The song of birds pulled Soul from his sleep long before the sun had fully risen.
He stayed lying there for a few seconds, eyes open, staring at the wooden ceiling. Pale light slipped through the gaps in the shutters, drawing golden lines across the walls. The smell of warm bread and soup was already drifting up from the kitchen.
He got up slowly, his bare feet meeting the coolness of the floorboards.
As he walked past the small polished metal mirror hanging on the wall, he stopped to look at himself.
His reflection showed a boy with still-young features, but eyes far too serious for his age.
His right eye, violet, deep as a night of condensed mana.His left eye, orange, blazing like an ember about to ignite.
His violet hair, slightly messy, fell over his forehead and nape, seeming to absorb light rather than reflect it.
Absentmindedly, he touched the hilt of the katana resting against his bed, next to the black scabbard that held his scythe.
Two mythic artifacts.Two blades bound to his soul.Two dangerous promises.
— Well then… he murmured. New day.
He washed his face with fresh water from the small stone basin, brushed his teeth with a paste of salt and herbs, then put on his clothes: a simple tunic, sturdy linen pants, slightly worn boots. After that, he fastened the belt that held Kage no Kizuna at his waist, and the harness that secured Shinigami's Embrace across his back.
The combined weight of the two weapons felt strangely… natural.
As if his body had been waiting for them all along.
Breakfast and Resolve
In the kitchen, his mother was busy near the stone oven, pulling out a small golden loaf. The room was warm and welcoming: a solid wooden table, benches, shelves packed with jars of herbs, spices, jams, and simple potions. Morning light washed everything in an amber glow.
Aegis was already seated, drinking something hot from a clay cup.
— Sleep well? he asked.
— Yeah, Soul replied as he sat down.
It wasn't entirely true. He had woken up several times, heart racing, reliving his two lives tangled together: the fire devouring the apartment, the cat saved, the heat of blood… then the gentleness of Lynea's arms, the breeze of Astryon, Eldran's voice, the mockery, the violet System windows.
His mother set down a bowl of vegetable soup and a piece of bread in front of him.
— Eat up, she said softly.— You'll have another rough day of classes today.
He nodded, then lowered his gaze slightly.
The Slimes. The Skeletons. The quest.
As he chewed, he thought.
Plan:
Gain experience in combat class.
Ask Master Fenrick if he can fight Slimes during summoning class.
Ask Lady Nyxmar the same thing for Skeletons.
Progress the quest without getting himself killed.
Later, find a way to get closer to the forbidden road from the treasure map.
A shiver of anticipation ran down his spine.
Lynea pulled him from his thoughts by placing her hand over his.
— You look troubled, Soul.
He hesitated, then smiled.
— I'm just thinking about how to get stronger.
Aegis let out a short laugh.
— Now that's a good kind of worry.
Soul finished his bowl, stood up, adjusted his weapons properly, and after placing a kiss on his mother's cheek, stepped out of the house.
The morning air was still cool. Mist was slowly lifting from the rooftops, the light gradually revealing stone and wooden facades, the closed stalls of the small market, and the thin smoke rising from chimneys.
Thoughts on the Way
Each step toward the school sounded like a countdown.
If I want to clear this quest… I have to level faster than any other Summoner or Necromancer. I can't afford to be as cautious as everyone else.
The memory of the violet window resurfaced:
[QUEST: FIRST STEPS]Kill:– 10 Slimes– 10 Skeletons
Rewards:– Spell: Summon – Slime LV1– Spell: Necromancy – Skeleton LV1– +50 XP
And above all, the silent but terrifying line:
Area forbidden to LV < 10.
At the School Gate
In front of the large wooden gate, Ryen was already waiting, a wooden sword at his belt.
— HEEEY, SOUL!! he shouted, waving his arms.
Soul raised a hand.
— Morning.
Ryen had dark circles under his eyes, but a huge grin.
— Everything hurts, but yesterday was SO GOOD! Bron is a monster, but I'll become even more monstrous than him!
Soul smiled.
— So, how was sword class?
Ryen's eyes lit up.
— Oh man, listen to this.
