Chapter 3: Echoes of a Shattered Name

Chapter 3: Echoes of a Shattered Name

Charles's footsteps echoed in the grand hallways of the Aria estate as he fled the dining room. His heart pounded with a mix of shame and anger, his breaths coming in ragged gasps. The jeers and laughter of his family still rang in his ears, their cruel words cutting deeper than any blade. He wanted to escape, to find a place where he could be alone, away from their scornful gazes.

He sprinted down the corridor, his white hair whipping around his face as he climbed the grand staircase leading to the second floor. The mansion's luxurious decor blurred past him — the polished marble floors, the ornate paintings of his ancestors, the shimmering chandeliers that cast a soft glow over everything. It all felt like a prison to him, a gilded cage that trapped him in a life of ridicule and contempt.

Finally, he reached his room at the very end of the second corridor. He slammed the door shut behind him, the heavy wood vibrating with the force of his frustration. His small, cluttered room was a stark contrast to the rest of the mansion — filled with stacks of books and comics, a sanctuary for his imagination. It was the one place where he felt safe, where he could escape into stories of heroes and adventures, far away from the harsh reality of his own life.

But today, even his sanctuary offered no comfort. His chest tightened, and he collapsed onto his bed, burying his face in his hands. Hot tears streamed down his cheeks, his body trembling with sobs. He hated himself for being so weak, for being different in a family that demanded strength and conformity. He hated that he could never stand up for himself, that he always let them push him around, mock him, and treat him like he was nothing.

"I'm useless," he whispered, his voice choked with emotion. "I'm nothing but a disappointment. A freak who doesn't belong."

He cried for his helplessness, for the shame of being who he was. He cried for his mother, Rose, the only person who had ever truly understood him, who had always encouraged him to be himself. She was missing, lost somewhere in the cosmos, and he was powerless to do anything about it. He cried for all the times he wished he could change, to be stronger, to be someone his family could be proud of — but most of all, he cried because he knew deep down that he would never be enough for them.

A soft knock at the door broke through his despair. Charles stiffened, quickly wiping his tears away with the back of his hand. He didn't want anyone to see him like this, especially not now.

"Charles?" a gentle voice called from the other side of the door. It was Lady Lorica, his grandmother. The only person in the family who had ever shown him any kindness. "May I come in?"

He hesitated, his breath hitching as he tried to steady his voice. "Y-Yes, grandmother," he managed to reply, his voice still thick with emotion.

The door creaked open, and Lady Lorica stepped inside. Her silver hair was elegantly braided, her indigo gown flowing gracefully around her as she moved. Her eyes, though sharp and discerning, softened when she saw the state Charles was in. She closed the door behind her, shutting out the world outside.

"Charles," she said softly, approaching him with a kind smile. "I could see how much pain you were in down there. I wanted to check on you, to see if you were okay."

He shook his head, unable to meet her gaze. "I'm not okay, grandmother," he confessed, his voice breaking. "I'm not okay at all."

Lorica sat down beside him, her hand gently resting on his shoulder. "You don't have to be strong all the time, Charles," she said. "It's okay to feel hurt, to feel lost. But you're not alone. You have me."

Her words were like a balm to his wounded heart, and before he knew it, he was pouring out everything to her — all his pain, his fears, his insecurities. How he felt different, how he longed to belong, to prove himself, to be someone worthy of respect. He even confessed the part of himself he kept hidden, the part of him that liked men, that made him feel like an outcast in his own family.

To his surprise, Lorica listened patiently, her expression never changing from one of understanding and empathy. When he finished, she wrapped her arms around him, pulling him into a comforting embrace.

"You are not strange, Charles," she whispered softly into his ear. "You are not weak. You are just… you. And that is more than enough."

Her kindness was almost too much for him to bear, and for a moment, he allowed himself to believe her words, to believe that he could be more than what his family saw. That maybe, just maybe, he had a place in this world.

Lady Lorica's eyes softened with understanding. "If you want to study the Art of Genetic Evolution, you must have the courage to ask for it. I see in you the same determination I had when I was your age. You have the potential to achieve great things, but you must be willing to fight for it."

Charles looked up at her, his eyes filled with a mix of hope and fear. "Do you really think I can do it? Can I really make a difference?"

Lady Lorica nodded, her gaze steady. "I believe in you, Charles. I will support you. You have the heart of a warrior, even if the world tries to deny it. If you truly want this, I will help you. But remember, it will not be easy. You will face opposition, not only from your family but from within yourself."

With a deep breath, Charles steeled himself. "Then I want to study the Art of Genetic Evolution. I need to prove to them, and to myself, that I am more than what they say I am."

Lady Lorica smiled, a rare moment of pride in her expression. "I will help you. We will face this challenge together."

The next day, the Aria family gathered once more. The air was charged with anticipation and hostility as Charles's request was brought before them. Lady Lorica stood firm, her elegance and poise a stark contrast to the heated atmosphere. The family members, seated around the grand table, exchanged glances that spoke volumes of their disdain.

