The Superior Rebirth: A Hero's Awakening

Playing Human: The Mask of Mortality

Percival gazed over at Alcmena before responding with a sly look on his face, "Oh, it is but in fact true, Alcmena."

"Caelen is the reincarnation of Ulfberht. And that's a fact you can't deny."

Alcmena retaliated, infuriated by the reveal. "You're nothing but a lying coward. Why the hell would I believe someone like yourself?"

"You don't need to," Percival said calmly. "Because he and his father, Adam, are already dead—by the hands of one of my generals."

"It doesn't really matter what you believe now, Alcmena."

Alcmena gritted his teeth in anger, still in disbelief over the revelation of Caelen being the reincarnation of the Father of Blades. Meanwhile, Percival turned his attention toward Xavier, clearly eager to see the boy's reaction.

Xavier gripped his fists tightly, his voice trembling. "You already took him from his family..."

"AND NOW YOU KILLED HIM AND HIS FATHER!?" he screamed, slamming his fist on the table. "ISN'T THAT ALREADY ENOUGH FOR YOU, YOU MONSTER!?"

Seeing Xavier's reaction, Percival looked startled—but not out of fear. Amusement glimmered in his eyes as he savored the boy's emotional turmoil.

"You see, Xavier," Percival replied, snapping his fingers. The scenery around them shifted, though the long, elegant dining table remained. "A boy like Caelen is too great a threat and power to be left in the hands of weak individuals—or kept alive after his purpose is fulfilled."

He stood up as the room around them transformed. It was massive—large enough to house a building. The walls and floor were lined with endless silver-gold metallic pipes, all connected to a massive cube-like orb that constantly changed shape. Steam hissed from the edges and corners, from channels leading into this bizarre, otherworldly machine.

"This," Percival murmured, eyes gleaming with pride, "is one of my greatest creations..."

"The Super E-Computer."

"A high-grade weapon comparable to an ethereal instrument. Capable of calculating probabilities and phenomena across present and future timelines."

Both Alcmena and Xavier stood speechless, baffled by the awe-inspiring machinery before them. The ominous hum and steamy breath of the machine sent chills through the room.

Percival continued. "The reason I took Caelen from his father was to use his mind and hands to help me finish building this revolutionary weapon."

"It has some faults—some incomplete data—but it's still my most prized possession. That boy Caelen is a genius beyond what most can comprehend."

"He may lack experience and the strength to forge a true ethereal instrument, but his talent betrays his nature."

"He is this era's Grand Forger. The spark of a new industrial age."

The two guests still stood in stunned silence, unable to fully process everything Percival had revealed.

"Why..." Xavier whispered. "Why would you create such a thing?"

"Oh, my dear Xavier," Percival grinned. "Because of you. Because of what will happen."

"W-what?"

"You are the reason I built this machine," Percival said. "It all started on that fateful day."

"The day I met a seer—someone gifted with glimpses into the threads of fate."

"She told me a little tale. A prophecy."

"She saw a child of human origin, born in the years to come, destined to wield the legendary Blade of Justice—Excalibur."