Under everyone's disbelieving gaze, Victor calmly filled out the form and submitted it to the Apex Guild.
As soon as he did, he could feel the piercing gazes all around him. But he smirked slightly before heading toward Raizel's family.
On one of the high-rise platforms...
"Who's that kid, Mr. Larson? He seems close to Alastor and his group?" the dean asked.
Teacher Larson smiled.
"That's one of our students, Dean. His name is Raizel. But I'm surprised to see him qualify for Apex Guild. He was just very ordinary and dull in the past. Perhaps changes come in these kinds of moments."
"A nobody qualifying for Apex Guild? That sounds like a joke, doesn't it, Mr. Larson?" the dean chuckled strangely.
"He is our college's student? Dean, doesn't it mean we get to fulfill the quota if he gets in somehow?" a female teacher said, her eyes brightening up.
The old dean pondered for a few moments before shaking his head. "That's only possible if he really becomes a member. And their later tests are really tough. Passing them would be a challenge. Unlike the Red and Black talents, who get in easily."
Mr. Larson interjected,
"Then why don't we encourage the student some more by offering some goodwill? Maybe, just maybe, what if he becomes a member of Apex Guild? If that happens, he could be a face of pride for our Dexter College." Mr. Larson smiled, imagining the sheer possibility.
The dean nodded, finding no problem with the plan.
---
Victor climbed the stairs, each step heavier than the last. His heart beat unnaturally fast, an almost overwhelming surge of excitement. It was a sensation that didn't belong to him, but rather, to Raizel.
Victor could feel Raizel's presence inside him, echoing with each breath he took. The excitement wasn't just his—it was Raizel's, his lingering memories, his emotions, his life.
The bond between them was growing stronger with each passing moment, pulling Victor deeper into this identity that wasn't fully his, but somehow was now becoming part of him.
As he reached the top, his eyes fell on the two figures waiting for him. His breath caught in his chest. Two tears formed in his eyelids, but they refused to fall.
"Raizel? My son, are you okay?" His father asked, his tired eyes full of concern, his weathered face a map of years spent carrying burdens no one should have to bear.
His mother, a gentle woman, came forward and directly touched his cheeks, tears of long-held concern and waiting blurring her vision.
"I'm fine, father, mother. Your Son made it through," Raizel said, giving her a light hug, feeling the genuine care and love from the woman. It was soothing, greater than anything nature could offer.
The love and mother's care made Victor forget who he was.
At that moment, he was not Victor anymore.
Victor and Raizel had become one.
Victor recalled his parents' love, whose image now replaced by Raizel's.
Yes, he was now Raizel. He accepted it.
So, he must accept them as his own parents.
But deep down, he knew he was not Raizel. The real Raizel had died mysteriously. Maybe he was the reason, or maybe someone else.
But he had made up his mind to fill the gap left by their son, in this new family.
He would be the son they needed. He would take on Raizel's life, with all its responsibilities, its trials, its pain. He would fill the hole left by the man who had been, for a time, the son they loved.
And though the guilt gnawed at his insides, he would bear it. For Raizel. For them. For himself.
In this moment, there was no room for self-doubt. There was only the embrace of a mother, the steady presence of a father, and the silent promise Victor made to himself. He would honor their love, even if he could never fully be the son they remembered.
Raizel chuckled at Ruby's reaction, his smirk growing as she wrinkled her nose in exaggerated disgust.
"You stink, big brother," she huffed, holding onto her nose dramatically, taking a step back as if escaping from a dangerous trap.
Raizel crossed his arms, amused. "Had enough already?"
She pouted, crossing her arms in return. "Hmph…" But despite her little act, her sharp eyes didn't miss the subtle changes in him.
Her big brother had always been quiet, reserved, and a bit distant. Goofy at times, sure, but mostly lost in his own world, as if he carried a weight no one else could see.
But now… he was different. He smiled more. There was something lighter about him, something freer.
His aura, the way he carried himself—it wasn't just confidence. It was like he had become someone else entirely.
"So, big brother…" Ruby tilted her head, eyeing him with a mix of curiosity and fascination. "Now are you going to explain these weird changes? I mean, I'm not complaining or anything. But you look… different."
She grinned suddenly, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Handsome, even. And… kinda hot."
Raizel nearly choked on air.
"Excuse me? I am your big brother, aren't I?" He raised an eyebrow, giving her an incredulous look.
Ruby laughed at his reaction, clearly enjoying herself. "What? I'm just saying what's true! Before, you were just my nerdy big brother. Now you look like one of those cool protagonists from a fantasy novel. You even have white hair! Seriously, what happened?"
His parents also showed curious looks, gazing at him with concerns.
Raizel sighed, rubbing the back of his head.
How was he supposed to explain this?
He couldn't exactly tell her the truth—that her real brother was gone, and someone else had taken his place.
"I told you, I just had a few accidents in the game," he replied smoothly, offering a vague smile. "And… well, let's just say those accidents left some lasting effects."
Ruby's eyes narrowed in suspicion.
"That's such a lame answer," she complained, puffing her cheeks. "You're surely hiding something."
Raizel shrugged. "Maybe."
"Ugh, you're annoying." She huffed, then grinned again. "But whatever! It doesn't matter. I like this version of you."
Raizel paused.
Something about those words struck him deeper than he expected.
This version of him.
Not the old Raizel. Not Victor. But whoever he was now.
Maybe… that was enough to define his existence.
For now, at least.
He smiled, ruffling Ruby's hair despite her protests. "Good to know, little sis. Now Let's go home."