Uncle Whales, Thea.

Aster saw Elio in the Kitchen in the early morning with a wrinkled face.

"What happened Eli?"

Elio looked at Aster with a frown and said while pointing his finger to a white liquid in the glass.

"Daddy, This milk is salty."

A bit confused, Aster dipped his pinky finger in the milk and tasted it...Not that it was salty but the milk was spoiled.

"We cannot use this milk, This milk is spoiled."

Elio looked at him with a puzzled expression.

"Why Daddy? Why did the milk get spoiled?"

Aster squatted down to Elio's height and patted his head.

"Milk can get spoiled for various reasons, if we leave it out for a long time, it will get spoiled or bacteria can attack the milk and it will get spoiled or if the milk is too old, it will get spoiled."

Elio didn't seem to understand but seemed to understand and nodded.

Aria came out of the room and heard Erza and Lucian shouting, she paused to listen.

"Erza! I need to use the washroom first!"

"No way, Lucian! I want to go first!"

"But I really, really need to go! My tummy is grumbling."

Erza laughed.

"Hehe, My tummy feels fine, Lucian. I don't need to rush."

Lucian's pouty voice sounded.

"It's not fair! I always have to wait for everything."

Erza humphed.

"Luci, you're just too impatient. Maybe you drank too much milk last night."

"I didn't drink too much! I just really need to go!"

It seemed like the fight would get intense if Aria didn't do something, She was about to go inside when she heard Erza.

"Fine, fine! I'll let you go first this time, Mr. Grumbly Tummy."

Lucian was quickly flattered.

"Yay! Thank you, Erza! You're the best sister ever!"

Aria closed the door and went downstairs.

She met Aster and Elio who were talking in the kitchen and told them everything. Elio smiled while Aster patted the two of them.

"Kids, remember, You need to compromise sometimes for your little siblings and your little siblings will compromise some things for you. So never think that they are getting more love or you are getting less love. Got it?"

Aria and Elio looked at each other and smiled.

"Daddy, we know you love us all."

"Yes, Daddy, I like you very much."

A bit embarrassed, Aster let the kids come down for dinner and fed Seraphina milk.

Then they all went to open the shop. Now all the neighbors knew about them.

Their shop was quite popular among the nobility.

But Aster had just saved 2000 silver coins which is nothing in front of the amount he will need in the future.

If this goes on, he will never be able to gather enough money. At night, Aster fell asleep and again saw that same dream but this time it was more vivid.

"Damn you brother! I fucking said to not laze around and you wasted another day again!!!"

Aster looked at his humphing and grumbling sister and sighed.

"So what do you suggest I do?"

Maria looked at his brother and made a mocking face.

"Ha? I just told you yesterday that we lack time! You don't have time to raise kids! The fate of this world is destruction and more cruel destruction than ours!!"

Aster sighed and sat on the white floor.

"Then you say, what can I do? I lack powers in this world."

"My freak of a brother! What can you not do?! Anyhow, I used some of my authority to change into cheats for you. Your soul has a library that includes everything about this world and about anyone!"

"What can I do with that library?"

Maria almost shouted.

"What?! Don't say that your Monstrous IQ and EQ have deflated in this world and you became dumb?!"

Aster:...I feel quite offended.

Maria rolled her eyes and continued.

"And I also sent all the necessary items we could gather in that library, they might be of help to you."

Aster waved at his sister.

"Come here."

Maria first paused and then came near.

Aster hugged her tightly in his arms.

"Alright, don't worry so much. Brother will handle everything."

Maria's face was flushed and her eyes became teary.

"...What handle...Anyway, Ahem. Brother, do you need another power?"

Aster smiled.

"I can get what I want myself little girl. Don't over-worry yourself. And those kids...now they are my children, your nephew, and nieces. Don't bad mouth them. Brother will really make sure to help you achieve your goals."

Maria looked at her brother with complex emotions. She and the few remaining others didn't want everything to fall on their leader but...only he is the capable one to do all this among them...their last and only hope.

The dream was broken, Aster woke up and looked at his hands. He seemed to see the dead bodies of his parents that he killed with these hands.

A sad and nostalgic smile appeared on his face.

