[Memory crystallisation is done.]
[You can keep one of the following items]
[1. Most precious item before death]
[2. Strength before death]
[3. Share the memory before death with someone of your choice.]
[4. Speed up the recharging process]
Leif walked down from his room to his parents' room, his footsteps echoing through the silent hallways. As he entered the familiar yet unfamiliar space, he breathed a deep sigh, a wave of nostalgia washing over him like a comforting blanket.
Perhaps that was why the memory crystallisation feature was available in [Veridream]. Leif had lived a long and storied life, and with hundreds of years of memories, emotions, and feelings, it was easy to lose oneself in the tangled web of experiences. He had seen and done so much, experienced joy and sorrow, triumph and tragedy. If not for [Veridream] he wondered if he could still recognize himself.
Leif surveyed the options presented to him and chose the fourth one without hesitation. He had been a mortal before death, so choosing option 2 would be foolish. The most precious item he had before his death was the Auroran crown, which was now useless and would only invite trouble.
While considering his first anchoring option, Leif paused when he saw option 3, but then recalled that the human heart can be like a tree that grows twisted and gnarled from years of exposure to the elements, becoming hardened and selfish as it weathers the storms of life. Leif did not want someone else to take benefits of his memories, so he let the option pass.
That left option 4, which he chose. [Veridream] needed charging, and the power of chagrin would accumulate when he anchored and lived a new life. But every time he faced a near-death blow, [Veridream] would consume charge to automatically protect his body from outside threats. Leif could decide whether to use the automatic protection feature or not, which was a relief.
During the first anchoring of the [Veridream], it reached a full charge of 100% automatically after 6 years. However, during the second anchoring process, it took twice as long, at 12 years, to reach the same level. This led to the realisation that the time required for the [Veridream] to fully charge would double with each successive anchoring attempt.
Moreover, the [Veridream] had an additional charging feature. Once it reached a full charge of 100%, it would continue to charge for another 100%, resulting in a total charge capacity of approximately 200%.
During his fourth life, the [Veridream] had already been charged to 200%. However, in an attempt to save his life during the battle of wizards, some of the extra stored charge was consumed, resulting in the current [Veridream] charge level of about 173%.
After selecting the fourth option, the [Veridream] was able to reach its maximum charge capacity of 200%.
Upon realising that he had more than enough charge, Leif entertained the idea of starting a new life. However, he took his time and checked his data panel before making any decisions.
[Name: Leif Winterbourne]
[Arcane Rank: Mortal (Tier 0) ]
[Biological age: 6/104]
[Mental Age-255/896]
[Available charge: 200% (Full)]
Leif looked deep in thought, staring at the invisible screen in his mind. "Hmm… So the mental age limit has increased?" he muttered to himself.
He remembered his mental age from his previous anchoring was around 663. Had the mental age limit grown as his experience increased? He wasn't certain, but it seemed likely that it was tied to his life experiences.
Just like how a biological body has a lifespan limit, there is also a limit to how much information and memories a soul can handle. Leif couldn't help but wonder what would happen if the mental age limit were to be exceeded.
Thankfully, [Veridream]'s memory crystallisation feature had helped him avoid such a fate. But even that feature had its limits.
Leif shook his head, feeling overwhelmed by the sheer amount of knowledge he had gained through his experiences. "If it weren't for [Veridream], my soul would have crumbled under the weight of information and memories," he thought to himself.
Leif had lived through countless lifetimes and he knew all too well what he feared the most - not having a purpose. He had woken up countless times in the middle of the night, consumed by the fear of being aimless.
During his 126 years as emperor, Leif had experienced the pinnacle of ordinary life. He had indulged in the finest delicacies, basked in the warmth of heavenly beauty, and wielded the thundering power of the emperor. But after so many years, the novelty had worn off, and he had grown bored. He had reached the level that most people could only dream of.
But was this what reincarnation was all about? To repeat the same experiences again and again?
Leif knew that wasn't the case. His perspective changed when he witnessed the battle of two powerful wizards in the sky. The clash of magic and power was a reminder that there was always something more to strive for, something greater to achieve. Leif realised that the key to breaking free from the cycle of reincarnation was to find a purpose and pursue it relentlessly.
Leif looked at his sleeping parents with a fond smile and gently woke them up. As they began their day, everything felt ordinary - just like any other day in the life of a farmer's family. The burning sun gave way to the gentle moonlight as the day progressed.
As they sat down for dinner, Leif savoured the peaceful moment with his family. For his parents, it was just another day, but for him, it was a rare moment of tranquillity that reminded him of his humble origins.
As he gazed up at the moon in the sky, memories came flooding back to him. He let out a sigh and muttered to himself, "In the grand scheme of things, we are all mere mortals navigating life's ephemeral path. As I pursue my dreams, I must remember my humble beginnings."
With a sigh, he opened the [Veridream].
[Would you like to anchor?]
