Chapter 1: The Father’s Greed

The grand halls of House Eryx, once a symbol of nobility and grace, had long since become a blood-soaked arena. The walls, adorned with the banners of an ancient lineage, now bore the scars of relentless combat. The screams of dying clones echoed through the underground training chambers, a chilling testament to the twisted ambition of Lord Eryx.

Lord Eryx sat upon a throne of dark marble, his crimson cloak draped over his broad shoulders. His sharp, calculating eyes observed the carnage below—a group of identical young men, all resembling his only son, Asher, engaged in a brutal skirmish. The scent of iron and sweat clung to the air as clones clashed against one another, their weapons coated in the blood of their brethren.

The nobles who had gathered to witness the spectacle whispered among themselves. Some, like Duke Varyon of the East, watched with fascination, seeing the clones as a potential army of perfect warriors. Others, such as Lady Marielle of the South, turned away in disgust, disturbed by the unnatural cruelty.

"Marvelous," chuckled Lord Eryx, stroking his trimmed beard. "They learn so quickly. Their instincts sharpen with every death. Soon, we shall have the perfect warrior—one who knows no fear, no hesitation."

Among the fighting clones, one in particular stood out. He moved with precision, his twin daggers slicing through opponents like a reaper's scythe. His name was Korrin, and unlike the others, he did not fight merely to survive—he fought with purpose, of winning and recognision. His eyes flickered toward Asher, another clone who stood in the far corner, fighting strategically .

They both were unpar with each of the clone having a specific fighting style , but that did not spare these clone from father's cruelty. They had watched countless versions of themself die—torn apart by beasts, slaughtered by mercenaries, or executed for failing to meet expectations. The sight of asher struck a nerve. This clone wasn't just surviving—he was thriving in this madness.

The battle reached its peak when the iron doors of the chamber groaned open. A beast unlike any other entered—a Titanfang Lion, its fur jet black and its eyes glowing ember-red. A monstrous creature, enhanced by magic, bred for destruction. Its roar sent a shiver through the remaining clones.

"This is your true test," Lord Eryx announced. "Kill, or be killed."

Korrin, undeterred, tightened his grip on his blades. Other clones hesitated, but he did not. He darted forward, narrowly avoiding the beast's massive claws as it was being distracted by asher trying to slashhim. He rolled under its belly, slicing at its hind legs, drawing blood. The beast roared in pain, but it was not so easily defeated.

The other clones, now desperate, charged in. Some were crushed under the lion's powerful paws. Others managed to wound it but were soon torn apart by its fangs. The chamber became a battlefield of desperation and carnage.

Asher clenched his fists. He could no longer stand by. In a blur, he leaped from his perch, grabbed a fallen spear, and hurled it toward the beast's eye. The spear found its mark, and the Titanfang let out a deafening screech, thrashing in agony.

Korrin took the opportunity. With a powerful leap, he climbed onto the beast's back and plunged both his daggers into its skull. The creature convulsed before collapsing, its heavy breathing fading into silence.

The chamber fell still. Blood pooled around the corpses of clones, and only a handful remained standing—Korrin, Asher, and 15 others.

Lord Eryx rose from his seat, his slow clap echoing across the room. "Impressive. You've exceeded my expectations, Korrin… Asher." His eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "But tell me—how long will you last?"

Asher's chest heaved with exhaustion, but his anger burned hotter than ever. His father saw them as nothing more than disposable weapons, and he had finally reached his breaking point.

But as he met Korrin's gaze, he saw something he had never expected—an understanding. A silent agreement.

This madness had to end.

And it would begin with rebellion.

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