18 Intermission I: Turning back time.

Intermission 1

(PoV: ???)

My journey is finally near it ends as I and my companion reaching the demon Lord castle. After a 5 years long war between demon and human alliance, we finally here at their last line of defense. Many things happened since the time I got reincarnated in this world. My parents is a farmer of Hearthstone kingdom. As a reincarnated person I know many advance fighting technique from Xing. I was one of those that almost form my nascent soul before dying in betrayal. I was short living for someone that already condensed their nascent core, I was betrayed by my own brother as I form my soul. He completely destroyed my body and soul. At that time I thought I would die for real as my body cultivation got turn to dust and my thoughts shatter, but then I suddenly open my eyes in someone else study room. It wasn't those place that we called as yellow river... But another place where soul gathered. He look at me surprised, as he studying me.

He is God, he even surpassed those immortal... That when all those believe of mine shattered to pieces. As some sort of magic treasure show me my family life going without me. I could see my fiancee mourning me for years until someone I don't know finally sway her heart. Even after she got married with him and having his child, she still remember me. But her heart doesn't have me anymore only memories of me. I also see how my brother got his cultivation destroyed by my rival as his life turn 180 degree. That when I see how much that hateful fellow care about me, more than my blood brother did. He then raising meteorically to immortality in hundred of years then reign all over Xing. I keep watching things happen until no one grieving about me anymore. All my hatred and rage slowly disappear as I am ready to get reincarnated. This esteemed one definitely more powerful than those immortal, as it my first time saw someone that could reincarnating someone with completely shattered soul.

He only laugh at me, when I said those things. I could tell from his laugh, that those immortal definitely not in his eyes. He then briefing me about the reincarnation before told me I would forgotten this entire things which didn't happen. He called me again because of those and only explain it with

"Seems like soul from your last world is stronger than those from the other world."

He also said something about getting his salary cut because of it. Which I don't get it. Who is paying a God? Is there another God stronger than him? That really scary!

Unfortunately when I finally of age to do cultivation, I found out this world doesn't have spiritual qi but it got another form which called mana. It kind of different since it doesn't have any attribute. Also when I tried to condense it on my body it slowly seeping out. I can't found my dantian, or form it as mana keep seeping out. Also this world got an orb that could tell our body potential which I found out as a wonderful magic treasure. If it in my world we could hardly tell people cultivation if we aren't stronger than them. But here I got those orbs and body potential called strength, agility, intelligent, vitality and mana point, which each point increasing my power increase.

For example every one strength point, increasing my arm strength by 100 jin. It much easier to tell our power than those in my world. Which we need to do it manually by lifting weights, like those that completed their foundation could lift 1000 jin. Here we could just look at our orb.

I kinda dumbfounded when I found out the details about it as I got my identification orb, which cover as identity pass as a children reach teenager to adulthood phase which around 10 years old. They already considering a 13 years old as adult here, which wasn't so different than my past world.

There also aptitude that telling me my talent. That is when I realized how vast the world are. This world with it magic, got more advanced magic treasure than Xing in some place.

Anyway, although I can do body cultivation like how I usually do. I could still do routine like strengthening my blood vessels, muscle and organs by running mana in cycle. The only difference is I don't have a dantian to condense the mana. Although my mana is growing like qi, but it wasn't condensed as a core it more like flowing river in my entire body. I tried to condense it in my entire body once, and keep it cycling it around my blood vessels. The results is horrible, I almost died from blood loss as blood starting to seeping out my body from every pores. It wasn't only impurities like when I am doing body cultivation, but both of it. It like my body telling me I couldn't store mana more than those written in my orb.

Anyway even without those, my body would automatically store mana as I breathing. More like everyone that living here did. It would be a wonders in Xing if everyone could do this. This world citizen would made those foundation practitioner of my world to shame. Since they basically breathing qi like it normal. Also one thing I realized that different is, if in our world we try to absorb the qi to enhance our dantian, in here people deplete their mana to increase their capacity. I also realized it in the accident from before, as I disperse all my mana at once before I die from blood loss. I could feel my body absorbing more mana than before I depleted myself.

As I am thinking those unrelated stuff, we stand in front of the demon lord thrones door. I could feel a huge amount of mana from the inside. As I look around at my companion, the one called as Sage Silva, the magic sword master Lein, Saint Reesa, the Knight Commander Wes, elf guardian Yaereene, Beastman king Thanatos, and magic bow master Gildart.

We exchange glance as we open the door, inside the room was a majestic thrones with a golden pillars and red carpet. There is no one there except a figure of the demon lord sitting on her thrones in grim face.

"You have come so far heroes of human alliance."

Her tone is low, as she looking at us complicatedly. Looking at her gaze Lein rushing at her while brandishing her sword with a torrent of mana swirling on it.

"You killed my brother!!"

No one could response at her sudden dash. The demon lord keep sitting on her thrones with complicated gaze. She received her attack which make a swirl of blizzard and ice spear calmly.

"Would you believe me if I said it wasn't my doing or my plan?!"

"Bullshit you destroyed our kingdom! You fool us all!"

We snap out, and helping Lein at once as Wes rushing to Lein side.

Weird things she follow up with counter attack at Lein half hearted. But her half hearted attack made Wes that intercept it tumbling backwards.

"Do you guys understand what have you done?!"