"Yes" was the only word I could say.
[Automatically choosing the default anchoring point]
[Consuming charge…]
[Anchor point ready. Would you like to immediately start the anchoring?]
"Yes."
As Leif looked up at the moon and the sky, he felt a subtle but profound change within himself. For the first time in almost 200 years, he had a goal - he wasn't just a mindless mortal anymore. A new world had opened up before him, and he had an idea that ignited his soul.
The mundane pleasures of mortal life no longer seduced him; he was drawn to the strange and alluring wizarding world that he had glimpsed through the two wizards in the sky. Power and enjoyment, no matter how great, had lost their appeal after being repeated too many times.
With the vision of the wizarding world before him, Leif had a dream - he wanted to live forever.
He wanted to be immortal, to transcend this world and become a being unaffected by time.
Nothing and no one could stand in his way.
He had spent 200 years cultivating his will and he was ready to pursue his dream with all his heart.
As he closed the window, he held his head high with a newfound sense of purpose.
Immortality was within his grasp, and he was determined to seize it.
—------------------------------------------------------------
[At 7 years old, you pleaded with your parents to permit you to attend school, despite their reservations rooted in the family's belief that 'like father, like son - a farmer's son will be a farmer.' After persistent persuasion, they obliged and allowed you to pursue your education.]
[At 8 years old, you began documenting all the knowledge you had gained from your previous life, such as the production of ammonia, urea, and citrates. You wrote everything in English to keep it hidden from others, knowing that this knowledge could be an asset in your current life.]
[At 9 years old, you were already demonstrating exceptional intelligence in school, making a name for yourself as a local sensation.]
[At 10 years old, the local baron recognized your talents and accepted you as his adopted son, opening up a world of opportunities and resources to you.]
[At 11 years old, you started preparing for the civil service exam, and with your previous life's knowledge, you who knew the question were very confident in your abilities.]
[At 12 years old, you effectively utilised your previous life's knowledge to contact the Duke of the Aurorian Empire.]
[At 13 years old, with the Duke's backing, you began forming your own power.]
[At 14 years old, you began martial arts training while continuing your studies.]
[At 15 years old, you successfully passed the civil official exam, earning the title of appointed baron and receiving land.]
[At 16 years old, you became engaged to one of the Duke's daughters.]
[At 18 years old, through political scheming and your previous life experience, you had reached the rank of Count, shocking all the nobles in the empire.]
[At 19 years old, your wife bore a son for you.]
[At 20 years old, you realised that high-ranking nobles were targeting you, so you began trying to control the garlic industry in the Aurorian Empire.]
[At 21 years old, most of the nobles let you do as you wished with the garlic industry after you started keeping a low profile.]
[At 22 years old, a locust plague began in the southern provinces of the empire, quickly spreading to the heart of the empire.]
[At 23 years old, you released an insect repellent made with vinegar and garlic to combat the locust plague, shocking all the people of the Aurorian Empire.]
[At 24 years old, sales were booming, and you had become the richest man in the entire Aurorian Empire, causing envy among the old-timers.]
[At 25 years old, even after the locust plague had ended, your insect repellent remained popular, and greedy people pressured you to give them the production ingredients.]
[At 26 years old, you had gathered numerous talents under your wing, including metalworking, engineering, and design, all working towards a single goal - to create a high-quality, reliable firearm through meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail.]
[At 27 years old, you who were struggling to finance the gun project and decided to release the recipe for your popular insect repellent to generate funds. The world is shocked by the sudden surge in garlic prices, but you, who have control over the garlic industry, become richer than ever.]
[At 29 years old, your power and influence continue to grow, and many major nobles have pledged their allegiance to you.]
[At 32 years old, your team successfully completes the gun, and you begin funding the production of rifles.]
[By 34 years old, your subordinates have successfully produced rifles.]
[At 35 years old, even the emperor must take your opinion seriously as you have won over all the major nobles to your side.]
[At 37 years old, you begin exploring new areas that you have not delved into in your past lives.]
[At 39 years old, you successfully use bribes, blackmail, and connections to be conferred as a hereditary duke.]
[At 43 years old, you funded a rebellion and plunged the entire empire into chaos.]
[At 47 years old, your plans come to fruition as the rebellion reaches the innermost area of the Aurorian Empire, and you launch a successful attack from within the capital, causing it to fall.]
[At 48 years old, you are crowned as the new emperor, with power over tens of thousands.]
[At 49 years old, you begin accelerating the development process of the entire Aurorian Empire, bringing happiness to all its people.]
[At 52 years old, you begin to weaponize your military with guns.]
[At 57 years old, the Aurorian Empire is rapidly developing under your guidance, and you continue to explore new areas that you have yet to uncover in your past lives.]
Leif leaned in towards the old guard, whom he had placed over the Fallen Heaven Cavern, an area about which he knew little, his eyes gleaming with wonder. "Wait a minute, are you saying that the Fallen Heaven Cavern only opens every twenty years for a mere thirty minutes?"
