arthure pov -
Two years passed since I began training my body.
Only one day remained before the Awakening Ceremony.
For these past two years, I devoted myself wholly to physical training. Day after day, month after month, I pushed my limits until my muscles screamed and my bones felt ready to snap. Ever since Mother retook control of the county's responsibilities, my life became easier—no more constant paperwork, no more political meetings. I was finally free to focus completely on myself.
During these two years, the sale of the Dew of Soul Purifier exploded like wildfire.
Everyone wanted it—even high-floor awakeners. Its demand rose so fast that we couldn't even come close to meeting it. The rare materials were simply too scarce.
Still, because of it, both the Vormir and Crestban families rose to terrifying new heights of power.
Some awakeners were even willing to trade Legendary-rank artifacts for a single vial.
Absurd.
But that was how fearsome Abyss Corruption was…
And how priceless anything related to soul-strengthening became.
As for my training… I hadn't achieved the perfect unawakened limit of 10 in all stats. But I should be somewhere around 7–8 in each. Above average for sure, but nowhere near that monster.
"He must've gotten his 'Limit Breaker' title already…"
Aldric Crestban.
That guy was simply built differently. A walking cheat code.
Since tomorrow was the big day, I decided to rest and spend time with my family today.
We rarely had peaceful moments like these. Asher had begun his own physical training, Mother was drowning in county work, and although life had been calmer lately, true family time was still rare.
I walked toward the mirror and stared.
A young yet mature man stared back.
My height had increased from a skinny 5'6 boy to a solid 6 feet tall. My features were sharper, my jawline more defined. My snow-white hair shimmered under the light, and my ruby-red eyes carried a calm confidence.
"I really look like a main character…"
I chuckled softly and left the room, heading toward the hall.
Mother and Asher were already waiting—both of them practically vibrating with excitement. Asher especially was hopping in place like a bored puppy ready to run.
We left the mansion at nine in the morning and spent the entire day together.
Shopping, trying desserts, teasing each other—it was bliss. A simple, ordinary day… but for someone like me who lived two lives, such moments were treasures.
By the time we returned home, the sky was painted orange. Mother insisted on cooking dinner herself today, saying she wanted to prepare something special since awakening was tomorrow.
So, Asher and I waited in the hall. He couldn't sit still for even one second.
After a moment, he glanced at me with a conflicted expression.
"Brother… after awakening, do you really plan to go to that Academy?"
His tone was soft, almost worried.
Why was this kid acting like something terrible would happen?
"Hey, don't worry," I said. "I'm a lot stronger than you think."
But he only pouted harder.
"Then how come you always lose to big brother Aldric?"
…This brat.
If he knew the monster-tier stats that Aldric possessed, he'd cry out of embarrassment.
During these two years, I sparred with Aldric countless times.
He beat me.
Over and over.
And over.
But after I awaken?
Oh… the tables would flip. Completely.
Mother returned with the food, several maids following behind her with trays. Minutes later, the dishes were laid out. The aroma alone was enough to make even a dragon submit.
It wasn't the first time Mother cooked—it was rare, but not unheard of. And as expected, the food was absolutely delicious.
After we finished eating, Mother looked at me gently.
"Art, remember… no matter what talent you awaken, it doesn't matter. We will support you."
I felt warmth in my chest.
But of course they'd say that.
Most people believed I would awaken an alchemy-related talent because of that "inheritance dream."
I didn't correct them.
Because I knew the truth.
In the novel, Arthur Von Vormir awakened an SS-rank talent along with an dual affinity
But now that I had transmigrated…
Would the results remain the same?
The Awakening Ceremony would be held in the capital of the Human Domain. Children from all noble houses would awaken publicly. While commoners awakened at the Awakening Association, this year was special.
Because high-noble heirs were attending.
And most importantly…
The princess herself.
"Many important characters will be there…"
This was the beginning of the true story.
I stood up, stretching lightly, and returned to my room.
Tomorrow…
Everything would begin.