Chapter- 01: Return Home And Inheriting The Family

Rennes held the letter from his mother, Evelyn, in his trembling hand. It had been years since he left home to serve in the Phantom Army, and the news he was about to read would change the course of his life forever. His father and older brother had been attacked and killed by a monstrous creature while inspecting their land. The weight of his family's legacy now rested solely on his shoulders.

As he read the words, a somber silence enveloped him. The dangers of the Dying Isle continent had claimed the lives of his loved ones. Rennes couldn't help but reflect on the treacherous nature of this world.

Though the news of his father and brother's deaths should have filled him with grief, Rennes felt strangely detached. He had been transmigrated into this world just a month ago, inheriting the memories of the previous inhabitant but lacking an emotional connection to them.

After a moment of contemplation, Rennes began to weigh the pros and cons of returning home to inherit the family's land. Remaining with the Phantom Legion offered its own advantages. It was one of the Three Knight Legions of the Kingdom of Lance, boasting exceptional benefits. Daily training was overseen by experienced and powerful knights, and military merits could be exchanged for valuable treasures and potions to aid in cultivation. There was even a chance of being granted a noble title and obtaining a territory through military achievements.

"Going home and inheriting the family seems tempting," Rennes muttered to himself, breaking the silence. "But the Phantom Legion has its perks too. It's not an easy decision."

As he continued to ponder, he remembered conversations with his fellow soldiers during the quiet nights at the Legion's campfire.

"Rennes," said a grizzled veteran named Aric, "You know, there's more to the Phantom Legion than meets the eye. I've heard rumors of hidden relics and ancient secrets buried deep within our training grounds. They say those who unlock these mysteries gain unimaginable power."

Another soldier, a young and eager recruit named Elara, chimed in, "And don't forget the legend of the Ghost Knight. They say he's achieved legendary status within the Legion, possessing abilities beyond any Tier-07 Advanced Knight. Imagine the heights you could reach if you uncovered the secrets of the Phantom Legion."

Rennes nodded, acknowledging the wisdom in their words. It wasn't just about following the path of least resistance; it was about seizing opportunities hidden within challenges.

After a while, Rennes acknowledged his average aptitude. Despite serving in the Legion for five years, he had only reached the rank of a Tier-03 Low-Level Knight. Progressing to Tier-04, an Intermediate Knight, would take him many more years. Advancing to Tier-07, an Advanced Knight, seemed nearly impossible without external help.

"For me, improving in the Army like the Phantom Legion is a daunting challenge," Rennes said, his voice tinged with frustration. "In times of war, I'm just cannon fodder."

"Going Home And Inheriting the Family is The Best Choice," Rennes sighed, reminiscing about the fantasies he had when he first transmigrated to this world. "But reality has shown me its true colors. With my weak background, trash aptitude, and no system or cheat, achieving greatness in the world of cultivation is simply impossible."

In light of this, he decided to return home and inherit the family's modest barony. While it was not a grand estate, it would provide him with a comfortable life. However, leaving the Phantom Legion was not a straightforward task. Retiring required serving for fifteen years or becoming disabled, neither of which applied to him.

Determined to expedite his return, Rennes resorted to special means, including offering gifts to his superiors. This decision came at a significant cost, as he depleted most of the wealth he had accumulated over the years. Fortunately, he successfully completed the retirement procedure and severed his ties with the Phantom Legion.

Rennes bid farewell to the comrades he had fought alongside for years and embarked on his journey home. He rode his horse through dense forests and winding trails, his heart heavy with anticipation and uncertainty. He encountered fellow travelers on the road, some offering words of encouragement while others shared tales of their own adventures.

As he drew closer to Nexus Village, the landscape changed. Lush forests gave way to rolling hills, and the distant sight of the village nestled beneath the towering Pendragon Mountains filled him with a sense of nostalgia.

Upon reaching the central estate and notifying the guards, a mature and beautiful woman, Evelyn, came rushing out. She was Rennes' predecessor's biological mother and now the head of the family.

"My son, you're finally back," she whispered, tears streaming down her face. The sudden loss of her husband and eldest son had left her, a fragile woman, with the daunting responsibility of managing the territory. Rennes offered words of comfort, assuring her that he was there to help.

After a few minutes, Evelyn regained her composure. Rennes presided over the funeral of his father and brother, ensuring they found their rest peacefully. Under the watchful eyes of the Nexus Village residents, he officially assumed the role of the family's ruler.

Transferring the family title only required submitting a letter to the kingdom's aristocratic court. Such a simple process was reserved for immediate family members. Titles witnessed by the king were reserved for higher-ranking nobles like marquises and dukes, a level Rennes could only dream of reaching.

With the administrative duties attended to, Rennes was ready to embrace the life of a decadent aristocrat. However, his mother Evelyn had a surprising announcement for him – she had found him a wife.

The news took Rennes by surprise. He had expected some time to adjust to his new responsibilities and the weight of his family's legacy. Nevertheless, Evelyn was insistent. She explained that the match had been arranged with a family of knight, a clan known for their mastery of the mage arts.

As Rennes settled into his new role, he began to explore the power system of this world more deeply. It was a complex hierarchy of knights and mages, each divided into nine tiers of power. The tiers ranged from Tier-1, the lowest, to Tier-9, the highest. Knights wielded physical strength and martial skills, while mages harnessed the elements and magic.

The pinnacle of this power system was the Earth Knight/Great Mage, who could shape the earth itself and control the elements with unmatched skill. Beyond that, there were legends of the Sky Knight/Magus and the Legendary Knight/Great Magus, whose abilities transcended mortal understanding.

And at the zenith were the Mythical Knight/Sage, individuals with power so immense that they could single-handedly bring kingdoms to their knees with a single attack. These were the stuff of legends, figures who shaped the course of history with their mere presence.

As Rennes delved deeper into this world's complexities, he discovered that there were hidden forces at play. Rumors of a looming war between the knights and mages had been circulating, with each faction vying for control of the kingdom. It was a volatile time, and Rennes couldn't help but wonder if his return home had thrust him into the center of this impending conflict.