The System's Answer
The low hum of construction echoed in the distance when the sound rang inside Keith's mind.
System Notification:
System upgrade completed.
Host has received a reward.
Keith paused.
"…Reward?"
System Reward:
Lucky Coupon
He raised an eyebrow.
"A coupon?"
System Explanation:
Host, this coupon can be activated during a monthly or yearly sign-in.
Upon activation, luck will be maximized to its absolute limit.
This guarantees the highest possible reward tier.
Keith leaned back slightly, thoughtful.
"So… it's a trump card."
He smiled faintly.
"Then I'll save it. Five-year sign-in sounds more interesting."
The system fell silent, approving.
Status Panel — Revelation
"Open panel," Keith ordered calmly.
The familiar translucent screen unfolded before him.
System Panel
Host: Keith Argus Runcandel
Title:
Heir to Runcandel Heir to Karasuma Family
Age: 15
Bloodline: Human
Strength: Peak of Human
Unique Skills:
Great Sage Predator
Talents:
Perfect Mind Space Affinity Avalon Scabbard
Skills:
Business Skill – Advanced Medical Skills – Advanced Cooking – Intermediate Baking – Intermediate Hacking – Advanced Finance – Advanced Martial Arts – Advanced Weapons Mastery – Master Ope-Ope no Mi – Advanced Ope-Ope Domain – Advanced
System Storage:
Yamato
Keith nodded at first, unsurprised by most of it.
The growth made sense.
The strength.
The mastery.
The accumulation of power.
Then—
His eyes froze.
Title: Heir to Karasuma Family
"…What?"
For the first time in a long while, Keith genuinely froze.
The Name That Explained Everything
Karasuma.
Karasuma Renya.
The name carried weight heavier than any corporation, older than most nations.
A shadow that ruled from behind history itself.
The Black Organization.
Vermouth.
Rum.
That world.
Keith slowly exhaled.
"So that's why…"
Fragments snapped together instantly.
Vermouth's presence during his childhood Her familiarity with his mother Her emotional distance, yet constant watch Renya's unseen hand guiding events The unnatural protection around him even before Runcandel revealed itself
And most of all—
Her eyes.
The woman he remembered from childhood.
The one who laughed with him.
Who played with him.
Who disappeared after his parents died.
His first love.
"…Vermouth," he whispered.
Understanding Without Questions
Keith closed the panel.
He didn't feel anger.
Nor fear.
Only clarity.
"So I'm not just a Runcandel," he murmured.
"I'm standing at the crossroads of two monsters."
One ruled openly through wealth and legacy.
The other ruled from the shadows through fear and secrets.
And he was heir to both.
He didn't go to his grandparents.
He didn't ask Darius.
He didn't ask Clara.
Because he understood.
Some truths are protected not by lies—
but by silence.
They had hidden it not to deceive him…
…but to protect him.
Keith placed a hand over his eyes and chuckled softly.
"…You really gave me a troublesome inheritance."
A Quiet Resolve
Outside, steel rose from the ground.
His headquarters took shape.
His empire began breathing.
Keith straightened.
"Fine," he said calmly.
"If I'm heir to light and shadow…"
His sapphire eyes sharpened behind his glasses.
"…then I'll decide how both are used."
And somewhere far away—
Vermouth paused mid-step.
For reasons she didn't understand, her heart beat faster.
We'll meet again, my angel.
And when we do… the world won't be ready for you.