Chapter 7 [Nightmare(1)]

[Third Person POV]

"He looked surprisingly calm even though he just woke up from a coma," an elderly voice muttered in the silence.

"What do you want to say, Alastor?" a sharp voice responded to his words as the temperature in the room increased.

"Forgive me for my rudeness, but don't you think having him here could be dangerous? Due to the last attempted infiltration, the underworld organizations are already aware of his existence and survival, and all elite families know this news." Alastor added quickly.

"The Aster family had justified his death as an accident and had already framed his image as a criminal kid, including sexual assault and other charges. Every high society family was aware of his problem behavior. He could be dangerous for the young lady if the rumors were true. I think we -" he continued, but the sharp voice abruptly cut off the old man's words.

"He couldn't even feel your daughter's presence when you both were in the room. Do you think he is a threat? Besides, we confirmed all the allegations were to falsely portray him as a mad child and then discard him eventually, and I don't think he can abuse his servants and caretakers."

"We even secretly confirmed that the ones doing the abuse were his half-brothers." Lucas insisted as he remembered reading the report about what Kaizer went through after his mother's disappearance.

"But his presence with us could become a threat to us later-" the old man hurriedly added, but his words were cut off again.

"Alastor, he saved our lives. I don't want to pay back my benefactor by abandoning him." Although he spoke calmly, his face showed his displeasure.

"Sir, the Matriarch assigned us here to protect you all. Your life is more important to me than his-" Although the old man was overstepping his boundaries, he remembered the Matriarch's order and prioritized her thoughts.

"She appointed you because of my incompetence because I couldn't protect my wife… I… I couldn't do anything." his voice cracked as he smashed his clenched fists on the table while remembering his wife's last moments.

"Sir, it's not your fault. You couldn't have expected that betrayal." Alastor tried to support Lucas, but he was stopped by his hand.

"My daughter and I would have died that day without that boy. I will repay that debt forever, so remember to treat him well. I also want you to assign your youngest daughter as his guard." Lucas composed himself and ordered Alastor.

"But Sir, she was being trained to assist Lady Sierra, don't you think-" Alastor tried to mention the previous arrangement but was cut off again.

"Alastor, even his life will be in danger once it's known that he awoke from the coma. I want to keep him safe; I think of him as my son. Assign Helena to Kaizer. You can watch him through her, but don't interfere in his actions, and try your best to keep him safe." His orders were swift and precise, and no arguments could change his mind. 

"As you command, Sir," Alastor replied politely.

Working as a butler for seven years had earned him enough experience to understand that his master wouldn't change his stubbornness. So, he gave up the idea of persuasion. 

*******

[*PAST*]

[Third person POV] 

In the dimly lit recesses of the expansive warehouse, shadows danced in eerie unison with the flickering fluorescence overhead. 

Cardboard boxes, stacked neatly like forgotten sentinels, bore witness to a clandestine scene unfolding in the forgotten corners of the cavernous space.

Near the corner, a trio was locked into an unsettling argument.

An adolescent boy and a young boy with jet-black hair stood, staring at the young boy kneeling before them.

The young boy kneeling had short silver hair, and through the bruises covering his face, one could see the purple eyes with crimson glimmer.

The bruises covered his entire body while his luxurious clothes were torn in places and stained with blood. 

The rhythmic heaving of his body was the only proof of life in his lifeless eyes.

A weak, grunting voice could be heard sporadically as he struggled to stand up.

The battered state of the young boy was enough proof of the abuse he had suffered.

"Hey, why don't you just disappear like your filthy mother?" the young boy standing commented in a snarky voice as he kicked the kneeling figure.

"J-Jacob, please don't insult my mother," the kneeling boy said weakly, trembling with fear.

"Kaizer, did you forget your place? What can you even do if I insult that filthy bitch huh? Even at this party, I can act as I please. The only reason you can even wear these luxurious clothes today is because of the party. Everyone already told you not to make contact with anyone regardless of the situation, but you were enjoying talking to that Klent bitch, huh." The young boy commented in a snappish voice while punching the trembling kid.

"I…I didn't talk to her…She talked to me, and I said nothing. Please, leave me alone. I didn't do anything. Why are you doing this to me? We are brothers." Kaizer insisted in a hushed tone as his eyes darted around the ground.

"Are we going to listen to him babbling, Adam?" Jacob asked as he turned towards Adam. 

