I had to die.

"Father, what do you think we should do? The boy seems so frail, even though he resembles his mother, he has his father's eyes," she quickly remarked.

"Yes, he is still my grandson. I am still considering what to do with him. He didn't inherit any characteristics from his mother, only her appearance. He should attend the academy. His father's identity should remain a secret," he said, giving Kathy a stern look.

Kathy always felt uneasy when her father got serious. He was willing to do anything to make his plans succeed, even if it meant sacrificing his children. This was the one thing Kathy couldn't stand. Now that her beloved older sister, Idol, was gone, she no longer had to live in her shadow.

"I know he needs to go to the academy, father, but his aura is non-existent. His mana is zero. I can't sense any strength in him. It's like he's just a weak human. He doesn't have the long pointed ears of an elf, but rather takes after his father," she said, feeling drained.

She continued, "But there's something suspicious. His abductors were all dead when I found him. All burnt. It was as if they used an incendiary device. There was nothing left of them. Their bodies were completely burned. But he survived. He knows something we don't."

Her father nodded, pleased that his daughter was becoming more astute after what happened to his favorite daughter. Kathy might be 299 years old, but she still acts like a teenager of 14 years or even younger. But never underestimate her. She is a Viber. She knew her father didn't love her the same way he loved her sister. Now she wished her mother was here. Another story for another day.

"We need to evaluate his proficiency in spells. If he is not up to par, then we will have Draco assess his combat skills, particularly his swordsmanship. The boy needs to be ready; a lot is coming, and I can sense it. And once again, do not bring up anything about his mother. Part of his memories have been sealed," he said, clearing his throat.

"I don't want what happened to Vyxaria, your sister, to happen to him. The Goddess is not pleased, and even the elders mourn the loss of such a powerful being. Leave him to me; once I am finished, then he will come to you," he snapped his fingers, and everything returned to normal. Xavier looked at them, amazed, sensing that something had occurred but feeling bewildered nonetheless.

"Okay, Father," Kathy said before departing.

[Lustful Influence deactivated]

Xavier sighed. 'What just happened? It felt like time froze. And now they're done talking.'

[Relax, host, it was time freezing, used to keep away unwanted ears. But I can replay what they said.]

Xavier's eyes widened, a creepy smile forming. 'Please do.'

"Xavier, how are you feeling? I hope you're getting better, grandson," his once stern face softened into a smile. The father, previously cold towards his daughter, now radiated warmth towards the young boy. 'Oh, I remember a young man in a kid's body. Quite amusing.'

"Yes, Grandpa, I'm strong and healthy. Aunt said you called for me," he replied, his smile taking on a mischievous edge. The old man noticed it.

[Host level up for me to replay.]

The once-evil grin shifted to an angry expression. 'System, you're getting more annoying with each passing moment.'

"Have a seat, son. Today, this wise old man wants to have a chat with you," Xavier's grandfather said, his gaze fixed on his grandson as he observed his every move.

Xavier felt dumbfounded. 'Back on Earth, you wouldn't be called a wise old man, and I bet my grandpa thinks highly of himself.'

[Well said. ◉⁠‿⁠◉]

"Now, let's get straight to the point. How were you abducted? I had the best guards watching over you, and yet you managed to escape," he asked, studying his grandson with a smile.

Xavier pinched himself as fear crept in. It wasn't his intention, but his body reacted instinctively.

Xavier felt his body tense, reacting to something he couldn't quite grasp. It was like the previous owner's fear still lingered, but the memories remained elusive. "Why is my body reacting like this? It's like the guy before me was scared of something. But I can't remember a thing. It's like the memory's missing. System, can you help me out?"

["..."]

Xavier sighed and admitted, "I just can't remember," glancing at his grandpa.

"Well, I need to jog your memory. It won't hurt, by the way," his grandpa said reassuringly.

Xavier tried to smile back, feeling a bit uneasy around his grandfather.

"Give me your hands," his grandpa said. Xavier compiled without hesitation.

"Xavier," his grandpa began, his voice calm and patient, "there are memories inside you that got lost in time. Memories that might explain what happened when you were taken."

Xavier looked puzzled. 'I know, old man, but can we get to the point?'

