Death of the Gods

Rodrigo and Akiha were seated at a polished, dark wooden table in the mansion's main hall. The room was spacious, with tall windows covered by red velvet curtains that allowed just enough of the late afternoon light to create a warm yet austere atmosphere. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling, their golden glow reflecting off the immaculate furniture and the old paintings that decorated the walls.

Rodrigo rested his hands on the table, his fingers lightly tapping against the wood as his eyes wandered across the room. It was all so excessive. Too polished. He felt out of place, like an intruder on a stage he didn't fully understand. Across from him, Akiha sat with perfect posture—her back straight and her hands delicately resting on her lap. She seemed perfectly at ease in that environment, as if every detail around her was a natural extension of herself.

The silence felt uncomfortable to Rodrigo. He glanced at the fine porcelain plates and cups, all decorated with golden floral patterns. Compared to the plastic cups or dented aluminum mugs he used before, it felt like something out of a movie about royalty.

Kohaku entered shortly after, carrying a silver tray with grace and precision. On it, a white porcelain teapot, small cups, and a plate of carefully arranged cookies. Rodrigo noticed that Kohaku maintained a gentle smile, but her eyes observed every movement carefully, as if recording everything.

"...Here you are, Akiha-sama, Shiki-sama. I hope the tea is to your liking," Kohaku announced, bowing slightly before placing the tray on the table.

Rodrigo couldn't help but frown at the formal address. That level of politeness made his skin itch. He muttered a barely audible "...Thanks," while Akiha nodded politely. Kohaku served Akiha's cup first, then Rodrigo's, pouring the amber liquid with precise movements and without spilling a single drop.

"...Kohaku, were the cookies made today?" Akiha asked, raising the cup to her lips with elegance.

"...Yes, Akiha-sama. I prepared them this morning, as usual," Kohaku replied with a soft smile.

Rodrigo observed their interaction without saying anything, carefully picking up his cup to avoid breaking it. The tea was hot, but not enough to burn. He took in the floral aroma before taking a sip and noticed its light, jasmine flavor.

"...Is this jasmine tea?" Rodrigo asked, breaking the silence.

"...Yes, Shiki-sama. It's Akiha-sama's favorite," Kohaku replied promptly.

Rodrigo raised an eyebrow. Of course, it would be. He leaned back in his chair, setting the cup down on the table and grabbing one of the cookies. They were crisp and just sweet enough.

"...It's good," Rodrigo commented, surprising even himself.

"...Kohaku always does an excellent job," Akiha said without taking her eyes off her cup.

Rodrigo noticed that Kohaku seemed pleased with the compliment but kept her professional demeanor. It made him wonder if her smile was genuine or just part of her perfect maid mask. He tucked that thought away for later.

The silence crept back in until Rodrigo leaned forward slightly, breaking the tension.

"...So, Akiha... I was thinking of walking around the mansion later. Getting to know the place," Rodrigo said, trying to sound casual.

"...Of course. Kohaku can accompany you, if you'd like," Akiha replied promptly.

Rodrigo glanced at Kohaku, who smiled and nodded.

"...I'd be happy to guide you, Shiki-sama," she said.

"...Hm... Sure," Rodrigo nodded, but inwardly he was already planning an excuse to explore on his own.

While Akiha drank her tea with the composure of someone who belonged in that world, Rodrigo felt more and more like a stranger in a nest. He knew he'd have to adapt, but every second in that place made him feel like his old life was slipping further and further away. It worried him—but it also motivated him. He took another sip of tea, looking at his sister.

"...You seem really comfortable with all this," he said, breaking the silence again.

Akiha raised her eyes to him, lifting her eyebrows slightly.

"...And why wouldn't I be? This is my home. Our home," she emphasized the last part, as if to reinforce the idea of belonging.

Rodrigo shifted his gaze to the cup.

"...Yeah, right... I'm just trying to remind myself of that," he said, his tone hesitant.

