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,” he murmured to himself, his eyes gleaming with admiration.
In truth, the sword was not just an inanimate object; it was a family heirloom passed down through generations since the founding days of the Holton Kingdom, yet forgotten even by the descendants of the founder. In his eleventh life, while digging the earth to expand the palace boundaries, he stumbled upon a hidden door that led him into a secret tomb. There, lay the sword in all its past glory and grandeur. Before fleeing the palace, Rainard's first task was to visit that tomb to reclaim the inheritance.
“If even this sword isn't enough to conquer the princess, I don't know what else I can do. However, this time my mission isn't to defeat her, but to redeem her faults and help her find peace again, while I hope for a long and happy life,” he whispered to himself, his determination unwavering.
“Hey, what's that sword? I've been curious for a long time,” Helena's voice broke Rainard's reverie.
“Just an ordinary weapon, nothing more than a gift from someone. But fate has other plans, I'm not yet able to use it. For now, I'll just keep it,” Rainard replied with a faint smile.
“Can I try it?” Helena asked, her eyes shining with keen interest.
Helena reached for the sword, only to find herself stung by its ferocity, causing the blade to fall to the ground. A smile spread across Rainard's lips, signaling his understanding of the privilege possessed only by the descendants of the Holton kingdom to wield it. With skill inherent in every movement, Rainard returned the sword to its dimensional box, while his gentle hand slipped healing potion into the gaping burn on Helena's palm. Then, together they prepared for the forthcoming duel. Helena launched her attack swiftly, but this time Rainard was also prepared to face her.
"Ding...ding...ding." The clashing of swords merged into a fast yet powerful harmony. This time, Rainard was able to match every strike launched by Helena, with finesse that allowed him to withstand her onslaught. Helena's sword slid quickly towards Rainard's neck, but with astonishing agility, Rainard managed to evade the blow with a crossing movement. Rainard's other hand tightly gripped the fabric encircling Helena's body, while his foot kicked agilely, gently bringing Helena to the ground. Then, his sword found its way back, threatening the neck of the prostrate Helena.
"Alright, alright, I admit defeat. Truly remarkable, just within a month. Although, we must acknowledge that this training is unconventional. What's behind that potion?" Helena asked with unstoppable curiosity.
"Besides the healing potion, I also added a mixture of strength and speed enhancers as instructed in the book," Rainard replied confidently.
"Hah, no wonder it's such a deep shade of purple. So it's true, exercises like this shouldn't be done. It could even endanger one's life, causing someone to lose themselves in the surge of excessive courage. However, thanks to your success, I can't do much except accept this reality," Helena said, shaking her head.
"This success is not mine alone, Helena-san should also be proud. Try using your sword movement towards that tree," Rainard exclaimed, pointing towards a distant tree.
"Hmm."
Despite the hesitation enveloping her heart, Helena swung her sword and "Swish." A large tree fell gracefully, split delicately by Helena's swift sword strike.
"Wow...that's truly amazing," Helena exclaimed, her eyes wide with admiration.
"Yes, Helena-san managed to drink about 50 bottles of that potion, and this is the result," Rainard explained proudly.
"You're really daring, drinking more than 200 bottles. Most people can only tolerate up to 100 bottles before losing control. And your eyes, even their color changed to red. What drove you to do such a brave thing?" Helena asked, her amazement evident.
"I have a strong reason," Rainard replied firmly.
"Ah...I don't want to know. Let it be. Let's go home, it's time," Helena invited.
"Alright, let's go home, Helena-san," Rainard responded, smiling gently.
Rainard Von Olaf and Helena ventured into the dense forest, leaving their old cabin behind. Beneath the lush canopy of trees, dim light sneaked through the green leaves, creating dancing patterns of shadows on the ground. Rainard paused for a moment, his gaze caught by the tight grip of their intertwined hands.
"In this strength, I feel empowered. Stronger than the days back when I was at rank S, even when the title of knighthood beckoned. Ah, Cathrina, the power you possess won't hinder my steps. I will reach the academy, and there, we shall meet," he whispered, his soft voice carried away by the night breeze.
Helena, his loyal companion, smiled as she listened to Rainard's words. She knew, within the man's heart burned an unquenchable flame of determination, a spirit to confront challenges and conquer darkness.
And so, under the brilliant shine of the moon, two souls filled with resolve marched forward, ready to face whatever the future held in store.
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
At the age of 31, Rainard De Helton was haunted by an unforgettable tragedy that painted his life with shades of darkness. The devastation brought forth by the Princess of the Realm had shaken the very foundations of his existence, claiming the life of an innocent employee who dined at the restaurant where Rainard struggled to make ends meet. Ironically, the punishment for a crime he did not commit unfolded in the shadow of the princess, a swift death sentence that arrived without room for repentance or forgiveness.With each heartbeat thereafter, the wounds continued to sear with hatred, casting shadows of darkness that obscured the light of his future. Seeking solace in a remote village, filled with the scent of the sea and the soothing touch of the wind, became his final attempt to heal those wounds. Yet, fate often twists in unforeseen ways.Just as he began to find peace in his new life, the presence of forces claiming allegiance to the princess crept into his existence like a sh