After the celebration, Edwin and Gideon found themselves with time to spare, so they did what any boys their age would, ran off to enjoy the rest of the day. They wandered through the castle grounds, weaving through the training yard where knights were sparring, past the stables where stablehands were tending to the horses, and toward one of their favorite spots near the garden walls. There, with sticks in hand, they clashed like knights in a grand battle, striking dramatic poses and exchanging exaggerated blows.

  "Hah! You’ll never defeat me, Dark Lord Edwin! I, the mighty hero, shall vanquish you!" Gideon declared, brandishing his stick like a legendary blade.

  Edwin smirked, spinning his own stick before pointing it at Gideon. "Dark Lord? Please, I prefer Supreme Emperor of All Creation. And you? You’re just the first fool to fall before my might."

  "Not a chance! Take this!" Gideon lunged forward, and their sticks clashed, the sound echoing through the courtyard as they laughed, exchanging playful insults and exaggerated attacks.

  Eventually, they tired themselves out and flopped onto the grass, panting from their pretend battle. After catching his breath, Gideon turned to Edwin, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "So, we’re finally allowed outside the castle soon. Where should we go first?"

  Edwin, still staring at the sky, hummed in thought. "Probably the town. I want to see how people live, what they use, how things work."

  Gideon gave him a curious look. "You always think about things like that. I was going to say we should go to the training grounds outside the castle walls and watch the soldiers train! Maybe even sneak in a fight or two."

  Edwin chuckled. "You just want to fight everyone."

  Gideon grinned. "Of course! That’s the whole point of having a sword! What about you? You finally got yours today. Doesn’t it make you want to test it out?"

  Edwin nodded. "Yeah, but there’s more to life than just swinging a sword. I want to understand how things work out there, not just on the training ground."

  Gideon waved a hand. "Fine, fine. But if we’re going to town, I say we try some street food. I heard from one of the guards that they sell the best honeyed pastries near the market square."

  Edwin smirked. "Alright, deal. First, we explore, then we eat."

  "That’s the spirit!" Gideon cheered, sitting up. "Oh, by the way, how was your ceremony? The old man rushed through mine so fast my mom nearly exploded."

  Edwin snorted. "Same here. He barely explained anything before he declared the results. I think my mother was about to scold him, but then she just sighed like she had already given up."

  Gideon laughed. "That’s exactly what happened with my mom! She started yelling, then just kind of… accepted it. I guess everyone knows he’s hopeless when it comes to these things."

  Edwin smirked. "Yeah, but it was still weird. When I stood in the circle, I felt like something was scanning me, moving through my whole body, trying to find something that wasn’t there."

  Gideon made a face. "Ugh, yeah! I felt that too! Like a bunch of tiny little hands poking and prodding me inside. It didn’t hurt, but it was… weird."

  "Exactly," Edwin nodded. "And then, just like that, it was gone."

  Gideon sighed, stretching his arms. "And then he gave me that look. The old man actually looked sad."

  Edwin’s expression darkened slightly. "Not just for you, but for me too. It was like he actually cared."

  Gideon scoffed. "I didn’t think he was capable of looking serious, but when he patted my shoulder, I swear I thought he was about to give a real speech for once. Then he just walked off."

  Edwin raised an eyebrow. "You mean he actually looked normal for a second?"

  Gideon groaned. "No, he still looked crazy. Just… sad and crazy."

  Edwin shook his head. "Hey, we can still train, magic or not."

  Gideon grinned. "That’s right! Just because we don’t have magic doesn’t mean we can’t be strong. Besides, I’d rather be the best swordsman than some stuffy old mage."

  Edwin smirked. "Good to know where your priorities are."

  Gideon chuckled before glancing at Edwin curiously. "So, what now? You just gonna spend the rest of the day sulking?"

  Edwin grinned, shaking his head. "Not a chance. But I think I’m done for today. I’m feeling tired, so I’m going to head back to my room."

  Gideon sat up, narrowing his eyes. "You? Tired? You never tap out before me. What are you up to?"

  Edwin gave an exaggerated yawn. "Just what I said. I had a long day, and I want to rest."

  Gideon eyed him for a moment before shrugging. "Fine, fine. But don’t think you’re getting out of our next duel. I’ll beat you for sure next time."

  Edwin smirked. "We’ll see about that."

  They exchanged farewells, and as soon as Gideon was out of sight, Edwin wasted no time. He turned and made his way quickly back to his room. His heart pounded with anticipation. Finally, after all these years of waiting, he was going to try. He was going to see if he could cultivate.

