Chapter 1: If Life Were Only As Beautiful as Our First Encounter
Death is insignificant and fleeting.
However, death is also extremely long.
Long enough to allow one to reflect on the mistakes, sorrows, pains, and regrets of an entire life.
The sky was tinged with a thin layer of ink, carrying the unique silence before dawn. Midy Asrex, clad in tattered armor and wielding a broken longsword, sat atop a mountain of corpses, quietly awaiting the dawn of a new day.
The landing battle, which had lasted for three days and three nights, was over. The enemy, under his skillful tactical planning, had been counter-encircled, suffering tens of thousands of losses, including three mobile fortresses more powerful than dragons, while his own casualties were less than ten thousand. Moreover, the gate to the heavens was finally unobstructed after this battle.
It could be considered a glorious victory, right?
However, for Midy, who had personally won this victory, it was merely an ordinary scene.
And perhaps, the last scene. The metallic taste rising from the depths of his tongue, and the utter emptiness of his life force drained away, told him he was about to die.
Without fear, without resistance, and without regret, Midi closed his eyes, calmly awaiting death.
But gradually, his thoughts became chaotic.
Once, he belonged to a prestigious noble family, but the upheavals of the Great Transfer and the invasion of enemy nations destroyed his clan, forcing him into exile. He once had a trustworthy team, but with each hard-fought battle, they eventually crumbled.
He had watched his family perish because of his weakness, he had missed victory because of his arrogance, and he had endured various calamities and betrayals. He had gritted his teeth, paying the price of his life and countless wounds to finally reach this point.
But after today, he had to stop, and rest here forever.
Finally, the two most important women in Midi's life flashed through his mind.
The "Queen of Magic Bullets," Fina, with her vibrant red hair and valiant presence like a Valkyrie, single-handedly shielded Midi from an encirclement, maintaining her confident smile even in her final moments.
The "Mist Witch," Alice, with her cascading black hair and perpetually cold demeanor, risked her life to take a terrible assassin's attack for Midi, passing on her magic and knowledge to him.
But Midi couldn't protect them, not even himself, and had finally fallen to this state.
Was he still not strong enough?
Midi let out a deep sigh. Death was imminent; he felt the chilling aura emanating from Death's scythe.
"If only I could go back twenty years, and start over..."
With a final sigh, Midi could no longer hold on and closed his eyes.
Then, he died.
In the year 1004 of the Arad Calendar, the last member of the once-renowned Falcon Band's iron triangle, the "Sword of Death," the Devil Cryer, Midy Asrex, fell silently on the battlefield of the Celestial Realm.
But the instant his heart stopped beating, the demon residing in his left hand seemed to let out a defiant roar, suddenly bursting forth with dazzling light.
In an instant, the entire Celestial Realm trembled.
Midy walked alone, forlornly walking in the darkness. The pale light outlined the strange shadows beneath his feet, the howling winds filled the space from all directions, and the street scene beside him was an impenetrable gray, sometimes repeating endlessly, sometimes changing beyond recognition in the blink of an eye.
Then, this lonely world suddenly surged with waves. Midy, caught in the whirlpool, was like a speck of wood caught in a giant whirlpool, powerless to resist this mysterious and powerful force. He could only resign himself to fate, sinking with the current to the bottom of the sea, buried in this vast graveyard.
The next moment, the heavy black curtain shattered into millions of pieces, and Midy opened his eyes.
Accompanied by the patter of rain and the chill of early winter, a grand hall in the Victorian style appeared before Midy.
In the center of the hall was a heavy oak table. The walls on either side were decorated with exquisitely crafted weapons, and above the high-backed chair at the far end, the coat of arms of the Kingdom of Belmar hung silently, exuding an aura of inviolable majesty.
"Does Hell have kingdoms too?" Midy thought with a mixture of amusement and indifference, yet the scene before him felt strangely familiar, a strong sense of déjà vu, but he couldn't quite place it.
He subconsciously looked up and gazed out the window.
There, countless silvery raindrops connected heaven and earth, pattering against the rows of rooftops and shrouding the city in a hazy mist. On the streets, boys and girls in uniforms walked with umbrellas, their laughter occasionally breaking the silence. In the distance, a towering clock tower stood tall and majestic, overlooking all living beings.
This scene stirred deep memories sealed within Midy's heart.
The next instant, a loud, deep chime from the clock tower struck his eardrums, like a giant battering ram shattering the last line of defense.
That all-too-familiar sound made Midy finally remember—wasn't this Huttonmar?
Wasn't this place the Belmar Royal Magic Academy? Twenty years ago, he received his swordsman training here, but before he could graduate, a large-scale upheaval and the Great Fire of Grand Forest occurred, followed by the invasion from the Delos Empire. These were events Midi couldn't forget, even if he wanted to.
Now, the streets were peaceful and serene; clearly, nothing had happened yet.
How could he possibly have returned to twenty years ago?
Was this a hallucination before death, or a labyrinth from hell?
However, Midi didn't have much time to ponder. Amidst the still air and the patter of rain, a series of strong, powerful footsteps rang out, heading straight for the room he was in.
One footstep was steady and slow, while the other was remarkably light, even giving Midi the illusion that a melody had been played. As Midi turned around, the door to the room opened.
"Excuse me, Midi, I've kept you waiting." The first person he saw was a middle-aged man with an somewhat awkward smile.