Ryen's Swordsmanship Class (retelling)
— We went into the swordsmen's dojo. Big rectangular room with tatami mats and racks full of training swords, Ryen said, waving his hands as he spoke.— Master Harald made us line up and yelled: "A sword is not for looking pretty. If you wanna show off, go join the bards."
Soul held back a laugh.
Ryen went on:
— He had us repeat one thing for an hour: the stance. Feet apart, knees bent, blade in front of the chest.— If someone lifted their shoulders or dropped an elbow, he'd smack their sword with his and it rang right up to your teeth…
He shivered at the memory, though a proud smile hovered on his lips.
— After that, we did basic cuts. High, low, horizontal, diagonal. He kept saying:"You think you're attacking… but first you're going to learn how to BREATHE."
Soul could easily picture him: the strict, precise instructor, correcting stances with quick taps to wrists or legs.
— At the end, he told me: "You're too excited. But you're not bad."
Ryen puffed out his chest.
— I think I like him.
Mira joined them, still clutching her grimoire to her chest.
— Good morning…
— Mira! Ryen called. How was magic?
Her golden eyes began to glow softly.
Mira's Magic Class (retelling)
— Master Aelhynn's classroom was very quiet, she began.— There were mana crystals hanging from the ceiling, and magic circles carved into the floor. You could feel the air vibrating.
Soul could almost see it: the elf with the cold gaze, surrounded by floating symbols.
— He made us sit cross-legged. He put a candle in front of each of us."Your first enemy isn't fire, nor mana," he said."It's your own mind."
She paused briefly, as if reliving the scene.
— He made us breathe. For a long time. He wanted us to "feel the pulse of mana in the air".— Some didn't feel anything.— I… felt a slight pressure around the candle. Like dense air.
— And then? Soul asked.
— Then he said:"Don't try to make a fireball or lightning. Just ask the flame to listen to your will."
She pressed her lips together, looking a bit embarrassed.
— I… asked a bit too strongly. The flame suddenly grew, and my candle almost exploded.
— WHAT?! Ryen shouted, impressed.— You almost burned the class down on the first day?
— Master Aelhynn snuffed the flame out with a snap of his fingers, Mira replied.— He stared at me for a long time. Then he said: "Interesting."
Soul smiled.
She's special too.
Kael arrived in turn, bow on his shoulder, quiver half-empty.
— I heard "interesting"? he said dryly.
— Kael! Soul called. And you, how was archery?
He raised an eyebrow.
Kael's Archery Class (retelling)
— We got the grumpiest dwarf in existence, he began.— Halden. Beard down to his belt, eyebrows that could crush a fly, and the voice of a sick bear.
Ryen burst out laughing.
— He lined us up in front of the targets. Then he said:"I'm going to teach you a secret…The secret is that you're all terrible."
Mira covered her mouth, stifling a smile.
— He showed us how to hold the bow, how not to snap our wrist, how not to "aim with your eyes, but with your whole body".— When I shot my first arrow, I missed the target.— He looked at me and said:"At least you didn't hit anyone. That's a start."
— And after that? asked Soul.
Kael smirked slightly.
— After that, I hit the target three times in a row. He grunted:"Well. That one might be salvageable."
Soul looked at him with genuine admiration.
— You all made progress… he murmured.
Then they turned to him.
— And you? Mira asked.— How were Summoning… and Necromancy?
Soul Talks About Summoning & Necromancy
So Soul told them:
• Master Fenrick, silent, leading him into the forest.• His failure to summon a slime the first time.• The feeling of mana slipping through his fingers.• Lady Nyxmar, cold as stone, guiding him among the graves.• The silent voices of the dead.• The fact that he was alone. Always alone, in those two classrooms.
Ryen clenched his fists.
— It's not fair that you're the only one in those classes.
— He isn't, Mira corrected gently.— We're here too.
Kael nodded, serious.
— The others don't know what you have.— We do. And we're not going to let you down.
Soul felt warmth spreading in his chest.
— Thanks.
A voice boomed from the courtyard:
— EVERYONE IN POSITION! COMBAT CLASS IS STARTING!!
