It's my family now

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The original body's memories swirled with a mix of amusement and fondness as he witnessed Igor's unchanged, impish grin. This little imp, despite his occasional troublemaking, had always held a special place in the original body's heart. Unlike their elder brothers, Mikhail and Evan, who were known for their strictness, the original body found solace in Igor's playful spirit. He was the perfect partner-in-crime for pranks and lighthearted mischief, a welcome escape from the expectations and pressures of their noble lineage.

The original body admired Igor's unwavering loyalty, evident in the car incident. Taking the blame, despite the consequences, spoke volumes about Igor's character. This selfless act solidified their bond, making them closer than any other siblings. The original body, touched by his brother's devotion, vowed to always be there for Igor, a promise that resonated deeply within me.

Now, reunited after years of separation, the weight of that promise settled heavily on my shoulders. The original body's love and protectiveness for his younger brother intertwined with my own determination. I wouldn't just ensure their survival; I would create a safe haven for them, a place where laughter and love could flourish amidst the impending chaos. In the face of the unknown, the bond between these brothers would serve as a source of strength, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, love and family could persevere.

"Trying the innocent act, little brother? Stealing my secret stash again, were you?" I teased, a playful smirk gracing my lips.

Igor's grin widened as he burst into laughter. "Guilty as charged, bro! But seeing you back definitely beats any snack," he admitted.

"Alright, alright," I chuckled, rummaging through my drawers. Finding a hidden stash of treats, I tossed them towards him.

His eyes lit up with delight. "Thanks, bro!" he exclaimed, catching the snacks with a practiced ease. "Let's catch up over dinner, though. I can't play right now. Got some things to take care of beforehand."

"Sure thing, bro," Igor agreed readily. He knew better than to argue when I had that determined look in my eyes. Besides, he had already snagged his prize and couldn't wait to devour the treats. With a quick wave, he darted out of the room, his mission accomplished.

The door shut with a soft click as Igor disappeared down the hallway. Left alone, I gravitated towards my study desk, seeking a pen and paper. The weight of the impending apocalypse pressed down on me, demanding a plan, a strategy for survival.

But a crucial hurdle loomed: my family. How could I possibly convince them of the coming disaster? Simply narrating the disjointed memories wouldn't suffice. Without concrete proof, my words would likely be dismissed as a joke or, worse, a symptom of a mental breakdown. The thought of being confined to a sterile hospital ward sent shivers down my spine.

Logic dictated a gradual approach. I needed to lay the groundwork, plant seeds of doubt and prepare them for the possibility of the unthinkable. But how? This was a delicate dance, a tightrope walk between urgency and caution. The fate of my family, their very survival, hung in the balance. I had to tread carefully, ensuring their safety while not appearing like a raving lunatic. The clock was ticking, and the challenge before me was daunting, yet the love I held for my family fueled my resolve. I had to find a way, for their sake, for all of their sakes.

Sinking into my familiar swivel chair, I furrowed my brow in thought. "Proof, I need proof," I muttered, the weight of the situation pressing down on me. Ideally, I'd showcase my abilities, a clear demonstration of the future I'd glimpsed through the original body's memories. But the apocalypse hadn't arrived yet, and acquiring these abilities wouldn't be an easy feat.

The whispers of the original body's memories offered a potential solution - the zombie crystals. These were said to be the source of power during the apocalypse, bestowed upon individuals by a being known as the Abyss. It was also mentioned that scientists later discovered a way to purify them for human consumption, allowing for safe absorption of their power and accelerated spiritual evolution.

"But where to find such a gate?" I muttered, the question echoing in the stillness of the room. My mind raced back to the original body's memories, specifically the details gleaned from novels within that world. A single piece of information surfaced - a hypothesis proposed by scientists within that world. They believed first-rate gates, the ones leading directly to the zombie world, formed before the apocalypse itself. This was because they required a massive accumulation of spiritual energy, a process that wouldn't be possible amidst the chaos of the event.

Hope flickered within me. This hypothesis offered a potential roadmap. If I could find these pre-existing gates, I could potentially gather proof, tangible evidence of the impending apocalypse. With proof in hand, convincing my family wouldn't be an impossible task.

A surge of determination coursed through me. I stretched out my hand, reaching for the familiar blue planet world map that adorned my expansive floor-to-ceiling bookshelf. It was time to delve into research, to chart a course through a world teetering on the brink of disaster. My family's future, their very survival, depended on it. The weight of responsibility settled heavily upon me, but I was no longer alone. The memories, the knowledge, and the unwavering love of the original body fueled my resolve. I would find the gates, I would gather the proof, and I would protect my family - no matter the cost.

Spreading the vast map across my desk, I focused on the familiar terrain of the Copper Kingdom. My mind sifted through the original body's memories, recalling the chilling details of the six first-rate gates discovered within the kingdom's borders. These gates, notorious for their extreme difficulty, acted as gateways to the zombie world, their inhabitants fueled by a potent cocktail of spiritual energy and deadly viruses.

The weight of this knowledge pressed down on me, the sheer number of portals hinting at the impending catastrophe's vastness. Yet, amidst the daunting reality, a glimmer of hope emerged. The memories offered a crucial piece of information - the locations of these gates. With a determined resolve, I began marking each location on the map with a bold red circle.

As I diligently marked the sixth and final gate, a gentle knock on the door startled me. "Sir, dinner is ready," announced Jack, the ever-reliable butler, his voice a welcome break from the intensity of my research. Rising from my chair, I glanced at the map, the red circles stark reminders of the task ahead. The road to securing my family's future was paved with danger, but I was prepared to embark on this perilous journey. With a deep breath, I joined Jack, the map momentarily tucked away, the weight of responsibility a constant companion. For my family, I would face any challenge, conquer any obstacle. The fate of the Lancers, and potentially the entire world, rested upon my shoulders, and I wouldn't falter.

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