Five years had passed since Jin-seok's rebirth into the world of the Demonic Sect. Now a curious and sharp-eyed toddler, he had begun to grasp the nuances of his powerful family. The halls of the sect's palace, with their dark, looming architecture and intimidating banners, had become his playground. He felt the constant presence of power among his family and the sect's members, a palpable energy that both thrilled and intimidated him.
Though still too young to cultivate in the traditional sense, Jin-seok's game-like interface and unique abilities gave him an advantage that no one else knew about. With Memory Reading, he could touch others and access their knowledge, granting him a head start in learning skills that would take others years to master.
Jin-seok wasn't the only child of the Demonic Emperor, however. His older brother, Jin-ho, was already renowned across the sect as a young prodigy. At nine years old, Jin-ho had begun his training in demonic arts, demonstrating strength and potential that drew admiration from everyone, including their father. Jin-seok felt the pressure of his brother's achievements weighing on him, but he was determined to forge his own path.
Today was an unusual day in the Demonic Sect. Jin-seok had been shooed out of his mother's quarters as midwives and attendants rushed around, whispering about the birth of another child. He could feel the excitement in the air, and while the adults celebrated, he quietly slipped away, eager to practice his skills in secret.
Hours later, the Demonic Emperor himself summoned Jin-seok and Jin-ho to meet their newborn sibling. Jin-seok watched curiously as their mother cradled a small baby boy, Min-seok, the third son of the Demonic Sect. Jin-seok couldn't help but notice the pride glimmering in their father's eyes as he gazed at his new son. It was a fleeting expression, but Jin-seok's sharp senses caught it, making him acutely aware of his place as the overlooked middle child.
As they gathered around Min-seok, Jin-seok felt a familiar spark of ambition ignite within him. If he was to gain recognition, he would need to carve out his own identity, distinct from his brothers.
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That evening, while the rest of the sect celebrated Min-seok's birth, Jin-seok quietly slipped out of sight. He sought out a secluded corner of the palace where he could practice his abilities without interruption. His Memory Reading had already allowed him to absorb knowledge from various sect members he encountered—servants, guards, and even his caretakers.
One day, he had brushed against a guard who was reputed for his extensive experience in martial arts, yet was often regarded as a bit of a joke among the other guards. This guard had shared tales of an ancient technique known as The Whispering Wind, a skill that promised speed and agility but was often dismissed as ineffective in real combat. Most practitioners found it lacked the power needed to be taken seriously. However, Jin-seok was intrigued by the prospect of mastering something that others deemed useless.
The technique involved a series of swift movements that relied more on precision and timing than on brute strength. Jin-seok had absorbed the guard's memories of the technique, and he practiced it with determination. In private, he executed the movements, his tiny body becoming increasingly agile with each session.
In the quiet of his room, Jin-seok moved like a shadow, his bare feet silent on the cold floor as he practiced The Whispering Wind. At first, his steps were clumsy, the technique feeling awkward as he attempted to replicate the guard's fluidity. Yet, with each day, he became more attuned to the rhythm of the movements. He envisioned himself as the guard had described—a leaf carried effortlessly by the wind, elusive and untouchable.
As he practiced, he couldn't help but feel a sense of exhilaration. Even if others dismissed it as a useless technique, he could feel the potential within it. After a few weeks of practice, he began to notice improvements in his agility. He could dodge around furniture, weave between shadows, and even manage to execute a few flawless turns and spins.
One evening, Jin-seok decided to take his practice outside. The moon hung high in the night sky, casting silver beams that illuminated the courtyard. Here, surrounded by the stillness of the night, he felt free. He imagined himself as a leaf dancing on the wind, darting through the air with grace and ease.
As he practiced The Whispering Wind, he felt a newfound connection to the technique. It may not have been the most powerful skill, but it was becoming a part of him. Each movement flowed seamlessly into the next, and he began to visualize scenarios where he could use this ability to his advantage. If he could learn to be swift and elusive, perhaps he could outmaneuver his brothers, drawing attention to himself in ways they hadn't anticipated.
In the background of his training, Jin-seok was aware of the larger world around him. Whispers of the Righteous Sect War reached his ears—tales of fierce battles between the Demonic Sect and the various righteous sects that sought to eradicate them. The war had escalated in recent years, fueled by the ambitions of those who sought to challenge the Demonic Emperor, who was considered the strongest human to walk the continent. He was feared and respected, a figure whose power seemed insurmountable. The war was a constant reminder of the stakes involved in their world—a world where strength determined one's fate.
As tensions rose, Jin-seok realized the importance of his family's legacy. He would not only have to contend with his brothers but also with the expectations of a sect embroiled in a brutal conflict. If he was to succeed, he needed to find a way to prove his worth and contribute to the family's strength.
With every passing day, Jin-seok absorbed more skills and knowledge, including illusions. Although limited by his age, he practiced creating subtle visual deceptions, learning to bend reality just enough to confuse others. And as his younger brother Min-seok began to draw attention, Jin-seok decided he would use this time of being overlooked to his advantage. He'd stay in the shadows, learning and preparing for the moment when he would rise.
This was only the beginning. Jin-seok was determined that one day, he would stand out—not just as the quiet middle child of the Demonic Emperor but as a force to be reckoned with. When he did rise, the world—and his family—would finally see his true strength.
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