"Wow~," I gasp in surprise as Marilyn's face comes into view for the first time since she became my nanny. Despite being a skilled midwife and healer, my mom hired her as my nanny when I was just one year old. Ever since then, Marilyn has been taking care of me.
But now, I'm finally seeing her face, the face I've never seen before. All the women around me always wear veils, except for my sisters and mother. The reason behind this remains a mystery, as my family refuses to share it no matter how much I ask. To make things more puzzling, I've never been allowed to explore the palace fully since my birth. My movements are confined to my mom's vast and spacious chambers.
"You're beautiful…and younger than I expected," I remark, gazing into her captivating green eyes with unwavering focus. Her long, jet-black hair cascades down her waist, perfectly complementing her smooth, oval-shaped face, arched eyebrows, and luscious red lips. Adorning her elongated ears are numerous earrings, adding to her alluring charm.
Marilyn blushes momentarily at my words but quickly regains her composure. "Don't flatter me…hehehe. You always speak beyond your years. You're a smart kid," she says, playfully pinching my nose.
"I'm serious. I never realized you were such a beautiful young woman," I reply, folding my small hands behind my back as I stand before her.
Silence hangs in the air as Marilyn sighs and bends down, bringing her face to my eye level. "I am indeed a young woman, barely a hundred years old. My talent and skill as a healer and midwife earned me this position. But as a woman, I also have desires and emotions. I-I..." She trails off, sighing wearily.
"You're just a kid, after all. You wouldn't understand," Marilyn says, shaking her head with weariness.
I gaze at her, remaining silent. Little does she know, Marilyn, I know more than you think, I think to myself.
"Prince Alex, before I take you to her majesty, how about we take a look in the mirror? Your mother will explain everything," Marilyn suggests, taking hold of my small hand and leading me toward the exit at the end of the hallway—a path I've never traversed since birth.
Now that I remember, since my rebirth, I haven't caught a glimpse of myself in a mirror. In my previous life, vampires couldn't see their reflections, necessitating the use of special mirrors. However, in my current life, I haven't come across any mirrors in my mom's chambers. But being a clueless child, I couldn't complain or ask questions. If I did, it would raise my mom's suspicions or point fingers at the guards. Initially, I assumed it was an elvish cultural tradition, but that doesn't seem to be the case. There's definitely a connection between the veiled faces and the absence of mirrors.
"Wow, this is your room? It's so beautiful," I exclaim, pretending to be a wide-eyed child, marveling at the breathtaking sight.
I find myself inside Marilyn's room, which, to my disappointment, is still located within my mother's chambers. However, it's a part of the palace that I've never explored before.
Come to think of it, my mom's chambers are quite vast. How massive is the palace, and what lies beyond its boundaries? Through conversations with Marilyn, I've gathered information about this planet—a world teeming with diverse races. And beyond that, there are countless other planets housing a multitude of life forms and races.
However, this planet, Manov, stands out as one of the most prominent and populous among them. But being the biggest doesn't necessarily make it the best.
In my quest for knowledge, I often visit my mother's study, immersing myself in books that offer insights into this world and its diverse races. Although I've never set foot outside, I possess tangible knowledge about the world around me.
Interestingly, this planet is home to two types of elves—regular elves and dark elves. Surprisingly, we share borders with the dark elves, despite having distinct monarchies and hierarchies. But our relations with them are surprisingly amicable, with little to no discrimination, as Marilyn has told me.
"Prince Jake, are you okay?" Marilyn's voice breaks my train of thought, bringing me back to reality.
"Hehehe. I'm just fascinated by your room," I reply cheekily. Truth be told, Marilyn's room is impressive, adorned with well-crafted wooden furniture and shelves filled with various potions. The lingering scent in the air matches Marilyn's own unique fragrance.
"Are you ready to see yourself in the mirror, little Alex?" Marilyn asks with a smile. "Or do you prefer if I call you little Alex?" she adds.
"Of course not. I prefer that over being called a prince," I respond with a smile.
Marilyn doesn't say anything, but her smile conveys her understanding. She walks to the corner of the room and retrieves a peculiar, flat object wrapped in a brown cloth.
"Are you ready?" Marilyn asks.
I nod, my gaze fixed on the object in her hand.
In the next moment, Marilyn unveils the cloth, revealing a mirror. And as I gaze upon my reflection for the first time, astonishment takes hold.
"D-Do I really look like this?" I ask, bewildered, as I touch my face while studying my own image. The sight before me leaves me utterly dumbfounded.
