The Weight of a Name

Chapter 4: The Weight of a Name

Griffin sat among the surviving warriors, his body still aching from the battle. The cold night air brushed against his skin, carrying the metallic scent of blood. His mind raced, trying to process everything—the beast, the battle, and most of all, the abilities he had just awakened.

His fingers tightened around the hilt of the sword still stained with the monster's blood. "This… this isn't just a dream." He exhaled slowly, trying to steady his thoughts.

Then, almost instinctively, he muttered, "Kaido… can you tell me about this world?" He didn't expect a response, but the moment the words left his lips, a notification popped into his vision.

[Virenna Dimension Overview]

• The Virenna Continent is home to humans, elves, and dwarves, each with their own kingdom.

• Centuries ago, they waged war against the Demon Faction. Though they won, the war left them weakened.

• Victory was only possible due to Arthur Greyat, the Dragon Emperor, and his dragon, Silvanna.

• Arthur was trained by the Asuras, powerful beings who once aided the demigod assigned to this dimension.

• After the war, a new government system was established:

• The emperor is no longer chosen by bloodline but elected every 20 years.

• Candidates must prove themselves worthy, leading to bloody rivalries.

• Though peace exists now, the second demon invasion is inevitable.

• Mission: Prevent the destruction of Virenna.

Griffin's eyes darkened as he read through the notification. This world… is doomed unless I do something. His fingers clenched.

He had no time to dwell on it now. They needed to return to the palace.

Return to the Palace

The surviving warriors marched back toward the capital. Some bore wounds from the battle, while others carried the bodies of their fallen comrades.

Inside the palace, towering marble pillars lined the grand halls. Servants and knights turned their heads as Griffin and his escort entered. Whispers filled the air.

"He survived?"

"Isn't he just a weak candidate?"

"I heard he awakened a blessing."

Griffin ignored them. He had bigger concerns.

Before long, he stood in the emperor's grand chamber. Seated on a golden throne was Arthur Greyat, the Dragon Emperor—a man whose very presence was suffocating. His piercing eyes locked onto Griffin.

"So this is the man whose body I've possessed… no, his father."

Arthur's expression darkened. "You were ambushed?" His voice carried the weight of a ruler who tolerated no disrespect.

Griffin bowed slightly. "Yes, Your Majesty. A beast ambushed us on the way to the banquet. Many warriors fell."

A terrifying pressure filled the room. Arthur's aura flared, cracking the floor beneath him. "One of the candidates dared to target my son?" His voice was filled with cold fury.

Then, just as suddenly as it appeared, the aura vanished. Arthur sighed, rubbing his temples before stepping forward.

"I heard you awakened a blessing." His eyes softened for the first time. "I am proud of you."

Griffin blinked in shock. Proud? Those words felt foreign to him.

Arthur stretched his hand forward, revealing a glowing summoning crystal. "Take this."

Griffin hesitated before accepting it.

"If you ever find yourself in a situation like that again," Arthur said, "shatter the crystal. It will summon me immediately."

Griffin looked at the crystal in his hands. This… this is something my real father would never give me.

Arthur's gaze then turned to Luna Varus, Griffin's female guard. "I believe we should assign you a stronger guardian."

Griffin's body tensed. No.

Memories of the battle flashed in his mind—Luna standing beside him, fighting the beast together. She was the only one he could trust in this unfamiliar world.

"That won't be necessary," Griffin said quickly. "I would rather have only her by my side."

Arthur raised an eyebrow but eventually nodded. "Very well. If that is your choice."

Before leaving, Arthur added, "Rest well, Sebastian. There is still the banquet tonight."

A Mother's Embrace

As Griffin made his way to his quarters, he let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. That was… intense.

"The emperor is different from what I imagined," he muttered. "He truly cares about his son."

He felt a bitter pang in his chest, remembering his real father—the day he was banished from the Ashcroft family.

But before he could dwell on the past, a sudden force wrapped around him.

"My dear cute boy!"

Griffin nearly suffocated as someone hugged him tightly.

"I heard you were ambushed!" the voice cried out. "Didn't I tell you to be careful when going out?"

As soon as the grip loosened, Griffin stumbled back, finally getting a clear look at the woman.

A breathtakingly beautiful elf.

Wait… an elf?

Griffin's eyes widened. "My… mother?"

His mind reeled. Does that mean I possessed the body of a half-elf?

To be continued…