Caelum Valeborne—the former host of this body—had the supernatural ability of "Super Duper Strength."
Well, compared to most of the dangerous and powerful abilities in this world, his was weak—even compared to his siblings.
According to my new memories, he wasn't a violent person. He was extremely calm and easygoing, relying on his brain for business to help his family. He wasn't even in the race to become the next heir of the family like his other siblings.
In my definition—he was weak. When the Ashwing disciples began to meddle with the Valeborne family's businesses, he could have used his special ability to fight for honor. But instead, he did nothing and watched them strip everything he had from him.
"Don't worry, Caelum. I'm here now."
In this world, most people are born with only one supernatural or special ability, and in order to rise in the world, they have to master that ability or skill. That doesn't mean there aren't people with dual or triple abilities, but they are rare to find.
And since I can use my special ability, one I had already mastered in my previous life—"Thunder Force"—in this new body, along with "Super Duper Strength," I am a dual ability user. That fact alone will change the perspective of Caelum Valeborne within his family, and change how the world views the Valeborne Family.
But of course, I can't reveal that I'm a dual ability user just yet.
It is important to note that in this world, there are seven continents—North America, South America, Africa, Asia, Europe, Antarctica, and Australia. And these continents are vastly different.
Demi-humans live as citizens and disciples in some of these continents, and the types of abilities used vary in each, which is why some continents are weaker than others.
Even one of the current Twelve Monarchs is a demi-human.
Darius—now Caelum—was currently in the east walkway, accompanied by Anna, his personal maid. They were heading to his office, thinking of how to find where the Mulcaster twins lived, when he felt a sharp, chilling presence coming up quickly—but quietly—behind him. This sudden pressure made him flinch.
He couldn't hear any footsteps, but based on the aura, he was sure it was Veron—Lord Alaric's butler. What Veron wanted with him, though, he wasn't sure.
"Lord Caelum." A terrifying tap came on Caelum's shoulder, and upon turning, he saw Veron standing next to him with a calm but chilling smile.
"Master Alaric summons you." Veron was puzzled by how Caelum flinched before he could touch him. "Did he feel my presence? I wonder. But that's not possible. He doesn't have such awareness," Veron argued with himself while leading the way to the elevator, with Caelum trailing behind him.
"Wait for me here. I'll be back," Caelum instructed Anna before following Veron. The sentence had a deeper meaning—he would return alive no matter what the Matriarch of the family wanted from him.
After all, the Valeborne GeneX business belonged to Caelum and was about to crash completely. That was probably why he was being summoned.
The Matriarch of the Valeborne family—Lord Alaric—is known for giving his offspring impossible tasks as a way of determining who is best fit to take over as the family head. He was probably about to give one of such tasks to Caelum.
After all, Caelum had never yet received one.
Caelum and Veron stepped into the elevator, heading up to the highest floor while Anna stood there, watching Caelum leave with eyes of pity, knowing what was about to happen.
They soon arrived at Lord Alaric's office door. This was Caelum's first time meeting Lord Alaric in person since he reincarnated.
They walked in. Veron stood beside his master, while Caelum reluctantly sat down after being told to by Lord Alaric.
Stock: The capital raised by a company through the issue of shares. The total of shares held by an individual shareholder. It is the price or value of the stock of a company on the stock market.
It is the price or value of the shares of a company on the stock market.
Let's rewind a little:
The Mulcaster twins own one of the biggest banks in Europe. When they began to bring down the Valeborne family's businesses, following orders from the Phoenix Monarch, the Valeborne family needed more money to sustain the remaining businesses and keep them afloat.
In order to do that, Caelum Valeborne borrowed approximately twelve million pounds (£) from "Mullet Banking and Finance," the bank owned by the Mulcaster twins.
In the contract drafted, if the Valeborne GeneX enterprise stock price were to be valued at anything less than one thousand pounds per share, then Mullet Bank would assume ownership of the business—keeping the previous employees, but removing the Valeborne family.
Basically, they would be kicked out of their own business. This would happen if the Valeborne family didn't pay back the borrowed thirteen point two million pounds (£), with added interest, within the next two years.
