The morning sun spilled gently through the delicate silk curtains, casting golden streaks across the lavish room like an artist's brush sweeping across a canvas, illuminating the opulence that surrounded Leo. Each ray seemed to ignite the furnishings with a warm glow, breathing life into the intricate tapestries that whispered tales of the past and beckoned him toward a brighter future.
Leo slowly opened his eyes, as if awakening from a long, haunting dream, and for the first time in this new life, he stirred without the weight of his former anxieties—those chains that had shackled his heart, coiling around him like constricting serpents. No longer did he feel the pressing burden of financial instability, nor did he need to appease his sisters, their demands like echoes of discontent reverberating through his mind.
The knots around his heart—once such tight bindings—were finally loosened, unraveling the tension that had kept him in a perpetual state of turmoil. Yet, as he basked in this moment of tranquility, a shadow danced in the corners of his mind; he knew better than anyone—this fragile peace wouldn't last long unless he had the strength to protect it from the lurking forces of fate.
His mind wandered to a memory he had buried deep beneath layers of wounding emotions and debilitating fear: the Class Tournament. It was the first stepping stone for Alex, the so-called "protagonist" of this world, who would rise powerfully and confidently, becoming the adored child of destiny—beloved by the masses and fueled by a narrative that spun him into a fabric of adoration.
Leo couldn't afford to lag behind, to become nothing more than a footnote in Alex's glorious tale. If he wanted to rewrite fate, to deviate from the twisted plot that had once crushed him under its iron grip, he had to act. Now.
He swung his legs off the bed and stood up, the cool tiles greeting his bare feet with a crisp chill that electrified his senses, grounding him in the present moment. With his heart thrumming with determination, he stepped out into the hallway—a sacred aisle of possibilities.
As he traversed the polished corridors adorned with opulent decor, he spotted his mother, Elena Skydawn, gracefully fastening a ribbon around her waist, her movements fluid and elegant as water flowing through a jeweled stream. Her long silver hair shimmered faintly in the morning light, reminiscent of moonlight reflected upon tranquil waters—a constant reminder of the noble lineage she carried and the steadfast spirit that thrummed within her.
"Good morning, Leo," she greeted him with a calm smile, her voice like the gentle caress of a soft breeze. "I have an important errand to run today," she continued, her words filled with a mixture of warmth and purpose. "If you need anything, contact Butler Wang."
Leo nodded, a silent acknowledgment of the growing bond between them, a bond that filled the void of abandonment that had long lingered in his heart. As he watched her depart with a group of cloaked guards, their presence a shield of protection around her, he called for Wang.
Not long after, the ever-composed butler arrived, his demeanor as unflappable as the stoic mountains. He bowed respectfully, maintaining an air of professionalism that only heightened Leo's resolve.
"Young Master Leo," Wang said, his voice steady and reassuring, "how may I serve you?"
Leo's expression hardened with newfound resolve. "I want protection. Bodyguards," he declared without flinching, his tone carrying the weight of an unyielding command. "Capable ones."
Wang's smile widened ever so slightly, a reflection of his own belief in Leo's potential.
"It has already been arranged," he replied, the calm assurance in his voice reinforcing Leo's determination.
Leo blinked, taken aback by the swiftness of the arrangements. Wang continued, "Two Dominion Realm, middle-stage warriors, and ten Starforged Realm, greater-stage elites—powerful protectors, all loyal to the Skydawn lineage. Their allegiance now lies with you."
For a moment, Leo was momentarily speechless, the magnitude of such guardianship overwhelming yet reassuring in equal measure.
This family... they really are preparing for something monumental.
Despite the flood of questions swirling in his mind, Leo chose not to voice them. Instead, he focused on the task at hand and simply nodded.
"Assign a few to monitor Alex," Leo instructed, his voice laced with an undertone of authority that brooked no dissent. "Report his every move. Snatch whatever resources he stumbles upon. Follow him as closely as his own shadow."
One of the Dominion Realm guards bowed low before departing instantly, a swift embodiment of loyalty and commitment.
Leo couldn't help but smirk at the thought. He remembered a phrase from his past life that had been uttered in jest: "Whenever a protagonist takes a walk, the heavens drop a treasure at his feet."
What a ridiculous notion.
Let's see if fate still favors you when I dig the treasure out before you even find it, Alex.
With quickened decisiveness, Leo turned to another Dominion guard, his command slipping from his lips as if it were an incantation.
"Start scouting the commoners. Look for potential. Train them. From now on, we build our own faction—'Shadow Force.'"
The name felt powerful as it left his lips, like a whisper of fate resonating throughout the fabric of the world.
He remembered a girl named Rebecca Grimore. In his past life, she had been a cold-blooded assassin—an expert of stealth, shadows, and death. She had moved through the darkness like a phantom, slipping between the realms of reality and obscurity.
She would be perfect.