"Yes, my prince," Marilyn confirms.
"Wow~" I exclaim in awe, caressing my face in amazement.
It feels strange to see myself as a child, barely reaching Marilyn's waist. I had known about my height compared to Marilyn's, but seeing it in the mirror adds a surreal quality to the experience. Nonetheless, I don't feel regretful, as elves are known for their tall stature. In fact, I believe I'm even more handsome now than I was at this age in my past life. However, it's not just my attractive features that surprise me; it's my eyes. My left eye is a striking blood red, reminiscent of a vampire's gaze, while my right eye mirrors my mother's amethyst hue.
"What in the world...?" I mutter in shock, fixated on my left eye.
I quickly realize that my vision doesn't possess any vampiric characteristics. It appears that some of my vampire powers must have been sealed within me. However, since I wasn't reincarnated as a vampire or a blood elf, accessing these powers requires a complete transformation, a challenging process that demands rare resources.
An idea begins to form in my mind. In my previous life, one of my three elven wives gave birth to a blood elf named Mael. He possessed the ability to wield vampire aura and blood attacks, just like vampires themselves. The only difference was that he could sustain himself on regular food, depleting his vampire aura and reverting to a normal elf. He was versatile and nearly unstoppable.
However, Mael fell into a deep slumber after sustaining injuries while battling the malevolent gods who sought to end his life, fearing his potential as a godslayer.
Fortunately, I arrived at the scene in time to save Mael from certain death. However, his fate took a different turn as he fell into an eternal slumber, his awakening unknown to anyone.
Those accursed gods... particularly the square-faced one. When I have the chance, I will ensure he pays for his actions and prevent his reincarnation.
Yet, the dilemma remains—I cannot access my sealed powers as I wasn't born as a vampire or a blood elf. Unlocking this power would require a comprehensive transformation of my entire being, a daunting task that necessitates rare resources.
Suddenly, a tap on my shoulder snaps me out of my thoughts, and I find Marilyn looking at me with concern. In front of her, a hologram appears, projecting an image of my mother. They are conversing through a magical ring, a technology I am yet to understand.
"Your Majesty, little Alex seems startled by his appearance, but he is not panicking," Marilyn reports to my mother.
Sighing, my mother responds, "I should have been there with him, but I couldn't bear it. I must fulfill my responsibility and explain everything to him."
Turning her attention to me, my mother's voice reaches my ears. "Little Alex, Mommy loves you. Don't be frightened—I will tell you everything. You're my sweet little angel."
I simply nod like a child and refrain from saying anything. The call ends, and Marilyn gazes at me with a mixture of concern and determination.
_________________________________
"We are going outside the palace for the first time. A carriage is waiting for us, and your Majesty is inside," Marilyn informs me as she asks for permission to hold my hand, leading me out of her room.
Meanwhile, inside a box-shaped carriage powered by energy crystals, a beautiful woman taps her foot impatiently on the floor.
"How should I tell little Alex that he'll need to wear an eyepatch? He's so innocent... How can I explain it to him? This will be difficult," Tiriana, the elf queen, ponders, biting her lower lip until it bleeds. Beads of sweat form on her forehead, reflecting her internal struggle.
