[AELION'S POV]
Aelion said nothing at first, merely observing the boy who bowed before him. Ash's words echoed in his mind, strange and unexpected. It wasn't every day someone came looking for him—especially not a child.
This place was remote, its location difficult to find. The rare wanderers who stumbled upon it were typically lost souls with no clue of his identity.
But this child was different. He had come with purpose. His request was clear, his tone unwavering. It stirred something within Aelion, something he hadn't felt since the day he'd lost his magic: genuine intrigue.
Though willing to take the boy as his disciple, Aelion maintained the demeanor of an aloof and detached elder. His gaze sharpened, and his voice carried a quiet weight as he finally spoke.
"Why do you want to become my disciple?"
The boy named 'Ray' didn't hesitate, his voice steady despite the pressure of the moment. "Because I want to learn from the greatest swordsman—Aelion Stormblade, the Lightning Reaper. I want to become the greatest sword master and surpass you."
The title "Lightning Reaper" struck Aelion like a lightning bolt itself. It had been so long since anyone had referred to him by that name. A part of him felt a flicker of pride, a fleeting satisfaction in hearing someone acknowledge the warrior he once was.
But the shadow of his failure loomed over him. Without his magic, he felt unworthy of such accolades.
Still, if he couldn't reclaim the title of the greatest swordsman, perhaps he could forge someone who could. His eyes lingered on the boy, assessing the boy's potential, though his face betrayed none of his thoughts.
But before anything else…
Aelion' s expression hardened, and the air around him grew heavy. He unleashed his killing intent, a suffocating force born not from magic but from sheer will and experience. His presence alone felt like a storm about to erupt.
"How do you know who I am?" he demanded, his voice low and menacing. "How did you find me? I'm certain no one here remembers me. I became a myth long ago."
The pressure increased, a crushing wave that could reduce even seasoned warriors to trembling messes. Yet the boy surprised him. Though the boy was forced to one knee, he didn't collapse.
His breathing was labored, his body shaking slightly, but he stood his ground in defiance of the overwhelming force.
Aelion' s eyes gleamed with interest. Rarely did he encounter such resilience, especially in one so young. Still, potential alone was not enough. Everything now depended on the boy's answer.
**
[ASH'S POV]
I took a deep breath and bowed deeply, my head almost parallel to the ground. "I am Ray Dawson, and I am here to ask you to take me in as your disciple and teach me how to fight as a swordsman." My voice was steady, but my heart raced as I kept my head low.
I decided not to use my real name before starting at the academy. If I were to learn swordsmanship from him under my real name, wouldn't that put my identity at risk?
If word got out that I was practicing both magic and swordsmanship, it would defy common sense. People would start asking questions, and before I knew it, I'd be in the spotlight—something I definitely wanted to avoid.
That's why I chose to use the protagonist's name instead. By taking on Ray's identity, no one would suspect anything—after all, Ray's main class was Swordsman. It was the perfect cover.
I've seen many protagonists place their trust in their masters, only to end up betrayed when they least expected it. That's why I decided—no one would know my real name.
As for my face, that can be hidden with artifacts or other means. But once a name is sullied, it can't be undone—not unless I abandon it entirely and take on a new identity.
And that's something I absolutely don't want.
I stayed motionless, knowing full well that my answers to his questions would decide everything. After what felt like an eternity, the old man finally spoke, his tone curious yet stern, "Why do you want to become my disciple?"
I had expected this question—I had rehearsed my answer countless times. The stories always said he asked this of everyone who dared approach him.
Without lifting my head, I replied, "Because I want to learn from the greatest swordsman, Aelion Stormblade, also known as The Lightning Reaper. I want to surpass you and become the greatest swordmaster in history."
Silence followed.
I waited, straining to gauge his reaction. But before I could fully process it, the air around me shifted violently. It felt as though a mountain had settled on my shoulders, forcing me to drop to one knee. When I dared to look up, I realized what it was—his killing intent.
My mind remained calm, thanks to the Rune of Stability etched onto my soul, but my physical form wasn't as fortunate. My muscles trembled under the immense weight as the old man's voice cut through the suffocating atmosphere.
"How do you know who I am? And how did you find me? No one here remembers me—I became a myth long ago."
I gritted my teeth, trying to push myself upright, but the pressure increased again. That's when I noticed it—his amused expression, the barely concealed smile, and those eyes brimming with mischievous delight.
The old man was enjoying this.
I forced a smirk onto my face despite the crushing weight. "Lady Elenor sent me," I said through clenched teeth. "She sends her regards and asks how you've been. Oh, and she told me to remind you—if you don't take me as your disciple, she'll come here and drag you back herself."