Charles, standing to the side, felt the weight of their gazes on him. He was prepared for the battle ahead, though the fear still gnawed at him. He knew his request would be met with resistance, but he had resolved to stand his ground.

General Grant Aria, his face a mask of stern authority, was the first to speak. "This is a ridiculous request," he said, his voice cold and cutting. "Charles wants to pursue Genetic Evolution, but he lacks the necessary discipline and talent. Allowing him to do this would be a waste of resources and a threat to the family's reputation."

Vanessa Aria, her eyes sharp with contempt, chimed in. "It's absurd to think that Charles could achieve anything significant. He has always been weak and unreliable. Why should we invest time and effort into a lost cause?"

Freya Aria's voice was laced with scorn. "And what about the family's standing? Our reputation is built on strength and excellence. Allowing Charles to study Genetic Evolution will only bring shame upon us. He doesn't belong in this world of power and prestige."

Boyle Aria's grin was wicked as he added, "Perhaps we should let him continue living in his fantasy world. It seems more fitting for someone of his caliber. Why drag him into something as serious as Genetic Evolution?"

Theban Aria's tone was dismissive. "Charles has never shown any real aptitude for anything. His attempts at pursuing greatness are laughable. We should not waste our time on someone who will never amount to anything."

Rogan Aria's voice was a sneer. "Charles, you've always been an embarrassment to the family. Your request is nothing more than a pathetic attempt to prove yourself. You lack the strength and capability to succeed, and everyone knows it."

Lady Lorica stood tall and unyielding in the face of the onslaught. "Enough," she said, her voice ringing with authority. "Charles deserves the chance to prove himself. I see in him the same determination and potential that once drove me. If he wishes to pursue Genetic Evolution, it is not your place to deny him."

Vanessa's lips curled into a mocking smile. "And what makes you think you can just override our objections? You're being sentimental and foolish."

Freya leaned forward, her eyes narrowing. "Yes, this is madness. Your support for Charles is an insult to everything we stand for."

Boyle's laughter was harsh. "Perhaps Lady Lorica has lost her senses. Charles is a weakling, and no amount of training will change that."

Theban's gaze was scornful. "He will never match up to the standards of our family. His attempts will only lead to more embarrassment."

Rogan's eyes were cold. "You're setting him up for failure. It's a waste of time and resources. Let him live in his delusions."

Another family member chimed in, "This is a waste of resources. We've already seen how Charles can't even handle basic training. Why should we invest in something so dubious?"

Lady Lorica stood firm, her demeanor regal and unyielding. "Charles has shown a genuine interest and determination. Just because he doesn't fit your expectations doesn't mean he isn't capable. It's our responsibility to support those who are willing to work hard and pursue their dreams."

A heated argument erupted. "You're being blinded by sentiment, Lady Lorica," snapped Rogan. "Charles doesn't have what it takes. He lacks discipline and skill. It's a fool's errand to invest in him."

Lady Lorica's voice remained calm but resolute. "Charles has qualities that you may not see, but that doesn't make his pursuit any less valid. I believe in him, and I am committed to supporting him."

The debate grew increasingly intense as family members argued passionately against Lorica's support. Charles, feeling the weight of their scorn, stood silently to the side. His heart pounded with a mix of anxiety and determination.

Finally, when it seemed that Lorica's arguments might not be enough, Charles found his voice. "Enough! I know you all think this is foolish, but I'm not going to let your mockery deter me. I want to pursue Genetic Evolution, and I'm going to do it whether you support me or not."

His outburst was met with even more derisive laughter. "Look at him trying to act so brave," someone sneered. "He's just making a bigger fool of himself."

Despite the derision, Lady Lorica stood beside Charles. "Charles's decision is not a matter of choice anymore. It's an order from me, as the matriarch of the Aria family."

The declaration had an immediate effect. The room fell silent, the weight of Lorica's authority hanging heavily in the air. Despite their strong disagreements, the family knew they could not openly defy her. Her reputation as a renowned leader and warrior in the Void battlefield commanded respect.

General Grant, who had been observing the debate, approached Lorica after the meeting. His voice was low and serious. "Lady Lorica, you know as well as I do that Charles's request for Genetic Evolution is not only impractical but also dangerous. He lacks the necessary skills and discipline. If you are so insistent on supporting him, then he must agree to certain conditions."

Lady Lorica raised an eyebrow. "What conditions do you propose?"

Grant's gaze was steady. "If Charles wants to pursue this path, he must do so without the Aria name. He will not carry our family name, and he will be on his own. We will not be responsible for his failures or his successes."

Lady Lorica's eyes narrowed slightly, but she did not immediately respond. She understood the gravity of the situation and the implications of Grant's proposal. Charles would be stripped of his family name and, by extension, the protection and resources that came with it.

She sighed deeply. "Very well. I will speak with Charles about this condition."

