《Reincarnated as the World’s Strongest Spellblade》


 1. I am the Strongest Spellblade!

    The sirens echoed all around me as I ran through the chaos that was happening on the battlefield. Bullets whizzed past, each one closer to death but yet I stood there in the center of the battlefield calm, collected, and in control. I was a master strategist, trained to understand the art of war like a chess player understanding the board. My soldiers whom I positioned like pieces fought valiantly but I knew they wouldn''t be good enough. In the mix of the battlefield, I made my final move.


    Then I felt it ¨C a sharp pain in my chest a bullet found its mark. Time slowed down around me as the world faded into darkness. Is this how it truly ends? I thought, realizing with a mixture of regret and acceptance that I would never become the strongest strategist. My last breath slipped away, and with it, my life as a strategist ceased to exist.


    <hr>


    ** DARKNESS **


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    But that wasn''t the end.


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    I opened my eyes to the blinding light, not as a ghost clinging to the past, but as a child reborn into another world. I am Ryn Ashford, and I have been living in this world for fifteen years.


    My body is young but my mind is filled with memories that seemed to echo across time. I am no normal boy in this world; I am the son of the legendary hero Irwin Ashford.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Unlucky right?


    The family I was born into was quite prosperous , my mother loving, and my brother Alaric A rising knight with the expectations of our family name resting on his shoulders. Yet beneath my perfect life, I felt shadows lurking, whispering doubt about my existence.


    "Why were you even born" Alaric would often mutter, his voice dripping with malice and envy whenever I crossed his path. I could easily read his resentment, a burning flame fueled by jealousy that crackled between us. But only if he knew ¨C I have no interest playing little brother I am destined for something far greater I will be the strongest Spellblade in this world!


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    From a young age, I have been honing my skills with a blade. Training in the art of magic and combat. I didn''t want to become a hero; I want to surpass them all. I practiced spells that could summon fire and bend all the elements at my will. I wielded my sword which was purely made of my mana with precision that belied my age, every swing showed my true testament to my craft.


    Every day I worked. I grew stronger. I studied tactics, analyzed every battle I''ve watched and broke them down as if they were a game of chess. In my mind, I played out scenarios predicting outcomes and strategizing my rise of power. In my previous life, I had commanded armies; now I would rise through the history of this world and command my own faith.


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    I am no longer just Ryn Ashford, the useless little brother. I will become a force to be reckoned with, a true embodiment of the strongest Spellblade. The world might see me as a child at the moment but I know better. I am a mastermind and this is the beginning of my reign.


    As I looked out the window, watching the world unfold beneath me, I felt a surge of desire ignite in my soul. I refuse to be overshadowed by anyone not even Alaric. I will pave my own path, my own destiny, one that I mark with strategy and strength.


    This world will come to know my name and I will ensure that I''m feared throughout the ages.


    I am Ryn Ashford, I will be the strongest Spellblade.

 2. The Reaper

    Power only comes from experience, real experience


    That''s what I''ve always thought anyway. Tactics and training mean little without throwing yourself in the mix of battle that improves your skills. In my past life, I was a mere strategist, a tactician who moved armies on the chessboard of war. Now I''ve been reborn as Ryn Ashford, the second son of a noble family, and I refuse to waste my time playing family.


    That''s why I''m here.


    ~


    ~


    ~


    The bandit camp lays before me, a collection of small tents and flickering campfires, filled with laughter and conversation. Funny, they think they''re safe out here hidden in the wilderness. They have no idea what''s about to emerge from the darkness of night.


    I can feel the excitement bubbling inside me. Tonight, will be my harvest.


    With a quick flick of my wrist, I conjure a mana sword, a shimmering blade of pure magical energy that hums with my power. I step into the shadows of night, cloak following behind me in red and black, a specter of death among the living.


    As I approach the first bandit, he notices me too late. My blade flashes through the air, slicing through his defenses. He falls without a single sound. One dead.


    The camp erupts into pure chaos as the remaining bandits begin to realize the danger. They scramble to grab their weapons, but I''m already upon them.


    Time to test my mana sword.


    I launch a barrage of magical bolts at the nearest group, the projectiles crackling with my energy. They scream as they explode into showers of light, and I hear the satisfying thud of bodies falling on the cold dirt floor.


    ~


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    "W-who the heck are you?!" a bandit shouts in fear, panic seems to creep into his screaming. I turn to face him, smirking as I cut him down.This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    "I''m just a guy looking for some excitement," I say, my voice dripping with casual self-reliance. With a simple wave of my hand, I send a torrent of fire toward the bandits. They raise their arms to shield themselves, but it''s too late. The flames begin to engulf them, and they disappear turning into nothing but ash.


    I begin to cut through the bandits like a whirlwind, my mana sword dancing in the air. Each strike is lethal, precise hitting their weak points. I revel in the chaos, the sudden rush of combat that fuels my thrill of battle. Bandits fall one after another, their cries echo throughout the night.


    Suddenly, one of the remaining bandits stumbles back, her eyes wide with fear. "H-he''s like a reaper!" she mutters, staring at me with horror.


    I pause for a moment, then bursted into laughter. "Catchy! I am the Reaper!!!"


    ~


    ~


    ~


    With my resolve renewed I plunge back into the fray, unleashing my magic. I conjure lightning around my sword as it cleaves through armor and flesh alike. The remaining bandits'' resolve crumbles as they witness their friends falling before me, like fresh wheat before the scythe.


    "Please! DON''T KILL ME!" another bandit begs, but I only laugh harder, enjoying the sweet sound of begging desperation.


    "Run", I taunt before summoning a bolt to their back, stepping over the fallen bandit the leader emerges ¨C tall and imposing, wielding a massive sword which crackles with magic. He''s a Spellblade, just like me but his sword merely compensates for something else.


    "You truly think you can take me down, kid?" he bellows his voice filled with arrogance.


    "I''ll¡ª"


    I don''t let him finish his sentence. With a flick of my wrist, I unleash a wave of my raw energy that crashes into his chest like a tidal wave. He''s thrown backward, his sword flying from his grasp as he crashes to the ground.


    "Too slow," I taunt, steeping over the bodies of his bandit friends to approach him.


    "How disappointing".


    He struggles to his feet, desperation in his eyes. "I-I won''t be bested by a KID!"


    I chuckled softly, shaking my head. "You really thought you stood a chance?" "How insulting..."


    With, that I swung my mana sword that cleaved through the air, severing his head clean from his shoulders. Nice workout today.


    The remaining bandits trembled with fear watching their leaders body twitch lifelessly. I wipe the blood from my blade, glancing down at the blood puddle I stood in.


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    "Run if you value your lives" I remarked casually, surveying the carnage of the bandit camp.


    The bandits begin to flee, abandoning their friends as they scramble into the trees. I smirk, letting them run. They''ll spread tales of the mysterious killer who swept through their camp like a reaper.


    As I stand among the bodies, I take a moment to feel the power I wield. This is what true strength feels like¡ªnot sitting in a classroom or participating in royal politics.


    It''s so exhilarating.


    When I finally made my way back to the Ashford Estate, dawn begun to break, and the towering walls of the estate came into view. I slip through the gates, unnoticed, a shadow among the night.


    It''s my second year at the magic academy tomorrow and the second semester is about to begin.


    But I now know what I truly want. Not only to be the strongest Spellblade.


    But to become the Reaper.

 3. The Magic Academy

    Ring! Ring! Ring!


    The sound of the first bell echoed through the air, which means our first class of the day has ended. I sighed, leaning back in my seat, observing students rushing out of the classroom. Another day not standing out ¨C just how I liked it.


    This is just another routine day, for Ryn Ashford.


    "Ryn! Let''s get going!" Lilli''s cheerful voice broke through the noise of the students leaving the classroom. I turn from my seat to see her standing near the door waiting for me, her golden fox ears twitching impatiently. "Are you coming or what? We are going to be late!"


    Lilli, the ever-excitable fox girl. Her fluffy tail swayed as she smiled, and her energy was infectious. She thrived on attention from me. I normally preferred to fade into the background, and have no friends but she was different.


    "Yeah, yeah, I''m coming" I gave a half-hearted smile as I walked out of the classroom with her.


    Standing beside Lilli was Alex, my roommate. Tall, sharped-eyes, always smirking. He knew way more about me than anyone else in this world which was a bad thing. "You looked thrilled, as usual." Alex teased we started walking toward the practice field.


    "Oh, you know just trying to get through the day" I muttered


    "You always say that, though! You''re like the strongest one in our class Ryn!" "You could show off just a little". Alex replied giving me a side glance while we walked. "One of these day''s I''ll get you to stop hiding if that''s just for one class".


    Hide it? More like trying to not cause a scene. I''d learned that in my past life.


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    As we made our way toward the field, Alex leaned in slightly lowering his voice. "Hey, isn''t that your brother"?


    I glanced up. Sure enough their was Alaric, my older brother, walking around in his gleaming armor. Just Great...


    His distant gaze swept over me for a moment, cold and sharp before turning away, acting like I didn''t exist. How childish.


    Same old Alaric. Always finding something to hate me for.


    "Yep, that''s him" I muttered, unbothered by his presence. I could feel his envy even from here. He always had a chip on his shoulder when it came to me. Not because I''d done anything wrong but because what I could do. I wasn''t just a knight in training like him. I was a Spellblade, capable of wielding both magic and a blade ¡ª something he lacked.Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    "You know, it''s odd for him to watch you during practice", Lilli added as her ears drooped down.


    "It doesn''t bother me any", I replied brushing Alaric''s presence aside. Let him watch.


    Lilli''s ears perked up. "Your brother is still annoying as ever"


    "Right?" I said simply.


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    We reached the open practice field, where dummies lined up in the distance, which waited for us to unleash our spells on them. I kept my focus forward, pushing aside Alaric''s gaze.


    I could just get through this and not stand out. But seeing Alaric pissed... would be so amusing.


    Suddenly, Professor Redwood appeared, clapping his hands to gather attention from everyone. "Alright, class! Today, we''ll be practicing some bigger spells that''s why I have us outside today. Everyone line up, and remember control is key."


    Control. Right.


    Thanks, teach for the reminder. I thought. I took my place in the lineup, keeping my attention toward the dummies. Alright today''s goal is simple hit the dummy, and don''t blow it up. Just like any other day.


    As it became my turn I felt it again ¨C Alaric''s eyes watching me like a viper looking at its prey.


    As I unsheathed my silver sword, I could feel the magic building up inside of me coiling like a spring ready to be released. Normally, I would hold back to avoid attention. But today... today, I was feeling like doing something different.


    What if I just try a little harder than normal?


    ~


    ~


    ~


    I don''t need to go all out, just enough to make Alaric twitch. I could feel his envy simmering under his fa?ade, and to be honest a part of me just wanted to see him angry.


    I aimed at the closest dummy and let the fire spell fly. The burst of magic shot from my sword and a large fire ball appeared. I expected it to hit the nearest target, but instead, it went through the dummy and veered off, smashing into the farthest most difficult dummy with an explosion that sent debris flying across the field.


    Ah crap...


    The entire class went silent.


    Lilli''s eyes widened, her tail flicking in excitement. "Ryn! That was so cool! You totally destroyed it!"


    Alex chuckled. "I guess you decided to stop holding back for today, huh?"


    I shrugged, keeping my expression neutral.


    But inside, I could feel the ripple of satisfaction. I hadn''t meant to show off¨Cwell, maybe a little¡ªbut the look on Alaric''s face was worth it. Alaric was standing there, fist clenched, his jaw tight with barely contained rage. He didn''t say or do anything he just continued to stare at me.


    That''s right, Alaric. Drown in your envy.


    Professor Redwood, who was oblivious to the tension clapped his hands. "Ah excellent work, Ryn! Incredible power, but your control lacks look at your sword." "However, you''re setting a fine example for the other kids today."


    As I glanced down at my hands the silver sword I was using was broken in half.


    I could almost feel Alaric''s composure snapping. He didn''t stick around to listen much longer. Without a word, he turned around and stormed away his metal boots clinking as he marched.


    Guess that did the trick.


    Lilli and Alex were still full of excitement, but I stayed silent, I wasn''t trying to stand out anymore.


    "Alright, everyone let''s continue!" Professor Redwood called out. "Ryn, great job today".


    I nodded and took a step back, blending into with the class once more. If all goes according to plan Alaric should challenge me to a duel today since I took a bit of his pride.

 4. Brotherly, Duel

    The final bell rang, which meant the final class of the day came to an end. The students spilled out of their classroom, laughter and chatter filled the air. I walked among them, my thoughts on the plans I had for the night. The jagged remnant of my broken silver sword sheathed around my waist.


    "Hey, Ryn!"


    The voice sliced through my reverie, pulling my attention to my older brother, Alaric. He stood there with hate in his eyes frowning at me. Finally.


    "I Alaric Ashford the son of Irwin Ashford challenge you little brother" his voice masked with poison as he shouted.


    Ah, my ever-charming older brother Alaric, always eager to hate me. I suppressed a sigh. "Y-you? Want to duel me? R-right Now?" I stammered.


    "Yeah! Unless you''re scared," he shot back arrogance coming over him.


    "Scared?" Far from the opposite.


    The students surrounded us as we stood outside the dormitory. They started whispering.


    "Isn''t that Alaric the strongest knight in the graduating class?" one of the students said in shock.


    "Who is he fighting?" "I don''t know" another student said.


    As I unsheathed my broken sword¡ªthe jagged blade gleamed like a predator''s teeth¡ªI gave a small smirk.


    "Ready?" Alaric asked his stance wide and arrogant.


    "No" I replied, adopting a more relaxed immature stance as if I was scared.


    The art of battle is not merely about strength but also planning.


    With a simple nod, our duel started. Alaric lunged forward; his sword aimed with deadly precision. As if he was trying to kill me. I sidestepped his attack, feeling the rush of air, his blade left behind. For a moment time seemed to slow down allowing me to see every weak point of his.


    He''s so predictable.


    Each swing he gives me tells a story; each strike shows weakness.


    "Stop running Ryn!" Alaric shouted, frustration mixed with anger as he perused me harder, his strikes growing heavier.


    "You''re scaring me big brother" I replied, playing the role of the weakling. The audience was lost in words their excitement palpable. I could sense their eyes on us¡ªevery gasp, every cheer that fed into the atmosphere.


    With every failed attack Alaric only grew angrier, and I relished in the sight. He charged again, his sword swinging to my ribs I stood still as time seemed to slow down. I struck at his legs, ribs, and neck but I pulled back at each strike. Then as I walked back into place time picked up again as I blocked his earlier attack which sent me flying.


    He thinks he''s winning. Good, I thought the corners of my mouth holding back my smile. Everything is coming together. What a foolish victory for him.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    Alaric with added confidence lunged again, envy fueled his movement. But instead of striking me with his sword he decided to kick me. "I GOT YOU NOW RYN!" he shouted with excitement in his eyes.


    Here it is, the grand finale of my show.


    The crowd roared as I took the hit throwing me against the dorm''s wall. "Y-you fought well" I muttered. "I-I surrender..."


    "Ha, See you''re nothing! Useless!" Alaric bellowed, puffing out his chest.


    "Never try to outshine me again. Try harder next time!" He shouted as he sheathed back his sword. Alaric turned around escaping through the crowd.


    Try harder? I laughed, smirking. Oh, brother next time. You won''t be facing Ryn.


    As the crowd begun to shimmer down, I got up "limping" away.


    I entered the dorm building the whispers of the crowd faded.


    I limped my way down the hallway of the boys'' dormitory, each step an act of mock pain. The hallway became dead silent, most students were already asleep for the night, but I made sure nobody was watching. I played my part perfect Ryn, the poor little brother, limping back after being "defeated" by his older brother. How amusing.


    I gotta sell it, right? It wouldn''t do me any justice if someone watched me waltz in here like nothing happened. The weak... don''t brush off a "wound" like that.


    I stopped outside my room, still maintaining my fa?ade of the weak injured little brother. The moment I opened the door, I allowed my body to relax my so¨Ccalled "limp" vanished. The perfect illusion was now finished.


    Inside, stood Alex already half dressed in his nightwear. He glanced at me, his sharp eyes looking at me up and down.


    "Got in another duel with your brother again, I presume?" he asked casually, his tone more curious then worried. He pulled on his shirt, shaking his head with a slight smirk.


    Alex. Always so perceptive. He already knows Ryn to well.


    I shrugged, giving him my impression of a man stuck with fate. "You know how he is. He never quits when he sees me." I tossed my broken sword on my bed as it bounced a bit on the bed.


    "He always out for blood, isn''t he?" Alex said shaking his head as he slipped into his bedsheets. "I''m surprised you''re still standing after going up against him with that broken thing." "You need a new one."


    Oh, Alex. Only if you knew my power.


    I offered him a grin, unbuckling my cape and jacket tossing them on a nearby chair. "It''s about surviving" I said adding a tone of defeat.


    Alex, unaware of my facade simply nodded. "I''m going to get some rest."


    As Alex''s breathing slowed, I made my way carefully to the bathroom grabbing some nightwear from a drawer.


    I glanced at the bathroom door locking it behind me, my plan already forming. The baths are a great cover, aren''t they? Perfect alibi. No one questions a student washing off defeat from a "lost duel". But just in case I''ll leave a clone here.


    Tonight, isn''t just an ordinary night. Oh, no tonight will be a slaughter.


    I moved through the window, the cool air washed over me, stimulating my senses. I stood on top of the dormitory basking in the light of the moon.


    I stretched out my hand, letting the mana surge through me responding to my whim. My body tingled with the true power I held. I took a deep breath, allowing the mana settle on my skin like a layer of armor.


    Magicules. They make everything. The very fabric of reality depends upon them. I simply bend them to my will


    I activated my mana, wrapping a cloak around me, cloaking me in a dark red and black outfit that shimmered under the moonlight. This outfit wasn''t just cloth or armor¡ªit was manifestation of my will. My own creation, a masterpiece of desire.


    To others, magic is merely a tool. But to me? It''s everything.


    What separates them from me? They live in this world as it is. While I reshape it as I please.


    I glanced at the city which surrounded the academy, my gaze sweeping across it. Tonight, the city of Idelia will be introduced to the Reaper.


    I extended my hand, and from my mana, a dark skull emerges, its red eyes glowed faintly. As I placed it over my face, the skull fused with my mana, moving seamlessly with my every facial expression, my eyes glowed red through the sockets. A perfect reflection of my role as the Reaper.


    Tonight, they will revel in death. Blood debts will be paid.


    I jumped off the roof, my body light as I went from each rooftop. Not a sound. Not a trace. I am nothing more than a phantom.


    With a final glance at the moon, I leapt into the darkness of the night.

 5. Idelias First Harvest

    The stars and the moon hanged high as I leaped rooftops in Idelia. Like a figure moving through the darkness, looking for prey. As I landed on an edge of a rooftop, I looked below my piercing gaze locked onto an open alley way.


    Ah what do we have here? I remarked.


    Below a group of bandits surrounded a cart which was covered with a tarp. The dim light of flickering lanterns filled the alley way. As their shadows bounced off the walls.


    My favorite kind of prey! Rats? Smugglers? No¡­no¡­ Slavers! My lips curled into a grin.


    ¡°Are we missing any other merchandise?¡± the leader asked, his voice softly echoed. His fingers brushed the tarp as he let out a small chuckle.


    "N-No boss!" One of the men quickly answered stammering.


    ¡°Good I¡¯m glad¡± he replied, his long black hair went pass his shoulders. His skin was pale as limestone.


    Then one of the lesser rats decided to use there tongue.


    ¡°Boss! We could find more merchandise for the seller at the Aca---¡°


    Before the bandit could finish his sentence, he was quickly cut off.


    A wet thud.


    The bandit staggered back, as he grabbed the stump where his arm had been. Blood sprayed across the cobblestone walls.


    ¡°AGHHH¡±


    The leader sheathing back his sword sighed with annoyance. He reached down grabbing the bandit¡¯s hair and yanked his head back until their eyes locked.


    <


    <


    <


    <


    ¡°We will never approach the Academy!¡± he hissed, his tone was cold. "If my father finds out, we are both good as dead! How do you not understand?¡±


    The wounded bandit swallowed a sob as he begun to nod.


    But above them I lurked watching in the darkness.


    Oh, his father? Huh, now this is interesting!


    The bandit leader let out a sigh, as he shook his head. His gaze suddenly sharpened.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    He turned quickly, his tattered dark green robe swaying behind him. ¡°One of you heal his wounds¡± he barked. ¡°We leave for the buyer immediately¡±


    Quickly one by one the bandits departed on horses. The cart creaked as the wheels hit the cobble stone pavement.


    However, I remained unseen following behind them.


    I could strike now


    It would be quick and simple. A clean massacre. I could slaughter them all before they even realize my shadow has engulfed them. Then I would only need to wring the slave master¡¯s location from their last breaths.


    Or¡­.


    I smirk trying to contain a smile. I could follow them and enjoy a feast.


    Let the filth gather in numbers. When they feel the most secure¡ªwhere they believed they have achieved victory. That¡¯s when I¡¯ll strike.


    Eventually the bandits turned into the main road. The vast city of Idelia surrounded them as they stayed on path for several minutes.


    Are they going out of the town? I muttered.