The old guard nodded, his weathered face creased with wrinkles. "Yes, my lord. I have seen it with my own eyes, the Fairyland hidden behind those dark and ghostly fogs."
Leif couldn't help but feel a bit excited. He had always been fascinated by the unknown and unexplored, and this newfound knowledge was like a spark igniting a fire within him. "Incredible," he whispered, his mind racing with possibilities.
"Very well," Leif said, looking away. "You may take your reward and return to your normal life."
"The Fallen Heaven, fairyland? How interesting," he murmured to himself, stroking his overgrown beard. "It seems I have another goal for my next life."
[At 60 years old, the Aurorian Empire's original army had grown tenfold with the aid of firearms, and the entire continent had been conquered. Although this was a golden age for the common people, you paid it no mind and instead began preparing for the arrival of two wizards who were set to appear in ten years.]
[At 63 years old,an abundance of weapons, including Flintlock muskets, Matchlock muskets, and Kentucky rifles, had made their way into the hands of Aurorian soldiers.]
[At 69 years old,you had completed all of your preparations for the upcoming showdown against the two wizards. The final showdown was soon about to commence.]
—------------------------------------------------------------
1 year later,
The once bustling Auroran Capital had fallen into a deathly silence. The streets that were once filled with the chatter of civilians were now eerily empty. The only sign of life came from countless figures of soldiers that lurked in the shadows, their presence sending shivers down the spine of anyone who caught sight of them.
Suddenly, a loud and powerful voice boomed in the sky, shattering the stillness that hung over the city. "Wizard Garrick, you have gone too far! Have you forgotten the years we spent together as students at the Witchcraft Academy?"
Just as a few fire dragons began to form behind the man, an old and rough voice called out,
"FIRE!"
In an instant, countless red bullets shot toward the two wizards from all directions, like a swarm of angry wasps.
Despite their magical prowess, the wizards were taken aback by the new weapon that had been used against them.
"How interesting," Garrick said, his voice betraying his curiosity.
"A magic weapon is being made here? Hmm... Is this a gun?" As he spoke, a gun from one of the soldier's hands vanished and appeared in front of him.
"It's intriguing that after thousands of years since The Mortal Purge, the mortals of the Land of Miasma have developed guns," he mused. The gun vanished from Garrick's hands just as quickly as it had appeared.
Garrick sneered at the sight of the few thousand mortals trying to kill a wizard. "Perhaps you filthy mortals have forgotten the strength of a wizard?" he said, his voice dripping with contempt. As he spoke, the bullets that had pierced his body were pushed out by some unseen force, clattering to the ground.
Ronan surveyed the mortals with an icy detachment, his gaze piercing and unreadable. "Very well, you mortals need to learn some lessons," he said, his voice calm and measured. The bullets lodged in his own body were also dislodged by an invisible energy.
In Ronan's hand, the ruins of a spell began to take shape, their crystalline facets glittering with an unearthly light. The air around him thrummed with an intense energy, growing more potent by the moment. And then, with a sharp motion, Ronan hurled the ruins at the Auroran Capital. As they struck the city, the ruins shattered, unleashing a chain of flames that raced through the city.
Tier 1 Spell- Inferno Burst
In a matter of seconds, the once-beautiful Auroran Capital was consumed by flames and transformed into a fiery inferno. However, Ronan's expression was grim as he realised that the majority of the soldiers had survived his attack.
This realisation made both Ronan and Garrick cautious and fearful, for they knew that this was one of their strongest spells. Even if the mortal soldiers were armoured in the finest gear, they would still have been unable to withstand a blow from a wizard.
Suddenly, Ronan examined the bullets that had been fired at him. "This..." he muttered, a deep frown creasing his forehead.
"These bastards have imbued the bullets with mortal miasma!" Garrick growled, his voice laced with anger. He crushed the tainted bullets in his fist, his muscles bulging with effort.
—------------------------------------------------------------
Additional chapter Information:-
The next chapter will be released on the upcoming Tuesday.
Guns:- Flintlock muskets, Matchlock muskets, and Kentucky rifles, please google the images if you want some 'visual description' cause I am just too lazy to put them.
Spell:- Inferno Burst- A downgraded version of a tier 4 spell, causes chain fire damage with the addition of a blasting effect. Suitable for low ranking wizards.
Insect repellent:- The story here tells of the use of vinegar and garlic against locusts, but that is false. There is no organic product that can work as an effective insecticide against locusts, although there are a few natural options available, they are not as effective as synthetic ones. However, garlic and vinegar can be used as effective repellents for mosquitoes, for example, Mosquito Barrier Liquid Spray. Also you can also make your own homemade insecticide using vinegar and garlic, generally they can protect against ants, flies, and some types of beetles
TLDR; I just bullshitted about the insecticide part.