Lukas strode out of the grand hall with Zane at his side, the weight of his grandfather's words still pressing on him like an iron hand. The General's final warning—*if you fail, don't bother coming back*—rang in his ears. He had two days to prepare before heading to the battlefield. Two days to prove he wasn't the weak noble everyone believed him to be.
Zane walked silently beside him, his face a mask of uncertainty. Lukas knew the young man had his own worries, but for now, they were both focused on what lay ahead. The quiet halls of the Veridan estate felt unnaturally still, the air heavy with expectations Lukas could feel with each step.
When they finally reached his chambers, Lukas paused at the door. "Zane," he said, turning to his retainer. "Come inside. There's something I need to talk to you about."
Zane blinked in surprise but nodded. The room was modest by noble standards, furnished with a simple bed, a desk, and a large window overlooking the estate's courtyard. As soon as the door closed behind them, Lukas motioned for Zane to sit.
"I've been thinking," Lukas began, sitting across from Zane. "About everything that's happened—us dying, being brought back in these bodies. It's overwhelming, but we need to face it."
Zane shifted slightly, his hands resting in his lap. "I still don't understand why I'm here… in this body."
Lukas leaned forward, his gaze steady. "Tell me about your past life, Zane. What happened before we met that night?"
Zane hesitated, his brow furrowing. "I was an orphan," he said slowly. "Grew up on the streets, mostly alone. There were others like me, kids who had no one. We survived by stealing, fighting... whatever it took."
Lukas listened intently, sensing the pain behind Zane's words. "Go on."
"Eventually, I got mixed up with some local gangs. Nothing big, just small-time thugs. But I learned how to fight in the streets—learned how to survive." Zane looked away, his expression tight. "One day, I was approached by a group of older guys. They said they had a job for me—said it was easy money. But it wasn't. They tricked me. They needed a fall guy."
Lukas's eyes narrowed. "The robbery."
Zane nodded. "Yeah. They set me up to be the distraction, and I was too naive to see it coming. I didn't want to be part of it, but by the time I realized what was happening, it was too late. You know the rest." His voice trailed off, and for a moment, the room was filled with the weight of unspoken regret.
Lukas leaned back, his thoughts swirling. This young man, who had been dragged into a life of crime against his will, was now bound to him in this strange new world. They both had their burdens to bear, but in this life, things could be different.
"You're not that person anymore," Lukas said firmly. "Neither of us are. We've been given a second chance—an opportunity to rise above the people we used to be."
Zane looked at him, something close to hope flickering in his eyes. "What are you saying?"
"I'm saying we're in this together," Lukas continued. "From now on, I'm not just your young master. I'll be your older brother in this world. We'll look out for each other."
Zane's eyes widened, his voice soft. "Brother? I..."
Before he could finish, Lukas smiled. "But I know what you're going to say. You still feel like you should be my subordinate, right?"
Zane gave a reluctant nod. "It just... feels right. After all, I owe you my life."
Lukas shook his head. "You don't owe me anything. We'll face what's coming together. But if you insist on calling me your master, then as your master, I want to see you grow stronger."
Zane blinked in confusion. "Stronger?"
Lukas stood up and approached the small chest near his bed. As he opened it, the *Echelon Ascendant* system pulsed in his mind. A moment later, two items appeared—gleaming, golden fruits shaped like apples. Lukas stared at them, the system's voice echoing in his thoughts.
[Welcome Gift Unlocked: Golden Vitality Fruits]
These fruits will reinvigorate the body, enhance physical endurance, and prepare the body for cultivation.
Lukas smiled to himself. This was the system's way of helping him prepare for the challenges ahead. He took both fruits and turned to Zane, offering one of them.
"Eat this," Lukas said, holding out the golden fruit. "It'll help you."
Zane stared at the fruit, his hesitation evident. "What is it?"
"It's a gift from the system," Lukas explained. "It'll strengthen your body, and get you ready for the battles to come."
Zane shook his head. "No, you take both. You're the one who needs to get stronger."
Lukas's smile widened, but his voice took on a commanding tone. "Remember what you said? That you'd be my subordinate? Well, I'm ordering you to take this."
Zane blinked, surprised by the firmness in Lukas's voice. After a moment of hesitation, he sighed. "You really know how to blackmail someone, don't you?"
Lukas chuckled. "I don't want to carry your dead body off the battlefield in two days. Now eat."
Reluctantly, Zane took the fruit and bit into it. His eyes widened in surprise as the sweet taste filled his mouth. "It tastes like an apple…"
"An apple that makes you stronger," Lukas added with a grin before taking a bite of his own. The moment the fruit entered his system, he felt a wave of energy pulse through him. His muscles tightened, his breath steadied, and a warmth spread through his veins.
[Strength and Endurance Increased]
[Body Prepared for Cultivation]
Lukas clenched his fists, feeling the subtle shift in his body's strength. It wasn't a massive boost, but it was enough to feel more… alive.
Zane wiped his mouth, looking at his hands in awe. "That... felt different. Like my body's waking up."
Lukas nodded. "We're on our way now. But I've still got a long road ahead. I can't cultivate yet, not until I complete my first trial."
Zane frowned. "What trial?"
Lukas shook his head. "The system hasn't revealed everything yet. But for now, let's get some rest. We've got two days before we leave for the battlefield, and I want us both to be ready."
Zane nodded, standing up and heading for the door. "Goodnight, Lukas."
Lukas lay down on his bed, his mind racing as the system's notifications flickered in and out. Despite the improvements to his body, he still had a long way to go. His new life was just beginning, and the trials ahead were daunting.