The conversation died down again, and Rodrigo felt he had a long road ahead to figure out his place in that setting.

After finishing their tea, Kohaku offered to clear the table and prepare Rodrigo's room. As she gathered the dishes, Rodrigo stood up and looked out the window. From the outside, the mansion seemed even more imposing—like a castle isolated at the top of the world.

He knew it would take more than tea and polite conversations to survive there. With that in mind, he began organizing his next steps.

Rodrigo remained by the window, his eyes fixed on the empty garden and the horizon marking the boundary between the sky and the town below the hill. He took a deep breath, the faint smell of tea still lingering in the air, but his mind was already far away.

He felt every beat of his heart in his chest—an irregular, almost fragile rhythm. The anemia in Shiki's body was a serious problem. No matter how much combat experience Rodrigo had—from improvised weapons to street tactics—it would all be useless if his body failed at a critical moment. He clenched his fists, frustrated. He couldn't trust this body. Not yet.

The most urgent issue was simple—he needed an edge. A tool, a skill, or something that could level the playing field against the monsters in this world. Because Rodrigo knew, better than anyone, that the world was full of predators. Vampires, demons, oni, and even fanatics from the Church—they all seemed to form a closed circle, fighting for power and control. He didn't want to be part of that game, but he also couldn't afford to be a pawn.

Rodrigo rubbed his face with his hands, feeling the smoothness in his fingers and the lack of calluses that once formed from years of hard work and fighting. This body lacked the resilience his old one had. Even though it was toned, it still felt fragile—like it might break under pressure. He wondered how many hits he could take before going down. Probably not many. Maybe not even one.

His first plan had been to build physical strength, but the anemia made that nearly impossible. Shiki's body wouldn't handle heavy training or prolonged exertion. Pushing too hard could make him pass out—or worse. He'd seen people like that in prison—those who fainted just from standing in the sun too long or trying to run during an escape. That wasn't a risk Rodrigo could take.

"...I need something else... Something besides physical strength."

Rodrigo looked at his hands. The Mystic Eyes of Death Perception—Shiki Tohno's iconic ability—were still dormant. Without them, Rodrigo was just a 17-year-old boy trying to survive in a world full of predators. He knew he couldn't rely on them, at least not yet. Innate abilities like that tended to awaken under pressure or in critical moments, but Rodrigo wasn't willing to risk his life waiting for a miracle.

That's when his mind returned to the idea of pacts. Familiars—magical entities summoned or bound to a person through contracts. He'd heard of these creatures before, especially in stories about vampires and magi. Some familiars were summoned for direct combat, while others had specific functions like espionage, manipulation, or logistical support. Rodrigo needed something practical.

If he could form a contract with a familiar specialized in dimensional storage, it would solve one of his biggest logistical problems. He could hide weapons, explosives, and tools without relying on physical stashes. More importantly, he could carry these resources anywhere without drawing suspicion. The idea was tempting.

If he were to make a pact, it would have to be carefully calculated. He needed to find an entity with which he could negotiate on favorable terms. Rodrigo considered the possibility of searching through ancient texts or even using the mansion's resources to track down artifacts and grimoires. The place seemed large enough to hide secrets, and Akiha certainly wouldn't reveal everything right away.

Even so, he needed to start slow. First, he would have to explore the mansion and map out the terrain. Then, he'd identify potential sources of information about magic and pacts. If he found anything useful, he could move forward with negotiations. Rodrigo knew how to handle deals—after all, he had survived long enough in the underworld to learn how to manipulate interests.

He took a deep breath and began mentally listing the necessary steps:

1. Explore the mansion to understand its structure and discover any hidden rooms or archives related to magic.

2. Investigate the library or any collection of books and documents that might contain information about pacts and familiars.