  Back in his room, Edwin took a moment to prepare. He had stolen—borrowed—a small wooden tub from the laundry, the kind typically used for washing clothes, repurposing it into his cultivation seat. He had enough memories of his first life to remember that if he succeeded, impurities would be forced from his body, seeping out of his pores like sweat, bringing with them the hidden filth that clung to his very being. He had no intention of making a mess of his chambers. To further prepare, he had also instructed the servants to fill his usual bathing tub with fresh, warm water. Once the process was over, he would need a thorough cleansing.

  With all arrangements in place, Edwin took a steadying breath and removed his clothing, allowing the cool air of the room to brush against his skin before carefully stepping into the wooden tub. It was cramped, but functional. He crossed his legs, straightened his posture, and closed his eyes. Slowly, he exhaled and willed his body to relax. This time, it had to work.

  Unlike his previous, painful attempts, something was different. The moment he reached out, the energy of the world responded, not resisting, but flowing toward him as if he had simply needed to acknowledge it for it to answer his call. It was potent, vast, and more refined than the spiritual energy he had known in his past life. It felt less like raw power and more like an ever-present force, gentle but brimming with boundless potential. It sought to enter his body freely, but it lacked direction. Without guidance, it tried to seep into him indiscriminately, dispersing itself too evenly, spreading into his limbs, his torso, his very bones in a chaotic, unfocused manner.

  He knew he had to reign it in. Using the methods ingrained in him from his past life, he began to direct the energy, attempting to shape it into the familiar pathways of his old cultivation technique. However, something unexpected happened. Every time he forced the energy into the rigid circulation patterns of his former cultivation manual, he felt resistance. It was not painful, nor was it forceful, but rather, it was as if the energy itself was nudging him. Guiding him toward a different method, a new way of channeling power through his body.

  Curious, he hesitated for only a moment before deciding to follow its lead. If anything went awry, he was still in the early stages. He could correct himself. But as he surrendered to the flow, he felt something incredible. Harmony. The energy aligned with him perfectly, coursing through his body with an effortless grace he had never experienced before. Unlike his previous life, where cultivating felt like carving a path through solid stone, here it felt as though the world itself was helping him, refining him, sculpting his very essence into something greater.

  The difference was profound. With each breath, he could feel his body absorbing more and more of this energy, slowly refining it, strengthening his very being at a foundational level. His muscles became taut, his bones more resilient, his very core brimming with newfound vitality. The cultivation pattern he had followed in his past life had been a struggle, an uphill climb fraught with bottlenecks and stagnation. But this… this was like a river flowing into the ocean, unrestricted, limitless. His entire being resonated with the natural rhythm of the world, as though he had found the key to a power that had been waiting for him all along.

  Then, it happened. A shift. A surge. His mind sharpened as the gathered energy reached a tipping point, cascading through him like a flood. Something inside him clicked into place, and suddenly, he was no longer grasping at energy, he was one with it. He had broken through. He had entered the Spirit Gathering Realm, Rank 1.

  For a long moment, he sat in stunned silence, reveling in the sensation. Power coursed through him, different from anything he had ever known. It was not just raw strength. It was balance, perfection, something deeply attuned to him in a way his past cultivation never had been. His foundation was flawless, built not upon the rigid frameworks of old, but upon something entirely new, something wholly his own.

  Just as he was about to delve deeper into this revelation, a pungent, nauseating stench hit his nose like a physical blow. His eyes snapped open, and he nearly gagged. A thick, oily layer of filth coated his skin, dark and greasy, reeking of something rancid and vile.

  Edwin groaned. "Well… I was right about needing that bath."

  With his bath done, Edwin ordered the servants to clean the bathing tub, as well as the now thoroughly disgusting small wooden tub he had borrowed. Explaining to them that he had been conducting an experiment didn’t take much effort, though he could tell from their expressions that they remained both suspicious and disgruntled about the whole ordeal. Thankfully, they didn’t press him with too many questions, though he knew it was only a matter of time before word of his strange behavior reached his parents. Hopefully, they would simply assume it had something to do with his usual curiosity, perhaps an experiment involving food or plants, or just another one of his odd fascinations.

  Fortunately, his parents did not press him with questions, allowing them to enjoy a peaceful dinner together as a family.