"You're the one that have done it!"

Yeareene retort at her as her elementals casting a fusion magic with Silva. They made a huge fire tornado which destroying the roof. The demon lord only standing there and making a mana shield surpassing the fusion magic.

"Oo holy spirit bless us with your grace and power. Holy grace!"

Reesa give us her holy magic buff which increasing our speed, power, recovery and stamina. While Gildart sending his magic arrow, imbued with light magic, to it fullest which launched at speed of sound. While me and Thanatos cutting the distance and rush at her in a breath. I make a hand seal as break word appears at the tip of my spear and stabbing it at her, while Thanatos brimming his body strengthening magic to it fullest changing him to look like half beast.

All of our attack ramming at her mana shield and slowly crumbling it, before she suddenly disappear from our sight. Damn, she got a space magic aptitude.

Our fight was fierce, to the point where Thanatos limped on the ground, while Gildart mowed in the wall. Lein was losing her left arm, while my body covered in blood. Silva and Yeareene wasn't too good themselves, as Yeareene high elemental took a huge blow, and dying she fainted as rebound. Silva himself goes on mana deviation state, he look much older than before the fight start. He have been using a forbidden magic which draining his vitality. While our saint already half step away from death door...

But we successfully corner the demon lord, as she is on her dying breath.

"You guys... Don't know... What you've done..."

"If that... Your last words, then you couldn't get more wrong. We definitely know we would bring peace home."

"... No, you don't—"

At that time a sword suddenly pierce her heart from behind her. What is going on?! I got a bad premotion as I saw the blade.

"Ahahaha.. HAHAHAHAHA.... I FINALLY FREE! MY FIGHT WITH THAT BRAT FINALLY OVER!"

A figure suddenly shot up above, floating in the air as the sword pulled off from the demon lord.

"..ze...in..."

The demon lord muttering a shocking name as the demon lord losing her last breath.

"Haha... HUAHAHA... THANK YOU BRAVE HEROES OF HUMAN ALLIANCE!"

We look at the figure shocked aghast, as a figure of our friend, a figure of our brother, a figure of someone that sacrificing himself in the chaos when the demon army attacking the kingdom, appear in the air.

"Ze..Zein?!"

Lein limped on the ground trembling as she look at the figure. It Zein Dageraad, someone that was once called as bastard and trash of Dageraad family. The twin of Lein, which reign as the strongest magic sword master of all.

"No... This can't be happening..."

"Of course it can, OoOooh... my lovely twin."

He said those words with twisted smile on his face. I am also in denial of this, since I saw him took a spear to his heart before when he saved me. I still remember it clearly what he said before.

'Brother Dapper... You've show me the right path, even tho... I would never able to make up... With Lein... Thank you for... Your advice... And I am sorry for my shitty act... Please take care of Lein and Fran... In my stead. Leave here... just look at my body later on... Our kingdom... Need you.."

He push me away as he fallen down. I was the one that closing his eyes, before running to help the other. Although we couldn't find his body later on when we repelled the attack since the building burning.... This how could this happen?! My entire being denied that the figure in front of me is him, but the truth was there. He floating there alive, stronger than he was ever could. It wasn't an animated corpse, but the real person...

"Thank to you, the seal of that demon lord wear off, and looking at her finally break him down. You guys have my utmost gratitude. Now you guys can die!"

A lump... No, it entirely different amount of mana that human can do, and the death looming inside of it is really dreadful. I feel like seeing those immortal of my world launching their full power strike... But he look nonchalant for a full power attack... He seems like stepping an ant... At that moment of our doom the breathless demon lord suddenly stand up.

"You still alive?!"

"I am definitely dead, but if this happens I already prepared a magic formation that activating on my dead. It one time only, and I can only send one person..."

"What do you mean?!"

"De tijd terugdraaien... With my life and soul at price. I hope you could change this..."

At that time my figure distorted looking at me the figure shot out.

"No you don't!!"

"Hahaha... Too late [——]..."

"Then I'll..."

And with that I lose my conscious... When I woke up I came seeing a familiar celling. It my room in my parents house, in the village. I raised up right away, as I am drenching in sweat. When I see myself in a mirror I could see my child self, right after my conversation with God... This is... I come back to the past...

What is going on?! I could recall all things that happen just like yesterday. All my friends, my studies in Magic Academy, meeting with Zein Dageraad, then joining Lein circle. All the things until the last part of the fight, when I see Zein figure which should've died appears in front of us. Then the demon lord... She telling us the truth... What happened behind the curtain? Why is Zein there? Why the sudden attack of demon race? What is the demon lord hiding?? What is the truth of all those events?!

All kind of thought swirling inside my head giving me headache. But one things I am sure... With my knowledge of the future events I could change it entirely. No, I must change it. Move it to the path where everyone could be happy. . . I must stop whatever happen to Zein also finding out the truth from the demon lord. Then I'll made that things whose using Zein figure meet it demise! I must getting much stronger than before, I will defeat anything that come to hurt my friend. Meet Buddha kill the Buddha, meet demon kill the demon... Even if it being stronger than those immortal of my world, I will kill that being!

In this second chance... I won't let it happen again... I won't let what happen in my past life happens. This time I'll get my happy life, this time I would tell Lein my love for her. I won't let her and my companion meet their demise anymore. With conviction in my heart I start training earlier than in the past as my parents nagging me for not helping them in the farm.