"Butler Wang," Leo commanded, his tone unwavering as he focused on his objective. "Collect all available information on Rebecca Grimore. I want her found." The intent behind his words was clear—he sought not just a skilled fighter, but someone who could embody the very essence of the shadowy alliance he was about to forge.
"Understood," Wang replied, the respect in his eyes mirroring the unwavering loyalty he held for the Skydawn lineage.
After all the orders were issued and each command solidified into the ether, Leo returned to his room, the anticipation tugging at his very soul like a moth drawn to an enticing flame. He sat cross-legged upon the plush, embroidered carpet, the rich fibers embracing him in a weave reminiscent of the safety he once thought lost forever.
It was time.
"[System]," he called out, his thoughts sharp and focused. "Show me my status panel."
Status Panel
Name: Leo Aetherwind
Age: 17
Cultivation Realm: Lesser Emberborn Realm
Physique: Immortal Body (Locked)
Bloodline:
Pureblood Aetherwind
Pureblood Skydawn
??? (Locked)
Cultivation Techniques:
Shadow Wind Step
Crimson Pulse Art
Moonfall Blade
Skills:
Phantom Mind (Charm, Illusion, and Manipulation Resistance)
Inventory:
Villain's Cloak of Shadow (Equipped)
Insight Pill (1/day weakness reveal)
Constitution Pill (x1)
System Points: 27,500
Examining the status panel closely, Leo could feel the thrill of power coursing through his veins, a potent cocktail of potential and ambition that whispered sweet promises of dominance. He scrolled through the [System Shop], his eyes scanning countless items—techniques, skills, weapons, and tools—all glimmering with the allure of possibility.
One item suddenly caught his attention, resonating deep within him like a crescendo of thunder—it was a high-tier cultivation technique designed to absorb and harness the ambient energies of nature itself. This art promised to strengthen his body, enhance his attacks and defenses, and offer adaptability on the battlefield by drawing power directly from the environment around him.
Its price, however, elicited a sharp intake of breath from Leo: 50,000 points. The exorbitant cost was like a cruel reminder of the sacrifices he would have to make. He almost choked on his disappointment, but then he remembered—a spark of hope ignited within him—his first purchase was eligible for a 50% discount.
With narrowed eyes, filled with steely determination, he made the purchase.
[Ding! Congratulations to the host for purchasing a cultivation technique! Please name your new technique.]
Leo thought for a moment, the weight of his decision settling upon him like a mantle, before declaring, "Nature Vein Overdrive." The name felt right, embodying the essence of what he would become—unrestrained, powerful, and entwined with the very breath of nature.
[New Technique Acquired:
Nature Vein Overdrive: Absorb nature energy to strengthen physique. Enables burst-enhanced attacks and defensive shielding. Constant absorption increases body resilience and energy recovery. Suitable for both solo duels and extended battles.**
"Perfect," Leo whispered, satisfaction blooming within him like a fierce wildfire consuming the underbrush. Without wasting another second, he quickly changed into his training gear: simple yet functional attire that allowed for maximum movement, its fabric hugging his form as he prepared to step into his destiny. He tied up his cloak, the dark fabric flowing behind him like a shadow, and stepped out into the secluded garden training field.
As he stepped outside, the brisk wind brushed past his face, invigorating and invigorating, as he took his stance, feet planted firmly on the ground, resolute. There was no time to waste. Strength was the only language this world respected, and he was about to scream it into the void.
He could feel the energies of nature humming around him, soft whispers beckoning him to draw upon their strength, the very essence of the world reaching out with open arms, promising to fortify his body and mind.
Leo took a deep breath, feeling the cool air seep into his lungs, fill him with the vitality of life itself. It was time to test his limits, to push against the barriers that sought to confine him.
With each movement, he began to channel the energies around him, feeling the ground beneath his feet pulse with latent potential, an ancient power waiting to be harnessed and commanded. The newly acquired technique surged forth, connecting him intricately to the vibrations of the earth, the leaves rustling like gentle applause urging him onward.
As he commenced his training, he unleashed a flurry of strikes—each punch and kick bisecting the air with purpose, each movement a symphony of power building within his very being. With every echo of his footfalls, he could sense the whispers of the world responding, nurturing him, wrapping him in its embrace as he performed the movements with a ferocity that had been absent for far too long.
He pushed himself further, sweat beading upon his brow, his breath shortening with exertion, but one thought remained resolute—he would not waver.
Leo committed all that he was into every motion, embodying both the rhythm of nature's unpredictable dance and the fierce determination that now coursed through his veins.
This was not merely training; it was an awakening—a rebirth, a transformation where he would sculpt his own path in a world that had tried to crush him into nothingness.
And as he trained, he couldn't shake the feeling that destiny was watching him, waiting with bated breath to see if he would rise from the ashes of his past, transformed and invigorated.
With each powerful movement, he declared to the world—and to himself—that he would no longer be a victim of fate but a master of his destiny.
To be continued…
(✧ω✧)