Raised in the Art of Death

Chapter 5: New Addition



The morning sun bathed the Nyx estate's dining hall in a golden glow. Arius, seated at the grand dining table, quietly ate his breakfast. Across from him, Duke Nyx studied him intently, his piercing golden eyes observing every movement.

(It's already been two days since I became his son. Does he have to keep looking at me like that? He's practically burning a hole through my skull,) Arius thought, keeping his focus on the warm toast and eggs before him.

The Duke smirked, setting down his teacup. (He's sharp for a child,) he thought. (It'll be interesting to see how the others will handle this news.)

"I trust the food is to your liking, Arius?" the Duke asked, his voice smooth but carrying an undertone of authority.

Arius nodded, swallowing a bite before answering. "It's very good. Thank you."

The Duke leaned back in his chair, watching as the boy carefully cut his food with surprising precision for his age. Such control. You'll fit into this family well, he mused.

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At the Northern Border

The command tent was abuzz with activity as soldiers rushed in and out, delivering reports and updates. Neo, the third son of Duke Nyx, sat at the edge of the tent sharpening his dagger when a soldier ran in, his armor clinking loudly.

"Young Master! A letter from the Duke!" the soldier exclaimed, holding out the sealed envelope.

Neo stood, his brows furrowing. "Father? Writing to us? That's unusual." He took the letter and dismissed the soldier before making his way to the main tent where his brothers were gathered.

"Oi, guys! There's a letter from Father!" Neo called out as he entered, holding the envelope high.

Kallisto, the eldest, looked up from the map he had been studying. Lucas, the second son, raised an eyebrow, while the twins Alexander and Alistair stopped their playful argument over a spellbook to listen.

"A letter? From Father?" Lucas asked. "That's rare. It must be important."

Neo handed the letter to Kallisto. "Here, you should read it."

Kallisto broke the wax seal, his golden eyes scanning the parchment. His expression shifted—an uncharacteristic mix of surprise and disbelief.

"Well?" Lucas prompted.

Kallisto cleared his throat. "Father… has adopted a son."

The tent erupted into chaos.

"WHAT?!" Neo shouted, nearly knocking over a table.

"Father adopted someone?!" Lucas echoed, his voice louder than usual.

"Without telling us?!" Alexander added.

"Wait! How old is he?" Alistair asked, looking both curious and concerned.

Kallisto sighed, folding the letter. "He's five. And there's more—Father expects us to train him in assassination techniques when we return next year. He's also going to personally teach the boy swordsmanship."

The brothers stared at him, stunned into silence.

Lucas was the first to recover. "Father must have his reasons. He wouldn't make such a decision lightly."

Neo groaned, running a hand through his hair. "Great. Just great. As if we don't have enough responsibilities already."

"He's probably cute," Alexander said with a grin.

"Or a spoiled brat," Neo muttered.

"Enough," Kallisto cut in, his tone firm. "We'll deal with this when we return to the estate. Until then, we focus on our mission."

Before the conversation could continue, a soldier burst into the tent, his face pale with fear. "Young Masters! We need your help! An army of giant orcs has appeared!"

Kallisto stood immediately, his demeanor shifting to that of a leader. "Where?"

"At the northern gate! They're trying to breach the border!"

The brothers exchanged grim looks. "Let's move," Kallisto ordered.

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The Battle

The battlefield was chaos. Giant orcs, standing over three meters tall, swung massive clubs, crushing anything in their path. Regular orcs followed behind them, their guttural roars filling the air as they clashed with soldiers.

Kallisto quickly assessed the situation and began giving orders.

"Lucas, inform the soldiers that the giant orcs' weakness is their legs. Tell them to aim for their feet and knees. Once they're injured, I'll finish them off. Neo, assist the frontlines and focus on clearing out the regular orcs. Alexander, Alistair—heal the wounded and ensure no one bleeds out. Move!"

"Yes, big brother!" they chorused, scattering across the battlefield.

Despite their best efforts, the orcs seemed endless. For three days and nights, the brothers fought tirelessly alongside their troops. Blood soaked the earth, and the cries of the wounded echoed in the air.

