81.3 – Viper & Lohan!

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PART 1 – Viper(Zendaya)!

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Zendaya, undeniably beautiful, a young commoner from the Duchy of Veremor, handpicked by the former Patriarch of the Veremor Family, becoming a Shadow of Veremor.

Nicknamed Viper, she was one of the best in her class, surpassing even her seniors. Talented and obstinate, she was sent on many espionage missions. Being so beautiful, she could disguise herself as a noblewoman and, if need be, she would seduce noblewomen in the position of a peasant.

Since the age of 4, her life has been about serving the Duchy of Veremor, not thinking of herself, just going through the motions, having her ageing slowed down, her power increased and her loyalty increased, along with promises of retirement at an older age.

The Shadows of Veremor are not emotionless bloodthirsty killers, not anymore. Long ago the Duchy of Veremor created them to be brutal weapons, but one of the weapons got out of control and almost caused the death of the whole family.

Since then they have changed their approach. The Shadows of Veremor had hoped to rest. Their efficiency decreased, but loyalty and numbers increased. A more humanitarian approach reduced mission casualties, a chance to raise a family and enjoy their final years before they could no longer have children gave them the motivation they needed to train, study and do their best.

Naturally, if the present-day Shadows were to face off against those of the past, those of the past would win. They don't care about their lives, they would die if it meant taking 1 or 2 enemies. Today's Shadows have tactics and means of securing their goals and masters, while still being able to survive, but if that's not possible, they're more than happy to sacrifice themselves for the Duchy.

Many may find it inefficient to give a future to weapons that should be disposable and that have spent so many resources to create. Those who know the truth and the methods think it's a waste, but the Veremor Family has a different view.

A deadly, sharp weapon when aimed at your enemies is perfect, but when it loses control and leaves your hands, it can be used just as lethally against you.

...

Viper's life was missions and obedience, training, studying and, above all, going undercover. She was hardly ever sent on an escort, her skills were more essential in other areas. Being pretty helped a lot.

So decades passed. Because of the alchemy, she aged slowly, keeping a 20~25 look, even at the age of 40.

Viper hardly thought about the future. She wasn't like the few dreamers who existed, she just served and didn't know what to do when the time came to retire. Because of her indecision and potential, Alpha had his eye on her, thinking of making her his heir.

Alpha was the oldest of the Shadows of Veremor, being her identity and position. Viper could become the next Alpha and many knew this, they didn't see any problems, as this is an important position full of responsibilities, directly serving the Duchess and whoever inherits her position in the future.

But something has changed. A simple escort mission, taking two specialists to the estate, joining them with the other adventurers and mercenaries, the demonic invasion took place.

Skarla, a young adventurer who looked like a savage. Viper had many missions and one of them was to comfort the adventurers. She had done this thousands of times in the past and didn't think much of it, but from the first contact, something happened and changed.

Viper had never felt that way about anyone before. Some had come close, but she forbade herself from having feelings, there were no chances, she was young, it would take time for her to grow old, these people would be old by then.

She had never wanted romance, but Skarla came into her life, the sex was fantastic, she was strong and began to take an interest and care about her. It was a strange feeling, it was just sex, it shouldn't have been a big deal, but it was.

No one noticed how much it affected her, how much she was changing. She was already old and her contribution was enormous, in a few years she could retire and try to raise a family. Perhaps such thoughts arose when Skarla made her have the best sex of her life.

Ambition, something no Shadow of Veremor should have, she developed.

Skarla then fought for her and had her, taking control of herself. She could have refused and continued with her sisters, but... for the first time she decided to be selfish, it was the best decision of her life.

She followed Skarla, accompanied her, learned, became stronger, more confident, seeing a greater future, not as Letiphia Veremor's subordinate, but as an equal.

A strong woman who loved her, she had everything and she clung to it. Letiphia then joined the harem and this affected her greatly, making her submissive by nature, but Skarla constantly put her up, making her hold her head high and not back down to Letiphia.

Viper is the third wife, the first in the empire. Her position carries enormous weight and she was the first woman Skarla really fell in love with.

Talya and Ilyria. Skarla loves them both, there's no denying that, but the relationship initially arose out of responsibility, need and desire. One being a cousin and the other potentially pregnant.

Skarla loved them and took responsibility, not running away. But Viper, she was the first one Skarla fell in love with.

