King Aristarkh's Castle
Past Life
It was an unexpected visit. Grand Master Wulf had graced my father's royal castle with his presence. It was… peculiar. Hunters always kept their distance from politics, minimizing contact with the Powers That Be. Though… there were rumors that this stemmed more from the "uselessness" of such interactions, and the only ones Hunters considered "powerful" were their own kind.
It was also a remarkable coincidence that I was visiting my father at the time, along with my brother. Crown Prince Ambrosiy, to whom I had been assigned as a squire by my father's decree, was usually stationed in the north of our kingdom, guarding its borders. My elder brother was twenty-nine, while I, the youngest of four, was only twelve.
I was gradually getting used to the life of a crown prince's squire, though, to be honest, I didn't deserve such a fate. If everything had been normal with me, I would've been trained and sent to a distant garrison. Or perhaps to a small, victorious war where I could prove myself. In any case, the fourth son could never aspire to the throne.
But there was one nuance. I possessed the Gift of the Soulcatcher. Potentially, it was the strongest Gift in our entire family, including my father, the king. Developing this Gift without an experienced mentor was impossible, and my father ensured it remained so by practically handing me over to serve my elder brother.
And so, during the Grand Master's visit, I was locked in my bedroom under guard for its entirety. He was set to depart today.
Peering through the narrow window from above, I saw them bring a horse for him. He was exchanging words with the king, constantly glancing to the side. I must be losing my mind, but he was looking right at my window—one among dozens—and his lips curled into a contemptuous smile.
I recalled a frosty night two years ago when a wounded Hunter stumbled into our outpost to recover. I managed to sneak to him that night and memorized a single phrase. One I'd never forget: *Now or never!*
I squeezed through the window and, with difficulty, reached for the drainpipe. Below, some twenty meters down, lay the stone-paved castle courtyard—falling would likely leave my bones in pieces.
The Hunter's smile shifted to one of approval, and no one else noticed me. Carefully, I began my descent, clutching the slippery copper pipe with trembling hands, praying to all the gods that the old fastenings wouldn't give way. But luck was on my side. I made it down and then bolted toward the Hunter, who was already mounting his horse.
That's when my father saw me. A furious grimace twisted his noble face, and he roared.
"Seize the pup!"
I dodged two guards, but old Sergeant Khrust grabbed me by the scruff and hoisted me up like a filthy kitten.
"I accept the Code into my heart and soul!" I shouted desperately before they dragged me away.
"So be it!" the old Hunter said quietly, yet his voice echoed thunderously across the enclosed courtyard.
His calmly spoken words carried such power that the entire castle guard involuntarily dropped to their knees. Even my father nearly buckled but caught himself in time and activated his power.
It was laughable… My father, who had terrified me my whole life with his strength, was now pushing himself to the limit just to resist the voice of this one man.
"You have no right!" the king cried out in alarm.
"The oath has been spoken and accepted! This boy is now a Hunter!" the Grand Master declared with a majesty far beyond that of any true king.
"You can't take him!" In a fit of rage, the king placed his gauntleted hand on his massive sword.
"I am within my rights," Wulf said with a faint smile. "And if you hinder me, I will speak the Word of Summoning."
For the first time, I saw my father—one of the most powerful men in the world, a towering, ferocious warrior—pale and swallow hard. Was he frightened? Then I realized everyone around was silent, their faces frozen in horror.
Only Grand Master Wulf smiled, the kind smile of a gentle grandfather. And he extended his hand. Extended it to me…
From that day, my life as a Hunter began. It was harsh and incredibly dangerous, and I forfeited any claim to the throne or even a family, but I became free. Far better than being my brother's eternal slave, only to one day "accidentally" fall from a horse and break my neck.
Less than six hours after my father dismissed me from his study, I was already aboard an airship, flying to another country, toward the unknown.
There was no proper farewell. In the morning, my mentor Shergen came for me and handed over the items the family had allocated: a folder with documents, a travel bag with my personal belongings, and a wallet with a modest sum of cash. Enough for six months of frugal living, and then I'd have to fend for myself. Even then, it was barely enough for food and lodging, assuming I understood the local prices correctly.
The surprise was that my mentor and aide, Shergen, was to accompany me. I had no idea why I needed him, but my father decided to set him free alongside me.
If he were a decent father who showed even occasional interest in me, I might've believed it was for my benefit. But knowing he cared for nothing but the Lineage, I had to think twice.
Perhaps he didn't care about everyone—just me. After all, I was the disgrace of the Lineage, the one who shattered grand expectations. When he married my mother, he'd hoped to strengthen the bloodline, but out came me. They say he didn't speak for two weeks when my Gift manifested.