  With matters settled for the day, Edwin turned his focus inward. Back in his room, sitting cross-legged in a meditative posture, he began to truly examine himself, delving deeper into the changes within his body. The energy coursing through him was unlike anything he had ever felt before. Purer, denser, almost alive in the way it moved through his meridians. It was as if the very essence of the world had been waiting for him, responding to his presence in a way that defied all his prior understanding of cultivation.

  Even at the very first stage of Spirit Gathering, he could feel the sheer vastness of this power. The difference was staggering. He recalled the struggles of his past life, where each breakthrough had been hard-fought, requiring painstaking effort to draw in even the smallest wisp of energy. Yet here, the energy had not only welcomed him but had actively guided him. He felt more refined, more stable, as though his foundation had been forged with care rather than through trial and error. Compared to an ordinary cultivator at this level, his strength was leagues ahead, bolstered both by the profound nature of this world's energy and the cultivation technique that had naturally adapted to him. It was as though this power had always been meant for him.

  The possibilities swirled in his mind. If the energy itself was guiding his cultivation, did that mean he was unique? Or was this a fundamental property of this world? Had others experienced the same phenomenon, or was he the only one to have stumbled upon this effortless path? And if it was only him, why? Was it because of his past life? Or was there another force at play?

  He flexed his fingers, feeling the energy ripple beneath his skin. He couldn’t wait to put his newfound strength to the test, to push his body and mind further than ever before. Yet, beyond the thrill of personal power, the implications of his discovery intrigued him far more. The energy had actively aided him. It had responded as if welcoming him into something greater, something he did not yet fully comprehend.

  Why? How? These were mysteries that could take years to unravel. But the most immediate question that burned in his mind was simple yet profound: was this an advantage unique to him, or could anyone in this world cultivate as flawlessly as he just had?

  Edwin exhaled slowly, his mind sharpening with resolve. He had an idea of where to start looking for answers. And more importantly, he knew exactly who could help him uncover the truth.

  The next day, the moment Edwin woke up, his first instinct was to try cultivating again. He hadn’t attempted it immediately after reaching Spirit Gathering Rank 1, knowing he needed to rest and consolidate his gains. No matter how flawless his foundation seemed, rushing ahead without properly stabilizing could lead to unseen mistakes that might affect him in the future.

  Sitting up in bed, he crossed his legs and took a deep breath, preparing himself. As he reached out to draw in the energy around him, expecting the same smooth flow as before, a sharp, familiar pain shot through his body. It was the same discomfort he had felt every time he had attempted to cultivate before turning six. His brows furrowed in thought.

  So, his body still wasn’t ready? He had assumed that once he broke through to Spirit Gathering, he’d be able to continue unhindered, but it seemed there was still a limit to how much energy his young body could absorb. Was it another restriction due to his age? If so, then perhaps he needed to wait another year before progressing further. Pushing too hard now might cause damage rather than advancement.

  With a sigh, Edwin re-centered himself. He had expected this possibility, though he had hoped otherwise. At least now he had a clear answer. For now, all he could do was focus on other aspects of his growth until his body matured further.

  Stolen novel; please report.

  Shaking off his disappointment, he finally stood and began his morning routine. In most of the fantasy stories from his past life, noble children would have maids waking them up and dressing them every morning, but his father had made it clear that he wanted him to be self-sufficient. That meant Edwin had to wake up on his own, wash up, and dress himself without assistance. Not that he minded, he was used to it from his previous lives. Still, he had to admit that experiencing a life of daily pampering while he was young wouldn’t have been the worst thing.

  As he reached for his clothes, a sudden knock on the door made him pause. Before he could even respond, the door swung open, and in walked Gideon, his mischievous grin quickly shifting into a frown when he saw Edwin already up.

  "You’re awake already?" Gideon whined, crossing his arms. "It’s too early for you to be up on your own. I was supposed to be the one waking you up!"

  Edwin smirked as he pulled on his tunic. "And why, exactly, did you think I’d still be sleeping?"

  Gideon huffed. "Because you always wake up late after your birthday! I planned for this! I was going to jump on your bed, shake you awake, and yell something dramatic like, ‘Rise and shine, my lord! It’s time for battle!’ But nooo, you just had to ruin it by waking up on your own."

  Edwin chuckled, shaking his head. "Sorry to disappoint. Now, why are you here so early?"

  At that, Gideon’s frown vanished, replaced by a wide grin. "Because now that you finally have a real sword, and my father is still here, we can start training right away!"

  Edwin perked up at the mention of training, the last remnants of sleep fading completely. "Already?"

