Chapter 8 : Zartaj Zaratool 

Chapter 8: Zartaj Zaratool 

Sunday morning at 6:00 AM. 

Conrad's eyes opened slowly, his body still bearing the burden of Anira's possession from the night before. She was nowhere in sight. After their return to the physical world, she hadn't immediately retreated to his shadows; instead, she had sat there on the bed, watching him with concerned eyes.

She's becoming more rebellious as time passes, he thought. I don't understand her true motives. Her behavior grows stranger by the day.

He sighed and glanced at the clock. "My first Sunday in this world. Everyone will be home today. That's fortunate—I'll be able to protect them from the Oddity, given that Anira's barrier has limited range."

Conrad rose and made his way to the bathroom to begin his morning routine. Sunlight crept through the windows, illuminating the corner of his room where a notebook lay open on his desk.

While brushing his teeth, his mind wandered through past events and future possibilities.

I have to face the Oddity tonight. Even with Anira's presence, I can't burden her with everything. This is the first time in my life I've felt so powerless. Usually, I lead the charge, but in this world, such recklessness means certain death. Last night, I lost control of both body and mind before I could even comprehend what was happening. This is far more terrifying than I anticipated.

Conrad was practicing sensing as part of his Brahman practice. After returning from Arcane Veil, he had developed a faint awareness of the energies around him—like a budding sixth sense, subtle but undeniable.

The question remains: how can I assist Anira in battle? She instructed me to focus on mastering the first principle of tier 0, but I want to be more than just support. Being her 'lord' while standing idle doesn't sit well with me. Perhaps a weapon would help? But would conventional weapons even affect an Oddity? And if I leave to acquire one, the barrier would dissolve. This is beyond frustrating.

Calm yourself, Dev.

After completing his morning routine, Conrad headed to the kitchen to help.

Isalde was preparing breakfast for her siblings when she noticed a young handsome man approaching—her brother, whose deep blue eyes lately held a mature quality that made him seem different from before. Secretly, she preferred this new version of him. It warmed her heart to see her most trusted brother gradually becoming the man of the house.

"Con, what brings you to the kitchen?"

"Big sister, you know I can't let you handle everything alone. I want to help however I can."

"Oh my, you're now planning to take away my work from me." Isalde said with a gentle smile playing on her lips.

From her chair in the middle of the room, Clara watched Conrad with suspicious eyes. The odd encounter with her elder brother outside the house still troubled her. Deep down, she feared he might be plotting something sinister. She planned to confide in Leona, whom she trusted above all others. Knowing Isalde wouldn't believe her, she remained silent.

The doorbell's sudden ring shattered the kitchen's atmosphere. Conrad tensed, conscious of Anira's absence.

"I'll answer it," he told Isalde.

As he approached the door, Conrad noticed the hidden distorted space fluctuating more intensely than before—something he'd grown sensitive to through his experience in Arcane Veil.

The spatial disturbances made him frown, though he tried not to dwell on them. Opening the door, his eyebrows lifted slightly.

Who are you?

Before him stood a man nearly six feet tall, wearing a warm smile. Despite his slightly receding hairline, he maintained a distinguished appearance. His light brown eyes and brown skin suggested southern origins.

"May I enter, Mr. Valor?" the man asked in a deep voice.

Conrad searched his memories for any recollection of this visitor but found none. As he prepared to request an introduction, a familiar voice spoke from behind the man.

"Conrad, he's your future brother-in-law. Don't block the doorway," Leona said, her face impassive.

Brother-in-law? What does she mean? I've never met this man. Who is he?

"Please don't worry, Ms. Leona. The fault is mine for not properly introducing myself," the man continued. "During my last visit, I missed the opportunity to meet you, Mr. Valor. Allow me to introduce myself."

"I am Zartaj Zaratool, from Zenithia. I hope to join your family for breakfast, if it wouldn't disturb your peace."

The name Zenithia stirred memories from last night in Conrad's mind. He stared at the man with sharp eyes. The old Conrad might have lowered his head, skipped breakfast, and hidden in his room, leaving his sisters to deal with this stranger. But this wasn't the timid Conrad—this was Dev in Conrad's body.

With a smile, he addressed the imposing figure, "Please excuse my absence during your previous visit, Mr. Zaratool. You understand that with three beautiful sisters under my protection, one must exercise caution."

Zaratool met the young man's deep blue eyes and smiled. Leona started to interject, but Conrad raised a hand to stop her—a commanding gesture she'd never seen from her brother before.

What is this fool doing? Has he lost his mind?

"I understand completely, Mr. Valor. The fault is mine for arriving unannounced. I offer my sincere apologies."

"Your Excellency, please don't! We're unworthy of your presence, let alone your apology," Leona hurriedly interjected.

"I accept your apology. Please, come in. Let's enjoy breakfast together," Conrad said with a casual smirk, as if addressing royalty was an everyday occurrence.

Leona's eyes widened at her brother's apparent insolence before such an important figure. Even she wouldn't dare show such familiarity.