"Excuse me, could you help me?" a soft, feminine voice pulled me from my thoughts.
I turned and saw a young girl with a charming face framed by snow-white curls.
"How may I assist you, my lady?" I said, bowing politely.
She gave me a coquettish smile.
"It's my first time on an airship, and I can't find my cabin. And the staff, as luck would have it, have all vanished."
She handed me her ticket, identical to mine, listing only the cabin number and passenger gender.
"How could I refuse such a lovely lady?" I said with a smile, offering my arm, which she took after a moment's hesitation.
It was my first time on an airship too, so why not help—especially such a beautiful girl?
Oh, it brought back memories of my youth as a Hunter. How many girls I'd won over back then. My bed was never empty, except during long hunting expeditions.
In this world, my love life was monitored like a Lineage treasure. It was revolting—God forbid I sired a bastard on the side; it'd be the end of everything. Shame for the Lineage and family. Idiots…
It was easier for my relatives to keep me on a leash and restrict everything than to treat me like a human.
Though it was my first flight, I was a Hunter with tricks up my sleeve to handle this.
I sent a mental command to my partner, and my right eye began seeing through his eyes.
Within ten minutes, we found the right deck and cabin. We were already heading that way.
"You seem to know your way around quite well," she said, breaking the silence. "Do you fly often?"
"Not too often, but for you, I had to recall the ship's layout at lightning speed," I replied with a grin.
We chatted about trivialities the whole way. Sometimes my words made her laugh, and she'd squeeze my arm tighter, only to pull back abruptly, realizing it was improper.
"I'm Eva, by the way," she said. In the Prussian Principality, it wasn't customary for a lady to introduce herself first to a stranger. In the Russian Empire, such behavior could be seen as bad manners or disrespect.
"Pleased to meet you, Eva. I'm Alexander."
"Oh…" She covered her face with a fan to hide her embarrassment. "I'm so sorry, I didn't realize you were from the Empire. Your accent is flawless. My compliments—you've mastered the language perfectly."
"No harm done," I brushed it off. "I hope we'll see each other again."
"I hope so too," she smiled, disappearing into her cabin.
Not a bad girl. I wondered if she was fleeing too, or just on holiday.
This world had airplanes that flew faster than airships, but nobles were forbidden from using them. You couldn't bring a security detail aboard. The ban wasn't so much law as status-driven. Light aircraft were also unsafe, and highborn passengers were very particular about their precious hides.
Flying by plane signaled your Lineage was in dire straits. Airships were slower but offered protection. Their massive, multi-sectioned balloons were filled with inert helium. Even if several sections were punctured, the ship retained enough buoyancy for the crew to land safely.
The airship's hull was well-armored, reducing payload but serving as its hallmark. It wasn't easy to shoot down. Though a civilian vessel, it carried weapon systems and trained operators, plus Gifted crew members hired specifically for that purpose. Add to that each noble's personal guard, and an airship was a tough target for assassination.
I had no one now, except the old man, whom I'd ordered to wait in the cabin while I wandered and gathered my thoughts.
I didn't want him to see my smile. I'd been smiling a lot today—more than in the entire month prior.
My father left me several letters detailing what I should and shouldn't do next.
I glanced at the watch dangling on my wrist and smiled again. 3:30 p.m. I'd been "dead" for ten minutes.
My "fake" convoy was attacked, and a fierce battle ensued, in which I personally took down no fewer than fifteen assailants but fell heroically. In my honor, my father would even declare three days of mourning for the Lineage and clan. Meanwhile, my stepmothers and brothers, especially Carl, were probably already toasting with champagne.
My father, by the way, was quite the bastard. He granted his wayward son the title of baron. Imagine that! He knows I lack power but sends me to one of the most dangerous places, and as a noble, no less.
Not much for brains. Though I suspect whose handiwork this is. I'm in for some fun. I'm a noble but penniless Baron Alexander Galaktionov, with no money, estate, or strong Lineage backing me. Yet my pedigree is purer than most counts who gained their titles through dubious marriages or hefty bribes.
My mere existence will provoke rage and perceived insults among them, leading to duel challenges. I'm not even opposed.
The airship finished boarding and took off. I'd explored enough and decided to head to the restaurant. Then I remembered my money was in the hand luggage with my servant.
A servant loyal not to me but to the Lineage, now essentially exiled with me. He showed no emotion, but a storm was likely raging in his chest.
Now I had to figure out how to get rid of him. If my father ordered him to never leave my side, that's bad. He'd follow that order to his last breath. You can't reforge an old soldier like him. The Lineage comes first. That's why, in forty years of service, he never rose above being the tutor of a useless heir.