GRRR... GRRR... GRRR...Rumbling sounds ensue.I'm currently inside a weird-looking elevator, like the ones I used to see in my previous life. But this elevator isn't in great shape—it trembles violently as soon as we step in. The shaking even makes Marilyn's assets jiggle."Alex, you're probably wondering why this lift is shaking, right?" Marilyn asks while playfully ruffling my hair.I nod in reply."Well, this is actually a secret and rarely used route to Her Majesty's chamber. I've been ordered to take this route for some reason. It's all for your sake," Marilyn explains, ruffling my hair once again.BAM!Suddenly, there's a loud explosion as the elevator comes to a sudden stop, causing us to lose our footing.RUMBLE. RUMBLE.The elevator doors open abruptly, revealing a beautiful scene as Marilyn and I step outside.Nature~That's the first thing that catches my eyes. There are countless trees and plants all around, emitting various scents and creating a unique ambiance. Looking
The scenery outside is breathtaking, with a gentle breeze flowing through the window. We are currently passing through a bustling city, predominantly occupied by elves, but I can also spot other races—some familiar from my past life and others entirely new to me.The city's charm is accentuated by the backdrop of clear skies, which have played a significant role in shaping its numerous buildings. Surprisingly, there are even skyscrapers that contribute to the city's captivating appeal. However, amidst these modern structures, the presence of abundant trees and well-paved roads adds a touch of nature.Initially, it struck me as peculiar that elves would have houses and buildings like these, considering their profound love for nature. But witnessing the abundance of trees, plants, and wildlife around has dispelled my misconceptions. Nevertheless, this is unlike any elves I have encountered before."Alex, you're awake, huh?" I hear a voice, prompting me to turn my head."Yes, Mom," I rep
What is this menacing aura...?"Heh, no need to be so modest, Lars," Mom says with a smile, while Lars bows his head and stops in front of us."Why are you here, your majesty?" Lars asks."Let's head to your lab," Mom whispers, trying to keep her intentions secret. I can tell from her expression, as she cautiously glances at the bald butler who led us here.Understanding the situation, Lars lets out a sigh. The malevolence surrounding him dissipates."Alright, your majesty," Lars says, wearing a peculiar expression and scratching the back of his head.Noticing Lars' strange demeanor, Mom also sighs."You've been dabbling in forbidden magic, haven't you?" Mom predicts, slapping her palm against her face. It suddenly becomes clear to me. That malicious aura from before must be connected to this man's dark magic."Hehe, I can't hide it from your majesty, you'd sense it the moment you stepped in," Lars replies, stroking his beard slowly."Sigh..." My mom sighs once again."Lead the way, y
Clack! Clack! Chak! Clack!Intense sounds fill the air."Iyhaaaa!!!!" The battle cry of a young boy echoes as he charges at me with a wooden sword."Weak~" I say, swiftly ducking to the side to evade his attack and slamming the hilt of my wooden sword against his back."Argh!" A loud groan escapes the little boy's lips as he crashes into the hard ground and eats dust.POOOOOOOOHHH!!!!A whistle blows loudly, signaling the end of the fight as soon as the boy falls to the ground."Zero, you don't have to be ruthless when sparring with your friends. This is a friendly match, so be gentle," a tall, young, and handsome male elf says while running towards us."Hehehe, I'm sorry, instructor. But I went easy on him. If I were serious, I could have broken a few of his bones," I reply, flashing an innocent grin while rubbing the back of my head.The instructor simply sighs as he helps the boy up. Fortunately, the boy seems unharmed. As soon as he gets up, tears streaming down his face, he start
"Let's grab some snacks outside," Gustav says with a smile, and we immediately set off from the armory room.__________________________________"Wow~" I exclaim in awe as we stroll down a bustling street. This is my first time exploring the kingdom to this extent, all thanks to Gustav. This place, called Sharkwood, is situated on the outskirts of the royal palace but still falls within the royal territory. It serves as a landmark, with guards strategically positioned, making stealing a risky endeavor.The residents here consist of nobles and wealthy merchants who conduct their businesses in this area."You know, you look weird with that eyepatch," Gustav suddenly remarks, examining my face."Haha, coming from the guy with the abnormal ears," I retort, making Gustav narrow his eyes.After walking for a while, we reach a large store that seems to sell everything one could need. And when I say everything, I mean it. The building is massive and heavily concealed, with only a small open pl
"Hey, how did training go?" a voice asks as soon as I step inside a small carriage. This time, instead of the crystal-powered carriage Mom used when we visited Duke Lars' house, we're riding in a carriage pulled by a menacing-looking bull."Ah, I'm so relieved I found you on time today," Marilyn says, taking a seat in the carriage while I settle beside her. It's hard not to notice that Marilyn has quite the backside, occupying about eighty percent of the seat."Haha, I didn't want to be a bother today. So, what kind of monster did you bring along?" I inquire, sticking my head out the window to catch a glimpse of the bull-like creature. It appears remarkably calm, with a mysterious green halo above its head, adding to its intrigue."Fufufu, that's my familiar," Marilyn replies, playfully pulling me back into the carriage by tugging on my silk shirt.Her words spark surprise on my face. Familiars, do they exist in this world too? This place never ceases to amaze me!"What exactly is a f