Nova opened the door to Aster's room.

"Daddy! Seraphina is crying."

Aster came out of his trance and saw the two little babies, Nova and a sleepy Raylan. Raylan yawned and said,

"Daddy, Sera is too noisy, I can't sleep."

Aster sighed.

"Alright kids, you go and sleep, I will go and check out on Seraphina."

That night Seraphina's room changed and she slept with Aster.

Seraphina blinked her purple eyes and looked at Aster with buling buling shines.

"Dawu!"

Eiton and Auron looked at Seraphina and said,

"Daddy?"

"Dawu!"

"Daddy!"

"Dawu!"

What more can you expect from a 4-month-old baby?

Aster smiled looking at three cute little ones playing.

He was making the bed for the kids, Eiton and Auron were only 2 years old and Seraphina was only a few months old, Raylan and Aria can't take care of them daily.

Actually, even Lucian and Erza who were only 3 years old, were too small to sleep alone without a guardian.

But Nova and Elio slept with them two and Aster was much more relaxed.

Nova and Elio were the second eldest in this house after him. They were also responsible and sensible kids.

That is also a helpless thing since those two kids saw the death of all their family and now are deeply attached to him, Aster, their only family who can care about them.

-

The days with kids were quite fulfilling but it seems like their neighbourhood had something wrong.

It was 4 days later since his talk with his sister that he heard the news.

The shop was still quite bustling when Uncle Whales, the old man who lived in his neighbourhood and also helped him around the shop sometimes met him.

"Aster, Be careful these days, After that incident, you should actually not come out with kids."

Aster was quite confused, He had nine kids to handle so he didn't quite keep his surroundings in observance.

"What's wrong, Uncle Whales?"

Hearing him, Uncle Whales knew that this brat was not only confused but knew nothing of his surroundings.

"Sigh, Kid, Two days ago in the south Plaza, two dead bodies of 5-year-old kids were found."

Aster paused and asked with serious voice.

"Isn't south Plaza quite far from our neighbourhood?"

Uncle Whales nodded.

"It's far but the problem is that the two kids were from Gen's house, the one in our neighbourhood."

Aster was surprised.

"You mean Brother Gen's twins died in south Plaza?!"

Uncle Whales nodded.

"Yes."

Hearing this, Aster did feel a bit sad, he had seen those kids playing with Raylan and Lucian a few times but to think those little guys would die...

"But that might be a coincidence since the south plaza is far."

Uncle whales sighed.

"It would be nice if the incident last night didn't occur."

Aster raised his eyebrow.

"The Old Widow lady in our neighborhood, you remember?"

Aster recalled and nodded.

"Yes, Old Lady Rin, she was living with her...grandchild."

Uncle Whales glanced at Aster who paused.

"Mn, Child, that kid also died and also in the south Plaza near the same place at the Gen's twins."

Aster became quite tense.

"Uncle Whales, what about the security department?"

"Duke Branor is handling this case but it is only two days since the start of this case, so no result had been found."

Duke Branor?

The one whose death caused a small villain to appear in the early story?

Duke Branor died in the investigation of a case of Dark sorcery and it was 18 years before the start of the story.

Wait a minute.

Duke Branor, The Villain, The children's murder case, Dark Sorcery, 18 years till the start of the story...

The situation is quite coincidental.

Is this what Maria meant by having little to no time?

The world was already in chaos starting from 18 years before the main story?

Aster glanced at the kids in the back kitchen and his eyes became cold. If this is how things are folding then it seems like he has no option but to start working again.

After closing the shop that day, Aster took the kids back home and closed the doors and sat on his bed, Eiton, Auron, and Seraphina were deep asleep.

He closed his eyes and his consciousness went inside the enormous library his sister built for him.

Looking at the amount of bookshelf and the books in it, He could feel that even if he lived for 10 thousand years, he would never be able to read even half of this library that is if he read only books without rest.

Finding something he wants in this huge library might have been a dead end if there was no classification.

He directly went to the section written with, [Aster TM: Month 2-Week 1-Day 4]

TM...Transmigration?

Haha, His sister is quite something.

In this section, there were 7 books.

