Chapter 2 (Skills)

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. . .

I tied a makeshift band around my hair, keeping it out of my face. Today's training would be special.

HUFF

My stride was rhythmic, each step firm on the damp earth, softened by the morning mist.

HUFF

My lungs expanded steadily, conserving energy with each breath.

'My body responds impressively, growing in sync with the constant flow of mana in this world,' I thought, picking up speed.

POV Shift

Along a trail, four adults walked, chatting animatedly. Their voices were low but carried a certain excitement—the topic of the moment: the king's arrival.

"King Jarvan is coming to Edessa," said an older man with graying hair. "They say he's bringing the prince this time."

"The young prince, huh?" replied a second man, nodding. "It'll be interesting to see how the boy's grown. Have you heard about Garen, the kid from High Silvermere?"

The third man, sporting a short black beard, chimed in enthusiastically:

"Garen! They say he has incredible potential. I can't wait to see what he's capable of."

The fourth man, bald with tired eyes, remained silent but suddenly smiled. "And what about his sister, Luxanna?"

"Oh! Yes—she just turned two. They say she's already the most beautiful in the family, though she's quite rebellious."

"Just like my sister was," the man added with a chuckle. "And I paid the price for it!"

The group burst into laughter, continuing their casual conversation as they walked.

~End POV Shift~

I ran past them on my morning jog, maintaining my steady pace while absorbing the information. As I left, I raised a hand in greeting.

"Good morning, everyone!" I greeted with a brief smile. "Mr. Emanuel, how's Mrs. Anna?"

One of the men smiled back and waved. "Oh, Alex! The remedy you suggested worked perfectly! Thank you!"

I nodded. "Glad to hear it. Take care."

I continued running, leaving them behind, but their conversation still reached my ears.

"That boy, Alexander, is really special. A heart of gold."

"Maybe he could be a good match for Luxanna someday?"

"Where'd you get that idea? Nobles stick with nobles."

"He's always like this," someone sighed. "Age catching up to him."

As I disappeared into the distance, the wind carried their words to me.

'If it weren't for the information, I wouldn't waste my time.' I kept running, adjusting my breath as I veered off the trail and headed into the forest.

. . .

The cold morning air brushed against my face as I walked between the trees, the rough wood of my makeshift sword familiar in my hands. The forest floor was covered in dry leaves, crunching softly underfoot. The sounds echoed around me, muffled by the thick fog. The scent of damp earth mingled with the fresh aroma of trees.

I scanned the clearing ahead—a perfect training ground. The sloped terrain and exposed roots created natural obstacles, ideal for simulating a battlefield.

"Let's begin," I muttered, taking my stance.

I swung the wooden sword in a wide arc, feeling the weight in my small arms.

'Focus.'

Swish.

Whosh.

Swish.

Each movement had to be flawless, each strike precise. There was no room for error.

Adrenaline surged through me, and the world seemed to slow.

'Good. It still works.'

My legs moved swiftly, dodging a root as I slashed through the air. The tempo quickened. I used every obstacle to my advantage, leaping over rocks and rolling under low branches, feeling the energy coursing through my muscles.

RUSTLE-THUD

Then I heard it.

A different rustling—heavier.

My eyes locked onto a figure emerging from the trees.

A boar.

Its tusks, three on each side, gleamed in the dim light filtering through the canopy. Its eyes were wild, fierce. The tension in the air was palpable, as if the forest itself held its breath.

'About my height, at least on all fours. Manageable.'

Instincts took over. I backed away, grounding myself as the boar charged.

WHIZZ

It was fast. Faster than I expected.

"Damn," I muttered, sidestepping just in time.

It barreled past but quickly turned for another attack.

"Grunt," "Snort," "Snarl."

"You expect me to understand you?"

The boar charged again, its sharp tusks inches from me as I dodged.

I watched its movements carefully, looking for weaknesses. The hind legs—muscular but awkward. An opening.

SWISH-SH-SH

I spun, landing a series of quick thrusts, creating deep wounds in its leg.

I focused. Time seemed to slow further as my grip tightened on the sword. My strength surged.

Rolling to the side, I counterattacked, slashing at its hind leg. A devastating blow.

The creature collapsed, unable to defend itself, letting out a high-pitched squeal.

SQUEEEE

"QUIET!" I barked, exhausted.

Sigh.

'Impressive. These moves still work, even in this immature body. As expected, people in this world possess greater strength. I do am able to stimulate my senses, but still…'

My thoughts were interrupted.

A massive shadow emerged from the trees.

Its mother.

Three times its size, with even longer tusks. Its eyes burned with rage. My body, exhausted, screamed for rest, but I had no choice. The fight wasn't over.

'I should retreat, but… there's a way.' I inhaled deeply. 'This will not be my limit.'

I needed to be smart.

The terrain was my ally. The crooked tree a few meters away sparked an idea. I retreated, luring the beast into a trap.

WHOOSH

It charged blindly, unaware of my plan.

At the last second, I threw myself aside, and it slammed into the tree, its tusks lodged in the trunk.

"My chance."

The wooden sword wouldn't be enough. I needed more. Something I'd been practicing for years.

Magic.

I closed my eyes for a moment, concentrating.

Whooshzz.

I felt the energy drain, coursing through my arms and into the sword. Sparks of light flickered along its edge.

"Now," I whispered.

This would be my final strike.

Using the trunk as a springboard, I launched myself forward.

HIZZ.

The energy surged as I drove the blade into its eye. The impact unleashed a devastating force, spreading in all directions. The sword shattered, and the beast fell, lifeless.

The forest grew silent, as if nothing had happened.

I exhaled, barely standing.

Glancing at the remains of the sword—nothing but dust—I sat down, exhausted.

"…Zeus, huh? Could he really be my father?" I mused.

The once-unknown magic revealed itself as lightning. A power akin to thunder.

This was the key.

"I will transcend mortality."

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