3. Test the limits of his current body, analyzing how much strain it could endure before breaking down.

4. Plan light physical training to improve his stamina without compromising his fragile health.

5. Establish contacts in the black market, using Bitcoin for anonymous transactions and purchases of essential materials.

6. Locate or create improvised tools and weapons while waiting for an opportunity to strengthen his arsenal.

7. Experiment with summoning methods and create a contingency plan to deal with possible failures or adverse consequences of a pact.

8. Strengthen his relationship with Akiha, Kohaku, and Huisi, ensuring he could manipulate household dynamics without raising suspicion.

Rodrigo closed his eyes for a moment, letting the mounting pressure in his thoughts sink in. He knew he couldn't trust anyone here. Even Akiha, who seemed vulnerable on the surface, carried something dark within her—Rodrigo could sense it in the distant look she occasionally gave him.

Rodrigo was pulled out of his thoughts by Akiha's soft but firm voice calling him. He turned his head slowly, meeting the girl's piercing blue eyes. She sat with perfect posture, holding a porcelain teacup with elegant poise. There was genuine curiosity in her expression, but also a faint trace of suspicion—subtle, almost imperceptible, but Rodrigo caught it right away.

"What was it that you used to do, again?" Akiha asked, tilting her head slightly. "You said you worked as a security guard before… all this happened."

Rodrigo blinked a few times, processing the question as he felt the weight of her gaze. It was clear that Akiha was still trying to figure him out. Perhaps she was testing the consistency of his answers, looking for any cracks that might expose a lie. Rodrigo knew how this kind of probing worked—he had been through much harsher interrogations before.

He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, and stared at the untouched teacup on the table. His mind drifted back to his days with the Captain and the rest of the group. The first memory that came was of a sweltering night in an abandoned warehouse, surrounded by crates of smuggled weapons and bundles of dirty cash. The Captain sat in a plastic chair, an unlit cigar between his teeth, laughing while Rodrigo balanced a knife on his index finger.

He also recalled the "special operations"—carefully planned heists against rivals, ambushes in dark alleys, and even bodyguard jobs for clients who paid handsomely for private security. Some of these missions were dangerous enough to involve shootouts, chases, and makeshift explosions. Others were almost comical, like the time they had to escort a paranoid smuggler carrying a crate full of live chickens.

Rodrigo felt the corner of his mouth twitch. A genuine, nostalgic smile escaped before he could suppress it. He quickly erased the expression, but Akiha had already noticed.

"Why are you smiling?" she asked, narrowing her eyes.

Rodrigo cleared his throat and leaned back in the chair, trying to appear relaxed.

"Nothing. I just remembered a funny situation. Being a security guard can be... interesting, sometimes."

"Interesting how?" Akiha continued to press, now leaning a bit closer. "What exactly did you do?"

Rodrigo knew he needed to choose his words carefully. He couldn't reveal the truth about his past, at least not yet. But he also knew that overly elaborate lies tended to draw attention. Better to keep things simple, based on half-truths.

"Well, it was more about transporting goods and protecting people," he began, choosing his words with care. "Sometimes we had to deal with complicated situations, like people trying to steal merchandise or cause trouble during the trip."

He paused, watching Akiha's reaction. She seemed to be evaluating every word.

"I also worked with access control at important events," he continued. "Private parties, business meetings, things like that. My job was to make sure no one caused problems."

Akiha kept her gaze fixed on him for a moment before shifting her eyes to her teacup. She stirred the liquid with a silver spoon, as if contemplating his answers.

"Sounds dangerous," she finally said, in a neutral tone. "And did you like it?"

Rodrigo shrugged.

"I wouldn't say I liked it. It was more something I did because I had to. It's like any job—some parts are good, others not so much."

Akiha continued stirring her tea, but Rodrigo noticed her posture relax a little. Perhaps she was satisfied with the explanation. Or perhaps she just decided not to press him further for now.