Bron Shatter had roared.
The four friends shared a look… and ran toward the training grounds.
Warm-Up with Bron Shatter
The yard had been cleared. Wooden dummies stood off to the side, along with racks filled with wooden weapons.
Bron had them form several lines.
— We'll start by SEEING what your bodies are worth.— Ten laps around the yard. GO!
The packed earth shook under the children's feet.
Soul ran, his breathing steady, feeling the weight of the katana and scythe on him.His leg muscles burned, but he endured.
In his previous life, he had often had to stand for hours in the morgue or sprint to save an animal. That endurance now paid off.
After the running, Bron continued:
— Push-ups! Until your arms burn!— Squats! Until your legs scream!— Bends! Stretches!— You can't wield a weapon with a soft body!
Soul's shoulders shook, his hands slipped on the dirt, his back was soaked with sweat. Ryen, beside him, was trembling too, but smiling like an idiot. Kael stayed focused. Mira was panting, but she didn't give up.
Finally, Bron raised his hand.
— STOP. Now… the real class begins.
Training Fights: Soul vs. His Friends
Bron pointed to the center of the yard.
— DUELS WILL SHOW ME YOUR BASICS.— First match… Soul DRASIL versus Ryen THORN.
Ryen puffed his chest out, grabbed a wooden sword. Soul took one as well; he still wasn't allowed to use his katana in actual class combat.
They stood facing each other.
— Stance! Bron barked.
Soul tightened his grip. His hands were sweaty.
— Begin!
Ryen rushed in, shouting, sword raised.
Soul reacted on instinct: he slipped slightly to the right, felt the whoosh of the weapon passing by, and answered with a horizontal strike.
The wooden blades clashed with a sharp crack.
— Not bad, Soul! Ryen yelled, grinning.
The fight became a fluid exchange:
Ryen, fast but a bit sloppy, always pushing forward.Soul, mostly on defense, dodging by a hair, trying to feel the rhythm.
Watching them, Bron narrowed his eyes.
He dodges well… but he still hesitates to attack.
After a few minutes, Ryen started to tire. Soul took advantage of an overly wide swing, smacked his guard aside and threw him off balance. Ryen landed on his backside with a grunt.
— Ow…
— WINNER: Soul DRASIL, Bron announced.— You're better than I expected.
Soul blushed slightly.
Thank you…
Then:
— Next match: Kael RONDOR versus Mira FAYEN!
Kael chose a short wooden spear, Mira a staff.
Kael attacked from mid-range, trying to strike her legs. Mira, focused, used calm, precise movements to parry and redirect.
She used her magical perception to sense Kael's intent… and often dodged just before impact.
The duel ended in a draw when Bron cut it short.
— Enough. You both have potential.
Duels continued between the four friends, amid laughter and shouts:
• Soul vs. Mira: Soul hesitated to strike hard. Mira took advantage, tapping his wrist just right and knocking the weapon from his hand. He ended up disarmed. She apologized, flustered, but Bron declared:— WINNER: MIRAA FAYEN.— Never underestimate your opponent, Soul.
• Ryen vs. Kael: Ryen charged nonstop, Kael relied on dodges and feints. The fight was fast, messy, intense. In the end, they both fell at the same time.— DRAW, Bron said, amused.
• Soul vs. Kael: Kael was very technical, testing Soul's guard. Soul kept up, but got caught off guard several times. He eventually lost to a clean thrust to the chest.— You need to attack, not just survive, Kael told him without malice.
• Mira vs. Ryen: Ryen rushed in like a bull, Mira used her staff to divert his charge and make him stumble with almost no brute force.— You need to learn how to slow down, Ryen, she said gently.
The four friends walked away exhausted… but proud.
But Bron wasn't done.
The Group of Five
— Now, he announced, we'll mix it up a little.
A group of five students, gathered a short distance away, were snickering.
Zeke, tall, slicked-back black hair, arrogant stare. Class: Warrior.Garlick, stocky, round face, mocking grin. Class: Swordsman.Britney, long blonde hair, blue eyes, chin always held high. Class: Mage.Zara, slim, cold-eyed. Class: Assassin.Luck, brown pigtails, insolent gaze. Class: Lancer.
