In a quiet room, Rainard De Helton stood tall, his movements agile as he inserted bottles into the mysterious dimensional box. Beside him, Elzabhel watched with graceful eyes, implying a deep sense of gratitude.
"Where does the brave hero who saved me hail from?" Elzabhel whispered softly.
"With pleasure, I introduce myself as Rainard, my lady," Rainard replied politely.
"A noble name indeed, I am Elzabhel Von Olaf. Thank you, Rainard De Helton," Elzabhel responded, her hair swaying gently as she bowed her head softly.
"All I do is my duty, Elzabhel-sama," Rainard answered sincerely, his left hand waving in the air as a sign of deep respect.
However, Helena's presence disrupted the harmony of the moment. With quick steps, she approached Rainard, grasping his clothes roughly, forcing his face to turn towards her. Gerard was ready to draw his sword, but Rainard simply raised his hand calmly, halting his movement.
"What are you doing? How could Elzabhel-sama recover? Are you using dark magic?" Helena scolded.
"For the sake of truth, I do not dabble in dark arts. To heal her, I merely gave her my own elixir and lifted the curse tormenting her with my magical abilities..." Rainard explained calmly.
"It's true, Helena. Rainard did not lie. He healed me with his kindness and his skills," Elzabhel confirmed, a shy smile forming on her lips.
"Accusing me of being dishonorable, Helena, is a grave mistake. I only did my best for Elzabhel-sama's sake," Rainard defended, his eyes filled with determination and honesty.
The door burst open with a roar, Count Olaf entered the room hastily. His gaze immediately fell upon his daughter who now sat peacefully in her bed, a light of happiness returning to his eyes. With quick steps, he approached Elzabhel, embracing her tightly. Helena loosened her grip, and Rainard adjusted his clothes calmly. They bore witness to the emotional reunion between a father and his beloved daughter.
After a few moments, Count Olaf still held his daughter tightly, their tears merging in a loving embrace. Then, he turned to Rainard, regardless of his humble social status. With sincere gestures, he embraced Rainard, endless words of gratitude flowing from his lips. Rainard smiled, feeling relieved to have helped, though deep down, he held a hidden agenda close to his heart. Helena and Gerard could only watch, silent in profound astonishment.
****
Once again, Count Olaf expressed heartfelt gratitude to Rainard De Helton. In his eyes, Rainard's humility was truly captivating.
"You are truly committed to helping us. I have lost a wife, and losing my daughter would make me feel unable to endure," Count Olaf expressed with a voice filled with despair.
But within Rainard's heart, there was a deeper thought.
"Hm, the loss mentioned by Count Olaf is merely a shadow of the past eroded by time. He has gone through the grieving process, but then rose with newfound strength. Even found love again, forming a new family," Rainard pondered, inspired by his vivid memories of the eighth life.
Rainard replied humbly, bowing his head as a sign of respect. "I am just doing what I can, Count Olaf."
"But how can I repay your kindness?" Count Olaf asked, his face reflecting admiration for Rainard's loyalty.
"I only wish for the opportunity to study at the academy, though as a commoner it will be difficult for me to be accepted there," Rainard expressed, with a simple yet grand aspiration.
"Is that all you desire?" Count Olaf asked, slightly taken aback by Rainard's modest request.
"Yes, that's all. And if possible, I would like Gerard to be my schoolmate there," Rainard added firmly.
Count Olaf nodded, but still couldn't fully comprehend.
"Is that all you want? Don't you desire wealth, riches, or position?" he asked in astonishment.
"No, Count. I just want the opportunity to study at the academy," Rainard asserted, with unwavering determination.
Elzabhel, Count Olaf's daughter, chimed in.
"Father, consider it carefully. His request isn't too burdensome. Allow him to use our family name when registering," she pleaded.
"I agree with Elzabhel. And I also agree to adopt you as my son when you register at the academy," Count Olaf said, giving his final approval. However, he still felt puzzled.
"But are you sure? With your abilities, you could easily seek wealth and prestige. Why choose to go to school?" he asked, wanting to understand more deeply.
Rainard smiled softly.
"I am searching for someone whom I love dearly, and she is at the academy. For a commoner like me, the dream of being there feels as distant as the sky and earth," he explained sincerely, without a flaw in his words.
Gerard heard it and immediately turned his face away, diverting his blossoming smile as he struggled to hold back laughter. However, Count Olaf and Elzabhel accepted Rainard's excuse with trembling resolve, no longer hesitating, and instead determined to face those moments together. Count Olaf acknowledged Rainard as his child, a bond forged from unforeseen twists of fate, while Elzabhel reached out to him with unbreakable tenderness, bringing light as an elder sister would. In a magical twist, Rainard was immortalized with a new name, a thread of destiny that bound them: Rainard Von Olaf, the only one capable of penning a new tale from the fated history.