On the dawn of the fourth day, the battle finally ended, leaving behind a field littered with bodies—both human and orc.

Kallisto stood at the edge of the battlefield, his crimson hair matted with blood and sweat. His golden eyes burned with anger as he surveyed the destruction.

"We need to find out why the orcs attacked in such numbers," he said, his voice low but filled with resolve.

Lucas placed a hand on his shoulder. "We will. But for now, we should focus on rebuilding and tending to the wounded."

Kallisto nodded, his jaw tight. "Agreed. Let's move. After this, Alexander and Alistair, I want you guys to assassinate someone, it's the head of the Laplis terrorist, if no choice, alienate his whole group too, I got a lead where he's hiding and it's somewhere outside the fourth wall since it's the safest part of the wall while also trying to sneak in here."

"Alright big brother!" Both Alexander and Alistair said in unison as they salute at to their older brother, Kallisto.

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Back at the Nyx Estate

The Duke sat in his study, reviewing reports when he heard the sound of small footsteps outside the door. He looked up as Arius entered, holding a book nearly as large as himself.

"What are you reading?" the Duke asked, amused.

"A History of the Cepheus Empire," Arius replied, climbing onto a chair across from the Duke.

The Duke raised an eyebrow. "Ambitious for a five-year-old."

Arius smirked. "I'm a quick learner."

The Duke chuckled. (Yes, you'll fit in perfectly with this family.)

He glanced at the calendar on his desk, noting the date. His sons would be returning in less than a year. He couldn't wait to see their reactions when they met Arius.

(This family is about to become far more interesting,) he thought with a sly grin.

To be continued.....

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New Character(s)

Kallisto Nyx (First Son)

Age: 22

Height: 190 cm

Appearance: Long white hair, white skin, golden eyes, and strikingly handsome.

Characteristics: Cold, reserved, strategic, protective, dutiful, perfectionist, mature.

Hobbies: Reading, assassinating, torturing, painting, playing chess, early morning training, hunting.

Dislikes: Recklessness, Failure or imperfection in his work, Meaningless small conversations, Emotional displays, which he views as weakness, Disorganized plans or chaotic situations.

Lucas Nyx (Second Son)

Age: 20

Height: 184 cm

Appearance: Short white hair, white skin, golden eyes, and clean-cut features.

Characteristics: Warm, charismatic, discipline, thoughtful, perfectionist, smart, mature.

Hobbies: Reading, assassinating, swordsmanship training, hunting, piano.

Dislikes: Dishonesty, Impulsive actions, Wasted potential, Cruelty or unnecessary violence, Recklessness that endangers others, Dishonorable actions or betrayal.

Neo Nyx (Third Son)

Age: 18

Height: 183 cm

Appearance: Short black hair, white skin, golden eyes, and mature features with a sharp jawline.

Characteristics: Cynical, observant, pragmatic, realistic, loyal, stubborn, honest, strict, mature.

Hobbies: Reading, torturing, archery, long walks in the forest.

Dislikes: Overcomplication, sentimentality, Overly serious attitudes; he values balance, Cowardice in dangerous situations, Inefficient or impractical methods, Excessive amount of praise.

Alexander Nyx (Fourth Son)

Age: 16

Height: 172 cm

Appearance: Long black hair, white skin, golden eyes, and delicate features that make him appear graceful.

Characteristics: Curious, analytical, serious, focused, cautious, mature.

Hobbies: Reading, researching, torturing, studying spells, exploring ancient ruins.

Dislikes: Impulsiveness, Noise, Physical combat (he prefers magic), Reckless actions that disrupt plans, Ignorance or lack of curiosity, Being underestimated or dismissed.

Alistair Nyx (Fifth Son)

Age: 16

Height: 170 cm

Appearance: Long black hair, white skin, golden eyes, and an almost ethereal charm.

Characteristics: Childish, playful , energetic, creative, innovative, emphatic, impulsive.

Hobbies: Reading, music, assassinating, creating new spells, studying ancient language.

Dislikes: Strict rules, routine, Arrogance in others, Being treated like a child by his older brothers, Injustice or unnecessary cruelty.


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