Chapter 4: The System

The morning light streamed through the stained-glass windows of Nightshade Manor, casting colorful hues upon the ancient walls. Vincent sat at the head of the grand dining table, savoring his breakfast. The flavors were rich and unparalleled, unlike anything he had tasted before.

As he finished eating, he stood up from his chair and said, "Leave me. I wish to be alone."

Alfred, who was standing beside Vincent, nodded and bowed. The maids followed suit, bowing and beginning to clear the table.

...

Vincent made his way through the opulent halls of the Nightshade Manor, his footsteps echoing softly against the marble floors. He entered the vast library, a sanctuary of boundless knowledge that stretched as far as the eye could see. Shelves upon shelves of books towered above him.

His goal was to learn more about this world. So, what better way than going to the library?

As he was looking at the bookshelves, he suddenly felt an unknown sensation creeping into his heart, pulling him toward a particular section of the library. Hesitantly, he made his way through the library until he arrived at a door he remembered was forbidden to anyone but the head of the house.

At that moment, fragments of memories came rushing back.

In the memories, he saw his father, saying to him as a child, "Behind these doors lie the powers of our house, passed down through generations. And it will soon be your turn."

Vincent's young eyes widened and sparkled as he gazed up at his father. "I'll be as strong as you?" he asked, his voice a mixture of excitement and anticipation.

Victor chuckled softly, placing a gentle hand on Vincent's shoulder. "Even stronger," he replied. "When the time comes, you will be guided to these doors, and you will inherit our family's powers."

He then paused, bending down to pat Vincent's head and added, "Even in the toughest of times, remember our house motto: From The Shadows, We Rise."

Vincent reviewed the memories with a smile of amusement as he stepped in front of the door and opened it.

A black fog gushed out of the room, obscuring his vision. The fog swirled around him, forming a whirlpool before lunging into his body and being absorbed.

As the last of the fog was absorbed into his being, a blue system interface materialized before his eyes.

It was just like the Solo Leveling system interface.

[SYSTEM INITIALIZING...]

[Welcome, Vincent Nightshade.]

[Bloodline: Nightshade – Activated]