Ch. 4 Emergence Day

Unexpectedly, the day of emergence arrived, awaited by all children who aspire to become respected soul masters.

Emergence Day was a day when all children aged seven and above participated in a ritual to find out whether they were talented as cultivators or not. A child with an innate mana level of five and above could become a soul master. Regardless of which level of innate, a child could choose a path of cultivation—a mortal or an immortal path.

A mortal path was cultivation training that was common and relatively easy. They only needed to practice increasing their physical abilities and soul force mana and use it to its fullest potential. They will be promoted to the soldier if they get a satisfactory final result. And if they met certain court requirements, they could become a golden general—the highest position after a king.

Just like the king, everyone must pay respects and listen to whatever orders come out of the general's mouth. Only the king may not listen to him because the king's position is still higher.

Paskha used to aim for the position of golden general and wage war to protect his residence. It was all so he could propose to Sharleen—bringing her to live in East Borne regardless of the royal traditions. After living his life, he now realized his choice was wrong.

Sharleen was the younger sister of future golden general West Chester, meaning Paskha's opponent in the upcoming battle would be the older brother of the woman he loves. Since he didn't want to hurt Sharleen―the girl's only family member, Paskha was willing not to counter and let Sir Hawk slash his sword at him.

But who would have thought... right when Hawk raised his sword high to gather all his remaining mana, Sharleen appeared in front of her brother using teleportation. The woman thrust a dagger into her brother's heart, making Hawk die in the woman's arms. Guilty and remorseful, Sharleen plunged the same knife into her heart without giving Paskha a chance to react.

'I'm sorry.' Those were the only words Sharleen spoke before she breathed her last.

Sharleen was willing to kill her brother to protect Paskha, but because she could not stand her decision to take the life of her beloved brother, the girl decided to commit suicide in hopes of ending the war. The girl's decision killed Paskha's soul, causing him to release all his soul force mana by screaming in deep sorrow. With just a scream filled with deep anguish, the remaining West Chester soldiers died instantly.

Since then, the same question has been repeated in his head. What would have happened if Paskha had listened to his teacher's advice?

"Paskha, Paskha," Sharleen called several times because her seatmates daydreamed while queuing to perform the emergence ritual.

"Ha? What is it?"

"What are you thinking about? Why have you been daydreaming?"

"It's nothing," answered Paskha awkwardly while scratching his neck, which did not itch. "The queue is very long, isn't it?" Paskha felt tired of seeing the crowds of kids lining up like ants marching in search of food.

"The emergence ritual is held once every three years. Of course, the queue is very long."

Paskha only smiled in response to Sharleen's answer. He already knew why the ritual queue was so long, but he asked to communicate with the girl.

"By the way, if you could become a cultivator, which cultivation path would you choose?"

The previous life-Sharleen also asked the same thing on this 'emergence' day. At that time, he answered that he wanted to take part in the mortal path training, and Sharleen also wanted to do the same.

Would the answer be different if he chose immortal path training? "I will follow the immortal path."

"Huh?" Sharleen looked more surprised than he expected.

"Why? Is it that shocking?"

"Ah… I know I did ask, but I thought you would choose the mortal path. Why do you even want to join the immortal? Are you not afraid of not having friends?"

Paskha smiled, amused hearing that. "No. Because I can see my goal in the future."

He wanted to become a strong person and make everyone, even the king has to hear his voice. That way, he would be able to avoid a war between these two kingdoms, and perhaps… he could unite these two kingdoms in a mutually beneficial relationship through his marriage to Lady Pearl.

"How about you? Which cultivation path will you choose?"

"I…"

Paskha tilted his head in confusion, seeing the doubtful expression of his lover… his friend. He had to get used to remembering that right now; their status was that of friends and not lovers. Sharleen might avoid him if he suddenly treated her like a lover.

"I will follow the mortal path."

Paskha knew Sharleen would eventually choose that cultivation path. It's all because of the girl's bond with the mermaid of the western empire.

When Sharleen was born into this world, Sharleen didn't cry or breathe. But thanks to the mermaid's song and the mermaid's blood that was drunk on Sharleen, the newborn girl finally breathed and started crying. Since then, Sharleen has received the blessing of a mermaid, and her healing ability was above the average cultivator's.

Due to having obtained the abilities and blessings of the mermaid, Sharleen couldn't choose the path of eternal cultivation. Mermaids or people with mermaid blood cannot face the trial of heaven lightning that must be experienced by soul masters who follow the immortal path.

Paskha already knew that, but still… his heart was blue since he could no longer be with that girl. However, when thinking about the future—especially when he succeeded in becoming an immortal and Sharleen became Lady Pearl again, Paskha no longer felt sad.

He could even imagine his grown-up self being filled with a powerful immortal aura and being called the Eternal master of East Borne—standing next to him was his wife, Lady Pearl of West Chester.

With the marriage of the two of them, these two kingdoms united and defeated that 'man' and the 'shadow' unit.