They often made fun of Soul since his classes had been revealed.
— Hey, Instructor! Zeke called.— Let us fight the "double failure" over there. We'll see if he even deserves those two toys.
A few laughs broke out.
Bron didn't smile.
— Very well. Let's see what YOU'RE worth.
He looked at Soul.
— First duel: Soul DRASIL versus… Luck.
Luck stepped forward, rolling her eyes, and grabbed a wooden spear.
— Try not to die, okay, double loser?
Soul took his place. He grabbed a wooden sword, inhaled deeply, and recalled Bron's advice.
— Begin.
Luck attacked aggressively, but her movements lacked precision. She relied on speed… without technique.
Soul deflected the first strike, dodged the second, the third, then found an opening. A sharp hit to the hip, and Luck's spear flew from her hands.
— Huh…?
She ended up disarmed, nearly stumbling.
— WINNER: Soul DRASIL, Bron announced.
A few students started whispering. Luck, bright red, walked back to her group without a word.
— Second duel: Kael RONDOR versus Zara.
Zara took two wooden daggers, Kael kept a spear.
The fight was harsh: she slipped into his guard, fast, aiming for his sides. Kael had to step back, pivot, and use the spear's length to keep her away.
Several times, Zara slipped through his defense, barely missing.
In the end, Kael managed to unbalance her with a strike to the wrist, then pointed the spear's tip at her throat.
— WINNER: Kael RONDOR, Bron ruled.
Zara clenched her teeth, furious, but backed off.
— Third match: Britney versus Mira.
Britney grabbed a training wand, trying to play the mage even though she didn't really have the ability yet. Mira took her usual staff.
Britney attempted dramatic gestures, as if she were casting grand imaginary spells, but with no real effect. Mira, a bit embarrassed, simply dodged, stepped in, then used the length of her staff to gently tap Britney's shoulders and legs.
— You're too busy watching yourself play mage, Bron said.— WINNER: Mira FAYEN.
Britney blushed, offended.
— Fourth match: Ryen versus Garlick.
Two wooden swords. Two stubborn tempers.
The clash was immediate:
Ryen attacked with enthusiasm, Garlick answered with surprising brute strength.
Their weapons crashed together and broke apart, the two boys grunting, sweating, stumbling.
After a few minutes, both ended up collapsing at the same time, completely out of breath.
— DRAW, Bron announced.— You're both idiots… but not bad ones.
Ryen smiled despite the comment. Garlick grumbled, but didn't argue.
Only one match remained.
Bron raised his hand.
— Last fight… Soul DRASIL versus Zeke.
A murmur rippled through the students.
Zeke stepped forward, the perfect warrior poster boy: good height, good build, confident air, wooden sword held as if he were already a hero.
He leaned toward Soul.
— You got lucky against Luck.— This time, you'll understand the difference between a "real warrior" and a failed monster.
Soul didn't answer.
He took a deep breath, adjusted his stance.
— Begin! Bron called.
Zeke attacked with more precision than the others. His right foot pushed hard off the ground, his sword cutting through the air in a clean, controlled arc.
Soul barely managed to parry. The impact made his forearms vibrate.
He hits harder than the others…
Zeke followed up with a flurry of blows. Soul dodged and blocked as best he could, backing away, trying to find an opening.
Once, he tried a counterattack, but Zeke anticipated it and struck him in the shoulder.
— Ngh—!
The pain made him wince. The whispers rose again.
— See? Zeke sneered.— You're nothing.
Soul clenched his teeth.
He thought of the fire.Of the beam that had crashed down on him.Of his promise to become stronger.
He stepped forward instead of retreating.
Zeke looked surprised, but not enough.
Soul managed to land a strike on his side—But Zeke used the opening to hit him straight in the solar plexus.
Soul's breath was knocked out of him.
He dropped to his knees.
Zeke placed the tip of his sword at the back of Soul's neck.
— WINNER: ZEKE, Bron said, neutral.
Zeke straightened, a satisfied smile on his lips, and walked away without even offering a hand.