  "Of course! What, did you think you’d get to laze around all morning?" Gideon smirked, puffing out his chest. "Besides, I do have a bit of an advantage. I started training with a real sword earlier, after all. You’re going to have a lot of catching up to do if you want to keep up with me."

  Edwin rolled his eyes but grinned nonetheless. "We’ll see about that."

  The thought of finally testing his new strength sent excitement coursing through him. This wasn’t just about training with a sword, this was the perfect opportunity to gauge how much his body had changed since breaking into Spirit Gathering Rank 1. And, more than that, it might also be the perfect chance to convince Gideon to try something new.

  As they entered the training grounds with their new swords and simple training clothes, they quickly realized they weren’t alone. Several knights were present, preparing their gear and checking their weapons with an air of focus and urgency. The clinking of armor, the sharpening of blades, and the murmurs of conversation filled the air.

  Edwin furrowed his brow. "Why does it look like they’re getting ready for something serious? I thought morning drills weren’t until later."

  Gideon, always eager for excitement, grinned. "Maybe they’re finally doing something interesting instead of just marching around. Come on, let’s get closer!"

  They approached the group of knights, trying to make sense of the preparations, when a young man in his late teens strode toward them. He had a confident gait, a friendly smile on his face, but there was a sharpness to his eyes, one that spoke of experience beyond his years. He was dressed in full armor, though not as polished or ornate as some of the senior knights. He carried his helmet under his arm, his brown hair slightly damp with sweat from earlier drills.

  "Look who it is! The little lord finally got their real sword, huh?" The young man smirked as he stopped in front of them.

  "Lance!" Gideon greeted him enthusiastically. "You’re heading out somewhere, aren’t you? What’s going on?"

  Edwin gave a nod of greeting. "Are these just routine patrols, or is there something else happening?"

  Lance, one of the younger knights who had been training under Aldric for years, chuckled. "Can’t get anything past you, huh? You’ve always been sharp, Edwin." He gave a small shrug. "It’s nothing too dramatic, just some extra patrols around the villages. Some of the scouts reported unusual activity near the outer farms, so we’re going to check it out."

  Edwin narrowed his eyes slightly. Something felt off. If it was just a routine patrol, why was there such a sense of urgency? Lance was making light of it, perhaps to stop them from worrying, but Edwin could tell there was more to this than he was letting on.

  Gideon’s eyes sparkled with interest. "Sounds like fun. Think they’ll let us come along?"

  Lance let out a hearty laugh. "Not a chance. Your parents would have my head before I even left the gates. Besides, shouldn’t you two be more focused on your own training? You’ve got a long way to go before you’re swinging those swords like real knights."

  Edwin smiled, though his mind lingered on the situation. "That’s exactly what we’re here for."

  Before they could continue chatting, a familiar voice called out across the training grounds. "Edwin! Gideon! Come here, let's start training."

  Both boys turned to see Roland approaching, his presence as commanding as ever. The seasoned warrior stood tall, his expression firm but not unkind. His armor, though worn, was polished and ready for battle, and the sword at his hip rested with an air of expectation.

  "Looks like duty calls," Lance said with a smirk. "You two train hard now. Who knows? Maybe in a few years, you’ll be riding out with us."

  "A few years?" Gideon scoffed, crossing his arms. "I bet we could handle it right now!"

  Lance chuckled, ruffling Gideon’s hair. "Sure you could, little warrior. Keep that fire burning."

  Edwin gave Lance a nod. "Be safe out there."

  "Always am," Lance replied, before turning and heading back toward the gathering knights.

  As they approached Roland, Edwin immediately noticed something. He was fully geared up, prepared for battle. His armor was fastened, his weapons secured, and the look in his eyes was not that of a man overseeing a simple training session. Edwin’s instincts flared. Something was definitely going on.

  "I see you’re both ready for training," Roland said as they reached him. "That’s good, because I’ll be cutting this one short. Your parents and I are heading out on patrols around the villages, but we have some time before we depart. Until then, I’ll put you both through your paces."

  Edwin exchanged a glance with Gideon, who looked equally intrigued. "Patrols? You mean the same ones Lance and the others are going on?"

  Roland gave a slight nod. "More or less. Just routine business. Nothing to worry about."

  Edwin wasn’t convinced. If it were just a routine patrol, why would his parents and Gideon’s father be personally leading it? Still, he decided not to push the issue, at least not now.

  Gideon, however, grinned. "Well, if you’re leaving soon, that just means we’ll have to make this training session count! Let’s go!"