In an instant, the killing intent vanished.
I watched his reaction carefully. Then, to my surprise, a nervous, almost comical laugh escaped his lips. The smirk on his face turned into something between relief and exasperation.
"Mother…" he muttered, rubbing his temple. "That stubborn woman hasn't changed, has she?"
I straightened up, stretching my shoulders as the weight disappeared. "Nope," I replied casually. "And she didn't seem like the type to bluff, either."
Aelion let out a long sigh, running a hand through his silver hair. "And here I thought I was free."
He looked at me again, this time with less hostility and more curiosity.
"Tell me, boy. Why did you really come here?"
I met his gaze without hesitation. "I already told you. I want to learn from the best. I want to surpass you."
He scoffed. "Arrogant words from someone who can barely stand under my aura."
I smirked. "Well, if I can't handle pressure, how can I handle being the best?"
Aelion studied me for a long moment before shaking his head with an amused chuckle. "Fine. From now on, you are my disciple."
Then, suddenly, he burst into laughter—hard laughter, as if he had just heard the funniest joke in the world.
I watched him for a moment before crossing my arms. "You okay, old man? You sound a little unhinged."
Aelion wiped a tear from the corner of his eye. "You… remind me of someone."
I raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Who?"
He waved a hand dismissively. "Doesn't matter. Just someone equally insufferable."
I grinned. "I'll take that as a compliment."
He sighed, shaking his head. "What have I gotten myself into…"
I took a step closer, tilting my head. "Oh, by the way, that was a joke. But if you take me as your disciple, I can help you get your magic back."
Silence.
The laughter stopped instantly.
Aelion' s entire demeanor shifted. His expression darkened, his posture stiffened, and for the first time since I arrived, his amusement was replaced by something far more dangerous.
His eyes locked onto mine, a storm of emotions flickering beneath the surface—anger, frustration, disbelief.
"You dare—" he started, his voice sharp, but I cut him off before he could explode.
"I didn't lie," I said firmly. "I met your mother and got her blessing. She told me where to find you. So, teach me, and I'll help you reclaim what you lost."
Aelion narrowed his eyes. "And how exactly do you plan on doing that?"
I smirked. "It's a secret."
His eye twitched. "You're a cheeky brat, aren't you?"
I shrugged. "You're not the first to say that."
He studied me for a long moment, the silence stretching between us. Then, with a long, weary sigh, Aelion Stormblade—the Lightning Reaper, the greatest swordsman in history—nodded.
"Fine," he said, his voice laced with resignation. "But don't think I'll go easy on you."
I grinned. "I wouldn't want it any other way."
As I turned to follow him, his voice stopped me.
"Ray"
I paused.
"Yeah?"
His tone was quieter now, but no less serious. "I don't know how much of what you said is truth or bluff… but if you're lying, you won't survive."
I laughed nervously, though his gaze told me he wasn't joking. "Guess I'll just have to prove you wrong."
***
After agreeing to take me as his disciple, the first thing Master Aelion did was insist that I address him as "Master Aelion." It wasn't too difficult to comply, though it felt a bit awkward. In my previous life, there was no such thing as "master and disciple" relationships, at least not in the traditional sense. Still, I figured I'd get used to it.
He showed me the room where I'd be spending the next few years. It was simple, not overly lavish or uncomfortably sparse. What stood out most was its surroundings—nature's beauty was in full display, with the vibrant greenery and the breathtaking scenery.
"Rest tonight," he said, his tone firm but not unkind. "Tomorrow, we'll begin your training. First, we'll test what element you have an affinity with."
I nodded obediently, watching as he left. Once the door shut, my mind wandered.
Everything's going according to plan, I thought with a small smile. Sure, I had lied about meeting his mother. But as long as I helped him regain his magic, it wouldn't matter in the long run. He'd forgive me—or so I hoped.
My thoughts drifted to the upcoming affinity test. What kind of element would I align with? Curiosity bubbled up, so I decided to ask the system, though I wasn't expecting much of an answer.
[System Notification: Currently, Host has no affinity with any element.]
I stared at the words, then grinned. Of course. This matched what I remembered from the game. As a player, I didn't have an innate affinity with any element either. That didn't mean I was powerless—it meant I had the potential to wield all elements.
The realization sent a wave of excitement through me. My grin turned mischievous as I muttered in my mind, "Skill Creation."
[Which skill does the host want to create?]
'A Skill that let me manipulate all the existing elements in the nature, and let me have their affinities.'