    <


    <


    <


    <


    They then swiftly turned down an alley way. I watched as the leader motioned for the caravan to head straight through the brick wall. The bricks rippled like water as the caravan vanished, as if swallowed.


    Ah, illusion magic?


    I jumped off the rooftop landing in the alley below. Time to see where this den leads.


    The moment I stepped through the brick wall, reality of the den bent around me. The room was massive, carved into the underground beneath the kingdom. Rows upon rows of cages lined the walls and ceiling. The iron bars glinting under the torch light. The air was thick with the sound of shuffling feet, and talk from the bandits.


    In the middle of the room stood the bandit leader, and opposite of him was the slave trader. A greasy middle-aged man, draped in silks, his fingers adorned with rings which was obnoxious for his role. He reeked of greed someone who thought his position in the underground made him invincible.


    I should end them both now.


    No. where is the joy in that? I need to make my grand entrance.


    Slavery¡ªhow repulsive¡ªhow disgusting. The idea of another person being forced against their will to be looked upon as mere currency?


    But I understand the premise. Supply and demand. The strong profiting from the weak. Just like my old world.


    It was law of nature for a society. That didn¡¯t mean I wouldn¡¯t control it from the shadows.


    I stood in the darkness listening.


    The bandit leader smirked, ¡°It¡¯s here. Just as requested¡±. He kicked the cart, making the tarp rustle. Something¡ªno¡ªsomeone whimpered.


    The slave trader licked his lips as he clapped his hands together. ¡°Ahh wonderful. A fine job indeed my old friend. Your father would be pleased.¡±


    The bandit leader tensed.


    For a sudden moment I saw a flicker of annoyance. No Fear.


    ¡°Oh, I forgot that¡¯s a rough spot for you my deepest of apologies¡± the slave trader replied. ¡°I meant no offense¡± He bellowed out a laugh.


    The bandit leader joined. Their laughter filled the den filling the empty place with a nasty melody.


    ¡­ I joined them


    A slow chuckle flew from my lips. Then it grew.


    Deeper. Louder.


    Until my laughter engulfed the room.


    The den which was filled with laughter froze.


    The air turned thick and heavy with a natural silence. The bandits¡¯ hands drifting toward their weapons. The slave traders face paled, his once greedy grin turned into something worried.


    Then I stepped forward.


    From the abyss of the darkness, I emerged.


    My red eyes gleamed beneath the hood of my cloak, burning like fire in the dark. The black skull covered my face, its empty grin reflecting the torchlight.


    Slow steps.


    Boots tapping the cold stone floor.


    I could feel their fear. I was like a monster which has found its prey.


    How delicious.


    I titled my head ever so slightly, my voice dripping with amusement.


    ¡°Don¡¯t stop on my account¡±


    My eyes locked on the bandit leader and slave trader.


    ¡°Go on. Laugh.¡±

 6. The Slave

    ¡°That skull which mask in the darkness, those eyes which pierces the soul¡± The Slave Trader retorted.


    Like the feather of a phoenix¡ªburning, reborn, undying!


    ¡°No!...it can be¡±


    The Slave Traders voice  quivered in fear, his face twisting into a grotesque mask of terror. His black eyes darted between me and the bandits.


    ¡°It was rumors surely?!¡± He whimpered.


    He quickly stumbled back losing his footing, pointing his trembling plump finger at me.


    ¡°K-KILL IT!¡±


    His shriek echoed through the den, slicing through it. The moment he yelped his order he scurried behind the cart like a rat being hunted.


    ¡°I-it¡¯s only a man¡±, the bandit leader yelled out, stepping forward. His long black hair swayed as he unsheathed his black sword, confidence glittered in his eyes.


    No!


    No! No!


    ¡°It the Reaper!¡±


    The words came from the men their breaths mixed with fear.


    ¡°T-the what?¡± The Bandit Leader asked.


    I didn¡¯t give them time to process it. I was upon them.


    Like a phantom, my red eyes swayed in the dark as I manifested my sword. The first bandits neck split open before his lips could utter a scream. His body fell with a dull thud.


    The others reacted, too slow. One after another they fell.


    Their blades cross mine. I parried, dodged, killed.


    A pathetic attempt of a dagger went for my back I swiftly appeared behind him impaling my blade through his ribs.


    Magic suddenly crackled through the air.


    A caster his staff raised high, his trembling voice whispering an incantation.


    ¡°INFERNO OVOID!¡± He yelled.


    A fire ball raced toward me.


    I grinned, tightening my grip. The flames curled between my fingers, their power in my control.


    I believe this is yours?


    I threw it back but this time it was bigger. The mage and the bandits were ignited into charred flesh.


    Silence all of you.


    I stepped over the charred remains locking eyes with the bandit leader. However, he was different than any ordinary bandit. His magical aura, and weapon stance of choice all seemed familiar.


    Then, slowly, he sighed.


    He exhaled, his composure returning. Shadows begin shift from out of him his aura was black as obsidian.


    ¡°The name is Marcus¡± he pauses ¡°Marcus. Redwood¡±


    "Where have I heard that name before?" I asked myself.


    Before I could think further the air rippled around him. The torches on the walls flickered¡ªthen went out entirely.


    Nothing but darkness.


    Suffocating blackness oozed from his body like smoke. The air grew unsteady with an unnatural presence.


    Shadows which silhouettes mocked their master were formed ten of them in an instant emerged.


    ¡°May you be filled with the nocturne of night¡± Marcus let out as he blended with his shadow clones.


    They lunged.


    I moved.Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    My blade flashed through one.


    Another swing¡ªtwo gone.


    A dodge, a sideway slash¡ªgone.


    The moment my mana sword went through them, their bodies crumbled into nothing but empty mana.


    Then¡ªCLANG!


    Our blades clashed, sparks flying in the darkness.


    ¡°Not terrible,¡± I muttered, deflecting the blade aimed at my neck.


    Marcus scowled. ¡°Who are you truly?¡±


    His attacks then became relentless, but mine were precise.


    The way he used his magic and sword was a lot like Professor Red-


    In a moment the air clashed of mana and metal. His blade became darkened as his sword was enveloped by shadows. He concentrated all his aura with one final strike.


    ¡°You need to die here¡± he sneered as he gritted his teeth.


    He failed to realize. This is exactly what I want from him.


    ¡°So utterly predictable,¡± I muttered as my mana blade sliced through his sword and aura. The next thing he saw was my blade flashing at his chest, piercing his lungs.


    As he collapsed on the floor, I found my mask falling off my face. A clean cut through the middle.


    He managed to hit me? I muttered trying to play ignorance. Before turning toward, the cart.


    Suddenly, I felt a faint tug on my cloak¡ª


    Marcus


    His bloodied hands gripped my cloak, weakly pulling me toward him.


    ¡°Y-your so young¡­ h-how did I lose¡± he gasped, his throat filling with blood. ¡°You¡­you attend the academy don¡¯t you boy?¡±


    "I didn¡¯t take you as a fan of mine." I replied with amusement. But he failed to hear me.


    ¡°With magic like yours I could have made him proud¡­ When my father finds out he¡¯ll ki-"


    Before he could finish his sentence, I felt his grip untighten from my cloak, his body embracing death.


    What a pity. I walked over his dead body, not bothering to glance back. There was no need. His opinions and voice will be an echo.


    As I walked toward the cart, the slave trader sat behind it trembling like a rodent caught in a trap. His voice shook as he pleaded, a pitiful excuse for someone like him.


    ¡°Please! Don¡¯t kill me. I¡¯ll give you anything¡ªMen? Women? Fame?¡± His words went on seeking desperation. Then, a glint of misunderstanding flickered in his eyes, ¡°Oh! Oh, you must be into little girls, huh?¡± His breath caught in his throat as if he solved the question.


    ¡°How repulsive,¡± I muttered. I could feel the revulsion from deep inside my gut, but there was no mercy for men like him. He was a pig, unworthy of the same mud he bathed in.


    With a flick of my wrist, I unmanifested my blade. My hand founds its way to his throat, like a snake constricting it''s prey. ¡°Men like you are merely pawns to the oligarchy we live in. We may claim this is a established monarchy, but everyone¡ªeven royalty¡ªhas a price.¡±


    His eyes bulged, realizing his situation. ¡°You are no use to me,¡± I whispered coldly, as my grip tightened. ¡°I¡¯ll take your life''s work and make it my own¡±


    In a swift motion, I snapped his neck. His body became lifeless like a doll that was discarded after its strings being cut. ¡°I¡¯ll be taking these rings with me they may sell for a high price¡± I said to myself.


    Now time for the true harvest.


    As I approached the cart, I slowly wrapped my hands around the tarp pulling it back. Revealing a green orb. Inside it a girl, no older than myself, lay unconscious. Her elven features were delicate her skin seemed as smoothed as porcelain. Her breath seemed shallowed as if she was slipping in and out of consciousness as if she was in a comatose state.


    I broke the lock of the cart with ease. A simple flick of my fingers and the cart that confined her was open.


    As I approached the orb a name was faintly written on the side. Elnora. I whispered it to myself as I reached out my hand over the ancient text. As soon as the words left my lips, the name seemed to glow.


    The orb pulsed with magical energy, and door to it opened. The elven girl began to stir, her eyes opening.


    ¡°W-where am I¡± Her voice was soft, her words slurred, as she tried to rise. Though her legs failed her she stumbled forward, but I was already there, catching her in my arms.


    ¡°Careful¡± I said holding her steady. She looked up at me, her pure wide, confused eyes meeting mine.


    Her blush was quick, but she tried to stand again, this time with more strength. As I helped her stand up, I realized she was without clothes. A sense of awkwardness filled the air. Without a word, I used the magicules, and weaved her a set of clothing. A white, green, and gold spring dress formed her petite body with delicate floral patterns.


    ¡°Y-your control of magic I-it¡¯s beautiful¡± she whispered, a sense of awe filled her voice.


    Here you go I said looking away from her current appearance.


    Her eyes darted to her bare form for a moment. ¡°C-could you look away for a moment please?¡±


    I didn¡¯t even blink. Things like this don¡¯t bother me really with a subtle turn of my head I faced the darkness. When she spoke again her voice seemed to have a touch of confidence and warmth.


    ¡°You can turn my way now¡±


    I turned facing her, and in that moment, she gave a playful but elegant bow, her movement fluid and light.


    ¡°I am Elnora. It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you.¡±


    I stood their completely puzzled. For the first time in my life, words failed me. Never before had I been moved by a woman¡ªnot in my past life nor in this one. In that moment time itself seemed to slow down. I could hear my heart beat a fraction quicker than normal.


    What is this meaningless feeling? Ugh¡­ It¡¯s foul.


    I shook my head, pushing my emotions to the side.


    ¡°Why were you in that orb?¡± I asked cutting to the point.


    She titled her head slightly ¡°I-I don¡¯t know¡± her smile soft but sincere.


    ¡°Oh¡­ great! You don¡¯t remember a thing, do you?¡± I asked sighing.


    ¡°No but I do know this¡­¡± her eyes twinkled ¡°Whoever lets me out of my slumber will be given my companionship. So therefore, that will be you, Ryn!¡±


    I froze ¡°I never told you, my name.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± She giggled lightly, as if amused. ¡°But since you opened the orb, a permeant pact was formed between us.¡±


    I blinked, considering the implications of her words. Bringing her to the academy as my assistant and enrolling her as a student could yield me many benefits. ¡°Will you serve any command I give you?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± Her voice rang with sincerity behind it. I could see it in her eyes she has already placed trust with me.


    ¡°Before I chose you in the orb, I determined that you are worthy of my grace.¡± She said smiling.


    Just as I was about to speak again, she collapsed.


    Like an instinct I caught her with my arms, as she laid in my embrace.


    ¡°I guess we¡¯ll get you home¡± I muttered as I carried her back to my dormitory.

 7. The Assistant

    ¡°So that¡¯s why there is a random elven girl in our dorm room?¡± Alex asked, rubbing his temple.


    ¡°Yep! That sums it up,¡± I replied with a nonchalant shrug. ¡°I needed an assistant, and she was for hire, so I decided to use her services.¡±


    Alex narrowed his eyes. ¡°Sureeee, that explains the random clone you put in the bathtub last night.¡±


    I stiffened. ¡°Oh. I. Uh¡­ Yeah¡­¡± (How does he know about that? My plan was good!¡ªMaybe I can squeeze myself out of this one? Ugh. What a headache!)


    I could always ki¡ªNo Ryn you cannot kill your friends


    Alex sighed. ¡°You should probably wake her up its improper to watch a lady sleep¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m aware.¡± I turned toward Elnora who was sleeping soundly in my bed.


    ¡°Elnora?¡±


    A small grunt, then a flicker of movement. Her eyes fluttered open¡ªvivid, green¡ªand the moment they locked eyes with mine she raised up.


    ¡°RYN!¡±


    Before I can react, she launches herself at me, wrapping her arms around my waist in a tight embrace.


    ¡°Hey! Get off me¡± I yell, trying to pry her off.


    Alex burst into laughter. ¡°What an interesting assistant.¡±


    I sigh, finally freeing myself from her grip. ¡°Come on Elnora.¡± ¡°We need to get you register as a student and assistant.¡±


    ¡°But breakfast!¡± She pouts.


    Alex, ever the enabler, appears from the kitchen, a plate balancing from his right hand. ¡°Here. Eat some of these leftover Griffin eggs.¡±


    Elnora¡¯s face lights up as she takes the plate eagerly. ¡°Thank you for the food!¡± She yells out. As she begins to shovel the food in her mouth with no room to breathe.


    ¡°MHH! MHH!¡± She moans through a mouthful of food. ¡°Thisa SOA Gwouod!¡±


    Don¡¯t talk with your mouth full! I reply correcting her mannerism.


    She swallows with haste. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I haven¡¯t eaten in quite some time¡±


    I sigh. ¡°Are you ready now Elnora?¡±


    Elnora wipes her mouth with her handkerchief as she gets up from bed following me out the door. Before the door shuts Alex calls out behind us.


    ¡°You and I need to talk later Ryn!¡±


    ¡°Sure, whatever.¡± I reply waving him off.


    The early morning sun shines as Elnora walks a bit ahead of me taking on the sun which bathes the courtyard. Elnora gasps, spinning around in awe as she takes on the towering spire and marble pillars.


    ¡°What a lovely atmosphere!¡± she exclaims, with sparkles in her eye.


    ¡°Come on, Elnora!¡±


    I quickly grab her hand; I lead her toward the registrar¡¯s office. I don¡¯t think much of the gesture but when I glance black, her face dusted with pink. Odd.


    Inside the office the receptionist behind the desk gives us a polite bow. ¡°Good morning, sir and ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°Good morning! My name is Ryn Ashford from house Ashford, and I would like to register this lady here as my assistant and student.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir! We will get that done immediately.¡± ¡°Please sign these papers¡±


    She pulls out an intimidating large stack of papers. After some time, I take my stamp out to finalize the last document. Which signifies Elnora¡¯s status at Borealis.


    Thus, doing this she cannot be harassed nor bothered by lesser nobility. Due to her being acquainted with me.


    ¡°Alright! That should be everything¡± The receptionist says with a bow. ¡°Now we only need to capture her measurements for her clothing and assign a dorm.¡±


    ¡°RYNNNNN!!¡±


    A voice booms behind us, and I immediately know that bubbly voice from anywhere.


    Oh heavens no.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Lilli strides into the office. Her presence a force to be reckoned with. And of course, closely following behind her is Alex.


    ¡°What been going on for the past few days¡± I sigh


    ¡°Lilli! I told you not too¡ª" Alex yells after her.


    ¡°So, this is Elnora, I presume?¡± Lilli says putting her hands on her hips.


    ¡°I-it¡¯s a pleasure!¡± Elnora replied giving a slight bow.


    Lilli¡¯s eyes narrow.


    ¡°I¡¯m unsure who you are, but Ryn is mine!¡± Elnora screams out.


    ¡°THE WHAT!?¡± I blurt out loud, stumbling back a bit.


    The receptionist behind the desk lets out a small ¡°Oh my¡­¡±


    ¡°Elnora y-you can¡¯t just make a statement like that¡± I hiss at her.


    ¡°Oh? Why can¡¯t I?¡± She counters with boldness.


    Lilli opens her mouth, then quickly closes it. Lost for words.


    That¡¯s a rare sight to see


    Alex than sighs and turns to the receptionist. ¡°So, what¡¯s the verdict regarding the documentation?¡±


    ¡°We just need to assign her a room¡ª¡±


    ¡°She can stay with me!¡± Lilli declares.


    That works for me! I replied quickly smiling


    One less headache to deal with ... thank you Lilli.


    Alright! ¡°That¡¯s all in order. Thank you, for your cooperation today!¡± The receptionist nods.


    Lilli grabs Elnora¡¯s wrist and starts to take her out of the office.


    ¡°Come on Elnora, I¡¯ll take you to our dorm!¡±


    ¡°I-I didn''t agree with this!¡­¡± Elnora says out loud as she is pulled along.


    Poor. Elnora... Having to deal with Lilli. Alas, not my problem.


    Just as the pair reaches the door, Elnora spins back suddenly.


    Then without hesitation, she quickly walks up to me, she leans in and presses a quick peck onto my cheek.


    My body locks up.


    The room goes silent.


    Lilli who is by the door blinks, looking as shocked as I felt.


    Alex lets out a small, teasing laugh.


    And then¡ªmy mind is interrupted


    "I apologize for that embarrassing display." Elnora''s voice echos in my mind.


    I look around confused ¡°Uh Elnora how are you in my head?¡±


    "I¡¯ve created an internal connection through telepathy. If you need anything, just let me know."


    O-okay¡­. What been with this morning.


    As the two girls disappeared from sight. I still stood there, stunned. The moment of Elnora giving me a peck on the cheek replayed in my mind.


    What is this pitiful feeling. I don¡¯t understand it.


    Alex. Watching me carefully lets out a big grin across his face. ¡°Well since we have sometime before class starts let¡¯s go do something.¡±


    I scowl ¡°Shut up, Alex .¡±


    But as we leave the office, I find my hand periodically reaching my cheek.


    Oh hell.


    As the two of us stepped outside of the registrar¡¯s office and into the courtyard Alex, walks closely beside me, his arms crossed. His eyes flickering with amusement and frustration.


    ¡°Mind telling me where you snuck off too last night?¡±


    I glance at him, keeping my fa?ade unreadable. ¡°it¡¯s like I told you. I was in the business for an assistant and¡ª¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± He cuts me off, sighing. ¡°You¡¯re still lying through your teeth with me?¡± ¡°I get it, I guess.¡± He mutters then, he leans it, voice at a whisper. ¡°Being the Reaper and all.¡±


    My breath catches. I found my eyes widen before I stopped myself.


    H-how does he¡ª?


    ¡°Shhh.. not here¡± he says, his tone calm and a smirk across his face telling me he¡¯s enjoying this.


    ¡°Let¡¯s find somewhere more private?¡± He adds.


    I follow him through the courtyard my mind begins to race. Did he follow me? Was I leaked? No¡ªthat can¡¯t be. My plan was flawless no room for error. And yet¡­


    Alex leads me into the nearby park on campus, guiding me through dense brushes of trees. The noise of the Academy fades, places with the silence of the park. The, with a swirl of his finger, Alex mutters ¡°Tranquila.¡±


    A subtle shimmer of light glitters the surrounding area. A sound proofing spell?


    How clever.


    He turns to me, his normal carefree grin replaces with something sharper, something calculating. Then, he takes a seat on the bench, crossing his legs like a noble would.


    ¡°You must be wondering how I know you¡¯re the Reaper?¡± he muses, his voice casual, but his eyes betray him. Theirs¡¯s a spark of something that¡¯s lingers in them. Satisfaction?


    I say nothing, as he continues to speak.


    ¡°When you escaped into the underbelly of Idelia, I got a bit worried about my dear roommate.¡± he says, mockingly placing a hand on his chest. ¡°After all, you were in the bath for quite a while. And then, when I interacted with that clone of yours, I realized something odd¡ª¡± His grind widens. ¡°It had no mana signature.¡±


    Tch. He clicks his tongue.


    ¡°My lineage¡± he continues, ¡°allows me to follow all mana¡ªwhere it flows, where it disappears, and where it¡¯s stolen.¡± ¡°So, I simply followed your trail¡ªand what did I find?¡± He leans forward. ¡°The Reaper, bidding farewell to some nasty old man in a back alley-den.¡±


    His teeth grind slightly as he grins. It not a smile of victory¡ªbut rather a smile of someone who caught their friend doing something reckless.


    I exhale, my fa?ade slipped away. Theirs¡¯s no way out of this.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± My voice turning cold.


    I briefly consider my options. If I must, I can dispose of him.


    Alex chuckles, ¡°Don¡¯t think about trying to kill me now. I don¡¯t plan to tell a soul¡­after all we are friends.¡±


    He stands rolling his shoulders unbothered like it¡¯s another casual chat. ¡°To be fair I¡¯ve always known you were strong. Stronger than the professors even. You hide your mana well, but you could improve, at times it fluctuates.¡±


    My mind races. I misplaced him. A pawn on my board had suddenly revealed itself to be something more cunning.


    Then¡ªwhack.


    Alex punches my shoulder lightly. ¡°That¡¯s for lying to me,¡± he says shaking his head.


