Choosen by Goddess Hela, I became the Silent Death.

Author's Note

Hey Readers,

Thank you for picking up this book. I hope you enjoy the chapters ahead and show your appreciation by commenting and sharing your feedback—it means a great deal to me.

Before we begin this chapter, there are a few things I need to clarify:

Absolute Submission is a spell that allows Ash to take control of a specific target's mind, forcing them to submit to his will completely. The affected target will also be unable to betray the caster. Ash has recently gained the ability to wield certain aspects of Dark magic. In some scenes, I will reference a spell by name along with a brief description of its effects, rather than explaining everything in detail each time.

Chapter Start.

Ash teleported outside the estate, followed by Fenrir and Veilthorn.

"Veilthorn," Ash said, his voice low, "I want you to keep an eye on the soldiers' movements. We've just murdered the soon-to-be heir of the Rivenhart family."

Veilthorn nodded silently and vanished from sight in the blink of an eye.

Fenrir glanced at Ash, his expression unreadable. "Kid, if you need me, just focus on summoning me. I'll be right there."

Ash merely nodded and walked toward the main entrance of the estate, where the celebration was underway.

The venue was crowded with nobles and high-ranking officials, their laughter and conversation echoing off the marble walls.

He stepped through the main doors and headed straight for the podium at the centre of the hall. As he walked, he cast an apologetic glance at Licia and offered her a small, reassuring smile. Then, he turned his gaze to Marianna, his stepmother, and gave her a brief nod of acknowledgement.

Reaching the podium, Ash paused and looked out over the assembled guests. None of them spared him so much as a glance, too absorbed in their affairs to notice his presence.

With deliberate calm, Ash removed Hela's cloak. Instantly, the air thickened with the weight of his aura. A hush fell over the room as the oppressive power washed over everyone. Nobles who lacked sufficient strength collapsed where they stood, their eyes wide with terror.

Alcazar stared at him in open shock. Marianna wore a similar expression, though Licia, having already endured a trial of his power, managed to remain composed.

Once he was certain he had everyone's attention, Ash slowly retracted his aura until even the weakest among them could withstand it.

He spoke, his voice carrying clearly to every corner of the hall.

"Alcazar Rivenhart, today marks the end of the pact you made with Sir Arthur Lightbringer. I am no longer your son and have no obligation to call you father, not that I ever wished to. The very thought disgusts me."

Alcazar's expression twisted in rage. His killing intent spread through the hall like a cold wind.

"How in the world did you attain this power, Ash? And how do you know about the pact?" he demanded, his voice low and dangerous.

Ash smirked. "Mother Marianna told me everything. And don't even think of laying a hand on her."

A sudden chill ran down Alcazar's spine. He froze as he felt the cold edge of a dagger press against his throat. Veilthorn had appeared without a sound, blinking into place at precisely the right moment.

Through Hela's link, she spoke into Ash's mind. Lord Ash, the soldiers have already been informed of the murder. The guardian knight of House Rivenhart may arrive at any moment to report to Alcazar.

"Good work, Veil. And excellent timing," Ash replied calmly.

Veilthorn blushed faintly at her master's praise.

At that moment, the great doors of the hall swung open with a resounding crash. The guardian knight, Kyle Baskerville, strode inside, his armour gleaming.

"Lord Rivenhart—urgent news," he called out, his voice strained. "Lord Varrick has been killed…by Lord Marek."

Alcazar stumbled backwards and fell to his knees."Marek…why?"

"To protect the pact, Father," Marek said calmly. "Varrick didn't just bully Ash—he tried to kill him. If he'd succeeded, the pact would have been broken, and House Rivenhart would have been finished."

Alcazar looked up at Marek, rage twisting his features, then turned his glare on Ash."I don't believe this pathetic excuse for a story. I know it was you, Ash. You killed my son, and you will pay for it."

Ash met Alcazar's eyes, his gaze cold and unflinching."Do you have any evidence that I was the one who killed my elder brother?"

At that moment, a composed voice cut through the tension."Lord Alcazar," the woman said, stepping forward, "I am Chief Investigator Maria Langford. I can confirm that all evidence points to your son, Marek. His fingerprints were found all over Lord Varrick's body and on the sword used to slit his wrists."