He looked at the first one, titled [ Gen's Change.]

Gen? Brother Gen's change?

He took the book out and read it. It was not lengthy but the contents were quite sad and heartbreaking.

After losing his two children, Gen's wife suicide the next day, Gen who loved his wife and children more than his own life, blackens and harms Duke Branor who can't solve the case, and enters the Black Guild, The one associated with Black sorcery. He wanted to find the murderer for his kids but in the end, he was used against his own Empire, and found out later that his powers were also made from his own kid's hearts... Later he kills himself off dying in the hands of Seraphina and the Grand Duke.

Closing the book and putting it back, Aster looked at the second book. [Death of Nova Aster.]

Looking at this title, Aster's eyes opened wide.

The book only had two pages since it was the death of a small character...

He quickly opened the book and was shocked to death, He quickly closed the book and went out of the library.

Aster jumped down from the bed and ran upstairs and saw Nova standing in front of the bathroom.

Aster almost sighed but became tense when he saw the black mass behind Nova.

"Nova, Sit down!!"

Nova was puzzled but he quickly sat down as a reflex action, The black mass that had pounced on Nova hit the door of the bathroom and howled.

Nova saw the black thing and was scared a lot.

"Dad..Daddy, Daddy..."

Aster didn't hesitate and quickly grabbed Nova in his arms and glared at the black mass.

The black mass growled as if an injured beast but Aster knew what this thing was.

A black sorcerer's soul.

It can't be harmed with physical means...only divine powers can be used. But he has no divine powers.

So he is quite defenseless.

Nova clenched his clothes.

"Daddy..Daddy, Lucian..."

Aster froze and saw Lucian coming out of the bathroom while yawning. The black mass as if saw a new target quickly attacked.

Aster had no time to think and took out one of the items from the library with a thought from his mind.

If it's his sister, She must have put that thing inside too.

'Ring of light.'

Unlike its name, the ring of light was not a ring or a circle of light but a liquid in the form of a ring.

But the thing is that this liquid is alive...and it loved eating its counterparts...like dark energies.

As soon as the black mass opened its hideous mouth to swallow Lucian, A brilliant golden light shone, and the black mass who was about to eat was eaten by the golden light.

Aster quickly instructed the library to put the item back.

He can't control this brat yet.

As soon as [Ring of Light] burped, it vanished.

Nova and Lucian were scared and dumb and soon after started crying.

Nova was still a lot scared.

While Lucian cried to sleep.

Elio, Aria, and Raylan were disturbed and woke up. Aster himself was quite scared. If he never read the book...if he never went to the library...He might have lost...

He sighed and decided to sleep with the kids until they were strong enough to protect themselves and he himself needed to regain his powers.

-

The next morning, His house had an unexpected arrival.

Duke Branor came with his knights.

Duke Branor was quite...um...feminine? well, not exactly but he was handsome and looked delicate. Not like a swordmaster at all.

"Mr. Aster Ashley?"

Aster nodded.

"Yes. And sir, you?"

"I am Cedric Branor, Duke of Branor."

Aster politely greeted the other and asked the reason for the visit.

"Our Priest found some dark energies lingering around your house. We want to investigate."

Aster sighed and nodded.

"Please come in, Duke."

Duke Branor looked around the house, It was quite the sophisticated house for a commoner.

"What's upstairs?"

"It was room of my elder brothers and sister-in-laws but now...it's only for kids to play."

Duke Branor glanced at Aster and nodded.

The Priest with Duke Branor said something in his ears.

"Did something unusual happen in the house, last night or earlier?"

Aster nodded.

"Yes, Duke. Last night I saw some black mass wandering around my bathroom and I was scared so I went back to the room but later I never saw anything so I thought it was a bad dream."

Duke Branor and the Priest glanced at each other.

Later they thanked him for cooperation and left.

Aster quickly went to the library and checked the books.

[Aster TM: Month 2-Week 1-Day 5]

There were only 4 books. He looked at the remaining 5 books from yesterday's section and the 4 from this section and decided to read everything.

Just so he can be prepared for the future.

-

Reading the 9 books in an hour gave Aster a small headache but he got quite a few ideas on how to plan for the future.

