In the impoverished town that Cyan resided in, the constant threat of ferocious beasts in the surrounding forest had hindered its development. While there were mercenaries and townspeople who ventured into the wilderness to hunt for resources, most preferred not to settle in this dangerous place. Once they found success, they would move away, leaving the town in a perpetual state of struggle. There were garrisons stationed in the area, but they could only do so much to ensure safety.
Cyan's house was located on the outskirts of town, near the forest. These houses, situated far from the central area, were relatively cheap due to their proximity to danger.
As Cyan groaned and attempted to rise from his bed, he was assailed by an unimaginable pain. It pierced him deep within his soul, surpassing any pain he had ever experienced before. Although he had anticipated some level of suffering, the intensity caught him off guard. Helpless, he could only endure, gritting his teeth and bearing the torment. The excruciating agony continued for what felt like an eternity, his body drenched in sweat. This was the consequence of utilizing a forbidden spell.
Finally, the pain subsided, leaving Cyan exhausted and drained. He knew that he couldn't continue like this; he had to find a way to heal his soul quickly, lest the pain consume him before his soul withered away entirely.
Cyan limped to the small bathroom, catching a glimpse of his pale and gaunt reflection in the mirror. Despite the morbid visage, there was a faint smile on his face. "Tsk! This morbid appearance might scare people away," he muttered to himself. "I hope those bastards appreciate the 'gift' I bestowed upon them. It shall serve as a lesson to never covet what is not theirs in the afterlife."
Cyan couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction that his spell had worked. Not only had it brought him back from the brink of demise, but it also reset the timeline to a point where irreversible mistakes had yet to occur.
Yet, when his thoughts drifted back to his old self, Cyan couldn't help but feel a pang of remorse for his naive and foolish actions. However, he found solace in the fact that he hadn't sold himself to slavery.
"Enough dwelling on the past," Cyan chastised himself. "I can only move forward and strive to live a better life this time."
Attempting to utilize his newfound soul power, Cyan discovered that his abilities remained intact. However, his soul and body struggled to contain the immense power, causing a tingling pain within him. While it paled in comparison to the ordeal he had just endured, it served as a constant reminder of the delicate balance he now faced.
Using his soul power to examine his platform, Cyan was met with a shocking sight. Cracks marred the surface, spreading throughout the platform. It seemed like a miracle that he could still stand here. Cyan pondered this and realized that it was with the aid of the tower that his soul had not dissolved completely. The tower's mysterious influence had saved him from annihilation.
"This is a warning for me not to mess with ancient forbidden spell," Cyan reminded himself not to get carried away in the future the price to pay is too heavy and he doesn't think he will have the tower to help him at that time.
Cyan checked the tower and noticed he couldn't contact the tower, he checked the tattoo on his chest and noticed the tower has turned to gray color.
The tower must be damaged, he intuitively knows it has something to do with his soul as long as the damage to his soul is repaired the tower will also benefit. Cyan didn't bother about the tower anymore and quickly sealed his soul power to the lowest level to slow down the cracks on his platform.
Even without the tower he can still get some herbs and alleviate the damage to his platform enough to open the tower and get the elixir he prepared. All his hard studies were not in vain and he wasn't studying in the tower for nothing he also made the knowledge he gained his.
He has huge soul power so he has always remembers whatever he reads even before going to moon world.
The bath made him comfortable although his face is still pale it's still better than the morbid look.
As Cyan was drying his hair, someone was knocking on his door.
"Big brother, open the door!" a loud voice called from outside.
Cyan smiled as he recognized the voice. He had missed his energetic presence during his time away. Cyan got emotional when he remembered how all his brothers believed in him and trusted his judgement to the end. Even when the outcome was unfavorable, they didn't blame him, they only thought they were unlucky.
Opening the door, Cyan was met with Niall's familiar face, beaming with excitement.
"Big brother I have been trying your terminal but you aren't picking up. Everyone is worried about you after last night" Niall said worriedly.
Cyan chuckled, ruffling Niall's hair affectionately. "No need to worry."
"You don't look fine, your face looks pale. Are you sick? Do you need to see a doctor" Niall fired worriedly.
He wasn't annoyed by his questions he smiled "which one do you want me to answer?"
"Sorry big brother I am Worried" the boy smiled sheepishly.
"It's fine, I don't need to see a doctor, I came down with cold last night don't worry It will go in a while"
Relief washed over Niall's face as he let out a sigh. "I'm glad to hear that, big brother. We were all so worried about you after last night."
Cyan smile faded slightly as he remembered the event, to be honest even in his last life he wasn't pained he was numb aside from youthful exuberance in trying to proof to those people that he is not worthless, he didn't feel pain but his ego was bruised.
But this life was different. He no longer carried the naivety of a kid with unwavering self-esteem; the harsh realities of society had taken their toll. His temperament had weathered countless storms, shaping him into someone who yearned for genuine connections and a better life.
"It's fine, you guys don't need to worry. I've thought long and hard about it," Cyan assured his companion. "Why should I subject myself to unhappiness by clinging to those who don't want me? I am content with all of you. Let's take whatever they offer and make the most of it. If they are willing to give, who am I to refuse?"
Niall was taken aback by this sudden change in their stubborn boss. "Boss, are you feeling okay?" he asked with concern.
"Do you want me to kick you out?" Cyan retorted sharply, his emotions teetering on the edge.
"Boss, please don't get angry. It's just that your usual behavior wouldn't lead you to say such things. Besides, just yesterday you were preaching about the importance of pride," Niall hesitated, scratching his head as he tried to comprehend the transformation. Their boss possessed remarkable qualities, but at times, his excessive pride overshadowed them.
"Niall, you must understand that a man should not be too rigid and must learn to adapt. I have had a revelation; the person I used to be was simply naive. Moreover, what value does pride hold? It cannot nourish or sustain us," Cyan explained, his words laced with a mix of bitterness and reflection.
"Boss, I understand now," Niall responded, a glimmer of realization in his eyes.
"I'm glad that you're teachable," Cyan said, offering a small smile. "Always remember, the best revenge against your enemies is living well and showing them what they've missed out on."
"I will always keep that in mind," Niall vowed. "So, boss, are you still planning to attend the meeting?"
"Yes, I will, but I still have some unfinished business to attend to," Cyan replied, his tone tinged with a hint of mysterious determination.
"Brother, that Mr. Will visited us again today, asking if we're still willing to join them. Except for Dennis, who can't leave because of his family, the rest of us are ready to follow you, boss," Niall reported, hopeful for a positive response.
"I've made my decision. We are no longer interested in their recruitment," Cyan declared, memories of the deceit and enslavement still vivid in his mind. An intense surge of anger surged within him, fueled by a desire for justice.
Even if he were to eliminate Mr. Will, he knew there would always be another Mr. Williams lurking somewhere in the shadows. He wasn't a mythical hero with unlimited strength and influence. But he was determined to protect and save his brothers from a fated existence.
Niall noticed the transformation in his boss and couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. What had transpired to bring about this change? Cyan seemed like a different person altogether, emitting an aura of danger that Niall had only encountered in seasoned mercenaries and battle-hardened soldiers.
Unbeknownst to Niall, Cyan had walked a path wrought with more pain and challenges than those experienced by the most hardened warriors. The Moon world he inhabited was an unyielding and treacherous realm, offering little solace or respite.