An Essence—a supernatural phenomenon as rare as it was powerful, one that only a chosen few ever tasted in their lifetime. It was not something one simply obtained through effort or desire. No, it was far more elusive. It was the manifestation of a person's soul, their character, their essence, shaped by the world's perception of them and how they, in turn, bent the world to their will.
In my old life, as Leon Winter, I had an Essence of my own. Its name? Unknown. Even to me. The world called me the Tyrant, but they knew little beyond that title. They didn't understand the man behind it. Hell, even I was unsure if I truly knew myself.
But in the end, it didn't matter. The Essence, whatever it was, had served me well. Whether it was tied to the way people feared me, respected me, or simply obeyed me without question, I could never know. It was part of the enigma that surrounded me. What I did know was that it had made my path in the world smoother—forced my enemies to bend, broke the rules when necessary. Power radiated from me, and the world kneeled.
Mayer hadn't yet noticed me, his focus sharp, the greatsword in his hands slicing through the air with a practiced ease. Despite its massive size, it moved as if it were nothing but an extension of his arm, a natural flow of muscle and blade. His strength, though always impressive, was now growing more potent, more dangerous.
Then, his eyes caught mine, widening in surprise. He lowered the sword slightly, wiping sweat from his brow. "Young Master Blackthorn," he said, his voice laced with a mix of concern and shock. "You should be resting. After all, you were injured."
He glanced at the scars on my torso where my bandages should have been, only to realize they had already healed. His confusion was clear. "How...? It's only been a week, a few days since... since Fendrel. Your wounds, they—"
I cut him off, my voice as cool and sharp as ever. "You worry too much, Mayer."
The truth of my rapid healing lingered in the back of my mind. It wasn't normal for Eliot Blackthorn to recover this quickly, but then again, I wasn't just Eliot anymore. The lines between Eliot and Leon had begun to blur, and the power I once wielded were creeping back into this life, reshaping me, rebuilding me.
Mayer shook his head in disbelief. "I'm just relieved to see you healthy again, my lord."
There was warmth in his words, a sincerity that made me pause for a moment. Mayer had always trained when he had the time, perfecting his skills. But ever since I had returned from that ditch, he'd barely had the opportunity to sharpen his blade. Now, it seemed he was reclaiming that part of himself, along with something more.
His eyes were burning with ambition.
"I've been thinking about what you said, Master Blackthorn," Mayer began, his voice low but steady. "You told me I need to walk the same path as you, and for that I need to be worthy of serving you. And I will. I swear it. If you're path is one of bloodshed, then as your loyal servant, I will follow behind you on this path. I will be your guard."
Inwardly, I couldn't help but feel a certain satisfaction at his words. Mayer's loyalty was unwavering, as it always had been, but now there was something deeper. A fire had been lit within him, something that would make him even more dangerous, more useful. His loyalty was no longer just an obligation—it had become a purpose.
Still, I kept my expression unreadable. I wouldn't indulge his sentimentality. I couldn't afford to.
"That's all very noble of you, Mayer," I said, cutting through his emotional speech with the cold detachment I was known for. "But I hope you haven't been slacking in your training."
At once, his posture straightened, his resolve solidifying. This is what he lived for now—my approval. He wasted no time in resuming his exercises, the greatsword once again slicing through the air, his body a whirlwind of strength and discipline. The flicker of light around him grew slightly brighter with each movement, a sign that his Essence was close to breaking through.
Mayer didn't even realize it yet. But I did. His awakening was inevitable. And when it came, I would be there to guide him. Or use him. Either way, he would serve his purpose.
As I watched, Mayer spoke again, his voice steady despite the exertion. "I've found something, my lord. Information about Garrick Rothschild—the businessman you were seeking. And... other sensitive details. Everything is in the study."
Rothschild. The name struck a chord, stirring a cascade of thoughts and plans. This information would be vital, no doubt. Mayer's loyalty was already proving invaluable, and now, with his impending awakening, he would only become more useful.
I nodded, my mind already racing ahead, plotting the next move. "Good. We'll review it immediately."
Mayer's eyes gleamed with determination, his loyalty only solidifying further. He didn't yet realize the power he was on the verge of awakening, the role he would play in the grander scheme. But I did.
And that was enough.
Life truly was sweet.