    I scowl.


    ¡°From now on I¡¯m joining you,¡± he declares. ¡°What will I tell the administration when you end up dead?¡±


    However, there¡¯s something in his voice that I noticed¡ªsomething I¡¯ve never seen from him before. Grief? No¡­something deeper.


    ¡°And why should I allow you?¡± I ask, narrowing my eyes. ¡°What¡¯s stopping me from saying no?¡±


    Alex tilts his head, then burst into a light chuckle. ¡°Man, this side of you is ruthless.¡± His expression sharpness, his mana which flares blue¡ªshifts into a vibrant pink, which swirled around him like a living thing.


    I haven¡¯t seen this magic before


    ¡°You¡¯re not the only one keeping secrets,¡± he says smoothly. ¡°So? A secret for a secret. Now can you finally trust me?¡±


    I stared at him.


    In my past life, I commanded an army. And yet, in this world, I had no subordinate, no unit¡ªno Phantoms to bring my ideals to life.


    Perhaps¡­ I can change that now.


    ¡°Fine,¡± I say at last. ¡°But you must listen to everything I tell you.¡±


    ¡°Sounds good to me.¡± Alex replied smiling


    We shook hands in the middle of the park, a silent pact forming between us.


    Distantly, the school bell rings which indicates first class is about to begin.


    Alex stretches, ¡°Let¡¯s get going.¡±


    I smirked.


    As we both walked to class.

 8. The Assignment

    "Alright class take your seats! " Professor Redwood''s voice boomed across the classroom, his tone carrying authority. He then took a puff from his pipe before exhaling a plume of smoke, then tapped his cane twice on the floor. Suddenly, shadowy tendrils slithered from underneath the Professors shadow as they silently passed out todays lesson materials.


    "As you can see, class, we will be studying the aura of mana that lives in each and every one of us," he announced. His sharp eye surveyed the room as he continued , "However, before we begin the lesson, we have a new student." "Elnora, you may rise."


    Beside me, Elnora hesitated for a moment before pushing back her chair and standing. "G-good evening, everyone," she said with a polite bow. "My name is Elnora. I deeply look forward with studying with you all this year." She ended her introduction with a warm smile, her voice delicate but composed.


    A wave of mutters flooded the classroom.


    "Oh, what cutie"


    "Her skin is like a doll''s..."


    Professor Redwood ignored the whispers, his gaze cold. "Elnora here is Mr. Ashford''s Assistant," he stated. "Due to this I expect you all to remember your station in this kingdom."


    At his words, the idle chatter instantly went away. The room fell into eerier silence as Elnora''s new positioned settled in.


    Professor Redwood, satisfied with the silence took another leisurely puff of his pipe. "For today''s lesson, we will be moving near the kingdoms dungeon and assessing your mana aura capacity. "Once your testing is completed, you will be divided into groups of four based on your results. Am I clear?"


    The class moaned with acknowledgment.


    "Good." Professor Redwood exhaled another puff. "Now, class follow me."


    As the class followed Professor Redwood, he led us to a clearing behind the school, which was bordered by a forest. The surrounding air was crisp and carried a faint smell of old earth and magic. Without a warning, the professor stopped.


    "This is where your magical aura will be evaluated," he announced, tapping his cane against the ground.


    One by one, students were called up to test their aura. I watched as each student channeled their energy, their aura''s flickering into different shades of blue and purple.


    How Basic.


    Their magic lacked weight; their control was mediocre at best.


    Then, Lilli was called up. The moment she began to circulate her mana, the atmosphere quickly shifted. Unlike the previous students her aura radiated a brilliant white, thick and heavy. Small rocks nearby begun to levitate a bit. Tiny golden particles shimmered around her¡ªspirits, drawn to her fox spirit lineage.


    "You require more control of your spirits however nicely done, Ms. Kirkwood. Next!" Professor Redwood called out with his usual neutral tone.


    More students followed, their aura not leaving much of an impression¡ªthat was until Alex was called up. My mind quickly drifted to our conversation in the park earlier, where his aura turned an unusual pink. Yet now, as he activated his mana, it remained an ordinary blue. Though his mana had weight to it.


    Still hiding it huh? Smart.


    Then, it was my turn.


    As I walked Infront of the class, I focused on channeling my aura. Of course, I couldn''t reveal my true strength¡ªI had to keep it at bay. Carefully I adjusted my mana to be slightly above Alex''s, ensuring I went over the radar as above average.


    After me, Elnora was up.


    "Elnora! You''re next," Professor Redwood announced.


    Elnora stepped forward; her expression composed. I leaned in slightly, curious.


    Just how much magical aura does she possess? For someone who was held up in that orb I would assume, she must be average... unless...


    "You may begin," the professor said his voice carrying his usual lack of care.


    Elnora raised her hand, and the moment her aura flared, the tree''s nearby begun to catch wind.


    A weight¡ªdense and controlled¡ªpressed down on the class. Some students instinctively flinched; their postures lowered slightly under the force of her aura. It hummed ever so slightly, the color hue of light green¡ªlike her hair¡ªflowing with a level most students could wish to achieve during their third year.


    Interesting. Her control¡ªits.... like mine.


    Professor Redwood, who rarely showed interest in his students, stood there for a moment¡ªwith silence¡ªclapping his hands.


    "Haha! Yes.... Yes. A well applied aura," He mused,  his sharp eyes gleaming. "Your magic is akin to those of ancient times. Nicely done, Elnora."


    Now that''s unexpected. The ever nonchalant, never-amazed Professor Redwood had actual praise¡ªwithout adding corrections.


    Professor Redwood wasted no time divided the class into groups of four before giving us the actual assignment.


    "Tomorrow, you and your entire graduating class will be thrown into the dungeon," he announced, adjusting his glasses. "Whoever obtains the most monster gems¡ªbe they from high or low tier-monsters will¡ªbe declared the official winner of the tournament."You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    A ripple of excitement¡ªarrogance¡ªand dread¡ªspread through the class.


    "However," he continued tapping his cane against the earth, "you are not permitted to enter floor sixty or below. The academy''s dungeon is one of the few endless dungeons in the kingdom. It has not been fully explored, nor has the dungeon master been located." His gaze darkened. "If you see anything unusual, run and report it to the nearest professor they can be located at each floor checkpoint."


    A few students whispered among themselves. Unexplored floors? The unknown where abouts of the dungeon master? The thrill of the conversation in the air brought a smile to my face.


    Additionally, you must come up with a party name," Redwood added. "I expect to see you all here tomorrow morning¡ªsharp. Class Dismissed!"


    As planned my group consisted of myself, Elnora, Alex, and Lilli.


    "I can''t believe we are in the same party Ryn!" Lilli squealed, practically bouncing with excitement. Her tail swaying behind her.


    Alex grinned and, without a warning, threw his arms around Lilli and me, pulling us in. "Ha! This is going to be fun!"


    Before I could shake him off, Elnora joined in wrapping her arms around all three of us. "Alright! How about we grab something to eat first? We can figure out a party name there!" I added


    "Sounds good to me! Elnora chirped "I''m quite hungry!" Her stomach growled and a slight blush came across her face.


    "Oh, oh! A party name?  What about the ''Four Tails''? Or The Hungry Blades! Or maybe¡ª"


    "How about, we eat first and then discuss this?" I interrupted, letting out a snicker.


    Wait.


    Did I just laugh?


    W-why did I laugh at something Lilli said?  That...that never happens.


    What''s wrong with me?


    As we entered the cafeteria, long wooden tables were scattered around the hall, their surfaces scratched with years of use. Above us, some students casually floating mid-air their legs swinging from tables as they enjoyed their meal. The chandeliers overhead casted a warm glow, reflecting the polished stone floor. The scent of freshly baked bread and miso broth, filled the air, mingling with the chatter of students.


    We approached the food line, where enchanted trays moved along, carrying different dishes, students could pick from. Elnora hesitated, staring at the menu.


    "Would you like my help?" I asked her furrowed brow.


    She nodded shyly. "Miso soup and bread, b-but I''m unsure how to order it."


    With a quick tap on the floating menu, I selected her food, and the tray in front of her instantly arranged itself with a steaming bowl of soup and wrapped loaf of bread. We found an empty table near one of the arched windows and sat down as the setting moon left its hue over our group.


    Before we could resume our previous discussion about our party name, the cafeteria door swung open with a resounding thud. A figure appeared; he demanded his presence to be known.


    Alaric.


    His gaze filled with envy scanned the cafeteria before locking into me. He gave me the usual cold look. His eyes flickered between Elnora and Lilli, his expression tightening. Yes, they were cute in their own right, but his jealousy wasn''t about them¡ªit was about me being around them.


    The utter audacity.


    He shook his head, grabbed his food, and stormed out, but not before I caught a whiff of bloodlust from him.


    "T-that was your big brother, wasn''t it?"  Elnora''s voice echoed in my mind.


    Yes, I replied telepathically. How do you know that?


    "Since we formed a pact, we have access to one another''s past memories."


    My breath hitched. Y-you what?  My past life..... does she know?


    Elnora''s gaze softened. "I only see glimpses. You as a child. But you look completely different¡ªwith different parents."


    I fell silent. So, she does know.


    "W-what about your memories? Why can''t I see them?" I asked.


    "Perhaps.. because I don''t remember my past," she admitted. "And because of that I have nothing to share?"


    She hesitated before speaking telepathically again. "Ryn, about your past I-I don''t see everything. Only what your mind is willing to share. But¡ª" She bit her lip. "I keep seeing the name Phantom being brought up. W-was that your previous party?"


    The moment I heard her voice echo in my mind, I flickered back. The memory surfaced like a whisper from my past¡ªI saw myself staring at a tablet, commanding Phantom Squad 1-46.


    I was their lead tactician, orchestrating their assault to reclaim an enemy checkpoint. We were ambushed as I charged ahead, taking a bullet to the chest while my squadmates fell one by one.


    They were pawns to me. Expendable.


    They all died¡ªbecause of me.


    B-but... do I want to lead that way again?


    The blurry faces of my squadmates came into vision. I never even took time to remember their real names.


    "Phantom..." I muttered without realizing it.


    "Oooooh! Phantoms?!" Lillis voice snapped me from my thoughts.  "I love that! Dark¡ªmysterious¡ªit totally fits a party that lurks in the shadows of a dungeon."


    "I''m for it," Alex grinned.


    I glanced up at my party members. Their faces weren''t blurred. They had names.


    M-maybe I could be different this time?


    Elnora reached over, gently grabbing my trembling hand. Her touch was warm, grounding me in the present.


    I smiled slightly.


    "You..? You still think you can change?" A voice whispered back in my mind. "Deny yourself?! The audacity. No better than your father."


    My smile faded. I pulled my hand back from Elnora and recomposed myself.


    "Yes," I said firmly "From here on out we will be known as The Phantoms."


    Elnora looked at me worriedly but gave me a warm smile.


    "Yes! I''ll go report this to the Professor right now!" Lilli cheered, stuffing her last piece of bread into her mouth before dashing out of the cafeteria.


    As she left, the room fell silent. A new presence had entered.


    A blonde, blue eyed girl stepped gracefully into the cafeteria.


    Whispers spread like wildfire.


    "Look, it''s her."


    "It''s the princess!"


    The ever-popular Princess Celina


    I internally groaned, I should steer away from her she would cause me to much attention.


    She was adorned by both men and women, despite her charm, many royals despised her¡ªdue to her dislike of the Holy Church of the Hero.


    "She''s so pretty,"  Elnora whispered, watching her.


    "She may be," Alex muttered "but I wouldn''t get involved with her."


    "Oh, I wouldn''t even try," Elnora added. "It would bring to much trouble to Ryn."


    Alex shot me a knowing glance as she spoke.


    "Well, it''s getting late," he said stretching. "I should get some early sleep tonight since we''re busy tomorrow morning."


    "Same. I''ll be right behind you." I replied. "Elnora, you know how to get back to your dorm, right?"


    "Y-yes" she nodded.


    "Good." I stood up following Alex back to the dorm.


    As soon as I entered the dorm, Alex turned with a smirk. "Well, Leader of The Phantoms has a nice ring to it. We have three official members now. Besides, Lilli still not knowing your little secret."


    "Why would I share anything with her, she would only cause me a headache." I replied.


    "If that''s what you believe." Alex chuckled. "But I think you''re underestimating her power, after all she''s your friend. And her aura is of a spirit."


    I began unfastening my robe, pulling out my night wear. Alex leaned against the bedframe. "I suppose we''ll see how this party works together tomorrow.... Leader." He grinned.


    I gave a small smirk. "Perhaps you''re right."


    I stepped into the bathroom, pulling off my uniform.


    The warm bath welcomed me, steam rising as bubbles popped from the surface. The soft scent of soap filled the air. As I submerged myself, the tension from my body and mind melted away. For the first time in a while my mind was empty for a moment.


    Maybe... I can enjoy this for a moment.


    As the night swept away, morning arrived.

 9. The Endless Dungeon

    CLAP


    "Good morning, class." Professor Redwood''s voice rang through the dimly lit corridor, cutting through the idle murmurs. "As we begin to enter the dungeon, you will be joined by the rest of your graduating class. Furthermore, the rules of tournament will be discussed ahead so please pay attention."


    Excitement crackled in the air amongst the students.


    "Are you guys ready?" Lilli grinned.


    "Y-yeah..but I''m a bit nervous, though. But I''m sure everything will be okay with Ryn here," Elnora muttered, gripping her sword handle tighter.


    Alex said nothing, keeping his usual smirk.


    The dungeon quickly swallowed us, a yawning of stone and crimson bricks stretched before us. As we stepped forward, the space opened up into a vast chamber, a stage sat in its center, students already gathered¡ªsome seemed anxious while others vibrated with the lust of battle.


    "w-oah!," Elnora breathed, eyes wide at the towering, arched ceiling.


    I caught her childlike wonder and smirked. Alex and Lilli stayed silent as we merged into the crowd. Then, a professor took the stage.


    "Quiet now, quiet!" He roared. "Welcome to your first dungeon tournament! I will not hold you here for long. Each party will have eighteen hours to descend to floor sixty. You are prohibited from going beyond that.. If you do you will be disqualified... and likely you could die. Checkpoints will be stationed at every floor."


    Then, he unsheathed his sword, sending a flame into the air.


    "Now may the tournament BEGIN!"


    The room erupted into chaos.


    Students surged different ways, as they headed deep into the dungeon.


    "What''s the plan?" Elnora looked up at me, as she unsheathed her blade. Lilli and Alex copied her mimicking a battle stance.


    I drew my iron spell blade, its edge gleamed.


    "Simple. We go around."


    A smirk crept into my lips. These fools. There''s always a way to drop floors.


    Since I reincarnated into this world, I''ve delved into dungeons many times, slain countless bosses than I can count. But never¡ªnever have I read of a endless dungeon with a Dungeon Master.


    How exhilarating.


    "Come. Follow Me."


    The Phantoms trailed behind me as I extended my mana. A whisper in the stone occurred. Suddenly, the wall pulsed.


    CRACK¡ªa hole ripped open, revealing an abyss.


    "D-don''t tell me we have to go down that hole." Lilli gulped.


    I didn''t answer, I stepped forward and let myself fall.


    The blackness swallowed me, the distant light faded away.


    Elnora followed, her voice echoing my name as she casted levitation magic, closely behind her Alex and Lilli followed.


    The moment my boots hit the floor, the ground below me cracked. The others landed softly behind me.


    "We should be around the fifty-fifth floor," I grinned.


    I wanted to go deeper. But that would be for later.


    "I hear something," Lilli hissed, summoning her fox spirits for light.


    The glow revealed a horde of ghouls that lurched toward us.


    "End them," I commanded.


    "A-are you not going to help?" Lilli shot back.


    "No.... show me what you''re capable of."


    Alex and Elnora wasted no time.


    Elnora''s swordplay was elegant. Every strike was unique, her mana spiraling around her with confidence. Ghouls disintegrated as roots shot out of them.


    Alex fought with precision¡ªeach swing imbued with fire which burnt the ghouls from the inside.


    I turned to Lilli.


    "Look at them. But you''re just standing here. Are you going to help?"


    Her hesitation melted as she jumped into the fray, reappearing like a phantom, tearing through the ghouls'' blade and claws in hand.


    1,000 ghouls. Slaughtered in moments.


    I clapped.


    "Nicely done."


    Lilli panted; blood spattered on her cheek. "I''ve never seen this many monsters before. How are you guys so calm!?"


    "You''re right," Alex frowned, tapping his chin. "A floor like this one should have at least the equivalent of the floor number thus being fifty-five."Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    "Mmm... you have a point," I added.


    Elnora gripped her sword, expectant.


    "Nicely done, Elnora. You in particular did wonderfully."


    A smile bloomed from her face.


    "Now....now allow me to lead"


    I darted into the darkness.


    We walked for a few hours killing low tier monster until the¡ª


    Monsters stirred. The air pulsed with death.


    "Two minotaur''s ahead!"


    The Phantoms barely kept up. How amusing.


    As we burst into the chamber, I locked blades with the one of the beasts. But something was different.


    Its¡ªaura was boiling red.


    "Tch¡ªrage magic?"


    It swung fast¡ªI easily dodged it as its axe shattered the ground beneath me.


    "This must be the Dungeon Master''s doing I yelled."


    Alex grinned wildly and tossed his sword aside.


    He wanted to fistfight it.


    How bold.


    He slammed the towering beast, breaking its ribs as it reeled. Behind us¡ª


    "More company" Lilli shouted.


    Two more minotaur''s appeared.


    "Oh, shi¡ª"


    An axe flew toward Lilli, she barely teleported away.


    "Elnora" I barked.


    She lifted her sword, whispering an elven enchantment.


    Vines erupted from the walls, ensnaring the minotaur''s.


    "Yes, Entrap them"


    We then killed them as they were trapped.


    Four dark red magi stones remained in their place.


    Lilli turned to us.


    "You three have been hiding something from me. I want answers."


    I gripped the stone.


    "If you truly wish to know, stop asking meaningless questions."


    A voice whispered in my mind.


    "If she''s unworthy of the truth.... kill her."


    "NO!" I growled


    The others stared.


    "It''s nothing"


    Then¡ª


    SCREAMING.


    Magic surged through the halls.


    "Let''s go!" Lilli yelled as she darted away from us.


    We followed her as we sprinted down the halls.


    And emerged into a nightmare.


    A man with a white robe stood in the checkpoint room, holding a professor''s severed head.


    Nearby, a badly beaten girl stood. Dead enraged monsters around her.


    She begun to whisper. Her golden mana swirling¡ª


    "Complete obedience."


    Her magic whipped toward the man¡ª


    "You repulsive brat!" he roared, striking her across the face.


    "Celina!" Lilli shouted as she tried to teleport toward her.


    Suddenly, Celina disappeared.


    The man laughed. "Her death will be labeled an unfortunate dungeon incident¡ªHAHAHA!"


    Lilli teleported.


    And reappeared behind him.


    CRACK. She kicked his skull downward with raw force.


    "How dare you!"


    She summoned her spirits.


    They swarmed him¡ª


    And ripped him apart.


    That seems to easy.. I thought


    Blood splattered across her face. Her cold gaze met mine.


    ...Interesting


    Then¡ª


    The room trembled.


    We were teleported.


    And in the middle of floor sixty¡ª


    A black knight stood. His broadsword dripping of blood. Bodies of students and professors laid around him.


    Celina laid, by his feet her body weak.


    Lilli barely had time to react before¡ª


    BOOM.


    A mana blast sent her flying into the wall.


    Her body imprinted into stone.


    She staggered to stand. Then she fell.


    The knight''s soulless gaze fell on the three of us.


    I grinned.


    Ahh, more bugs have swarmed in I, see? The Black Knight spoke.


    The Black Knights voice was deep, sharp like mithril scraping against stone. His armor gleamed under the dim dungeon light, a walking destroyer, his presence an anomaly.


    "I should thank you for killing that church heretic." He flexed his fingers, as if imagining them wrapped around someone''s throat. "He''s stirred chaos in this sacred place...thus this false princess here belongs to me. Her death will serve as a trophy for my people."


    Beside me, Elnora didn''t flinch. Her mana surged, and thick, gnarled vines spiraled from the ground, forming a protective barrier behind us. An aggressive defensive stance.


    "Ah...Elven magic." The Black Knight voice rumbled in amusement. "I haven''t seen that spell since the Dawn of the Elves. How fascinating you are, girl."


    Suddenly, black-crimson energy begun to wrap around the knight, his aura calm and controlled, yet ancient. The way it was casted¡ªit was different. Not wild like most, but refined, almost elegant. Like Elnora''s. Like mine.


    We don''t appreciate you hurting our friend.


    Alex stepped forward, his fist clenched, his smirk defiant. The air cracked around his knuckles as mana surged through his muscles.


    I let my gaze drift toward the Knight. "You''re the dungeon master, aren''t you?"


    He titled his head slightly, then chuckled. "Is that what they call us now?" His voice carried arrogance. "I am Schutz, the Royal Crimson Protector of the true family of Idelia."


    "W-what nonsense¡ª" Celina stammered.


    Before she could finish, Schutz placed his iron¡ªclad boots against her back and pressed down. She cried out, her fingers scratching at the stone beneath her.