Her words fell over the hall like a death knell. With the accusation confirmed Ash was beyond reproach.

He turned to Marek and gave a small nod. Across the room, Marianna observed the silent exchange. Though she said nothing, understanding flickered in her eyes, and she remained outwardly composed.

Alcazar looked back at Ash, his face darkening."Get out of my house," he snarled, voice cracking. "The pact is over, just as you said. Take your belongings. Being the benevolent man I am, I'll even let you use my carriage to go wherever you please."

Ash inclined his head slightly."Thank you for your kindness, my lord, but I won't be needing your carriage. Instead, I will be taking Licia and Mother Marianna with me—now that you no longer have any claim to them."

Alcazar turned to Marianna, desperation in his voice."Is this truly what you want? To live with a murderer—someone who killed your son?"

Marianna met his gaze, disgust plain in her eyes."Dear, the evidence condemns our sons. And I am far more afraid to stay here—with a man who would rather cling to pride and hatred than face the truth."

Alcazar stared at her, stunned. The woman who had spent years at his side without ever questioning his word was now speaking against him, rejecting him outright.

He bowed his head, defeated."Do whatever you want," he whispered hoarsely. "Just get out. Leave my house…and leave me alone."

Everyone had left.

The hall—once filled with music, laughter, and the lively chatter of nobles—was now silent. In the centre knelt Alcazar, his eyes red and unfocused.

What just happened? he thought, breathing raggedly. Ash, gaining that mysterious power…Varrick dead…Marek awaits trial…And Gly—he's nothing but a drunk, useless mess.

He clenched his fist so tightly that his knuckles went white. "Ash," he hissed, his voice breaking. "I may not have the proof…But I know it was you. Varrick was not someone Marek could have overpowered—not even in a fair duel. I swear…I will avenge my son."

Meanwhile, in Ash's room, Marianna and Licia stood ready, their belongings packed neatly at their feet.

Marianna's knight, Lance, knelt before Ash, head bowed."Lord Ash," he said solemnly, "I am sworn to protect Lady Marianna. I request that you allow me to accompany you."

Ash regarded him in silence for a moment. Then he lifted a hand, murmuring under his breath."Analyze."

ANALYZING SUBJECT…

NAME: Lance Vesta

AGE: 25

TITLE: Knight of the Light Order

STATS

Strength: MAX

Agility: MAX

Intelligence: 60/100

Willpower: MAX

Magic Potential: Inherited Vesta's Shield

ABILITIES

Vesta's Shield: An unbreakable shield that protects those Lance has sworn to defend.

Dragon's Breath: Can unleash dragon fire upon his enemies, though the strain severely damages his body.

Swordmaster's Domain: A 360-degree barrier capable of deflecting any attack and slowing time within a 300-meter radius.

Ash's eyes flickered with interest."Hmm. Not bad, Sir Lance," he murmured under his breath.

He looked up, expression composed."Very well, Sir Lance. I permit you to come with us."

"Also, I need a favour from you, Sir Lance," Ash said, leaning casually against the side of the bed.

"Of course, Lord Ash. What can I do for you?" Lance asked, unwavering loyalty in every word.

"I would like to join the Order of Knights. Sir Lance, can you help me with that?"

Lance blinked, momentarily taken aback."But, Lord Ash…why would you need to join the Order? You could simply claim your place in the Lightbringer family. You are their precious grandson. They would welcome you with open arms."

Ash smiled faintly, the expression tinged with determination."I know I could go directly to that house and demand my inheritance. But I don't want it handed to me out of pity or obligation." His eyes glinted as he straightened. "I will earn that name. I will make sure the world calls me Ash Lightbringer—a title only the head of the family has the authority to bestow."

For a moment, Lance simply stared at him, then smiled with quiet admiration.

With those words, Ash was Rivenhart no more.

He stepped out of the estate's gates without looking back, the night air cold against his skin. Beside him walked Marianna—his mother—and Licia, now his elder sister in every way that mattered.

Together, they left behind the shadows of the past and the silent hall where an old life had ended.