Chapter 33. Good morning

Charles' Pov

"Good Morning" A hand nudged me awake. I open my eyes to see the eerie smile. I sit up screaming, waving my hand against the incorporeal form.

The screaming captures the guard's attention. They filed in, ready for battle. "Your Highness, Is there a problem?" I look around once more, with the guards now relaxed standing in attention.

But the only thing I can see is the man between them waving with an eerie smile. Happy birthday to me, I guess.

I wave my hand dismissively, "It's fine. I was merely having a nightmare." The guards nodded and closed the door behind them as they left.

I looked at the man waving and spoke with a bit of force while massaging my forehead. "What are you doing here?

He tilts his head to what I could only describe as creepy. "Well, did I forget to tell you?" He pokes his cheek. "I was sure I told you ill be here in ten years."

I groan on my hand, "Yes, but it still isn't my birthday. Cant you at least give me a day of peace."

He shakes his head, his smile intensifies. "No can do," he laughs happily. "The days for vacation are done," He gestures at himself, "I, as your mentor, am here to teach you" He points at me dramatically. "What you need to step into the realm of a Junior Executive."

I sigh, slamming my head back to my pillow. "And what exactly is it that I need?" I remember the talk I had with Adelaide. The information she had on AFTERLIFE certainly changed my view of him. After all, few people can integrate themselves into a legend.

"Well, for your first lesson, let's work on your behavior." I turn towards him, his face closer. "Isn't it too early?" I ask, a bit drowsy. "There's no such thing as too early, my dear apprentice." he started to move.

I watch him dramatically dancing as if in a ballroom, flourishing his hand in what I could only say to be one of the most beautiful sights I've ever seen.

He spoke as he dances, "Poise, Elegance, a beauty unmatched. Are the things that will etch you in legend." He stops dancing, "Well, that's only one way to do it."

He conjured a cane, striking it into the ground. "You could also gain fame through another route." The room was covered in darkness. I take my blanket, only for it to vanish.

He screams above, "Build your legend in death," A throne of skulls appears behind him, in the neverending darkness. I hug my knees, a bit afraid.

He whispered in the silence, "Stack skulls upon skulls, For they shall fear you even in death. They shall. " I feel eyes lurk behind me as a shiver runs up my spine.

The sweat behind my back running its course, as another whisper behind me echoes through my very being. "Have you understood?"

I nod fervently, but for an instant, a neverending fear washes over me. As in a single moment, countless red eyes look past my soul.

The darkness recedes, I sigh in relief. The only reminder of my experience is the sweat dripping in my back. I take my blanket and hide inside it, finding a modicum of safety.

Viktor smiles in joy, clapping his hand in delight. "My goodness, you sure learn fast." I twitch my eye and scream, my voice muffled hidden under the blanket. "What the hell was that!" I look at him angrily through a small opening.

He recoils back, a bit startled. He tilts his head, seemingly unaware of the terrifying experience he put me through. He spoke curiously, "Is there a problem?"

I sob in my pillow a bit and screamed at him, voice still muffled. "Seriously, who greets someone, terrifying the hell out of them."

He looks taken aback by my words. "That was enough to terrify you?" He shakes his head, his voice filled with disappointment. "Then it would seem you have much to learn."

I slam my head to the comfortable bed, venting out my frustration. A reaction that elicits a small smile from Viktor, sadistic bastard. I move my head, removing the blanket to look at him disapprovingly.

He shook his head disapprovingly and spoke apologetically. "Now, now, little apprentice," He rubs my back comfortingly.

He put his hand above his heart and spoke. "I apologize. I seem to have forgotten common courtesy," He smiles faintly, I look at him perturbed, but with his apologies, I reluctantly nod.

I get out of the blanket entirely, now calmly getting out of my bed. There's not much I can do anyways. If what Adelaide said was true, he's a guy id rather have as a teacher.

I fixed my hair and was about to get ready until a question came to mind. "Why are you so early anyways? After all, there's still a day left before my birthday."

He wags his finger at me, "Uh uh, I said id come at the tenth year," He counted with his fingers. "I'm sure it took a day for this world, at least, to have you sent here."

I look at him closely and see his shifting eyes. I spoke a bit suspiciously. "Is that really it?" He looks away, his smile a bit tight.

I walk closer. He steps back, sighs, and sheepishly plays with his finger. "OK, you have caught me," He puts his hand on his head, feigning a faint as he floats upward and spoke.

"I was annoyed by the fact that my dearest colleagues already met their apprentices," He stopped in front of me and poked my forehead. "I was really bored, so I chose to meet with you."

"Anyways," He claps, signaling me to move, "It's time for you to get ready out there," He stops and starts resting his chin on my head. "I wish to see the life you've lived the past decade."

A few minutes pass, and I finish getting ready. Ignoring the floating apparition, I call a mentor.

The door opens, to see my mother. I wave at her and hugged her with the biggest smile I could muster and spoke lovingly,

"Good morning."