Chronicles of the Reborn Scholar

Isolde's Backstory Part 2

Isolde entered the factory, and the first thing she noticed was that the children recently brought there were being injected with something sharp and pointed, causing them immense pain. The factory reeked of blood, and the strong metallic smell filled the air. The researchers working there covered their noses to avoid the stench. Scattered around were body parts of previous test subjects, evidence of the gruesome experiments that had taken place.

Feeling disgusted and overwhelmed by what she had witnessed, Isolde panicked and bolted out of the factory. She ran without stopping, her mind in turmoil. Along the way, some people who recognized her asked why she was running, but she didn't hear them. She was too lost in her thoughts to respond.

While running, Isolde struggled to make sense of what she had seen. "Wh...wha...what...was that...?" she panted, her breath heavy with panic. As the images of the tortured children replayed in her mind, she mumbled, "No... no... why? Why?"

Now, let's learn about the Van Clan. The Van Clan was infamous for its specialization in research and experiments on humans, with the goal of enhancing their abilities and power—an inhumane practice. The Van Clan was also known for its abundant mana reserves, said to rival even some royal families. Originally one of the native clans of Ivan, the Van Clan was nearly wiped out during the war. In fact, the clan was already at its lowest point,the main branch family head before millie was cruel in her way to experiment on their own men which resulted in their own detruction.Millie wanted to stop eveything butit was too late. Isolde was meant to be the next head of the clan, but something happened... something terrible. She is now the last known member of the Van Clan.

[Returning to the story]

After reaching her house—a small mansion—Isolde rushed to her room without acknowledging her mother or the maids.

"Isolde!" her mother, Millie, called out, trying to stop her. But Isolde didn't respond, and instead, she slammed her door shut.

Short of breath, she muttered to herself, "What... what..." Her head began to ache from the overwhelming unease. "Why were they..." She sat down near the door, holding her head in her hands, unable to process what she had seen. Eventually, she collapsed onto her bed.

Isolde stayed locked in her room until nightfall, avoiding everyone, including her mother. When her father, Phillip, returned, Millie quickly informed him of the situation.

"Isolde has locked herself in her room since she came home," Millie explained, worried.

This unusual behavior alarmed Phillip. He hurried to Isolde's room, located on the ground floor, and knocked on the door. "Isolde... Isolde, open the door," he called out in a calm voice. "Please open the door. Your mother is worried about you."

He turned to Millie and asked, "Was someone with Isolde when she came home? Was she alone?"

"She was alone..." Millie replied, her face filled with sadness and tension.

Phillip frowned in frustration. "Fin!" he called, summoning the family butler. Fin, a man in his 40s responsible for the security of the house in Phillip's absence, entered with his head bowed.

"Yes, sir," Fin responded.

"Why was she alone? Weren't you supposed to accompany her?"

"Sorry, sir... Miss Isolde wanted to go alone, and I... I couldn't refuse. I thought she was familiar with the town by now, and there wouldn't be any problem. I thought it would help her grow and get more comfortable with the town. I didn't think something like this could happen."

Phillip sighed deeply. "Fine, I understand, but it's your responsibility to ensure her safety."

"Yes, sir. I won't let this happen again," Fin promised.

Phillip, now more anxious, knocked on Isolde's door again. "Isolde," he said firmly, "if you don't open the door, I'm going to break it down."

When no response came, Phillip decided to act on his threat. "Everyone stand back, I'll handle this," he ordered.

With a strong punch, Phillip broke open the door. They found Isolde lying motionless on the bed.

Millie rushed over to her daughter, checking her immediately. Isolde was asleep, but when Millie touched her forehead, she recoiled in shock.

"Phillip, Isolde has a fever! Call the medical team!" Millie exclaimed in panic.

Phillip turned to Fin. "Call them now," he commanded.

"Yes, sir!" Fin responded and rushed off to summon the medical team.

For the next two weeks, Isolde didn't speak to anyone or leave her room. She remained locked away, consumed by the horrific memory of what she had witnessed at the factory. Finally, after days of isolation and contemplation, she decided to revisit the factory once more, determined to meet the children herself and confront the nightmare head-on.