"Selena," Jacob began, resting his hands on the table, "have you not noticed? Roman… he has changed."

Selena's expression remained unreadable, though her stillness betrayed the weight of his words. "Changed? In what way, Father?"

"In recent days, his mannerisms, his resolve—it feels as though something has awoken inside him," Jacob said gravely. "That is why I have decided. I've already contacted the church. Tomorrow morning, a priest will arrive. We will conduct the Soul Identification Ritual."

Her eyes narrowed slightly, but her tone stayed calm. "So you mean… to confirm if he is truly Roman?"

Jacob nodded. "It must be done. I cannot afford uncertainty. And if the Goddess reveals the truth, then all doubts will end."

Selena lowered her gaze for a moment, then lifted it again with cold clarity. "Then let it be so. The sooner, the better."

Moments later, Roman entered, unaware of what had just been discussed. The atmosphere at dinner grew tense. Jacob gave thanks to the Goddess, and the family began their meal. But when the Duke revealed the coming ritual, Roman sat unshaken, his expression unreadable. Selena rose abruptly and left the table in silence.

After finishing his dinner, Roman excused himself. That was when the System stirred.

> [System Alert: Physical task incomplete. Begin at once, or punishment will be administered.]

Tch. Roman clicked his tongue and immediately made his way to the training grounds. His body moved with determination as he endured the harsh regimen—pushups, sprints, sword swings—until sweat clung to his skin. At last, he collapsed onto the dirt, breathing heavily.

"Tomorrow is the big day…" he muttered.

But the system's voice echoed again.

> [Reminder: Dungeon Gate will appear in two days. Prepare.]

Roman exhaled slowly. "So you're not just a voice anymore. Should I give you a name?" He thought for a moment, then smirked. "Shadow. That suits you."

> [Acknowledged. The system shall now respond as: Shadow.]

Smiling faintly, Roman retrieved two swords. He shifted into his stance, blending the swift brutality of his old world's swordsmanship with the elegant, mana-infused techniques of this one. A new art was forming in his hands—Sword Shadow Style.

His mana flared, half-gold and half-black, surging along the blades. Closing his eyes, he concentrated, channeling power into a single upward slash.

The night sky tore. A crack spread like lightning, revealing more stars than usual beyond the veil. Roman froze, his heart racing.

"…What have I done?"

Quickly, he sheathed his blades and retreated to his chambers, forcing himself to sleep before dawn could catch him.

Morning arrived with Lyra knocking softly. "Young Master, please wake. Breakfast is ready. The Duke and Lady Selena are waiting."

After bathing and dressing, Roman joined them. They ate in silence until a guard entered.

"My lord, the priest has arrived."

"Bring him in," Jacob ordered.

The priest entered, humble yet radiating authority. He bowed deeply. "Duke Jacob, it is always an honor. Thanks to your generosity, our people eat three meals a day. We remain grateful."

"You honor me too much, Father Alaric," Jacob replied. "But this time, I require your aid. It concerns my son."

The priest's brows furrowed. "Your son? Then this is about the Soul Identification Magic?"

Jacob nodded gravely. "Yes. I have my doubts… and I wish to be certain."

Alaric turned to Roman. "Young master, please place your hand on the Divine Orb and channel your mana. The Goddess shall reveal the truth."

The priest prayed, and the crystal orb in his hands shimmered with divine gold light. "If it turns pure white," he explained, "then his soul is his own. But if it darkens with black, then another soul inhabits his body."

"Proceed," Jacob commanded.

Roman placed his hand on the orb. Mana flowed. For a heartbeat, silence reigned. Then, the orb glowed a radiant, pure white.

Selena's eyes widened slightly, her cold suspicion shaken. Jacob leaned back, expression unreadable.

"It is done," Alaric declared. "He is truly your son. The Goddess herself confirms it."

The Duke dismissed the ritual, but when he offered payment, the priest shook his head. "We ask no gold. Send food instead grains and rice for our orphanage."

Jacob inclined his head. "Then you shall have both. Gold and grain. May the Goddess bless your work."

As the priest departed, Roman met his father's gaze. "Do you believe me now?"

Jacob said nothing, but a faint smile tugged at his lips. "Things are about to grow interesting, Roman. Very interesting."

Selena turned away, silent as always.

But then Jacob added, "From today, you will oversee the daily affairs of our dukedom. Furthermore, I will send you as Deputy Duke to the Royal Capital. A noble assembly awaits, and I expect you to represent our house. The details will come soon."

Roman exhaled slowly, a grin curling at the edges of his lips. The game had just begun.