Midy tried to recall the person's name from his childhood memories, but the next moment, he immediately forgot.
From behind the middle-aged man, accompanied by strong, crisp footsteps, a young girl emerged.
Tall figure, long legs, an unbelievably beautiful face, and… a head of striking, vibrant red hair, as striking as the autumn leaves of Belmar.
"Fina?" Midy gasped blankly, unconsciously murmuring the name etched deep within his heart, a name he would never forget.
The sound of rain outside the window ceased, the middle-aged man's voice vanished, and even his own heartbeat and breathing became inaudible to Midy. In that instant, this usually realistic man suddenly realized that one could truly forget the passage of time.
Consciousness lost its weight.
However, the red-haired girl, whose first name was called instead of her surname, pressed her lips together tightly, revealing an expression of displeasure. Noticing the intense gaze fixed on her, she couldn't help but frown.
"You all know, right? Next week is the academy's annual trial." Sensing the unusual atmosphere in the room, the middle-aged man quickly coughed a few times, trying to smooth things over.
"Students must form teams of four to go to designated areas to clear and eliminate the mutated monsters. Fortunately, Fina's team only has three members, and they're short one. Midi was absent recently, so I think this is a good opportunity. Besides, considering their professions, one is a swordsman and the other a mage, a reasonable combination. I believe you can become good friends..."
"Forget the pleasantries, I will personally test his strength." The girl rudely interrupted the middle-aged man, her furrowed brows revealing undisguised anger. "Although he was forced into this position, I won't make things difficult for him. But if he doesn't meet the general standard, I'd rather have a three-person team for the trial. That's fair, isn't it, Dean Linde?"
Faced with this assertive question that didn't sound like it came from a student, Dean Linde had no way to retaliate. He could only nod, make up an excuse, and flee the room, abandoning the two of them.
For Dean Linde, who wasn't a true administrator of the academy but merely a minor viscount, this was already his limit. However, out of good intentions, he couldn't help but offer this seemingly clueless nobleman a word of advice—never provoke the "Storm Queen," Fina Hamilton, who was already on the verge of exploding.
Before closing the door, the dean gave Midy a final look filled with sympathy and apology.
But Midy completely missed the advice.
Even if she had, she wouldn't have cared.
Struggling to suppress the urge to rush forward and embrace the red-haired girl, Midy took a deep breath and extended her hand: "Hello, I'm Midy Asrex. Nice to meet you."
On a peaceful, quiet winter morning, under a leaden sky, accompanied by the patter of rain, the two met once more.
Chapter 2 Past and Present Life
In the year 984 of the Arad Calendar, twenty years before Midi's fall, the Principality of Belmar, located in the southern part of the continent, was still enjoying a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere.
Although the plants and animals had undergone varying degrees of mutation over the past three years, the threat they posed was at most similar to that of roaming bandits, far from being something to be alarmed about.
Furthermore, Belmar had always been a fertile land, and had not been at war with any country recently, so naturally, it did not focus on strengthening its military. Even the historic Royal Magic Academy was increasingly filled with idle noble children rather than diligent elites of the principality.
However, Midi, possessing the memories of her rebirth, knew that soon, a storm of crises would follow, shattering the entire principality.
In 985, the devastating fire that ravaged the Grand Forest brought with it the reappearance of the Sky City and an intensification of the strange phenomena. Belmar, now maintained by only a few small knightly orders and mercenaries, would descend into chaos.
Then, in 986, the invasion of the Delos Empire would deliver a fatal blow to the already crumbling royal family.
Most of the nobles living on this land would perish in the war; their lands, possessions, and even wives and daughters would become spoils of war for the Delos Empire.
This included, of course, Fina's Hamilton family and Midy's own Asrex family.
The joy of rebirth and the happiness of his lover's resurrection still lingered in Midy's heart, but he was not blinded by it. Having tasted despair before, he knew that now was not the time to indulge in emotions and enjoy life. On the contrary, he had to become strong as quickly as possible to avoid repeating his mistakes.
He remembered very clearly that the greatest danger in this academy trial wasn't monsters, but assassins!
The Duchy of Belmar was currently divided into two opposing factions: the Queen's Faction and the Parliamentarian Faction. Their struggle had lasted for decades, with countless open and covert battles and power struggles.
However, since the magical genius Fina entered the academy, her impeccable performance had consistently suppressed many noble scions, causing the Queen's Faction's influence to steadily increase. Therefore, the leader of the Parliamentarian Faction, Grand Duke Seth, conceived this method to preemptively eliminate the Queen's Faction's future pillar.
Even his own status as a spoiled brat in Fina's group was a cleverly planned scheme by the Parliamentarian Faction—allowing a minor nobleman with no background to participate meant that even the Queen's Faction couldn't say much, otherwise it would be considered special treatment.
And in his previous life, he, as a burden, had indeed caused Fina a great deal of trouble.
Finally, when the assassin appeared, Midi even implicated her, causing Fina, who had otherwise escaped danger unscathed, to be injured. Not only did Fina fail to achieve first place in the trial, but she also had to recuperate for several months afterward.
It was from that moment that Midi began to pay attention to her savior and finally began to strive to gain her approval.
However, it was all too late.
Neither of them had the chance to complete their class change using the duchy's large-scale strategic array, and they were forced into exile. Only then did they experience the hardship and pain of being utterly alone.
