Four years *(1 year on Gilead takes about 3 Earth years) have passed by since Hittan was reborn into this world again and a lot seems to have changed about him. He was no longer a Land Dragon, but still not any of the known Godbeast of this world. His grandfathers would often tell him bedtime stories of a Godbeast King known as the White Dragon Phoenix. Said to be the strongest Godbeast to have lived but it vanished aeons ago. Hittan himself apart from adjusting to the new body type felt nothing out of the normal just yet.
He still knew all his techniques of the Land Dragon which he assumed was a link from his previous life. He was especially happy to learn he still knew his self-made skills which were something only those at the Elemental Lord class (Dao Elemental Lords) could have access to and the ability to verify. But unfortunately, any power that is related to his new birth form would only appear after age 5 when training started for all the kids in the village.
Hittan would often find himself listening to his parents' conversation about the village. He had not realised before that their union had been so stressful when he was younger. He knew he was too caught up in his own worries then and they would also try to hide it from him. But now he was aware despite his baby-like appearance. He would try to be a good child so they had one less thing to worry about this time.
Often he found himself wanting to hug his mother and comfort her whenever they were alone while Egil was out with the Dragon Highlord, his grandfather.
"It's okay Hittan, mommy is just a little worried about dada and the Dragon Clan. They are a bit more aggressive in their ways of encouraging your father to find a wife that can give him a Dragon Godbeast offspring. While the Phoenix Clan knows better than to question my father's rule as Chief. Grandpa treats your mommy the best! Remember that."
'So they are still pushing father to have another woman and produce a strong "Godbeast". My grandparents don't want the rest of the village to know that I am "special" until after my training begins. But I can't say I don't understand why, since I've been through this before. The village only believes in strength and power. Right now I lack both so I have to wait patiently and follow the flow of time.
But truthfully speaking, they aren't asking father to leave mother as it is normal to have multiple wives. It's just the man's job to convince the head wife to allow it and that's where the problems lie. My poor father, they don't know that mother will never allow it!'
…..
Hittan could not keep himself locked up in the house especially when both parents were away on Clan duties. So often he would walk around the woods near his home and enjoy the leisurely life he had.
'I still can't believe that my attempt to send me back to the past to see Kaija would lead me all the way back here. I am grateful to reset my mistakes but apart of me is a little impatient to leave and look for her. However, I know that a weak boy can't do or say anything to affect this Clan or another for that matter. It all boils back down to strength and hard work.'
"Hey! Watch where you're going!"
"Uh, oh sorry, I didn't see you lying there."
"Well look where you're going next time! Just look how nice today is and for you to be stuck in your thoughts, what a waste. All three suns visible today and you can basically feel the world energy in the air man!"
'God, another long winded person!'
"I said sorry. So I'll be on my way and you can go back to "sun gazing" if you like."
"Hold up, hold up man! I was only resting while I waited for you."
"Waited for me? Why?"
"We're both from Beast King Pavilion district, right? I normally see you walking alone around here so I came to say hello."
"Okay, "hello" and goodbye to you."
"Come on, don't be like that! I'm a Vermilion Bird inheritor and you?"
"I'm, still going."
"Okay, okay, I get it. Not everyone wants to speak about their legacy. But not me I'm proud to be a Vermilion Bird! I'll be the strongest regardless of my class, just you wait and see!"
"... Okay, what's your name?"
"Hahaha, I knew you'd come around to understanding a guy like me! My name is Edan of the Vermilion Clan. What's your name?"
'... he doesn't even know my name, but he was waiting here for me??'
"It's Hittan."
"... Okay, Hittan. Where to?"
"Huh? Where to what?"
"Wherever you were headed I'll accompany you as your bodyguard!"
"You do know I'm a boy, right?"
"... What! Are you sure?"
BANG!
Poor Edan was sent flying with one punch only to be caught by a tree.
Thud!
"Wow, you certainly hit like a man!" Edan couldn't help the thought that he had better stay clear of Hittan's anger or fist! As well as a joy to have found his first rival in his pursuit of strength.
"Convinced now?"
"100%! Man, you could have taken it easy on me!"
"I did, the tree is still standing behind you and is an innocent party to this conversation. It would be pointless to destroy it because of you."
'Crap he held back!'
"Boss! You are now my rival! Let's get stronger together and become the future leaders of this village. What do you think?"
"Sounds good. I was heading to that cliff to get a better view." Pointing into the distance Hittan started walking again.
…...
"The view is nice up here. Do you come here each time?"
"Yeah, it helps me think."
"About what? If you don't mind me asking?"
"... About improving the Village and making it so that people like us are respected as equals."
"That's gonna require an absurd amount of strength, absolute strength."
"Yes, yes it will. Mr Vermilion, my would-be rival in martial arts, are you up to it?"
"Definitely!"
"If you don't mind me asking who are your parents?" Hittan looked Edan with some amount of curiosity.
"I don't mind, my father is Egan of the Phoenix Clan and my mother is from the Alicorn Empire."
"Oh? Your father travelled far from the village to pursue your mother, not bad."
"Yeah, my mother is awesome! I'll see her after the Academy preselection ceremony takes place about 2 years from now."
"So you plan on doing well enough to leave the Village. A man with high goals I see."
...
"You had asked which legacy I was born into earlier but unfortunately that I cannot tell you. However, my mother and father are people of the Village. Given that your father is a Phoenix clan member, you should know my Mother. Phoenix Clan's Lady Onora and as for my father he's the Dragon's Clan's Sir Egil."
"Wait! You are the grandson of the Village Chief!!?"
"Yes, do you have a problem with that?"
"No, not at all. We are in the same boat after all."
…...
"Okay, it's time to head back now. Maybe I'll see you around Edan."
"Certainly, maybe next time we could have a sparring match so that I can measure my punch to yours!"
"... Sure."