Well they confused when I suddenly come and hugging them. In the past they're one of the victim in the demon army attack. I will make sure this time they won't meet their end like that. In the end I keep helping them in farm while training in my free time. I hardly playing with children of my village from the start... In my defense it tiresome to act like them as I am way older than them. While in front of my parents I definitely act spoiled although my mannerisms still seems older than normal kid. But they took it as I am just growing faster than normal children of my age.

Then by the time I am 10 I got my identity orbs just like in the past. I got the baptism happily, as I finally could see my body potential once again. It been like 5 years since that events happen, and I've been training 3 years faster than in the past with stricter schedule. Then as I check my orb, as I finally found out my current power.

Name: Dapper

Age: 10

Level: 10

STR: 11.331

AGI: 10.195

INT: 3.421

VIT: 12.575

Mana: 19.335

Aptitude:

Martial Arts (Legendary)

Spear Arts (Legendary)

Magic (Unique) (Fire, Wind, Light)

Self Body Strengthening (Rare Growth) (79.21%)

Daoism (Self)

Advance Mana Breathing (Self)

Ahhh, I am pretty much stronger than before. In the past I was around 4-5 across the board in body potential. Also right now I am definitely stronger than any Foundation practitioner of my world. Well we can't compare it anyway since it different, most Foundation cultivator can't do much of magic after all. Since their qi wasn't that much, while here I could just breathe in the air and hey my mana keep it up. Although I am far from core formation, since it should be around 4 times stronger in mana than me right now. Sigh... At least I am already stronger than most of those academy student, and my past experience.

Then with that, I finally work away from home as a merchant apprentice. It the same as in the past, my parents see me as a smart boy and talented then paying the merchant that usually come to the village to took me as apprentice. Well he is a trustable oldman that my family pretty close with. Also he got no one as successor, since he been single his entire life. His fiancee die young, and he never find another one that could fill his empty heart.

We goes around the kingdom from village to another, city to city. I learned that it only him and his friend that used this route. As every merchant got their own route, which usually succeeded from their predecessor. I already known all the conversation as it my second time, but I keep up with old man Cid story. I kinda miss him to before, I haven't seen him since the demon attack which around 2 years before the war broke out. So it been 7 long years since we got conversation. He is one of the person I care for before, he is like my real uncle. He also the one that told me to go to the academy, as he said it a waste of my talents to be a paddler. He even prepare to paid the institution money.

This time it will be different, I would prepare the best house in the neighborhood country which safe and sound for both of my parents and him. I am not a heartless person but I couldn't careless for those stranger in my village. They never do anything good for my parents nor do bad things.

Yes, I would bought them a mansion in Republic of Sakura. It the safest place even after the war broke out. They never have any discrimination between rank, also their military was way higher than the empire. I just found out about it when the war broke out, that small country is the strongest one in this continent. Before I thought it was the glorious empire, then followed with Hearthstone Kingdom. But turn out the empire was too corrupted and their internal struggle is the worse. They easily sweept away after our kingdom fall, only Republic of Sakura remain. But as powerful as they're, they stand as neutral in the war which I found out surprising. They didn't take over the other kingdom nor do they support the war. They just stand there watching, they didn't even felt threatened by the human alliance. I don't know what happened, but one statement of them push away all the alliance opposition in their standing. Now that I am thinking about it, they might know something. It weird thinking that they keeping their neutral stance...

I should put an investigation of their country for the future plan. It still around 18 years for now after all. Right now I should focus on hoarding money and getting stronger. Afterwards I should help my companion to train in the academy. There also many talented people in there which die young. I am sure they would be able to raise our kingdom chance when the attack come.

I keep following uncle Cid around, until I am 13 years old. It my time for earning money. My base activity should be around Dageraad territory main city, since it almost time when Zein Dageraad do something stupid which made him fall in regret in his entire life. He injured Silva sister, Maria, by the next 2 years in late spring or early summer when he made his way back to their family manor. I should make my operation base there at Dageraad territory main city Dawn before it happens.

This event definitely ruining their relationship to the point of no return. Maria can't stand anymore, and what worse her trauma against horses. While Zein really turn to darker than before, he finally do things that injuring someone for any small offense when he drunk. Sometimes he even drugging girl, then you know what happen next. He only stopping those after Lein snapped for good. He also got disowned by Dageraad family and fall into ruin. I only know his good side after one incident in hunt that almost cost my life, that when we become friend for real.

He saved me as I got washed up by the river. He mend my wound for weeks and feed me. He was living an honest life in rural village near the sea at the border of the kingdom. That when I know the full story about his relationship with Lein and how he broke down.

He might be weak in combat, but his mind in management and technology is the real deal. The rural village life hood goes better after he arrive there. He made many things in there with only hand technology. He made some sort of tool for grinding the grain, he made irrigation, he plan the village corps rotation, he even invented a way to make a salt from the sea. It a clear salt that hardly seen in this world.

Also he build a school there while teaching the village kids to read, write and do a calculation. Then he also managing the village budget, increasing it by ten of times. He made a small poor rural village become a rich village where people life in peace and comfort. My only thought was he is such a reliable person when he is in charge.

But the shock didn't stop there, when I found that the village chief was planning to make him the chief he decline the offer without any hesitation. He said that.

