucian lamented.

The scene shifted once more, now focusing on the narrow street with Lucian gripping the man's neck. He released him, and time seemed to accelerate, transitioning to Elizabeth's residence.

It was a dark night, the specific date unknown. The man Lucian had released, Allen Bart, used his powers to infiltrate the house. He made his way into Elizabeth's room, seizing her as a hostage. Subsequently, he sent a message to Lucian, listing his demands. Even after these demands were met, Allen Bart callously took Elizabeth's life, sending a gruesome parcel containing her head to Lucian's doorstep.

The imagery fragmented, and Lucian found himself at a long stone table. Seated at the top was a beautiful yet enigmatic figure, her features shrouded in mist. Positioned at the opposite end, Lucian faced her.

Surrounding him, darkness loomed, punctuated only by faint light and towering pillars. It resembled an ancient structure, reminiscent of those in Greece.

The female promptly vanished from her seat, reappearing at Lucian's side. Her face remained obscured by mist. She wore a flowing white garment, akin to a robe, exuding an angelic aura. Her silvery-white hair cascaded like liquid.

She leaned toward Lucian, gazing directly into his eyes, and spoke in a soothing, feminine voice.

"I'm sorry you had to endure all of this. I hope that one day you can find it in yourself to forgive me."

Suddenly, the ancient palace began to crumble. The ground fractured, and the encompassing darkness coalesced, culminating in a powerful explosion. Lucian jolted awake in the real world.

Was that Selena in her true form? Why did she reveal herself to me? And what was that palace? Well at least she apologised, though that doesn't change anything. Are all Gods like her?

I feel a bit calmer now. I'm still weighed down by the fact that I had to take that man's life. However, I now believe it was the necessary course of action. I'll do almost everything to protect those I care about.

Lucian reflected, shifting his perspective from negativity to a more neutral resolve.

In addition, he resolved to stand against the Bart family, determined to shield his brother and loved one from further threats.

Contemplating the Bart family, Lucian found himself unable to deduce the extent of their powers. He could only recall the rush of wind and the subsequent sharp pain. He also acknowledged their remarkable speed.

"It might be powers derived from a Wind God."

Now, how do I confront them? They're singling me out, endangering everyone I hold dear. I don't want to resort to violence anymore. Reasoning with them doesn't seem a good option either. Reporting them to the authorities? That could be the best course of action, but how do I substantiate their actions? I can't simply involve myself. If I do, I might become connected to the murder, Lucian pondered earnestly.

The mystery surrounding my powers has been indirectly explained. The moon goddess Selena turned me into a Believer. Which means that all the Gods in this world are offering people powers for unknown reasons. It wouldn't be a wonder if the church, who has the most authority, also wields those powers, scary..

Even though I now somewhat justify the murders, I still won't contact her again or ask for help. I've made that mistake twice, never again.

I've only met two Believers. And both of them were from the Bart Family. Are Believers that rare? Or are the gods picky of who to choose.

Selena mentioned something about granting me powers prematurely. This suggests that if I had received them at the right time—perhaps after becoming used to the initial abilities—nothing bad would have happened. Unfortunately, she granted me the power prematurely, leading to my loss of control and the man's death. I'm feeling stable now; the powers no longer seem to impact my emotional state, Lucian reflected inwardly.

"I guess it wouldn't hurt to see them in action," said Lucian as he headed to the kitchen, grabbing a knife.

Ooh, I don't have the guts to do this. Come on, you can do it. Just a little scratch... He reassured himself.

He scratched his left hand with the knife, creating a small cut and letting blood flow from the wound. Then, to his surprise, the wound began to heal abruptly, leaving him wondering.

I can heal faster!? I don't know its limits though. I suppose a bullet wound would heal in a few hours at most. I previously healed instantly. Maybe it was because of the impact of the orb. Unlike last time, it didn't hurt. In fact, it felt relieving because it healed me.

I'll use these powers granted to me to protect those around me...

...

At Price's family residence:

"I wonder if his performance was a success," pondered Thomas.

"Sir, Lucian Wright is here to see you. Should I let him in?" asked the servant.

Getting excited, he said, "Of course!"

"Hello Lucian, how was your first performance?" inquired Thomas.

"Hello, sir— Thomas, it was great. I came here to ask a serious favor, one that must remain secret."

"Hm, what is it?" Thomas's interest was piqued.

"Recently, I found out that someone has been following me and Henry. I'm genuinely worried about what could happen to us. This person could rob us, or even worse," Lucian spoke with sincerity, adding a touch of lie.

Thomas's eyes widened. "That's a grave concern. I won't advise involving the authorities, considering your need for secrecy," he advised.

"That's exactly it. I've learned their surname is Bart. Could you please inquire and find out more about the Bart family—where they live and such? I don't have any money to offer, though."

"Ah, Lucian, there's no need for money when asking something of me. Just continue making my daughter happy! I'll make inquiries, and if I discover anything, I'll send word to you."

"Thank you so much! Where is Elizabeth right now?" Lucian asked.

"She's in her room. You can go see her. She's been a bit moody these past few days, probably because she missed you, Haha. Just make sure to behave in there," Thomas chuckled, but his expression turned a bit more serious as he added the last sentence.

Knock Knock

"Yes? You may enter," said Elizabeth, thinking it was either a servant or her father.

Creak

"Lucian!! I miss-"

Then, in embarrassment, she changed the topic asking. "Why are you here? Aren't you supposed to be working? I heard from father that he found you a job."

"Hello, Elizabeth. I came here to see you. Yes, he found me a job but it's on request only," answered Lucian.

Elizabeth was laying down on the bed, studying the books her father gave her. She sat up, as a true Lady should, and invited Lucian to sit right next to her.

Her lips puckered, she made a cute face and asked, "Will you study with me? If you have time."

"Yes, I'll be glad to," answered Lucian, sitting right next to Elizabeth on the bed.

They both studied together, Lucian holding the book and posing various questions to Elizabeth, who answered them all.

Throughout the session, even though Lucian maintained a cheerful demeanor, and they shared light banter and flirtation, Elizabeth sensed an underlying heaviness. She couldn't resist asking, "Is something bothering you? You seem a bit distant. Can I help?"

Is it that obvious?

"Something did weigh on me, but it's fine now. Just having you here is already a great help," he responded sincerely.

As he spoke, their gazes met, locking onto each other. Elizabeth found herself leaning in a little, but quickly pulled back.

What am I thinking? I was about to kiss him. Elizabeth, you need to get a grip! We're just friends, and he's happy to have support from friends. I'm curious about what's on his mind, but I won't press. I don't want to make him uncomfortable, she reasoned with herself.

Lucian observed Elizabeth, lost in her thoughts, and wondered, Where has her mind wandered off to? Books?