  Roland chuckled. "That’s the spirit. Now, get into running positions. Let’s start with a quick run with your swords in their sheath to get your blood pumping."

  Edwin adjusted the sword at his side, shifting his stance slightly as he glanced up at Roland. "How far are we running?"

  Roland smirked. "Far enough to make you sweat, but not so far that you’ll drop by the end of it. Think of it as a warm-up."

  Gideon groaned. "You always say that, but it’s never just a warm-up."

  Roland laughed, crossing his arms. "Complaining already? We haven’t even started. Maybe I should double the distance, then."

  Gideon immediately straightened up. "No need! I’m ready!"

  Edwin shook his head in amusement before turning to Roland. "Alright, let’s get started."

  With that, Roland gave them the signal, and the boys took off running.

  As Edwin moved, he immediately noticed the difference. His body, now strengthened by energy, carried him forward with ease. His movements felt smoother, lighter, more controlled. Even with the sword at his hip, the weight was almost unnoticeable, as if it had become an extension of himself rather than a burden. He remembered how running used to feel before, his breaths would grow heavier, his legs would tire.

  But now? His breath was steady, his strides strong. If he weren’t actively holding himself back, he could have left Gideon in the dust. He made sure to keep only a foot or two ahead so his friend wouldn’t notice just how drastically he had improved.

  Gideon, on the other hand, was already starting to look a little winded, his breath slightly heavier, his pace still strong but less effortless than Edwin’s.

  Edwin hid a grin. If I weren’t a cultivator, I’d be panting just like him right now. But knowing he couldn’t afford to look too different, he began to breathe faster, forcing himself to appear just as winded as Gideon. When they finally reached the end of their run, he bent over slightly, pretending to catch his breath, though in truth, he could have kept going for much longer.

  Gideon collapsed onto the ground, heaving. "I… hate… running."

  Roland smirked as he approached them. "Hate it all you want, but in battle, you won’t just be swinging your sword while standing still. You’ll be running, dodging, chasing, fighting for your life. This is just a prelude to that. If you can’t handle this, how do you expect to survive when it matters?"

  Gideon groaned but managed to sit up. "I get it, I get it. Doesn’t make it any more fun."

  Edwin straightened, giving Roland a nod. "So, what’s next?"

  Roland’s smirk widened. "Good question. Now, draw your swords. Let’s see how you handle them."

  The two boys complied, unsheathing their weapons. Roland stepped forward, demonstrating a proper stance, his posture firm yet relaxed. "The way you hold your sword, the way you stand, dictates how well you fight. A sloppy stance makes for an easy target. Keep your weight balanced, feet shoulder-width apart."

  He moved behind Gideon first, adjusting his stance slightly, then did the same for Edwin. "Good. Now, let’s go through the basics, strikes and slashes. Follow my lead."

  Roland demonstrated a simple overhead strike, his movements fluid and controlled. The boys mirrored him, their swords cutting through the air.

  "Not bad," Roland said as he observed them. "Again. And this time, tighten your grip slightly, Edwin. You don’t want your sword knocked out of your hands."

  Edwin nodded and adjusted his hold. He deliberately made subtle mistakes, ensuring he didn’t appear too skilled for his age, just enough to blend in without drawing suspicion.

  "Gideon, stop trying to rush. Power is nothing without control. Focus on precision before speed."

  Gideon pouted but followed the correction. They repeated the strikes, then moved on to horizontal and diagonal slashes, each time Roland giving pointers, fixing mistakes, and occasionally demonstrating with swift, practiced movements that made it clear why he was Aldric’s right-hand man.

  By the end of the session, Edwin was feeling the strain, though nowhere near as exhausted as Gideon, who had flopped onto his back, groaning dramatically.

  "I think I’m dying," Gideon whined.

  Edwin let out a breath, then followed suit, laying down beside him but making sure to appear only slightly less exhausted than Gideon. "That makes two of us."

  Roland chuckled. "You’ll live. But this is just the beginning. Next time, I expect more endurance from both of you. Keep training while we’re gone. The next session will be harder, so be ready."

  Edwin and Gideon exchanged a glance before groaning in unison.

  Roland smirked, shaking his head. "Alright, enough complaining. I have to get back to preparations for the sortie. Your parents and I have a long day ahead of us."

  Edwin straightened, watching him carefully. "Be safe out there, Roland."

  Gideon grinned and gave his father a mock salute. "Yeah, yeah, kick some butt out there, alright? Show those baddies who’s boss!"