But this time was different.
From the beginning, Midi knew who her enemy was and what she had to protect.
This time, she would absolutely not lose her again.
To this end, Midi had to find a way to increase her power before the academy trial, so that she could play a sufficient role in the trial.
He remembered that the demon he had contracted in his previous life was now slumbering in a deserted canyon not far from his family's territory. If he could prepare in advance and become a demon swordsman, it would undoubtedly be of great benefit.
Furthermore, and more importantly, he needed to patiently and carefully rebuild the trust and bond between himself and Fina, bit by bit. No matter the battle, having a soulmate and a reliable, powerful team was the best guarantee.
However, as Midy made this resolution, his "lover" looked at him with disdain.
The red-haired girl looked at Midy's outstretched hand with icy eyes, gave a light snort, and then grasped it back as if accepting a challenge.
The icy numbness from his palm made Midy realize that Fina had instantly activated magic, covering her entire hand with frost. In other words, she had no intention of making physical contact with him and was intending to express her anger through this rejection.
Midy couldn't help but smile bitterly, but there was nothing he could do about it.
What could he do? He was still the academy's notorious spoiled brat.
There was no way he could expect the future Queen of Magic Bullets to be kind to him.
"Well then, Miss Hamilton..." Midy coughed, breaking the awkward silence.
"No need for all that. Just call me Fina. I don't like complicated things. Besides, didn't you already call me that?" The future Queen of Magic Bullets shrugged, speaking casually, then added coldly, "However, please don't make any unrealistic assumptions, or you'll face the consequences."
To Fina, the person before her was nothing more than a spoiled brat with no real strength, relying on his family's influence to bully others. There was no need for politeness. If it weren't for the councilor's trickery, she could have completely refused to accept Midy as a member of her team.
Originally, whether it was smoothness, shrewdness, or worldliness and sophistication, Fina considered them nothing more than the tricks of nobles; she never possessed compromise or politeness.
However, this familiar style stirred a trace of longing and nostalgia in Midi's eyes—even in her youth, Fina was still Fina.
Thinking this, Midi replied without hesitation, "Then, Fina, you can call me Midi, just like before. Anyway, since we're going to team up, let's go try it out in the practice area first, shall we?"
Trust cannot be built overnight; it needs to be cultivated slowly. Midi planned to prove her strength first.
The red-haired girl had initially thought this half-baked swordsman might hesitate, but unexpectedly, he had proactively suggested a real demonstration.
It wouldn't be too boring.
Thinking this, Fina couldn't help but smile slightly, finally revealing her first smile of the day: "Very good, I didn't expect you to have such awareness. Everything's arranged over there, let's go now, and finish this quickly."
The training grounds were deserted in the rain. Most of the open-air facilities were empty, with only a few indoor shooting ranges still in operation. From a certain perspective, this reflected the current situation of the Principality of Belmar—a light winter rain was enough to make the principality's top students abandon their regular training.
Even so, the arrival of the Storm Queen still caused quite a stir.
And Midi, following closely behind the woman with the vibrant red hair, immediately became the focus of everyone's attention. After all, no male student had ever been seen so close to the Storm Queen before.
This wasn't because Midi was receiving any special treatment, but because he had known his lover's personality well over the years. He understood the meaning behind Fina's every gesture.
For example, crossing her arms meant "Leave me alone." That cool yet captivating smile meant "somewhat interested." A proper response would allow him to slightly close the distance with her.
Ignoring the eager anticipation of the crowd, Fina led Midy straight into one of the training grounds.
A blond boy and a cute girl with freckles were already waiting there. Undoubtedly, they were the other two members of Fina's team. Only now did Midy understand what the girl meant by "everything is arranged."
In Midy's memory, during Fina's testing in his previous life, he had delayed for several days, and these two hadn't shown up. He had even secretly rejoiced, unaware that he had disappointed Fina and missed a genuine opportunity to gain her approval.
But now, Midy wouldn't let this golden opportunity slip away again.
"He is Sigmund, the gunslinger. She is Lillian, the priest," Fina introduced simply.
Even without introductions, Midy was already very familiar with the two future pillars of the "Falcon Band."
However, this exceptionally strong couple held no liking for a spoiled brat like Midy. If Midy was nothing more than a pebble to the arrogant Fina, then in their eyes, he was a complete liability.
Although they knew they couldn't kick him out of the team outright, they still openly displayed their disdain and contempt, looking at Midy as if he were a pile of trash.
An ordinary teenager, under such blatant provocation, would likely have been furious, but Midy simply gave a calm self-introduction, showing no emotional fluctuation whatsoever.
"This kid's got some nerve, but what about his true strength?" Sigmund thought to himself, exchanging a glance with Lillian.
"Let's use six intermediate-level automatons as our opponents." After greeting her teammates, Fina turned back, still arms crossed and coldly aloof.
On the training grounds, the simplest way to test combat skills was to use automatons created by puppeteers. After being programmed, these automatons could simulate the various actions of mutated monsters, and could stop instantly in case of an accident, with a delay of no more than half a second—a very safe method.
The intermediate-level automatons were only at the level of a level 14 Minotaur, nothing special to the students who had reached or exceeded level 16 and were preparing for their class advancement.
Just as Fina had promised Dean Linde at the beginning, she had no intention of making things difficult.