After her self-esteem was raised, Viper progressed further in her combat techniques, cultivation and martial arts. A strong and unwavering conviction is something that makes a Demon Cultivator extremely powerful.

And the Demonic Cultivation Techniques have greatly affected her personality and actions. She became more reckless, had various problems, but as she adjusted, she controlled herself and overcame various barriers, becoming the strongest wife.

Even with Grisaliel joining, it doesn't matter, Viper is stronger, even if she isn't a Legend (Lv21+), she could kill Legends. Shunam is her only rival for that position.

Her years alongside Skarla weren't easy, regardless of how strong they both are, they attracted a lot of attention and had to do a lot of things. Letiphia couldn't go out much and she had Skarla's first male child, Lohan.

Viper was given responsibilities he didn't want, but he accepted them and did an incredible job. King Edric caused problems, but his daughter was his fiancée, a forced relationship. She didn't want that, but she knew that for dreams and goals, sacrifices were necessary.

Lohan was the child she loved more than herself. She would protect him no matter what, even if it meant turning her blade against Skarla. Viper loved Lohan more than anything in this life and her love and protection only increased after the accident.

One day, playing with her older sisters, Lohan hid in the mansion, everything seemed ordinary and nice, the servants smiling, children having fun, everything normal.

Lohan ran, ran and not wanting to be caught, he jumped, tripped and hit his head. Simple child's play, accidents happen all the time. Lohan hasn't been the same since.

Temporary memory loss, he was only 2 years old, it wouldn't have affected him that much. But since then he spoke less and less, until he didn't speak to anyone anymore, just smiling and acting sluggish.

Viper watched as the other children called his son retarded, the rumors... it was all painful. Viper hated it, but his carelessness made his son suffer and even Skarla couldn't reverse it.

But Viper wouldn't let her son be treated like that, she trained him. Unlike most wives who give their all in various areas, she hasn't bothered to set up a company or focus on what she's good at, Viper is good at practically everything she does.

Unlike other noble families, wives fight for attention from the patriarch, as well as for more power and position. But this is irrelevant between her and her rivals. Skarla would not allow such conflicts and all are treated equally, there is little or no favoritism.

Viper then focused on getting her son to adapt. She thought it would be difficult, but it wasn't. Lohan was extremely intelligent and it wasn't that he couldn't speak, it was his choice.

Lohan is perceptive, sharp and his talent for martial arts and cultivation is enormous, making him comparable to Gina who steals all the limelight, but it seems that inheriting something from her, Lohan inherited her discretion.

Viper was proud, her son was a little monster and nobody knew it. He didn't mind being insulted, but he had an enormous love for his family, he was so sweet and gentle, Viper was frightened by it, wondering who he inherited it from.

One day, Viper went into Skarla's arms, intense nights as they usually are. Lying on his huge torso and breasts, Skarla stroked his back and felt a scar that hadn't been there before.

This worried Skarla, but Viper had a proud smile on her face. She remembered that practice match, Lohan went all out, it wasn't supposed to be a big deal in her eyes, the difference in power was absurd.

But Lohan overcame her defenses and stabbed her in the back. Lohan managed to make her drop her guard and wound her. How could she not be proud?

Only Viper knew what Lohan was capable of, so seeing him shine at the Krugar Academy Competition filled her with pride, seeing Skarla amazed was priceless, but it also scared her.

If Lohan was able to hide even his power from Skarla, it shows that he has more hidden. Skarla knows everything that happens to her children, or so it should be.

But to hear him speak those words, defending Skarla, something that many would consider impossible or crazy. Lohan did it without hesitation.

...

As well as focusing on helping her son, Viper also carried out many missions, as the strongest wife, she needed to represent the power of the Krugar Nation, to show that Skarla wasn't the only one protecting the place.

At some point Skarla had to visit another continent, staying away for months, dealing with various commercial matters for the future, as she started a maritime development, creating huge cargo ships and establishing safe maritime and commercial routes.

The problem was that at the time, Skarla was known as the strongest Legend, her wives were at most Master Level individuals. Grisaliel had a kingdom to rule.

This provided opportunities. Many tried to forcefully expand their influence while Skarla was away, the problem being that the strength of the wives was greater than they could have foreseen.