Ryen ran over.
— Soul! You okay?
Kyria, the healer, hurried over as well, placing glowing hands on his chest. A gentle warmth spread through him, soothing the pain, steadying his breathing.
— You fought well, she said softly.— But your body isn't used to taking hits yet.
Still panting, Soul gave a faint smile.
— I'll… remember that.
Second Summoning Class
After combat class, the students split up and headed to their respective lessons.
Soul walked down the hallways to the small summoning room. The smell of incense still hung in the air. The blue runes on the walls seemed to breathe.
Fenrick was waiting for him, sitting cross-legged on a rug, eyes closed.
— You're late, he said without opening his eyes.
— Sorry, Master. Combat class ran longer.
Fenrick finally opened one eye, looking Soul up and down, noting the faint marks on his tunic.
— Clearly.
The second lesson began with breathing exercises. Fenrick had him place his hands on a small mana crystal and told him to feel the pulse of the energy, like a distant heart.
— Don't force it. Call it.— Summons are not slaves. They're answers.
Soul focused.
A faint vibration ran through his fingers.
A glow stirred inside the crystal.
— Better, Fenrick commented.
After several attempts, Fenrick stood up.
— Today, we'll put back into practice what we started yesterday.
Soul took a deep breath.
— Master… may I ask you something?
Fenrick tilted his head.
— I'm listening.
— Is it… possible for me to fight Slimes? To gain experience.— And… I saw a light to the north of the forest yesterday. I'd like to know what it is.
Fenrick stared at him for a long moment.
His lupine gaze had nothing gentle about it.
— You already want to fight monsters… when you don't even know how to summon them yet.
Soul didn't look away.
— I need to get stronger. Fast.
Silence.
Then Fenrick answered:
— Go get Bron SHATTER.
Soul blinked.
— Sorry?
— Go get him, the summoning master repeated.
Soul didn't insist. He bowed, then ran through the hall to the training grounds, where Bron was putting weapons away.
— Mister Bron!— Master Fenrick is asking for you in the summoning room!
Bron raised a brow.
— Fenrick?— All right. Lead the way.
Fenrick & Bron's Agreement
Back in the room, Bron stood in front of Fenrick, arms crossed.
— You called?
Fenrick jerked his chin toward Soul.
— Your student here wants to fight Slimes.— He mentioned a glow in the north. I don't want him wandering there. There are wolves and creatures too strong for him.
Bron turned to Soul.
— You already want to tangle with monsters?
— Yes, he replied bluntly.— I have weapons. I want to use them.
Bron let out a long sigh.
— You don't have an ounce of fear, huh?
— I do, Soul admitted.— That's exactly why I'd rather feel it now than later.
Fenrick and Bron exchanged a silent look.
Finally, Bron nodded.
— Fine. You'll fight three Slimes.— No more.— And only in the WEST of the forest, where the monsters are low level.— You are NOT going north. Understood?
Soul nodded immediately.
— Understood!
Fenrick added:
— We'll be going with you.— If you make the slightest stupid move… I'm dragging you back to the village by the scruff of your neck.
A small shiver ran down Soul's spine.
— I won't do anything reckless.At least… not too much.
Forest Battle — Three Slimes
The western forest was bathed in soft light. Sun rays filtered through the leaves, drawing golden patches on the ground. Birdsong blended with the distant gurgling of a stream.
Bron walked in front, broad and imposing, opening the way. Fenrick followed in silence, ears pricked, senses alert. Soul walked behind them, one hand on his katana's hilt.
Kage no Kizuna vibrated faintly, as if delighted.
After a few minutes, Fenrick raised a hand.
— There.
At the foot of a tree, a green Slime swayed gently, a translucent gelatinous mass dotted with tiny inner bubbles. Its simple eyes, two black circles, blinked from time to time.
Bron stepped back a few paces.
— Your turn, Soul.— Show us.
Soul inhaled.
His hand closed around the katana's hilt.
He drew it with a soft whisper. The black-violet blade caught the forest light for a moment.
Bron frowned.
— That's… not a simple weapon.