    "Who asked you to speak?"


    His crimson mana thickened, unfurling into a heavy fog that clung onto the walls. He summoned his first spell. With a slow, but deliberate motion, he raised his sword toward Elnora and uttered.


    "Der Vogt"


    A blur¡ªa flash of steel¡ªthe blade shot toward Elnora.


    Her mana reacted, forming a shield. CLANG! The dungeon shook as magic met metal, and for the first time in Schutz life he hesitated.


    "Mhhh?" He exhaled, intrigued.


    Alex was quickly upon him. He lunged, fist blurring, striking with a unrelentless force BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! Schutz raised a single arm to block it, his armor chipping away. Sparks danced in the air as the metal bent under Alex''s assault.


    "AGH!" SCUM!" Schutz snarled.


    His knee¡ªshot forward¡ªa brutal knee kick connected to Alex''s stomach.


    "GAH!" Alex gagged, doubling over, but he gritted his teeth¡ªstill swinging. His fist connected toward Schutz helmet the chamber banged like a war drum.


    "Should I help him?" Elnora asked me.


    "You may." I replied.


    Meanwhile Elnora gathered her mana near me. As I watched the battle take place. Elnora''s fingers grew a vibrant green as the air rippled around her infusing a mana arrow.


    She fired.


    A perfect shot.


    Schutz, without flinching, caught it midair¡ªhis gauntlet crackled with energy.


    And at that exact moment he caught Alex''s fist, stopping his next barrage of punches.


    "The youth of today." Schutz mused, staring at the arrow as if it was nothing but a plaything. "No respect for elders."


    With a single motion, he drove the mana arrow into Alex''s shoulder while bending back his other arm breaking it. ¨C


    CRACK!


    Alex screamed. His body flung like a ragdoll, slamming into the dungeon wall.


    And¡ªthen Schutz gaze was upon us.


    "Now it''s your turn."


    Faster than I could blink ¨C he shifted behind me.


    A flash of crimson red.


    A surge of overwhelming power.


    Schutz sword descended. Flames around the blade as he roared.


    "FEURER"


    Fire ignited the air.


    I turned¡ªwatching the blade hurl toward Elnora.


    She gasped.


    And for the first time¡ªI felt true despair.


    I saw my fallen comrades in Phantom Force 1-46.


    Their bodies. Lifeless. Cold. But their faces once blurred replaced with that of my party members in this life.


    And then¡ªthe voice. The one that had whispered to me since the beginning.


    The voice that was filled with narcissism.


    "They were weak. Like your comrades before."


    "But now you have power. The means to confirm your ideals."


    "Allow her to die."


    "The weak must suffer." "YOU''RE THE REAPER!" It yelled.


    My mind begun to spin as I placed my hands on my face a smile crept as tears ran down my face.


    Power surged through my veins, screaming, trying to take control.


    The choice was mine.


    I REFUSE! I REFUSE! I REFUSE! I screamed cupping my face with my hands.


    Flashes of Elnora, Lilli, and Alex played in my mind. The images of the first year I met them. Me shaking Alex''s hand and Lilli bumping into me around the corner as she helped me pick up my books. The day I met Elnora in the orb.


    Then images of their lifeless bodies played in my mind. Then I was met with silence.


    I have made my decision.

 10. Monsters

    AGHHHHHHHHHHH!


    A wicked scream left my throat as my past and present fused together. A tidal wave of agony crashed my mind. My vision blurred, twisting in a red haze as my mana¡ªonce controlled ¨Cerupted into a violent, colossal crimson storm.


    DEATH


    I knew this feeling well. I had died before. I know what it feels like for the soul to be torn apart from the body, my breath stolen, my life crushed beneath deaths feet.


    And now, it was back. My old friend, welcoming me into his cold embrace.


    My eyes burned as blood streamed from my eyes. My hands trembled ¨Cbut not with fear. No. Something inside me wanted out. Something corrupted.


    CLANG!


    Before I could think, my body moved on its own. Instinct? No¡ªsomething deeper¡ªtook over, stopping Schutz¡¯s massive blade just inches from Elnora. Sparks exploded as metal screamed against my mana. My arms buckled the weight of his attack, but I refused to break.


    My vision sharpened, and a voice¡ªno, A WILL¡ªsurged up from the abyss of my soul.


    PROTECT THEM.


    Not just Elnora. All Of Them.


    MY SQUADMATES! MY PARTY!


    ¡°I WON¡¯T ALLOW IT!¡±


    A force detonated from my core, a blast of chaos, unfiltered mana erupted outward like a shock wave. BOOM! The dungeons walls cracked as Schutz was sent flying, his massive frame skidding across the stone floor, carving deep trenches in his wake.


    I don¡¯t care if my power gets exposed.


    I don¡¯t care if they find out who I really am.


    I WON¡¯T LET THEM DIE.


    NOT.


    AGAIN.


    My mana flooded my body, igniting every fiber of my body. My mana-sword materialized in my hand¡ªa jagged blade, it¡¯s edges unstable, seething with raw energy.


    For a moment, a different shape flickered within my vision¡ªa rifle. Cold steel. My past life¡¯s weapon. My old self reached through time whispering to me.


    A sharp pain burned through my chest¡ªphantom pain. The memory of a bullet, the strong reminder of my last breath.


    I exhaled and accepted it.


    DEATH.


    My companion. My shadow. My unshackled power.


    A dark, glowing sigil¡ªa reaper¡¯s mark¡ªetched itself into my right hand. My thoughts blurred into a single, violent command.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    KILL.


    KILL.


    KILL.


    Schutz growled, slamming his broadsword into the stone to halt his momentum. Dust and debris swirled him as he straightened, his breath ragged.


    Then, he laughed.


    ¡°How mirthful!¡± He tore his blade from the ground, standing tall, unshaken. But there was something now¡ªsomething entirely new. Entertained.


    He gazed upon me, upon the sheer, suffocating wave of mana I released that was slowly suffocating the dungeon.


    His fingers tightened around his broadsword.


    ¡°W-what are you truly? You can¡¯t be human.¡±


    The dungeon rumbled under our coiling force. The air itself felt heavier. Cracks webbed along the walls; the dungeon struggled to pick their new master.


    His helmet shined as he exhaled, raising his broadsword.


    I vanished.


    And in the next instant¡ªI was upon him.


    I grasped his helmet and MANGLED IT.


    The force sent him plummeting through the dungeon, crashing through hundreds of floors.


    BOOOOOMM!


    The stone shattered beneath him as I yelled. The impact sending trembles through the dungeon. A thick, choking cloud of dust rose into the dungeon. For a moment, silence.


    Then¡ªhe emerged. His helmet half broken.


    ¡°The gall..¡± he muttered, rolling his shoulders, his bones popping back into place.


    He spat blood to the side and chuckled.


    FINE.


    Then, he uttered the words.


    ¡°Auge um Auge¡±


    BOOM!


    A maelstrom of power exploded from his body. His mana spiraled out of control, its raw intensity matching mine. The dungeon shook, the stone cracking, the air screaming under the weight of our mana.


    Above, I could sense Elnora somehow moving in the mana weaving healing magic, trying to revive the others.


    Down here, it was just death.


    A battlefield.


    A chessboard.


    Where only one could leave alive.


    Schutz ripped off his helmet and tossed it aside, the metal clanking against the stone. His eyes¡ªblood-red, just like mine.


    Not a demon. Not a beast. But a human.


    We locked eyes, two monsters in human skin, our bodies coiled like a spring-loaded blades.


    No words.


    Just understanding.


    Slowly, we stepped back, swords in hand, circling like wolves. Murder burned in our gazes.


    Then¡ª


    FLASH!


    We clashed, swords meeting in a violent expression of sparks. BOOM! A shockwave cracked the floor below us. Strike. Parry. Counter. Lunge. A symphony of battle rang through the dungeon as we exchanged merciless blows.


    Schutz¡¯s grin split wide opened as our blades locked. His laughter rumbled like a war drum.


    ¡°I HAVENT FOUGHT A FOE LIKE YOU IN A MILLENNIA!¡±


    Another clash.


    Another explosion of force.


    I felt the weight of his sword through my bones.


    They ached.


    His voice rose again, wild and unchained.


    ¡°TELL ME YOUR NAME!¡±


    ¡°Ryn.¡± I muttered, my eyes not leaving him.


    His eyes burned brighter.


    ¡°HAHAHAHAH! MAY THESE HALLS ETCH OUR BATTLE IN HISTORY, RYN!¡±


    We rushed in again. Blades a blur, mana-steel singing, our mana screaming. The air hummed with our power, the dungeon trembling beneath our feet.


    ¡°OCHS¡±


    Schutz mana coiled around his blade like a raging serpent. His sword struck¡ªprecisely-hitting my rotator cuff.


    AGH!


    Pain flared, but I didn¡¯t stop.


    I lunged forward, head butting him. A sickening CRACK! Echoed as his head snapped back.


    My mana ignited, surging into my blade.


    ¡°KATZBALGER¡±


    Wind roared around my blade, an unstoppable tempest of slashes.


    Strike.


    Strike.


    STRIKE.


    My sword bit into his joints, tearing through ligaments. Blood sprayed, but Schutz only gritted his teeth and chuckled.


    He refused to fall.


    So, did I.


    Our blades crashed again.


    Again.


    AGAIN.


    We cut.


    We bled.


    Each blow a hair¡¯s breadth from death.


    ¡°AGHHHHHHHHH.¡±


    I screamed.


    ¡°AGHHHHHHHHH.¡±


    He screamed back.


    Pain becoming meaningless. A battle of sheer will.


    My mind fractured¡ªvision flashing.


    Old comrades.


    Fallen brothers.


    My new friends.


    Yes¡ªMY FRIENDS.


    The people I refused to lose.


    My hand shook from agony.


    But compared to the hell I had endured, the abuse, the betrayal, the hatred of the world¡­


    THIS PAIN IS NOTHING!


    I roared, driving my blade against Schutz¡¯s.


    ¡°THE PAIN I¡¯VE FELT CANNOT BE COMPARED TO THIS!¡±


    Schutz¡¯s grin widened, blood dripping from his lips.


    ¡°HAHAHA YES! SHOW ME YOUR TENACITY!¡±


    And so, we fought.


    Not as men.


    But as monsters.

 11. Aftermath

    Elnora collapsed to her knees on the sixtieth floor, a single tear trailing down her cheek. Her body trembled as the entire dungeon shook violently, mana thick as a storm cloud flooded the chamber.


    And yet¡ªshe felt lighter.


    ¡°R¡­Ryn¡± she whispered, struggling to steady herself, clinging to the memory of his warm smile.


    ¡°I¡ªI have to get up. Come on, Elnora.¡± She muttered to herself, willing her body to move.


    Then, her gaze landed on Alex.


    His body hanged limply over a jagged hole in the wall. His bone pierced the skin, his arm twisted the wrong way, his face a mask of blood and agony.


    Elnora¡¯s stomach twisted.


    Then¡ª


    ¡°Agh.. that hurt.¡±


    Elnora froze.


    Alex¡¯s voice was weak, but unmistakable.


    Her breath caught in her throat, as he shifted.


    ¡°Hey! No¡ªdon¡¯t move!¡± she yelled, panic surging through her as she sprinted toward him, weaving over debris and corpses that littered the floor.


    As she reached him, something changed.


    A surge of pink mana erupted from Alex¡¯s body, crawling like veins along his broken limbs. His shattered bones snapped back into place, flesh knitting together in a grotesque display of regeneration.


    Elnora staggered back, eyes wide.


    ¡°W¡­what¡­¡±


    Alex, now standing, flexed his arm, watching as the pink magic pulsed through his skin.


    ¡°Huh.¡± He frowned, tilting his head. ¡°How strange¡­someone with low mana capacity shouldn¡¯t be able to move in this atmosphere.¡±


    He tapped his chin in thought, then suddenly leaned close to Elnora, inspecting her.


    Elnora stepped back.


    ¡°Uh¡­ n-not so close, please.¡±


    ¡°Oh! Yeah, sorry.¡± He shrugged, then smirked.


    ¡°Well, I suppose the cat¡¯s out of the bag now.¡± He let out a dramatic sigh. ¡°I can¡¯t believe Ryn exposed himself like that in front of Lilli and the Princess.¡±


    Elnora¡¯s stomach churned.


    ¡°A-are you sure you¡¯re okay, Alex?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, don¡¯t worry about me.¡±


    Elnora then noticed a Sakura-shaped sigil that bloomed on Alex¡¯s right shoulder, the petals shimmering, pulsating the same energy as his body. He continued to mend himself in a grotesque way.


    ¡°Ha! Seems like Ryn has finally awakened it,¡± Alex mused, humming to himself, arms folded behind his back.Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    ¡°Awakened what exactly?¡± Elnora asked, her voice above a whisper.


    ¡°His true sigil,¡± Alex¡¯s eyes flickered in amusement. ¡°I suppose I¡¯ll tell you. It can only be awakened by those with strong magical power. All heroes and gods have them. Of course, whether they are true or false sigils is always up to debate.¡±


    ¡°S¡­sigils¡­¡± Elnora stammered, hands clenching into her fist.


    Her mind flashed back¡ªa memory blurry.


    ¡°Do¡­ you mean this?¡±


    Hesitantly, she lifted her skirt just enough to reveal a glowing sigil etched in her thigh¡ªa crown adorned with emeralds.


    Alex¡¯s face turned red.


    ¡°HEY!¡± He jerked back, flailing. ¡°Y-yep, that¡¯s one, alright!¡±


    Elnora¡¯s brow furrowed.


    ¡°How.. how long have I had this?¡± she murmured


    Alex¡¯s grin sharpened.


    ¡°Perhaps, since Ryn let you out of that orb.¡±


    She frowned, touching the sigil absentmindedly.


    ¡°I¡­ think I¡¯ve always had it.


    Alex chuckled. That guy was right. You¡¯re intriguing, Elnora. Ancient spells, unnatural mana levels, and now a sigil.¡± His eyes gleamed. ¡°Oh, and badly stripped underwear.¡±


    ¡°HEY!¡±


    Elnora¡¯s fist crashed against his skull


    ¡°OWH! OKAY, OKAY! I¡¯M SORRY!¡± Alex yelped, laughing through pain.


    Their brief moment of levity faded as the ground trembled again.


    Their thoughts quickly snapped to Ryn.


    ¡°We should probably do something useful while Ryn is fighting for his life down there,¡± Alex said his tone serious.


    ¡°I¡¯ll heal Lilli and get her to a checkpoint. Can you handle the princess?¡±


    Elnora swallowed hard, glancing around the dungeon¡ªthe corpses of students and professors scattered throughout.


    ¡°Y-yeah I can.¡±


    She turned toward the heart of the room, stepping over the bodies as she made her way to Princess Celina.


    ¡°H..hey there, Princess,¡± Elnora called out gently. ¡°I¡¯m going to heal you now, okay? If you can hear me.¡±


    ¡°Y-Yes¡­ thank you,¡± Celina replied weakly.


    ¡°Heilen,¡± Elnora said aloud, channeling her green magic. A soft glow surrounded her hands as she began to heal Celina. She repeated the spell multiple times, layering the effect.


    Celina¡¯s eyes widened slightly. ¡°H-how... are you stacking that spell¡­? She whispered, barely audible. ¡°T-that shouldn¡¯t be possible..¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± It isn¡¯t?¡± Elnora tilted her head. ¡°I just figured I¡¯d try it, and well it works.¡± She flashed a smile. ¡°Sorry if I say something out of my station, Princess. I¡¯ve never been around royalty before.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re fine,¡± Celina assured her, her voice frail. ¡°Again¡­. thank you.¡± She winced. ¡°I¡­. don¡¯t think I can get up.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll help you,¡± Elnora said. ¡°Stay close to me and you will be unaffected.¡±


    With effort, she carefully lifted Celina up, the princess leaning into her for support. Celina¡¯s arms wrapped weakly around her.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get out of her.¡± Elnora said firmly.


    Celina nodded. ¡°L-Lets.¡±


    ¡°Hey, Alex!¡± Elnora called out. ¡°How¡¯s Lilli holding up?¡±


    ¡°S-she¡¯s fine¡ªjust pissed about Ryn!¡± Alex said with a chuckle.


    ¡°You ready?!¡± he shouted.


    ¡°Yeah! We¡¯re going to start moving!¡± Elnora answered.


    With Celina arms wrapped around her shoulders, she took a step forward. Alex steadied Lilli, and together, the four of them made their way down the ruined hall, searching for an exit.


    As they made their way to each floor, they found each checkpoint demolished¡ªruins of resting points for students. Celina then gasped as she walked passed the lifeless bodies of her subjects, their limbs torn and scattered around the dungeon.


    Yet, there was no time to grieve.


    Elnora whispered a spell under her breath. ¡°Rebe.¡±


    Thick vines erupted from behind them as they walked, weaving into an impassable barrier. The enraged monsters that prowled slammed against them, snarling and screeching, only to be ensnared by the magic.


    They pressed on, floor after floor, until at last they reached the twentieth floor.


    And there¡ªstanding amidst the carnage¡ªwas Professor Redwood.


    His cane rested firmly in his grip, his stance unwavering. Behind him stood a group of surviving students, their expression mixed with fear, and exhaustion. Dark tendrils spiraled from the ground around him, his shadow twisting and shifting like a living abomination. Hundreds, of slain enraged monsters laid at his feet. Their bodies slowly dissolving into magi stones.


    ¡°You¡ªyou kids are still alive?!¡± he shouted, his voice laced with disbelief. His sharp eyes laid on Celina. ¡°Princess! I¡¯m glad to see you alive.¡±


    ¡°Hurry, come set the Princess and Lady Kirkwood here.¡± Redwood yelled.


    ¡°You¡¯re all barely injured¡­¡± His grip on his cane tightened as he glanced at the dungeon behind them.


    Alex and Elnora carefully set down the Lilli and the Princess, allowing them to rest.


    ¡°I can heal the wounded!¡± Elnora called out toward Professor Redwood, already channeling mana into her hands.


    ¡°T-that should be fine¡­¡± he replied. ¡°But we need to¡ª¡±


    He turned to Alex. ¡°Go alert the other professors Al¡ª¡±


    Silence


    Alex was gone.


    Only thing that loomed was the darkness of the dungeon.

 12. Dungeons Verdict

    **Heavy Breathing**


    The air became thick, and uneven, like the very dungeon itself was struggling to survive. My blood dripped onto the cold floor; each drop a reminder of how I was on deaths door.


    My mana spiraled wildly, spiraling out of control.


    As if it too, had been wounded in battle.


    The silent humming of mana echoed in the dungeon; the only sound that cut through was silence.


    I could feel it¡ªthe dungeon was alive. It has always been alive, but now¡­ now, it was watching us. Waiting for its new master.


    I looked up, vision swimming, and saw the space around us begin to shift. The dungeon was no longer a cold, dark maze¡ªit was changing.


    Becoming something else.


    The walls twisted and contorted as if the stone were lungs. The air grew thicker, heavy with magic, the room expanded. In the distance, where Schutz stood, a pedestal emerged from the floor, a gleaming emerald-green carpet stretching toward it, leading up to the platform.


    And there¡ªon the pedestal¡ªa crystal.


    It floated, pulsing, radiating an eerie green light that flickered like a heartbeat.


    ¡°I-I see¡­¡± Schutz whispered, his voice barely a breath.


    ¡°The temple wants to know if you¡¯re worthy,¡± he sneered, his eyes gleaming with chaotic joy.


    ¡°To become its new master.¡±


    I froze. What is he talking about?


    ¡°HAHAHAH!¡± Schutz laughed, tearing off his chest and gauntlet armor, revealing a sigil on his forearm¡ªa shield.


    My breath caught in my throat as I stared at it.


    He has one as well.


    ¡°Like you, Ryn!¡± he shouted. ¡°I possess a sigil, mine is TRUE¡ªyours? Well, let¡¯s see if it¡¯s false.¡±


    His sigil flared to life, brighter and more intense. His broadsword and skin seemed to become sturdier as if armored.


    He surged forward with rapid speed that sent my pulse spiking. I gasped for breath, barely having time to speak.


    ¡°BEAT ME, RYN! AND I SHALL BESTOW UPON YOU ALL THE KNOWLEDGE¡ªNO ALL THE STRENGTH I PROTECT!¡±


    His voice was booming, rage and power poured into him like a flame.


    Before I could even think, Schutz was on me. I barely managed to block his attack, my arms straining against his force. With a brutal toss¡ªhe sent me slamming into multiple pillars, each impact knocking the breath from my lungs.


    I didn¡¯t have time to recover. I hit the ground, my vision blurry, my clothing more tattered.


    Every inch of my body was screaming in pain, but what cut deeper was the voice in my mind¡ªdoubting.


    My thoughts spiraled.


    I was given this new life. It is a gift, I thought.


    But all I¡¯ve done is focus on what was.


    My life before¡­ before this.


    Before I became Ryn.


    The pain, the suffocating pressure of it all, pressed me down. I became cold. I became heartless. Just like my parents in my old life. That¡¯s why I enlisted.


    I¡¯m no better than them. The words echoed in my mind, tearing at me.The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    My mana was running low. I-I can¡¯t¡­..I can¡¯t keep going.