TIME SKIP… [SIX YEARS LATER.]______________________________________________________________"White~"That is the first thing that appears before my eyes. Blinking a few times, my eyes open with a start and I get up in a jerk. Yeah, this might be a weird way to wake up, but I have constantly been waking up in this odd way for quite some time.Suddenly, the door to my room opens up and a very beautiful, tall woman elegantly walks in. She's wearing a mouth-watering, loose nightgown that is displaying her protruding nipples and the outline of her curvaceous meaty ass."Good morning, master~," Marilyn says in a low voice as she turns off the lights inside the room and spread open the curtains."How was your night?" Marilyn asks as she walks towards me with her hands on her hips.Damn…those titties…"Well, I was thinking about you overnight …fufufu." I say with a small grin while eyeing her from top to bottom without hiding my intense lust for her.You are wondering when our relationship
Ticka. Ticka. Ticka. Ticka. Ticka. Ticka.The hooves of horses, donkeys, tamed beasts, and various other creatures fill the air with a vibrant rhythm, giving this place a lively atmosphere.You might be wondering what's happening, but we're currently in Pliheld Square, one of the most renowned towns in Ironica. It's not just popular; it's also home to the Elves' Awakening Tower, a place with an exceptionally high concentration of Mana.As we make our way, we notice several chariots and carriages heading in the same direction, accompanied by people on foot walking alongside the road."Tsk, these pompous nobles. Even their queen doesn't have as many guards protecting her," Marilyn mutters, peeping out of the window. She gazes at a flashy carriage, surrounded by imposing guards with massive physiques."Heh, I never cared for this sort of thing even when my husband was alive. Besides, Adrian could easily take down all those guards with a swing of his sword. Not to mention, I'm currently t
Before me stands a colossal Mana beast, a towering figure at seven feet tall. Its broad shoulders and large hands contrast with its relatively smaller legs. Its rocky, stone-like body is marred by countless cracks from which lava burns brightly, creating an eerie spectacle.My heart races as the beast raises its hand, mirroring my earlier gesture. With a resounding bang, a barrage of lava bullets erupts from its hand, hurtling towards me at incredible speed.I manage to dodge most of them, but one grazes my cheek, drawing a few drops of blood.The creature drops its hand and opens its mouth wide in a menacing display.Without hesitation, I swing my hand in the air and calmly command, "Ice wall!" In response, a protective wall of ice materializes in front of me. As anticipated, a burst of lava erupts from the beast's mouth, colliding with my ice barrier. The scorching temperature of the lava melts the ice upon contact, but the split-second delay grants me just enough time to evade the
Seeing the monster, my eyes widen in shock. Before me stands a Goblin, but not just any Goblin—a Goblin Master Rank 1. We share the same level, a revelation that sends a jolt of surprise through me."Goblin Master Rank 1? Same level as me, eh?" I mutter, unable to believe my eyes. In the next moment, I grab the hilt of my sword and draw it, preparing for what comes next."Kekekek~ Kekekek~ Foodoo~ Foodoo~" The Goblin begins uttering gibberish as it approaches me, a disturbing chant that sends shivers down my spine.Enveloping my entire body with aura, I charge forward, slashing my sword at the Goblin. However, the creature reacts with surprising agility, ducking to the side and evading my attack.It retaliates by clumsily swinging its rusted sword at me, and I swiftly parry its attack. The strength behind its blows nearly matches my own, and our speed is almost identical, a testament to the Goblin's surprising prowess.But despite its skills, a monster will always be a monster. "Fireb
"W-What... You want to go to the Death Valley?!" Marilyn asks me with a stutter, her eyes widening in surprise."Well, I am kinda bored, you know? So, I thought it was best if I head there today," I tell Marilyn while rubbing the back of my head, trying to downplay my restlessness."But we agreed that we were going to go together... W-Why do you want to go alone?" Marilyn asks, her fingers fidgeting nervously."Sigh... I told you, I am kinda bored of this place. I want to return home as soon as possible before going to Xyrus Academy," I reply again, my impatience starting to show."So, you've decided to attend Xyrus Academy just like your sisters, the prestigious academy of Treazerall? That's where I also graduated, and trust me, it's not fun," Marilyn mutters, glancing pensively at the sky."Since I am also bored, let's go there together," Marilyn says with a smile, her face slowly regaining its usual color.Her suggestion surprises me, and I can't help but smile in return. "Really?
