Time loop

Chapter 3: Age of coming ceremony

Raven was thoroughly perplexed, unsure of what actions to take in light of the current situation. The loss of his aunt was only the beginning of a much larger crisis. His sister, Erza, was next in line, and while he didn't have the closest relationship with her, she was still his older sibling, and he would do whatever was necessary to ensure her safety. However, at the moment, he felt powerless and incapable of protecting anyone. Nevertheless, his sense of helplessness would not persist, as his coming of age was rapidly approaching.

At the attainment of their 18th year, children of Level 2 or higher status are honored with a ceremony, presided over by a dignitary, in a magnificent hall. Why is the ceremony held in the first place? Because in this world, through the ceremony, a child is capable of gaining any ability they desire. Although the abilities accompany certain restrictions, it is nonetheless a very desired outcome.

Raven retrieved a crumpled piece of paper from his pocket and unfolded it, his expression shifting to one of displeasure. The paper contained a list of individuals, arranged in chronological order according to the date and time of their demise. Raven distinctly recalled receiving the paper from the mysterious black-clad man, along with a red box size of a medical kit. The box contained a collection of letters, but Raven couldn't seem to remember where he had stowed it, leaving him with only the tattered piece of paper.

While reading through the paper, Raven's countenance grew increasingly dark and brooding, his eyebrows furrowing into a deep frown that marred his features. The first name on the list was that of his deceased aunt, and the date and time on the paper matched her time of death with eerie precision.

Despite Raven's efforts to prevent his aunt's death by showing the paper to his father and his aunt's husband, they did not believe him. Moreover, his aunt had to give birth in a hospital, which was unavoidable. Although the hospital was changed from the initial plan, it did not prevent her from being brutally murdered.

Now the next in line is his older sister. "Her death is exactly 24 hours after my age of coming," thought Raven.

"Enough time," boasted Raven, "there is no way I will fail this time"

"No, maybe it actually doesn't matter if I fail after all" Raven giggled.

Keefe had been standing behind Raven the whole time, witnessing all of his peculiar actions. "Have you made up your mind about what kind of ability you want?" asked Keefe, noticing Raven's mischievous grin after uttering that ominous phrase.

"yes, I have indeed," replied Raven nonchalantly.

Somehow this was the ability I Have always wanted since I was a kid. As if I have an irrepressible obsession with this power. However, in the end, this is the only power that can grant me infinite chances to successfully prevent all the cullings.

"enlighten me, young master" Keefe joked.

Raven replied using only two words: Time loop.

Shocked, Keefe stammered "b..bbut you never know what kind of...of appalling restrictions might come with this ability."

Raven spoke with a contented demeanor that made it seem like he was under a spell, saying, "I can't fathom any fatal limitations that would hinder my time-looping ability, so everything is fine."

Keefe put forward an argument, suggesting, "Instead of blindly choosing this ability, can't you opt for a more practical ability that we have more data on?"

"No!" Raven roared.

"No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No" Raven thundered repeatedly.

Taken aback by the sudden outburst, Keede backed down immediately and didn't say another word.

The day of Raven's coming of age arrived, and when he entered the room, he was greeted with an awe-inspiring sight. The room was a magnificent display of luxury, reminiscent of a grand cathedral, complete with high ceilings and intricate stained-glass windows that filled the space with a myriad of colors. The walls were adorned with delicate carvings and golden accents that shimmered in the soft candlelight.

The centerpiece of the room was a massive table, meticulously carved and draped with silky sheets and plush velvet pillows. Resting amidst the cushions was a sizable container brimming with dark, purplish fluid, accompanied by several sheets of golden parchment covered in intricate patterns that appeared to resemble both everything and nothing simultaneously. Around the room, luxurious seating arrangements had been placed, with chairs and sofas upholstered in the finest fabrics. The floor was paved with marble tiles and covered in soft, fluffy rugs.

Needless to say, the room exuded an air of extravagance and grandeur, befitting a momentous occasion like Raven's coming of age.

The room was packed with people, all dressed in extravagant and otherworldly outfits. However, Raven's attire stood out above the rest, as if he were superior to all the others in the room. At the front of the room, close to the presider, stood his family. His mother appeared expectant, his father was beaming with pride, his sister had an aloof expression on her face as if nothing mattered to her, and his younger brother was cradled in his mother's arms. Additionally, a few other individuals dressed in ornate green uniforms were present, resembling soldiers.

Following Raven were two individuals whom he had instructed to call for a doctor after he had finished bullying Amani. Both Keefe and Louie were dressed in the same green uniform as the soldiers stationed in front. Lastly, behind the three imposing figures, there was a hunched figure who could only be Amani, still appearing injured. His hand was wrapped in bandages, and his face bore bruises.

The moment Raven's mother saw Amani's injuries, her smile vanished, and she looked at Raven with disappointment. Raven understood the meaning behind her gaze, he shamelessly declared, loud enough for everyone in the room to hear, "I have already apologized to Amani. This won't happen again, I promise." The room was filled with loud gasps as the residents of Level 2 and above were known for their prideful behavior and would never apologize to a slave. His mother's smile returned, relieved, and she glanced over at Amani, who was also visibly shocked by Raven's words.

After remaining silent until now, the Presider finally asked Raven to come forward toward the centerpiece. Raven obediently followed, and the Presider proceeded to explain the simple procedure of the ceremony.

The prescribed procedure for the ceremony was simple: Raven had to select a single golden paper from the stack, prick his finger, and let the blood drip onto the paper. He then had to place the bloodied paper into the jar of purplish-black liquid and wait for the results. Throughout this process, Raven had to focus on the type of ability he desired in his heart.

The liquid in the jar began to bubble, and a cloud of red smoke emerged, engulfing Raven and causing him to cough uncontrollably. It felt like an eternity before the coughing subsided, and he was left feeling dizzy as if all the blood in his body was rushing to his brain in an attempt to escape. He collapsed to the ground, his knees almost buckling under him, and he let out some unintelligible sounds as he knelt there. Gradually, the strange sensations faded away, leaving him with an excruciating headache. With Amani's help, he managed to stand up and looked around the room with bleary eyes.

Raven experienced an unusual sensation as if he had witnessed the exact scene and felt all of it repeatedly before. The feeling of deja vu was too intense to overlook, but the headache was becoming unbearable, and he just longed to rest. Suddenly, a voice, which sounded familiar and compassionate, filled the air with concern came from somewhere near him.

"Are you alright, young master?" Amani inquired with concern.

"I am alright now," replied Raven softly.