Finale 1
After reflecting on all the events from the previous simulations, Strider finally pieced together the intricate layers of the Duke's meticulous planning.
The revelation of how Lester had already set up the sacrificial array while disabling the Duke family's protective array was no coincidence—it was part of a grander scheme.
The Duke, or Lester, had deliberately chosen his own family as the sacrifice to achieve the 6th-star Great Mage stage because infiltrating another family's territory would have been far riskier and less efficient.
Strider recalled the cold, calculating gaze the Duke had given him when he shared his foresight about the massacre. It wasn't a look of concern or disbelief; it was indifference, as though the Duke had already decided the family's fate and was merely amused by Strider's attempt to warn him.
The Duke's plan to stage his death within Lester's domain was another brilliant maneuver. By making it appear as though the Duke perished, he ensured that no one would suspect his true identity.
Free from scrutiny, the Duke could now roam the continent freely as a 6th-star Great Mage without fear of being hunted by the royal family. It was a plan of unparalleled cunning and precision.
Strider couldn't help but mock himself for missing so many critical details during the previous simulations.
The system's reminder, which now felt glaringly obvious, had been entirely overlooked in his haste. He had underestimated the Duke's level of foresight and thoroughness.
Determined to make the next simulation count, Strider began formulating strategies. His mind raced with plans and countermeasures, each designed to outwit the Duke and achieve his own goal of evolving into a Wraith.
As he pondered his next steps, he opened the system shop to browse for items that could aid him in the simulation.
One particular item caught his attention, and for the first time since entering the system space, a bright smile spread across his face.
The item was exactly what he needed—a potential turning point that could break the deadlock he had been struggling against.
Without hesitation, he used all of his remaining 400 system points to purchase the item.
After securing the item, Strider made another significant change.
He swapped his talent, Little Dark Lord, for Little Lucky Boy.
With this newfound confidence, he started another simulation, ready to approach the copy world with a fresh perspective and a revised strategy.
[Starting simulation]
[Talent: Little Lucky boy]
[3.2.1...]
[Simulation Begins]
[Age 0:]
[Once again, you are born into the Duke family, greeted by the familiar environment of the duchy.]
[This time, however, your mind is filled with determination and a clear vision of what lies ahead.]
[Age 4:]
[The Duke family prepares to host a royal party organized by one of the royal heirs, Max El Maxwell.]
[The event is meant to celebrate Max's exceptional magical talent, as his talent-testing ceremony has revealed that he possesses a top-grade affinity for magic.]
[Such a talent virtually guarantees his ascension to the 6th-star Great Mage stage in the future.]
[As the preparations for the party begin, you decide to beg and plead with your eldest brother to let you attend.]
[Normally, a talentless child like you would never be allowed to join such an event. However, thanks to your newly equipped talent, Little Lucky Boy, your brother, who is usually unmoved by such requests, surprisingly agrees.]
[Unbeknownst to him, his decision was subtly influenced by your talent, which works in mysterious ways to create favorable outcomes.]
[Your eldest brother, however, doesn't let you attend without setting strict rules. He instructs you to remain in a corner of the venue and not to wander aimlessly.]
[You obediently agree, knowing full well that your real plan lies in finding Max and initiating contact with him.]
[The Royal Party:]
[As the royal party begins, you marvel at the grandeur of the event. Nobles from across the kingdom have gathered to celebrate Max's talent, and the atmosphere is filled with an air of admiration and envy.]
[Despite the strict instructions from your eldest brother, you subtly begin searching for Max, wondering if your talent, Little Lucky Boy, will guide you to him.]
[Your thoughts swirl with anticipation. If you can establish a connection with Max during this event, it could become the cornerstone of your future plans.]
[A bond with someone of his potential and influence would open doors that would otherwise remain firmly shut.]
[And so, with your heart set on success, you take your first steps into the next stage of the simulation, determined to turn the tides in your favor.]
[You navigate the royal party with caution, carefully scanning the opulent hall for any sign of Max El Maxwell. The attendees, draped in luxurious attire and exuding an aura of authority, barely notice your presence.]
[After all, you are just a talentless child, a minor figure in the grand scheme of things. But deep within, you know that this moment holds the potential to alter the course of your fate.]
[Your newly equipped talent, Little Lucky Boy, quietly works behind the scenes, tipping the odds in your favor. As you move closer to the center of the gathering, where Max is likely to be, an unexpected opportunity presents itself.]
[One of the noble children accidentally bumps into you, spilling his drink onto your modest clothes.]
[The commotion draws the attention of nearby guests, including Max. He steps forward, his curiosity piqued by the scene. With his striking presence and confident demeanor, it is clear why Max is considered a prodigy.]
[His aura demands attention, and even at his young age, he carries himself with the authority of someone destined for greatness.
Seizing the moment, you bow respectfully and apologize for the disruption, making sure to introduce yourself as a member of the Duke family.]
[Max, intrigued by your polite demeanor and calm composure, waves off the incident and engages you in brief conversation.]
[Although the exchange is short, it is enough to plant the seed of familiarity. Max's interest in you, however faint, sets the stage for future interactions. You sense that your talent, Little Lucky Boy, played a crucial role in orchestrating this encounter.]
[Your elder brother, watching from a distance, notices the interaction and frowns slightly but doesn't intervene. You comply with his earlier instruction to remain in the corner afterward, ensuring that you don't attract unnecessary attention or provoke his ire.]
[Building the Connection Over the next few weeks, you subtly work to build on the foundation laid during the party. Max's talent and status make him a central figure in the kingdom's power structure, and aligning with him could provide you with the leverage needed to counter the Duke's future plans.]
[You carefully orchestrate additional encounters, relying on your talent to create opportunities that seem coincidental but are, in truth, carefully guided by Little Lucky Boy.]
[During one of these encounters, Max begins to notice your uncanny ability to predict minor but significant events. You use your knowledge from previous simulations to impress him, ensuring that he views you as someone valuable and trustworthy.]
[Planning Ahead as you strengthen your bond with Max, you also start preparing for the inevitable confrontation with the Duke. The item you purchased from the system shop becomes a central part of your strategy.]
[While its exact function remains a closely guarded secret, you know that it holds the key to breaking the deadlock you previously faced.]
[Your plans involve leveraging Max's growing influence and resources to counter the Duke's schemes. By aligning yourself with a rising star in the kingdom, you aim to create a powerful ally who can shield you from the Duke's machinations.]
[At the same time, you continue to refine your understanding of the Duke's plans. You study the events from previous simulations, analyzing every detail to anticipate his next moves.]
[This time, you are determined to stay one step ahead, ensuring that you are not caught off guard by his manipulations.]