    But then, a voice¡ªmy voice¡ªwhispered through the storm of my thoughts.


    ¡°You¡¯re no longer weak¡±


    The words pierced through the confusion, through the phantom pain. They made me¡ªremember¡ªwhat I wanted to be in this life.


    I have strength¡­I made a promise¡­.


    And then¡ªDaryl. Ryn. Reaper. Names I had carried, shackles I had worn. The weight of all of them collided in my chest.


    ¡°You can die now¡­¡± the voice whispered.


    But I couldn¡¯t. I wouldn¡¯t.


    I had to pick who I was now.


    I looked at my hand¡ªmy sigil glowing bright as the dungeon pulsed with life around me. And then, the voice echoed again.


    It was mine¡ªmy own voice.


    ¡°They¡¯re waiting for you, Ryn. If you give up now, you¡¯ll be no better than Alaric thinks you are.¡±


    No more hiding.


    Show them who you are.


    What you¡¯ve fought for.


    What you¡¯ve sacrificed to become


    To become the Strongest Spellblade.


    A flicker of recognition lit in my chest. Yes¡­¡­


    The phantom pain that once crippled me began to fade.


    The agony of the Reaper, the role I equipped, began to drop away. My past life¡­.it was slipping through my fingers, like sand in the wind.


    Only my voice remained. The voice of Ryn Ashford.


    The ground trembled beneath me, and in the flash of beaming light, my Complete Scythe appeared in my hand. I felt the weight of it, the power, the promise that it carried.


    AGHHH! I yelled out, it wasn''t fear.


    It was defiance.


    ¡°YOU!¡± My eyes burned with focus.


    ¡°I can¡¯t die here¡± I roared, my grip tightening on the handle.


    The dungeon watches.


    ¡°YES! RYN! YES!¡± "May we fight in these royal HALLS!¡± Schutz yelled, his voice a twisted roar.


    We sprinted toward each other in a blur, the floor beneath us a silent witness to our battle.


    My scythe, glowing with power, whipped through the air with the ferocity that matched my heartbeat, and in the next instant, it wrapped around his broadsword. Our blood still dripping from our mouths, staining the green, emerald carpet.


    The only thing keeping us alive, keeping us moving forward, was that defiant rage against the pull of death.


    CLANG!


    CLANG!


    CLANG!


    The sound of magic and metal echoed through the room, drowning out all else. With a swift motion, I kicked Schutz down. His legs buckled, and he stumbled back a step, spitting out blood. The taste of iron filling his mouth.


    His eyes burned with frustration as he wiped the blood from his lips.


    ¡°GRRRR! Feuer!¡± He roared.


    It was the same spell he had tried to use against Elnora¡ªbut this time, it was different. The flame began to gather around his broadsword, coiling like a lion.


    I could feel it coming. I raised my scythe in defense, preparing myself from the blast. My sigil flickered, glowing brighter than before.


    The dungeon has decided.


    The crystal on the pedestal¡ªthe heart of this place¡ªbegan to illuminate. A vibrant green light spiraled from the crystal, casting an eerier shadow across the room.


    The green light surged through the air, and into my sigil.


    The moment it connected, a burst of energy detonated around me.


    BLAM!


    The force of it sent both Schutz and me flying backward, the shockwave knocking the breath from my lungs. My vision blurred, my body a mass of pain.


    As the smoke cleared, I saw Schutz on the floor, his broadsword broken, a hole through his chest.


    I fell to my knees, the weight of exhaustion crashing down. I pushed my body to its limits. I had to.


    I had no choice.


    But in that moment a sharp pain came across my chest.


    The feeling of¡­. Death.


    Then my vision went dark.


    Boot noises.


    A rhythm echoed through the temple.


    The sound was distant at first, but it grew sharper, carrying absolute authority.


    ¡°Ah, the old man was right. You were able to beat him. How ruthless¡­..¡±


    Alex¡¯s voice cut through the haze of pain and death. He stood over the broken body of Schutz, his gaze unreadable. Blood pooled beneath the fallen knight, a silent testament to a brutal battle.


    Slowly, Alex¡¯s eyes drifted to my body.


    ¡°You¡¯re almost dead, huh? I can¡¯t allow that to happen.¡±


    His tone was flat¡ªunmoved, almost indifferent.


    He stepped forward¡ªmana flared around him. His pink mana was refined, controlled, it filled the dungeon with intensity.


    Then, his fingers grasped around the green crystal atop the pedestal.


    It pulsed under his grasp.


    Kneeling beside me, Alex didn¡¯t hesitate.


    He jammed the crystal into my chest.


    A purple-hot agony ripped through me. My body convulsed, my back arching as I spat blood.


    My breath hitched, my body felt like it was changing.


    Then¡ªBOOM


    A surge of mana exploded within me, wild and uncontrolled. My once-red mana twisted into something¡­ A deep violent purple. The air crackled around me, raw power, more power than I wielded prior.


    I could feel the magicules around me kneel. The dungeon around me I understood it.


    My sigil¡ªthe Reapers Sigil¨Cbegan to fade.


    Then everything went black again.


    Only thing I could hear was a voice.


    No pain, no weight¡ªjust an endless void.


    Then¡­. voices. Distant, yet familiar.


    ¡°Ryn..¡±


    A soft call, wavering as if carried by the wind.


    ¡°Hey, we¡¯re all missing you..¡±


    The voice¡ªclearer this time.


    ¡°Hey, Ryn I heard it was your birthday today!¡±


    The words rippled through the void, tugging at me.


    ¡°Your mom came by today she so pretty!¡±


    ¡°RYN!¡±


    The voice cracked with desperation.


    ¡°Lilli isn¡¯t mad at you anymore¡­ we told her everything.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s here with me right now.¡±


    A choked sob.


    ¡°I know it¡¯s late, but I miss you¡­. Ryn.¡±


    Then, a chorus¡ªcalling my name over and over.


    Ryn!


    Ryn!


    Ryn!


    A pulse came through my unconsciousness.


    I¡­ I know that voice.


    I wasn¡¯t sure how long I was in this abyss¡ªit felt like seconds.


    But my mind slowly began to open, the void shattering.


    When I finally came to it, I was lying in an unfamiliar room.


    An infirmary.


    Four months had passed.

 13. Lost Time

    ¡°W-What happened¡­?¡±


    My voice was hoarse as I blinked, taking in my surroundings. The sterile scent of the room filled my nose, and the dim light from the sun casted from the window. As I tried to sit up, I felt warmth on both my sides¡ªLilli and Elnora were there, their hands gripping mine their foreheads resting against the mattress.


    Before I could say anything, Elnora stirred.


    ¡°R..Ryn..?¡±


    Then, her eyes snapped opened.


    ¡°RYN!¡± she screamed, throwing herself onto me.


    ¡°RYN!¡± Lilli echoed, jumping onto the bed as well.


    I let out a breathless chuckle ¡°H-Hey¡­ girls.¡±


    They held onto my hands tightly, their eyes shined with relief.


    ¡°You missed so much!¡± Lilli blurted; her voice bright¡ªfar different then how she was in the dungeon.


    ¡°Yeah, yeah! We have so much to fill you in on!¡± Elnora added excitedly.


    As they spoke, I glanced down at my hand where my sigil once was.


    The old mark was gone.


    In its place was a new sigil¡ªthe shape of a dragon, crowned in regal glory. My heart pounded.


    Lilli continued... ¡°We¡¯re going to be rewarded in front of the entire country for the first defeat of a Dungeon Master and saving the princess.¡± ¡°B-b-but we were told by the King and Princess directly to keep the churches involvement of the tournament quiet for now.¡±


    I clenched my fist.


    ¡°Oh! And we refused to take the reward or be recognized until you woke up!¡± Lilli added.


    Tears welled in my eyes before I could stop them. I reached forward and pulled the girls into my arms.


    Something I wouldn¡¯t have done months prior.


    ¡°I¡¯m so grateful... you guys are okay.¡±


    Lilli hesitated, searching my face. ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re, okay? Still¡­?¡±


    I smirked. ¡°Yeah! Perfect! I¡¯m just¡­.relieved.¡±


    I wiped the stray tears from my face.


    Both girls blushed slightly before changing the subject.


    ¡°Yeah! You should¡¯ve seen Elnora! She was all over you when you were unconscious¡ª¡±


    ¡°HEY! NO, I WASN¡¯T!¡± Elnora yelled, face red.


    Suddenly, a knock at the door.


    The door swung open, revealing Alex, he leaned against the frame with his usual smirk.


    ¡°I heard someone finally woke up?¡± He chuckled. ¡°I could hear the girls scream your name down the hall.¡±


    I let out a laugh. ¡°Hey¡­ How are you holding up?¡±


    ¡°Me? You¡¯re the one who nearly died.¡±


    I hesitated before asking ¡°Di-did you save me Alex?¡±


    His smirk winded. ¡°Perhaps, I did. You should probably lay off the carb¡¯s leader.¡±


    My breath caught. As I shook my head in disbelief.


    ¡°Oh yeah¡ªyou definitely missed it these girls were here all the time crying over you and everything¡± Alex taunted chuckling.


    ¡°Ah! It was so cute I couldn¡¯t help but te-¡°Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    ¡°SHUT UP!¡± Elnora and Lilli yelled before kicking him into the nightstand.


    Lilli cleared her throat. ¡°Anyways! A lot happened. Even Duke Ashford traveled all the way from his domain to come visit the endless dungeon you cleared.¡±


    Alex groaned as he sat up. ¡°Yeah, buddy the whole kingdom has its eyes on all of us now. Pretty much the opposite of what you wanted, huh?¡±


    I exhaled, taking in Alex¡¯s words. Normally, this would be bad news. But¡ªnow?


    I could use this.


    A slow smirk crept onto my lips. ¡°Perhaps. But I have idea how we can play this out.¡±


    ¡°And for that I need my friends¡ªno my party.¡±


    The room went silent.


    Alex raised his eyebrow. ¡°You sure your head is alright?¡±


    Lilli punched his shoulder.


    I let out a breath.


    ¡°Yeah, almost dying¡­ brought me to the present.¡±


    Alex chuckled mischievously. ¡°Well, get this¡ªrumors suggest you¡¯re going to be the next in line to marry the princess.¡±


    ¡°WHHHH-AT?! NO! NEVER!¡±


    I turned to Elnora and Lilli, who were gritting their teeth. They very thought of it infuriated them.


    ¡°What time of the year is it?¡± I asked desperately trying to change the subject.


    ¡°It¡¯s summer! School just ended.¡± Lilli grinned.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. The Headmaster ensured that you past this year without the exit exam,¡± Elnora added.


    Alex smirked. ¡°To be fair, you¡¯re basically being called the prodigy child of the Ashford¡¯s now.¡±


    ¡°Some people think you¡¯ll be the next hero.¡± Lilli added.


    Elnora beamed. ¡°Yeah, Ryn! You¡¯re considered a potential hero-ranked adventurer!¡±


    She said gleefully.


    A lot had happened since I was out. The world moved on shifting, changing¡ªbut for me, it felt like I had only just opened my eyes.


    I cleared my throat, forcing out words that felt foreign on my tongue. ¡°Y¡­.your schooling¡­. how has it been, Elnora?¡±


    She blinked at me, surprised by the sudden question. ¡°Oh! Yes! I¡¯ve been settling in well.¡±


    I hesitated, studying her face of any sign of distress. ¡°Has¡­ anyone bothered you?¡±


    A pause. Not hesitation¡ªconsideration.


    ¡°Well¡­ not exactly,¡± she said, exchanging a glance at Lilli. ¡°I¡¯m not saying he¡¯s entirely bothering me. Well, us¡­. But your brother Alaric¡ªhe keeps looking at us. And lately, it seems like each time, he gets braver.


    A twisted sensation went inside of me, something sharp. My fingers twitched before I put my hand on Elnora¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°If he does anything¡ªever¡ªlet me know,¡± I said, my voice lower than intended.


    The very thought of Alaric going after them¡­ I would make him grovel.


    A heavy silence stretched between us before I forced a breath, shaking off the dark thoughts clouding my mind. ¡°I¡¯m glad you¡¯re getting used to living in the kingdom.¡±


    ¡°Yeah! She is!¡± Lilli cut in, her tail wagging behind her. ¡°She picked up etiquette really fast! ¡°Honestly, I was a little jealous.¡± She rubbed the back of her head, huffing.


    ¡°But hey, she did well on the exams as well. I can¡¯t believe we are headed into our third year. Lilli lightly sighed.


    Yeah? And you spend most of this one in and out of this infirmary. Alex teased.


    ¡°AHH AGAIN!?¡± Lilli yelled out laughing.


    Laughter filled the air.


    I watched them.


    The way they interacted, the way their voices intertwined naturally.


    Had they always been like this? Or had I simply failed to notice?


    So consumed by my past, so fixated in what was. I never truly lived in my new present.


    Never truly saw them.


    A quiet smile pulled at my lips, and I joined in their laughter, it only seemed to fuel theirs.


    ¡°I think it¡¯s about time I leave this place.¡± I smiled as I began to rise from my bed.


    But the room went silent.


    ¡°You should probably, check your eyes, though Ryn.¡±


    Alex¡¯s voice was serious¡ªtoo serious. He handed me a small mirror, his expression unreadable like it was in the park.


    I hesitated.


    The girls watched me, their gazes heavy with unspoken concern. My fingers curled around the mirror frame my pulse rising.


    My breath hitched.


    The reflection staring back at me wasn¡¯t my own¡ªor at least, not what I remembered. My eyes, once deep crimson red, had changed.


    They were purple.


    A color unfamiliar but natural.


    Ancient.


    ¡°When?... When did this happen?¡± My voice was barely above a whisper as I reached up, fingers lightly touching the skin beneath my eyes,


    Alex crossed his arms. ¡°You were deemed worthy.¡±


    ¡°Worthy, for what?¡±


    I flared my mana on instinct¡ªexpecting the same red and black energy that surged through me since I was born.


    But what erupted from within¡­ was different.


    My mana was purple and black.


    Alex exhaled. ¡°When I found you in the dungeon, you were dying. And yet¡­ it was if your entire magical capacity was rewritten, reanimated to match another.¡± His gaze sharpened.


    ¡°To be blunt, the power you possess now, has chosen you.¡± ¡°Your body can handle its potential.¡±


    ¡°And the sigil?¡±


    Alex nodded. ¡°That sigil on your hand¡­ its most likely a true sigil, unlike the one you borrowed.¡±


    ¡°H-how did you know about that sigil?¡±


    ¡°Because I have one as well.¡±


    With a calm, deliberate motion, Alex rolled up his sleeve, revealing a sigil¡ªetched onto his shoulder.


    A Sakura sigil.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t recall, I can sense all mana trace,¡± he continued ¡°and that includes sigils.¡±


    I stared at his sigil, then at my own, my mind racing.


    Something new has decided to lay dormant in me¡­ but what?


    ¡°I-I think it¡¯s time for me to leave. D-do you guys¡¯ mind?¡±


    Lilli and Elnora exchanged glances before nodding. ¡°Yeah!¡± they said in unison, stepping out.


    Alex followed behind them, pausing only to glance at me before shutting the door.


    The silence settled in.


    I let out a slow breath moving toward the closet.


    But just as my fingers grazed the handle¡ª


    Beep.


    I froze.


    A translucent interface flickered into existence before me, hovering in the air like a pop-up window from my old world.


    The text wasn¡¯t in any language. And yet¡­ I could read it perfectly.


    Login Accepted...


    Administrator prompt accepted...


    Temples Cleared: 1/10


    Magisters have taken notice...


    Proceed?


    Yes? / No?


    My breath caught in my throat.


    This¡­ wasn¡¯t normal.


    I stared at the screen¡­.


    What exactly had I become?

 14. Summer Break

    Do¡­.Do I accept?


    The interface loomed before me, its eerie glow casting strange shadows across the room. My fingers twitched, hesitation gripping me like a vice.


    I-¡­


    Please make your decision¡­


    Death imminent in 10 seconds¡­


    My breath hitched.


    What?!


    The countdown begins.


    10.


    9.


    My heart pounded in my ears.


    Was this a joke?!


    Would I really die?!


    8.


    7.


    Panic set in. Sweat forming on my palms.


    6.


    I couldn¡¯t risk it.


    I hesitantly pressed my finger onto the Yes button.


    The moment I did, the screen flickered


    Thank you.


    Welcome, Administrator.


    Title: Magic Weaver


    Status: Ryn Ashford


    Race: High Human


    Temple Reward:


    Reward: High Magi Stone, Ability Sacred Shield, Title: Magic Siphoner


    My mana begun to glow as I accepted it.


    ¡°Ryn! Lilli¡¯s getting anxious.¡± Elnora¡¯s voice chimed in my ear.


    Her voice jolted me back into reality. My gaze lingered at my mana¡ªforeign yet familiar.


    ¡°Y-yeah, I¡¯m on my way,¡± I replied, shaking my head as I swiped away the screen.


    No time to dwell on this now. I moved quickly, putting on my academy uniform with practice efficiency.


    Whatever had just happened¡­. I¡¯ll deal with it later.


    As I stepped out into the hall, I quickly realized something¡ªI had no clue where I was going.


    ¡°Uh, Elnora¡­ how do I get out of here?¡± I asked, scratching my head.


    ¡°When you leave your room, take a left, then a right. You¡¯ll find an elevator¡ªtake it to the first floor.¡± She instructed.If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    ¡°A-alright! Thanks.¡±


    Following her directions, I turned on my heel and made my way toward the elevator. As the doors slid open on the first floor, I saw Alex waiting on me.


    ¡°Took you long enough,¡± Alex said, crossing his arms as I approached.


    ¡°Where is Elnora and Lilli?¡± I asked.


    ¡°They went to grab some tea. They¡¯re just outside.¡± Alex replied.


    We both stepped outside into the open air. Around the corner, at a small outdoor caf¨¦, Lilli and Elnora sat a table¡ªsurrounded by two unfamiliar guys.


    ¡°Took you two long enough she said casually to us.¡± As she sipped her tea.


    Elnora, on the other hand, silently sipped hers, ignoring the two men.


    Alex cleared his throat. ¡°Sorry fellas but these two are taken at the moment.¡±


    The guys turned, clearly irritated ¡°These, cute babe are¡ª¡± They froze their eyes landed on me.


    ¡°Wait isn¡¯t that¡­. Ryn Ashford.¡±


    ¡°You mean the Dungeon Master Slayer?¡±


    Their faces paled. Their confidence shattered.


    ¡°WE ARE SO SORRY!¡±


    They immediately dropped into deep bows.


    Without waiting for a response, they bolted, disappearing into the crowd.


    ¡°I¡¯m glad you two came in time,¡± Lilli said with a smirk, as she set her cup down. ¡°I thought I might have to chase those guys away.¡±


    ¡°Well, next time flaunt your status.¡± Alex replied shaking his head.


    I sniffed the air. A rich, fragrant aroma filled my senses.


    ¡°Wow, whatever you two are drinking smells really good,¡± I said inhaling deeply. ¡°I think I¡¯ll go get some as well.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll join you,¡± Alex added.


    The two of us stepped inside the caf¨¦, greeted by the sight of a grand, polished interior. The place was elegant¡ªclearly created on the campus for academy students. A massive menu hung above the counter, listing an impressive selection of drinks.


    Alex stepped forward first. ¡°Uh, I¡¯ll have some Black Lotus Tea,¡± he said, then turned to me. ¡°What about you Ryn? It¡¯s my treat.¡±


    I scanned the menu briefly. ¡°I suppose I¡¯ll keep it simple¡ªHoney Tea.¡±


    Alex nodded. ¡°Alright, and he¡¯ll take a Honey tea.¡±


    Behind the counter, the barista¡ªa dragonoid woman with sleek horns and long, dexterous tail¡ªnimbly behind her prepared our drinks.


    She moved nicely, her hands and tail working in sync as she brewed the tea¡¯s Infront of us.


    A moment later, she placed two steaming cups on the counter. ¡°Here you go¡ªone Black Lotus and one Honey Tea. Have a wonderful afternoon,¡± she said with a polite smile.


    Taking our drinks, we stepped outside.


    The girls were still seated, slowly savoring their teas. As we approached, they looked up, their eyes glinting with amusement.


    ¡°Oooh, Honey Tea! ¡°Nice choice,¡± Elnora said, inhaling the warm, sweet aroma filled in the air.


    Lilli took a deep breath as well, then glanced at Alex¡¯s drink. ¡°Wow, Black Lotus? Wasn¡¯t expecting that you probably¡­ picked that because of your soul,¡± she teased with a snicker.


    ¡°Haha, very funny,¡± Alex shot back. ¡°At least I don¡¯t have to brush my tail and worry about it matting.¡±


    ¡°HEY! That¡¯s a serious issue we demihumans struggle with! You¡¯d never understand!¡± Lilli huffed, clearly frustrated.


    I snickered at their banter.


    ¡°I really like your laugh. Ryn,¡± Elnora said randomly. She smiled softly. ¡°You seem a lot different since the dungeon and¡­ and I like it.¡± A faint blush crossed her cheeks.


    ¡°She brings up a good point Leader.¡± Alex added.