However, the kids might get into a problem if they remain this innocent and weak.

Their sister Seraphina, is also not a normal kid. These siblings should at least be able to protect each other.

"Kids, let's go to the store."

Nova and Lucian were scared a lot last night and clung to Aster. Looking at the kids like this, Aster was helpless and worried about them. This might leave a permanent mental trauma.

In the next few hours, Lucian did become a lot normal but Nova was becoming more and more scared.

As long as Aster moved 5 steps away he would quickly start calling out.

"Daddy! Daddy!"

Seeing this, Aster sighed.

"Uncle Whales, Can you help me look after the kids for a while, I will be back in a moment."

Uncle Whales nodded with a smile.

Aster took Nova to the sidewalk near the store and sat on the bench together with Nova.

"Nova."

Nova knew that he was acting childish and lowered his head.

Aster looked at the young child with an adult act on, He patted the boy.

"Nova, Life can sometimes be a challenging journey, and along the way, we may encounter experiences that leave scars on our hearts and minds."

Hearing this Nova looked at Aster hesitatingly.

"I want you to know that it's okay to feel overwhelmed by these emotions, but it's also important to learn how to face them and heal."

Nova kept looking at Aster in a daze, Aster didn't know if he understood or not.

"Be gentle with yourself, Nova. Healing takes time, and it's okay to take it one step at a time. Remember that it's okay to cry. Tears are a natural release of emotions, and they can wash away some of the pain you carry within."

The tears kept falling with these words, Nova sniffed as if to control.

Aster smiled and patted the back of the young boy.

"Remember, I love you no matter what, and I am here to support you every step of the way. After all, I am your father, No matter where you are and what you become, Your father, I will always be at your side."

Nova wanted to say.

I know, I know Daddy, In your warm embrace, Your laughter is like music to my ears, and your smile brightens even the darkest of days. When you hold my hand, I know that I am protected and that nothing can harm me as long as you are by my side.

The cry of a young boy could be heard in the small street, The young dad kept patting the back of the boy with a gentle smile and infinite patience in his eyes.

Looking at this scene, A man in the street sat down and cried.

Why...his kids?!

Why him?!

-

That night Aster opened the library and went straight to a room inside the library. There were many rooms like this in the library but this one was the Items storage room that his sister gave him alongside this huge amount of books.

Opening the door and looking at the pile of things that he might not be able to finish in 100 lifetimes, Aster was dumbfounded.

Didn't Maria say that she gave me a few items?

Where is the word few in this mountain? Oh no, in these mountains.

Did she loot all the world's treasures to give him?!

Not unlike her though. She might have done just that. Ha..

Anyhow, if there are so many things, then that means what he wants is here too.

After looking for some time, he found a black half-face mask.

[100 Avatars.]

Yep, this is a disguised item that ranks S among many other items. There is another item that works wonders with this one item.

After looking around for some more time, he found it. A pocket watch with Sun and Moon drew on it.

[Universal Stop Watch.]

It stops time but only for 5 minutes.

It's a B-grade item. Except for stopping time, no one knows what this item can do and why it has such a high grade.

Looking at it like this, These two items are extremely important for his next course of plans.

What's gone is gone but from those 9 books he read, he knew that everything could still be saved since this was all just an onset before the real beginning.

In the early morning, Erza and Lucian were once again making a fuss about using the bathroom, Aria and Elio were helping in changing the clothes for Eiton and Auron.

Nova was looking after Seraphina so that she didn't slide off the bed while Raylan...that boy was still asleep.

Aster changed his clothes and walked towards the kitchen to prepare breakfast.

"Daddy, I heard Kay and Fray went to their hometown with their mother."

It was little Lucian.

Ah...They must have lied to the kids about their friend's death.

"Mn, Luci, They are going back to meet their grandparents."

Lucian tilted his head.

"Then Daddy when can we go to meet our grandparents?"

Aster didn't know how to answer the question, He sighed and patted the kid.

"When you grow a bit older, let's go and meet them, OK?"

Lucian smiled and nodded.

"Ok, Daddy!"

"Alright, now go and call for your sisters and brothers to come and eat."

