In the lands of Ionia, specifically in the Navoli province's small village of Gentle Breeze, the Spring Festival had just ended. Wisps from the spirit willow still floated in the breeze, carrying the aroma of freshly tilled soil and budding blossoms through the village. This was Ionia's season of rebirth, as the land's magical energies mingled with spiritual essence, infusing everything with life and vitality.
In this lively season, the village's youth had gathered in the central training grounds, undergoing their essential education. In ten days, each would face a test that could change their futures: either returning to farm life or joining the Wind Sword School to train as a swordmaster.
But the beauty of spring proved distracting. Despite knowing the importance of these lessons, the youth found it difficult to focus as Elder Suma droned on, describing techniques essential to mastering the wind's power.
Most students seemed restless—save for two. Sitting attentively in the front row was Yone, listening closely to every word, as though unaffected by the spirit energies swirling in the air. In contrast, seated in the second-to-last row, with his head nearly out the window, was the notorious troublemaker, Yasuo.
"Yasuo," Elder Suma called, irritation tinging his voice as he noticed the boy's inattentiveness. "Come up here and demonstrate how to summon the wind around you."
"Me?" Yasuo stammered, taken aback, rising slowly. "Alright… how do I do it?"
With every eye fixed on him, the training grounds grew silent. Summoning the wind was no simple feat; even the most diligent students struggled to master it. Elder Suma's challenge was clear to all—he meant to make an example of Yasuo. Most didn't care much if Yasuo failed, though Yone glanced on with a hint of concern.
"Do your best. Summon the power of the wind as I've taught you," Elder Suma instructed.
Surprisingly, Yasuo wasn't flustered. Instead, he smiled, snapped his fingers, and—before anyone knew it—the gentle breeze of spring arrived at his side, swirling around him naturally as if they were old friends. The soft wind carried a few petals and bits of willow fluff, soothing the students and lifting the hazy energy from their minds.
Elder Suma narrowed his eyes, holding back any critique as he noted Yasuo's surprising command of the wind—a feat that left an impression even on the elder himself. Yasuo, it seemed, was more than a mere misfit.
That day, the Wind Sword School gained a new apprentice.
With news of his admission spreading, Yasuo slipped away during the lunch break. Avoiding his brother Yone's usual lectures was reason enough to leave early, though he was also eager to inspect his newfound "rewards."
You see, this Yasuo was a bit of an anomaly—a reincarnated soul with memories from another life.
"Main Quest: 'Surprise Entrance'—Complete."
"Side Quest: 'Unexpected Genius'—Complete."
"Mission Grade: A. Rewards: Essence of the Wind and the title Wind's Little Prodigy."
"Wind's Little Prodigy: Yasuo, you really are a natural talent."
Reading through his system screen, Yasuo couldn't help but sigh. The Essence of the Wind was nothing more than a transcription of Elder Suma's teachings in his own handwriting, useful mainly for tutoring his brother. And as for that title—it sounded more mocking than complimentary.
Still, he shrugged it off. His system had a knack for giving him goals that seemed like setups for trouble, but he took them in stride. Checking his next set of quests, Yasuo tucked the scroll under his arm and reviewed his options.
"Path One: Most Admired—Become the most respected student in the Wind Sword School, earning the unanimous praise of all."
"Path Two: The Coldest Blade—Make your blade so sharp that every student says in awe, 'His sword is colder than ice!'"
"Path Three: The Most Unpredictable—Ensure that no one can ever guess your next move. Let them always wonder what you'll do next."
Familiar choices, and only one clear option. Without hesitation, Yasuo chose The Most Unpredictable. After all, staying one step ahead was what he did best. Playing the part of a mysterious figure suited him far better than trying to look cool or stoic.
Satisfied, Yasuo whistled as he headed home. Now that he had secured his place at the school, there was no need to sit through the afternoon's class—especially with no charming company around. Yet, as he walked, he soon realized something strange: instead of his home's familiar entrance, he found himself lost in a thicket.
"Now, where am I?"
Glossary
Spring Festival: An Ionian tradition celebrating the first buds of the spirit willow, when spiritual and physical realms converge.