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 away from the beloved village. Behind his steadfast stride, Rainard envisioned a dark future: a burning village, gates breached by enemy forces, and everything ending in ashes and bitterness. Yet amidst those shadows, the beloved faces appeared; Count Olaf, Elzabhel now gone, and Gerard, with warm smiles adorning their lips, offering unconditional support.
With a heart filled with hope, though occasionally stung by sorrow, Rainard lifted his chin, determined not to surrender to the bleak future's specter. "We can change it... We surely can... Let us fight," he whispered within.
Rainard and Helena continued their journey through winding paths in the silent forest, seeking hidden and serene training grounds known only to them. As they walked, Rainard checked his supply of healing potions hidden within the dimensional box, counting them carefully and finding around 300 bottles inside.
"Why so many potions?" Helena asked, puzzled.
"For training," Rainard replied wisely.
"But don't we usually practice by hunting monsters and fighting in the field?" Helena inquired curiously.
"No, Helena-san. This time, I want you to challenge me with all your might until I am nearly defeated, then give me these potions. Therefore, we must train in a secluded place within the forest, where we won't disturb any living creatures," Rainard explained with determination.
"Ah, you're an enigma that sparks curiosity," whispered Helena, her eyes dancing with intrigue as she traced Rainard Von Olaf's face with a captivating gaze.
"How did you delve so deep into the forbidden training methods? Where does all your knowledge spring from?"
With an aura of tranquility enveloping him, Rainard stepped closer, yet the mystery in his smile painted a subtle deceit. "I acquired those lessons through the letters that narrate wisdom, Helena," his voice flowed, delivering conviction wrapped in layers of deception.
Though suspicion gnawed at her, Helena found herself drawn to place trust in Rainard, guided by the extraordinary web of knowledge that had brought salvation to Elzabhel.
Rainard Von Olaf and Elzabhel arrived at a secluded little hut nestled within dense thickets, surrounded by mystical energies that guarded it. This place served as an oasis for travelers and traders navigating the wilderness. Their knowledge of this location wasn't merely coincidental; it stemmed from their extraordinary experiences as key players in the realms of trade and adventure.
"Where did you learn about this place?" Elzabhel asked with suspicious curiosity.
"From the pages of an intriguing book," Rainard replied innocently.
"That's impossible. I, who have roamed these woods for ages as a hunter of mystical creatures, have only just discovered the existence of this hut. Don't pretend. There couldn't possibly be records of this ancient hut here," Elzabhel retorted, her face veiled with firmness.
"Um... I mean, I heard about it from a traveling book merchant. It's true, believe me. I'm not lying. I just wanted to find a place to hone my skills," Rainard said softly.
"Alright, whatever," Elzabhel sighed deeply, resigned.
"Let's continue, Elzabhel-san," Rainard said.
He opened the dimensional chest once more, and with a graceful motion, he withdrew a massive sword that nearly matched his height. The sword felt heavy and emitted a soft hum as it touched the ground. With unwavering determination, Rainard raised the weapon and planted it firmly into the earth.
"On the thirtieth day, this sword will become an inseparable part of me. I will wield it with grace, single-handedly," he whispered to himself, full of conviction.
The training commenced with Helena instructed to attack with fervor. With nimble and graceful steps, she launched a deadly assault straight towards Rainard Von Olaf, who stood transfixed, unable to parry or evade it, resulting in severe injury. Amidst the blades of grass dancing to the whims of the wind, Helena extended her hand with gentle grace, offering a vial of potion prepared by Rainard Von Olaf, as a token of gratitude for the honest battle. Without hesitation, Rainard rose once more, life flowing back into him, and they resumed their enchanting dance of blades.
Day after day passed, and on the tenth day, the turning point began to emerge as Rainard started to display his bravery to fight back. With eyes radiating wonder, Helena felt a mix of confusion and admiration witnessing her opponent's rapid progress.
They didn't confine their training to mere sparring against each other but also battled the monsters lurking within the forest. From goblins harboring malice in their eyes, savage orcs, to soul-chilling hell bears, they successfully vanquished every threat that came their way, tracking their trails to their dark and sinister lairs. If injured, they bolstered their courage by sipping on healing potions at hand, rising once again with blazing spirits.
Moreover, under the captivating moonlight, Rainard diligently trained his physique. Running amidst the groaning trees, doing push-ups with Helena perched on his back, stretching muscles with spine-tingling sit-ups, to leaping in adrenaline-pumping jump squat exercises. As the sun rose for the twentieth time, their focus had shifted to combat. Rainard keenly observed Helena's graceful movements and honed techniques, skillfully integrating them with his swordsmanship learned during his adventures with an S-grade ranking and a knight's title.
Not only that, day and night, Rainard wielded his greatsword with finesse, performing two sets, each swing imbued with deep significance. Upon completing each set, he adorned it with a stone tied to the hilt of his sword, symbolizing the journey they had embarked on together. And when exhaustion began to loom, when his body felt unable to continue, he didn't hesitate to drink the invigorating potion that faithfully accompanied his long journey.
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
"Call Rainard, be present here!" demanded the king with a thunderous voice, shattering the silence in the grand chamber of the palace.A servant trembled as he stepped into the throne room, his footsteps light like autumn leaves swept by the breeze. With utmost reverence, he approached the throne where the king sat in his unparalleled grandeur. Without hesitation, the letter, brimming with secrets, was handed to the ruler, whose eyes seemed to outshine both the sun and the moon as he perused its contents. Yet suddenly, the royal cheeks flushed red like the sunset, and the letter bore witness to the king's turmoil in silence."Bring him forth before me, this instant!" bellowed the king, his words shattering the tranquility that once filled the palace."Very well, Your Majesty," the servant replied, his voice trembling with uncertainty.Hastily, his steps carried the king's message to the farthest reaches of the land. Meanwhile, within the king's heart, a tempest of emotions raged, stru