"Even with this dragging me down, I can still get first place in the trial," the bright red-haired girl declared loudly and confidently.
Midi believed this, but he didn't want to be a drag again.
"Six intermediate-level automatons are boring; let's switch to the 'Flame Challenge'," Midy suggested.
Leaving aside Fina, in Midy's memory, Sigmund and Lillian had already reached level 19, possessing the strength to easily sweep through the Flame Challenge.
Whether it was six or ten automatons, in the eyes of these three, they would probably just be a hindrance. In fact, Sigmund and Lillian's current attitude said it all; to gain their approval, one had to be at their level.
Therefore, Midy immediately chose the "Flame Challenge."
This was one of the most famous challenges at the Belmar Royal Magic Academy, consisting of one magic automaton, two superior automatons, and eight intermediate-level automatons.
The intermediate-level automatons were equivalent to a level 14 Minotaur Vanguard. The superior-level automatons were equivalent to a level 16 Fluorescent Cat Demon. The magic automatons were equivalent to a level 17 Flame Mage. These puppets, when combined, form a complete adventure team. If fully deployed, their intelligence alone would be enough to annihilate any opponent below level 20.
Although this spoiled brat's body currently lacks training and can only be considered a barely level 16 swordsman, Midi possesses twenty years of combat experience teetering on the brink of death, along with the exceptional insight and broad vision gained after his second awakening. He can completely compensate for his lack of strength with skill.
However, it's clear that the three, including Fina, feel this kid is simply acting recklessly.
"If you lack self-awareness, you'll die quickly," Lillian's voice was clear and crisp, yet laced with sarcasm. "You think you're safe just because you can stop the puppets at any time? Inertia can't be stopped. One impact and you might be turned into a pile of minced meat."
"Six intermediate-level puppets are suitable. It's better to proceed gradually. As long as you don't hold us back, we won't do anything to you. If you die on the training field, Miss Fina will be in trouble too. Why be so stubborn?" Sigmund offered a kind reminder, a kindness filled with the pity of the strong for the weak.
However, the red-haired girl sensed the unwavering determination hidden within Midi's thin frame from his earnest expression.
In fact, this guy named Midi had seemed quite strange from the start—despite being nothing more than a good-for-nothing playboy, he remained calm and composed in her presence; despite staring at her rudely, she felt no disgust, but rather a long-lost familiarity and gentleness in his eyes.
And now, this guy, whose stats said he could only barely reach the level of a level 16 swordsman, was actually declaring he wanted to take on the Flame Challenge?
This unpredictable and illogical situation made Fina feel increasingly irritated.
But vaguely, she felt that this black-haired, black-eyed boy might actually be able to pass the challenge.
"Since you've asked, let's give it a try." For the first time ever, the Storm Queen agreed to this reckless suggestion.
The blond gunslinger and the violent priest were both startled, but Midi seemed to have expected this answer, nodding calmly without any surprise.
"However, let me make this clear from the start: if you fail, I won't give you a second chance," Fina said coldly, staring intently into his eyes.
"One chance is enough," Midi replied quietly, repeating it as if speaking to himself, "That's enough."
Chapter 3 Just Like Before
When the "Flame Challenge," consisting of one magical puppet, two high-level puppets, and eight mid-level puppets, appeared on the training ground, it immediately caused a considerable uproar in the stands. Many students thought they would soon witness the Storm Queen's personal prowess.
However, the figure entering the training ground was not the one with bright red hair, but a boy with black hair and black eyes.
His slender build, the unremarkable longsword in his hand, and the flimsy shield made it seem as if a single charge from a mid-level puppet would be enough to send him flying.
The noble scions sent by the councilor immediately changed their expressions. In their view, this was undoubtedly a way for Fina to make things difficult for their team to avoid having a spies mixed in, a violation of the rules of the noble game. A few quick-thinking ones immediately sent word to summon reinforcements to put pressure on them.
Completely unconcerned by the subtle maneuvers of her opponents, Fina simply watched the quiet boy in the arena.
At this moment, the boy seemed like a completely different person, like a drawn sword, dazzling and impossible to look directly at.
Having experienced twenty years of ups and downs, combat was as natural to Midi as breathing. The moment he grasped the sword, he entered a state of complete self-forgetfulness, no longer concerned with gains or losses, no longer hesitating. Only the desire for victory remained in his heart.
"Let me show you my swordsmanship, my strength, and... my determination," Midi said softly, scanning the students in the stands, each with their own thoughts.
Before him were eleven puppets, arranged logically, layered, and each with its own role.
Among them, eight intermediate puppets served as meat shields, adjusted to a minotaur vanguard fighting style, possessing charge attack skills and extremely high mobility.
The two superior puppets possessed dual characteristics of support and protection. On one hand, they inherited the agility of the fluorescent cat demon; their double-claw attack was a headache even for experienced fighters. On the other hand, and most terrifyingly, these formidable melee fighters not only possessed healing abilities, but could also heal each other.
As for the magic puppet, it was created based on a mutated flame monster and possessed the Fire Meteor skill. This magical attack had a long range, great power, and a splash effect, making it a one-hit kill for Midi in her current state.
Even a class-change practitioner would struggle to withstand this combination head-on. Even at the height of the magic academy's power, it was said that less than five percent of the students could complete this challenge before the trial.