"But, one concern troubles our minds," Count Olaf spoke, his voice melodic.
"Um... is there something amiss, Count?" Rainard asked, seeking clarity in the darkness.
"Do you possess skill with a sword?" Count Olaf inquired, while his gaze caressed Rainard's face.
Rainard suddenly realized his incompleteness, a fifteen-year-old thrust into rigidity and a body that felt mismatched, especially in its protruding parts. Behind the walls of the grand palace, he spent his time writhing on the bed, experiencing the sweetness of sleep without ever touching the notion of honing sword skills, despite his father's stern warnings and reprimands. And that's why, amidst the dim lanterns, he was only dubbed as the lowly prince. Carefully, he conveyed his answer, "Not yet," his voice almost fading into the silence.
"You must acquire swordsmanship as this academic world is a domain for wizard knights. It will be a trial-filled wait for you without sword skills, even if your magical knowledge prospers," continued Count Olaf, his voice carrying waving rhythms.
"Your father is right, Rainard. It's best you embark on your journey by learning the sword two months before entering the academy gates," Elzabhel added, her smile glowing like a beacon in the night sky.
However, Rainard realized how difficult it was to face the battlefield with a sword, even after achieving an S rank as an adventurer in the fifth life and facing the ranks of knights in the Kingdom of Rellios in the sixth. He always found himself defeated in every duel against Princess Julia, a figure whose strength seemed adorned with eternal cheating. And behind his steps, lost in magic in the seventh life, as Count Olaf and Elzabhel had revealed, relying solely on magic would pose an unthinkable challenge at the campus.
Finally, amidst the dancing branches in the lush forest, Rainard decided to dedicate himself to the lesson for a full month, following in the footsteps of the unmatched adventure master in the fifth life, a figure who had carried his name across the cosmos: Serge. Count Olaf and Elzabhel agreed to his decision, but they pleaded with Helena to accompany Rainard in the darkness hidden among the trees, while Gerard remained vigilant behind the mansion walls to watch over him. Gerard accepted the task hastily, though Helena sensed his confusion upon seeing Rainard's body, ill-suited for the role of a knight. Yet, for the undeniable wishes of Count Olaf and Elzabhel, Helena eventually acquiesced to their request.
"Do not hesitate, Rainard-sama. By your side, I will stand guard over this new family," Gerard said, his warm smile echoing amidst the shadows.
"Thank you, Gerard-san. (turning to Count) Thank you, Count," Rainard said, his smile like morning dew dispersing the mist.
"Until when will you call me 'Count'? Just call me as Elzabhel does," Count Olaf said, his smile blooming amidst the enshrouding night.
"As you wish," Rainard replied, his voice trembling amidst the whispering wind.
Elzabhel enveloped Rainard De Holton with tenderness, radiating boundless affection, while the knight still wore a slightly rumpled cloak. Beneath the twilight's embrace, Rainard prepared for his routine journey, filling his pockets with alchemical concoctions needed for practice and selecting the weapon that would become his steadfast companion on the battlefield. His steps strode confidently along the tranquil village road, allowing his memories to frolic in the garden of beautiful recollections before returning to their grand residence for rest.After freshening up and donning tidy attire, Rainard sat at the dining table with Count Olaf and Elzabhel, joined by Helena and Gerard, forming a warm and communal family bond among them. Count Olaf, far from the rigid noble image, embraced the people's spirit, creating a close-knit and affectionate relationship.The following day, under the bright sunlight, Rainard prepared for a journey with Helena, accompanied by Gerard, as they walked a
Finally, with all the tales they had penned together, as the thirtieth day dawned.Rainard Von Olaf loosened his grip on the iron handle tightly bound to the colossal rock, towering nearly as tall as a man and weighing close to a ton. Its pulse reverberated around, creating a thunderous boom as the metal made contact with the ground. His eyes fixed on the object he had strived for since day one, his steps steady as he approached, gazing upon the massive sword with unwavering devotion before swiftly pulling it out from the stone with a nimble motion. His lift was gallant, positioning the sword in front of his face before skillfully mounting his steed.A resounding roar almost echoed alongside him, "Swooosh."The sword glided in a graceful strike, its wave cleaving through the air with enough force to shatter a towering tree outside the shack's vicinity. Rainard stared back at his weapon with pride.“Hahaha, who would have thought I needed 295 potions to conquer the weight of this sword
