Prologue
『This world is cruel.』
Humanity begins to unravel the mysteries of the world through magic, propelling their civilization forward, and building an impressive magical society.
But, cruelly enough, only a handful of those born into privilege truly enjoy the warmth and benefits of this thriving civilization.
That magical society, founded on the sophisticated academic principles that only those in a proper learning environment can utilize, continuously produces a staggering inequality. This is a stark contrast to the scientific society, which is available to everyone.
「It’s truly a messed-up world.」
Illuminating the darkness is the light of civilization.
As I walk through the slums just a tad away from where the glow reaches its brightest, I can’t help but frown upon the emaciated bodies strewn about the path, continuing my journey nonetheless.
「I’m home.」
Entering a house that looks somewhat better than its surroundings, I activate a spell with a flick of my wrist. The dimly lit interior, previously only lit by faint moonlight, brightens instantly.
「Oh… Welcome back, big brother.」
「Yeah, I’m home.」
The girl who greets me is a vision of purity — alabaster skin, snow-white hair, and strikingly vivid crimson eyes.
To this delicate beauty, I speak gently.
「Here’s your medicine for today. I’ll prepare dinner soon, so take it afterward.」
「Okay.」
Asuka nods obediently, my stepsister.
「…I’m sorry for always causing you trouble.」
「No, it’s completely okay.」
The woman speaking to me from beside the modest kitchen is Asuka’s mother, my stepmother, bedridden due to an ailment.
「If only my body was a bit stronger…」
「I’ve got enough strength for both of us. After all, I’m a Dhampir, a half-vampire, said to possess an endless life.」
I reassure with unwavering conviction.
「I have more than enough energy and strength, so there’s no need to worry.」
The RPG game 『Lone Wolf’s Skyscraper』 celebrated for its stunning graphics, immersive BGM, captivating exploration and combat, and a storyline woven together by a diverse cast of characters, once took the world by storm.
And within that game, the character who stood as the mastermind behind various calamities, the most infamous yet popular character, was Romulus.
He’s a man with jet-black hair, reminiscent of wet bird feathers, and a captivating deep crimson right eye.
Contrasting this eye, his left is an eerie, haunting pale, exuding both melancholy and abyss.
「…Sigh.」
As I stand in the kitchen, the reflection in the metallic sink captures my image — crimson and pale odd eyes, jet-black hair, and a face so strikingly beautiful it could belong to a devil.
「I never wanted to see the underside of my favorite game. To think the reality could be this messed up.」
Once, I was a high school student in Japan, surrounded by abundant resources, a veritable paradise.
The face I wore in that past life was completely ordinary.
Now, I resemble Romulus from “Lone Wolf’s Skyscraper,” touching the face that has now become mine, I whisper to myself.
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