"I didn't do this for village chief position. All I did was for our village to prosper, and repay the villager warm welcome to me which was tattered and poor. You guys giving me a warm house, warm company and warm food which I haven't taste for months. You made me remember how warm was my family once before, which I destroyed before along my way. I didn't deserve to be village chief, as I am sinned. I only want for the best of our village."

That when I finally realized the Zein I know from before was shitty noble, but underneath those shitty action of him there a person that reliable haven't been unearthed. That why this time for sure... I would unearthed that person... I won't let him become those shitty noble.

Hearing my plan to become adventurer uncle Cid didn't give his support to me. He keep saying...

"It dangerous job Dapper! You could lose your life for wealth, it definitely not worth it! Your future is bright."

Yeah like what happened right now.

"Uncle Cid, I understand your worries but it my life to decided."

"No, as your parents representation I didn't allow you to do it."

"Even if you didn't allow you, I could still register in adventurer guild."

"Why are you so convinced be an adventure? Is it because of tuition for the Magic Academy? I told you, uncle got enough saving for it, and I am sure you would got scholarship."

"No, uncle this isn't about it... Although money is my reasoning, but it not for tuition."

"Then what is it for? Did I give too little pocket money for you? You could always ask for more."

Hearing uncle Cid, I could only smile wryly in gratitude. When didn't even tied by blood, but he took care of me like a real uncle could be.

"No uncle Cid, it because becoming adventurer is my dream. I want to see the world and helping people."

"You can also see the world and helping people by being a merchant."

"It different uncle, I might be able to do those if I am a big merchant. But as I am now, at most I could only go peddling with the same route as yours. I am sorry uncle Cid but my decision is final."

He creasing his brow when he heard my words until the end.

"Can I change your mind?"

I only shook my head, as he helplessly sigh. Then he walk to our carriage, and pulling the wooden seat open, there something inside. It a long box around 9 feet. When he opened it up there a spear with a black handle, and sliverish blue blade. From my experience I could tell this spear is master piece. It worth more than 400 gold... Crazy, I never knew uncle Cid got this kind of thing. Although it wasn't as great as my spear from the last time, it should be equal as my when I was A rank adventurer.

"This is things called as Black Serpent Spear, it handle is 6 feet long made out of black iron. While it blade is 3 feet long made of blue mithril, imbued with sharpness and piercings magic. Take it if you're going to be adventurer, although your height is only 5 feet now. I think it would be perfect for you, I plan to give it to you when you grow older. It my family heirloom."

I am speechless as I heard that... Uncle Cid definitely prepare it for a long time. There a dust covering it box after all and this is the first time I heard about family heirloom from him. I could feel my eyes getting misty as uncle pull another things out. It his prized... Spatial ring...

"Also here, you could put your belongings here. Although the space wasn't so big only around our carriage, but it should be enough for you to store your item."

A tears finally goes down my cheeks as I kneel down and bow at uncle. He surprised at my action as he try to pull me up.

"No uncle, please let me give you my utmost respect. You're the only one except my parents that giving me family love. You're really someone that I would remember, love and protect in my entire life. I would definitely paid you back in my success."

"Dapper, child... I look at you growing, I might not have any family left. But you and your parents is like my own family. There is no need to repay me. It my decision to give you this, all I want is you to promise me something."

"Please tell me uncle. I would do whatever is it."

"Then don't be adventurer?"

"..."

I stare at him dumbfounded with my mouth wide open.

"I am just joking. You're making me nervous with these act of yours."

He laugh at my face.

"Anyway Dapper, all I want to ask from you is to visit me once in awhile, then send me and your parents latter at least once a month. Also stay alive child."

My cry finally uncontrollable, as tears streaming unstoppably.

"Yes.. uncle. I would send you and my parents a letter."

"Good then. Now give me a hug."

I bow down once again, before standing up and give him a hug. He is a honest and kind merchant, which taking care of me like his own son.

"There, there... The adventurers would laughing at you if they seen you crying."

I wipe my tears right away as I am smiling at him. Then I started to pack my things before saying goodbye to him once again.

"Then uncle, please take care of yourself."

"Yes, child. You know I always put my safety first before the other. Also don't forget your meal, I see you forgotten your meal many times when you're training."

"Yes uncle. Then I will meet you again in 3 months at our village."

"Alright, don't forget to send me a letter. You know where am I going to go."

"Of course uncle."

With that I separate with uncle Cid that might be even better than my real uncle. I walk down the highway to the Dageraad territory which is around 40 days by foot. Along the way I am registering myself as adventurer and keep doing subjugation quest. Sometimes I wipe entire goblin village, sometimes it orc, sometimes it wondering monster, or sometimes it pest monster which attacking a village field. By the time I reach Dageraad territory main city Dawn I already raise my rank to C rank. I already earn more than 700 gold in half a years. My target is 2000 gold by the next springs which mean one year from now.

This year I am finally 14 years old as the spring come, also my rank raising could be called meteoric. As many rumors talk about me, and the guild starting to give special treatment. It much more smooth sailing then I thought, although most of time...

"Hey brat, you must be a cheater?! How could a brat that haven't grow hair yet like you become a C ranker?"