  Roland chuckled, shaking his head. "I’ll do my best, but you two focus on your training. That way, when the time comes, you’ll be the ones protecting this place."

  Gideon grinned, giving another mock salute. "You can count on us!"

  With that, Roland turned and strode off toward the gathering knights, leaving Edwin and Gideon in the training grounds. The sound of armor clinking, horses being saddled, and final orders being given filled the air. The weight of the moment settled over Edwin as he watched the knights prepare to ride out.

  As Edwin and Gideon lay on the grass, catching their breath from training, the familiar sound of armored footsteps approached. Looking up, Edwin saw his parents standing before them, both clad in their battle attire much like they had been five years ago. His father, Aldric, stood tall in his meticulously maintained plate armor. His sword rested at his hip, the hilt worn from years of use but polished to a gleam. His expression was firm, but his eyes softened slightly as he looked at Edwin.

  Beside him, Evelyn stood with her elegant yet practical mage robes, embroidered with sigils of protection and enhancement. Though there were a few subtle signs of age, she was as graceful and striking as ever. The deep blue fabric of her robes contrasted with the pale silver threading that formed intricate magical patterns along the sleeves and hem. Her staff, a slender creation of dark wood inlaid with a gleaming blue gem, was held loosely in her right hand.

  "There you boys are," Evelyn said with a warm, yet slightly chiding smile. "I hope you’ve been behaving yourselves."

  Gideon, trying to stand up, groaned. "Define behaving."

  Aldric smirked at that, then turned to Edwin. "We’re about to depart, so we wanted to see you before we left. You and Gideon both."

  Edwin sat up fully, his stomach tightening. "You’re really going? Both of you?"

  Evelyn knelt beside him, tucking a strand of his blond hair behind his ear. "It’s nothing you need to worry about, sweetheart. We’ll be back before you know it."

  Aldric placed a firm hand on Edwin’s shoulder. "You’re the heir to this house, Edwin. That means while we’re gone, I expect you to behave and act accordingly. No trouble, no sneaking off, and most importantly, listen to Marian."

  Gideon perked up at that, crossing his arms with a playful pout. "Lady Evelyn, why does Edwin get the warning? I mean, I'm the one who's always getting into trouble. Shouldn’t I be the one getting the lecture instead?"

  Evelyn chuckled. "Oh, we know. Which is why I’m also warning you. Don’t make things harder for your mother, alright?"

  Gideon sighed dramatically. "Of course Lady Evelyn. I’ll be an angel."

  Edwin, however, wasn’t as easily reassured. His parents had gone on patrols before, but this one felt different. Maybe it was the way the knights were moving, the hushed discussions happening in corners of the castle, or the sheer number of veteran fighters riding out this time. Something about this reminded him of that day five years ago.

  "Are you sure this is just some routine patrol?" Edwin asked carefully, watching his father’s expression. "Nothing else?"

  Aldric’s expression didn’t change, but he didn’t answer right away either. Instead, he squeezed Edwin’s shoulder once before standing. "Nothing for you to concern yourself with. Just focus on your training."

  Evelyn sighed, then leaned forward and pressed a kiss to Edwin’s forehead. "We love you, Edwin. Be good while we’re gone."

  Edwin nodded slowly, doing his best to hide the worry gnawing at him. "I will."

  Gideon grinned at Aldric. "You better come back in one piece, Lord Aldric! Or else we’ll have to come drag you back ourselves."

  Aldric chuckled. "I’d like to see you try."

  With that, they gave one last nod to their son before turning toward their waiting horses. Edwin watched them go, unease creeping into his chest. He had read enough stories in his past life to know that departures like this never sat well in hindsight. He clenched his fists slightly.

  As he stood there, memories of the past five years surfaced. There had been other times when knights had gone on patrol, but nothing quite like this, not since that first time, when his parents had personally led a force to deal with the so-called 'bandits.' And now, once again, both of his parents were riding out. That meant this was something serious.

  Edwin’s eyes narrowed. If this was another major event, it might finally be his best chance. Over the years, he had searched for clues. Anything that could tell him more about what had happened back then, or what was truly going on in their domain. But getting into his father's office had proven nearly impossible. His father was almost always inside or nearby, making sneaking in unfeasible. And when he was away, the guards were extra vigilant.

  But now? Now that Edwin was stronger, now that his Spirit Gathering cultivation gave him an edge, he might just be able to do what he couldn’t before.

  Tonight, he will find the truth.