Lucian ran out of the kitchen.

These kids...have no knowledge of what's going to happen in the future.

Just like...us back then.

Anyhow, It's not time to think about something like that.

Aster went to Uncle Whale's house.

"Uncle Whales, I am really sorry to disturb you like this, But can you please look after the kids for an hour or so?"

Uncle Whales laughed.

"What trivial matter, Don't worry, I will look after the little ones."

Aster nodded and left.

Aster walked to the alley in the dark where no one comes normally, he put on the Mask, [100 Avatars] and his whole persona changed. The long silver hairs became short black hair and the purple eyes became green eyes. His height grew and he became a bit more muscular.

A sword in his hand and an intimidating aura.

He took out the pocket watch from the library and clicked the watch once. The time stopped and he quickly left the alley.

The time was stopped, and everything that could move was stopped, air, water, ants, birds, humans, etc All was paused.

It was even hard to breathe in this timeless world. Aster quickly ran to the shop where the most important person in this Empire was present, Emperor Viktor Astrid, Empire Astrid's 18th Emperor.

As to why he was here?

It's because his own son is missing. After a week of his son's disappearance, the children's murder case occurred.

Though one Black sorcerer's soul was eaten by [Ring of Light] the Dark Magicians always have more than 1 black sorcerer soul. This means that the case is even more dangerous now since he is weak and can't just do things without merit.

He needs some influence in this world, that influence will be the key to saving this world.

The one who can help him rise in the rank of power and influence as soon and as safely as possible is no one else, but the Emperor.

Sitting beside the Emperor was the Empress.

This couple was unique Since they loved each other from a young age and married a happy ending, but who knew that their son was born with immense spiritual powers and even became two High-class spirits bonder at the age of 9?

This young prince is the Tyrant Emperor who falls in love with his young daughter Seraphina.

Anyhow...

Now it's time.

As soon as the 5 minutes ended, the time started again.

The Emperor and Empress were here waiting for the Duke of Branor in hopes of getting some good result and if there is no result then they themselves will take part in this investigation.

The Duke of Branor came in no time. The three talked with serious faces and it seemed like there would be a fight.

Duke of Branor must have rejected the interference of the Emperor Since the safety of the Emperor is most important.

Aster closed his eyes, readjusted his mask came out of the shadows, and went inside the cafe.

"I don't agree! We can't take this huge of a risk, Your Maj-My Lord!"

Duke Branor seemed quite exhausted.

When he sensed Aster coming their way, He quickly became Alert.

"Stop right there! Who are you?"

Aster didn't speak but instead took out two envelopes, both envelopes were pitch black with only a small purple butterfly seal.

He handed one to the Emperor and the other to Duke Branor.

The two glanced at each other but took the envelope. When they looked up the man vanished.

Emperor Viktor looked at his wife, Empress Karina, Who shook her head.

"The man just vanished when I blinked my eyes."

Emperor Viktor thoughtfully nodded. He looked at the envelope and opened it without hesitation.

The words were written with beautiful Levander color ink on black paper but the shocking thing was the words on the paper.

[In the icy depths of an underground dungeon, the young prince suffers. Time is critical; his life hangs in the balance. We offer a lifeline—a precise map of his hidden prison. Beware those who dare to tread these treacherous paths did not return alive.]

The few lines looked quite funny if not taken seriously, but the Emperor had a gut feeling that this was not a prank or joke, this was the truth sent to him on a silver platter by someone who might want him to become indebted to him.

He stood up and bid farewell to Duke Branor.

Duke Branor had no time to care about the Emperor because he read something extremely unpleasant.

[Your sister's life is in grave danger. She faces a dangerous fate, as a dark specter from the Enemy Empire threatens to claim her life in two days' time. The unsettling reality is that her husband's true identity is a pawn of the Enemy Empire, concealed beneath deception. Her marriage has become a strategic gambit in the treacherous game of empires.]

It's impossible!

But...Two days...His sister is living in Teressa County...it's impossible to go there in two days!

Duke Branor quickly grabbed his coat and left with his aide.

Aster saw the two parties leave the cafe. The first step was done.

Now he needs to start opening his power vessels.