Viper expelled groups that tried to establish themselves forcibly, prevented the theft of several secret documents, Gakai managed to prevent several secrets from being discovered, among others.

In the process, it was discovered that Skarla's wives, as well as her disciples, are individuals who hold the power to kill Legends.

In a small nation, a force of more than 10 Legends... that's inconceivable, even the most powerful nations on nearby continents wouldn't have that much power. This has led to the assumption that there is something hidden in Krugar that gives so much XP and allows Legends to be created so easily.

And such rumors have resulted in more forces trying to explore Krugar's secrets while Skarla is away. Everything was thwarted, even a Legendary Assassin from another continent came to infiltrate, only to be stopped by Viper and Shunam.

Many tried to cause trouble, none succeeded and Viper was the one who acted most in the shadows to get rid of these dangers.

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PART 2 – Lohan Verona!

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Lohan Verona, like any other child, was curious about the world, learning, talking, eating dirt and being influenced by those around him.

From an early age, Lohan traveled a lot because of his engagement. A beautiful baby with white hair and delicate skin, almost albino. He is Viper's love and pride.

Lohan grew up surrounded by big, beautiful, strong sisters. He was small and adorable, he never exuded strength, even though the accident happened when he was two years old, you have to notice that in all Skarla's sons and daughters, there is something that makes them seem different from normal, Lohan didn't have that.

After the accident he no longer spoke, not because he couldn't, but simply because he didn't want to. The accident unlocked something in his mind, strange memories, screams to make him be quiet, blows that permeated his body with pain.

Lohan was confused, it was too confusing for a child to understand. Fragmented memories, not of a past life, not of some invader trying to take over his body, but simple memories of a child who grew up being abused by his parents, beaten for making noise.

He inherited that, inherited that trauma, that maturity. He stopped talking because he felt it was more convenient. He became suspicious of everyone around him, afraid of their mothers. Skarla was big, very big, her huge palms were scary, he was afraid she would hit him with those huge palms.

He drew a picture, the fragments of memories he simply wanted to draw and give to his mother Skarla. It was innocence, but an innocence shrouded in doubts, fears and fears, but an enormous desire for approval.

Skarla picked him up, and that huge, frightening body, making him feel tiny, became comforting. That huge hand, which seemed scarier than the fists and pieces of wood used to beat him in those memories, had the sole purpose of caressing him, giving him comfort and security.

Those memories and feelings were destroyed, Lohan didn't need them. Lohan had loving mothers, a huge family, people to lean on, no one to hurt him for no reason.

Lohan matured because of those memories, he understood more of the world because of them, he tried harder than anyone else, training in secret, he wanted to make Viper proud who had cared for him so much, given him so much love, even though he didn't think he deserved it.

His sisters and brothers weren't the best, they called him ugly names, made fun of him, but he just smiled. It didn't affect him, he knew he wasn't retarded, they were just kids who didn't understand what they were saying.

Lohan was grateful for what he had, in this life, all he could do was be grateful for being alive, for having such a wonderful family, for having privileges that most people would never dream of having.

If his body was sore from training, he was grateful to be stronger.

If his plate was full of food, he thanked his parents for providing such a feast.

If his brothers hurt him, teased him, bullied him, he just smiled, grateful that they were well, healthy and strong.

Everyone thought he was a fool, a retard who didn't know how to do anything. Even though everyone thought so, Viper and Skarla, who mattered most in his life, didn't think so.

Skarla was always there for him, she gave him more attention than his brothers, and this caused envy and jealousy in them, it damaged his relationship with his sisters and brothers, but he allowed himself to be selfish and enjoy such attention.

One day when he was 9 years old, meditating on the balcony of his room, his body broke, a shell fell off and the metamorphosis took place. Lohan had achieved an incredible feat, before anyone else, in the Murim, he would be a prodigy seen every 100,000 years or so, it might not even be possible to calculate.

Even Skarla, with all her knowledge and experience, only achieved this feat at the age of 16 (Chapter 4, Part 3). Lohan achieved it at the age of 9, seven years different.

And as he advanced, his body was rid of impurities, his potential soared, his limits expanded and power permeated his entire body. In the face of all this, he had only himself to thank.

Joining his hands on the balcony, the immense garden, followed by the beautiful mountains. He smiled, grateful for everything the world has to offer him, how beautiful and magnificent life is, how benevolent the world is, how majestic nature is.