Yeah... This is getting tiresome... As I keep getting an insult and provocation everytime I goes to a new guild. I even got a nickname called as Berserker Boy, Crimson Prince, also Bloody Brats... Which I found annoying... A murmur can be heard from the surrounding, one of the adventurer on the bar fall off his stool as he looking my way.

"B-bloody Brats.... Brother... You won't want to mess with him..."

The tough looking baldy with ripped shirt look at the fallen adventurer which giving him advice.

"What Bloody Brats? All I could see is a clean looking brat that haven't seen the world."

The adventurers around him laughing at the fallen adventurer. As they mock him.

"Spineless bastard."

"Hahaha... He limped out just because a brat?"

"No why is he look familiar?"

"He must be a famous coward."

"Or those brainless bragger."

They laughing as they keep mocking the guy...

"Brat you better leave and run to your mommy, before this daddy teach you what real adventurer is."

"Yeah kid, you better run right now. That guy is famous for being a niubi hunter."

"Who do you called me Niubi Hunter?! Come out you fucker, I only teaching the niubi a rope for being adventurer as a B ranker."

The man looking over the crowd as he searching the voice. I could only sigh and scoffed a little when I looking at his tough act. How could a Rank B adventure got this kind of shit manner? No, from the start how could he still living and kicking?

"What with your face?!"

"Nothing much. Just looking at a fool."

"Who do you called a fool?! You fucking brat."

"The one that answering definitely."

"You brat!"

He launch me a punch, which really slow. I catch it easily as I wave it off. Looking at my action his face goes red and furious he then lunging at me. I kick his chin right away, before he could reach me. Making him floating 6 feet from the ground and send out of the guild. Because of the commotion, someone with a long brown beard appeared from upstairs. He is the guild master of Dawn city Adventurer Guild. He is a middle aged with fancy brown beard till his chest. He is around 6 feet and 5 inch tall. With ripped muscle and straight body stature, making him seems like a huge boulder just by standing near him.

"What is going on here?!"

"Th-that is... Guild master... Tiro the Niubi Hunter make a commotion again."

"Then did something happen to the niubi?"

He look around the room but he couldn't found the victim body... Which should be me in his mind I guess. The receptionist look over me in scared.

"N-no... The one that thrown out is Tiro... The niubi beat him up in a move and send him flying outside..."

"The niubi did?! Where is this wonderful niubi? Is it you?!"

He pointed a random adventurer which look tough, as he scanning around. The adventurer shook his head at once and looking down in fear. The fallen adventurer open his mouth again...

"I-it the Bloody Brats..."

"Bloody bat?! Didn't you said it a niubi? How could it become a bat now?! It doesn't make sense that a bloody bat appearing in the middle of the day. "

"No.. he got called as Bloody Brat in my city before. B-R-A-T. Because any adventurer that called him brat got beaten to bloody pulp... Or so I heard..."

"... I never beat people that didn't hit me first. Also I only beat one adventurer group..."

I open my mouth at once as the person trembling hearing me. The guild leader look over me at once.

"So is it you?"

"... Yes, guild master. I was the one that send that baldy outside."

"Bloody Brat? That nickname of yours sound familiar. Oi, Disa do you know him?"

"Ye-yes guild master... He is the boy that mentioned in lady Bianca letter yesterday."

"Ahhh... So you're that meteoric niubi, which got a hundred percent of completion in subjugating quest. You're the one that clearing a hob goblin village near the Duser town."

"Yes..."

"I see so you finally come here to make a storm?!"

"... Storm?"

"Yes, us guild leader called you a Storm Child. As you keep blowing people and monster around as you move from town to town. Never staying for more than a week."

When the guild leader said those, I could heard murmur from the adventurer... Now I guess I got another nickname... Seriously, I got more nick name than last time. I sighing without I realized.

"I never plan it to be like that."

"You never did, but people love your story!"

"..."

Looking at me speechless he faking cough.

"Anyway, what is your plan in this city?"

"I plan to stay here for a year at least."

"What?!"

All the people in the guild sucking their breathe at once when they heard me... Did I become that infamous in the past half year? No... I don't want this!

"Yes, I got some promise with my friend next year. So I would like to stay her for a year at least. Could you give me a letter of recommendation for a lounging?"

"That I could. Honestly this year would really stormy, be prepared you lazy bum!"

The guild master shout out to the other adventurer as they suddenly raise their mug. They cheered at anything he said afterwards and that how my first day in Dageraad main city Dawn.

Then time travel fast, as I keep doing a quest around Dageraad territory as seasons change. I keep doing a advance ranking quest in the Dageraad Mangroves and Rames Dukedom. Until a to point there hardly any subjugation quest.... I think I am going too far right now. As the adventurer, they all gashing their teeth everytime they seen me. My rank raise to rank B for awhile, as the only reason I haven't reach rank A because of guild regulations. Which stating anyone under the age of 17 and anyone who haven't registered for 3 years can't take the promotion quest. It regulations to stop a hasty new adventurer. Since the level of Rank A and higher is on completely different level than those lower.

Those that reaching rank C could be called adventurer, and those on rank B can be called as veterans adventurer. But those on Rank A is being called the real adventurer and Rank S is called high ranker. They could have the guild privilege without doing any questions in their life. They only need to accept a specific quest from the guild which usually paid in 10 white gold as minimum payment. While those got higher rank basically legendary figure or heroes. They kinda like those immortal of my world. While my potential right now is like this.