After returning, the kids made a fuss about him leaving without telling them, After coaxing them, he went to cook some cookies for the kids to enjoy.

Elio the always indifferent kid was looking quite confused today.

"What's wrong Eli?"

Elio's small face became cute when serious.

"Daddy, Grandpa Whales was acting weird."

Hearing this, Aster didn't ignore it as a child's talk because he knew, the kids were more observant than adults in many cases.

"Is that so? Did Grandpa Whales do something weird?"

"Not like doing something weird, but he was weird."

Elio had it hard to explain, But Aster understood. The problem was not what he was doing but Uncle Whales himself.

But why?

Today he wanted to open his power vessels but if this is the case then...it seems he needs to wait and see the problem.

But one thing is clear in this case. He can't let the kids alone even for a second.

After closing the store that day, Aster and the kids were about to go back home when they met Uncle Whales in front of them.

"Hey, Aster and little kids. Where are you going?"

Aster who had Seraphina in his arms and a sleeping Eiton on his back narrowed his eyes and stood in front of the kids.

"Uncle Whales, You know where we go after closing the store, that question was quite disturbing."

Uncle Whales chuckled.

"Haha, right, right. The question was weird. How about I come with you? The kids are still young and difficult to take care of. Right?"

Aster smiled.

"What are you talking about Uncle Whales, The kids are supposed to be young and my kids are not difficult to take care of. You can go home without worries."

Seeing that Aster was not putting down his guard at all and even seemed to doubt him, Uncle Whales started laughing out hard.

Aster became cold and put sleeping Eiton in Nova's arms while Seraphina in Elio's arms.

"Kids, Stand a bit far."

Nova and Lucian who had gone through a small incident quickly backed away and even dragged their siblings.

This assured Aster a bit and he focused on the laughing madman.

"Who are you."

Hearing his question, Uncle Whales stopped laughing all of a sudden.

"Huh? Who can I be, Aren't I your Uncle Whales?"

Aster smirked.

"Oh please, If you want to disguise as Uncle Whales then at least bend your back and have some humanity in your eyes, So now stop spouting nonsense and say, Who are you?"

Uncle Whales, ah no, The madman smiled wide.

"Wow, Little boy you can observe so well? Even saw through my disguise? What are you?"

Not who are you but What are you? Quite a nice wording this madman has.

"I am this world's creator's brother. I came here to save your world."

Aster said with a polite and humble smile.

The Madman:...

"Ha? Are you taking me as a Madman? Well not wrong, But if what you said is right then better pray to your Sibling God to save you!"

Aster shrugged, See, Even if I tell the people the truth, they don't believe me.

"Oh I Pray to my sister, Please save me~"

Aster said with a smile as he saw the madman with black mana lunging toward him.

The Madman laughed.

"You actually prayed, Are these your last words-"

His sentence couldn't be completed when a brilliant light of golden appeared out of nowhere and changed in a golden silhouette of a girl.

The Madman was surprised and quickly backed away.

"...You...have divine powers?"

Aster smirked. That thing is my old nemesis, The [Ring of Light].

The silhouette seemed to be interested in the Madman and appeared in front of him in a moment.

The Madman sat down on the ground in fear. He was just a 3rd level BlackMage. How can he handle...this thing?

The Ring of Light opened its mouth and approached the Madman.

Aster suddenly remembered that the kids were still watching though from afar but...

"Thea, Control. The kids are watching."

[Ring of Light] as a sentient equipment had its own history and name. It could have emotions and words.

{Ok, However, You must let me fight Orion once.}

Aster smiled.

"Of course, but you need to wait."

Thea snortted, she grabbed the Madman by his neck and vanished. Not even a second later she reappeared and now his figure was more clear.

The shining golden hair fell down from her shoulders to her waist, the brilliant golden eyes had mysterious emotions, and the figure was tall and dominant.

She was truly an Angel.

But Aster knew how Angelish this Devil was.

The kids glanced at Thea and blushed a lot.

This lady saved us, she is so beautiful.

Is she a Mage?

She is an Angel, right? So pretty.

Aster could read their faces... He sighed.

"Thea, Go back."

{Nope.}

Aster:...