3 Contractor

Shin found himself unable to respond to Souzen, he did not know what a contractor was.

But he knew it should be somehow related to Noctis.

He had to confirm it.

'Noctis.'

With his thoughts, he called out to the deity.

[It seems the current Patriarch has noticed me. You must be wondering what a contractor is. A contractor is basically someone who has made a contract with a Deity.]

During the time of Shin's birth, he'd engage in mental conversations with Noctis, who seemed to exist within him as a guide.

But it was only until now that Noctis explained what their relationship was.

The contractor and the contractee.

'What should I tell the Patriarch?'

[It's no use to lie, he's already noticed me. He might provide you significant benefits for being a contractor.]

With Noctis' advice, there was no hesitation.

"It somehow happened when I was born."

"Is that true?"

Souzen knew which deity Shin was contracted to, he realized it when he saw the blue embers.

But what Souzen couldn't believe was that Noctis, the God of Night, had finally graced the Nocturn Family after 200 years.

The only known contractor within the Nocturn Family was the first Patriarch, Shinei Nocturn.

It was unbelievable that Noctis returned, and contracted himself with a newborn.

And coincidentally, Shinei and Shin almost shared the same name.

But Souzen knew that wasn't the sole reason, it would be ridiculous, and an insult to Noctis.

There was only one plausible theory that Souzen could think of.

Shin Nocturn is the reincarnation of Shinei Nocturn.

But of course he couldn't just say it in front of Shin. 

If he was wrong, then it would only serve to confuse the boy.

Thus, Souzen had decided.

"Shin, why don't you and your family come to the main house."

Shin was taken aback by the offer, he was already informed by Noctis that it would happen. But he still didn't expect it.

He pondered for a while. Shin was a careful person, having lived two lives, he was wary of the current Patriarch.

But at the same time, he had to consider the offer. If it meant gaining the power to protect his family, then Shin would not hesitate.

'Noctis, what do you think?'

[It seems like the Patriarch is on your side. The only trouble you'll have are the branch families.]

The branch families would retaliate, but it would mean going against the Patriarch.

So if Shin accepts the offer, Souzen would be responsible for their protection.

With Noctis being Shin's trusted adviser, he realized he could trust Souzen.

"Can I consult my family first?"

"Of course."

***

After the meeting with Souzen, Shin headed towards the guest lobby where his parents were waiting.

He debriefed them on what he'd discuss with the Patriarch, leaving the part of being a contractor, as advised by Souzen.

Instead, Shin told them that Souzen noticed his potential, giving him special treatment.

Shin's family was reluctant at first, but they didn't want to hold back their son when he was given such an opportunity.

Eventually, they agreed. But only until Shin's little sister, Aspen, turned 3.

***

Five years had passed since the meeting with the Patriarch.

Shin and his family were now living in the Nocturn Family's main household.

He was given benefits, equivalent to the children of the main house.

Of course, they were met with opposition.

"Hey, freeloader!"

As soon as he heard that voice, Shin immediately became irritated.

With black hair and red eyes, the boy calling for him was Satoshi, his cousin, and the only son of Souzen Nocturn. He was older than Shin by one year.

For the three years that Shin lived in the estate, Satoshi had always mocked Shin.

The reason for this was because he was afraid of Shin's talents.

Shin was already being favored by Souzen, Satoshi's biological father.

He was about to be swallowed up by Shin, and the only thing he could do was to alienate him.

Despite being threatened by Shin, he realized Shin was a push-over.

Shin did not retaliate even once.

But, of course, Shin wasn't a push-over. The former king just couldn't find it in him to entertain the ten-year-old boy.

Since Shin didn't react and kept walking, Satoshi grabbed him by the shoulder.

"Hey, answer me when I'm talking to you."

"Oh, Satoshi, I didn't notice you, did you need something?"

As Shin feigned ignorance, Satoshi was irritated.

"How dare you, you branch family-"

"When will you stop harassing Shin?"

Cutting Satoshi off was his elder sister, Camilla Nocturn.