[You have touched “Enlightenment”!]

His body radiated a golden, almost divine glow. Her cultivation advanced, her martial arts boosted, her mind passed through enlightenment, something that in none of her lives had Skarla been able to achieve.

At the age of nine, Lohan had surpassed Skarla's more than 100 years of life combined. A genius, or anything that can name such a talent. An accident that became her fortune.

The following years followed slowly, it took him hours to days to master any technique he learned. The 8 Trigrams? His brothers took weeks to months to master it, he took 4 hours.

His affinity with the cultivation techniques he practiced increased at an absurd rate. His control over Internal Energy was magnificent. Every few years he understood more about Enlightenment, the result of which, in addition to great power, was a huge increase in his XP.

It turned out that his strength and mentality didn't match his level, so the system and the world rewarded him accordingly. His levels rose and he remained discreet in his life.

He didn't want to take the spotlight away from Gina, the fact that he was grateful, humble and kind didn't make him oblivious to what was really going on, the feelings, philosophies and emotions.

Lohan understood that he was the strongest of his siblings, that he could surpass his mother Skarla. He was sure of that, but it wasn't arrogance or contempt, just the plain truth.

So he didn't want to hurt his family, he didn't want Gina to feel inferior, because she had a lot of pressure on her shoulders, the firstborn, the strongest descendant.

Lohan wasn't interested in titles, even though he wanted to make his mother proud, he didn't want it at the cost of family discord. He read books, passed down records, trained a lot with his mother, listened to her stories, understanding the horrible things in the world.

His mother introduced him to such things, she feared he wouldn't be able to understand or accept, but he understood and accepted, but contemplated and thought beyond.

He saw the actions of criminal groups, he saw what they did to captured victims. Slavery, the act he abhors most after child abuse.

Slavery in his eyes is the act of depriving someone of understanding the real beauty of this world. Taking away their freedom, molding someone to hate the world, hate people, close themselves off from love.

Then there was pedophilia. He abhorred rape as a whole, not least slavery, but this one in particular was the greatest of all evils, to the point where he himself was unable to come to an exact conclusion.

The act of tainting a child's purity and innocence. It didn't happen to those in his memories, that poor child who suffered so much and hated the world for how he lived and suffered every day. Lohan saw how ruthless her mother was with such individuals, even if they were nobles, friends or business partners, she would expel anyone who committed such atrocities.

Lohan understood her mother's hatred, but was against her unforgivable actions against them. Perhaps it was her innocence, or just her love for everyone and everything. He himself abhorred the corruption of minors, but found the act of taking a life that he could change and regret, very heinous.

But Lohan understood that not everyone thought the same, not everyone could even love their enemies. The problem was that Lohan had no enemies. He's young, he's never experienced life as a whole, growing up in a bubble, surrounded by kind people, he's seen his brothers, who were the closest thing to an enemy, change little by little, regret their actions, reconcile and mature.

Lohan thought that everyone could change, improve, forgive and overcome. Unfortunately, that's not true. Not everyone can be Lohan, not even he could be like that forever.

Everyone is bound to change, to experience moments that shape their lives forever. In Lohan's case, three moments shaped his life, making him have doubts and fears about his view of the world, about his... gratitude.

The first moment was when he was practicing his Stealth Arts. He was excellent at it, to the point where he sometimes had to suppress himself so as not to alarm his mother too much. But sometimes he liked to go all out, traveling around the mansion, the city, taking advantage of the fact that he was invisible.

On one of his adventures, he bumped into his mother Skarla on the balcony. He didn't want to peek, but he couldn't get away, not with her crying.

Lohan didn't understand what had happened to make Skarla cry. Who or what could do that? Had one of her stepmothers died? A sister or brother?

Lohan was worried, his heart squeezed, he wanted to ask, but feared being found out. He had to watch his mother cry alone, with no one to comfort her. Lohan understood that even Skarla, who is a beacon for everyone on this continent, an insurmountable wall, is still human, still has feelings.

The next morning he waited for the terrible news. All he knew was that Gina was extremely angry with Theya, that Theya had been beaten up by Gina and put under house arrest.

He understood that Theya had done something. But he didn't understand what she could have done to make Skarla cry.

