Rein stood before the mirror, his eyes steady and resolute. He tightened the straps of his backpack, a plain-looking but sturdy bag, with a normal dagger sheathed neatly on its side.
Its grip was slightly worn, yet polished, he had sharpened and cleaned it thrice the night before. With a deep inhale and an even longer exhale, he focused his mind. Today marked the beginning of his academy journey. He wasn't nervous...he was excited Before stepping out, he adjusted his training weights, increasing them by twice the usual resistance. His arms and legs immediately tensed at the burden. It would be a long walk, but he preferred it that way. He descended the wooden stairs from his quarters and arrived at the dining area. The aroma of hot soup greeted him like a warm memory. Sitting calmly was his grandfather, Ren, a stoic figure with graying hair and strong eyes that had seen both war and peace. "You should hurry. The school opening will come soon," Ren said, sipping the soup with deliberate grace. Rein smiled brightly, his eyes gleaming with youthful energy. "Thanks for the tip. Finally, I can train there more and get stronger." A rare smile formed on Ren's lips. It was subtle but genuine. It had been a long time since he'd seen his grandson so eager. "Okay... make me proud," he muttered. "Huh? What did you say?" Rein asked, puzzled. "Nothing." Ren's eyes went back to his bowl. He focused on his food, but his heart was no longer in it. After eating quickly and checking his dagger one last time, Renji headed for the door. He turned his head slightly and called out, "Bye!" His voice was cheerful, nearly shouting. Ren stood by the table, his spoon resting still. He waved silently. His voice didn't answer, but his smile did. It was soft and proud, the kind of smile that only a guardian who had raised a fighter could give. Rein turned back and began his journey. The house disappeared behind the bending road. His path ahead led to the capital and to a future he had dreamed of. The trek was grueling. The weight burdened his every limb, each movement slow and taxing. He had made them heavier for a reason: to temper his body and spirit. But even then, the climb up the capital road was as punishing as trekking up a steep mountain. Sweat trickled down his neck. His breathing grew heavier. Still, he refused to remove the weights. step after another, the scenery changed, farm roads turned into stone pavements, humble fields became structured districts. Eventually, the towering capital walls loomed ahead. The gates opened like the mouth of a giant beast, swallowing those who entered and spitting them out into the ordered chaos of civilization. Rein's eyes widened. He had trained most of his life in the yard, never really straying too far from home. This....this was another world entirely. He passed through the outer district, a mix of market stalls and commoner households. The liveliness of the place was a stark contrast to the silent training grounds he was used to. Shouts of vendors echoed, the clang of metal rang from blacksmiths, and the scent of roasted meat made his stomach twitch. But he didn't stop. Weapons gleamed under the sun. Trinkets of various kinds caught his eyes: crystals, bone-carved amulets, mana-infused stones. He wanted to browse, to inspect, but he had a destination. Sadly, he was poor too and had no money. He moved past the market and crossed into the wealthy district. Here, everything gleamed with polish and wealth. Tall buildings, ornate designs, fences that served more as decoration than protection. For him, this was grand. The details, the arches, even the polished stone roads felt enchanted. And then...he saw it. The Academy.... A massive estate enclosed in walls that towered above even the district gates. The entrance was adorned with blooming roses and curled thorns, as if welcoming students and warning enemies at the same time. The seal of the school...a radiant sun behind a looming tower....shined from the center of the gates. Students were already entering, many in black uniforms with blood-red linings, carrying books, weapons, and scrolls. Some, like him, weren't yet in uniform. He could tell from their eyes and movements that they were new, fresh blood, future contenders. Rein took a step forward when he felt the pressure. Glares. Subtle at first, then sharper. A group of noble-born students stood near the entrance, looking down on those walking past. Their uniforms were cleaner, custom-tailored, with extra gold linings that flaunted status. One of them: tall, blond, with a haughty expression, caught sight of Rein's dagger and plain garb. "Look at that. Commoner is already armed, thinking he'll become something," the noble boy said loud enough for others to hear. "Hmm, a country bumpkin." One added. A few chuckled. Another added, "He probably thinks he'll win a duel or two and rise above his class. Pathetic." Rein stopped. He looked straight at the tall noble and raised a brow. "And you? Already talking trash before school starts. Are you training your mouth instead of your skills?" The laughter paused.....then the wind blew next to them and blew off some dust in the process. The noble's smile turned sour. He stepped forward, clearly agitated, his mana flaring just a little to assert dominance. But Rein didn't flinch. His body ached from the weighted trek, but his eyes remained locked. "Better not make enemies on your first day, commoner," the noble spat. Rein tilted his head. "Too late. You insulted me first." A flicker of anger crossed the noble's face, "You know what? What I disliked the most was the commoner that is weak but talked like he was some big shot. You should grovel to the ground like you are... Worms should act like worms!" He shouted. "Well you are the frog in the well not knowing the vastness of the Ocean!" Rein rebutted. The noble was fuming in anger, "Hmm, okay commoner, you made this to yourself." He threw his right glove at him and they were all shocked. Rein, then picked it up. "Hey! Stop throwing your belongings." With that, they concluded, Rein accepted the duel unknowingly. "Good!" His enemy smirked and then laughed as he accepted it. He shouted, "[Fireball!]"
