The Cold Heir

The days aboard the ship passed in a tense blur for Nagi. Every moment felt like walking a tightrope, the weight of his unfamiliar identity threatening to send him plummeting with the smallest misstep. 

He knew almost nothing about Ved Flack's life, his role among these people, or the expectations placed upon him. And yet, everyone around him looked to him with a mixture of reverence and fear, a mantle Nagi wasn't sure he could bear.

He spent much of his time observing, piecing together clues from overheard conversations and the occasional hesitant inquiry. The ship was more than a vessel, it was a mobile fortress, manned by a disciplined crew who clearly respected Ved. They worked tirelessly, maintaining weapons, cleaning gear, and ensuring the ship was prepared for anything.

'What kind of man was Ved Flack?' Nagi wondered as he watched from the upper deck, his hands gripping the railing. He had gleaned some insight from the crew's interactions.

Ved was a leader, known for his ruthless ambition, strategic brilliance, and icy demeanor, he commanded fear and respect in equal measure. and someone who rarely showed weakness. But these fragments were barely enough to mimic a person, let alone inhabit their life.

As the tranquil sea stretched endlessly under a starlit sky, its surface rippling softly as Ved's ship cut through the waters. The ship's crew bustled about, their voices carrying over the creaking wood. Ralf stood on deck, overseeing preparations for the journey ahead.

Inside the captain's quarters, Nagi sat in uneasy silence, the reality of his new life settling into his chest like a heavy stone. His mind was a cacophony of questions: 'How did I end up here? Who Ved Flack? What even is this world?'

Suddenly a loud shout broke through his thoughts.

"Pirates! Off the starboard side!"

The sudden alarm rattled through the ship like a clap of thunder. Nagi bolted upright, instinct driving him to stride to the window. Squinting into the distance, he spotted the silhouettes of ships approaching fast, sails adorned with the unmistakable black-and-skull insignia of pirates.

His heart raced. He wasn't ready for this.

The door burst open, and Ralf stepped in, his expression grim. "Sir, we're under attack. The crew awaits your command."

Nagi froze, unsure of what to say.

"Sir?" Ralf pressed.

Panic clawed at Nagi's throat, but he forced it down. "Defend the ship," he ordered, his voice steadier than he felt. "Do whatever it takes to hold them off."

Ralf nodded. "Understood. And you?"

"I'll… stay here." Nagi gestured vaguely to the room, his thoughts scrambling for an excuse. "To strategize."

Ralf hesitated, then bowed. "As you wish." He left, shutting the door behind him.

Alone again, Nagi's legs gave out, and he slumped into the chair. His hands trembled as the sounds of chaos erupted outside—shouts, the unmistakable roar of cannon fire, the clash of steel and magic.

"Damn it," he muttered. "I don't know how to fight like Ved. I'll get myself killed out there."

Just as he tried to calm his racing thoughts, the door creaked open. Nagi turned sharply, expecting Ralf or a crew member.

Instead, a man slipped into the room silently—a pirate. His weathered face was twisted with malice, his blade gleaming in the dim light.

"Well, well," the pirate sneered, closing the door behind him. ""Look who we have here—the famous young Flack heir, cowering in his quarters. What a disappointment, I guess we shouldn't buy into all those wild tales about you, huh"

Nagi's blood ran cold. He stood slowly, his mind screaming at him to do something. Anything.

The pirate stalked closer, his steps deliberate and predatory. "I've heard stories about you, little Captain Ved. Ruthless, cunning… but now I see the truth. You're just a coward."

Nagi's back hit the desk as the pirate lunged. Instinctively, he grabbed the nearest object—a heavy brass compass—and swung it wildly. The pirate dodged with ease, laughing cruelly.

"You're making this too easy," he taunted, raising his blade for the killing blow.

Time seemed to slow. Nagi's heart pounded in his ears as the reality of death loomed once again. His body screamed at him to move, but his limbs felt frozen.

'I can't die like this. Not again.'

[Host detected. System activated]

[Synchronization in progress]

A sudden surge of heat coursed through Nagi's body, followed by a sharp, searing pain in his head. He cried out, clutching his temples as memories not his own flooded his mind—Ved's memories.

He saw flashes of battles, strategies, victories, and losses. Techniques for swordsmanship, leadership, and survival burned into his mind like branding iron. Along with the memories came a voice, cold and commanding.

[Memory Fragments Recovered]

[Transfer Successful. Synchronization Confirmed]

[Ved Flack's memories and abilities are now accessible]

Nagi's eyes snapped open, now glowing faintly with a crimson hue. The fear that had gripped him moments ago evaporated, replaced by an icy calm.

The pirate hesitated, unnerved by the sudden change in Nagi's demeanor.

"What the hell…?" the pirate muttered.

Nagi moved before the man could react. In one fluid motion, he grabbed the sword hanging on the wall, drawing it with a deadly grace that felt second nature.

"You made a mistake coming here," Nagi said coldly, his voice carrying a weight that wasn't his.

The pirate lunged, but Nagi sidestepped effortlessly, his movements precise and calculated. With a single, powerful strike, he disarmed the man, sending the blade clattering to the floor.

The pirate stumbled back, clutching his wrist. "W-wait! I—"

Nagi didn't hesitate. He drove the hilt of his sword into the pirate's temple, knocking him out cold. The man crumpled to the floor, unconscious.

Breathing heavily, Nagi stared at the sword in his hand. It felt right—natural—as though it belonged there.

The memories of Ved Flack swirled in his mind, merging with his own. Techniques and strategies he had no right to know now felt as familiar as breathing. The power coursing through him was intoxicating yet terrifying.

"This… is Ved Flack," he muttered, gripping the sword tightly.

The chaos outside continued, but now Nagi felt ready. No, more than ready. He was Captain Ved Flack—at least, for now.

Slipping out of the captain's quarters, Nagi made his way to the deck, his glowing eyes cutting through the darkness. The crew, locked in fierce combat with the pirates, turned to stare in shock.

"Sir?" Ralf called, his voice tinged with disbelief.

Nagi raised his sword, his expression cold and commanding. "Defend the ship. Show no mercy."

The crew roared in response, their morale surging as they rallied behind their leader.