Abel stood in front of his parents, positioned near the kitchen, while both of them were seated on the sofa, each holding a glass. His mother rose, her black hair cut into a sharp bob, her eyes a vivid green that seemed to sparkle in the light. His father, initially turned away, revealed a slightly unusual appearance when he looked at Abel jet black hair with subtle violet highlights, subdued yet striking in the light. His eyes burned like molten amber, and a small, neatly trimmed mustache adorned his face. Both of them looked surprisingly young. At that moment, Sebastian inhabited the body of a small child.
"Hello, sweeti. Your father and me I bought some provisions, so you won't have to worry about that. We'll go shopping once a week," his mother said, caressing Abel's head. "Oh! You smell a bit… you should wash yourself. Meanwhile, your father and I will start preparing dinner."
"Yes, that's exactly what I was planning," Abel replied. "By the way, I managed to acquire my first Qephraï. I don't fully understand its power yet or how it will be useful, but I'm eager to see it in action."
His mother smiled warmly. "That's wonderful. Capturing your first Qephraï is both challenging and satisfying. Your father and I were overjoyed when we completed our first real assimilation as well."
Wait… they can assimilate too? No wonder they seem so young. So my success in the exam wasn't just luck… it must be in my genetics. At least I can live with my parents without fearing their death from old age.
"Son, why do you seem so different? Was your time in the cocoon that grueling? Your mother and I don't recall experiencing such high stress scores. Your mother had 12,000, I had 18,000… what was yours?"
"I got 73,000," Abel admitted, "I thought it would be among the lower scores, but apparently, it was extremely high."
"WHAT?! Well, you truly have extraordinary talent. Damn, you might become someone powerful—maybe even a Decarques if you put your mind to it. Your mother and I didn't score that well, but at least we can assimilate. This power has been passed down to you because we couldn't remain warriors for long. Sometimes, even strong people prefer a simple life, like your mother and I."
"Yes, I understand. But leading a normal life is not my goal in this world. I'm sorry… I'll go take a shower now."
Abel headed to the bathroom, letting the water run before undressing.
« Hmm… I thought I was unique, but my parents are exceptional too. I just had the chance to steal this body. I wonder if the Qephraï can communicate with me in some way. »
« Of course it can. I just prefer not to speak too often. Tomorrow, I can explain my power to you, and I can assist you in battles because if you die in combat, I die too. »
« Well… I won't bother you anymore, but are you forced to listen to my thoughts constantly? »
« Not at all. But when you think of the word Qephraï a horrible name you use for us my attention instinctively turns to you. »
Abel wasted no time. He undressed fully and faced the bathroom mirror. He was the perfect blend of his father and mother: short, tousled black hair with faint violet highlights, a fine, delicate, almost androgynous face. His eyes were green like his mother's but tinged with the fiery orange of his father.
Huh… he's not ugly at all. In fact, he's quite handsome. I might regret stealing the body of a boy who clearly had everything he needed to succeed in life.
He stepped under the hot water, the sensation soothing. It had been ages since his last shower his first since arriving in this world. He used the apricot scented body wash his mother had bought. The aroma was gentle and pleasant, blending old world and new-world fruit in a strangely comforting way.
Finishing, he wrapped a towel around his waist and went to his room. His mother had anticipated this, buying him a cotton pajama set: red plaid bottoms and a solid black top. After dressing, he returned to the dining area where his parents were already seated at the table behind the sofa.
"Ah, sweeti, we're ready to eat. Come sit. I've prepared vegetables with fish it'll help you become a better warrior, haha."
"You're probably right. Let's eat."
His mother glanced at him with concern, sensing something was off but refraining from asking, fearing she might worsen the situation.
Damn… this family is incredibly kind, and I stole their son. I shouldn't even be here at this table. What have I done? I should tell them the truth… but not now. I'll wait until tomorrow morning. Night brings clarity.
After the meal, Abel retreated to his room, completely drained. He stared at the ceiling before drifting into a deep sleep.
When Abel opened his eyes, he was surrounded by darkness, as always when he fell asleep. He didn't understand why he ended up here, usually accompanied by that strange voice but this time, it seemed absent… or so Abel thought.
"Our meetings will become frequent. I want to know more. You're not from here, human. What is your real name?"
"My name is Sebastian. You're right, monster. In a world not this one, I touched a black cocoon and found myself here, replacing the life a child should have lived."
"I'll be clear. If you're here, it's somewhat my fault. I made an error in a detail that never actually happened, but I didn't expect anyone foolish enough to touch it. The cocoon was meant to replace one from a participant in the exam you passed, to serve as a host so I could gain a physical form, not just the projection of my shadow. Because of you, it didn't happen. But if one day you're worthy, we can make a pact for you to use my power."
"Seriously… if I'm here and stole a child's life, it's entirely your fault. But how could you send a cocoon into a world that exists only in another reality?!"
"Shut up, human. I told you it was a mistake. You've stolen no one's life. The child whose body you took had died in its cocoon, so it would have lived nothing more. Consider that you prevented a family's sorrow. But heed me: no one must ever know what happened, and you must reveal nothing of my error. I leave you now, human. We will speak again soon."
Abel awoke with a start, sweating profusely.
Damn that monster… arrogant, yet he makes me believe I'm at fault while he accomplished the impossible. I'd better not reveal the truth to my parents. If the body I inhabit was dead when I arrived, I have no reason to feel guilty. But… how does he know that? I'll have to ask next time. Better stay cautious.
"Good, my faithful soldiers. I'm glad none of you were late this morning as agreed. Now, since Abel Verdalys has acquired his first Qephraï, we will dishonor the orders Anastasia gave us. For me, a sabbatical week is useless. You love your leader enough to support another unit in a meaningless troop. Their leader? I'd kill him if I wanted, but the law forbids it. One unit stole a Qephraï I wanted from their leader a complete bastard. He assimilated it. Today, we go smash those idiots and force their leader to break his contract with the Qephraï so I can have it. You'll see it'll benefit you as well."
Seriously… this guy's insane. He wants to break a rule just because something displeased him, calling the opposing leader a bastard… but what even differentiates them?
"SHUT UP!!! I'm not like that bastard. This Qephraï is mine it will serve us later unless you'd rather dig through filth than take the easy path."
"Alright… we'll go. But if he agrees to hand it over without a fight, you'll accept, right?"
"Of course. I can make that effort. Even if I can't see him, I hope one day to kill him with my own hands. My training was meant to toughen you, but now it will be on the battlefield. You won't die, don't worry. I can't stand you, but I must admit you're not bad. Let's go. Normally, they're probably chasing a low-ranking Qephraï, because our unit usually only tracks weak ones."
Enette and his unit set off. Enette had tracked the opposing unit further than last time, closer to their city, adding only an hour to their journey.
This road is endless. Night is falling, and he drags us so far… are we even allowed to stray this far without authorization for a mere Qephraï? I'm sure he'll pull the same stunt in a week. Spoiled bastard… Hmm, he's not paying attention probably focused on tracking the enemy unit. Fine, I just hope we arrive soon.
Enette moved with unwavering focus. For the first time, Abel saw him as someone truly reliable, even if his temper was terrible. The unit began ascending a hill when Enette suddenly sprinted to the top.
Why is he running?! Idiot… we have to run too.
The other three members followed, struggling to keep up. When Enette reached the summit, his gaze froze.
"NOOOOOON!!!!!!!!"
What's happening? Why is he screaming?!
"Leader… what's wrong? Why are you shouting?!"
Enette turned to face his unit and, in a monotone voice, said:
"It's their unit… they're dead."