A long night

As Strider stood by the open window, his thoughts drifted between the experiences of the simulated world and the realities of his life in Red Star.

The cool night breeze was a gentle reminder of the world he now inhabited—a world brimming with opportunities and dangers, where his lack of cultivation talent had always been a glaring weakness.

Now, with the Demon God Simulator, that might finally change.

Lost in his musings, he was startled by a soft, almost hesitant knock on his door. The knock was so faint that anyone else might have missed it, but Strider's heightened awareness caught the sound.

He walked toward the door, his curiosity piqued, and opened it to find his little sister, Silvia, standing there. She was clutching a small bundle, her wide eyes sparkling with a mix of excitement and mischief.

"Silvia?" he whispered, surprised to see her so late at night.

Without waiting for an invitation, Silvia darted past him and slipped into his bed, pulling the covers over herself like a thief hiding from capture.

She peeked out from beneath the blanket, her face glowing with a mischievous grin.

"Happy Birthday, dear brother, on your 18th coming of age," she whispered, her voice filled with warmth.

Strider couldn't help but smile, though it was tinged with a hint of ruefulness. In Red Star, the 18th birthday wasn't considered particularly special.

The only birthday truly celebrated was the 6th year, a pivotal moment when one's talent for cultivation was measured.

For Strider, that day had been a quiet disappointment, marking the start of a path devoid of the power and prestige that cultivation brought.

But Silvia's presence now, sneaking into his room in the dead of night just to wish him, filled him with a sense of genuine joy. Her gesture was unexpected but heartfelt, and it put a rare, sincere smile on his face.

"Thank you, Silvia," he said softly, sitting down on the edge of the bed.

Silvia, now fully settled under the covers, looked up at him. Her dark hair fell in waves down to her waist, framing her doll-like face. Despite her young age of 14, she carried herself with a natural elegance that hinted at the woman she would become.

Her delicate features, combined with her already well-proportioned figure, suggested she would grow into a beauty capable of captivating anyone.

Strider knew, however, that Silvia was far more than her appearance. She was the family prodigy, already cultivating to the 3rd layer of Mortal Transformation—a feat unheard of at her age. Despite her talent and the praise it brought, Silvia had always treated Strider with unwavering kindness.

Their bond was unique, forged through countless nights like this one.

Strider could guess the second reason for Silvia's visit.

She had always been fascinated by the stories he told her—stories from the Blue Planet, his original world.

These tales, rich with originality and emotion, were unlike anything found in the books of Red Star. Over the years, his storytelling had captivated her, strengthening their relationship to the point where she confided in him more than anyone else in the family.

Settling beside her, Strider began recounting another story from his first life. His voice was calm and steady, weaving vivid images that came to life in Silvia's imagination.

Tonight, he chose a tale of courage and resilience, of an ordinary person overcoming impossible odds—a subtle nod to his own aspirations in this new world.

Silvia listened intently, her eyes shining with wonder as the story unfolded.

She clung to every word, her expression shifting from awe to suspense to joy as the narrative progressed.

It was moments like these that reminded Strider of the strength of their bond. In a family where his lack of cultivation talent had set him apart, Silvia's unwavering support had been a constant source of comfort.

When the story ended, Silvia let out a contented sigh. "Your stories are the best, brother," she said, her voice filled with admiration. "No one else can tell them like you do."

Strider chuckled lightly, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. "You flatter me too much, Silvia. But it's late now—you should get back to your room and rest."

Silvia pouted, shaking her head. "No, not tonight. This will be the last time I sleep here, I promise."

Her words caught Strider off guard. He studied her expression, trying to decipher the meaning behind her statement.

There was a hint of sadness in her eyes, as though she knew that things would soon change.

Because at the age of 14 girls are considered to be grown ups and it is not allowed for them to be sleeping together even if they are siblings.

Perhaps it was her growing responsibilities as a prodigy, or perhaps it was the realization that their carefree days of sibling bonding were slipping away.

After a moment of hesitation, Strider nodded. "Alright, just this once," he said with a soft smile.

Satisfied, Silvia snuggled into the bed, pulling the covers tightly around her. Strider lay down beside her, his thoughts drifting once again.

The room was quiet now, save for the faint rustle of the wind outside. Strider stared at the ceiling, his mind racing with possibilities. The Demon God Simulator had given him a spark of hope, a chance to rewrite his fate. No longer would he be the talentless fourth son of Baron Cromwell, doomed to a mundane existence.

He would carve out a path for himself, one that defied the limitations of this world.

But he also knew the risks.

The simulator was a double-edged sword, its power tied to dark and dangerous rituals. If anyone discovered the nature of his abilities, he would be branded a heretic, hunted by both the empire and the powerful sects that governed Red Star.

Silvia shifted beside him, her soft breathing reminding him of what he stood to lose.

His family, despite his lack of talent, had always supported him. His father's kindness, his mother's gentle encouragement, and his siblings' camaraderie were rare treasures in a world often driven by greed and ambition. Strider resolved to protect them, no matter what path he chose.

As sleep began to overtake him, Strider glanced at Silvia one last time. Her peaceful expression brought a sense of calm to his restless thoughts. Whatever challenges lay ahead, he would face them with the same determination he had shown in the simulated world.

For now, though, he allowed himself a moment of respite, knowing that tomorrow would bring new trials and new opportunities.

And as the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, Strider drifted into a dreamless sleep, his heart filled with both hope and resolve.