Meanwhile, Rodrigo fought against the storm of memories flooding his mind. He remembered the ambushes, the tense negotiations. He recalled carrying bags of money in dirty backpacks and cleaning guns in cheap motel rooms. But he also remembered the nights when he and the Captain sat around an improvised campfire, laughing at stupid jokes and talking about the future—a future that never came for most of them.

He knew he couldn't cling to those memories. This was another world, another body, another life. But the survivor instinct he had learned in the streets and prisons was still there, pulsing in his veins.

Akiha finally set the spoon down on the saucer and looked at him again.

"Well, I hope you don't have to get involved in dangerous things anymore," she said, her tone softer. "I've already lost important people. I don't want to lose you too."

Her words caught Rodrigo off guard. For a moment, he saw something vulnerable in Akiha's face—a shadow of fear or sadness that she quickly hid behind her mask of formality. Rodrigo felt a tightness in his chest.

He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees.

"Don't worry," he said, forcing a smile. "I promise I'll stay close."

But deep down, Rodrigo knew that promise didn't mean much. In this world, promises were as fragile as the body he inhabited. And he would need much more than words to ensure his survival.

Rodrigo watched in silence as Akiha made a slight gesture with her hand, calling Kohaku closer. The red-haired maid immediately approached, leaning in slightly to hear something her mistress whispered. Rodrigo tried to catch a word, but the conversation was too quiet. Kohaku nodded quickly and, with light, graceful steps, left the room toward one of the corridors.

Rodrigo followed the maid's departure with his eyes, noticing the almost mechanical efficiency with which she carried out Akiha's orders. He then turned his gaze back to his now-cold teacup and took a sip, feeling the residual warmth slide down his throat. The brief silence made him dive back into his thoughts, continuing the chain of ideas he had been building since the car.

He needed something to compensate for his weaknesses. Something that could serve as a fundamental skill for his survival and growth in this new, dangerous world. Rodrigo looked at his hands, clenching his fingers. His current body, though in good shape for a 17-year-old, was still a fragile shell—affected by anemia and lacking the strength or stamina he needed. He knew he couldn't rely solely on brute force.

Rodrigo clenched his fists, reflecting on the abilities he had come to know through the anime and stories he had consumed over the years. What if he could "copy" or adapt something like that to his reality?

Blut Vene, from the Quincy. That ability came to his mind first. The Quincy's ability to manipulate their spiritual particles to strengthen the body and increase defense was tempting. Rodrigo visualized the blue patterns glowing beneath the skin, creating an almost impenetrable network of protection against physical and spiritual attacks. But he quickly dismissed the idea. Blut Vene relied on manipulating spiritual particles—something he wasn't sure he could replicate in this world, at least not without dangerous study or experiments.

The letters of the Sternritter, Yhwach's army. Rodrigo thought about each unique ability granted by Yhwach to his warriors. Some powers were insane, like "The Vision," which allowed one to see the future, or "The Balance," capable of manipulating probabilities and luck. But most of those abilities were too complex or relied on spiritual fundamentals and reishi energy, making them impractical for the moment. Still, the idea of possessing a thematic or symbolic power was appealing.

Kyōka Suigetsu. Rodrigo shuddered just imagining it. Aizen's perfect hypnosis, capable of controlling the perception of the senses, was one of the most terrifying and effective abilities he had ever seen. With something like that, he could manipulate his enemies and even allies, shaping reality to his favor without lifting a finger. But there was an obvious problem: he would need a focus or catalyst, like Aizen's zanpakutō, along with an absurdly high level of spiritual energy. Not to mention, mastering such a power would require years of practice and training—time he might not have.

Mahito's Soul Transfiguration. That thought made him stop for a moment. Mahito's ability to manipulate the structure of souls to alter physical bodies was enticingly versatile. Rodrigo could use this technique to strengthen himself physically, create biological weapons, or even heal severe wounds. However, there was a dark and unstable side to this power. To control it, Rodrigo would have to deal with the risk of losing his humanity, not to mention that tampering directly with souls could attract dangerous enemies or awaken unknown forces in this world.

