The First Scar of Fate

The sound of my knuckles rapping against the heavy wooden door echoed through the dimly lit hallway.

"Knock, knock"

My heart pounded in my chest as an inexplicable sense of dread washed over me. What was this ominous feeling creeping up my spine? I shook my head, trying to dispel the unease.

It didn't matter now—I was already here. I had prepared for this moment, and if Carla could do her part, everything would fall into place.

"Come in," a cold, commanding voice called from the other side.

I pushed the door open, my breath catching as I stepped inside. There he stood—the Duke, my 'father'—a mirror of my own crimson eyes and ink-black hair, yet his gaze was a void. A statue carved of ice. His expression was unreadable, his face a mask of indifference as he stared at me.

"Did you call for me, fath— Duke?" I caught myself mid-word, the title 'father' sticking in my throat like a bitter pill. Something deep within me recoiled at the thought of calling him that. A seething hatred burned in my chest, though I couldn't quite understand why.

"Yes," he replied, his voice devoid of warmth. "Patience is a luxury I lack," he said, voice devoid of warmth. "The experiment was meant for children older than seven. But time… 'time' betrays us."

'Experiments?' My stomach churned at the word. What was he talking about? Who was he even speaking to? The air in the room grew heavier, suffocating me with its weight. Fear clawed at the edges of my mind, but I forced myself to stay calm.

"We need to show him results, and I don't like waiting," he continued, his tone sharp and impatient.

"Tap, tap."

The sound of his footsteps echoed as he approached me. My body tensed, but I held my ground, locking eyes with him. His blood-red gaze bore into mine, unflinching. Without warning, his hand shot out, gripping my wrist with a force that made me wince.

"Ah—! It hurts!" I tried to pull away, but his grip only tightened. He was one of the empire's swordmasters, a man of unparalleled strength. Struggling was futile, but I couldn't stop myself from trying.

"Pathetic." His sneer cut deeper than any blade. "Your body crumbles. You can't even channel mana. How will you inherit the Zoldyck legacy?"

His words struck a nerve. I flinched, the mention of my inability to use mana cutting deeper than any physical pain. This damn body of mine—why was it so weak? And what was this 'legacy' he kept talking about?

"This is the fault of that sl*t," he spat, his voice venomous."She was willing to bear a child just to gain power. She didn't just pass her hair onto you—her weak constitution is yours as well. Truly pathetic."

Rage surged through me, hot and uncontrollable."Don't you dare badmouth Mother in front of me, you bastard!"

I snapped, sinking my teeth into his hand. He barely flinched, but I saw a flicker of surprise in his eyes. I tried to land a blow, aiming for his weak spots, but he easily deflected it. Of course—he was a swordmaster. I was no match for him.

"What a wild beast you are," he said, a twisted smile playing on his lips. "Such foul language to your father. It hurts me, son. But your fighting instincts are sharp. Good. That will be useful for the research."

"Research? What the hell are you talking about?" I demanded, my voice trembling with a mix of anger and fear.

He ignored my question, his gaze distant, as if lost in some dark fantasy. "But do you really not hate that sl—"

I didn't let him finish. Grabbing the nearest object—a lamp—I hurled it at him. He caught it effortlessly, his expression amused. Tch. He was toying with me, and I hated it.

"Don't call her that!" I shouted, my voice cracking. "It's none of your business whether I hate Mother or not! And why are you experimenting on your own son? What kind of monster are you?"

His laughter filled the room, cold and mocking. "You really thought I would treat you as my son? Hahaha! The only reason you were born was to serve as an experiment. Your blood holds the key to the Zoldyck legacy, and I will claim it, no matter the cost."

His words hit me like a punch to the gut. I was nothing more than a tool to him—a means to an end. The realization stung, but it also fueled my resolve.

"So, what is this legacy?" I asked, my voice steady despite the storm raging inside me. I have to gain more information about this called 'legacy'. "Why are you so obsessed with it?"

He tilted his head, studying me with those unnerving crimson eyes. "Soon, you'll understand. If you have the qualities, that is. As for why… it's simple. Power. The power of a Sword Saint. Hahaha! Soon, all my dreams will come true."

"So, you don't have the qualities," I said, my voice dripping with scorn. "That's why you haven't received the legacy. Pathetic. Truly pathetic, Theo von Zoldyck. You don't deserve the Zoldyck name. You're just a pig wearing a necklace. Without it, you're nothing—a pig waiting to be butchered."

Despite my anger towards him I calmly added another line. "And the one who butchers you will be me."

His expression darkened, and for a moment, I thought I saw a flicker of rage in his eyes.

*Crack.*

"Ah—!"His fist collided with my chest, sending me crashing into the wall. Pain exploded through my body, but I refused to cry out.

"I. Am. No. **PIG**!!!" he roared, his voice shaking with fury. Each word a kick to my gut. Over and over. Kicks rained down on me, each one more brutal than the last. "I have* *QUALITIES** too!!!"

I curled into a ball, trying to protect myself, but it was no use. His manic energy was terrifying, his expressionless face now twisted into something grotesque.