"Wild bronze rank 2 rabbits? Okay, I'll c-cook it. I'll serve it with the broth I made," Marilyn agrees, though her bashful demeanor remains evident. Taking the Rabbits from my hand, she sets to work, carefully arranging twigs and branches to build a fire. Her fingers work with finesse, and soon, the fire begins to crackle and dance.With the fire ablaze, Marilyn handles the wild Rabbits with great care. She deftly prepares them for cooking, seasoning them with a selection of herbs and spices we found during our journey. Watching her focused movements, I am captivated by her culinary prowess.As she places the Rabbits on a makeshift grill over the fire, the tantalizing aroma of seasoned meat fills the air. It's a delightful blend of herbs and smoky goodness.As the Rabbits cook, Marilyn occasionally glances my way, her cheeks flushed from the heat of the fire and perhaps from something more than just the flames. I find myself unable to meet her gaze, my own face reddening with embarr
I am good to go huh...[Yes, master]The more my Mana pool expands, the more I realize the vast distance between each rank. Master Rank 2 feels as distant as heaven and Earth compared to my current stage at Master Rank 1. If it weren't for the abundant resources my Mom provided, I would still be stuck at Diamond Rank 1. However, most of the resources she gave me have been depleted. I suppose it's time to return home.As I ponder, a smile graces my face as I recall a particular person.System, how long does one spend in the academy before graduating?[At most, five years. Some mages do stay longer before graduating]I see... Arya must be back in the Elf Kingdom. I wonder how she has changed over the years.Silence fills the air as the System contemplates.[Do you plan on continuing your relationship with her?]I'm not sure, to be honest. When we were younger, she was only fifteen, and that's why I refrained from having sex with her despite her interest. Now that she is twenty, she has
[Five Years Later]Inside a dense forest, anticipation fills the air as a tall elf, his silver hair cascading behind him, stands amidst towering trees. His piercing gaze reflects unwavering determination, matched only by his unparalleled skill with the sword. Each swing of his katana cuts through the air with swift precision.The masterfully crafted katana glimmers in the dappled sunlight that filters through the thick foliage. Its polished steel gleams, its keen edge a testament to its lethal potential. As he moves, the harmonious symphony of steel resonates, blending with the rustling leaves in perfect rhythm.With each swing, the elf's movements grow more intense, pushing the boundaries of what seems humanly possible. His agility and speed defy imagination. The surrounding trees tremble, their leaves quivering in awe of the force that emanates from him.In a sudden burst of motion, he leaps into the air, his katana held high above his head. The ground beneath him quakes as he desce
{Fast Paced}"Master," Marilyn's voice rings out, frustration evident as we stand in a corner of the guild. "Why did you give her those precious items?""Marilyn, those items are useless to me," I reply, shaking my head. "Verona has shown her potential, and she deserves a chance to flourish. Besides, it's not about the items themselves, but the support and belief we offer to our comrades.""But your Mom gave them to you," Marilyn mutters, still pained by the fact that I gave Verona those items."Marilyn, I don't know why you feel this way about Verona, but I want you to understand that my priority is ensuring everyone's well-being," I say, placing a hand on Marilyn's shoulder. "Verona has proven herself, and it's important for us to support one another as friends."Marilyn's expression softens, and she lets out a sigh. "I don't hate her. My only priority is making sure that you are okay," she confesses, her voice filled with concern.I smile and pull her into a gentle embrace. "I appr
As the machine displays [Platinum Rank 2] above, the awe on the faces of James, Sarah, and the other participants is palpable. I have surpassed James himself, achieving a higher rank than anyone expected. The flawed nature of the machine's ranking system becomes evident to me. If only I had unleashed my full power, I would have surely obtained an even higher rank. Nevertheless, I am content with my current standing. Sarah collects my Adventurer's card, inputting it into the equipment she holds. With a smile, she informs me that I have become a C-rank adventurer and returns my card.James calls out the next participant, which happens to be Marilyn. She confidently envelops herself in a radiant aura of Mana and dashes forward, her body fully immersed in its empowering energy. It is a sight to behold as she approaches the drum-like machine. With a graceful leap, Marilyn casts a large Fireball spell, her voice echoing with ancient incantations."By the power of the eternal flames, I comma
The drum-like machine emanates powerful vibrations, causing the surface to ripple and reverberate across the field. Instantly, digital figures materialize above the machine.[Platinum Rank 1]"Woooh~" James utters softly as he lands on the ground next to the dark elf."I'm Sarah, and as you can see, James struck the machine with his fist. Before attempting this, whether you are a mage or awakened, it's crucial to envelop your hand with Mana while utilizing your quirk or spell, if possible. This ensures that the machine accurately assesses your full potential. For those unable to employ Mana, don't be disheartened. Even with a low score, you can swiftly ascend the ranks as an adventurer by completing missions. This is because we are unable to gauge the complete capabilities of Rogues.""Furthermore, we developed this machine to address a problem where individuals would conceal their true strength during tests, causing future disruptions. To prevent such cases, we believe this machine p