Rodrigo sighed and rubbed his face. Each option had its pros and cons, but the real problem was how to develop or imitate these abilities in the first place. He needed resources, materials for experiments, and, above all, time to study the possibilities.

Finally, he returned to basics: his practical experience in the real world. Rodrigo knew how to handle chemistry, programming, blacksmithing, and improvised engineering. Maybe he didn't need to start with supernatural abilities. If he could combine science with mystical concepts, he could create tools or devices that gave him an edge before achieving greater power.

But the issue of the pact came back to his mind. Supernatural creatures, like familiars or contracted spirits, could accelerate this process. If Rodrigo could summon or capture something useful, he could negotiate a contract that offered him specific abilities. However, pacts of that nature were risky. He had already dealt with betrayals and dubious agreements in his past life—and he knew that in this world, the consequences could be even worse.

Rodrigo bit his lower lip and looked at Akiha, who was calmly drinking her tea. She seemed oblivious to the whirlwind of thoughts unfolding in his mind. But Rodrigo knew that sooner or later, he would need to talk to her about his plans—or at least about the possibility of using some space in the mansion to start his research.

He closed his eyes for a moment, organizing his priorities mentally. The first step was to regain Akiha's trust and secure his position in the mansion. After that, he would need to set up an improvised laboratory and test basic materials before moving on to anything more ambitious.

When he opened his eyes again, Rodrigo felt the adrenaline subside and his mind calm. He picked up his teacup and took the last sip. No matter how difficult or risky the path, he had survived hell before—he would do it again if necessary.

The teacup gently settled on the saucer with a soft clink, signaling that Akiha had finished her drink. Rodrigo, still immersed in his thoughts about powers and pacts, turned his gaze to her. His adoptive sister adjusted herself in the chair with an elegant movement, lightly smoothing the hem of her dress, before lifting her blue eyes to him. There was a subtle determination in her expression, something Rodrigo was starting to recognize as characteristic of her.

"Nii-chan," Akiha called, her voice calm and formal as usual, but with a slight softness that was only perceptible when she spoke directly to him. "I've been taking care of the paperwork so you can return to school as soon as possible."

Rodrigo froze.

He stared at Akiha with wide eyes, almost dropping the spoon he was using to stir his tea. For a brief moment, he thought he had misheard. School? He blinked a few times, trying to process the information, but Akiha's serious expression indicated she was absolutely convinced of what she had just said.

"Wait... go back to school?" Rodrigo finally managed to speak, but his voice came out a bit louder and harsher than he intended. He leaned slightly forward, looking at Akiha as if expecting her to deny it all.

Akiha frowned, visibly irritated by his reaction.

"Yes, Nii-chan. Of course, you're going back. You've lost so much time already, and your grades were already problematic before… " She hesitated for a moment, seeming to carefully choose her words. "Before the accident. You need to resume your studies."

Rodrigo leaned back in the chair, letting out a heavy and frustrated sigh. His mind was racing, trying to find a way out of this absurd situation. Him? Going back to school? He was in his twenties now, even if he was trapped in a teenager's body. The mere thought made him feel like he was being thrown back in time, forced to relive a phase of life he despised.

Bitter memories began flooding his mind. His old school in Brazil had been a complete disaster. Rooms with cracked walls, broken chairs, and windows that barely closed. The bathrooms were a nightmare—graffitied, filthy, and frequently used as meeting points for illicit business. It was more of a battlefield than an educational environment.

Rodrigo remembered the "students" he had been around, many of whom were nothing more than young criminals—traffickers and thieves in training, practicing their first extortions and threats inside the classrooms. He had been sucked into that cycle. At first, he resisted, but soon realized that surviving meant adapting.

