The morning sun barely reached through the thick canopy of trees as I sat cross-legged on a flat boulder. My upper body was bare, revealing a physique that, though lean, was beginning to show signs of tempered strength. Sweat dripped from my skin, my muscles twitching under the strain of my training. The air around me was thick with Qi, a subtle energy flowing in unseen currents, drawn to me like moths to a flame.
My breathing was deep and controlled, each inhale guiding the Qi through my meridians, forcing it to circulate within my body. I directed it toward my muscles, my bones, and my skin, reinforcing my body through the Sutra Iron Body technique. The road to completing the first stage was long, and even if I trained here for months, I would barely scratch the surface.
But I was patient.
The road ahead was far, and this was only the beginning. I had just set foot into this new world, but soon—soon, I would stand at its peak. I would make all who doubted me bow down. That was my essence, my destiny. I was born a ruler, a king. I was born to be served.
For now, I was merely a shadow of my former self. Though not starting from complete scratch like in my previous life, I was still weak. If a mere bandit attacked me now, my body would suffer injuries. In terms of raw power, I was far from invincible. But in experience? That was my advantage. I had conquered Murim before, mastering countless martial arts in my past life. This time, with the knowledge I already possessed, I would reach the peak of this world far faster than I had in my previous life.
The passing days blurred into one another, each moment dedicated to refining my control over Qi. By the sixth day, I could finally feel true power surging within me. My dantian, though still small, was filled with vitality—brimming with energy. A smile crept onto my lips. The foundation had been laid.
Tomorrow would be my last day here. After that, it was time to explore this world, gather information, and measure the strength of its inhabitants. Were they mages? Swordsmen? It didn't matter. Whoever they were, whatever power they wielded, they would all serve me.
At the Inn.
Mira sat at a wooden table inside the dimly lit inn, her fingers lightly tapping against the surface. The place had an air of unease, the candlelight flickering as if disturbed by an unseen force. Outside, the cold wind howled, rattling the wooden shutters.
Elena sat across from her, arms crossed. Her expression was calm, but there was a certain sharpness in her golden eyes—a wariness. Both of them had been waiting for my return, yet there was something in the air tonight that made them uneasy.
"He's been gone for six days," Mira muttered, breaking the silence. "Do you think he's alright?"
Elena didn't respond immediately. She reached for the dagger at her waist, tracing her finger along its hilt. "Leon is not an ordinary person," she finally said, voice steady. "He will return. I am more concerned about the presence we felt last night."
Mira's fingers stilled against the table. That strange sensation—it was like something had been lurking just beyond the inn, watching, waiting. She had sensed it as well.
"You think it's a monster?" Mira asked in a hushed voice.
"Perhaps," Elena replied. "Or something worse."
The two women fell into silence. The inn was almost empty tonight, save for a few drunkards slumped over their drinks. The innkeeper, a bald man with a thick beard, kept glancing toward the entrance as if expecting something—or someone.
Mira leaned closer. "We should check outside. Just to be safe."
Elena nodded, standing up. The two of them left their table and stepped out into the cold night. The village was eerily quiet, the only sound coming from the rustling trees. The moon was hidden behind thick clouds, casting the world in near-total darkness.
Mira wrapped her arms around herself, trying to ward off the chill. "I don't like this."
Elena was scanning the treeline. "Something is out there."
A low growl echoed from the forest.
Both women tensed, their hands moving to their weapons.
Then—silence.
A shadow shifted among the trees, its presence barely noticeable, but enough to send a chill down their spines. The two of them exchanged glances. Whatever it was, it wasn't human.
"We should go back inside," Mira whispered.
Elena hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Agreed. We'll wait for Leon. He needs to know about this."
As they turned back toward the inn, a pair of glowing red eyes flashed in the darkness. The presence remained—watching, waiting.
The next morning.
The first light of dawn spilled over the horizon as I stepped out from the forest, my training complete for now. My body was sore, my muscles aching, but my strength had increased significantly. The Qi within me felt denser, more refined.