Dazzling black hair, clear skin, and deep red eyes. The only daughter of Souzen. She was two years older than Shin.

"Ah, Sis, it's because Shin doesn't know his place."

"Shut up Satoshi, Father invited Shin and his Family to the main house, so they shall be treated like how a main family should. Why can't you ever understand that?"

Unlike her younger brother, Camilla was fond of Shin. 

She would always stand up for him whenever anyone tried to harass him or his family.

Shin didn't understand why, but he appreciated the way Camilla accepted them.

"Sis, if you continue to act like that, the branch families will think we're pushovers– Ow! Ow! Ouch!"

Camilla had enough and grabbed Satoshi by the ears.

"Sorry once again Shin, Satoshi just needs more discipline."

"It's fine Camilla, he's somewhat right, we're only guests here after all."

"I thought I told you to call me Big Sis! And no, Shin, you and your family aren't guests here, we're all family."

"Okay… thank you, Big Sis Camilla."

Shin's heart and chest felt warm.

He was happy that someone else besides Souzen had accepted them in the main house.

Something he had never experienced in his past life as Artorius, where he was only met with alienation.

After Camilla left with Satoshi, Shin continued to head towards the training room.

At his arrival he picked up a wooden sword.

Step, step.

Today was Shin's scheduled swordsmanship training, and the man that had just arrived was his uncle, Seiya Nocturn.

Seiya Nocturn, an Eighth Star Ascender, and another branch family member recognized by the Patriarch. 

He was assigned to be Shin's teacher, as instructed by Souzen.

There were already oppositions as to why Shin and his family were getting special treatment.

Which is why the special training was kept confidential, only between Shin, Souzen, and Seiya.

Seiya wasn't informed that Shin was a contractor.

Hence, he was confused at how such a young boy was able to gain the attention of Souzen, even giving him special treatment.

There were only a few members of the branch families who were given special treatment by the Patriarch, including Seiya himself.

But when he started training Shin, it was there that Seiya understood.

Shin had immense potential, capable of surpassing even Seiya.

No, it might be the second coming of the First Patriarch, Shinei Nocturn.

He could not let go of such a talent. For the future of the Nocturn Family, Shin had to get the best facilities.

And to his surprise, it was easy to work with Shin, he did not let his talents get to his head.

And personality wise, Shin was too mature for his age.

He was the rising star of the Nocturn Family.

"Shin, today's training will be the same as always."

"Understood, Uncle Souzen."

Seiya's training wasn't anything unique like learning a bunch of sword arts.

Shin would close his eyes and spar with Seiya who also kept his eyes closed.

The purpose of this was so Shin wouldn't rely on his eyes in combat.

Instead he would rely solely on his intuition and senses.

As Shin closed his eyes, Seiya swiftly swung a wooden sword towards him.

At the speed the sword was swinging, even if one's eyes were open, they would still have difficulty dodging.

But Shin wasn't a regular person.

He was a former king who had led a rebellion.

Fwoo!

As the sword was only a couple of inches away, Shin narrowly dodged and swung a counter-attack.

Seiya, noticing this, tried to parry Shin's attack.

But Shin quickly changed the swing's trajectory, lightly tapping Seiya's neck.

To a third party, this didn't seem like much.

But Shin, who was an eight-year-old, was capable of such a feat with his eyes closed.

Seiya was not weak at all.

Within the clan of swordsmen, he was regarded as the fourth strongest within the family.

The two of them continued their training until evening came. 

Once the lessons ended, Shin was battered and bruised.

"Good work today, Shin."

"Thank you Uncle, but that compliment would feel much better once I defeat you."

For the two years that Shin started training under Seiya, he had a total record of 0 - 29,203

Shin began walking away as Seiya looked at him with a smile on his face.

"He never ceases to amaze me. It's only a matter of time until I'm the one who's battered and bruised. And to think he's only 8-years-old, what a monster."

Seiya wore a defeated smile and nodded.

"If he continues at this pace, he'll become a First Star Ascender by the time he turns ten."