Test complete

Behind the castle, in the lush green field, Ravien was sipping the green tea Jiho had brought.

As Jiho refilled Ravien's cup, he asked,

"Young Master, have your nerves calmed?"

I lifted my cup and glanced at him. The tea had indeed soothed me a little.

"No problem. I'm fine."

I continued drinking. The merchants would arrive in two days. I needed to be prepared by then. First, I had to learn the remaining aspects of my rewind ability.

And I would keep creating flesh beasts. There would be people to guard the incoming supplies… I was eager to see how these creatures would affect them.

I raised my left hand. Bone slowly took shape. Jiho was watching, witnessing my ability for the first time. A long, sharp blade…

I handed it to him.

"Jiho, take this knife and cut my arm."

Jiho hesitated for a moment before looking at me.

"W-what do you mean, Young Master?" There was hesitation in his voice.

"It's simple. Take the knife and cut my arm. A small test."

Jiho stepped back, uncertain about the nature of my ability.

"No, Young Master. To lay a hand on a Pendragon heir is a crime for us."

I sighed. Ah, here we go again. Just what had the Pendragon family done to Jiho and the other branch members?

"Why can't you do it? What reason do you have to follow the family's rules?"

Jiho's voice remained calm.

"I cannot tell you that, Young Master. It is forbidden by the family rules."

I slammed my hand on the table.

"Even if I order you?"

Jiho shook his head. So, even a direct order wouldn't make him speak. I needed to find someone else. But who? I didn't know anyone here…

Then, I remembered the servant boy I met earlier.

"Hey, Jiho. What was the name of the servant boy who escorted me?"

Jiho answered,

"His name is Haldvir, Young Master. He's 19 years old. He has two younger sisters. His mother is alive, but his father died of starvation two years ago. He has no Fate Ability."

A small smile played on my lips. An idea formed in my mind.

"Call him here."

Jiho bowed.

"At once, Young Master."

As Jiho walked away, I continued sipping my tea, my eyes drifting toward the sky. I had finally changed into new clothes. My pants were well-made, stylish but comfortable. My shirt was long, white, lightly decorated, with an open collar. Compared to my previous outfits, it was simple, but it would do.

Four minutes later, Jiho returned with Haldvir.

Haldvir stepped forward hesitantly.

"S-Sir… Y-You called for me?"

He was clearly timid and afraid. Could he do this? I wasn't sure. But he had a family to take care of, didn't he? A little push, and he would comply.

"Jiho, you may leave. Go to the castle dungeons and clean them up."

Haldvir's eyes widened in fear.

"Young Master… did I do something wrong?" Panic laced his voice.

I shook my head.

"No. You're here for a different reason."

As Jiho silently left, I turned my eyes to Haldvir.

"I have an offer for you."

Haldvir swallowed nervously.

"A-An offer, Young Master?"

"I need you to assist me in special experiments. You'll also handle minor paperwork. Of course, you will be compensated."

His eyes lit up with excitement, but then the spark dimmed as he remembered—there was no place to spend money here.

I watched as that small flicker of hope faded. Here, money didn't matter. Food did.

"Instead of money, you'll receive food and supplies."

His hope reignited.

"What do I have to do, Young Master?"

Smirking, I pointed at the knife.

"See this? You'll use it to cut my arm."

Haldvir's face turned pale.

"W-What?"

"You heard me. Cut my arm."

I placed the knife in his hand and met his eyes.

"Take it. Do it."

(POV: Haldvir)

What is the Young Master saying right now?! He placed the knife in my trembling hands, his gaze locked onto mine.

"H-How could I possibly do such a thing?"

I averted my eyes, but he leaned in and whispered into my ear,

"Or do you not care about your family?"

I froze.

"W-What do you mean?"

His piercing gaze bore down on me. It felt suffocating.

"Life in these lands is harsh. Don't you want to give them a better future?"

I hesitated.

"I… I do."

"Then cut my arm. Quickly."

My hands trembled as I gripped the knife tightly. The Young Master had already exposed his arm, waiting.

"Do it!"

I shut my eyes and drove the blade into his arm.

(POV: Ravien)

A faint sting registered as the knife pierced my skin. But it wasn't too bad. My pain tolerance was high.

Haldvir's hands shook. He couldn't even look at me. What had he just done? He had cut his master's arm.

Yet, I… was smiling.

Haldvir's stomach churned. This wasn't normal. A person shouldn't react this way.

But then, his eyes widened as he saw the blood on the blade vanish. He turned to me in shock. My arm was back to normal.

"Young Master… w-what is this?!"

I responded with a calm smile.

"My Fate Ability."

My tests were complete. I could feel pain. My capacity decreased. Meaning… if I was killed enough times, I could truly die.

I noted everything down in my journal. Then, I turned to Haldvir, who was still struggling to process what had happened.

"Good work. Now, go to Jiho. He'll explain your new duties. Also, bring your family here. They'll receive a room and enough supplies."

Haldvir's lips quivered. His eyes welled up with tears, but he held them back, lowering his head slightly. His chest rose and fell, but he remained silent. His hands clenched into fists, nails digging into his palms.

This was an opportunity. A great one for his family… right?

Then why did his chest feel so tight? Why was there a hollow pit in his stomach?

"…Thank you, Young Master." His voice was barely above a whisper, almost choking on the words.

I watched him leave and took the last sip of my tea.

I knew people like him well. Those who would do anything for their families…

They were the most loyal.