Chapter 4 : Beginning That was a really long lecture.

The university banned Conrad from attending classes for three days and made him apologize to Mr. Lionheart for hitting his son.

Mr. Lionheart—that's some high-status guy. I think he was one of the ministers who held immense power, but he was very understanding and didn't pursue the issue further. But I didn't like how he stared at my sister.

Conrad was lost in his thoughts when he heard a calm voice that wasn't very loud but had a commanding tone.

"Where did you learn to fight?"

Leona asked, walking beside Conrad.

Conrad gave her a smile and said, "I didn't learn to fight. He was making fun of Isalde, so I just gave him what he deserved."

"..." Leona gave him an odd look but then looked ahead. After a few seconds, she said without looking at Conrad, "Isalde already has so much on her plate. She's at the age where she should have married and started her own family, but because of us, she remained unmarried. I know you don't care much about anything, but at least you love Isalde. So please don't give her more troubles."

Conrad felt an ache in his heart. It was like a dart that came out of nowhere and struck his heart. His heart felt heavy as if it were pressed underwater slowly.

"Okay," Conrad said simply.

"I have to go back to my duty. Return home for now."

Leona turned around and started walking away, slowly fading into the distance. Cold air accompanied Conrad as if coming to him for comfort. The sky was still as pale as ever. A few houses surrounded him. With darkness creeping up slowly, some lights turned on in the distance. Conrad stood there, hands in his pockets. He looked at the sky with an unknown gaze.

Home.

Upon returning home, he saw Clara's sandals, his youngest sister.

I haven't had any opportunity to talk to her. I remember she was the one who burst out at Conrad during dinner before I took over his body.

There was some sound coming from the kitchen.

Isalde is already preparing dinner. She's a perfect sister.

Conrad didn't wait long; he went straight to bed and started his assignments.

I don't know when I'll be able to return to my world. It's possible I'll never be able to return. In that case, at least I should study diligently and find a job so my sisters can get married and live without their worthless brother.

At 10:00 PM, a sudden bell sound woke Conrad up.

Did I fall asleep? Oh no. I missed dinner.

The bell rang again.

Our doorbell. Someone at this hour?

The hallway was very dark. Conrad turned on the light first. Clara must be sleeping. I saw her studying in her room while taking a water break during my assignment. Isalde was working, so I didn't disturb her.

The bell rang again.

Yes, I'm coming, give me a minute.

Conrad walked toward the door and twisted the knob open.

"Con, have you guys already eaten dinner? Sorry I took so long—you know I was doing overtime today."

A woman with blonde hair and emerald eyes said with a smile.

Conrad's entire body froze on the spot. He felt the same danger he'd felt when he first came to this world. Sweat dripped down his back. His eyes widened in inexplicable fear. His heart raced. His veins felt light as if they could be cut open any moment.

Fuck! What did I encounter in the kitchen then?

"Con, why are you staring at me like that?"

The usually warm words felt horrifying at that moment to Conrad. He controlled himself.

"Nothing, welcome back. Clara is sleeping. Please take some rest. You must be tired. Leona won't return tonight—she called a while ago saying she has some important work."

After informing Isalde, Conrad returned to his room. His room was awfully silent. He leaned against the door.

I need to do something, but what can I do? I can fight humans, not ghosts. Wait, was that even a ghost? I don't have any information. This unknown is making me very nervous. Calm down. Calm down. I don't know what's going on in this world. I need to figure things out really quickly.

Let's analyze the situation first—for now, I don't think my family is in danger, otherwise Clara and I would have been dead a while ago. It's possible that whatever that was didn't notice our presence. Yes, I think that's possible because I never stepped into the kitchen. Isalde is here, it didn't react or anything. I think it may have left already, but I'm not sure.

I need to wait. There's only one way to find out what's going on.

Conrad went back to Isalde to make sure they were safe. He didn't notice anything unusual. They had their usual family dinner without Leona.

At 12:00 AM, the clock's ticking was the only sound in the room. Shadows of furniture cast a looming unease over the wall. Due to some clouds, the moonlight was dim and yellowish, illuminating the outside of the window. Trees were absolutely silent, their shadows visible on Conrad's window.

"Anira."

"Yes, my lord," a figure emerged from the shadows in front of Conrad. Conrad let out a sigh of relief.

Conrad explained everything to Anira.

"What do you think?"

"That was an Oddity, my lord. It may have been the same one that tried to take your life," Anira said after a pause.

"Oddity? What is that?" Conrad asked without hiding his curiosity.

"It is hard to say anything specific, but usually whenever anything happens that's against the laws of nature, it causes an Oddity. People usually refer to this as corruption occurring from Brahman. There are many types. Without knowing what we're fighting against, it will be dangerous."

Conrad nodded as if he understood.

What are you even saying? Do we speak the same language?

Conrad felt like a dumb child who didn't know his basics yet.

I shouldn't worry too much about these things. One step at a time. Anira is powerful, and she can protect me and my sisters for now.

Anira looked at Conrad with a blank face. It was as if she was thinking of something.

"Great Master..."

Conrad looked at her crimson eyes. His thoughts wandered for a moment.

"Yes...?"

"Master, I am sensing some kind of Brahman fluctuations in this house."

Conrad was taken aback. "What?"

"Is it dangerous?" Conrad asked immediately.

"I don't know. It's like a constant part of this house," Anira replied. "My lord, shall we check?"

It feels dangerous. But I'm not some coward. Well, I do fear death, but let's not back off in front of Anira. What would she think of me if her great master backed off?

"Let's go."

The hallway was quite dark. Conrad picked up a small lamp. Its light illuminated his face.

Isalde and Clara are both asleep.

After some searching, they arrived in front of a staircase that led to the upper floor. Conrad's eyes widened.

This...

There was a distorted space that could be seen very clearly. It was the same thing Conrad had seen in the morning, but that had been very faint—now it was much clearer.

Conrad touched the area which was distorted and suddenly felt his hand come in contact with something. Conrad's heart began to race. Grabbing whatever was inside, Conrad pulled out an object from the distorted space.

What is this? It felt like a magic trick.

Looking down, Conrad saw a thick book in his hand that read:

"Basic Guide to Brahman Edition 52, published by UG”