    I hesitated before answering the obvious question. ¡°Well, my priorities changed¡­ I guess I realized I needed to focus on the present.¡±


    ¡°Wow. You really have changed, Ryn,¡± Lilli added, her voice quieter. ¡°I was pretty mad at you for keeping things from me.¡±


    ¡°Tranquila,¡± Alex whispered.


    Lilli took a deep breath before continuing. ¡°I just don¡¯t understand why you didn¡¯t tell me Ryn. Why did you keep it from me?¡± Worry crossed her face.


    I¡¯m different now I need to tell her the truth.


    ¡°I¡ªI don¡¯t have an excuse,¡± I admitted, looking down. ¡°I was in a bad place mentally, and I struggled with trusting others.¡±


    ¡°So¡­ you didn¡¯t trust me?¡± Lilli continued her frustration clear.


    ¡°No, no! It wasn¡¯t like that,¡± I said quickly. ¡°I just didn¡¯t trust anyone.¡± Alex found out on accident, and I confided with Elnora because she became my assistant.¡±


    Lilli sighed, shaking her head. ¡°I think I understand I may need some time. But I feel much better hearing you admit it and giving me some clarity.¡± She hesitated before lowering her gaze. ¡°T-thank you, Ryn. And please¡­ no more secrets.¡±


    I nodded solemnly. ¡°I understand. And I¡¯m truly sorry.¡±


    Lilli exhaled, resting her face in her arms. Her voice came out muffled. ¡°T-thank you, Ryn¡­¡± She blushed.


    Not wanting to ruin the moment, Elnora interrupted. ¡°I hate to interrupt but¡­ we are supposed to report to the headmaster when Ryn woke up.¡±


    ¡°Oh, good point!¡± Alex replied, pulling a pocket watch from under his academy uniform as it glowed pink. ¡°Crap! We¡¯re late!¡± He quickly chugged the rest of his tea before looking at us. ¡°You guys done?¡±


    I hurried to finish mine, while Lilli and Elnora took their final sips. Without wasting another second, we rushed toward the academy.

 15. The Headmaster

    As we walked toward the headmaster¡¯s office, familiar sights and sounds filled the air. Overhead, students practiced their racing¡ªdragons, phoenix¡¯s, and wyverns soaring across the sky, their shadows stretching over the ground.


    ¡°It¡¯s that time of year, isn¡¯t it?¡± Alex mused, glancing up.


    ¡°Wait¡­is it that familiar event I¡¯ve heard about?¡± Elnora asked, her eyes lighting up.


    ¡°Yeah!¡± Alex nodded. ¡°During the summer, when the weather is calm, the academy hosts the Vertraut event. It¡¯s a sports competition for third, fourth-, and fifth-year students¡ªsince they¡¯re the only ones allowed to own familiars after getting a license.¡±


    He continued. Though in some cases students can get a temporary license early.¡±


    ¡°Exactly!¡± Lilli said excitedly. ¡°I¡¯m definitely entering this year!¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Elnora asked with interest.


    ¡°Yeah! My family specializes in summoning spirits, so we¡¯re allowed to obtain a license to summon familiar as well. I¡¯ve been waiting for this very moment!¡±


    ¡°That sounds like fun and all.¡± Alex said with a smirk. ¡°I¡¯ll be cheering you on from the stands!¡±


    ¡°Hey, buddy! I need a team, you know. You¡¯re going to help me out,¡± Lilli said, nudging her elbow at Alex.


    ¡°Blah, blah, blah! Can a guy just relax around here?¡± Alex groaned dramatically.


    Elnora and I watched as the pair bickered in front of us, their playful arguments filling the air.


    As we walked, Elnora brushed against me.


    ¡°Are you nervous at all?¡± she asked suddenly.


    ¡°Nervous? Why would I be nervous?¡± I thought to myself.


    But for some reason, I realized my hands were trembling.


    Odd¡­ I had never done that before.


    ¡°I¡ªI think so,¡± I finally admitted. ¡°I¡¯ve never met the Headmaster before. I¡¯ve heard he only leaves his office during graduation and major academy meetings.¡±


    ¡°Well don¡¯t be nervous. He¡¯s truly a nice man,¡± Elnora reassured me. ¡°Honestly, I visit him from time to time.¡±


    ¡°Visiting the Headmaster?!¡± I asked, surprised.


    ¡°Yeah!¡± she said with a bright smile. ¡°We just get along well. He¡¯s very polite and thoughtful¡ªregardless of my position as your assistant. You¡¯ll see for yourself soon enough!¡±


    I looked at her, for some reason, the slight trembling faded away. Her smile had brought me comfort.


    We continued walking as we stepped into one of the academy¡¯s buildings. Lilli and Alex halted their banter, mindful of any summer classes that might be in session. The atmosphere inside was calm, the air filled with scent of old parchment and lingering magic.


    As we ascended the stairs, they shifted beneath us, coming to life in response to our destination. Unlike the infirmary elevator¡ªcrafted through fusion of dwarven engineering and magic¡ªthese stairs were woven by magical architectures. The academy itself was alive in its own artificial way, like how the endless dungeons was.


    Lilli unsheathed her blade, pointing it toward the grey brick wall which was in our way. ¡°Liglot¡± she whispered casting a spell. ¡°Faculty Room, please.¡±


    At her command, the stairs swirled, the wall shimmering a new pathway materialized several floors above. Without hesitation, we stepped through, finding ourselves in a different section of the academy.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve been here before,¡± I said aloud, glancing around.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    ¡°Really? This floor is where all the professors¡¯ offices and rooms are,¡± Alex explained. ¡°Students aren¡¯t allowed in the living quarters, though.¡±


    ¡°Follow me,¡± Elnora said, walking ahead. ¡°The Headmasters office should be at the end of the hall.¡±


    As we walked down the corridor, some doors remained tightly shut, while others stood open, revealing glimpses of the professors working. Books hovered in midair, experiments sparked to life across desks, and blacksmiths hammered away at spell-blade swords, refining their craft. This was no ordinary faculty wing¡ªit was a place where the professors lived and blended teaching with practice.


    Elnora quickened her pace, leading us up a spiral staircase. At the top, we arrived at a grand entrance¡ªmassive wooden doors framed by two towering pillars. A dragon statue loomed beside them; its piercing gaze locked onto us as if assessing our worth.


    Elnora pushed through the large wooden doors, revealing what felt like an older, untouched section of the academy. The architecture here bore a timeless grandeur, as if the past itself had been preserved within these walls. Alex entered first, and Elnora turned back waving for Lilli and me to follow.


    We stepped into the vast chamber lined with intricate wooden carvings. Large paintings of purple-scaled dragons adorned the walls, their piercing eyes seemingly watched us as we moved. At the center of the room stood an elven woman with neatly tied brown hair, glasses resting on the bridge of her nose¡ªthe Receptionist.


    ¡°Hey, Ms.Rina!¡± Elnora greeted gleefully, waking over with a bright smile. ¡°I brought Ryn with me! He finally woke up.¡±


    Rina, who had initially fixed us with a serious glare, softened to a relaxed smile.


    ¡°It¡¯s so nice to see you again, Elnora!¡± she said warmly. ¡°How has your summer been so far?¡±


    ¡°Amazing!¡± Elnora beamed. ¡°Oh! Did you read that book I recommended? The Princess and The Emperor?¡±


    ¡°Ah, yes! It was exquisite! Thank you for the recommendation¡ªit was beautifully written.¡±


    ¡°Right?! Chapter 50 was so good just like I said, wasn¡¯t it?¡± Elnora spoke with confidence.


    ¡°Ahh Yes!! So good and how the princess¡­¡± Rina giggled before clearing her throat, realizing she was still at work. ¡°Ahem. Allow me to check if the Headmaster is ready for you all.¡±


    She rose from her desk and disappeared through a wooden door at the side.


    I glanced around, taking in the sheer size of the room. ¡°This place is massive¡­and it¡¯s just a waiting room?¡±


    ¡°Yep!¡± Alex replied. ¡°This is the highest point in the academy¡ªinside the Headmaster¡¯s office.¡±


    Elnora stood by the door anxiously waiting for Rina.


    Lilli wandered toward the paintings, her eyes widening as she took in the various landscapes and creatures. Some canvases showcased beasts, while others displayed different domains across the kingdom.


    ¡°Wait¡­ this¡ªthis is Cinderheart!¡± Lilli exclaimed, staring at the painting. ¡°I know those fireflies and those woods anywhere. That¡¯s right outside my mansion¡ªnear the lake!¡± She turned to us in awe.


    ¡°Wow¡­ the Headmaster must be really old. This was before we added the pier and the bathing house!¡±


    As she marveled at the artwork, I examined the armor statues standing against the wall. Their designs were unique, older than any armor I¡¯d ever seen. A glimpse into history itself.


    Meanwhile, Alex stood calmly, arms crossed, waiting for Rina¡¯s return. Moments later, the door creaked open, and Rina stepped back into the room.


    ¡°The Headmaster will see you now.¡±


    We stepped inside.


    A massive dome stretched high above us, its center pierced an enormous telescope, angled towards the clouds. Towering bookshelves lined the room, stacked with dusty tomes. The air was thick with mana, shimmering like a mist¡ªancient and powerful.


    ¡°Hey Headmaster!¡± Elnora called out.


    At the center of the room stood a dragonoid man. His richly blue eyes shone with wisdom, his hair white, his features youthful yet carrying the weight of centuries. His gaze, at first stern, softened the moment he saw Elnora.


    ¡°Haha, It¡¯s good to see you again, Elnora,¡± he said, his voice deep and steady. ¡°I hear you¡¯ve brought Ryn with you?¡±


    He turned his gaze piercing toward me. Within seconds his presence shifted¡ªregal and commanding.


    As if testing me.


    He stepped passed Elnora, approaching Lilli and me.


    ¡°Hmm¡­ and I would assume your Lady Kirkwood, correct?¡±


    ¡°Y-yes Lilli stammered, momentarily freezing under his question.


    At that moment, I felt it¡ªhis gaze cutting through me like a blade. I had fought monsters, survived dungeons, and even battled against a Dungeon Master, yet none of them carried the same overwhelming presence as the Headmaster.


    Even with his mana condensed¡­I knew he was far stronger.


    ¡°You¡¯re scaring Lady Kirkwood old man,¡± Alex interjected with a sigh, shaking his head as he leaned against a bookshelf.


    The Headmaster let out a low chuckle. ¡°Always quick with the tongue, as usual Alexander.¡±


    ¡°Alexander? I thought to myself. Do these two know each other?¡±


    The Headmaster turned back toward Lilli. ¡°I apologize, Ms. Kirkwood. If I recall correctly, your family still holds the ability to command spirits, correct?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± Lilli replied giving a half smile.


    ¡°Good. I am glad Eric passed on that tradition,¡± he said approvingly.


    Then, his gaze returned toward me.


    ¡°And you Mr. Redwood.. your mana is not akin to your families. According to your entrance exam records, your mana was recorded blue¡ªunlike your fathers, which burns red. Yet now, you stand before me radiating purple.


    How does he know I''m hiding my mana?


    He paused, studying me with growing amusement.


    Go ahead let the mana flare out. This chamber can conceal it.


    I then dropped by usual blue mana and unconcealed my purple mana. As it filled the entire chamber.


    Suddenly, he let out a hearty laugh.


    ¡°We¡ªWe¡­ have much to discuss Mr. Ryn Ashford.¡± he said putting down his glasses.

 Purple Mana and Dragon Sigil

    ¡°How beautiful¡­. I haven¡¯t seen this kind of aura in a millennium. And you were able to overcome a Dungeon Master before your father?¡± The Headmaster laughed.


    I frowned. ¡°I get the feeling your holding back something, I know you didn¡¯t call me up here to just examine me. So what do you want? My irritation was evident.


    ¡°You defeated a Dungeon Master single handedly, displaying your strength and vigor in front of your classmates. Some are demanding you to be called the next Hero, while others view you as a monster who caused people to die¡ª¡±


    Lilli and Elnora both shouted ¡°that¡¯s insanity¡± and ¡°he would never¡±.


    The Headmaster continued. ¡°Those who makes those claims say you must have challenged the Dungeon Master. However, Princess Celina in recent weeks have addressed these rumors.¡±


    The Headmaster flicked his wrist, sending a newspaper in my direction that radiated with mana. The front page showed an image of Celina standing on a stage she was moving like a video.


    ¡°As you can see, she has defended your honor and ensured those rumors have been squashed. Due to her further involvement the public eye views you as someone who has received the Princess¡¯s grace. Please know Ryn, that I¡¯m on your side here. The magic you now wield has chosen you only you¡¯re worthy of its raw intensity,¡± the Headmaster explained.


    ¡°And?¡± I asked, my patience wearing thin. ¡°What¡¯s the point you¡¯re getting at?¡±


    ¡°You did die in that dungeon Ryn.¡± He said boldly.


    His words sent chills down my spine.


    He continued. ¡°The second son of the Ashford¡¯s¡ªthe house of the Hero of Wrath. Son to a man who is not royalty, yet married into a house. You, Ryn, wield the power of a true sigil.¡±


    ¡°H-how do you know that?¡± I asked confused.


    ¡°In this world there are two types of sigils,¡± he explained. ¡°Sigils that are earned through worthiness and those created through emotions¡ªtemporary yet powerful. Not much are known about either of them. However, only seven true sigils exist at this moment in time.¡±


    ¡°W-who are they?¡± I asked, trying to grasp the information.


    The Headmaster met my gaze. I will tell you this, Ryn¡ªfour of the true sigils reside in this very room. Alexander, Elnora, You, and I.¡±


    He then whispered, ¡°Zeigen,¡± and a sigil glowed on his hand¡ªa white dragon with a sword above its head.


    It looked like mine.


    ¡°Why¡­. Why is your sigil similar to mine? And what do you mean by true sigils?¡±


    The Headmaster smiled. ¡°I will tell you more in time son, but for now, this is all I can say.¡±


    I turned to Alex. ¡°T-that¡¯s how you know him?¡±


    Alex nodded. ¡°In a simple sense yes, like he said I cannot tell you more. I¡¯m sorry Ryn.¡±


    I exhaled, trying to process the information. ¡°So ¡­ you¡¯re telling me only seven sigils are true, while others are fake? Just borrowed power?¡±


    ¡°Indeed,¡± the Headmaster confirmed.


    ¡°And you won¡¯t tell me more?¡±


    ¡°No¡­¡­ I will, when the time is right. Until then, I advise your party to attend the academy more and when you have the time to explore the endless dungeons. There are eleven in total¡ªtwo have yet to be found. I have already released a recommendation to the Adventurers guild promoting all of you to A rank Adventurer¡¯s. The more dungeons you clear, the more you will begin to understand.¡±The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°And how can we trust you?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Because I¡¯m the one who ensured your survival,¡± he replied. ¡°Alexander did well in reviving your mana.¡±


    ¡°My mana was revived?¡±


    ¡°Yes. That crystal in that dungeon holds immense power, that none can wield yet you could. I would advise you to no longer hide this new mana¡ªno need to conceal it any longer.¡±


    The room fell silence as Rina walked in, carefully pouring tea for everyone. The Headmaster took a seat at a nearby table.


    ¡°Come sit,¡± he instructed.


    We followed suit, and the conversation continued.


    Alex spoke up. ¡°I would recommend Ryn to enter the Polemos.¡±


    ¡°The Polemos? You mean the battle arena event?¡± I asked.


    ¡°That will only bring me more unwanted attention.¡± I spoke.


    ¡°Y-yes,¡± Alex confirmed.


    ¡°W-why¡± I asked.


    ¡°There will be strong opponents competing¡ªother powerful students. You should enter and defeat them. Prove your strength to the kingdom by defeating other students. Doing so will grant you further access to restricted Endless Dungeons,¡± Alex explained.


    The Headmaster nodded. ¡°And I will tell you more about the power you wield. But everything discussed today will stay in this room. Please, Know that even I do not have all the answers. If you seek the truth, dive into the temples.¡±


    ¡°T-Temples?¡± I muttered. ¡°Where have I heard that word before?¡±


    A thought surfaced my mind¨Cthe interface¡­ and Schutz.


    ¡°You said temples,¡± I said, staring at him. ¡°How do you know what they are?¡±


    ¡°Because I was there before they house''d monsters.¡±


    Silence wandered the room as I took in his words.


    ¡°S-So, you really want us to enter the Endless Dungeons, Headmaster?¡± Lilli asked.


    ¡°Yes, Ms.Kirkwood. From here on out, I will be increasing your curriculum and Elnora¡¯s to better suit magic and swordsmanship. To further assist Ryn, I have personally adjusted your training to better complement his needs on the battlefield.¡±


    ¡°Ms. Kirkwood I will help you hone your magic. If needed, I can give you and Elnora extra lessons regarding magic capacity. Do mind to keep all of this to yourselves I would hate for royals to find out.¡±


    Elnora cleared her throat.


    ¡°I know we¡¯ve talked about this some, Headmaster¡ª¡±


    The Headmaster interrupted, patting her head. ¡°It¡¯s Evastor to you, dear.¡±


    She cleared her throat. ¡°Evastor!¡± she smiled ¡°How do you know if my sigil is true?¡±


    Good point, I thought.


    Headmaster Evastor continued. ¡°Well, your sigil means something. It¡¯s not from emotions but rather a byproduct of an idea. Everyone who wields a true sigil wields an idea. That¡¯s all I¡¯ll say for now.¡±


    ¡°Now, now.¡± ¡°After our little meeting, I have been personally instructed to give you an invitation to attend the royal ball. It is to celebrate the safe return of Princess Celina and the defeat of the Dungeon Master. The ball has been put on hold until you were awakened Ryn. There, you and your party will receive a reward for the victory.¡±


    If you may excuse me,¡± Headmaster Evastor said trying to shift the conversation, standing up from his table. ¡°I have some things to attend to. You are all welcomed to visit me anytime,¡± he added.


    As we all got up from our seats and exited the room, the Headmaster stood there, watching the door shut behind us.


    ¡°It¡¯s good to see you again, Ms. Elnora,¡± he whispered, a gentle smile of sincerity crossing his face.


    As we exited the hall and descended the spiral staircase, Lilli and Alex were at it again. Lilli tease Alex about his full name, and Alex kept telling her to shut up, asking if she hadn¡¯t heard anything the Headmaster told us to do.


    We passed the faculty wing and entered the stairs, and I was lost in thought, processing everything Headmaster Evastor told us. I clutched the ball invitation as Lilli cast a spell shifting the staircase toward the bottom floor. We walked outside, and I noticed Elnora looking up at me with concern on her face.


    ¡°R-Ry¡ªOh!¡± She interrupted, noticing the invitation in my hand. ¡°The ball! When is it?¡±


    I looked at the date and froze. ¡°It¡¯s TOMORROW?!¡± I yelled.


    Lilli slowly looked at me in horror. ¡°WHAT? Elnora and I need to check if the dresses we got still fit us!¡± She grabbed Elnora¡¯s hand, dragging her toward the dorm.


    Alex laughed as the pair rushed off. ¡°Some things never change, huh?¡± he said, snickering.


    I shook my head. ¡°Yeah, but I¡¯m not complaining.¡±


    ¡°I guess I¡¯ll have to find something for the ball,¡± I muttered.


    We entered the dormitory and went into our room; I began to weave magicules trying to craft a ball outfit. Alex went to draw the bath for himself.


    ¡°Oh?¡± he said, stepping out of the bath. ¡°Weaving clothing, huh?¡±


    I didn¡¯t look up.


    ¡°That¡¯s not necessary you know,¡± he said, opening my wardrobe to reveal a freshly tailored ball outfit with my family¡¯s crest.


    ¡°Your mother stopped by the infirmary while you were unconscious. She dropped this off an asked me to take it to our place.¡±


    I sighed deeply, letting go of the magicules. The outfit I was crafting slowly unraveled. ¡°Today has been so weird,¡± I thought to myself, lying down on my bed.


    ¡°You have a long day?¡± Alex asked, sitting beside me.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± I replied, glancing up at the ceiling. ¡°I woke up and a lot changed.¡±


    ¡°Well, how about I¡¯ll go out and grab us some dinner from the cafeteria maybe that will cheer you up?¡± Alex said, getting up. The door shutting behind him as he left.


    I laid there, taking in everything, trying to process all the information I could use to my advantage. ¡°I just need to stay out of politics tomorrow,¡± I whispered to myself with a sigh.

 17. Royal Ball

    Evening of the Ball:


    I groaned. ¡°I really hate going to these things.¡±


    Alex chuckled. ¡°You are royalty¡ªyou should be used to these kinds of things.¡±


    ¡°I went to a few when I was younger, but then I started summoning my clones to take my place. It¡¯s not just a nice dance, Alex. It¡¯s all about politics, avoiding offense, and dealing with royal women throwing themselves at you because of my status.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s all very imprudent.¡±


    Alex smirked. ¡°Well¡­ You¡¯re not wrong. But just focus on the people who matter, you know? The one¡¯s who don¡¯t have bad intentions. I know you¡¯ll do just fine.¡± He gave me a reassuring smile before heading back into the bathroom to finish getting dress.


    There was more I wanted to say but I kept it to myself.


    A royal ball is essentially a political battlefield, full of wolves in sheep¡¯s clothing¡ªpeople who will seduce, manipulate, and use others to gain status. In my previous life, I had no knowledge of politics or how to navigate it. But in this one, my mother, Talia Ashford, drilled every lesson into my mind.