Lohan wanted to ask, so he burst into the room and watched Theya complaining. Theya felt no guilt or remorse for what she had done. Lohan didn't know the real reason for all this, but he understood that she didn't care.

She had let Skarla down, made the strongest woman in their lives cry and... she felt nothing?

Lohan thought he had abandoned his hatred, but it was still welling up in his heart.

He left, calmed down and contemplated, he wanted help, but he had no one to turn to for support. He didn't speak and that's when he felt powerless, understanding his mother's position a little.

Skarla is at the top, she can't show weakness, her enemies would take advantage of that. Lohan understood for the first time the weight of being strong, it's so lonely...

So in the midst of repressing his feelings, contemplating life, thinking about the future, he went to his favorite library, drowning himself in books. He loved the smell of old books, flipping through the pages, the peace of the place.

His mother had bought the bookshop because it was one of the few places he really loved. The owner receives a subsidy to keep the place organized and unchanged, just to please Lohan.

Lohan likes this, it shows that his hands are attentive to him, care for him and want the best for him. Willing to do anything to make his life easier.

So, attached to his books, he forgot. Sometimes Mirah came to visit, accompanying him to read, it was fun. Mirah was his most beloved little sister, she never insulted him, she loved him and even protected him, resulting in much laughter.

Lohan had gone to his favorite bookstore again, he knew Mirah would visit him later, she was thinking of going out and always visited him when she left.

He waited patiently. It was usually the same time, looking at his wristwatch, she hadn't arrived. But this is your house, there's no way anything bad could have happened, until the door opened, his face lighting up, but it was one of Mirah's servants, her face worried, desperate.

Lohan appeared in front of her in an instant, his gentle, calm countenance fading into an intense, terrifying stare, the glass cracking before his eyes. - “Where is she?” - The first sentence in months or years, it doesn't matter, he only wants to know one thing.

Closing his eyes, he concentrated, his perception exploded and covered all his surroundings, he searched every inch, felt every wave of energy and discovered the route. He saw that Mirah was here, she must have even seen him, but he didn't see or hear her. He didn't notice his sister being taken away.

He passed the servants and guards, his attention falling on one place, he was angry, but that hatred for Theya had changed, it had become a desire to kill and protect. He had never felt this before, but it all exploded at once.

Lohan understood for the first time what it meant to have enemies, what they were willing to do to hurt him. The enemies of his family are also his enemies.

Lohan understood, realized that his thoughts were very childish. They are willing to take a child for their plans, to affect Skarla.

He went to where they were and killed them all, his power was such that his will to kill consolidated. He killed his enemies with just the thought.

He found Mirah, she was terrified and fragile, Lohan felt guilty, picked her up, hugged her and comforted her. There are bad people in this world, the world is not as beautiful as he thought it was.

“Then I'll make it so.” - Lohan made up her mind, but let Skarla settle matters with the evildoers.

Her third change came at the last academy championship. Her sister Theya thought she was the empress of the academy and could do whatever she wanted ever since Gina had to leave.

Lohan couldn't hold it in any longer. Entering the stage, instead of admitting defeat, he effortlessly defeated all his opponents, one by one.

Come Theya's turn, he wasn't like before. He humiliated her, beat her and destroyed her will.

Lohan felt pity, not hatred towards Theya. - “You made mommy cry.” - That's all he said before finishing this public humiliation.

He hopes it will change her, but after everything he's experienced recently, he finds it difficult. His mind has changed and he has moved away from enlightenment, no. He has shaped his enlightenment.

That kind mentality is still there, but he has learned more about life, he understands that everyone deserves a second chance, but he understands that hatred doesn't allow such a chance. That actions can be unforgivable depending on the person. He understood that sometimes hatred is so great that it obscures reason and kindness.

“Shadows are necessary so that the world can shine.” - Lohan said, remembering the words of her mother who was a Shadow of Veremor.

Her philosophy, her actions to maintain peace and security. Lohan understood those words, that sacrifices must be made for the world to shine, for children to smile.

Determination. That's all she needs.

[Ready-made answers]

1. Lohan is Skarla's strongest son and I find it hard to beat him.

2. He has potential and will probably surpass Skarla in the future.

3. Metamorphosis has no correlation with Enlightenment.

4. Enlightenment means transcending and achieving Immortality, in this world it would mean surpassing Level 50 and becoming a God. But he's a long way from that.