Chapter 5: Bloodline

"Weiss?!" Raven's voice boomed in response upon hearing the familiar name.

He didn't believe that it was his brother! There were millions of people in this world who came from earth. There was already someone who had used Raven as a name, so it wasn't impossible for someone to use his brother's name as well. 

"Your response is quite interesting..." The creature with reptilian features spoke, displaying a hint of curiosity. "Do you know that person?"

As he spoke, he made a peculiar gesture, conjuring an image similar to a hologram in front of him, depicting the Player he was referring to.

The person in the hologram was a young man with striking short red hair that seemed to be ablaze. Clad in stunning silver armor, he had the air of a warrior about him. Despite this, his body was not bulky, and without his armor, many would have mistaken him for a model.

Upon catching sight of the hologram, Raven instinctively took a couple of steps backward, his countenance displaying a profound sense of distress and confusion.

Staring at the person in the hologram, he couldn't ignore the familiarity of the features - it was his little brother. It dawned on him that the person this man talked about was exactly his younger brother!

"It can't be..." 

Throughout his life, Raven seldom lost his composure. The news of his parents' demise was the first instance that caused him to break down. Now, he found himself on his knees once again, bewildered by how he had gotten there.

He had traveled to this place with the hope of finding his brother and returning together. Unfortunately, upon his arrival, he learned that his brother had already passed away, leaving him with a profound sense of solitude in this world.

He was flooded with a plethora of memories, all revolving around his brother. It was as if the world around him had momentarily disappeared. 

His mind was flooded with memories of his childhood filled with playtime and laughter, and the countless wild parties he and his brother attended during their youth, indulging themselves in alcohol. Despite just a one-year age difference, the bond between the two brothers was irreplaceable.

They were each other's best friends, always there for each other, even when they got in trouble with their parents. They stood by one another and never complained, choosing to face the consequences together.

After the tragic loss of his parents, Raven went through a significant transformation. His relationships became strained, particularly with his brother, as he devoted much of his attention to the family business. It was as if he had undergone a sudden and rapid maturation process.

****

[Five years ago]

Weiss stepped into Raven's room and saw him engrossed in a file, going through some documents.

"Do you need something?" Raven asked, without even raising his head. "If you want money, just take as much as you want from the accountant."

"That's... I don't need money," Weiss replied, slightly hesitant. "I was just thinking that you've been too busy in the last year. You shouldn't overwork yourself. I don't want you to get sick, brother."

He wanted to suggest that the two of them should go on some vacation together like old times, however before he could even speak a single word, Raven responded. 

"And do what? Waste time like you and watch dad's legacy being destroyed in my hands?" Raven asked, slightly sarcastic. 

"If you don't have anything else to say, leave. I am busy."

Since he was already troubled about some business dealing, he didn't pay much attention to Weiss, not knowing that this was the last meeting between them, since this was the day he fell into a long coma. 

****

Sitting on his knees, Raven recalled the last words he spoke to his brothers. The words were like a sword, stabbed deep within his heart. 

Because he lost some people dear to him, he forgot that there was another person who was close to him that needed his attention. It was only now that he realized how wrong he was. Unfortunately, even if he wanted to, he could never talk to his brother now! 

Even when he scolded his little brother in their last meeting, his brother still entered this dangerous world, all to help him wake up from his coma. 

Raven experienced an overwhelming sense of disorientation, feeling as if he had been left alone without direction or guidance, uncertain of his next steps.

"It appears that my assumption was correct. You seem to be familiar with the child. Fascinating. May I ask about your relationship with him?" The Guardian inquired, noticing Raven's peculiar reaction.

"How did he die?!" Raven remained silent and posed a question in response. His expression appeared stoic and his hands tightly balled into fists.

Upon hearing the guide's recollection of his brother and the admiration he held for him, it became evident that his brother was not a weak individual during his time in this world. Therefore, the mysterious circumstances surrounding his brother's death left questions and confusion.

"From your reaction, I suppose the guy was very close to you. However, even if you know how he died, you can't do anything. The people who killed him... They aren't someone who you can stand against. If anything, I would suggest that you hide the fact that you ever knew this guy."

"Because if they found out that you had some relation to the Ninth Overlord of Earth, then you will follow your brother's footsteps in his eternal resting place."

The response from the Guardian wasn't straightforward, but Raven was able to discern important implications from his words. It became clear that his brother's death was not an accident, but rather a deliberate act.

"Who?!" Raven asked, as a trace of murderous intent flashed in his eyes. It didn't matter who killed his brother! Even if that person was god himself, he had to kill him!

The Bloodline Guardian remained quiet for a while. He knew better than to answer Raven's question, as he could predict that disclosing the truth would only push Raven towards seeking revenge - a goal that could never be attained.

He could only divert the conversation to a different subject.

"I'm running out of time. Enough of that. Let's get back on track, before I disappear."

He clapped his hand once, making a door appear behind him on the wall that previously wasn't there. "Before you begin your journey in the Hellfire, there are some important things you should be aware of. Since I've dealt with people from earth before, it should be easy to explain."

"I'm sure you've played games on earth? Games where a player can have classes like Mage Class, Warriors Class and more? The World of Hellfire is similar."

"Instead of being categorized by the class, the players are categorized by their bloodline. The Bloodline Trial serves as the starting point for every player, where their performance determines the type of bloodline they will receive before they really enter the world of Hellfire."

"In this world, the Bloodlines are categorized into different levels of hierarchy. These levels, from the lowest to the highest, are referred to as Low Grade, Mid-Grade, High Grade, Epic Grade, Legendary Grade, and Mythical Grade."

"The grade of bloodline you acquire is determined by a variety of factors, including the amount of time it takes you to successfully clear all the challenges. However, there are additional factors that cannot be revealed at this time."

The Guardian explained the basics of Bloodline slowly yet carefully, since this was why he was actually here. This was his second responsibility other than name selection. This was the extent of his control in Hellfire. 

"Also, since you know Weiss, I should tell you that he received a Legendary Grade Shadow Monarch Bloodlines from the Bloodline Trial since he managed to finish Bloodline Trials in the fifth shortest time. His Bloodline was also amongst the best in the Legendary Grade."

"Do you understand why I'm telling you this?" he asked, as if implying something. "If he can die even with one of the best bloodlines and Rank Nine Exclusive Skill, then you should imagine just what kind of mountain stands in your path of revenge..."

"If you want to succeed in the future, you better give it your all. Even though it's unlikely, maybe you'll be able to achieve the revenge that you crave one day...."

As soon as the lizard man finished his speech, his form began to vanish, becoming ethereal before fully disappearing. 

His final words lingered in the air, the only remnants of his presence. "After you receive your Bloodline, you'll be sent to the starting point in Hellfire. I wish you luck, young man. I hope you'll survive longer than he did…"