[Initializing...]
[Initializing...]
{Skill creation successful}
[Body too weak to manipulate all elements, sealing the elements ]
[ Host can choose 4 elements, other elements will be sealed and open only when the host body is strong enough to handle the attribute mana]
[ 1. Fire]
[2. Water]
[3. Air]
[4. Earth]
[5. Lightning]
[6. Ice]
[7. Light]
[8. Darkness]
[Locked]
[Locked]
[Locked]
After pondering for a while, I decided on the elements. It made sense to align with Master Aelion' s primary affinities: Light, Lightning, and Air.
They were the foundations of his legendary speed, reaction time, and the sheer destructive power of his sword style. As for the last element, I picked Fire—a versatile choice that could amplify my attacks and provide explosive acceleration.
My reasoning wasn't complicated. Years of reading novels had given me a basic understanding of the synergy between these elements.
Light for precision and agility, Lightning for reaction speed and raw power, Air for mobility and control, and Fire for devastation.
Besides, thanks to my skill Harmonic Convergence, I didn't have to worry about achieving the perfect balance on ground using earth element and performing acrobatics as if using water element to move seamlessly.
That's why I avoided Earth or Water—not because they weren't useful, but because they were not needed right now.
After making my choices, I paused, waiting for… something. A surge of energy? A dramatic change?
Nothing.
I frowned slightly and decided to check my Status to confirm if the changes had taken effect.
With a thought, I summoned the screen in my mind:
"Status"
The translucent display materialized before me, and I scanned it eagerly.
**
STATUS SCREEN
Name: Ash Burn
Age: 6
Level: 5 (0/3000)
Class: Swordsman ( PARTIALLY - LOCKED)
**
Strength: 12
Agility: 12
Intelligence: 12
Vitality: 12
Magic Power: 12
Charm: 12
**
[Skill Creation] (Unique)
Description: The ability to create new skills from imagination per level. The more diverse and unique the imagination, the more powerful the skills created.
‣[Mana Manipulation]-(Level 4)
Description: The user's mastery over mana absorption and control has reached an advanced stage. The flow of mana within user body has become highly refined, allowing for smoother and more efficient absorption of energy. Mana can now be directed with precision to enhance physical attributes, temporarily imbue objects like weapons and shields with magical properties.
‣[Sword Mastery]-(Level 2)
Description: Increases proficiency with sword-related tasks, allowing for greater precision and effectiveness. As the skill level increases, the user's insight into sword techniques improves.
‣[Inspect]-(Level 2)
Description: The ability to carefully examine objects, places, and people to discern hidden details, uncover secrets, or identify points of interest. It can also tell the emotional state of the person you're inspecting.
‣[Harmonic Convergence]-(Passive)
Description: A passive skill that fuses the primal energies of the Rune of Stability and the Rune of Balance, granting the user unparalleled mastery over both their body and the environment. Harmonic Convergence enables flawless movement, allowing the user to traverse even the most treacherous terrain with effortless grace.
‣[Elemental Manipulation]-(Passive)
Description: It is the ability to control and shape all 12 elements in nature, using them for attack, defense, and utility. It requires focus, energy, and precision, offering immense versatility and power when mastered.
‣Skills(5/5)
**
***
As Ash scanned his Status and didn't see much of a change, he decided to try testing out his new elemental affinities. Starting with Fire, he concentrated, focusing on his fingertips.
Within moments, a small, flickering flame appeared, dancing delicately on his finger. It was beautiful—perfectly contained, with no sign of it growing out of control.
It was as easy as breathing I just have to Imagine fire and my mana will transform into fire.
Encouraged, he tried to make the flame float away from his fingertip, but the moment he tried, the flame stuck to his finger like glue, refusing to separate.
Confused, Ash tried with Lightning, Air, and Light in turn, but each element manifested on his body instead. The Lightning crackled lightly around his skin, the Air swirled around him in a gentle breeze, and a soft glow of Light emanated from his body.
Yet none of them would leave him, staying firmly tethered to his form.
What the hell is going on? Ash thought, frustration starting to creep in. The elements were supposed to be part of him, but they weren't behaving as expected.
After a few more attempts with no success, Ash sighed, deciding he was too tired to keep experimenting. I'll ask Master Aelion tomorrow, he reasoned.
Tonight's been too taxing—getting the Rune, creating two skills, gaining a master... It's been a lot to process.
With that thought, he collapsed onto the bed, the exhaustion from the day finally catching up to him. His mind swirled with all that had happened, but sleep quickly overtook him.
***