Conrad paused briefly before adding, "Ah, I forgot my own introduction—better late than never. I am Conrad Valor, owner of the Valor residence."

Leona stood baffled by such a bold declaration but held her tongue in the presence of their distinguished guest.

"Who is it, Con?" A sweet voice called from the kitchen.

Isalde had finished her preparations when she noticed the tall man walking toward their dining area. His commanding presence carried the air of nobility, like some foreign prince. Her eyes widened slightly before narrowing into a frown.

"Mr. Zaratool, I don't recall receiving any notice of your visit?"

"Not every visit requires planning or a permit. Don't you think, Isalde?"

Isalde? What's going on? Conrad glanced at his big sister.

"Mr. Zaratool, I believe I told you I don't appreciate people who become too informal too quickly."

"Excuse me for forgetting such details, Ms. Isalde. I'm reaching an age where these details slip past me."

"You are very young, Your Excellency," Leona interjected from the side, trying to ease the tension. Among the Valor family, only she truly understood Zaratool's status and the dangers of offending him.

Conrad remained quiet, observing everything carefully. As they took their seats, Zaratool chose the chair directly opposite Isalde. Conrad positioned himself near his sister, who as always occupied the head of the table.

Zaratool's lips curled slightly as he turned to Isalde. "I thought the owner of the Valor residence was somebody else?"

Damn this fucking bastard. You really want to fight with me, huh?

Conrad thought to himself.

"Yes, the owner of the Valor residence is my younger brother, but as he's still learning, I serve as a temporary replacement," Isalde replied without meeting Zaratool's gaze, her eyes fixed on Conrad instead.

"A woman as a temporary owner? I think it should be a man, as you know women have their own duties. These matters should be left to men."

Leona and Clara both froze at his statement. Clara, already fearful of men, felt an inexplicable dread toward this particular visitor.

Isalde's sharp eyes locked onto Zaratool. Her elegance never wavered—she was every bit like a queen regarding someone beneath her notice. Yet beneath her composure, she carefully measured her words to avoid truly offending this man. It was the only reason she hadn't refused his request to join their breakfast.

"We.." before Isalde said anything a sharp voice cut her off.

"Not every country lives in an old era, Mr. Zaratool," Conrad replied, his eyes warm as he looked at his sisters. "I don't know about others, but in this country, women may very well be more suitable to rule than men because we measure merit, not gender."

"Hahaha, you're right, Mr. Valor. It was rude of me to say such things. This food is excellent—I envy you, getting to eat like this every day." Zaratool paused before continuing, "But Mr. Valor, I truly am sorry to take such a capable woman for myself."

"I believe you're mistaken, Mr. Zaratool. I haven't replied to your proposal yet. While I appreciate all you've done—aiding Clara's education and advancing Leona's career—matters concerning my life require careful consideration," Isalde cut him off.

"Of course, Isalde. I'm willing to wait as long as you need."

Conrad felt rage burning in his stomach, threatening to explode, when he felt a soft, trembling hand grasp his own beneath the table. Isalde's hands were resting on his, seeking comfort while her face maintained its dignified expression.

Looking at his elegant sister, Conrad saw past her queenly demeanor to the young woman beneath—one who needed her brother's support right now.

Sigh! Being a brother really is hard.

Conrad turned to Zaratool, his expression carefully neutral. "I have decided, as the head of the house, that we are not worthy of your status. Please forgive my directness, but Your Excellency would find a far more suitable lady to accompany you than my elder sister."

"Are you rejecting me, Mr. Valor?" Zaratool's expression turned serious. The atmosphere in the room instantly darkened, like a storm cloud passing over the sun.

Conrad began channeling his Brahman, creating a subtle but commanding presence. "Rejecting you is not something we can do, Your Excellency. As I said, we are simply unable to bear the burdens that would follow such a marriage. I believe Your Excellency is kind enough to forgive us Valors for our ignorance and unworthiness."

Clara looked at her brother with confusion; she couldn't comprehend what her usually useless brother was talking about. Leona, stunned since the beginning, could only observe this unfamiliar version of the brother she'd rarely paid attention to.

Zaratool rose from his chair and approached Conrad, who now stood at his full height. Leaning close, he whispered in a voice meant only for Conrad's ears, "You Essentarii are always a pain in the ass, you know. But don't worry—I'm not petty enough to kill a newly born kitten."

The statement shook Conrad to his core. He immediately connected the distorted space with this man's presence. Anira's words echoed in his mind: '...he may be on the same level as me...' That single statement planted a seed of fear in his heart. While Conrad maintained his composed exterior, inside his mind churned like a storm-tossed sea.

This guy is very powerful. We've involved ourselves with something far beyond our comprehension, Conrad thought to himself.

The tension in the room grew thick enough to cut with a knife, until a chuckle broke through the silence. Zaratool's laugh dispelled some of the darkness as he spoke, "I understand—I was being impatient. I simply couldn't pass up the chance to court a capable woman like Ms. Isalde, but forcing anyone is not my style. The offer stands if the Valor family ever reconsiders. I've had my fill for today. I should take my leave."

