Chapter 48. < 22. Transcending Past Lives (2) >
Ryan Promhart was a rock. Except for when he first entered aura training, he never forgot his foundation for even a moment.
In front of the king, he showed unwavering loyalty; to his subordinates, he presented a reliable presence; to those he protected, he provided steadfast security.
All of this was possible because he was born with the temperament of a rock.
He was undoubtedly Zenath's Swordmaster.
That's why he thought it would be the same now.
Though he had become a 15-year-old boy named Lumian Callad, his past life's experience hadn't gone anywhere.
Based on the Zenath aura cultivation method he had improved, he was rapidly raising his level, building his foundation at a faster and more stable speed than before.
However......
'My constitution has...... changed?'
It was astonishing.
Honestly speaking, he was slightly afraid. It felt like everything that had supported him was being suddenly denied.
Originally, change is difficult and frightening. This was even more true for masters in a field.
Accepting something entirely new, different from the theories, experiences, and systems one had built over decades, couldn't be easy.
Moreover, if it wasn't even intentional, there was nothing more to say.
However, Lumian quickly regained his composure.
Strictly speaking, he wasn't 'changing' right now.
He was 'evolving.'
That was why he could maintain the immovable heart, a characteristic of the rock's aura, and observe his inner self in a relatively stable mental state. Unless it was a woman problem, it was safe to say nothing could shake Lumian.
Thanks to this, he was able to safely step into a new world.
*Sarah-rak*
Trees rose up, grass grew. Flowers bloomed.
A waterway cutting through them breathed strength into the earth. Pouring sunlight further invigorated the life force.
What was once just a massive rock.
His dantian, which had been solid and imposing but heavy and barren like death, was now filled with massive life force.
Lumian was surprised.
'When did this change happen......'
He didn't know. He didn't know at all.
The dramatic change may have just occurred now, but its foundation seemed to have been prepared long ago.
Lumian only now realized this and was flustered.
But he soon accepted it.
Because the rock had finally gained the embrace of a 'mountain' that it could never show before.
He smiled faintly.
'Is it because I've become younger? My thinking has definitely become more flexible.'
Enlightenment that comes unprepared is dangerous.
Of course, even in his Ryan Promhart days, it wouldn't have caused problems.
But accepting this current change would have required much more time.
Perhaps because his physical age became younger, his environment changed, and...... lastly, the acquaintances around him became younger too, he thought their influence had opened his thinking.
'Thanks to that, I gained tremendous results. Thank you, Teoro, Boomer.'
Lumian focused his mind again.
Then the aura in his dantian was grasped as if within reach.
It was continuing to grow in size even without cultivation, as if it were a living creature.
Just as vegetation grows on a mountain, aura was accumulating on its own.
'At this rate...... recovering my previous realm will become much easier.'
Was that all?
He could now look toward even higher places.
The possibility of breaking through the wall that Ryan Promhart couldn't penetrate for 10 years had emerged.
Perhaps...... he might even glimpse the realm beyond Swordmaster.
"Huuu-"
Lumian, who finished his thoughts, let out a long breath.
And quietly opened his eyes.
Everything was gray. Since he was having dinner at an outdoor table, he could grasp the time at a glance.
"Has about half a day passed......"
"Yes. It's time for class now."
"......What, you were here?"
Lumian said as he rose from his seat. Boomer, who was sitting around him, answered.
"Of course. What if something happened if I just left in that situation?"
"Mmm."
Lumian turned his head.
It wasn't just Boomer Simpson.
Teoro Shuttgarn, and even Cal Krone were standing guard for him.
Seeing this, Lumian formed a faint smile.
'There's even more to be grateful for.'
Of course, this was natural.
A knight who has entered a moment of enlightenment reacts sensitively to even slight stimulation.
The aura in the body could twist and cause injury, or concentration could break and lose the opportunity to advance in realm.
That's why all knights are prepared to endure discomfort for their comrades in such situations.
However, just because it was natural didn't mean it wasn't appreciated.
'I should repay them.'
Of course, it seemed like he would be indebted to them for a while.
He would have to chase after Teoro and win over the women of the party.
With a slightly embarrassed expression, Lumian brushed himself off and spoke.
"Thanks. Let's go to class."
"Hey, hey! But how much stronger did you get?"
"Hmm."
Lumian hesitated at Boomer's question.
What should he say? After thinking for a moment, he smiled gently and opened his mouth.
"If you guys don't work hard, it'll be hard to catch up?"
"Damn."
"Huu."
"Mmm......."
Though they made groaning sounds, none of the three showed any sign of despair.
Good upbringing. Lumian, thinking to himself, walked forward.
To wash up and prepare before class, he needed to move diligently.
However, something completely unexpected happened before him.
Suddenly, a summons came from his family.
***
One day before the semester ended.
While all students were excited looking forward to the soon-to-come vacation.
But Lumian couldn't be like that.
He made an exhausted expression after receiving a letter from his family.
'A summons out of nowhere...... what's going on?'
If the reason were written, it would be less frustrating, but even that wasn't there. Just the content to come by the designated date.