I wandered the airship for a couple more hours, savoring the wind of freedom carrying me to a new life. Finally, I could live as I pleased. I hadn't followed the Code for nothing!
Once I'd sorted everything out in my head, I headed back to the cabin where my mentor was supposed to be waiting.
"Asleep, old man?" I called out, entering the three-person cabin.
The table was empty, though I'd told him I was going to work up an appetite, and he was supposed to arrange food in the meantime. Lousy servant.
Shergen didn't answer, but I knew he hadn't left the cabin. I was right—he emerged after a moment and sat across from me on the wide sofa.
A tea table in the center mocked me with its emptiness.
"Dozed off, my lord. My apologies," Shergen said, barely inclining his head.
A heavy silence settled between us.
"You must be thirsty, my lord," he broke it first, and without waiting for my reply, went to fetch tea.
He returned with a tray bearing two mugs and a porcelain teapot. Pouring tea into both, he handed me one.
Here we go!
"Is it poisoned?" I asked bluntly.
Not a muscle twitched on his face, no hint in his movements or reflexes to suggest I was right.
He gave me a slightly offended look, reached for my mug, and took a sip of the tea he'd poured for me.
"Why poison you when I could do it with my own hands?" he replied just as calmly.
"So, you were ordered to deal with me personally and ensure I'm dead," I nodded knowingly, allowing myself a slight smirk.
That smirk broke his feigned calm, and his face twisted.
Look at the vivid emotions I provoke in him. Now he's showing his true self. Did he really dislike being mocked by someone who's no longer his lord?
"Ordered," he admitted, "and I'll carry out that order with pride."
"Don't you feel any pity for killing your pupil, whom you've spent so many years training? You watched me grow. You taught me to read, to count, not to mention more complex studies," I said, curious to look into his eyes again.
Indifference. That's what I saw.
"You're no longer part of the Lineage. You're my shame, a waste of my life. But I'll correct that mistake. I'll carry out the order for the good of our Lineage!" He was utterly confident, speaking to a dead man walking.
"My father ordered it?" I figured I might as well find out who I'd crossed.
"No… Unfortunately, your father was blind when it came to his son. Imagine, letting someone who knows so much about the Lineage walk free, potentially causing countless problems. And the reputation? If word of you gets out, what a disgrace. Thankfully, the new heir and his wise mother were far more farsighted and cold-blooded," he said, eyeing my neck.
Planning to snap my neck? Quite the sadist, old man.
"And the body? Toss it off the balcony into the sea like some nameless wretch? Fish food?" I forced a faint smirk.
"Right you are, you little bastard!" he perked up, smiling.
Where's his "my lord" now? That's the kind of people I've lived with. Lose your status, and you're nothing to anyone.
Only about ten people from the entire estate came to say goodbye. Many knew, and it wasn't a secret.
But I'd have to deal with that knowledge too, or I know where it'll lead.
By the way, Henry took precautions. Before I left, they had me sign papers renouncing all ties to the Lineage and any claim to it. As if I cared…
My face held a smile from these "warm" memories, and it infuriated the old man. He stood and approached me.
"Don't move, and it won't hurt as much," he said calmly, then added, "Or resist—it'll be more amusing."
I must've really gotten under his skin all these years.
I sprang from the chair and slowly backed away.
"You can't escape…"
Indeed, I couldn't—the door was behind him.
I conjured an illusion of a fire salamander, about waist-high, breathing flames at him before attacking.
He dispelled it with a single blow.
"That's why you were exiled—for mastering these cheap tricks."
Feigned terror crossed my face, though I was having a blast. Betrayal must be punished, and I never liked this bald creep.
I summoned a Dark Unicorn with a shark-like maw and sent it at him. Truth be told, this mutant unicorn was harmless, just terrifying to look at.
Fed up, Shergen infused his body with power, lunged at me, and reached for my throat.
"Got you," his hands closed around my neck. "You were a rotten sheep that failed the entire Lineage. Now die!"
You should've seen his eyes—full of pleasure and anticipation. Seems we harbored a maniac.
You should've also seen his eyes after my enhanced strike to his liver. But that wasn't the end. When he realized he was choking me, but nothing was happening, his face shifted to deeper astonishment.
"Something wrong?" I smirked, strengthening my spiritual armor.
"But how?!" He couldn't believe it. "You're just a reject…"
A second, even stronger blow landed on his liver, and the old man felt excruciating pain.