Later that evening, Lady Lorica found Charles in his room, sitting by the window and staring out into the darkening sky. The weight of the family's opposition was evident in his posture. She entered quietly, her presence a comforting contrast to the chaos he had endured.

"Charles," she began gently, "I have spoken with General Grant. He has proposed a condition for your study of Genetic Evolution."

Charles turned to her, his face weary but hopeful. "What is it?"

Lady Lorica took a deep breath before continuing. "If you wish to pursue this path, you must agree to renounce the Aria name. You will no longer be recognized as Charles Aria. Instead, you will take on a new identity, one that is separate from your family."

Charles's eyes widened in shock. "Renounce the Aria name? Does this mean I will be completely cut off from the family?"

Lady Lorica nodded. "Yes. You will be on your own, without the support or protection of the Aria name. You will have to forge your own path and rely solely on your own strength and determination."

Charles's mind raced as he considered the implications. To lose his family name meant to be entirely independent, without the privilege and resources that came with it. It was a daunting prospect, but also an opportunity to redefine himself on his own terms.

After a moment of contemplation, Charles looked up at Lady Lorica with a resolve in his eyes. "I accept the condition. If renouncing my name is what it takes to pursue my dreams, then I will do it. I am willing to face whatever challenges come my way, even if it means starting anew."

Lady Lorica's expression softened with a mix of relief and pride. "Very well. I will make the arrangements for you to take on a new identity. From now on, you will be known as Charles Dreamers. It is an ancient family name from my maiden line, and it will be your new beginning."

Charles nodded, a sense of determination filling him. "Thank you, Lady Lorica. I am ready to embrace this new identity and to work towards my goal."

—

The following week, the family's reaction to the change was a mixture of mockery and derision. Charles was the subject of cruel jokes and whispered comments as he prepared to leave the Aria estate. His decision to abandon his family name only fueled their scorn.

Despite the mockery, Lady Lorica remained a steadfast supporter. She ensured that Charles was equipped with the resources he needed for his journey. She arranged for him to be sent to the Celestial Sect, a renowned institution for the study of Genetic Evolution. The process was rigorous and demanding, but Charles was determined to succeed.

As the departure day approached, the Aria estate felt different to Charles. The grand halls and opulent decor seemed distant, overshadowed by the enormity of the decision he had made. The mansion, once a place of luxury and constraint, was now a symbol of the life he was leaving behind.

Lady Lorica stood beside him in his room, her presence a calm and steadying force amidst the swirling emotions. Charles had been packing his belongings, preparing for the journey ahead. The room, though still cluttered with books and relics of his past life, now seemed like a bridge to a new beginning.

"Charles," Lady Lorica said softly, breaking the silence. Her voice was gentle but carried an underlying firmness. "I want you to remember something before you leave."

Charles looked up from his suitcase, his eyes meeting hers. There was a warmth in her gaze that made the heaviness in his chest seem a little lighter. "What is it, Grandmother?"

She took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. "This journey you are embarking on will be challenging. You will face obstacles that will test your resolve and your spirit. But remember, you are not alone. Every step you take, every challenge you face, you carry with you the legacy of the Dreamers and my unwavering support."

Charles nodded, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to spill. "I'm scared," he admitted quietly. "Scared of the unknown, of failing. But more than that, I'm grateful—for everything you've done for me."

Lady Lorica stepped closer, reaching out to gently clasp his hands. "Fear is a natural part of any journey. Embrace it, and let it drive you forward. Your strength isn't in the absence of fear but in your ability to confront it. And as for gratitude, know that you have given me a reason to believe in hope and resilience once again. You have already shown more courage than you realize."

She drew him into a tender embrace, holding him close. Charles felt a surge of emotions, a mixture of sadness and hope. Her warmth was a comfort, a reminder of the support she had always offered him. "You have so much potential, Charles. I believe in you more than you know.

You are about to carve a new path for yourself, and it will be your own. Embrace it fully, and know that you carry my love and the legacy of the Dreamers with you."

Charles closed his eyes, letting the moment sink in. "Thank you," he whispered. "For believing in me, for everything."

Lady Lorica pulled back slightly, her eyes shining with pride. "Remember, Charles Dreamer, you are not defined by your past or the expectations of others. You define yourself by the choices you make and the courage you show. Go forward with confidence, and let your actions speak for who you truly are."

With a final, lingering look, Charles picked up his suitcase and walked towards the hallway. Lady Lorica stood there, watching him with a mix of pride and sadness. As he stepped into the hallway, he glanced back one last time. The sight of her, standing tall and resolute, filled him with a renewed sense of purpose.

Lady Lorica's voice echoed in his mind as he looked back one final time. "Embrace the journey, Charles, and never forget the strength you hold within."

With a deep breath and a final wave, Charles turned his gaze forward, ready to face whatever lay ahead. The journey of Charles Dreamer was just beginning, and with Lady Lorica's words as his guide, he was prepared to carve out his destiny.