Chapter 13: System Notice

The descent down the grand staircase felt like a trial by fire for Chronos' sleep-addled limbs. Each step sent a dull ache through his calves, the plush carpet doing little to cushion his exhaustion.

Morning light filtered weakly through the stained-glass windows, casting fractured patterns of gold and crimson across the marble floor. His bare feet dragged slightly, the cold stone seeping into his skin like an unwelcome embrace.

At the foot of the stairs, Gloria waited, hands clasped in front of her pristine apron. A flicker of hesitation danced in her dark eyes before she spoke.

"Good morning, Master Chronos," she greeted, her voice soft but deliberate, as if she had rehearsed the words countless times.

Chronos stifled a yawn, rubbing at the grit in his eyes with the heel of his palm. "Morning," he muttered, his voice rough with sleep.

Even before he reached the final step, the intoxicating aroma of breakfast wrapped around him—crisp bacon sizzling in its own fat, the buttery richness of freshly baked bread, and something sweet, like caramelized apples. His stomach growled in protest, demanding sustenance.

He paused mid-step, nostrils flaring. "What is that incredible smell?" he asked, his voice gaining strength as he inhaled deeply, savoring the layers of flavor carried on the air.

Gloria's cheeks warmed to a delicate pink. She tucked a loose strand of chestnut hair behind her ear, gaze flickering downward. "It's the breakfast I prepared, Master."

Chronos' lips curled into a slow, approving grin. "You can cook? I might just keep you around forever."

Gloria's blush deepened to a furious scarlet, spreading down to her neck. She pressed her lips together, fingers fidgeting with the hem of her apron as he passed.

The grand hallway stretched before him, its high ceilings adorned with gilded moldings and oil paintings of solemn-faced ancestors.

Sunlight spilled through the east-facing windows, illuminating motes of dust that drifted lazily in the air.

Before he could reach the dining room, a familiar voice—smooth, warm, laced with amusement called out.

"Good morning, sweetheart."

His mother reclined elegantly on the velvet-upholstered sofa, a porcelain coffee cup cradled between slender fingers.

The rich, earthy scent of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the faint floral notes of her perfume. Steam curled from the cup, dissipating into the cool morning air.

Chronos raked a hand through his disheveled hair, the dark strands stubbornly resisting order. "Morning, Mom," he grumbled, sleep still clinging to his voice.

She took a slow sip, studying him over the rim of her cup. "How was your night?"

"Better than the last," he admitted, recalling the previous evening's restless tossing and turning.

A small, knowing smile played on her lips. "Go on, then." She crossed her legs, silk whispering against silk. "Go eat before it gets cold."

"Was already heading there," he said, throwing her a lazy salute before striding into the dining room.

The heavy oak door swung open beneath his palm, revealing a long mahogany table set with fine china and polished silverware.

The crystal chandelier overhead cast a warm glow across the gleaming surface.

At the far end, Charles hunched over his plate, methodically working through a stack of golden-brown pancakes. The crisp sound of his knife scraping against porcelain echoed faintly in the quiet room.

Chronos smirked. "Someone's up early."

Charles didn't look up, his tone dry. "Force of habit."

Chronos had barely taken his seat when the door burst open. Eldric stormed in, his tailored suit jacket half-buttoned, fingers struggling with the knot of his tie.

His sharp perfume —a mix of sandalwood and bergamot—flooded the room, momentarily overpowering the scent of the food.

Mary, standing near the sideboard, bowed slightly. "Your breakfast is ready, sir."

Eldric nodded distractedly as he swept past, his polished shoes clicking against the hardwood.

"Good morning, Dad," Chronos and Charles chorused, their voices overlapping.

Eldric paused mid-step, blinking as if momentarily disoriented. "Good morning, son—sons," he corrected, his gaze lingering on Chronos a beat too long.

Chronos waved a dismissive hand. "Don't sweat it."

Eldric barely sat before he was shoveling food into his mouth—four rapid bites, a gulp of orange juice, and he was done.

Chronos stared, fork hovering mid-air. "No way in hell am I ever eating like that."

Eldric smirked, dabbing his mouth with a napkin. "We'll see." And then he was gone, the door swinging shut behind him with a soft click.

Chronos turned to Charles, eyebrows raised. "Did you see that?"

Charles wiped his mouth with deliberate slowness. "Happens every morning. Nothing new." He pushed his chair back, standing.

"Hurry up and finish. I'm not waiting forever to drop you off."

Chronos rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah, Mr. Look at me and my fancy bike."

Charles shot him a grin before striding out, leaving Chronos to his meal.

Chronos peeled off his sleep-warmed shirt, the fabric clinging slightly to his skin before he tossed it onto the growing pile of discarded clothes near his wardrobe.

The cool air raised goosebumps along his arms as he reached for a fresh set of clothes.

Then—

A soundless chime reverberated in his skull, like a tuning fork struck between his temples.

His vision blurred for a heartbeat before a translucent screen flickered into existence before him, its edges pulsing with an eerie blue light.

[System Alert]

Warning: Time error detected.

Your existence does not match recorded history.

The words hung in the air, glowing faintly as if etched into reality itself.

[Adjusting…]

[Memory synchronization failed. Adjusting timeline…]

[Subject recognized: Chronos Magna.

Status: Anomaly.]

Chronos' breath caught in his throat. His fingers twitched at his sides, half-expecting the screen to dissolve under his touch. But it remained, unwavering.

"What the hell…?" His voice came out hoarse, barely above a whisper.

New lines materialized before his eyes.

[Adjusting…]

Memories of others have been stabilized.

Reality has been corrected to fit your presence.

[Monitoring for further errors...]

"An anomaly?" His pulse pounded in his ears, an insistent rhythm of unease.

Before he could process the implications, the door creaked open.

Mary stood frozen in the doorway, her usually composed expression faltering as her gaze landed on his bare chest.

A faint flush crept up her neck, her fingers tightening around the doorknob.

"Master—" Her voice hitched slightly. "Your brother is waiting for you."

Chronos exhaled sharply, forcing his shoulders to relax. "Tell him fifteen minutes."

Mary dipped her head in a quick nod, eyes carefully averted. "Of course." She slipped out, closing the door behind her.

Alone again, Chronos turned back to the screen but it was fading, its light dimming like a dying ember.

He let out a slow breath. "Looks like I've got a mystery to solve."