He also remembered the contempt he felt for the teachers, many of whom were only there for the salary and didn't care whether the students learned or not. School, for Rodrigo, had been a training ground for chaos, not a place of learning.

And now he was being pushed back into it? Rodrigo gritted his teeth and hit the spoon against the saucer harder than intended, making Akiha raise an eyebrow.

"Nii-chan, you seem upset," Akiha commented, narrowing her eyes in a firmer tone. "Education is important, especially for someone in your position. And I've already taken care of everything. The forms are filled out, and the school has been informed of your return."

Rodrigo almost cursed aloud but stopped himself. He knew Akiha was only trying to help. In a way, it made sense. To her, he was just a 17-year-old boy who had lost much of his life due to an accident. It made sense that she wanted to restore some normalcy.

But for Rodrigo, it was humiliating.

Going back to school meant being placed alongside spoiled, immature teenagers, dealing with childish problems and irrelevant dramas. He had been one of the biggest criminals in Brazil—a cold strategist, a relentless negotiator, and a leader who knew how to control his territory. Now, he was being treated like a boy who needed to memorize math formulas and read classic literature?

Rodrigo rubbed his face with his hands, trying to find some justification to refuse the idea without raising suspicion. But he knew he couldn't. As much as he hated to admit it, school could be a useful cover. Besides, he needed time to plan his next steps, gather resources, and start his experiments. Maybe, if he treated it like a mission, he could endure it.

He took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down before facing Akiha again.

"Alright, Akiha," he spoke slowly, choosing his words carefully. "I understand what you're trying to do for me. Just… give me some time to adjust, okay? This is a lot all at once."

Akiha relaxed a little, but still maintained a firm posture.

"I know it's hard, Nii-chan. But I just want what's best for you." She paused and continued in a slightly softer tone. "You don't have to worry. Kohaku and I will be here to help you."

Rodrigo nodded, but inside, he was still cursing the situation. He had faced prisons, shootouts, and betrayals, but the thought of going back to school seemed like an even more frustrating challenge.

He grabbed the teacup again, trying to hide the irritated expression as he took the last sip. If he had to return to that hell, he would at least use the opportunity to study and gather information about the world he was trapped in.

Still, the idea of being treated like a helpless teenager continued to eat away at his patience.

Rodrigo followed Hisui through the silent hallways of the Tohno mansion, his steps faintly echoing against the walls decorated with golden frames and ornate tapestries. The soft light from the lamps and chandeliers gave the place an almost ceremonial air, as if every corner of the house held ancient memories and buried secrets. Rodrigo couldn't shake the feeling that the place exuded a certain presence—perhaps not hostile, but certainly oppressive.

Hisui walked ahead of him with firm, graceful steps, maintaining a carefully calculated distance. She didn't look back, but Rodrigo felt she was always aware of his movements, as if trained to anticipate any need before it was even mentioned.

"This mansion is... too big for so few people," Rodrigo commented, breaking the silence.

Hisui slightly turned her head but kept walking.

"The Tohno Mansion was designed to host events and receive important guests in the past, Shiki-sama. But after the master's passing and the departure of the staff, it became... emptier."

Rodrigo noticed a slight hesitation in her voice.

"And you and Kohaku stayed behind?"

"Yes. Kohaku and I stayed here to take care of Akiha-sama and now, you." She finally stopped, turning to face him directly. "It's part of our duty."

Rodrigo felt a weight in those words. It wasn't just a professional obligation. There was something deeper, as if an invisible thread connected these women to the Tohno family—something he couldn't identify yet.

Tired of delving into thoughts, he changed the subject.

"Is there a library in this mansion?"

Hisui blinked, surprised by the sudden question.

"Yes. It's on the ground floor, at the end of the west hallway."

"Big?"

"Considerable. We have a vast collection of books on history, philosophy, and classic literature, along with rare volumes and some imported editions."

Rodrigo let out a low whistle.

"Sounds interesting. I'll need to check that out soon."