Age: 15

Level: 33

STR: 54.555

AGI: 57.864

INT: 18.767

VIT: 51. 633

Mana: 79.997

Aptitude:

Martial Arts (Legendary)

Spear Arts (Legendary)

Magic (Unique) (Fire, Wind, Light)

Self Body Strengthening (Unique Growth) (17.31%)

Daoism (Self)

Advance Mana Breathing (Self)

Yep, it change considerably than 5 years ago. My power sprouting as I grow older. I guess as a kids I can't surpassed my previous potential. But I am stagnant right now... I only got another 13 years before that last fight... While the invasion happen in 7 years, then a war break out a year afterwards. At least my power almost the same as before the demon attacking our kingdom. So it seven years earlier than in the past. Also right now I am definitely an early Core Formation if this world is Xing. I would become unparalleled genius for sure if I am there, a fifteen years old with Core Formation cultivation. Sigh, unfortunately my enemies in 13 years is some sort of Immortal cultivator. I don't know how much power needed to beat him... As it starting to goes fleeting. At that time I could tell that last attack at least used 100 times my entire mana, which mean his attack before used around fifty thousand mana.

I am idling outside my training since it almost the time for that event. I keep training day and night, while taking a break from adventurer works. I already achieve my target money, by last year and already purchased a house in Republic of Sakura. Right now my parents and uncle Cid already living there. They shocked through the entire night when I bought them there. I also purchasing a building for uncle Cid store, I said it as investment since he didn't want to accept it freely. While my parents helping him at the store, since they said they can't stayed at home the entire time. I agreed, as long as that made them happy. What disappointing is I can't find any information about that country. Republic of Sakura is really clean...

There is no underworld there, and their country leaded by council which got a vote from every citizen. Even the king there which called Shogun doesn't have a real power. They're much more like a public figure, that got knowledge in military and country management. Also if the citizen dislike them, they could got dismissed from their position.

There is nothing shady going on, their country budget is open to any citizen. They could just come to the city lord manor to check their budget. They could also asking infrastructure building to the council. Their laws is clear, with every statement could be found in any library in their country. They also got a law enforcement which called 'police officer.' The police is honest and friendly, while keeping their enforcement fair on both side. If there any thievery they could bringing it to law and be judged for their punishment. If there any corrupted person in the council body, they would be catched right away and got thrown to the prison for a lifetime. They also got a news company? It like a bard but they got salary from an institution for sharing information about anything happens in the country. Like when Shogun going to meet ambassador of other country they're there and record the conversation. Before publishing it to the public. Or when there a scandal, they made also do it.

Seriously I never seen a country as open as this one. When I thought what Zein do before as something wonderful, I thought this country as something more than him. I couldn't describe it in words. I didn't realize it before since I only visit it once for their hot springs as the human alliance talk with them. There is so many things that made it feel like different world.

Then weeks passed by, as I waiting for the event. Then at the end of spring it happen, exactly like how Silva and Zein told me.

"Move away! Move away!"

I could she his figure galloping on the main street full of people as he shouting those words. I followed him from the roof until I couldn't see Maria figure until the last moment. Damn, I might be know the event but I couldn't tell how Maria look like as a kid.

"Move away peasant!"

"No! Maria!"

I finally see her when the shout happen. I cut the distance between me and Zein at once, with my cloud step. Then I palm his horse upward as I caught Maria.

"Shitty noble!"

This stupid noble... He never think what would happen. I could see that he was convicted before to do the act while trembling. Still I never thought I would see you again. I look at his flying figure, with regret. I could hear the guards coming, so I move away at once with Maria in my arms. I am sorry Zein but with this many eyes and guards coming I couldn't make appearance right now. Also it won't be good if the future change too much because we meeting too soon. I also gesture to Silva mother to move away from the crowd, she understands right away and goes to the back.

I could hear the guards commotion as they found Zein bleeding on his head. That wouldn't killed him, at most he would just unconscious for few days. I left right away and bought Maria to her house. She trembling in fear while gripping my clothes. Not too long Silva mother come back home, as I standing in front of her home. Maria already fall asleep in her fear. Looking over her daughter he come to me right away. I give her Maria as she bring her to her arms.

"Thank you.... Thank you very much."

She said those in tears as she carrying the sleeping Maria gently. She tried to bow down to me, I stop her as I don't want Maria to woke up.

"No need to bow. It fate that I help you right now. Your son Silva was helping me from time to time. So it normal for me to repaid my gratitude."

"Yo-you are Silva friend?"

She surprised as she heard my words. I was his friend in the past, but not right now. So I shook my head.

"We aren't friend yet. But he had help me before. I come here to meet him, but it seems he hadn't come back. It id my bad since I forgotten the final term is around this time."

"Ah, I see. Then you must be one of those people in the slum. Silva love to play there before with his friend Johnny. You must be one of those that got helped by them before."

Now that sounds familiar... If I wasn't wrong... That is Zein alias wasn't it? He balantly saying that name before when I ask the name of my savior. In my defense, him in the village look really messy. He let his hair loose and didn't shave his beard and mustache. Also he was full of dirt from time to time, and his skin is darker. So I didn't recognize him at all when I first seen him. Now is it the same Johnny?

"Johnny, is he a black haired kids, with an eyes like this and nose like this... Also is his eyelashes is long?"