At the very same juncture, within the opulent confines of Alcantraz Imperial Palace, a princess of ethereal beauty, with silver tresses cascading and eyes of ruby concealed behind a pair of spectacles, sat gracefully upon the edge of her bed, lost in reverie. With a graceful stride, she approached the window, gazing out upon the enchanting palace gardens before her, arms crossed over her chest as her eyes drifted to the azure sky, stretching infinitely into the distance."Hoping she'll enroll in the academy next month," she murmured inwardly, attempting to muster a smile.With gentle steps, a serving maid entered the chamber, closing the door softly behind her before approaching the princess standing by the window."Cathrina, it's time to prepare for your departure to the academy city," the maid spoke softly.Cathrina turned to regard the maid with respect. She glided past the servant gracefully and resumed her seat on the edge of her bed."Very well, please make the necessary arrange
In the midst of silence, a faded hand lay nearby. Rainard Von Olaf's heart pounded a tumultuous rhythm as he faced the clear liquid dripping down his forehead, while his gaze cut through space toward the shapeless hand reaching out."Are you alright?" the girl's voice, like a night melody dancing in the background.Slowly, Rainard hesitated, reluctant to respond to the girl's gentle touch. Instead, he withdrew, sitting hesitantly, for the girl behind him was the figure he wanted to avoid, the one who had taken his life multiple times in the span of past lives. The memory of her silver hair flowing long and her gaze emanating silence at the threshold of eternity remained etched in his mind. The girl was Cathrina Ignisia Alcantraz, the prima donna of the Alcantraz Empire."S... sorry..." Rainard whispered, pale and drifting.As Rainard slid backward, Cathrina gracefully stepped forward, extending her hand with boundless kindness."Why are you hesitating? But, if you're okay, then it's a
Rainard Von Olaf strode into the room with confident steps, as if dancing to the rhythm of a meaningful life. He stood beside Cathrina, side by side with the beauty reflected in the crystal ball before them. His gaze roamed over Cathrina's face, piercing the depths of her soul before he humbled himself with captivating tenderness. His voice, gentle as a breeze, slipped from his lips with finesse as he spoke,"Allow me, oh Cathrina, never did I imagine standing before a princess of the empire."Cathrina smiled in return, radiating warmth from the corner of her heart, "No burden at all, Rainard. Rise, in the light of our shared goodness."Rainard straightened up, gazing in awe at the crystal ball emitting magical charm before them. Alcantraz's firm steps approached, marking the beginning of the trial that would determine the fate of the two students."Now, let the first step measure their skills. One boy, one girl. Every student, new or old, must prove their worth. It is our duty to pro
Under the gentle glide of the moon in the sky, legends danced with their shimmering brilliance. Tales of yore intertwined threads of time into a flowing fabric within the stream of memory. Five heroes, summoned from different realms of the universe, united their destinies in a dance led by karma."First, there was the hero known as Doumoto Kazuya, his name symbolizing courage amidst the storm. Second, the wise one dubbed Tetsuka Mirai, brought the light of knowledge in every step. Third, a killer reborn as a merchant named Reese, slithered among the shadows. Fourth, the berserker known as Hijiri Shigeo, transformed into an adventurer named Serge, challenging fate with overflowing bravery. And lastly, the paladin and guardian woman, Yasumoto Fumiko, who sacrificed herself in battle against the demon lord, now lies peacefully in the realm she founded, Fredonia, alongside her faithful weapons.But now, only the shadow of the hero, Kazuya-kun, remains a mystery within the flow of time," M
With the reverberation of voices creeping along the room, Rainard Von Olaf swallowed nervously, his confusion simmering."Thus, sishou," he whispered, trembling, his voice akin to a feeble gust of wind.Mirea, the mentor, nodded slowly, rays of wisdom flowing from her deep eyes. "Correct, for that was the assumption I made. Initially, I thought Prince Lexius Gran Orthus was the reincarnation of Kazuya-kun, but it turns out his level reaches 99, with eyes ablaze in red due to his royal lineage. You, whom I've just met, are similar to us, possessing a level of 0," Mirea explained firmly."So, what should I do now?" Rainard asked, seeking guidance amidst his mentor's wise words.Mirea narrowed her eyes, contemplating the right response. "Well, to me, whether you're the reincarnation of Kazuya-kun or not is not important. I simply ask that you continue attending the academy as usual. You're only 15 years old, and if the world is in danger, I hope you will fac
"In a trembling irony," added a student with the deepest sigh."Rainard, truly lacks skill, even at the lowest level, still stiff at zero. While we, who struggle at level one, feel anxiety creeping in. Indeed, this is solid evidence that he is neglected at the bottom threshold of our ranks," uttered harshly, like venom piercing a wound, filling Rainard Von Olaf's ears, who could only muster a bitter smile in response."With that, the glittering accolades I once thought I possessed, vanished instantly, I am discarded as useless trash," Rainard whispered in profound sadness."No need to delve too deep, Rainard-kun. Let it be. Even I heard. Let's sit together," Cathrina's gentle voice invited."Ah, could she possibly read the turmoil of my mind?" Rainard asked with bewilderment.He turned to the table across, but the graceful faces of the girls his age sparkled with beauty, forcing his gaze back to reality. The tears that were hidden a moment ago now