"Khra…" He spat blood onto the not-so-expensive carpet. "You lied all this time?!" he looked at me, offended. "Traitor…"
In his eyes, I'd betrayed the Lineage. I'd orchestrated this outcome or escape to avoid being hunted too diligently. He had no wife, no children, not even a mistress or a cat. He'd devoted his entire life to the Lineage. And now he was dying far from home, by the hand of his beloved master.
No, not dead yet! The parasite was trying to build a new armor, focusing energy in his body.
A jumping knee strike to his jaw shattered his hopes. I didn't let him fall back, catching his body and twisting his neck until it snapped.
My hands still remembered how it's done.
The rest was simple. Since he planned to throw me off the balcony, I'd do the same. First, I checked to ensure no one could see me. The balcony was secluded.
"Farewell, my treacherous servant!" I said as his body plummeted.
A slight resentment lingered in my soul after what happened. I knew if ordered, he'd kill not only me but himself too. Still… he could've at least pretended to regret it.
If I were a man without my past memories, this would've broken my heart. As it was, only a bitter aftertaste remained, one I'd soon wash away with a cold beer in the local restaurant. But first, business…
"Shnyrka, come out!" I commanded my pet, and a small Shnyrk emerged from the shadows onto my shoulder. "Did you find the people we need?"
Shnyrka nodded, baring its sharp, snow-white teeth.
"Then dive into the shadows and lead the way."
Walking through the corridors toward my first target, I smiled contentedly. I was thrilled that my pet from my past life was here with me. Our bond was strong, unbroken even by my death. Perhaps a reward for honoring the Code?
My companion was a small, rat-like creature with four glowing light-blue eyes and black fur. Its coat was peculiar—soft when I stroked it but turning into sharp spines that mercilessly pierced others' flesh.
He was an echo of my past life… the life of a Hunter.
Despite his predatory appearance, he wasn't a strong fighter. His calling was reconnaissance, though it wasn't that simple. These creatures had their quirks, being intelligent. Thankfully, this time he spared me any embarrassment. His greatest strength was slipping into any place with even a sliver of shadow. I could also see through his eyes if he allowed it.
Now, he was guiding me to the right room, showing me what he saw. I always sensed where my pet was, which made navigating unfamiliar places easier. My loyal spy…
The target cabin was in economy class, at the far end of the left wing. A convenient spot with no extra witnesses.
I approached the door with a confident stride and began knocking.
Through Shnyrka's eyes, I saw a man about thirty-five rise from a chair without suspicion and approach the door.
"Who's there?" His voice was strong and commanding—clearly a former military man.
"Room service," I said, the first thing that came to mind, not even sure if such a thing existed here.
But this time, Lady Fortune turned to me and let me glimpse her charms.
The lock turned, and the door opened.
Before he could realize his mistake, the moment I saw his face, I delivered an enhanced chop to his Adam's apple. He had a weak, barely infused armor. I broke through it, along with his throat.
I rushed into the room and closed the door behind me. The man was already dead, sprawled on the floor, clutching his neck. Was he trying to fix his Adam's apple, or was it reflex? I thought he'd be experienced enough to know you don't survive that as a weak Gifted.
Some, starting at master level, could survive a week without limbs. Their Gift sustains them, granting regeneration to keep them alive.
Luck was on my side again. There was a balcony, and another body went overboard. I watched it fall—oops, not to the fish. We were flying over mountains. Maybe someone would find his remains someday. Or who's the "forest janitor"? Wolves? Bon appétit, grays!
I returned to the room and conducted a quick search. Well, well! Dominik Friedrich, former military, served ten years. Not much of a soldier, honestly. And his civilian life must've been rough if he took a job to eliminate me. I tucked his passport and documents into a separate bag, along with his weapons. Shame I couldn't yet create a spatial pocket—that's a skill for high-ranking Hunters, still beyond me. I need more training. And how does a Hunter train? Right! By killing monsters!
That's another reason I chose the Russian Empire. Rifts often open there, spilling out all sorts of monsters. My Soulcatcher Gift can drain their strength and absorb their souls.
I found his wallet, now useless to him, and cursed. He had twice the money I was given. Stingy bastard, my father!
Who valued my life so generously? Or perhaps, not generously… It might just be a down payment.
I rifled through his belongings, taking only a gold chain and items I could sell later. The rest went into bags and overboard.
Oh, Pandora! These balconies seem made for disposing of bodies.
Leaving the room after checking for evidence, I hung a "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door.
No one would enter until the trip's end.
"Lead on," I ordered Shnyrka, and we headed to my next target.
He'd found only two, but I was sure there were more. My relatives wouldn't let me go that easily. I wouldn't have either, in their place. They see me as a direct threat, unaware that I couldn't care less about them.
I'm Galaktionov now, and I can start my own Lineage! And set my own rules!