"Your Excellency, I will accompany you—" Before Leona could finish, Zaratool cut her off.

"It's quite alright. You've been on night duty, so enjoy your time with your family. My guards are already waiting outside."

Conrad sensed a terrifying presence beyond their walls.

After walking some distance from the house, Zaratool addressed a bearded man following behind him. "Kaladin, what do you think of the barrier around the house?"

"Sir, it's extremely powerful. I don't know anyone who could block even my abilities without being physically present."

"The Valor family might not be just a normal family," Zaratool said with a smile. "That kitten is hiding something."

The Valor family was not finished with their breakfast, but an awkward silence hung in the room. Isalde, Leona, and Clara were looking at their brother with an odd gaze. Noticing their eyes on him, Conrad broke the silence.

"Ahem, let's continue with our breakfast."

Leona looked at Conrad and wanted to say something but chose not to. Isalde took a deep breath and addressed her brother.

"I'm sorry, Con. I didn't tell you about Mr. Zaratool. You were too busy with your studies, so I thought it would be best not to disturb you."

Well, that's a lie. It's more like you just didn't want to see your brother's pathetic state in front of this man. You are very kind, my dear sister.

"Anyway, how is Xie?" Isalde changed the topic.

Conrad was caught off guard. He nearly choked on his food. After drinking some water, he looked at his elegant sister.

Seriously, what's with your sudden question?

Leona and Clara were unaware of their brother's new girlfriend. They frowned in confusion.

"Xie? Who is she?" Leona asked.

Clara remained silent, however her eyes betrayed her curiosity.

Isalde chuckled and replied, "She will be the future head woman of the Valor family."

"That's way further down the line. We don't have much interaction. Let's take these steps one at a time," Conrad said without expression while sipping his tea.

Conrad has a girlfriend? Both Leona and Clara thought to themselves.

Is that the reason he's been acting weird recently? Conrad's sisters came to the same conclusion. Seeing their confused looks, he sighed.

Changing the topic again, Conrad said, "Today the weather is very cold. I'll be in my room all day as I have some assignments to do. If you need anything, let me know."

All of them were shocked again.

Assignment? Our brother is doing an assignment? Isn't that too much of a change in a man?

This Xie girl is indeed very powerful, even Isalde thought to herself.

After finishing his breakfast and helping his sisters, Conrad returned to his room to continue his training.

That was the most exhausting breakfast ever. Anyway, I need to get stronger, or people like Zartaj will push me around in this world.

Conrad sat on his bed, legs folded in a meditative position. He tried to recall the teachings and sensations from the previous night.

"Sensing, Channeling, and Manipulation together make the first core principles—Interaction of a Tier 0."

"Before doing anything complex, I need to understand that everything is some form of these principles. Before creating something unique, everyone needs to go through the common lessons of Tier 0."

"I can only manifest my brahman and use it to sense things around me, but I'm unable to manipulate it to give it shape or split it apart." Conrad felt impatient seeing such little progress; deep inside, he thought he was special and could master things in just one try.

Why am I getting so impatient? It's only my first day. I should learn to do things slowly. Conrad recalled a line from one of his favorite novels: "Journey before destination."

He practiced all day without breaks. Isalde and Leona were not home. Clara studied in her room.

They said they'd return before dinner. I wonder where they went? Conrad chuckled. "Am I already starting to act like an overprotective brother?"

Cold wind passed through the Valor residence. The glass windows, with their old Victorian-style architecture mixed with modern colors, shook slightly under the constant pressure. The sun began to set as evening descended. Conrad continued practicing religiously without breaks. Clara studied diligently in her room. Silence grew with each passing minute; only the steady ticking of clocks could be heard throughout the house.

At 7:09 PM, Clara felt thirsty. She reached for the bottle beside her, but it was empty. She descended the stairs toward the kitchen. The hallway leading there was dim, slightly illuminated by small wall lights. Her brother's room was unusually quiet. Though she tried not to care, she glanced briefly at his door while passing.

"I don't know what that idiot is doing, probably sleeping, I guess."

As she approached the empty kitchen, she noticed from the corner of her eye that the refrigerator door stood open.

"It's unusual for my big sister to leave it open. It must be that useless brother of mine."

She sighed and started walking toward the fridge to close it.

Creak!

A small sound emerged from the kitchen. Clara tensed instantly. Why do I feel so horrified? I don't know what it is, but something's giving me the creeps.

"It's all my imagination," she thought, looking at the distant corner. A dark shadow of some elongated animal blended with the isolated corner of the room. Clara's forehead began to sweat, and her feet grew cold. Her heart raced.

She turned from the kitchen and hurried to Conrad's room. "Con..." she hesitated for a moment before calling out, "Brother, are you there?"

There was no reply from the other side. Clara's legs trembled slightly. She felt utterly alone in the world, as if her fate had been sealed by some unknown hidden truths she couldn't comprehend.

Creak!

The door to Conrad's room opened. Seeing her brother, Clara couldn't hide her relief. Her eyes, on the verge of tears, found renewed hope.

"Clara? What's the matter?"