I draw a picture that resemblance of Zein as a kids with a stick on the ground. I've seen it once in Dageraad manor before, when Lein inviting me there.

"Yes that him! You're really their friend eh? Also you got a good memories and talent to be able to remember and draw his face on the ground with a stick.

"... Yes."

Now all things clear way he got that broken for his actions. He definitely know later on that Maria is Silva little sister and those thoughts must be tormenting him. He got drunken more often after that accident from what I heard. This guy really complicated, I seriously wanted to open up his mind with soul searching so I could understand his train of thought. Unfortunately I couldn't do that in this world.

"Then as gratitude, please come inside. I would prepare lunch for you."

"Sure Silva mother."

"No, no, no. Just called me Selene. You made me feel like an auntie."

I laugh at her words as I comply with her request. We had a happy hefty launch as we converse casually. I found out couple of things about Silva past, and 'Johnny' as they solve the slum people request one by one. 'Johnny' also seems like the same person that I met in that village. While Silva is completely like different person, he love going out, playing around also doing mischiefs... Mostly because of 'Johnny' influence tho. Then he changed to the Silva I know when 'Johnny' figure disappearing. I heard that he was sad for entire month until he change to a serious person, full of dedication and bookworm... Which resulting his glasses. Afterwards I goes back to my lounge, and rest for the day.

Weeks passed since that event... But something out of my expectation happen. Zein fall to comatose. What have I done... I promised to not hurting my friend and protect them. But the first time I tried to mend the past, I make a huge mistake injuring my friend and making him fall to comatose. Did I come back to the past to make things worse?!

No... See the bright side...

If Zein really fallen here then there a chance that bastard won't appear.

No, that won't do!

Am I the same as my brother from Xing?

Did I just thinking to just end my friend life?

He might be doesn't even know what that thing is. Or he might just being used. What the difference between me and that fucker if I kill Zein before that battle happen?

Can I really change that future? That... Might be possible, since right now... I already change a huge part of it. Zein should be having his final exam if he reach home before, but right now he is in comatose. I already change a huge part of it. I save Maria from being disabled, I saved Zein from crossing his bottom line and further break down.

Yes, I could change it... Definitely... I could feel my stomach aching as I felt stressful. This is why I hate being mortal... Just something like this I already having a stress. If it was me from before I could laugh it off even when a blade right on my neck.

For the first time in awhile I am drown in drinks for the entire night. I keep drinking and drinking until the intoxicated feeling wash away my worry. I walk in the morning, then hunting at afternoon, when evening come, I drink until midnight. If I hunt even more then I'll drink even more by the evening... The cycle keep goes on and on as I made my way to the capital, it almost time for the admission test. Although I never skip my training, but in my sorrow and worry all I could do is drink it away.

Then the admission test finally here, I do the theories with an acute headache from yesterday drinks. It a month before the new term starting. I answer all the question easily as it my second time even in an acute headache... I guess I indeed drink too much yesterday. I spent almost half of my subjugation rewards yesterday. So 30 gold coin of drinks? I think that around 4 gallons of wine. Then the afternoon come as it time for practicals test. Which of course it as easy as walking in a park. I passed with perfect score in both theories and practical, as I got chosen to be the freshman representative for opening ceremony speech. It would be weird if it wasn't me, also it wasn't like Rames household to do dirty things.

Talking about Rames household, I haven't heard them after the attack. They're a strong household, I don't believe they met their demise. I met Elsa and the duchess at the attack, their flame lance was brilliant. So do their flame swords that keep dancing in the air. Weird I never see them in the alliance army, with their caliber they could be a commander of thousand man. While the Duke and Duchess definitely on general level. They were Rank A adventurer in the pass, with a military background. The more I thought about it the weirder the past seems like. So many things missing, while those other family was there or meet their demise like those from Prince Edgar faction. But where was the neutral faction goes?

It no use think it now. I got no clue at all. It might be better to investigate it when it happened. But I got a feeling that related with Republic of Sakura. I keep doing my routine as in the last few days. Training, hunting then drinking before regretting the next day.

Day by day passing until it finally the opening ceremony. I was living at my own lounging as I haven't decided between this place or dormitory. Then as the schedule I come to the school early in the morning for the students orientation. Nothing change at all, even the one that guiding my group is that fancy noble.

"Get in line freshman, and let's get over this annoying task of mine."

Even his greetings was the same. In my group I am the only commoner or peasant in their language. The other basically a wealthy merchant or those corrupted noble son and daughter. I silently follow them as the fancy noble guide us from the gate to dormitory. Then the training field, labs, library, academy office and many other classes until we arrive at the auditorium. All of it was the same as in the past except right now.

"Peasant over there, since you're being silent the entire tour you've been punished. As our noble academy student, being grateful and giving respect to your senior is a must. You've been completely mute in the entire tour, your face keep giving a hateful look!"

Yeah except this, if it was in the past I would be punished because I am slightly late which by a couple of seconds.

"Then what is the punishment?"

I ask him nonchalantly as I am wondering what kind of punishment this time.

"You must bought me a pine cone, before the opening ceremony started!"

"Alright."

