As the day progressed—or was it even a day?
In this realm of nothingness, time held no value.
Another billion years slipped by since Leo had his conversation with the void—or was it just his mind? Was anything really talking to him, or was it merely his imagination?
But in his darkest hour, when all hope seemed lost, he stumbled upon a glimmer of light.
*Leo Victor Raven*
*Do you wish to be reincarnated?*
Y/N
*You will be living in "Rise of the Magic Emperor."*
Leo glanced at the options and pressed Y.
After spending an eternity in the void—longer than he could fathom—his emotions faded away, leaving him a mere shell of emptiness.
"'Rise of the Magic Emperor'? What's that?" he asked, devoid of feeling.
*It's the novel you encountered before arriving here.*
"Alright."
"When will I be reincarnated?"
*It will be soon.*
The light spoke, then vanished.
"Soon feels like an eternity in this place," he muttered, existing once more in the void.
Soon enough, another billion years rolled by...
Leo stared out at the void as it began to unravel. "What's happening?" he asked, disinterested.
As the void disintegrated, he too faded away, just like a child of the void.
He was the void, and the void was him.
~~~
As Leo awoke, he found himself flooded with fresh memories—a recollection of 16 years that felt incredibly vivid.
As he examined these memories, it dawned on him that he had been reincarnated into "Rise of the Magic Emperor." While he tried to piece together his past, he grappled with whether it was the life he had lived or a vague recollection from the void that seemed to linger; the answer eluded him.
After heading to the bathroom to freshen up, he caught sight of his reflection. His long, white hair framed a face that was strikingly handsome yet had a delicate beauty. His pure white eyes lacked irises, and his physique was both muscular and somewhat feminine, making him the quintessential "dream boy" for many girls.
Leo Victor Raven: that was his name in the past, and it remained his name now. He had spent his early years in a small village, hiding his identity as an orphan, especially after his orphanage had been destroyed. Few knew what he truly looked like, as he always kept his face concealed.
Emerging from the bathroom, Leo noticed an envelope waiting for him on the table. He opened it eagerly.
*Dear Leo Victor Raven, we are pleased to inform you of your admission to "Hero Academy." Present this letter at the teleport portal, and you will be transported there if you choose to attend.*
"So, I've received an invitation," he murmured, recalling that he hadn't ventured beyond his village up until now.
"Well, I do need a place to grow," he thought, reflecting on his time in the void, where his singular desire was to become stronger than the void itself and ultimately conquer it.
"Alright, I'll go," he declared, starting to pack his things.
The old Leo would have shied away from revealing his face, but now, he intended to wield it as a tool to garner attention and enhance his prospects.
~~~
As Leo stepped out of the dilapidated house, he didn't acknowledge anyone; he wasn't particularly close to anyone in the village. He made his way directly to the town center, where the portal was located.
Still wearing a mask, he refused to take it off until he reached the academy.
Approaching the wizard standing guard by the portal, he greeted him with a lack of emotion.
"Hello," he said flatly.
"Hmph," was the wizard's only response, sensing the absence of emotion in Leo's voice.
"Here," Leo stated simply as he handed over the Hero Academy letter.
"Ah, so you'll be attending the academy?" the wizard inquired.
"Yes."
"Stand there," the wizard instructed, then moved behind his staff to begin chanting.
"O spatium deus,
I filius tuus Ianuam hunc adulescentem ad hunc locum habebit."
As the incantation unfolded, the portal began to illuminate, and Leo felt himself being pulled into the light.
"Thank you," he said to the guard.
"You're welcome," replied the wizard.
As the teleportation process began, he checked his stats:
Status:
Name: Leo Victor Raven
Class: Void Swordsman
Strength: D-
Agility: D+
Mana: B-
Affinity: Void, Lightning, Space, Gravity
Blessing: Triple growth speed, ???
"Mmm, my stats are quite impressive," he thought, recalling the dedication of the old Leo, who had managed his body and trained hard, resulting in this combination of agility and strength. What surprised him most was the substantial mana and blessing; the affinities didn't concern him, as they were a product of his origin from the void.
Even with all this processing in his mind, his expression remained impassive.
As the light faded, his surroundings shifted from a small village of rundown houses to a grand castle-like structure—vastly larger, with 20 dormitories. The academy was enormous, situated on an island, showcasing a breathtaking medieval-style castle complemented by modern touches. Everything appeared spectacular.
Yet, Leo didn't pause to admire his new surroundings; he simply walked towards the entrance with purpose.