Out of a hundred people, only five could withstand the scorching flames.
But it was precisely for this reason that the challenge was worthwhile.
To everyone's astonishment, Midi discarded the heavy shield and instead wielded a two-handed sword.
In the next instant, he shot forward without hesitation, like an arrow released from a bow!
"What? In this situation, this guy actually launched an attack?"
Everyone exclaimed in surprise. Although the puppets could stop moving immediately, the inertia was irreversible. In Midy's current state, if he were hit by a sudden attack, he would at least suffer a broken bone. This battle was no longer safe.
"He's even throwing away his shield. Is he trying to commit suicide?" Lillian snorted, glancing at Sigmund. However, the blonde gunslinger simply shrugged, clearly unable to discern Midy's intentions.
"Interesting," Fina murmured softly. As a student who had completed the Flame Challenge multiple times, she knew exactly what the puppets would do next.
So, how should they deal with this kid who launched the attack?
Unconsciously, the Storm Queen's gaze was fixed on him.
The steel joints creaked and groaned as the eight mid-level puppets, facing the charging Midy, lowered their center of gravity in unison and launched a simultaneous charge.
The seemingly clumsy puppets sped forward with a speed completely contrary to their size, like cannonballs, whipping up gusts of wind and raising high clouds of dust. Eight straight lines, like projectile spears, locked onto Midy's position.
For a moment, the earth seemed to tremble at their unstoppable advance.
Anyone else would likely have panicked at the sight of such a massive, overwhelming charge. However, Midy's expression remained calm, as if the approaching figures were not eight steel puppets, but merely a cold winter wind.
He didn't slow down; instead, he accelerated even further, charging headlong into the eight puppets. Just as the two were about to collide, Midi suddenly shifted his stance, like a streak of white light, and deftly deflected the attack.
At that moment, time seemed to stand still.
When everyone came to their senses, the black-haired boy they had thought was smashed to pieces had somehow slipped unharmed through the gaps in the charging eight puppets!
Sigurd and Lillian, who had expected Midi to be terrified and beg for mercy, exchanged a look of utter astonishment. They held themselves in high regard, their expectations even higher, and it was precisely because of this that they understood the incredible feat he had accomplished.
In the end, Midi's technique wasn't complicated. The dash attack skill was indeed very fast, impossible for non-class-advanced players below level 20 to dodge. But it also had a weakness—once activated, it couldn't change direction; it could only move in a straight line. If one could predict the automatons' trajectory the instant they activated their skills, one could easily dodge them, or even not dodge at all; simply standing in a position unaffected by the impact would suffice.
However, this was only a theoretical approach. In actual combat, the dust kicked up, the number of enemies, various noises and shouts, and one's own fear and anxiety would all affect the final outcome.
Humans are not machines; who could remain unmoved in the face of an overwhelming offensive?
But the rumored playboy did it, and not only did it, he did it beautifully.
"Hoo..." The red-haired girl's relaxed exhale broke the silence between the three.
Fina leaned back lazily in her chair, closing her eyes like a cat, feigning sleep, no longer looking at the figure on the training field that had so greatly impressed them.
"Not watching anymore, Miss Fina?" Sigmund asked, somewhat puzzled. Logically, such a clean and efficient dodge should have piqued the Storm Queen's interest.
"No need, the outcome is already decided," Fina replied simply.
Just as Fina said, Midi's dodge not only avoided the strongest attack launched by the eight mid-level puppets, but also essentially broke through the tanks' defenses, easily reaching the heart of the formation where the two high-level puppets were located.
From the beginning, his target was these two fluorescent cat-like puppets that could use healing spells.
Although it was one against two, the level 16 puppets' movements were slightly stiffer than the mutated monsters. To Midi, who had experience with a second awakening, they were practically still. Midi could easily predict their every move. In an instant, Midi had easily grasped the rhythm of the battle, dodging the puppets' second attack and closing in to almost hand-to-hand combat.
In the instant he brushed past a puppet, he gripped his longsword in reverse, and without even turning around, precisely thrust the blade into the gap where the puppet's arm connected to its body, piercing all the way in and destroying its core mechanism.
This high-level puppet didn't even have a chance to use a healing spell before being instantly killed.
Less than twenty seconds later, a second high-level puppet also fell to the ground, sparks crackling outwards from the crack in the center of its forehead.
Without the shield of a human shield and the agile guards, the magical puppets, unable to create distance, could hardly unleash a powerful meteorite attack and were hardly dangerous.
Using all his strength and the momentum from the acceleration, Midi unleashed a domineering Ghost Slash at the immobile target. Although it contained no demonic power, the imposing blade easily pierced the flame defense shield and severed the puppet's fragile neck, separating its head from its body.
With the dull thud of the steel head hitting the ground, the battle was no longer in doubt.
When the last puppet ceased functioning, Midi finally sheathed his sword, then naturally waved to the red-haired girl in the stands, followed by a relaxed smile.
There was no particular meaning behind it; it was purely out of habit.
For years, after every victory, he had used this method to show his beloved woman that "all is well."
So this time, Midi smiled as well.
Just like before.
Chapter 4 The Enemy
That radiant and sincere smile, like warm sunshine on a rainy winter day, left the future Demon Queen and her two loyal companions speechless.
At this point, they were certain that this supposedly unskilled level 16 fellow who had joined their party was definitely not simple. He not only possessed formidable strength, but he also handled the Storm Queen's aura with ease.