As I approached the village, I could already sense it—the unease in the air. Something had been here. Something dangerous.
My steps quickened. Whatever had happened in my absence, I needed to find out.
And if something dared to threaten what was mine…
I would make sure it never saw the light of day again.
[AUTHOR'S Viewpoint]/ Third Person]
Leon stepped into the village just as the first light of dawn painted the sky in shades of gold and crimson. His body ached, his muscles sore from days of relentless training, but his Qi had strengthened. The dense vitality within him pulsed with power, far more refined than when he had first begun. He could feel the difference in his movements—the slight resistance in his muscles, the way his steps carried a newfound weight. His strength had grown.
Yet, as he walked through the village, he immediately noticed something was off.
The usual morning bustle was absent. The villagers, who should have been tending to their shops or preparing for the day's labor, were eerily quiet. Doors were shut, windows sealed tight. A few stragglers rushed past him, their eyes filled with unease. The air smelled different—heavier, carrying the distinct scent of fear.
Leon narrowed his eyes. Something had happened while he was away.
He continued forward, making his way toward the inn. The old wooden building stood as it had before, yet even here, the usual warmth was missing. As he stepped inside, the innkeeper glanced at him briefly before returning to cleaning the counter. The few guests present spoke in hushed whispers, their faces drawn and tense.
Mira and Elena sat at the same table near the corner, their weapons close at hand. When they noticed Leon's arrival, Mira exhaled in relief.
"You're finally back," she muttered.
Elena, however, simply studied him. "You reek."
Leon ignored the comment and stretched his shoulders. "I need a bath," he said flatly, already heading toward the innkeeper.
Elena barely looked up as he gestured toward the back. "Water's been heated already. Use the last room on the right."
Leon nodded and made his way to clean himself up.
---
The village remained unnervingly silent even as the morning sun climbed higher.
Leon emerged from the bathing area, now refreshed and dressed in clean clothes. The scent of dirt and sweat was gone, but the tension in the air remained. As he made his way back to Mira and Elena, the silence was suddenly shattered.
A roar of shouting erupted from outside, followed by hurried footsteps and the sharp clatter of weapons being drawn.
Leon's sharp instincts flared. He immediately moved toward the entrance, his hand resting on the hilt of his weapon. Mira and Elena followed without hesitation.
The village square was filled with people. Some held crude weapons—farm tools, old swords, whatever they could find. Others huddled in fear behind barrels and walls.
A group of armored figures had arrived.
Their polished silver armor gleamed under the morning sun, each bearing the emblem of a noble house—a crest shaped like a roaring lion. They moved in disciplined formation, their heavy boots thudding against the dirt road. At the front of the group stood a man who exuded authority.
He was in his forties, slightly older than most of his men, yet his presence was commanding. His face was lined with the marks of age and battle, his dark brown hair streaked with silver. A short, well-trimmed beard covered his jaw, giving him a look of both experience and dignity. His armor, though similar to the others, was adorned with additional embellishments—a mark of his higher rank. A longsword rested at his hip, its hilt worn from years of use.
His name was Alexander, the captain of the knights serving the noble who ruled this territory.
Leon observed him carefully.
Alexander's sharp eyes scanned the gathered villagers before his voice rang out with authority.
"We are here under the orders of Lord Darion Valcrest. A pack of Shadow wolves has been sighted near the village. We will deal with the threat, but all civilians must stay inside until the matter is resolved."
A murmur ran through the crowd. The tension in the air thickened.
Leon crossed his arms, watching.
Shadow Wolves? So that's why the people feel unease. 'Looks like something happened while I was away' Leon said to himself, trying to learn more about the situation.
And if Alexander had personally led his knights here…
Then whatever lurked in the forest was no ordinary threat.
Leon had a weird expression on his face 'Looks like the name Heavenly Demon is about to be born.'