"Listen to this trash. You are not related to us. You will always be on the ground, smearing dirt over your face. And don't you dare call us brothers with that filthy mouth of yours," Adam interjected condescendingly as he looked at Kaizer with a disgusted expression.

"Shut the hell up and don't even think you are my brother, filthy trash. I would have enjoyed myself more if it weren't for the party." At the same time, Jacob added and kicked him in the stomach.

"But I will have my daily fill." Jacob flashed a sinister smile before pulling the Kaizer's hair and punching him relentlessly. 

Adam joined in frequently, and they continued the relentless assault until satisfied.

******

[*PAST*]

[Young Kaizer's POV]

As Jacob and Adam continued to thwack me, I crouched myself and curled into a defensive position to protect my vitals.

I wasn't surprised by their relentless thrashing. I was used to it. 

The past two years have been the same with the constant abuse I have suffered at the hands of almost everyone in the mansion.

But I thought today might be different, a day I would be liberated from this suffering and pain.

I thought, why would anyone beat me if there's a party everyone will be attending?

But Why?

Why? Why? Why is this happening, mother? 

Why did you leave me? Why are they hitting me? What did I do?

Mother, are you angry with me?

These questions were running through my mind as I continued to get hit.

Mother, when you gifted me my left earring, you said it was connected to your right earring.

You said that if I ever worry about you, I will know you are alive as long as the earring is intact.

But if you are alive, then why aren't you coming back? Are you angry with me?

I promise I will be a good boy. 

I don't want to suffer anymore. 

It's too much. I have endured it for two years but can't do it anymore.

Please, mother.

"We are done with you…for today." Jacob and Adam announced as they left the warehouse.

The sound of their retreating steps was pleasing to my ears.

"Mother…please come back, please." my unheard sobs echoed in the dimly lit warehouse as I slowly lost consciousness.

******

[PRESENT]

[Kaizer's POV]

[Kaizer! Wake up! Kaizer]

I opened my eyes as I heard Grade's voice, but without responding, I jumped out of bed and rushed to the basin. 

As my stomach churned, I let out everything.

My mind was astray as I still remembered the nightmare I just witnessed.

[Kaizer, are you okay?]

"Adam Aster and Jacob Aster, huh?" I mumbled under my breath, ignoring Grade's worry.

"Another nightmare? Huh," my nightmare was still vivid but realistic as it was such a strong memory.

I recognized the voices and people involved very clearly.

Adam and Jacob are my brothers or rather half-brothers. 

The older voice was Adam, who will be in his third year when I join the academy, while Jacob will be in his first year alongside me.

"Damn…That was disappointing." Although the dream was vivid, the emotions felt were surreal. I was drenched in cold sweat as I remembered my dream once again, but the feelings going through me weren't that of fear but rage and anger.

I was disappointed in myself for the pain I went through without fighting back.

Although I was aware that my reckless actions could have caused more trouble for me, I was still heavily disappointed in myself for blaming my mother for her absence.

I touched my left earring to calm my agitated state of mind.

The earring was proof that my mother was still alive, and from the information that Grade provided me and the information I remember from the novel, I would need strength and time to rescue her.

"Hey, Grade, care to explain why I had that nightmare suddenly." I enquired Grade with slight anger as I washed my face in the cold water.

[Kaizer, the memory adaption was perfect after recovering the missing piece of your soul, but I can't control your emotions. You may continue to get memory flashbacks regardless of your will.]

"So, you can't do anything about those flashbacks? What are you even useful for?" I retorted in anger.

[Sorry]

"Haa…no, I am sorry I got carried away. Will I be getting flashbacks from both lives?" sighing lightly, I thought the situation over.

[Yes]

"That's troublesome, and I certainly don't want to remember memories of that place."

The more frequent these flashbacks happen, the more mentally unstable I become. This could lead to rash decisions on my end frequently, which I wanted to avoid at all costs.

[Sorry, Kaizer, for not being of use.]

"As I said, I don't think blaming you would do anything, and besides, your existence is kinda keeping me sane, considering the situation of not having anyone to clear my thoughts would be baffling."

[Thank you, Sir]

"Opening old wounds might create troubles. I can't believe I was shaking in fear and the rest of the following events. This certainly could become bothersome."