Regardless of his true intentions, his demeanor and character alone were enough to command respect.
"Having someone like him as a companion in the trial doesn't seem so bad," Sigmund suggested.
"But if he really is an undercover agent, then we can't just leave him alone." Lillian's eyes flickered, her tone somewhat eager. "Miss Fina, should I test him?"
"There's no need." Fina shook her head. "I said from the beginning that whoever passes the training field test will be a member of my team. Since it's a promise already made, it must be kept."
Besides, Fina didn't think Midy really harbored any ill intentions. If that were the case, he wouldn't have needed to be so assertive and conspicuous from the start. He should have quietly passed the test with the six puppets and infiltrated, then suddenly attacked in a critical moment.
Midy was honest, Fina's intuition told her.
"Midy Asrex, from now on, you are a member of my team." Looking at the black-haired boy wiping the sweat from his brow, Fina finally spoke. "What you need to do next is simple: get first place in the trial. Can you keep up?"
"I will do my best," Midy replied, catching his breath.
Sigmund's admiration, Lillian's skepticism, and the Storm Queen's approval warmed Midy's heart. This victory, achieved so soon after his rebirth, where he had risked exposing his strength and expended all his mental energy, had finally paid off.
Even if it wasn't quite at the level of "trust," at least he had truly entered Fina's field of vision. If anything happened during the trials, his suggestions would at least carry some weight and wouldn't be completely ignored.
This was Midy's first objective.
However, this battle also made Midy realize his current limits once again—the boy was far from being as relaxed as he appeared—the initial evasion alone had exhausted most of his mental energy. Afterwards, he was entirely relying on years of skill to fight. Leaving aside the strain of using a technique like the Demon Slash as a human swordsman, the subsequent battle of attrition against the eight intermediate puppets nearly left him breathless.
Ultimately, this body still belonged to a spoiled brat. Perhaps the soul residing within was filled with grand ambitions after rebirth, but his physical abilities were far from adequate.
Power—he needed more power now.
Just as Midi was pondering this, the training ground gates were suddenly flung open with a heavy rumble.
The synchronized footsteps of the attendants echoed, far heavier than the incessant rain, striking the hearts of everyone present. These well-trained guards stood in two rows, clearing a straight path leading out of the training ground to the luxurious carriage pulled by eight thoroughbreds that had just stopped.
A blond youth slowly alighted from the carriage. He was very tall, almost an adult, with short, golden hair that framed a handsome yet cold face.
The moment this youth stepped into the training ground, the previously humid and warm air inexplicably filled with the smell of gunpowder. Even the usually composed Sigmund and Lillian's expressions turned serious, while only the fearless Fina maintained her usual relaxed, mocking smile.
Meady's black pupils contracted sharply at that moment.
"Fenrir Seth..." he murmured the name softly.
Scenes from his past and present lives surfaced from the depths of his memory, causing Midy's fists to clench uncontrollably.
This boy, named after the legendary ice wolf, was the chief heir of the Seth family, representing the councilor faction. At this point in time, he could be considered a "comrade" on the same side as Midy, since the Asrex family was currently on the councilor's side.
It was Fenrir's instigation that had led him, who had previously lacked ambition, to want to get involved in the conflict between the Queen's faction and the councilor faction. Coupled with the pressure from the Seth family, employing both soft and hard tactics, and a combination of kindness and severity, even though Midy's father felt helpless about his spoiled son's behavior, he had no choice but to yield.
Thus, the Asrex family, merely holding the title of Earl, became a pawn in factional struggles, easily discarded at any moment. Midy, however, remained completely unaware, even believing he had gained attention.
Looking back now, how ridiculous these actions seem.
If it were only this, it wouldn't be so bad; such foolishness is no one's fault but someone else's. The aristocratic world is inherently a cruel and ruthless world adorned with luxury, etiquette, and smiles; wins and losses are normal.
However, Fenrir and his family were far more ruthless.
After Storm Queen Fina was injured in the trial, the Seth family not only launched various political offensives but also shifted all the blame onto Midy's family, showing no intention of honoring their initial agreement.
When the Delos Empire launched its invasion, the Seth family, who had always been righteous and self-proclaimed "representatives of the people," immediately betrayed them, surrendering their entire nation. Fenrir became a leading figure in serving the empire, brutally massacring and suppressing countless people of the Belmar Duchy.
Among them, Midi's family suffered particularly severe persecution. Both her parents were executed, and her entire duchy was burned to the ground, leaving no survivors.
Even after Midi spent years in exile, finally establishing the "Falcon Band" and starting a new life as an adventurer on the Arad continent, Fenrir, who had already undergone a second awakening, continued to ruthlessly suppress her in various large-scale campaigns, even stabbing her in the back.
If one had to deduce, the deaths of Fina and Alice were, to some extent, connected to Fenrir's interference.
Was it because both were Ghost Swordsmen, while he, through a fortuitous encounter, obtained a stronger Ghost God? Or perhaps, the most alluring and unattainable beauty of Belmar, the unapproachable Queen of Magic Bullets, had ultimately chosen him?
Midi didn't know why Fenrir hated him so much—was it jealousy? But without a doubt, the deep-seated hatred between them was irreconcilable. He had no doubt that in this life, given the chance, this boy would still unhesitatingly use him as cannon fodder, would still ruthlessly grind him to dust.