"Would you like to go now, Shiki-sama?"

He shook his head.

"No. I need to rest first. I'm not made of iron... yet."

Hisui didn't react to the joke, keeping her impassive expression as she gave a slight bow.

"I understand. Let's proceed to your room then."

After a few more minutes of walking, Hisui stopped in front of a dark wooden door with intricate floral carvings. It was heavy and old, but perfectly polished, like everything in that mansion.

She slowly opened the door, allowing Rodrigo to enter first.

As soon as he crossed the threshold, Rodrigo stopped in the middle of the room and looked around.

The room was almost opulent. The wooden floor gleamed under the golden rays of the setting sun streaming through the tall windows, draped with dark red velvet curtains. There was a thick rug with oriental patterns in the center of the room, stretching under a canopy bed that seemed large enough to fit two or three people.

The headboard of the bed was adorned with golden details, and the pillows were arranged with military precision. Beside it, there were nightstands with small porcelain lamps, and on the opposite wall, a shelf partially filled with books and decorative objects.

A solid wood wardrobe occupied one corner, next to a well-organized writing desk with stationery and inkpots neatly arranged. A large mirror with a golden frame was mounted above the dresser, reflecting part of the room and making the space feel even bigger.

Rodrigo slowly walked around the room, running his hand over the smooth surface of the desk and then along the edge of the bed. Despite the luxury, there was something about all of it that made him uncomfortable. Maybe it was the feeling that this place didn't belong to him—or perhaps because it seemed more like an exhibit in a museum than a room where someone actually lived.

Hisui stayed by the door, watching him in silence as he examined every corner of the room.

"It seems... excessive," he finally said, turning to her.

Hisui slightly tilted her head.

"It's the master room for the Tohno heirs. It was prepared for you during your absence."

Rodrigo let out a low, humorless laugh.

"Heir, huh? Do I really look like one?"

Hisui didn't respond immediately, but her gaze softened for a brief moment.

"Look or not, Shiki-sama, this is your place now."

Rodrigo flopped onto the bed, feeling the softness of the sheets against his body.

"I guess I'll need to get used to it," he murmured, closing his eyes for a moment.

After a brief silence, Hisui stepped forward.

"I'll get some tea and comfortable clothes for you. If you need anything, just ring the bell next to the bed."

Rodrigo opened one eye, looking at the small silver bell on the nightstand.

"I'd prefer you only return if I call for you."

"Understood." Hisui bowed before leaving, quietly closing the door behind her.

Rodrigo was left alone, staring at the ceiling decorated with golden frames.

"This place..." he murmured to himself. "I guess it'll be my lab now."

Despite his initial resistance, Rodrigo was already beginning to make plans. In that mansion full of resources, he had everything he needed to grow stronger. The library would be his starting point—but before that, he needed to better understand the pieces on the board.

Hisui, Kohaku, Akiha... They all had their roles, and Rodrigo knew he'd have to figure out how to use them to his advantage.

Rodrigo sank deeper into the canopy bed, feeling the soft fabric of the sheets against his skin. It was the first time in a long while that he felt so comfortable. The bed was absurdly large, almost exaggerated, and the mattress seemed to embrace him, as if it wanted to sink him into a bubble of tranquility.

For a few minutes, he just lay there, staring at the ceiling adorned with golden patterns and feeling the weight of fatigue dissipate. His body relaxed, but his mind didn't. It kept spinning, pulling up fragmented memories and information that he could barely organize.

With a heavy sigh, Rodrigo sat up and pulled open the drawer of the desk next to the bed. To his surprise, there was paper and a quill already prepared. He grabbed the materials, adjusted the pillows to support himself, and began to write.

Character List and Information

Arcueid Brunestud

He paused for a moment, writing her name with some hesitation.

"Vampire," he murmured. "But not just that... Something more pure. Like... vampire princess?"