Latest Chapter
The 3 Generals
Inside the large campaign tent, the air was heavy with expectation.A war table stood at the center, covered in maps, drawn lines, and carved figurines representing armies and territories. Oil lanterns flickered on every corner of the tent, casting shadows on the lined faces of hardened warriors. Leather and fur armor rustled as the summoned generals entered and took their places around the table. The tension was tangible, like the stillness before a storm.Rein stood in the middle, arms crossed and gaze sharp as steel.Beside him were Arkhan and Arthurn, his most trusted vanguards, silent, stoic, and radiating unshakable loyalty. On the other end of the tent, Reginald leaned against one of the support beams with arms folded. He was half hidden in the dim light, keen eyes watching everything, as if dissecting every word before it was even spoken.Then the flap of the tent opened.Three figures walked in, each bearing the aura of their people. They were the chosen representatives from
Feast
After the battle, they all agreed to have a celebration especially to welcome the new recruits.....the Dark Mages. They immediately prepared for such occasions and everyone was excited. They will have another feast for the visitors.Inside the Soul Realm, the air was no longer filled with tension. No blades drawn, no cries of war, only the sound of laughter and the scent of smoke and roasted meat.They were all merry and joyous.A well-earned celebration. As for the Dark Mages, they were slowly adjusting. They did not feel such freedom from the past and now they were walking in the open without worries of being killed.Rein gave the order: they would host a great feast, not just for victory, but to welcome the Dark Mages. No more suspicion. No more fear.Today, they will celebrate. It was a once in a lifetime moment for the Dark Mages. The warriors spread out first, forming hunting parties. They rushed into the wild forests and plains of the Soul Realm, chasing wild boars. Their roar
Dark Mages
Rein returned to his normal form. The radiant glow of evolution dimmed as his body settled once again into his mimic form. His shell pulsed gently with mana, but his expression, if a mimic could truly have one, was lighter now. The tension that had gripped him during the war had lifted. For the first time in days, he chuckled."Ahhh… finally. Enough seriousness. Back to my cheerful self again," Rein said as his voice echoed playfully."Thank you everyone! Now back to business. Let's go home. But first, let's check the Dark mages first." "Arkhan let's go!" He yelled and then raised his arms. "Yes, master!" He knelt then stood up. "They were located at the cave nearby. I will lead you there myself. Arkhan raised an eyebrow, arms crossed, but allowed himself a small grin. The battlefield was cleared, the enemies vanquished.Arkhan paused for a moment. "It's northwest of the battlefield. They're getting weaker..but persistent. Faint enough to be from those barely clinging to life."Wit
Overlord Summoner
The Soul Realm trembled. Black fog from the absorption ritual still lingered like smoke above charred soil. The battlefield had fallen into silence, unnatural and deep, after the Lich's defeat and taming. No more howls, no more screams. Only the chilling hum of death magic was still crackling in the distance.Rein stood in the middle of the scorched land, sweat dripping from his brow, his robes stained with sweat and cursed soot. Around him, his warriors began to regroup. Mimics carried the wounded, slimes dissolved the last remains of the undead army, and his elite clones stood at attention, watching their master carefully.Before Rein, the newly resurrected man, once the Undead Lich, knelt calmly. No longer a rotting corpse nor a spectral being of hate, but a man reborn. His hair was silver and wild, his eyes violet and filled with bitter wisdom. He wore a conjured mage coat of dark silk, now reinforced with runes gifted through the taming ritual. Rein's knees suddenly gave way.Hi
Rebirth
The battlefield was silent for a heartbeat.Then came the rupture. A black vortex tore through the space, ripping it where the Undead Lich once floated. Rein stood at its center, his right hand outstretched, glowing with an ominous, devouring darkness. His newest skill [Catastrophic Gluttonous Devourer] was in full effect.The Lich screamed, its distorted voice howling across the ruined land. Necrotic tendrils lashed out in desperation, tearing apart what remained of the nearby forest. The ground cracked, the sky trembled, and even the lingering souls of the undead trembled at the sheer force of the absorption."Struggle all you want," Rein muttered, eyes burning with resolve. "You're doomed."The vortex expanded, consuming the darkness, the dark mists, and the shattered corpses scattered from the battle. The Lich resisted with every ounce of its might. Chaos erupted, swirling violently as the two wills clashed. For a brief moment, the Lich's soul pushed back, refusing to be dominated
Mage and Warrior Clones Combo
"Focus on whittling down his Barrier!" Rein's voice boomed across the battlefield, filled with the raw intensity of command."Affirmative!" his warriors replied in unison, their voices ringing out with determination. They were ready. They had to be.With synchronized precision, they dashed toward the Lich Overlord. Some leapt into the air, closing the distance quickly, while others focused on direct confrontation. Their goal was clear, to shatter the Lich's barrier before the dreaded Disintegration spell could be unleashed again. They had time now, but none of them knew how long that window would last. The Disintegration spell required a long cooldown, but they couldn't afford to wait too long.Now was their chance. They had weathered the initial blast and survived, their own barriers regenerating to full strength. Rein could sense it, their defenses were strong once more, and with the clones he had summoned, they were ready to strike with overwhelming force. He had confidence now; th
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