When I opened my eyes, I first saw the white ceiling decorated with flowers. I moved the bedsheets away from myself, lying down on the soft matrace. Fighting off the lingering drowsiness, I rolled out of bed, ensuring that I would not be pulled into the world of dreams again.*Thud!*"One... Two... Three..." And I began grinding in earnest.After an hour had passed, I changed my clothes. I wore a white, long sleeved shirt. Tying the laces was a bit of drag, but I was able to figure it out. I also wore some pants that did not restrict my movement.I decided to get some black dye for my hair. When we perform our duties in the future, I don't want people finding out my identity. So far, I was the only person with hair that had two pigments—Black and Red. If people connect the dots, they might find out Shin Luceris is affiliated with Shadow Garden.Nope. I won't let that happen.I can't do anything about my eyes yet, but Cid was able to change his eye colour with magic at some point. I will use that to my advantage. I can just make the irises glow with a pale golden hue. Nobody would think it's me.Speaking of magic, I discovered my Mana a few days ago. I could feel a different energy flowing within me, but it was quite lacking compared to my Qi. Unlike Qi which was wild and full of life, Mana was more controlled, and was a bit easy to manipulate.You needed mental focus to do so, which came easily to me since I have dealt with a more difficult energy type. Was I going to use it? Perhaps, but I may never cultivate it right now. I had to increase my lifespan above all else.I would do that later when I had the time.After dying my hair black, I walked down stairs to find Cid and Clare sitting together on a long table. The kitchen was quite a simple one, with nothing but a few kitchen drawers, a stove? Okay, I think it was a furnace or something. There was also a chimney above it.I sat down on the table, staring at the empty plate before lifting my gaze to the two, "Morning.""Morning," both siblings replied monotonously. Their focus was on the meal in front of them.I raised an eyebrow at that. Something felt off about today. They were in sync, not a good sign. Clare was more of an emotionally expressive person, while Cid could be dismissed. "What is going on with you guys today?""Mom said we are going on a family trip. She said we needed a vacation since we have been working so hard." The girl gazed at me with her red eyes. They were droopy than usual.A maid arrived with the food I was waiting for quite some time. I needed the protein right now. Looking at the Bacon and Scrambled Eggs that were served, I nodded at the maid. "Thank you."I started eating my fill. Grabbing a fork and taking my first bite, my taste buds were quite satisfied. The soft texture and the flavour had me going. The next few moments were just me, mindlessly enjoying the meal, "Then why do you seem unhappy?""It's not that I am angry or anything. I just spent most of my time unpacking yesterday." After she spoke, she yawned, showing how tired she was.Upon closer inspection, she had dark circles under her eyes. "Let me guess, you packed too many clothes.""No, I could not decide which clothes I should take with me," she stated blankly.I scratched my cheek in embarrassment, "That should have been my first guess instead of my second."Clare sized me up a bit, which made me a bit nervous. Her gaze was piercing me. Her eyes were sharp, staring daggers. It was only when her eyes eased, that I felt better. It left me wondering what exactly she was looking for. "Shin, why did you dye your hair black?"'What?' my mind was offline for a split second.Realisation dawned on me that instant. She was curious about that detail, which is why she was looking at me so intently. "I didn't want to stand out. People would be interested or despise because of my unique appearance.""But I think you were great the way you were. At least the only thing you can't change is those eyes of yours. I get lost in them all the time." She stared at my eyes, seemingly entranced.She wasn't joking about the last part. Also, what is with the shower of compliments? "It baffles me how calm you can when you are looking directly at my eyes like that.""Yeah, even I wonder what kind of mutation you went through." Cid chimed in for the first time since we started talking. He took a glance at his sister at the corner of his eyes. He felt this tired for some reason. Releasing a long sigh, he stared at me directly in the eyes.I was now confused. One was dazed, and the other had a twitching eyebrow.'These two are beyond me.'Packing my bags was a simple matter for me. I was not much of a fashion enthusiast, so I tossed whatever clothes I felt were appropriate. Feeling the morning wind brushing against my skin, I shivered. "Skin Tempering is next on my to-do list."I gazed outside the window, noticing that the sun was further south. "Winter is coming. It kind of reminds me of someone." I recalled a certain woman, who may actually be younger. I planned for her to be my first recruit.Taking my thoughts from my plans, I met up with the family. I felt a bit uncomfortable referring to them as such, but they make me feel warm. They make it difficult to not acknowledge them as such."We've been waiting on you kiddo." Mr. Kageno said. He was wearing his usual outfit, nothing entirely different. Well, his head was shinier at the scalp of his head. He must have gotten a haircut recently.He was standing in front of carriage. It wasn't as fancy as Rose's, but this was the closest thing to luxury in this world. The day I make Limos a reality in this world, things will definitely change.I released a small chuckle, rubbing hands together. I was entered a state of hyperawareness. I felt a lot of eyes in my direction. As I focused at everyone present, they all head sweat trickling down their brows.With a plain tone in my voice, I spoke, "Would you mind? I am plotting here."