Now, neither have they paid back the loan, nor have they kept their stock price well above one thousand pounds per share. If they don't act immediately, the Mulcaster twins will take over, and the Valeborne family will be declared a fallen noble family.
Lord Alaric glared at Caelum deeply for some time before finally speaking.
"The Mulcaster twins came in today. Do you know GeneX's stock price currently?" Lord Alaric asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes, it is currently holding at one thousand pounds, Father," Caelum replied simply.
"Unlike your brothers, I haven't given you your coming-of-age mission. Caelum, I've decided to give you yours now," Lord Alaric announced, rather solemnly.
The Valeborne Family Rules:
In the Valeborne family, once a child reaches the ripe age of sixteen, they are bestowed a mission by the Patriarch. This mission is always difficult, but not impossible to complete. It could be anything—literally.
But there is a heart-wrenching penalty for anyone who cannot complete their coming-of-age mission within the given time.
They cease to be part of the Valeborne family.
From the moment they fail, not only are they disowned, but they are no longer allowed to bear the Valeborne surname and are forbidden from using any of the family's properties, influence, or social status.
Truly, a cruel penalty.
Now, Lord Alaric had been putting off Caelum's coming-of-age task because he knew Caelum had the weakest supernatural ability among his siblings and likely wouldn't survive. He was also the only child who boosted their family financially, so Lord Alaric wanted to keep him around as long as possible.
"Caelum, this is your coming-of-age mission: —You must raise the Valeborne family's GeneX business to earn ten million pounds by the end of this month and keep the business out of the Mulcasters' hands," Veron read aloud while Caelum listened quietly.
"He has given me a task that would have been impossible for the old Caelum. But I'm not him. I must complete this task if I am to get my revenge, after all," Caelum thought to himself.
"I understand, Father. I shall do my best to see it through," Caelum replied in the most responsible voice he could muster.
"Good. I believe you will surpass my expectations, Caelum. You are my son, after all," Lord Alaric said, then signaled for him to leave.
Caelum bowed gracefully and exited, heading back to where Anna awaited.
"Raise back the Valeborne family finances? I was planning to do that anyway," Caelum smirked as he sighted Anna still waiting at the very same spot opposite the elevator.
Back in Lord Alaric's office, he tapped his fingers gently on the fine table as he fell into deep thought.
"Veron, instruct Anna to monitor Caelum's movements and report back to you—on my direct orders," Lord Alaric said, his tone calm but firm.
Veron nodded without a word.
"Something felt… different about his eyes," Lord Alaric murmured, fingers tapping rhythmically against his polished desk. "It felt like—for the first time in his life—he had true determination. I want to know why."
Caelum reunited with Anna near the elevator. Together, they made their way down to the skyscraper's lobby.
"Now... how do I find the Mulcaster twins?" Caelum muttered under his breath, his mind racing as he casually greeted passing customers with a polite nod.
Then something clicked.
"Wait a minute... TikTak. Baro Mulcaster should have an account, if these memories serve me right," he recalled, fishing through the fragments of the former Caelum's knowledge. "It's worth a try."
He pulled out his Sumsang Galaxy S25, opened the TikTak app, and quickly typed in Baro Mulcaster's name. The moment he hit the search icon, the account popped up instantly.
A freshly uploaded video began to play.
"Hey guys, tonight we're at the Red Carpet because, as you know, we were nominated for Best European Singers thanks to our hit song With You. Make sure to stream it! And as usual, I'll be going live from the Red Carpet at 8 PM. So lock in! Baro Love out!" Baro Mulcaster grinned into the camera before the screen faded.
The view count was already soaring—well over two hundred thousand.
That's right. Beyond their infamous financial empire, the Mulcaster twins held another source of influence: they were massive musical artists. Bari Mulcaster, known in the industry as Bratister, and Baro Mulcaster, known as Baro Love.
Caelum's lips twisted into a mocking grin.
"At least now I know exactly where they'll be," he muttered darkly.
"Time to crash a party," he said aloud, turning to Anna who stood beside him. "Of course… I'll need a mask for this one."
Anna blinked in surprise, momentarily flinching at the dangerous glint in his eye.
Five long years without a real fight…
Finally, he thought, pulse quickening.
This will be thrilling.