Quit Alcohol
"System, open status window."
Valac's head hit the pillow as he stared at white ceiling watching the greenish blue screen appear in front of his eyes.
---
Character Status Window
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Name: Valac Noctis
Level: 0
Class: Villain
Alignment: Double Faced Evil
Spirit Beast : Lavathore (SSS - Grade)
---
Attributes:
Health (HP): -21
Mana (MP): -99
Stamina: 12
Strength: 4
Agility: 2
Intelligence: 89 (Updated Because Of Soul Exchange)
Defense: -99
Luck: 45
---
Equipment:
Head: None
Chest: None
Weapon: None
Off-hand: None
Feet: None
---
Inventory: Locked
---
Skills: None
---
Quests:
Main Quest: [Moonlit Cavern] (Progress: 0%)
Side Quest: [Get Supporters] (Progress: 35%)
---
Current Location:
Noctis Castle : Outer Annex
__
Hmm… Health… -21? Is it because the previous owner of the body died and my soul took over? If that's the case then I suppose health being in negative makes sense.
Valac lay on the bed, the weight of his situation pressing down on him like a heavy blanket. The silence in the room was interrupted by a soft knock at the door. Valac straightened up, bracing himself for whatever news awaited him.
"Dinner," Xavier's voice came from the other side, steady and authoritative.
With a weary sigh, Valac nodded, even though he knew the knight couldn't see him. "Enter."
The door swung open, revealing Xavier with a tray in hand. The knight stepped inside, carefully balancing the meal as he approached. "I hope you're hungry. Serphine had to attend to a family emergency, so I was tasked with bringing your food."
Valac felt a flicker of annoyance but held it back. He didn't want to appear vulnerable, even in the presence of a knight.
"How considerate of you," he replied, his tone laced with sarcasm as he eyed the simple dish… some bland stew and a piece of bread. "I guess The Duke doesn't want the illegitimate child to starve to death."
"Don't sound too grateful, Young Master." Xavier set the tray on the small table beside the bed, his expression unchanging. "A man without honor is already dead. No need to kill him. You need your strength if you plan to recover. At least, you shouldn't let your mother down. That's the worst kind of son."
Valac clenched his jaw. "And if I have no desire to recover? What if I prefer to wallow in my misery?"
"Then you'll die here like a coward," Xavier shot back, his steel-gray eyes locking onto Valac's with an intensity that sent a chill down Valac's spine.
"It's honestly your choice, Master Valac, but you're wasting your potential. You're a Noctis, even if you are the illegitimate son. You should strive to be better everyday. People praise the strong and trample on the weak. If Lady Darina wasn't so kind and the people of the Duchy liked her more than the Duchess, you would be indeed dead."
So, mom is liked by everyone. How nice… I'm glad. But, this still doesn't change the fact people forced by Elenora would not try to harm her.
Valac raised an eyebrow, surprised at Xavier's candor. "And what do you know about that? You're just a knight assigned by my father. Do you know what a curse it is to be an illegitimate child?"
Xavier straightened, a hint of pride evident in his posture.
"Master Valac, this is Noctis Duchy. There is no such thing as legitimate or illegitimate here. The only things that exist here are strong and weak. As for you, I know enough. You have wasted away almost your entire life on alcohol and women, squandering your family's legacy. I have no respect for such a Noctis. But, the humiliation Lady Darina faced because of you that day enraged me. I hope you can mend your ways."
"Why do you care?" Valac asked, his voice low but edged with curiosity. "I'm just a cursed pawn. Why do you bother? The Duke has already thrown me away."
Xavier straightened, a hint of frustration flashing across his features.
"Because someone has to stand up for what's right. Christian Noctis isn't suited enough to be the heir. He's more suited to be… I don't even know. But, there's just something about him. The Duke may have his ambitions, but that doesn't mean you have to accept your fate without a fight. You have the potential to change your story, Master Valac. Please don't let Lady Darina down."
Valac considered the knight's words, skepticism battling with his heart that yearned for revenge.
Could I really change this fate of being thrown? Or, will I lose again because of the battle of blood. Well, either way I suppose Xavier can be relied on for a bit.
"Potential, huh?" Valac smirked, though the bitterness lingered in his tone. "And what exactly do you propose I do? Train for some noble quest while I rot in this room?"
"I propose you start by eating," Xavier replied matter-of-factly, gesturing to the food on the tray. "Strength begins with the body. If you want to reclaim your position and fight in the succession battle, you must first recover. Winning against Christian Noctis shouldn't be hard. He's only glorified because you have become weak."
Valac's stomach growled in agreement, reminding him of the pangs of hunger that accompanied his lethargy.
Indeed, I haven't eaten since I transmigrated.
With a reluctant sigh, he pushed himself up in bed, wincing as pain flared in his side. He grabbed the spoon and took a hesitant bite of the stew, the warmth spreading through him, albeit slowly.
"See? Not so terrible," Xavier remarked, leaning against the doorframe with an approving nod. "Once you regain your strength, we can work on your skills. Having your own strength is the most reliable ally."
Valac paused, the spoon halfway to his mouth. "And why should I trust you? You're just a knight in service to the Duke."
"You shouldn't," Xavier replied, his voice firm. " I'm only returning Lady Darina's kindness that has been bestowed upon me."
Valac eyed the knight, weighing his options.
Hah! This life doesn't seem bad.
"Fine," Valac said finally, his voice steadying. "Let's say I agree to this… partnership for a while. What do I need to do? Take the lead, Knight Xavier."
"First, finish your meal," Xavier ordered, a hint of warmth returning to his tone. "Then we'll start with some basic training. You'll need to build your stamina and strength. And, you need to quit alcohol entirely. It might be a little hard but it should be worth it."
"Training? In this state?" Valac scoffed, but he knew deep down he needed to push through the weakness. "I suppose a little exercise wouldn't kill me."
I do need to find a way to suppress the poison. Or, maybe I could try growing resilient to poison.
I need to finish the side quest as soon as possible.