"Who's The Pig?!!!" he shouted, his voice echoing in the room. More kicks landed on my face, and I felt the warm trickle of blood from my nose. I was helpless, beaten and broken by this man who called himself my father.

*****

Time blurred as the pain consumed me. "Ahh!" I cried out, my voice hoarse. How long had this been going on? It felt like an eternity.

Finally, he stepped back, his breathing heavy. "Hah! Hah! Hah! Sorry, I got carried away. It's been years since someone questioned my capabilities." His tone was almost casual, as if he hadn't just beaten me within an inch of my life.

"Yes," he continued, his voice distant. "There was one other person who said I didn't have the qualities of a Zoldyck. He called me a pig, just like you."

"W-who?" I managed to ask, my voice barely a whisper.

"Oh, are you curious," he said, a strange smile playing on his lips. "He was my father—your grandfather. He was a good man, a man who came close to mastering the sword. He loved spending time with me and Mother. He loved us, but…" He paused, wiping away a tear that trailed down his cheek. "But he never reached that stage. One of the strongest swordmasters died from poison. Such a tragic story."

His words sent a chill down my spine.

"Even in his final moments, he cared for me, loved me… even though I was the one who poisoned him. That moment was the happiest of my life. Soon, I will also claim the legacy, and his death will not have been in vain."

I stared at him, horrified. This man was pure evil, a monster who would stop at nothing to achieve his twisted goals. Even death would be too kind for him.

"Oh, I almost forgot," he said, his tone light, as if we were discussing the weather. "You didn't like the name your mother gave you. I don't find it likable either, so I'll give you a new one." So he knew about my conversation with Mom.

"I don't need a name from you, pig," I spat, my voice trembling with defiance.

"Ah—!" Another blow landed, and I bit back a cry of pain.

"I told you not to call me that," he said, his voice dangerously calm. "Your new name will be…'X' this is the best name for a test subject like you and it also show that our blood is special." This name has no sense what is this manic thinking, I like Lucy better.

"We have nothing to fear. Hahaha! Even the gods don't know how powerful our blood can become."

His laughter filled the room, manic and unhinged. This man was beyond redemption, his mind consumed by delusions of grandeur.

"Oh, it's time," he said, glancing at the door. "You can come in."

A group of men in lab coats entered, their faces impassive. They didn't even flinch at the sight of me, battered and bleeding on the floor.

"First, take his blood sample," he ordered. "Then lock him in his room until further instructions."

One of the men approached me, but I wasn't about to let them touch me without a fight. Summoning the last of my strength, I kicked him in the groin, sending him crumpling to the floor.

"Touch me again, and I'll rip your throat out," I growled. , "I'll cooperate, so take the blood and let me go."

The Duke—no, Theo—watched with mild interest. "You still have energy after all that? Truly fascinating." He turned to the others. "Take his blood carefully. And kill the man who failed."

I stared at him in disbelief. He had just ordered the death of one of his own men for a simple mistake. This man was ruthless, a monster who saw everyone as expendable.

But it's nature of the world the weak one will die.

"Ouch—! Are you even a doctor?"I hissed as one of the men drew my blood. "You don't even know how to do this properly." I tried to provoke them, but their faces remained blank, their movements mechanical.

"Can I go now?"I asked, my voice laced with sarcasm.

"No," Theo said, his tone chillingly calm. "There's one more thing."

"What? Are you going to apologize?" I shot back, my defiance unwavering.

"Hahaha! Why would I apologize? I'm not doing anything wrong. I'm simply experimenting on my creation."

I glared at him, my hatred burning brighter than ever. "You're a monster," I whispered, my voice trembling with emotion.

He ignored me, handing me a stack of books that felt like they weighed a ton. "You have a good brain, just like your mother. We'll be experimenting on that as well. Learn this material in one day."

"Are you insane? How can anyone learn this in one day?" I protested, my voice rising.

" I know you can," he said, his smile sending a shiver down my spine. "But if you don't…"He gestured to the shackles now binding my limbs and neck. "At my command, these will deliver a shock strong enough to kill you instantly. And they're not just on you. So, be a good boy."

"What do you mean by that?" I demanded, my heart racing.

"You'll find out soon enough," he said, his smile widening.

I stared at him, my mind racing. What kind of twisted game was he playing?

"Soon, the awakening ceremony will take place," he said, his tone almost cheerful. "Take care of your health until then."

I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms. If I stayed here any longer, I would lose my mind.

"Now, I'm leaving," I said, turning to go. But I remember about my plan soon a cold smile appeared on my face reflecting nothing but deep hatred for 'that man' but— "Take care, Father."

The words tasted bitter on my tongue, but I forced them out. I have a strong feeling that something good will happen among this misfortune and this will be become cause of your downfall.

Try not to get killed before the right time comes. Because when it does, I won't be the one to end you.

Death would be too easy a punishment for someone like you.

One day, I'd carve that smug grin from his face. I'd unravel him, thread by thread, until he begged for oblivion.

But first… I will have to gain power, so wait for me My 'LEGACY' ♡~