He scribbled the word "princess" next to her name and tapped the quill against the paper, trying to remember more. Arcueid was powerful, he knew that. In the game, she seemed almost invincible—even her somewhat naive personality hid something much more dangerous beneath the surface.

"She's dangerous and protective, but she also has... weaknesses. I need to remember what those are." He underlined the word weaknesses.

Akiha Tohno

Rodrigo bit his lip, writing the name of the girl who now called him brother.

"Difficult temper. Proud. Protective of her family. But..." He hesitated. "She's dangerous too. Not just emotionally."

Rodrigo had vague memories of Akiha having some kind of latent power. It was something related to blood, but the details escaped him. He made a note next to her name: Possible supernatural power. Caution.

Hisui and Kohaku

He wrote both names together, separating them only with a slash.

"Servants. But... more than they seem." Rodrigo rubbed his eyes. "I think one of them is more manipulative, and the other is more... submissive?"

Rodrigo shivered. He knew these two were key players in the game, but he couldn't remember exactly what roles they played.

Hisui – Silent. Distant.

Kohaku – Cheerful? Deceptive?

He paused for a moment, leaning back and staring at the ceiling again.

"I need to figure out what they're hiding."

Roa

Rodrigo wrote the name and frowned.

"Who the hell is this guy again?"

He scribbled the name and tried to pull up a memory. He knew Roa was involved with vampires and played a significant role in the story, but the details were blurry.

"Important or not? Damn it."

He made a note: Investigate more about Roa.

Ciel

Rodrigo continued the list.

"Church. Vampire killings. Specialist in fighting supernatural creatures."

He quickly jotted down these descriptions.

"Enemy? Maybe a temporary ally?"

He knew Ciel was dangerous but also had a complicated backstory. He remembered she had hidden motivations and a deeper connection to the plot, but the details eluded him.

Potential ally against vampires, but unreliable.

Aoko Aozaki

Rodrigo sighed as he wrote the name.

"Sensei..."

He ran a hand over his face and felt the glasses resting on his nose. He slowly took them off and stared at them.

"She was the one who gave these to him."

Rodrigo felt a slight shiver. The glasses looked perfectly ordinary, but he knew they were special—capable of blocking the "death points" Shiki could see in the game.

"Without the..." He carefully put the glasses back on.

Nrvnqsr Chaos

Rodrigo wrote the name and immediately frowned.

"What kind of name is that?"

He tapped the pen against the paper and wrote next to it: First boss. Alchemist. Strange vampire. Living beast?

Rodrigo vaguely remembered Nrvnqsr's monstrous abilities, especially his capacity to manipulate creatures made of flesh and blood. It was grotesque—a foe that clearly couldn't be defeated with brute force.

"Without the Mystic Eyes, I'm a dead man against him."

Rodrigo underlined this sentence. He knew that in the game, Shiki had defeated Nrvnqsr with his special powers, but Rodrigo didn't have those powers now—not that he knew of, anyway.

With a sigh, Rodrigo set the pen aside and massaged his temples.

"I need more information."

He stared at the ceiling, feeling the weight of the situation. The library could be useful, but he needed to take it slow. Hisui and Kohaku could be sources of information, but they were too unknown to be trusted just yet.

"And then there's Arcueid..." Rodrigo closed his eyes for a moment.

She was undoubtedly one of the most powerful pieces on the board, but also the most unpredictable. If he could find her—or better yet, if she found him—it could be either his salvation or his ruin.

He picked up the pen again and wrote at the bottom of the page:

Next Steps:

1. Explore the library.

2. Observe Hisui and Kohaku.

3. Avoid direct confrontation with anything supernatural until I know more.

4. Look for signs of Arcueid.

5. Find out how to awaken the Mystic Eyes—if it's possible.

Rodrigo let out a long sigh and threw himself back onto the bed.

"Welcome to your new life, Rodrigo." He murmured before closing his eyes for a moment, trying to calm his restless mind.