"I did mention reading the novel, but my perspective of the information isn't omnipotent. Even if I remember the content completely, it's not like I know everything. The story of the Aster household is one of those multiple things I am unaware of. The fact that you mentioned considering it a world 200 years ahead of Earth cannot be considered accurate because there could be many differences. To achieve my goals, I need strength and knowledge. I guess we will be a lot busy. Besides, although I try to remain calm, I am mad after remembering what happened. Regardless, I will be in your care, Grade."

[Yes, Master.]

After sorting my thoughts out, I took a warm bath.

The mental fatigue accumulated through the last week of my past life, and the bizarre phenomenon after awakening here was languidly washed away.

I clad myself in an oversized yellow T-shirt, black tracksuit pants, and black sports shoes comfortable for exercise.

My poor physique gave me little confidence to defend myself from danger, but wishful thinking would be futile.

"I guess I am ready for the day."

Making my way toward the door, I saw the mirror I had encountered the day I regained consciousness.

My curiosity got the better of me because my current features were different. I took note of the changes I saw in my reflection.

The silky silver hair roughly cascaded to my shoulders, the purple eyes with the crimson glimmer in my irises, and my black eyebrows with a slight red tinge. 

The next thing I noticed was that my jade-white skin was devoid of the burns and scars I had in my previous life. 

'I no longer have that scar…It makes me feel weird without it.'

[You know, you have been checking out your reflection for about five minutes now.]

I was broken out of my stupor by Grade.

'Sorry, it just feels new, that's all,' I replied in a meek voice.

[Good thing you didn't call yourself handsome.]

'Umm…I don't think I will ever have the self-confidence to call myself handsome in my lifetime. After escaping that place, I struggled with those burn marks and scars all my life, so I know the difficulties. Looks don't define who you are.'

[You still look handsome though.]

'Thanks. Let's go.'

Making my way out of the room, I was confronted with a breathtaking mansion with intricate designs. The grand foyer, with its vaulted ceiling and dazzling chandeliers, exuded an air of timeless elegance. Polished marble floors gleamed beneath one's feet, and rich tapestries adorned the walls, depicting epic scenes from bygone eras. 

The surprise I should have shown was swallowed by the memories I remembered regarding the Aster Household.

All elite or noble families and royalties have prominent mansions built with at least such luxury. 

As I admired the mansion, an alluring voice whispered in my ear.

"Good morning, Kaizer ~" her breath tickled my ear, and I was flustered.

I quickly backed away due to the ticklish feeling and turned around, only to see the giggling Sierra and the quiet Asher.

Sierra and Asher both adorned pink and grey tracksuits, respectively.

From their appearance, I presumed they were going to train. 

"Hehehe…are you the shy type, Kaizer?" Sierra stifled her laughter and asked me while tilting her head forward on her toes.

The series of attacks left me defenseless against the relentless attack, making me blush as I stood there, stupefied.

Asher said nothing except to watch our interaction, but the faint twitching on his expressionless face was enough evidence that he was enjoying the scene.

As I was contemplating what to say.

"Sierra, don't play with him too much. Besides, I haven't seen you do this to anyone else. Are you confessing in your second encounter? Aren't you bold?" A heavy voice came to my aid from behind me. 

I wasn't as surprised as I had heard the footsteps, but his words made me turn towards Sierra, only to encounter her glaring daggers at Lucas.

"DAD! Don't talk about stupid things! Kaizer! Don't trust anything he says, and he's stupid." Sierra glared at Lucas while she turned red from embarrassment and ran downstairs.

"Watch your steps, princess," Lucas shouted playfully as he watched his daughter run down.

"I am not a kid anymoreeeee!" came a shout, which faded in the background.

"Good morning, Kaizer. I want to talk to you about something, so meet me in my office when you are free." Lucas greeted me and made his way towards his office.

"Good morning, Sir. Yes, I will." I replied politely.

Asher watched all this without any input.

We stared at each other for a minute, the awkwardness increasing as every second ticked off.

The staring contest was reaching its peak as every second went on. 

I was confronted with more stressful and heart-wrenching nerves of steel.

Our stupor was broken off as the clock turned to nine o'clock and rang.

"If you need any help, just mention it, Kaizer." Asher was the first to break the silence as he mentioned his offer again.

"I want your help in my training," I replied, taking up his offer immediately.

Asher stared at me for a couple more seconds. 

I was contemplating whether he would agree to my request when suddenly he took three steps back.

I was perplexed by this action, but he swung his right leg in a roundhouse kick motion before I could enquire.

The technique of the kick was precise and fast, but it wasn't something I couldn't defend against.