In fact, hadn't he already been used as cannon fodder?
A cold, self-mocking smile appeared on Midi's lips.
In his previous life, he and Fenrir had little interaction during their time at the academy. To avoid suspicion, Fenrir had completely ignored Fina's team.
But this time was different. There were many eyes and ears on the training ground; news of Midi's "Flame Challenge" had surely reached Fenrir's ears. Fenrir's hasty arrival was likely due to the fact that the former cannon fodder had become a powerful force, forcing him to personally appear to try and sway Fina, and also to win him over.
However, Midi, who already knew the other party was ruthless, was unlikely to fall for it again.
"Perfect timing! I might as well take this opportunity to completely sever ties with the council faction and stop being their pawn!" Midi thought, striding forward to meet him.
"I heard someone passed the renowned 'Flame' challenge, so I came to see," Fenrir said with a smile, his expression calm and composed. "I didn't expect it to be you."
"Thank you for your praise, Lord Fenrir," Midi replied calmly with standard aristocratic etiquette.
"Passing the Flame Challenge is something to celebrate. Come to the Elven Court Hotel tonight, I'll invite a bunch of friends to congratulate you," Fenrir said, then added loudly with a wicked grin, "And that girl you mentioned wanting last time, I'll bring her too. Anyway, I'm already tired of her, you can have her."
This was more of an order than an invitation. The real purpose wasn't to celebrate for Midi, but simply to remind and intimidate Fina that this powerful figure in her team was one of his. Of course, Midi could also anticipate that at the banquet, Fenrir would try every means to find out her background.
With just a few simple words, he had achieved the effects of sowing discord and appeasing her. This Fenrir was indeed not simple.
But this kind of aristocratic game meant nothing to the reborn Midi. Thinking of his miserable past life, he had no desire for pretense and shook his head directly: "I have no time for your banquet, Lord Fenrir, and besides, I have no interest in it."
Fenrir blinked, a fake aristocratic smile appearing on his face. For a moment, he thought he had misheard.
As the chief heir of the Seth family, whether in the territory or the academy, he was the object of everyone's flattery. Not only among his peers, but even true nobles would bow before him.
If it were the Storm Queen, it would be one thing, but what was this Midi? The son of an earl, his territory not far from the Seth family's duchy. He had no choice but to become a vassal of the great nobles, a vanguard of the councilors.
But this brat dared to be so disrespectful to him! Fenrir's handsome face twisted with rage.
"You're insane." Fenrir pursed his lips, resuming his condescending attitude, and sneered, "Before the Seth family, you're nothing but a minor noble! Passed the Flame Challenge, and you really think you're something special? With a flick of my finger, you and your family will suffer a fate worse than death!"
"If you want war, then I'll give you a war," Midi replied calmly, his gaze on Fenrir calm yet sharp, devoid of any emotional fluctuation.
This wasn't due to hatred blinding him, nor a momentary impulse; it was the result of careful calculation.
Whether from a personal or familial perspective, the Seth family and his own family had irreconcilable conflicts, and a break was inevitable. If they delayed now, maintaining their submission to the Seth family, the result wouldn't be protection or benefit; on the contrary, they would only pay an increasingly higher price.
After all, the other side had never shown any sincerity; they merely wanted to exploit those they considered cannon fodder.
Since that's the case, it's better to make a clean break from the start and shatter all the invisible shackles.
Although the family's earldom is indeed not far from the Seth family's duchy, they are not directly adjacent. Even if the other side were to deploy troops, it would still require considerable effort. And now, during the academy's trials, all the major and minor powers in the duchy are extremely sensitive. Even the Seth family dares not act rashly, which buys them time.
If they can hold out for this period, soon, with the arrival of the Great Fire of the Grand Forest, the value of the earldom where the Midi family resides will become increasingly apparent.
Since that's the case, it's better to make a clean break sooner rather than later, shattering all the constraints and shackles binding their family!
Chapter 5 Family
Fenrir, of course, hadn't thought that far ahead. He was ultimately just a member of the Seth family's younger generation, merely a pawn in the hands of the current patriarch.
However, Midi's nonchalant attitude and rudeness severely enraged him. With a roar, Fenrir's hand was already on his sword hilt.
But before he could draw his sword, Midi had already moved. Before Fenrir's weapon was even three inches from its sheath, a cold longsword was already pressed against his throat. The upward pressure forced him to straighten his body and stand on tiptoe.
"Midi! How dare you…" The blond boy showed no fear, instead roaring like an enraged lion.
Seeing their master attacked, the Seth family's guards, both visible and hidden, reacted simultaneously. However, at the same time, a chilling sensation suddenly swept across the entire training ground.
The red-haired girl finally moved, and her movement instantly subdued everyone.
The surging, almost tangible magical power, the chilling wind that seemed to shred anyone at any moment, brought the atmosphere, which had nearly exploded, back to a slow, steady flow.
Perhaps killing Fenrir now was the best course of action! Looking at his powerless opponent, and recalling the pain of his family's destruction, his displacement, the humiliations, and the despair he had endured over the past twenty years in his previous life, Midi's hands began to tremble slightly.
"This piece of trash isn't worth dirtying your sword. If it were worth killing, I would have done it already." That familiar and endearing voice rang out.