But that date was quite delicate.
If he participated in the party that opens first after the semester ends, he would likely be late.
'Ah, why do they hold the party so late.'
He felt resentful and aggrieved.
Boomer approached him and whispered quietly.
"While you're gone, I'm going to make a girlfriend."
"Cut the bullshit."
"Why is it bullshit? How long is the vacation, you think I can't make one during that time?"
"Yeah, you can't."
"You're children. Stop it."
Teoro stopped the two.
But that appearance was quite annoying.
It seemed to show the leisure of those who have.
'No, calm down.'
Getting upset here would only make himself look pathetic.
Lumian continued training as if nothing happened, then returned to his quarters a bit earlier.
He couldn't defy his parents' orders anyway.
He was Ryan Promhart, but at the same time, he was also Lumian Callad.
Since the original owner's memories, thoughts, and experiences had melted into his soul, he couldn't think of the two as separate entities.
Having inherited his legacy, inherited his karma, inherited his possibilities. Naturally, he should fulfill his duty as a child.
'So let's go quickly. Right after the semester ends.'
The reason was certainly curious, but that was something he'd learn anyway when he got there.
Rather than dawdling and continuing to be tormented by Boomer, this was better.
'Surely...... Boomer won't get a girlfriend too, right?'
Such anxiety crept in, but Lumian brushed off such feelings with a scoff.
Boomer was like a final bastion. A being who would always be his support.
"Let's stop thinking useless thoughts."
Lumian, who muttered quietly, quickly prepared. Since he didn't have much luggage, it didn't take long.
But not everything was finished.
Sitting at the table, he picked up a pen and began writing a long letter.
It was to be delivered to Teoro and Boomer.
'It's more like intellectual advice than a letter......'
Though the time spent together was short and he hadn't built as much connection as with acquaintances from his past life, the two were the most grateful beings in this life.
The swordsmanship tournament and blind dates, the subculture research club matters, and up to when he realized the mountain's aura. The help he received from them was too much to count on one hand. He should naturally give appropriate repayment.
Of course, the only methods he had for repayment were swordsmanship, and teachings about aura.
'Cal Krone can just go as is...... so there's no need to add anything.'
He nodded and continued writing diligently.
*Shuk-shuk-ssak-sak*
To not hurt their pride as much as possible, Lumian put quite a bit of effort into writing.
So it took quite some time. Of course, he wasn't someone who couldn't show even this level of consideration.
However, this attitude of his was quite different from his past life.
Lumian didn't realize it, but in his past life, he was a blunt and difficult person.
That he changed like this was partly due to Lumian's gentle personality mixing in, but also because the rock's aura changed to the mountain's aura. He became softer, more full of life, and more vibrant.
Simply put, his tolerance and affinity had increased significantly.
Actually, compared to the beginning of the semester, many more people welcomed him. This wasn't just because of reputation and skill, or concept-building.
That was it.
Lumian was becoming a much better, cooler person than he thought.
Unfortunately, he wasn't yet good at utilizing this well.
"Good."
Lumian, who completed two letters, smiled with satisfaction.
He didn't intend to deliver them personally. Since he planned to leave early tomorrow morning, he thought to ask the dormitory manager.
......Or so he thought, but when he looked outside, it was already dawn.
Surprised, Lumian quickly handed the letters to the manager on duty.
And practiced aura cultivation for a brief moment.
There was no better way to relieve the day's fatigue.
*Wuuuuung-*
Unlike before when it rolled heavily through his body like a rock, the mountain's aura embraced Lumian benevolently.
It felt refreshing, like forest bathing.
Lumian, who instantly recovered his condition, opened his eyes and muttered.
"This is totally cheating."
Of course, his existence itself living a second life was cheating, but he got up newly admiring the mountain's aura.
Then, after preparing thoroughly, he left the dormitory.
'I feel strange somehow.'
Come to think of it, this was the first time going outside the city where the academy was located.
Of course, in his memory, his hometown and the stops along the way were all embedded, but actually thinking about passing through them felt very different. Meeting his father and mother for the first time also subtly pressured him.
Lost in various thoughts as he tried to leave the academy, a familiar figure appeared in the distance.
It was Tania Eloise, a senior one grade above.
She approached with light steps and spoke first.
"Long time no see?"
"Ah! Long time no see, senior."
The wind blew her hair.
A good fragrance wafted. It was a scent only a beauty could possess.
Nevertheless, Lumian's composure wasn't disturbed.
This was because he preferred body over face.
"I heard you're not staying and going back home for vacation?"
"Yes, that's how it turned out. How did you know?"
"There's an acquaintance among your junior classmates."
"Ah, really? But I don't think they told you the exact time......"
"That's something I can figure out."
Tania said nonchalantly.
But this was a lie.
Tania, who only found out that Lumian was leaving in the morning, had gone out early and just waited for him.
Somehow, if she didn't see him now, she felt like she wouldn't be able to get closer to Lumian throughout the second semester either.
Of course, saying this directly was embarrassing.
Her face slightly flushed as she continued speaking.
"You haven't forgotten about promising to buy me a meal, right?"