I leave at once as it the same punishment. He completely dumbfounded at my act. If it in the past I would arguing with him. But right now I don't even care about him at all. I walk around the academy ground in peace as I look around the surrounding. It completely the same as before, which make reminiscing many things. Like the crossing lake competition which ended with magic war... Or how Kaitlyn confession to Lein which is disastrous... Then there also a furious Fran chasing around Zein, when Zein teasing him by pinching his chest... Many happy, weird, excitement happen here for me. This is the academy where I finally accepted the fact I am living in this world. This the place which made me releasing my past life.

I keep looking around as the familiar tree appeared in front of me. This was the place I met Zein Dageraad for the first time. Someone that took a spear for me. I guess I won't meet him here anymore as the timing is already different from the past. In the past he run away here because Elsa chasing after him from being a bad influence to Reiya, then he would hiding here. That should happen around the time the 4th bell rang but right now it still half an hour before it happens. Since I took short cut to come here.

I climbed the tree like how normal human did as I look around the academy ground from above. This academy definitely look great from up here. Then after being mesmerized by the view for a couple of minutes I finally found what I come from. Hahaha I fall down in the past because that branch couldn't hold my weight, this time I would go to the other one which could hold my weight before. With that in mind I climb up to the the branch then suddenly when I tried to standing on it... It snap. What in the nine heaven happen here?! Nothing different in the past before. But now it change? The branch which could hold me jumping up and down in the past suddenly snapped. Heaven are you playing me for a fool?

Then I could feel two person presence as I fall down. I shout out immediately.

"Whoa.. look out!"

The figure which right under my fall, rolling to the side at once as he dodging my fall. Whoa, is it fate that I must fall down from the tree when I almost reach that fucking cone?!

"I am sorry... I was searching for something up there, when the branch can't hold off my weight..."

I apologized at once as I am dusting off my clothes. Damned tree you must played me for a fool?!

"What the hell did you search on a 50 feet height pine?! Also are you alright? I never seen someone fall off that high in a one piece."

I could hear a familiar voice with exactly the same line as someone in the past said while being dumbfounded.

I look at the voice direction at once.

"You?!"

A streak of surprise and shock come an strike me at once. It is Zein Dageraad in one piece just like in the past. This must be fate indeed, like the old saying if you're fated to meet you would still meet even when you are hiding. For nine heaven sake, this is really surprising.

But there was someone besides him this time, I could feel my brow creasing for a moment as I am wary of the person beside him. Still after all those things happen we meet once again in the same place as before. I sigh as thinking those, before looking at him from head to toes. There nothing change with him, but somehow I could feel something different.

"... My apologize, I didn't meant any harm."

I decided to apologized at once just like in the past. But this time before Zein could open his mouth the person beside him start talking first.

"Then why are you having hostility for a moment there?"

"It is my bad behavior, I just surprised seeing the most notorious sophomore standing here. I just realized it wasn't proper of me to do those."

Hearing his questions, I made up a reason at once. While looking at that person. Then Zein tap that person shoulder making him step aside as we facing each other. He got a questioning face as he stare at me.

"Have we met before?"

Hearing his questions I starting to reminiscing the past again. I feel relieved seeing him in pieces right now. I could tell those excitement when we plan to go back to Dageraad territory... Then I remembered how he took a spear for... And many other things until that last appearance... But the Zein right now doesn't know all those times we spend together as friend. I could only shook my head as I smile wryly.

"We haven't met before..."

I stating some fact right away which make him frown... We did met, but I am sure he didn't see me.

"... Your voice seems familiar tho."

His word keep surprising me as I try to keep my smile.

"I often heard my voice is familiar with the famous bard from your territory."

I made another lie right away. Even Lein said I got similar voices with him but clearer and more vibrant. He look at me curiously with mischievous smile... That definitely same as Lein smile...

"So why is freshman strolling around here?"

"Ah... The one that guiding me is some noble that hating commoner like me. He told me to take a pine cones from this tree. But I can only found it near the top."

Now I am not lying at all as I answer him in confidence.

"I see... So how have Maria been?"

"Ah, she been doing go—"

I shut my mouth with my hand at once as I opened my eyes wide before narrowing it again as I look over to the person beside him. Then Zein making a gentle face...

"I see, that's good then."

"You... That..."

I stuttering at my words. As I finally understand what he have done.

"A bait? Then yes, it is a bait question. Well I know why the hatred look from before and hostility, but why are you looking at me relieved, excited, disappointed and sorrow before those?"

"..."

I keep my silence as I looking at the person beside him... That person creasing his brow at once when I keep looking at him.

"Relax hmmm... I don't know your name yet... But Rum know nothing about it."

Hearing his words I tried to bluff my way out. That guy definitely try to dig something out. I never seen him before.

"How could I believe someone like you that keep your acting for years? You might fool me once, but not twice!"

"What?! I thought we never met before Maria..."

I gapped slightly, as I accidentally slipping something out once again...

"I know those concerned words from before is only an act."

I hastily said something to cover up what I said from before...

"No one know I've been acting..."

Okay acting and bluffing definitely off my plan now... If I couldn't bluff my way out, I would just shut my traps. Like what my ancestors said silence is gold. Zein was stunned with my silence. I frown as I feel this is awkward. Maybe I should introduce myself and try it from the top again? No, doesn't that seems stupid? Please someone said something, even for my years of experience, being caught bluffing and lying is really awkward. I am not like my second martial brother which shameless enough to keep lying with a straight face!