Chereads / Ascension: The Path of the Reborn / Chapter 8 - Unraveling the Past

Chapter 8 - Unraveling the Past

Kael awoke to the sound of distant birds chirping, the soft light of dawn filtering through the fabric of his tent. He lay in bed for a moment, feeling a lingering heaviness in his chest. The guild had celebrated their victory over the bandits, yet the weight of Thorne's doubts still clung to him. As he stretched, the remnants of a vivid dream began to fade, leaving behind a swirling mixture of emotions.

He closed his eyes, trying to grasp the fleeting images that danced at the edges of his memory. Suddenly, he was back in his old life—a life that felt like a distant echo.

Flashback :

Kael stood in the corner of a bustling college classroom, his heart racing as he clutched his notebooks. The professor's voice was a dull roar in the background, filled with complex theories and equations. He could see his classmates laughing and engaging in spirited discussions, but he felt invisible, trapped in a glass bubble that separated him from the world around him.

He remembered the stares, the whispers behind his back as he struggled to keep up, the way his body felt weak and tired as he forced himself to stay awake. The times he had to cancel plans because he simply couldn't find the strength to leave his dorm. A wave of frustration washed over him as he recalled his dreams of adventure and excitement, of a life filled with purpose and connection.

In his dream, he could see his younger self, hunched over a desk, staring longingly at a fantasy poster pinned to the wall—an epic scene from a game he had never had the chance to play. It depicted heroes battling fierce dragons, exploring vast landscapes, and forming bonds that transcended the virtual realm.

He could almost hear his own voice, filled with a mix of hope and despair: "Why can't I be like them? Why can't I be strong?"

Kael jolted awake, the remnants of the dream lingering like mist in his mind. He sat up in his bed, his heart pounding. He could feel the heat of his past failures radiating within him, but now, alongside that heat, there was a flicker of determination.

This was a second chance—an opportunity to rewrite his story. The world of Erendath was vibrant and full of potential, and he had the chance to embrace it fully. He immediately check his status window.

SYSTEM ALERT

Name: Kael Relan

Class: VoidBlade

Trait: Rebirth Core

Level: 3

HP: 140/140

MANA: 120/120

Attribute: STR: 14 AGI: 12 INT: 12 WIL: 15 END:12 CHA: 12 LCK: 11

Skills: Basic Attack (Level 2), Shadow Step (Level 1), Enhanced Strike (Level 1)

He thought of Lira's encouraging words, the way she believed in him even when others did not. Her faith ignited a spark of resolve deep within him. He wasn't going to let fear dictate his actions any longer. He would train harder, face challenges head-on, and strive to become the hero he had always wanted to be.

Kael rose from his bed, determination coursing through his veins. He dressed quickly and made his way to the training grounds, the sun shining brightly overhead. As he approached, he found Lira and Rhea already engaged in a sparring match, their laughter ringing out like music in the air.

"Hey, Kael!" Lira called, spotting him. "You're just in time! Want to join us?"

"Definitely," Kael replied, feeling the anticipation bubble within him.

As they began to spar, Kael felt his movements becoming more fluid, his confidence building with each strike. He pushed himself harder, drawing on the memories of his past life—the pain, the struggles, and the dreams that had once felt so unattainable.

With every swing of his sword, he cast away the insecurities that had haunted him. He was not that sickly college student anymore; he was Kael Relan, a member of the Ascendants Guild and a fighter in this world.

After several rounds of sparring, Lira stepped back, her brow glistening with sweat. "You're improving fast, Kael. I can see you really want this."

Kael grinned, exhilarated by the progress he felt. "I'm ready to embrace this new life. No more holding back."

Rhea joined them, wiping her forehead with a towel. "That's the spirit! Let's keep pushing each other. Together, we can all grow stronger."

As they resumed training, Kael felt a newfound sense of purpose. The past no longer defined him; it had shaped him into the person he was meant to be. He was determined to face whatever challenges lay ahead, and he would do it alongside his friends.

With each swing of his sword and every drop of sweat, he felt his resolve solidify. He was reborn, and this time, he would not waste the opportunity. Kael vowed to change his fate, to forge a path of strength and honor in the world of Ascension.

As the sun climbed higher in the sky, illuminating the training grounds, Kael felt a sense of clarity wash over him. He was ready for whatever the future held, and he was prepared to face it head-on.

SYSTEM ALERT

Name: Kael Relan

Class: VoidBlade

Level: 4

Health: 160/160

Mana: 130/130

STR: 16 AGI: 12 INT: 13 WIL: 16 END: 14 CHA: 13 LCK: 12

Skill Points: 15

EXP Points: 400/1000

Skills: Basic Attack (Level 2), Shadow Step (Level 1), Enhanced Strike (Level 1)