"If you say so, boy, but I'm not that old," his grandpa teased, catching Xavier off guard. Xavier couldn't help but notice how his grandpa seemed not to age at all. It dawned on Xavier that his grandpa might have telepathic abilities.

"You're pretty sharp, boy. You've changed since you were taken, and I'm happy about this change. Now, focus and let me dive into your memories," his grandpa continued a hint of seriousness in his smile.

Xavier closed his eyes as he was told. A gentle voice urged him to open them, and suddenly, he was back on Earth, in a cinema filled with chaos and blood. A girl stood before him, and Drake couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right.

Onstage, Xavier, the former host appeared, looking dangerous. "Hey, system, what's happening?" Drake asked, but there was no response. It seemed like the system had vanished, leaving Drake alone. He expected hostility but was greeted with a smile instead. "How's my body holding up?" Xavier, the former host asked.

"Um good, I guess," Drake replied, surprised. He had anticipated anger or bitterness, but there was none. Then, darkness surrounded them again, and a woman with long white hair appeared. She looked a lot like Aunt Kathy, bringing a feeling of familiarity mixed with sadness. Chains hung from her neck and wrists, showing her distress. As he reached out to her, he was suddenly transported to another place.

The guards scurried about, searching for the former host who had vanished. Drake chuckled at the commotion, trailing behind the former host until they reached a serene lake, its waters shimmering in the sunlight.

'I guess this is where they kidnap Xavier' Drake thought.

Suddenly, a noise drew his attention—a woman approached, accompanied by the four men who had met their demise by lightning bolt punishment. He could still remember how it felt. Goosebumps appeared on his body as Xavier, the former host, immediately stopped and watched the lady fix him with a smile. She beckoned, "Now be a good boy and follow us, Xavier!"

Drake, who was observing, found himself both amused and curious at the same time.

"Who are you?" Xavier, the previous host, asked the lady with an emotionless expression. He seemed unafraid and let out a nonchalant sigh.

"I knew you would be just like your father, Xavier Thyrasou, and as you can see, we need you dead or alive," she hissed, her snake-like tongue flicking across her lips.

Fear washed over Drake's face as he watched Xavier; he knew the boy was too weak to defend himself. Then he heard a loud noise.

BOM!!

Xavier and the lady engaged in a fight. Drake looked at Xavier in disbelief. Xavier was quick in casting spells as he dodged every attack. Then he closed his eyes, blood trickling from his mouth. He had reached his limit; Drake sighed, realizing the host body was too weak.

Then he turned and looked at Drake, "I had to die."

That was the last thing he said before the lady, dressed as an assassin, struck him with her blade. Xavier fell to the ground.

"Master will be very pleased if you cooperate with him. Now, don't do anything foolish," the lady said as she approached Xavier, preparing to lift him. Xavier, the former host, pretended to make a move to attack.

She evaded his attack and drove the knife into his chest. Drake's eyes widened in horror as he witnessed the event and instinctively touched his chest. "She's so heartless," Drake remarked.

"I agree," Xavier's spirit responded,

looking at him.

"I have a question," Drake inquired.

"Sure, go ahead," the spirit replied.

"You used magic just now, and you were incredibly fast. But at the same time, you deliberately allowed her to kill you. If she hadn't, I suppose I wouldn't be here." He exclaimed as he gazed at the former host's spirit.

He continued, "My question is why did you let her kill you? You could have easily avoided it, but you didn't." Drake asked as he looked at the former host's spirit.

"I know, but I chose not to. As a feeble abomination with no special abilities or talents, I'm certain everyone would look down on me. But I possess this ability. You can't let anyone know," he said, smiling.

Okay, so what is it?" Drake asked eagerly.

"I can see the future and predict exactly what will happen. However, this comes at a cost. You have to sacrifice five years of your life," Xavier replied.

"Wow? That's insane," Drake exclaimed, running his hand through his hair.

"So, no one knows about your powers and your ability to cast spells," he continued.

"That's right, and we don't have much time. Take care of my body. I don't know who you are, but you have a difficult journey ahead of you. Hehehe, have fun," Xavier's emotionless face broke into a smile. Drake couldn't help but smile back.

The soul of the previous host suddenly melted into sparkling dust and vanished. "I can't believe this is all real," Drake murmured.

Drake gazed around and let out a sigh. He was convinced that his life would never be the same from that moment on.