    According to her, the kingdom is split into two factions, and that division is slowly decaying away showing the flaws of this kingdom.


    Surely, they¡¯ll try and recruit me. This is exactly why I didn¡¯t want to expose my power. Why I wanted to avoid the Princess. But I¡¯ve already made my decision¡­. I reap what I sow. I must deal with it.


    This is my responsibility now.


    ¡°Hey, man, how do I look?¡± Alex called out, stepping out of the bathroom.


    His black and pink tuxedo fit snugly across his shoulders, his hair slick back slightly. He did a little spin. ¡°So? How do I look?¡±


    I sat on the bed, expression dull, and lazily gave him a thumbs¡ªup.


    ¡°Nice! You look as pink as ever,¡± I said, chuckling.


    He glared at me. ¡°Whatever.¡±


    ¡°Alright, you ready to head out?¡± He asked.


    I stood up adjusting my black and red tuxedo, which matched my family¡¯s color scheme.  ¡°Sure, let¡¯s go.¡±


    As we exited the dormitory, we were surprised to find a carriage waiting for us.


    We then entered the carriage which was adorned in a royal yellow.


    ¡°Where is Elnora and Lilli?¡± I asked Alex.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    ¡°Oh! Supposedly, their carriage will be right behind us, so we¡¯ll meet them there.¡±


    How odd I tried asking Elnora where she was, but she hadn¡¯t replied. I thought


    ¡°Ah, okay,¡± I replied.


    My mind suddenly wandered to what the girls¡¯ dresses might look like. I had never really thought about things like this before. This is going to take some time getting used to¡­


    As our carriage rolled away through the streets of Idelia, we eventually arrived at the castle.


    The castle¡¯s architecture was grand and imposing, demanding  attention as it gleamed under the setting sun. The moon slowly rose, taking its place in the evening sky. Everywhere, the flag of the Kingdom of Idelia was displayed¡ªits yellow and black design adorned with a crown and crossed swords, a proud lion standing in its center.


    ¡°Good evening, sirs. ¡°A royal guard appeared, opening our carriage door as we came to stop.¡± ¡°Please follow me, esteemed guests.¡±


    The man wore black and yellow armor, a rapier hanging from his hip. We followed him inside as he led us to the ballroom. It looked just as I remembered from my childhood¡ªa grand, square room lined with towering windows. A golden carpet stretched down the center, leading up to two identical staircases that curved upward to a balcony. From there, one could step outside and take in the view of the city.


    Back then, after dancing, I would always slip away to the balcony¡ªmy quiet escape from the endless chatter and watchful eyes.


    But tonight, I won¡¯t be able to escape.


    The royal guard stepped forward and announced our arrival.


    ¡°Sir Ryn Ashford has arrived!¡± He yelled.


    The room, once bustling with idle chatter, fell into sudden silence. Nobles paused their drinking and eating, their gazes fixed upon us.


    "Great. Here we go." I muttered under my breath.


    Alex snickered. ¡°We got this,¡± he whispered.


    We walked into the ballroom as Princess Celina gracefully descended one of the twin staircases.


    I bowed slightly. ¡°Good evening, Your Highness.¡±


    ¡°Good day, Sir Ashford. No need to bow!¡± Celina said warmly. ¡°You saved my life, after all. I hold much gratitude toward you.¡±


    From behind her, I could hear the hushed whispers of her entourage.


    ¡°He¡¯s actually kind of hot¡±


    ¡°Ooh, look at the pink-haired one, too.¡±


    ¡°Even after saving her, he still bows? Such humility.¡±


    Celina smiled, unfazed. ¡°I am truly thankful the gods have finally awakened you. Please, enjoy this ball¡ªit is not only to honor me but you as well.¡±


    She gave a slight curtsy, her yellow and silver gown shimmering with every movement. White gloves adorned her hands, and a delicate crown rested upon her curly golden hair.


    ¡°I do hope today marks the beginning of our wonderful friendship between us.¡± With that, she turned and gracefully walked away.


    I sighed.


    ¡°That sucked,¡± I whispered to Alex.


    He let out a chuckle. ¡°Yeah, been awhile since I last bowed.¡±


    Before I could respond, another announcement rang out.


    ¡°Lady Lilli Kirkwood as arrived!¡±


    I turned my head toward the entrance.


    Elnora stepped, in clad in an emerald, green dress and white gown, stealing the breath of everyone in the room. Beside her, Lilli wore a dazzling red, orange, and white dress, a radiant necklace on her collarbone. The way her gown shimmered, imbued like the very sun, left the entire ballroom speechless.


    ¡°W-Who¡¯s that girl with Lady Kirkwood?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard she¡¯s Ryn¡¯s assistant.¡±


    ¡°No, she¡¯s, his slave.¡±


    ¡°I heard she¡¯s, his lover.¡±


    The whispers spread in the ballroom.


    ¡°Wow¡­ look at Lady Kirkwood. That dress is breathtaking.¡±


    ¡°I wish she were my wife,¡± someone murmured.


    As the two entered, both slightly blushing yet holding their elegant composure, Alex nudged me.


    ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go.¡±


    I followed him toward the ladies.


    Elnora hesitated upon seeing me, a soft blush dusting her cheeks. Then, regaining her composure, she bowed slightly lifting her dress. ¡°Good evening, Ryn.¡±


    I returned my gesture, though I could feel my own face warming at the sight of her.


    It must be  all the heat in the room.


    Nearby, Alex greeted Lilli with a courteous bow.


    Extending our hands to the pair we both asked. ¡°May we?¡±


    They both hesitated to take our hands before taking it, their fingers lightly touched ours. Together, the four of us made our way toward a table laden with refreshments and snacks.


    Lilli picked up a small treat from a glass tray, inspecting it with her spirits carefully. ¡°It seems none of these foods or drinks are laced. I think we¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    Just as she spoke, the soft ding of a glass rang out.


    Ding.


    A young man, likely around Alaric¡¯s age, stood at the far end of the ballroom.


    ¡°Good evening, everyone. It¡¯s a pleasure to see you all again,¡± he said smoothly.


    I leaned toward Lilli as he spoke. ¡°Who is that?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s Prince Lucas, the kings first son,¡± she whispered. ¡°He studied abroad for the past few years but returns home during the summer.¡±


    Oh¡­ I thought


    I need to stay clear from him.


    Lucas smiled as he continued, ¡°Before we begin, I would like to thank the gods for protecting my little sister. Moreover, I want to thank all of you, my subjects, for attending tonight. I am truly filled with joy. And, of course, I would like to personally thank our knight in shining armor¡ªSir Ryn Ashford.¡±


    His gaze met mine. ¡°May the gods bless you.¡±


    Half the room erupted into applause, while the other half remained silent.


    What an unimpressive speech.


    Then, music began to play.


    And so, the ball officially began.

 18. Royal Ball pt.2

    As the music began, my eyes met Elnora¡¯s.


    ¡°Would you like this dance, Lady Kirkwood?¡± Alex asked, extending his hand.


    ¡°Perhaps,¡± she replied with a smirk and a light blush before placing her hand in his. Together, they walked onto the ballroom floor.


    Elnora and I remained at the table, speechless.


    My heart began to race.


    I had danced before¡ªmany times, in this life and the one previously.


    So why was I so scared to dance with her?


    ¡°Good evening again, Sir Ashford.¡±


    The voice made me turn. There, in her golden-yellow dress, stood Celina. She bowed.


    ¡°It would be lovely to dance with you,¡± she said with a graceful smile.


    I glanced back at Elnora, my hesitation evident, but before I could decline, she interrupted.


    ¡°He¡¯s all yours.¡± She said, her voice firm.


    I turned around offering my hand to Celina, bowing slightly. As she took it, I caught a glimpse of Elnora, standing alone at the table.


    The music picked up, and we began to dance. The steps were familiar¡ªclassic, slow, elegant.


    I twirled Celina, pulling her back in, but her movement were forceful, like a duel.


    She tried to lead, but I took control, guiding her rhythm.


    ¡°You dance as well as you fight, Sir Ashford,¡± she mused. ¡°But¡­ may I call you Ryn?¡±


    No, I would prefer that she didn¡¯t.


    ¡°S-Sure, if that¡¯s what you desire your excellence.¡±


    ¡°No need for formalities. Please, call me Celina,¡± she said smiling.


    Of course, seduction.


    ¡°O-Okay. Celina. What would you like to talk about?¡± I asked, keeping my voice low as we moved with the music.


    ¡°You saved me. You defeated that dungeon master. But I would have never guessed the shy boy I once knew from my childhood could do it.¡± Her voice dropped, becoming serious. ¡°The kingdom needs someone like you Ryn. I need someone like you.¡±


    I spun her again, the crowd murmuring with admiration.


    ¡°This kingdom is rotten¡ªcorrupt beyond saving, especially from the church.¡± Her words were sharp, edged with desperation. ¡°If someone like you stood by my side, we could change the power balance. We could save it.¡±


    I remained silent as we danced.


    ¡°In a year or so, everything will fall apart,¡± she continued. ¡°But with you¡­ Ryn I could give you the power you desire.¡±


    I exhaled sharply, gripping her hand firm but gentle.


    ¡°I don¡¯t mean to interrupt, but I want nothing to do with kingdom or its politics,¡± I said, keeping my tone polite but resolute. ¡°I understand your duty, but I have my own at the moment.¡±


    She went silent.


    Her heels glided across the polished marble floor, yet every step felt forced.


    She pushed forward, attempting to lead again, but I countered.


    The crowd watched in awe, drawn in by the tension between us.


    Was this a dance or a battle?


    Each step was a challenge.


    Each movement. Was a silent negotiation.


    When I dipped her, she barely flinched, her golden dress cascading like an ocean wave.


    I held my ground.


    She smiled¡ªwhether in amusement or frustration, I couldn¡¯t tell.


    By the final, spin I was in control.


    The music slowed.


    The dance ended.


    I bowed before her. She bowed back.


    Applause erupted.


    Whispers flooded the ballroom.


    ¡°Sir Ryn, would you dance with me?¡± a woman called.


    ¡°Oh, Ryn! Over here!¡±


    ¡°Sir Ryn!¡± More voices echoed out.


    But then, through the noise, one voice reached me.


    Soft.


    Clear.


    Like wind chimes bringing me peace.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    ¡°Ryn¡­¡±


    I turned immediately.


    ¡°Yes!¡± I called back, pushing back the crowd.


    There, standing in her emerald-green and white dress, was Elnora. A single tear glistened her eye.


    ¡°Y-you heard me,¡± she whispered, smiling softly despite the sadness on her face.


    I extended my hand toward her cheek.


    Wiping away the tear.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay to cry. I¡¯m here,¡± I whispered telepathically.


    Then, lowering myself onto one knee, I extended my hand once more.


    ¡°Would you give me this dance?¡±


    Elnora¡¯s lips curled into a soft smile as she bowed.


    ¡°It would be my pleasure.¡±


    She slowly placed her hand in mine, and together, we stepped onto the ballroom floor.


    Around us, couples twirled gracefully, lost in the melody of the music.


    The song began softly, a delicate waltz that guided us into a simple sway side to side.


    ¡°I¡ªI¡¯m sorry I left you back there,¡± I murmured, guilt pressing against my chest.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been leaving you alone a lot, haven¡¯t I?¡±


    She smiled, small and understanding. ¡°Yeah¡­ but you can¡¯t help it.¡±


    Her reassurance was warm, but there was quiet longing in her eyes.


    The melody shifted, deepening into something richer, more vibrant.


    ¡°But you owe me,¡± she teased, her fingers tightening slightly around mine.


    I extended my hand, allowing her to spin slowly before returning to my embrace once more.


    ¡°Oh?¡± I asked, my cheeks tinged with warmth.


    ¡°And what do I owe you?¡±


    She blushed, mirroring my expression. ¡°A good dance.¡±


    I smirked, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Do you believe you can keep up?¡±


    ¡°It looks easy enough,¡± she replied, her voice light, confident.


    The song swelled.


    Our dance transformed.


    It was as if two doves had taken flight, soaring effortlessly through the air.


    Each step we took aligned perfectly with the melody, our feet tapping the floor in seamless harmony.


    There was no hesitation.


    No misstep.


    Only, fluidity, as if we had danced together countless times before.


    ¡°Wow.. you¡¯re good at this,¡± I said, laughing softly. ¡°Are you sure this is your first time dancing?¡±


    She giggled. ¡°Y-yeah I practiced a little bit with Lilli.¡±


    I spun her, the fabric of her dress fanning out like waves in the wind.


    Then, catching her by the waist, I lifted her gently, her weight as light as air.


    She landed gracefully, and with a flick of my wrist, I spun her once more.


    One hand behind my back, the other guiding her, I twirled her effortlessly, drawing her close to my chest.


    ¡°Whew¡­I¡¯m a bit dizzy,¡± she said, laughing breathlessly.


    ¡°Oh? Want me to do it again?¡± I teased.


    ¡°Oh, hush you,¡± she replied.


    We danced, lost in each other, unaware of the growing silence in the room.


    Unlike Celina, who fought for control.


    Elnora moved as if she knew every step before I took it. She didn¡¯t command the dance¡ªshe completed it, adding a grace that made every movement feel natural.


    Then, familiar voices drifted from behind us.


    Alex.


    Lilli.


    I turned slightly, realizing we were not the only ones left dancing.


    The ballroom floor belonged to the four of us now.


    --Alex, Lilli, Elnora, and me.


    We spun the girls, trading partners in perfect rhythm.


    ¡°Is Alex taking good care of you, or is he being a pain?¡± I asked Lilli as I guided her into a dip.


    She chuckled. ¡°Oh, he''s tolerable at the moment.¡±


    Alex smirked. ¡°So how is it going with Ryn?¡± He asked Elnora.


    ¡°He... He¡¯s like a fairytale,¡± she admitted softly.


    Alex¡¯s expression softened ¡°Then let¡¯s return you back toward your prince.¡±


    With that, we exchanged partners once more.


    Elnora spun back into my arms, her body falling effortlessly into my grasp.


    The room gasped.


    The way we moved¡ªit was something from an era long ago.


    A dance of legend.


    Of unspoken emotion.


    For a moment, the only sound was the beating of our hearts.


    Our eyes locked.


    And as the final notes of the song whispered through the air, I dipped her one last time, holding her close as the world faded around us.


    For a moment, we didn¡¯t let go even after the song ended.


    Our hands lingered, our eyes locked, as if the world around us was invisible.


    The crowd erupted into cheers¡ªlouder than those Celina and I had received.


    Yet, we ignored them, lost in each other¡¯s gaze.


    But the moment was rudely interrupted.


    ¡°You call that a dance?¡±


    A voice dripping with mockery, echoed through the ballroom. From the crowd, my brother, Alaric emerged, dressed in an outfit like mine.


    He smirked, his presence alone casting a shadow over the celebration.


    ¡°Hah! Pathetic. As always little brother.¡± He crossed his arms, his voice filled with contempt.


    ¡°Are we really supposed to believe that this weakling defeated a Dungeon Master? Are we certain?¡±


    The crowd fell into an uneasy silence, hanging onto his every word.


    ¡°How is it fair,¡± Alaric continued, stepping forward, ¡°that you¡ªborn after me¡ªsomehow possess magic powerful enough to defeat a Dungeon Master? That a weakling can suddenly stand tall, fearless, with women by his side?


    His words were laced with envy, his gaze darkened.


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe it for a second. And those who do¡ª¡± he scoffed, shaking his head, ¡°¡ªare fools.¡±


    His eyes flickered toward Elnora, slowly trailing up and down her form.


    He licked his lips.


    My stomach twisted in disgust.


    ¡°I shall teach you another lesson, my dear brother,¡± he sneered, stepping closer to me. ¡°Did you forget who beat you before?¡± He turned to the crowd. ¡°Yes, people I have bested Ryn Ashford¡ªthe so¡ª¡®next great hero¡¯¡ªbefore.¡± He chuckled, the sound grating.


    ¡°You¡¯re nothing but a putrid spawn.¡± ¡°Something that should have ceased to exist.¡±


    His words barely registered as I clenched my fists.


    Then, his smirk widened. ¡°Brother, I challenge you to the Polemos.¡± He leaned in, his breath hot against my skin. ¡°And if I win, your little Elnora will be mine.¡±


    Elnora tense behind me, her fingers gripping my sleeve. His hand lashed out, slapping me across the face.


    Mmh.. As usual..


    And then¡ª


    A voice echoed in my mind. Not his. Not mine.


    Quest:


    Re-educate the fool: 0/2


    Win Polemos: 0/1


    An interface notification spoke. Demanding punishment.


    The very thought of my brother laying his disgusting, lustful gaze on Elnora burned deep into my soul. Without hesitation, I raised my hand¡ª


    CRACK!


    My hand met his jaw with bone¡ªsnapping force.


    Alaric stumbled backward.


    He clutched his face, eyes wide in shock. Blood trickled from his mouth.


    Gasps filled the room¨Csome horrified, some in awe. A few nobles even turned away, retching.


    I felt nothing.


    My mana flared slightly, raw power coursing through me, my gaze growing cold.


    Alaric, on his knees, looked up at me in horror, his once-mocking grin shattered.


    ¡°L¡­little¡­b-brother..¡± he stammered, his jaw grotesquely mis-aligned.


    L¨¨se-majest¨¦.


    The phrase echoed in my mind.


    I took a step forward, the weight of fury pressing down on the room¡ª


    But then, a gentle touch.


    Elnora¡¯s hand wrapped around my wrist. She pulled me close, whispering telepathically.


    Don¡¯t. Not. Here.


    The coldness in my veins went away enough for reason to seep back in.


    I exhaled, sharply my fist unclenching.


    Alaric gritted his teeth, staggering to his feet. ¡°H..how dare you! He hissed; voice slurred from his ruined jaw. ¡°I-I¡¯ll tell Father!¡± He turned and stumbled away, disappearing into the crowd.


    The ballroom remained silent.


    Then whispers¡ª


    ¡°What force...¡±


    ¡°Did you see that mana?¡±


    ¡°He almost took his head off with one strike.¡±


    And then¡ªthree slow claps.


    In the center of the room, Prince Lucas stood, a smug smile on his lips. His short blonde hair swayed slightly as he tilted his head, mismatched eyes¡ªone blue, one green¡ªgleaming with amusement.


    ¡°It isn¡¯t a ball without a little bit of drama,¡± he mused, letting out a laugh. He raised his hand, summoning his spell blade¡ªa spear. His spear flared with fire magic, instantly incinerating the bloodstains on the floor.


    ¡°Their. That mess is cleaned up,¡± he said smoothly, sheathing his weapon.


    ¡°Now then¡­¡± His expression tightened for a moment before he forced a pleasant smile.


    ¡°My sister will begin handing out the reward for our valiant heroes. ¡°He gestured toward Celina, his tone betraying irritation.


    ¡°Go on, sister.¡±


    Celina straightened; her expression unreadable as she unrolled a document.


    ¡°Come forward, the valiant party known as The Phantoms.¡±


    The rooms attention bore down on us as the four of us slowly stepped forward.

 19. Training

    ¡°Now, throw all the spirits into my direction, Lilli!¡±


    Headmaster Evastor¡¯s voice echoed through the office as Lilli commanded her spirits toward him.


    They materialized, their forms shifting as they shot light.


    Without effort, Evastor dodged it with no effort.


    ¡°Good Control,¡± he remarked. ¡°Now like we practiced use the spirits around you to manipulate the objects nearby. ¡°He sidestepped another strike, his expression remaining calm.


    ¡°Even without a sigil, the power of your spirits is still largely unknown to this world. Therefore, this gives you an advantage.¡±


    I stood in the office with Alex, watching Lilli as she trained.


    We watched through a glass window.


    It had been a week since the Royal Ball. Nothing much had happened since then¡ªexcept for training Lilli and Elnora.


    At the end of the ball each party member was given permission to take on item from the kingdom¡¯s treasury.


    I had chosen a grimoire.


    Alex picked a pair of enchanted earrings.


    Lilli took the only journal in the kingdom about spirits.


    Elnora selected a gold ring with an emerald at its center.


    Both Alex¡¯s earring and Elnora¡¯s ring¡¯s displayed stat boosts.


    Something I could measure using the interface allowed me to inspect them.


    With a simple swipe up and right, I could summon it at my will.


    Navigating the interface, well that was another matter entirely.


    The interface displayed several icons I could select from: A backpack, journal, notebook, and map. Four tabs appeared before me just like technology straight from my past life.


    Dismissing the interface was easy; as swipe left, and it vanished


    Over the past week, Elnora has been refining her magic and swordsmanship, her progress has been rapid.


    Lilli has also rapidly improved¡ªthough sacrificing sleep she is now able to control her spirits and her swordplay has become more aggressive.


    Surprisingly, since the ball Alaric nor the Royal family has bothered us.


    They seemed to be watching from a distance for now.


    I had chosen to lay low, dedicating myself to the grimoire while keeping my eye on Lilli and Elnora¡¯s training. As of Alex¡­ well, he has been busy.


    Snooping around the kingdom, gathering information on the Polemos, and listening to every whisper about my family¡¯s name.