Fina's words acted like a warning bell, bringing Midi back to his composure.
Yes, if he really did it, the Seth family would immediately launch a noble war, and Fina's Hamilton family would certainly seize the opportunity to attack, plunging the entire Duchy of Belmar into civil war, ultimately benefiting only the ever-watchful Delos Empire.
This strike might have been satisfying, but it could very well drastically alter history, causing him to miss numerous opportunities and negating the advantages of his rebirth.
Midi understood all this, took a deep breath, and slowly sheathed his sword.
"You're right, Fina. This kind of person isn't worth my anger," Midi replied, lowering his weapon.
Fenrir's lips moved, but he dared not utter any more threats. For a fleeting moment, he had sensed the genuine killing intent emanating from Midi, and felt as if he had fallen into an ice cellar.
Watching Fenrir leave with a cold, hateful gaze, Fina glanced at the black-haired boy beside her.
"Are you alright?" Rarely, the Storm Queen asked a question tinged with obvious concern, a tone utterly out of character for her.
This long-awaited greeting sent a jolt through Midi, followed by a confident smile. "Fina, we must get first place in the trial."
"Of course! Who do you think I am?" the red-haired girl replied with equal confidence, without the slightest hesitation.
The next morning, Midi boarded the carriage returning to the Earl's territory of the Asrex family.
Originally, with only a week left, he should have been focusing on training with the new members. However, after the break with the Seth family, Midi's father, upon receiving the news, immediately sent someone to summon him back. Fina didn't say much, simply nodding readily and saying that parents were important.
Perhaps, this was the Storm Queen's way of expressing approval.
Midi then immediately returned to the family territory. In his memory, this was a rare display of strength from his usually doting father; it seemed his actions had truly pushed him to the limit.
Thinking of his father's anxious expression, Midi felt a pang of guilt. However, he didn't regret his actions yesterday.
"Young Master Midi, if I may be so bold as to speak, the master is truly angry this time. Please don't talk back when you get back, and apologize to him properly."
An aged yet gentle voice pulled Midi back to reality.
Sitting respectfully opposite Midi's carriage was the family's steward, Lotran. This man, over sixty years old, wore a crisp black tailcoat and had a neatly trimmed, snow-white mustache, looking as if he had stepped out of an old oil painting. In fact, he had served the Earl's family for three generations.
From Midi's birth until now, this old man had silently protected him, mostly cleaning up the messes this troublesome young man made, bearing the anger of the people, and striving to restore the honor of the Asrex family.
Two years later, when the Delos Empire invaded, despite his advanced age, he resolutely took up his sword and went into battle, ultimately dying on the battlefield—a truly loyal old general.
However, back then, Midi only treated him as a wretched old man, always behaving with no respect, never showing any gratitude, taking his loyalty for granted.
"I know what I'm doing, but thank you anyway, Lotran," Midi smiled at the old butler who had cared for him for many years, patting him on the shoulder amicably. "Although facing the powerful Seth family is indeed unsettling, I didn't act on impulse. Don't worry. I'll communicate properly with my father."
Lotran was stunned for a moment. He had been prepared to be scolded, but he hadn't expected such a sincere and unbiased reply.
Could it be that the young master had truly grown up?
In an instant, the old butler felt a surge of relief.
The journey from the Duchy's capital, Huttonmar, back to the Duchy would take a full day. However, having angered one of the country's greatest powers, the cautious Lotran, fearing something might happen along the way, not only assembled over thirty highly trained greatswordsmen as guards but also rode at breakneck speed without stopping.
At dusk, Midy could already see the gates of the Asrex family castle.
Earl Engelmann Asrex, Midy's father and the lord of this land, was already waiting in his study.
This handsome, richly dressed middle-aged man, with a worried expression, first inquired about the journey from the old steward. After confirming that nothing untoward had happened, he breathed a sigh of relief and turned to look at the quiet but unrepentant young man with a look of disappointment.
"Midi, I remember telling you this a long time ago," Earl Engelmann said gravely, "Try not to get too close to the Seth family, but even more importantly, don't offend them, even if you suffer injustice! In any case, as the future heir of the Asrex family, you shouldn't lack reason; think carefully before you do anything!"
"Yes, I know," Midy nodded.
"No, you have no idea. To publicly draw a sword and hold it to someone's neck, with members of the Hamilton family right there—that's already…" The Earl sighed, falling silent.
But Midy knew that the Earl was already considering how to make amends for his mistake. In his distant memories, his father had always been like this: to the outside world, he was the powerful Earl of the Asrex family, cold and ruthless, and no one could fool him.
However, in his presence, he was an excessively doting father. Perhaps because of their deceased mother, the Earl always tried to compensate, fulfilling Midy's every request to the best of his ability.
Frankly speaking, this was definitely not a good way to educate a child, and Midy's spoiled nature was largely due to this.
Yet, seeing his father's furrowed brow and deep contemplation, a warmth welled up in his heart.
However, it wasn't time to rekindle their familial bond yet.
It was far from that time.
Midy reminded himself of this, looked up at his father, and said, "Father, you probably don't know, but the reason I chose to break with the Seth family is because I learned something very important at the academy."
"What?" Earl Engelmann's brow twitched.
"Please come with me," Midy said, ignoring the doubt and distrust in the Earl's eyes, and walked directly into the depths of the castle.