The morning after his first kill, Vincent stood before his bedroom mirror, his hands resting on the polished wooden dresser. His gaze was locked onto his own reflection—not in fear or hesitation, but in quiet contemplation.
The act of killing hadn't shaken him. If anything, he felt more in control, more alive.
[SYSTEM UPDATE: FIRST BLOOD SYNCHRONIZATION COMPLETE]
Bloodline Synchronization: 3% → 5%
New Passive Trait Unlocked: Cold Executioner
Your mind remains calm under high-stress situations.
Emotion suppression active during combat.
Psychological resistance to hesitation or guilt enhanced.
Vincent flexed his fingers. So this is what it meant to be Valenciari.
A knock at his door. Without waiting for permission, the door burst open, and a small figure dashed inside.
"Brother!" A sweet, high-pitched voice called out as Isabella Valenciari, his little sister, practically tackled him in a hug.
Vincent exhaled, catching her effortlessly as she clung to him like a koala. "Isabella," he greeted, ruffling her soft, raven-black hair.
She beamed up at him, her big blue eyes shimmering with admiration. "Papa said you did something really important yesterday! Are you okay? Did you get hurt?" She began inspecting his arms for any sign of wounds.
Vincent chuckled, placing a reassuring hand on her head. "I'm fine. It was nothing."
Isabella puffed her cheeks. "Nothing? But Papa said it was a big step for you! That means it's important!" Then she hesitated, lowering her voice. "Are you… scared?"
He looked at her for a moment before shaking his head. "No."
She smiled brightly. "Then you're amazing! Just like Papa!"
A voice cleared its throat from the doorway. "Ah, young master, your father has requested your presence in the main hall."
Vincent turned to see an older man in a sharp gray suit standing patiently. This was Alfonso Moretti, the family's Consigliere—a man of calm intelligence and unwavering loyalty.
"Alfonso," Vincent acknowledged, gently setting Isabella down. "I was expecting this."
The Consigliere offered a small smile. "Of course. Don Luciano never delays important matters. And, if I may add… you have already taken your first steps into this world. We are all watching with great interest."
Vincent nodded, understanding the weight behind the words.
Isabella tugged on his sleeve. "Can I come with you?"
"Not this time, little one." He tapped her nose, making her giggle. "I'll see you later."
"Okay!" She bounced on her heels. "But you have to tell me everything later!"
Vincent smirked. "We'll see."
With that, he followed Alfonso through the grand corridors of the Valenciari estate, knowing that this was only the beginning of his rise in the underworld.
VALENCIARI MANSION – MAIN HALL
As they walked, Vincent observed the mansion's intricate decor. Every hall, every wall, spoke of the family's long history. Oil paintings of past dons lined the corridor, their gazes seemingly piercing through time itself. Gilded chandeliers illuminated the marble floors, casting soft reflections across the pristine surface.
Alfonso walked beside him, his expression unreadable. "Young master, if I may offer advice?"
Vincent glanced at him. "Go ahead."
"Your name carries weight," Alfonso said. "The Valenciari name is both a shield and a sword. Those within the family will either embrace or challenge you. Knowing when to extend a hand… and when to close it into a fist, is the key to survival."
Vincent let the words sink in. "And if I don't hesitate to close that fist?"
Alfonso gave a small, knowing smile. "Then you will be feared. But respect, young master, is far more valuable than fear alone."
Vincent nodded, storing the words away for later. As they reached the doors to the main hall, he straightened his shoulders. He was ready.
Alfonso stepped forward and opened the heavy double doors, revealing a room filled with figures of power, their conversations falling into silence as Vincent entered.
Luciano Valenciari sat at the head of the long table, his gaze sharp as he regarded his son. This was it—the moment where he would see exactly what was expected of him as the heir of the Valenciari family.
Vincent stepped forward, his expression unreadable.
The game had truly begun.
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TO BE CONTINUED…