    This time, I wouldn¡¯t be caught off guard.


    This time, I could control the outcome.


    Headmaster Evastor stood inside the training area connected to his office¡ªa rooftop garden designed for combat practice.


    Surrounded by dense trees and thick bushes, it resembled a miniature park perched atop the academy. Despite its serene appearance, this space was meant for battle.


    "Now, just as the book suggests, Lilli¡ªchannel the spirits around your sword and launch them at me!" Evastor commanded.


    Lilli nodded, gripping her sword tightly. The yellow spirits swirled around the blade, their glow intensifying as they pulsed with energy.


    With a swift motion, she directed them forward. The spirits bounced off trees and bushes before converging toward Evastor.


    This time, he didn¡¯t dodge. Instead, his dragonoid tail swung forward, intercepting the attack with a sharp clang. The impact rippled through the air, but he remained unmoved.


    Then, he let out a hearty laugh.


    "At last! After a week, you''ve finally managed to land a hit on me!" He grinned. "Come, Lilli. Time for a break!"


    Lilli had grown immensely over the past week. When she first started, her endurance had been lacking¡ªshe could barely maintain her spirits for extended periods. Her swordsmanship had always been above average compared to other students, but Evastor had refined her movements, honing them to complement her rapid, consecutive strikes.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Now, she was faster.


    More precise.


    More dangerous.


    Breathing heavily, Lilli wiped the sweat from her forehead before stepping inside. She dropped onto the bench beside us, grabbing a glass of water and downing it in one go.


    She didn¡¯t speak¡ªher mind was elsewhere, lost in deep thought.


    "Come on, Elnora!" Evastor¡¯s voice boomed across the training ground.


    It was her turn.


    Elnora, though she had struggled at the beginning, had grown at an astonishing rate. Compared to Lilli, who faced the challenge of mastering a new and largely unstudied form of magic, Elnora wielded her emerald-green mana with precision and confidence.


    Every movement, every strike of her sword, was controlled and deliberate, following Headmaster Evastor¡¯s instructions with unwavering focus.


    "Now, Elnora¡ªstrike!" Evastor commanded.


    Swoop!


    Her blade cut through the air, aiming straight for the Headmaster. He raised his tail once more to block, absorbing the blow with ease. But Elnora didn¡¯t stop there.


    Twisting mid-air, she summoned the wind to propel herself downward, increasing the force behind her next strike.


    Her sword crashed against his tail again, leaving a faint bruise.


    As she leaped back, she whispered a single word¡ªApergia.


    Her mana flared, spiraling outward like an emerald tempest. Without hesitation, she lunged forward again, striking at Evastor.


    He dodged¡ªbut before he could reposition, she was already there, meeting him with another attack from below.


    A blur of motion, she reappeared behind him, her blade cutting once more, landing another blow.


    It was as if her body moved on instinct, reacting faster with each engagement, adapting to her own magic as she fought.


    Perhaps it was her elven heritage that granted her such heightened sensitivity to mana.


    But if that were the case, why didn¡¯t the other elven students¡ªwho were undoubtedly skilled¡ªdisplay such rapid growth?


    She struck again.


    This time, Evastor blocked her sword with a single finger.


    Elnora gritted her teeth, stepping back, her emerald eyes locked onto him with fierce determination.


    The Headmaster chuckled. "Not bad. Now, let¡¯s try a few other spells."


    Elnora¡¯s expression shifted¡ªher lips curling into an eager smile.


    "Okay!" she replied, readying her blade.


    Each time Elnora practiced with her magic and sword, it was like she grew strong, like a muscle being conditioned through constant use.


    The spells she casted were ancient in the elven tongue each flowing from her lips with effortless memorization. It was so interesting watching her train.


    After some time, Elnora stepped away from the training grounds, her breathing steady despite the physical training.


    Headmaster Evastor followed closely behind her, his eyes gleaming with excitement.


    "Agh! I love it when she gives me that determined look¡ªit so fiesty!" he squealed, giddy with admiration.


    Elnora simply smiled, wiping the sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand.


    The Headmaster was completely harmless, but his deep sense of admiration¡ªno, belonging¡ªtoward her was undeniable.


    It never crossed into unsettling territory, and Elnora didn¡¯t seem to mind.


    "Did you see that, Ryn?" she called out as she strode toward me, reaching for my hand and locking her fingers with mine. Her grip was warm and firm.


    ¡°Now! I¡¯m going to be more useful to you in battle!¡± she said, beaming with pride.


    I couldn¡¯t help but smile back.


    ¡°You¡¯ve always been useful¡ªboth of you have.¡± I said glancing at Elnora and Lilli.


    Lilly, however, was completely out. She sat with her head resting against Alex¡¯s shoulders, fast asleep from exhaustion.


    ¡°Shhh,¡± Alex whispered, raising his finger to his lips.


    Elnora giggled softly before turning back to me.


    Meanwhile, Headmaster Evastor had settled nearby, flipping through Lilli¡¯s journal preparing for the next lesson.


    Elnora tugged my hand. ¡°Come with me,¡± she said, leading me toward the Headmasters training ground.


    There, a bench overlooked the entire academy, offering a serene view of the horizon. She sat down first, then patted the spot beside of her, flashing me a playful smile.


    I joined her.


    "Do you mind if I ask you something, Ryn?" Elnora¡¯s voice was soft, thoughtful.


    I turned to her. "Yeah? What is it?"


    She hesitated for a moment, then met my gaze. "I keep seeing memories of your other life¡­ I know they haunt you and I know you want to move on.¡±


    ¡°W-we can talk about it if you¡¯d like.¡± She said her face seemed worried.


    I exhaled, trying to gather my thoughts. The memories were like shards of glass¡ªpainful to touch, difficult to piece together.


    "When I was younger," I began, then paused.


    "...My parents didn¡¯t mean to have me. And instead of treating me like their son, I was... neglected. No, worse¡ªI was abused.


    Constantly.


    Verbally.


    Physically.


    It never stopped." I swallowed hard.


    "So, I became bitter. Angry. And I enlisted in the military."


    Elnora remained silent, listening intently as I forced the words out.


    "I climbed the ranks, became my country¡¯s top strategist. I thought if I was the best, if I proved my worth, maybe¡­ maybe I could silence the past. But the bitterness never left."


    She didn¡¯t speak right away. Instead, she shifted closer, wrapping her arms around me in a gentle embrace.


    "Thank you," I murmured, resting a hand on her back, grounding myself in her warmth.


    "When I came into this world," I continued, my voice quieter, "all that trauma¡ªfrom my childhood, from my previous party¡ªit just followed me. And you guys didn¡¯t deserve that." I sighed, emotion tightening my throat.


    Elnora pulled back slightly, just enough to look me in the eyes. "But you¡¯re trying, Ryn. Even though no one else knows about your past life, we see how much you¡¯ve changed.


    Since the first time we met you¡­ you¡¯re not the same person." She placed her hand over mine, her touch steady and reassuring.


    "I-I¡¯m sorry, Elnora," I admitted, my voice unsteady. "I¡¯m just¡­ not good at explaining how I feel. These feelings of mine, they¡¯re¡ª" I hesitated. "They¡¯re new to me. And I don¡¯t even know what they are."


    The words felt heavier as I spoke them aloud.


    "I just¡­ I just want to be who I am now. Not who I was."


    Elnora¡¯s eyes softened. A few stray tears slipped down my cheeks, and she reached up, wiping them away with her thumb.


    "My turn," she whispered, smiling.


    A small, shaky chuckle escaped me through the emotion.


    "What you¡¯re going through are emotions," she said gently.


    "I know they¡¯re difficult, but you just need time. Be patient with yourself." She squeezed my hand.


    "Take all the time you need."


    Elnora tilted her head slightly, the sunlight catching in her hair as she looked at me.


    "It¡¯s okay, Ryn," she murmured.


    I let myself rest my head on her shoulder as she brushed her fingers through my hair.


    As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of gold and violet, I finally acknowledged something I had avoided for so long¡ªmy own emotions.

 20. The Grimoire

    "So, that''s the grimoire you picked from the royal treasury?" Evastor asked, eyeing the book in my hands.


    I sat in his office, flipping through its torn pages. "Y-yeah," I answered. "But it was locked, and for some reason, it only opened for me. The spells that are intact don¡¯t explain what they do, though." I traced a finger over the faded words.


    Curious, I whispered one of the spells aloud. "Archon''s Mania¡ª"


    Before I could finish, Evastor¡¯s hand clamped over my mouth. His sharp gaze bore into mine. "I apologize, but do not recite that spell here," he said firmly. "Promise me you won¡¯t say it again. If so, nod."


    I hesitated, then nodded. Only then did he remove his hand, exhaling in relief.


    "W-what¡¯s with that spell?" I asked, still shaken.


    "That spell is ancient¡­ and forbidden," he said gravely. "If you cast it, the entire world will be upon us."


    His words sent a chill down my spine. What kind of spell could cause such destruction?


    Evastor took the grimoire from me, flipping through its pages. "Most of these are ripped, as you said¡­ Some are blank, while others are written in the elven language." He studied the script for a moment. "It may be a riddle."


    He handed the book back to me, and an idea sparked in my mind. Channeling my mana, I conjured a small fireball, bringing it close to the grimoire. As the flames flickered, faint glowing text appeared on the previously blank pages.


    "The text says: ''Where the Dark Elves burrow. Nearby, where trees are alive, this is where you''ll find the dungeon which hides.''"


    I read the words aloud, glancing at Evastor for his reaction. He furrowed his brows, deep in thought.


    I tried to turn the next page, but it wouldn¡¯t budge. "I-I can''t flip it," I muttered, pushing against the stubborn parchment.


    Evastor stepped beside me, attempting to help, but the page refused to move. Then, as I extinguished my mana, the page finally turned¡ªonly to reveal more blank parchment.


    "W-what is this about?" I asked, utterly confused.


    Before Evastor could answer, a glowing interface suddenly appeared before me.


    [Complete Current Mission Objectives...]


    Polemos: 0/1


    Teach The Fool A Lesson: 1/2


    Clear Temples: 1/11


    Determination flared within me. I reached toward the interface screen. "We need to head to the next endless dungeon."


    Evastor crossed his arms. "You can''t enter an endless dungeon without a guild card."


    "And?" I shot back.


    "They don¡¯t issue temporary cards while waiting for a permanent one," he explained.


    I sighed. "So this world doesn¡¯t have the same quality-of-life options as my previous one..."


    Frowning, I paced the room, thinking. "Do you think this dungeon has been found yet?"


    Evastor repeated the riddle to himself, rubbing his chin. Then his eyes lit up. "A hidden endless dungeon near the Dark Elves'' lands? No¡­ NO! No one dares to go near their territory. If this dungeon has never been discovered, then you might have a loophole."


    "A loophole?" I asked.


    He smirked. "If you claim you were simply exploring and accidentally stumbled upon an endless dungeon, you could bypass the guild registration requirement."


    I grinned. "Then that¡¯s what we¡¯ll do."


    Evastor glanced at the grimoire again. "There might be more clues inside." He reached for the book, but the moment he tried to open it, the cover locked up. He frowned and tried again¡ªfirst with magic, then with brute force, even attempting to pry it open with his tail.


    If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    I watched his struggle, deadpan. "Yeah¡­ good luck with that."


    Shaking my head, I turned to leave. "I''ll gather everyone," I said, waving over my shoulder.


    As I walked through the halls, I reached out telepathically. Elnora, is Alex with you? And Lilli?


    Lilli is, but Alex is nearby. I can go get him. W-what¡¯s going on?


    Meet me at my dorm room.


    Okay! I¡¯ll grab Alex now! she replied, excitement in her voice.


    By the time I arrived at my dorm, all three of them crashed through the door¡ªAlex leading the way, a bowl of tonkatsu in his mouth.


    They shut the door behind them.


    ¡°So, why are we meeting up?¡± Lilli asked, arms crossed.


    Alex stood nearby, finishing his lunch.


    ¡°We¡¯re heading to an endless dungeon,¡± I announced.


    Alex nearly choked, quickly swallowing his food before sputtering, ¡°W-what?¡±


    I turned to Elnora. ¡°You mentioned knowing a teleportation spell. If I asked you to transport us just outside the Dark Elves¡¯ territory in the Black Woods Domain, do you think you could do it?¡±


    Elnora hesitated for a moment, then nodded confidently. ¡°Y-yeah! I just need a map.¡±


    I grabbed one from my drawer and handed it to her. She crouched down, running her finger along the parchment before slowly rising, her fingertip now pointing toward the sky. Whispering an incantation, she uttered, "Teleportieren."


    A glowing green circle expanded beneath us, and in an instant, we were engulfed by light. When the glow faded, we stood amidst towering black trees.


    ¡°And we¡¯re here!¡± I grinned, stretching my arms.


    ¡°My¡ªMY FOOD!¡± Alex cried, staring at his now-empty hands and chopsticks. His eyes filled with despair as he mourned his lost meal.


    Lilli snickered at his reaction.


    Elnora, ignoring him, turned to me. ¡°Did you bring the necessary supplies?¡±


    I nodded, opening my interface and pulling out a backpack seemingly from thin air.


    Lilli¡¯s eyes widened in excitement, her tail twitching. ¡°Wait¡ªyou have an item box!?¡±


    ¡°No, no,¡± I quickly corrected, waving my hands.


    ¡°Then how did you do that?¡± she pressed, Alex and Elnora watching curiously.


    I hesitated. How do I explain the interface without revealing too much?


    Thinking fast, I said, ¡°It¡¯s a storage spell I learned. Lets me store items.¡±


    They stared at me blankly. Did they buy it?


    Lilli¡¯s eyes suddenly sparkled. ¡°You HAVE to show me sometime! My father refuses to get me a magi box, but this would be even better!¡±


    Alex nodded in approval, and Elnora looked intrigued.


    I had spent some time testing the interface. By pressing on the backpack icon, a translucent storage grid appeared, allowing me to store weapons, armor, potions, and other useful items. However, I hadn¡¯t yet tried storing bulky objects or furniture. I wasn¡¯t sure if there was a weight limit¡ªor what kind of negative status effects over-encumbrance might bring.


    It was time to dive into the dungeon. Standing before us was a vast forest of black-barked trees, their stumps stretching endlessly as if the trees themselves touched the sky. Their immense size gave the forest an almost oppressive presence. Despite the eerie atmosphere, there was one thing I could smell clearly in the air¡ªmana. Not just any mana, but something deep, powerful, and ancient, emanating from the forest.


    Alex seemed to sense it too. He glanced over at me, his eyes narrowing.


    ¡°There¡¯s a mana trail ahead,¡± he said, his voice low. ¡°If we follow it, I believe it¡¯ll lead us to the dungeon.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± I said, gesturing for the group to follow as we ventured into the dense forest.


    Lilli didn¡¯t seem bothered by the darkness that clung to the trees, while Elnora appeared resolute, her focus solely on the task at hand. We walked in silence, following Alex deeper into the shadows of the woods.


    After a time, the forest opened into a cavern, the entrance yawning wide before us. Mana oozed from its depths, pulsing in the air like a heartbeat.


    ¡°We¡¯re here,¡± Alex said, standing at the cave¡¯s mouth and looking up.


    ¡°This doesn¡¯t look inviting,¡± Lilli muttered, her tone filled with skepticism.


    ¡°I¡¯m with you on that,¡± Elnora added.


    I manifested my sword, its blade glowing faintly as I took the lead into the cavern.


    ¡°The endless dungeon¡­¡± I murmured, gripping my sword tightly. ¡°Stay alert. There¡¯s no telling what could be inside.¡±


    Lilli summoned her spirits, their glow brighter than I¡¯d ever seen them.


    ¡°Ah, I see your spirits are stronger now,¡± I commented, impressed.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lilli replied with a proud grin, though I could tell she was still nervous.


    Suddenly, two ghouls plummeted from the sky, landing with sickening thuds. Without hesitation, Elnora drew her sword and swiftly dispatched them with two quick strikes. The ghouls crumpled to the ground, their bodies clad in old mining equipment, pickaxes still gripped tightly in their bony hands.


    ¡°Nice work with those ghouls, Elnora,¡± I said, giving her a nod of approval.


    ¡°That¡¯s strange¡­¡± I muttered, eyes scanning the surroundings. ¡°Monsters don¡¯t typically hide like that in dungeons. Everyone, stay sharp.¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± Alex and Elnora responded, their expressions focused.


    Lilli¡¯s nerves were still palpable, her eyes darting around uneasily, but she didn¡¯t say anything. Together, we continued deeper into the dungeon¡¯s first floor, ready for whatever lay ahead.


    <hr>


    <blockquote>


    Next Chapter: Arc 2 - Champion of the Polemos


    I apologize for the late post for this chapter. I''ve been quite busy with irl stuff recently additionally I ran into writers block for a few days but I''m back at it! Thank you all for reading! For those who are reading on RoyalRead my main course of contact to my readers is ScribbleHub.


    </blockquote>

 Arc 2 – Champion of the Polemos:

    Hello, reader this is ForcerRay/ParahRay here! < 3


    WARNING! Ahead lays key plot points for the coming ARC so if you want to be surprised do not read this.


    The Plot of Arc 2:


    Arc 2 otherwise known as Champion of the Polemos will be introducing new characters in the story while expanding on supporting characters. One thing I aim to present to the reader is a cast of characters that grow with the story. We see in arc 1 how Ryn and Elnora have grown as character. However, I want to expand on that giving more growth to characters like Alex, Lilli, and Princess Celina. Furthermore, the story will aim to explain characters backgrounds and why they act the way they do. This arc will mainly be about the Polemos, the Endless Black Forest Dungeon, and School Life (politics) of the cast.


    I aim to provide more clarity with characters like:


    Professor Redwood


    Lilli Kirkwood


    Alexander


    Princess Celina


    Headmaster Evastor


    Other new characters


    Arc 2 Objectives:


    Most importantly in the story I have left out key information about the magic system to the reader. I hope to explain how the magic hierarchy system works.


    Arc 2 will pick up the beginning of the Phantoms third year of schooling.


    Thus, a time skip of a week will go by. I¡¯m personally not a big fan of time skips however, not much has happened in the story in a week. Only thing that has happened was the exploration of the endless dungeon.


    The Phantoms made it to floor one hundred only in a week. They have not left the dungeon since exploring. I will present some open dialogue that will explain what they found and achieved for those first one hundred floors. I may even present a flashback chapter.


    Things to note about Arc 2:


    Arc 2 will be more about bringing the reader into the world of this story. When writing I think about what I would personally enjoy in a story. I enjoy it when a story emerges me in world as if I¡¯m walking along with the cast. I aim to bring that type of feeling with this arc. In the beginning of arc 1 we are quickly introduced to Lilli and Alex which already has history with Ryn. I aim to explain that history and how they met one another (this may come up more in future arcs).


    Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    If any reader has yet to realize Ryn Ashford otherwise known as Daryl Stallone struggles with PTSD. Both as a veteran of war and being abused as a child in his other life. As someone who studies health I realized that no reincarnation (isekai) story has brought up the phycological aspect of being reincarnated. Normally, after being reincarnated the protagonist freaks out after a few episodes/chapters they make some friends, and their issues are gone. (Due note there is nothing wrong with that however, I want to capitalize on introducing this missing aspect to my story).


    In this story Ryn Ashford struggles with forgiving, loving, and having emotions for people. We see how his emotions have changed for his party mates from the beginning of Arc 1 to the end. Still Ryn does not understand why he feels this way he never claims that they are ¡°emotions¡± but rather ¡°feelings¡± as if he can simply dismiss them if needed.


    I want to give Ryn new emotions to explore and have him figure it out through interactions with different scenarios.


    Due note that Arc 2 will have some time skips throughout the story. Most of The Phantoms third year is them in and out of class and slowly exploring the endless dungeon.


    Moreover, I will present some in class chapters presenting new professors into the story. And introducing new classmates into the story.


    What is coming from Arc 3?


    I have already got some ideas for Arc 3 and the premise of it. Without saying much Arc 3 aims to provide the reader with a unique story that expands the school life of the cast.


    Answering Common Questions:


    Why are their grammar mistakes/errors?


    Due mind I take no offense with readers picking up on these errors. I normally write/proofread at night thus I look over minor errors.


    Why is the story so vague about Ryn¡¯s power?


    Future arcs will explain why he is so receptive to magic. Do mind that Ryn does have the lineage of a hero in his blood and did study magic and dive into dungeons when he as younger. Additionally, Ryn already has combat experience from the military in his previous life.


    Why is the story vague about certain plot points?


    I did this on purpose points that are dismissed will be explored in future arcs.


    <blockquote>


    Authors Gratitude:


    Thank you, all for reading up to Arc 2! It brings me so much motivation to see readers actively engaging. Please, do not be afraid to comment or leave an exciting note on the story.


    I cannot believe we have hit 2000 views on the story over on scribble hub and we have multiple readers who actively enjoy the story. What brings me joy is that my readers are enjoying the story. Truthfully, my heart is overwhelmed with the amount of small support I am receiving.


    And if our community does grow more, I plan to open some community sites that we all can interact in.


    However, if you have any questions or just want to interact with the community, please leave a comment below and I most likely will respond.


    Thank you, for your unwavering support:


    -ParahRay


    </blockquote>