Ex rank talent Awakening: 100% Dodge rate

"It's a shame… a real shame that such an unbreakable will belongs to someone who embodies failure," the patriarch said, his tone composed, but his eyes bore into Thomas with cold disappointment.

Thomas felt his chest tighten at those words. For most twelve-year-olds, hearing such condemnation from the head of their family would break them. Many would collapse into tears, shatter under the weight of rejection. But not Thomas. Though his heart ached, though his chest burned with quiet sorrow, he stood still. No tears, no outburst. Only silence.

"Thomas, you shame our bloodline and have become a stain on our name. Therefore, you are hereby expelled from the Sword Family. You no longer have the right to bear our name, nor the right to remain among us. From this moment on, your status, privileges, and identity as a member of this family are revoked."

The declaration echoed through the grand chamber like a death knell. Ornate tapestries bearing the family's sword crest hung around them, once symbols of pride—now reminders of what Thomas had lost.

"So, it has come to this…" Thomas muttered beneath his breath. He had imagined the worst long before this moment came, steeled himself against the pain. And now that it had arrived, it didn't sting as deeply as he had feared.

"Perhaps… this is better," he thought bitterly. "At least now I won't be constantly looked down on just for existing."

He bowed deeply, showing the respect the patriarch's position demanded, even if he no longer respected the man.

"Before you leave, go to the finance elder," the patriarch added, his voice stiff. "Consider it a final act of kindness. Your basic needs will be covered by the family until you come of age. After that, you're on your own. And remember—should you ever speak of our family's inner matters to the outside world… your life will be forfeit. Instantly."

Thomas nodded, not trusting himself to speak. His gratitude was thin, but sincere.

And with that, he left.

The massive gates of the Sword Family estate closed behind him with a deep, metallic groan. He didn't look back.

The days that followed were unremarkable. He scraped by, blending into a life of mediocrity. He did whatever jobs he could find—menial, thankless tasks that paid just enough to get by. By the time he turned eighteen, Thomas had thrown himself into gaming—not for pleasure, but for survival. And in that virtual world, he found something strange: acceptance… and potential.

Then Apocalypse happened.

The rules changed. Power surged into the world, and with it, Thomas finally found a spark. He rose, slowly but surely, climbing ranks in the new world that no longer cared about what the valley of swords had decided. With his upgraded talent, he clawed his way into relevance, hoping—not just to reclaim his place—but to rival Greg, the man at the center of it all.

"My lord, a meeting has been called by Lord Greg," came the clear voice of his android butler, a holographic projection flickering gently in the marble-lined corridor.

Thomas blinked, pulled from his thoughts.

"I'll be there shortly," he said, rising from his seat. His eyes drifted toward the window, where the endless skies of the floating island stretched like a dream. Time to face them all again.

"We have three more people with us—Brian, Chris, and Cain," Greg announced once everyone was seated in the castle's central chamber, his voice calm and commanding. "Each of them was a formidable force within Apocalypse. They'll be valuable allies in our upcoming war—be it against the hidden families… or worse."

"Hidden families?" Chris asked, his expression puzzled. He and Brian exchanged confused looks—they were clearly the only ones unfamiliar with the term.

"Yeah," Aaron chimed in, casually flipping a dagger in his hand. "Families with supernatural abilities. Long before Apocalypse ever happened."

"Wait… supernaturals before the game even started? That's kind of sleek," Chris muttered, raising an eyebrow.

"Exactly what I said," Aaron grinned.

"This isn't the time for childish banter," Will said sharply, his tone laced with irritation.

"Great. Now rich boy's jealous," Aaron whispered under his breath, earning a few stifled chuckles.

"Enough," Greg cut in, his voice like iron. "This isn't a game. Until we're strong enough to fight them, it's best we all stay here—on the floating island. We'll dive into Apocalypse more aggressively from now on. That's our path to strength."

"Wait," Aaron raised a finger, "but those hidden families… they can enter Apocalypse too, right? And now that true death exists in-game, doesn't that make it the same thing? Real world or not?"

"Not quite," Greg said, shaking his head. "In fact… I hope they come for me in Apocalypse. It'll save me the trouble of hunting them. Drakonix doesn't move much anymore ever since I became his patron."

"Oh. Yeah, that makes sense," Will admitted.

Then, a quiet voice broke the discussion.

"I have something to say," Thomas said, his voice low but clear.

All eyes turned to him. It was rare for Thomas to speak up, and rarer still for him to draw attention to himself. The atmosphere shifted slightly, the room tensing in anticipation.

"I'm from one of the hidden families," he said. "The Sword Family, to be precise."

"What? You?!" Chris exclaimed, eyes wide. "So you've got powers too?"

Thomas shook his head slowly. "No. I don't. I'm the ultimate failure of the Sword Family. The one kid who wasn't chosen. I've been called every name under the sun—'the talentless one,' 'the disgrace,' 'the swordless wretch.' I didn't even make it past the valley's threshold."

"So… you really don't have any powers?" Chris asked again.

"No. I wasn't chosen. Not by any sword," Thomas replied, and for a moment, his voice trembled—but he caught it. Years of shame had taught him not to flinch.

Greg, silent until now, finally spoke. His words were deliberate.

"So. What's your position now?" he asked. "Are you for them… or for us? Because by admitting this, you're telling us you're willing to stand against your own bloodline."

"Yes. I am," Thomas replied without hesitation. "They disowned me. Took my name. Expelled me. I am no longer 'Thomas Sword.' They are not my family anymore."

Greg nodded, satisfied. "Good. As long as you don't betray any of us, nothing changes. You're one of us now. But mark my words… betray me or this team, and I will hunt you down. I promise you that."

"Sheesh… being hunted by Greg?" Will muttered. "Yeah, I don't ever want to be in that situation."

The others silently agreed. They had seen Greg seek vengeance before—driven, relentless, terrifying. He didn't forgive. He didn't forget. And when he decided someone had to go… they disappeared.

Thomas, however, only nodded. He had no intention of betraying anyone.