"What do you think you're doing? Do you really believe people would care about you if you got good grades?" My brother asked angrily as he punched me in the stomach, making me fall to my knees.
"I-I d." I was trying to say something, but a kick to the face interrupted me.
"I don't want to hear your useless voice. I don't understand why my parents still keep something worthless like you around." He said as he picked me up by the shirt before throwing me into the dark basement.
As I was tumbling down the stairs, everything changed. My mind was flooded with fear and confusion, and I couldn't help but wonder why I was being treated this way. I had always done my best to be helpful, but it seemed that my efforts were not enough.
As I hit the cold, hard ground, I couldn't help but feel a sense of despair wash over me. I was trapped in this dark basement again, with no way out and no one to turn to.
The hours ticked by slowly, leaving me with my thoughts and fears.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I was jolted awake from my nightmare. I was back in my own bed, covered in sweat and breathing heavily.
"Even after half a year, I'm still having nightmares about my past life," I muttered to myself and stared at the grandfather clock in my room.
Six months have passed since my transmigration here, and yet I can't get over my past life. Of course, my increased status doesn't help in forgetting it, either.
Speaking of my status.
_____
Name: Cale Valentine
Titles: Adopted Prince
Level: 3 (50/400 EXP)
Magicules: 38,800
[Stats]
Strength: 80
Vitality: 80
Agility: 80
Intelligence: 100
Perception: 100
Remaining Points: 16
_____
While I do not doubt that I possess enough power to fight mindless monsters, I understand that many different factors come into play when fighting opponents.
For one, strength is not the only thing that determines the outcome of a fight. There are other important elements to consider, such as speed, agility, and strategy.
I know that if I were to face someone technically weaker than me, they might still have the upper hand if they possess superior skills in these areas.
That's why I have prioritized spending a lot of time in the library, studying and learning as much as possible about different fighting techniques and strategies. In doing so, I hope to exchange my practical experience with theoretical knowledge.
In the end, it's not just about physical strength. It's about having a well-rounded set of skills and knowledge that can be applied in any situation.
I sighed, realizing that I wouldn't be able to fall back asleep. So instead, I decided to head to the library and read until it was time for my training. Over the past few months, I've already read books on swordsmanship and have now begun reading books related to spearmanship and unarmed martial arts.
Lately, I've been thinking about why I care so much about becoming stronger. Perhaps it's because I'm afraid of the future or I don't want to repeat the mistakes of my previous life.
Although my life is vastly different than before, I'm not sure if I've changed much. I tell myself that reading in the library is to prepare for the future, but the truth is I feel safe there.
It's the place where I feel safest, just like in my previous life. I'm still the same scared kid who craved the approval of my family, even though it was impossible.
Even if the environment and people around me changed, I'm still the same.
---
I spent hours reading before making my way to the training ground. Thanks to Thought Acceleration, I was able to read five books in just one hour.
When I arrived at the training ground, I was surprised to see my mom and another person with Roy. The other person was wearing a mask, but I recognized them immediately.
I could sense her watching me, even though she had no eye holes in her mask. It was as if she was studying me. I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease wash over me as I continued walking toward them, wondering what she knew about me.
"Hey, Mom, is there anything special happening today?" I asked, looking at the masked hero standing beside her.
"I haven't seen you around before. My name is Cale Valentine," I introduced myself to her.
"Roy mentioned that you've been making great progress in your training and that you should start gaining some real-life fighting experience," my mom said, "Personally, I think it might be a bit too soon, but Chronoa came by yesterday, and I asked her to teach you."
"I heard that you lost your memories, so you might not remember me, but I taught your mother how to fight," she said, sounding a bit skeptical at the losing memories part.
I was wondering if I existed in the previous timeline. Would she know that I am actually an Otherworlder?
Maybe Cale, in the other timeline, was also an Otherworlder, but what if he wasn't? I am starting to feel a bit nervous, but I don't think she would harm me. Well, at least, I hope not.
"Yes, I lost most of my memories, but I'm okay now," I answered nervously.
She nodded in understanding without saying anything.
My mom noticed that I was feeling nervous, and she comforted me by saying that there was no need to worry. She had complete faith in Chronoa's ability to keep me safe in case anything happened. But it wasn't why I was nervous.
"Before you pack your things, I have something for you," she said, handing me a sword. "This belonged to your mother, and she would want you to have it." I unsheathed the sword and held it in my hands.
It was a beautiful-looking double-edged straight sword. It had a graceful appearance and seemed incredibly agile. Its sharpness was evident at first glance, and I could tell it had the power to effortlessly slice through anything in its path. It was truly beautiful.
"It's a Unique Grade sword. The blade is made of Magisteel, a material that strengthens when exposed to Magicules, allowing it to grow with its user," Mom explained while my eyes remained fixed on the sword.
---
Authors Note:
Thank you for reading this chapter.
If you enjoy this story, remember to vote and leave a review if you haven't.