"Thank you, I'll forever be grateful," Rylen lets out a heavy sigh, then continues. "Now, let me tell you about this world."
"Alright." Kensai adjusts his seating.
"This world is governed by Vitalis, the god of life. He pulls souls from selected worlds to reincarnate here for a trial known as the *Trial of Gods* to ascend to higher realms," Rylen explains, and Kensai listens closely. "However, to enter the Trial, you need to obtain your final Title, which the system chooses for you. Mine is Rune Weaver, but I've only ranked up twice, and I'm only at level twenty. I'm nowhere near my final title, which you can only reach at level 200."
The system aspect piques Kensai's interest. He leans forward, curiosity filling his gaze. The concept of a system governing the world and assigning titles is intriguing, especially given the complexity and significance behind these titles.
"Level 200, you said?" Kensai asks, furrowing his brow. "So, the final title is something that's only achievable after a long and difficult journey?"
Rylen nods, his eyes reflecting both pride and resignation. "Yes, each person's path is unique. The journey to obtain a final title is challenging. The system guides and shapes our progression, but it also means there's always more to strive for. The higher your level, the closer you get to your final title, but it requires strength and dedication."
Kensai takes a moment to absorb the information. "And this *Trial of Gods*, what exactly is it?"
Rylen sighs, his voice heavy. "The Trial of Gods is a series of tests and challenges set by Vitalis himself. It's a chance for those who reach a high enough level and obtain their final title to prove their worth. Success grants them ascension to higher realms, where they gain greater power, knowledge, and even a world of their own to govern. But failing the trial... well, it's not something anyone survives."
"A world to govern?" Kensai muses, contemplating the vastness of the idea. "Has anyone succeeded?"
"No," Rylen replies sternly. "Every single one of them has died trying to pass the trial. You'll have to fight within rings and defeat powerful beings called ringmasters, otherworldly entities capable of destroying entire continents if they could leave their domains."
Kensai's curiosity sharpens. "So you have to defeat these ringmasters?"
"Yes. Once the system deems you ready, it assigns you the task of clearing the rings."
The conversation over breakfast continues, with Rylen explaining more about the world. By the end, Kensai has a basic understanding of it all and realizes he may never enter the *Trial of Gods* due to his lack of a system. And oddly enough, he feels at peace with that.
Because his gut tells him that finding the boy is the key. That maybe, just maybe, he'll be able to save the universe from the looming dangers.
"For the next few days, we'll begin your training," Rylen says, setting his empty cup aside. "And I'll teach you all about Tilo—what she likes, how to look out for her, and what you need to know about being an older brother."
The phrase "older brother" stirs something within Kensai. He had always wanted a younger sibling, and now, it seems fate has given him one. One he's determined to protect. "Alright," he says, nodding firmly. He accepts it wholeheartedly.
The next morning, Kensai's training begins. Rylen leads him to a clearing behind the cottage, sunlight filtering through the trees and creating a dappled glow on the forest floor. Kensai sits down, recalling Hanz's teachings from his old world.
"Concentrate, and reform," he murmurs, closing his eyes. As he focuses his mana, a small, transparent golden dagger forms in his palm. Opening his eyes, Kensai notices the blade is stronger and more defined than before.
To test its strength, Kensai throws the dagger toward a nearby tree. It embeds into the bark with a satisfying thunk.
"Good," Rylen observes, nodding approvingly.
Over the following days, Kensai practices refining his weapon transformations. He experiments with different forms—a sword, a spear, even a bow. Each weapon gleams with golden transparency, though he still feels the strain of maintaining them for extended periods.
When not training or battling summoned beasts Rylen brings forth through runes, Kensai spends time with Tilo. They go fishing by the river or prepare dinner together, all while Kensai keeps an eye on Rylen's rapidly declining health.
Then the day comes when they set off for Longevity. Rylen, visibly weaker than before, watches them as they leave. Tilo holds her sack over her shoulder, clutching a few carrots to feed the rabbits one last time.
"Tilo," Rylen calls softly, stopping her in her tracks. He kneels to her level.
"Yes, Papa?" She tilts her head.
"You said you wanted to become a healer, right?" He searches her eyes.
"Yes!" she exclaims, her smile bright as ever.
"To do that, you'll need to stay with Angel," he says, his voice thick with emotion. "He'll take you to your Uncle Helios."
"Okay!" Tilo cheers, unaware of the gravity in Rylen's eyes. "I'll become the best and save you, Papa!" She cups his face and plants a kiss on his nose.
Rylen's breath catches in his throat. "For me?" He chuckles softly, baffled by her enthusiasm. "Alright..." he trails off, though he knows he won't live long enough to see that day. Still, he vows to stay alive for as long as possible, to hold on, so he can say he tried.
"Don't worry, Papa," Tilo reassures, her tiny hands squeezing his. "I'll make sure to become the best."
For a fleeting moment, Rylen sees Samara, Tilo's late mother, in her eyes. His heart aches with both sorrow and pride.
He clasps a silver necklace around Tilo's neck, the mana radiating from it unmistakable to Kensai. "Here," Rylen says softly. "Something to remember me by."
Kensai can feel the immense mana tied to the necklace—it's the suppression rune Rylen spent years perfecting. One of the reasons his mana flow had become irregular over time.
Kensai watches the emotional exchange, feeling the weight of responsibility settle heavily on him. The air grows still as Rylen hands over the necklace, a final safeguard for Tilo's latent powers.
"It will suppress your powers until you can control them," Rylen explains gently, brushing a strand of hair behind Tilo's ear. "It'll keep you safe from those who might try to use you."
"I'll keep it safe, Papa!" Tilo beams, her innocence unshaken. "I'll get stronger and help you!"
Rylen forces a smile, his heart heavy. "I know you will, sweetheart."
Kensai understands the unspoken message behind Rylen's words. The necklace is more than protection—it's a way to ensure Tilo's powers stay hidden until she's ready.
As they begin walking toward Longevity, Kensai knows there's no turning back. His journey is just beginning. To become the hero he's always dreamed of, he must find the boy.
And ensure that Tilo survives, so her father's sacrifices are not in vain.