Fenrick nodded faintly, intrigued.
— A soul weapon. Rare.
The Slime finally seemed to notice Soul.
It puffed up slightly, then leapt toward him.
Soul threw himself to the side. The Slime splashed down where he had stood a second earlier, scattering drops of gel on the ground.
It's faster than it looks…
Soul took his stance, trying to recall Bron's advice:
"Feet apart. Low center of gravity. Don't wave your weapon at the sky like a flag."
The Slime jumped again.
This time, Soul brought his katana down in a diagonal slash.
The blade cut through the gelatinous mass, which slapped onto the ground in two quivering halves. But he felt an odd resistance, as if he were cutting something alive instead of water.
The Slime partially reformed.
— Not deep enough, Fenrick commented.
Soul grimaced, stepped back, waited for another attack. The third leap was decisive: he struck with more precision, aiming for the slightly more opaque "core" at the Slime's center.
The creature collapsed into an inert puddle.
Soul was breathing hard. His grip had slipped, his hands trembled slightly.
— Good… for a first, Bron said.— But you wasted too much energy.
Fenrick added:
— You followed your instincts… next, you'll have to learn technique.
A second Slime appeared a bit farther on, this one bluish, gliding along the ground with smooth fluidity.
Bron placed a heavy hand on Soul's shoulder.
— Listen.— Your main hand holds the guard. The other supports; it doesn't lead.— Don't lean too far forward, or if you miss, you'll eat dirt.— Use your legs, not just your arms.
Soul nodded.
He stepped toward the blue Slime, more confident now.
When the creature leapt this time, he made a cleaner sidestep, turned his hips slightly, and brought his katana down in a smoother motion.
The blade sliced through the Slime.
The sensation was less jarring, more controlled.
Two precise follow-up strikes later, the creature dissolved.
Soul's breathing was steadier.Less shaking.More control.
— You learn quickly, Fenrick commented.
The third Slime burst from a bush, this time red, quicker and more aggressive. It bounced higher, faster.
Soul felt his heart race.
But he didn't back off.
He stepped forward to meet it.
Don't run. Receive it.
When the red Slime attacked, Soul dodged with a fluid step, like during his duel with Ryen, then struck the core with a sharp blow.
He followed with a second, then a third strike, the blade carving a clean arc.
The Slime exploded, falling to the ground in inert droplets.
Soul stayed standing, panting, but his eyes were shining.
— Not bad, Bron said, with a rare half-smile.— You're starting to look like a fighter.
Fenrick nodded.
— You have much to learn. But your potential… is real.
System Windows — Status & XP
On the way back, they explained how to "look inside himself."
— Focus, said Fenrick.— Think of your name. Your strength. Your level.— Visualize a window.
Soul did as he was told.
He took a deep breath, concentrated.
TING.
A purple window appeared.
[STATUS – Soul DRASIL]Race: Human (Reincarnated)Age: 7Class 1: Summoner (F)Class 2: Necromancer (F)Level: 1XP: 50 / 100
HP (Hit Points): 60 / 60 (60 / 60 unequipped)MP (Magic Points): 130 / 130 (80 / 80 unequipped)
STR (Strength – physical damage, carrying capacity): 9END (Endurance – physical defense, toughness): 10AGI (Agility – speed, evasion, accuracy): 31 (16 unequipped)INT (Intelligence – raw magical power, analysis): 52 (27 unequipped)WILL (Willpower – mental resistance, summon control, curse resistance): 85 (30 unequipped)LCK (Luck – crits, loot, special events): 29 (14 unequipped)SUM (Summoning Affinity – power, max number of summons, duration, control range): 42 (12 unequipped)NEC (Necromantic Affinity – quality of raised dead, undead control, corruption resistance): 42 (12 unequipped)
Stat Points Available: 0Skill Points: 0
Soul felt his heart leap.
— Fifty… out of a hundred?
Another window popped up immediately.
[Info – XP Gain]You defeated:– Green Slime (LV 3) → +15 XP– Blue Slime (LV 3) → +15 XP– Red Slime (LV 4) → +20 XP
Total: +50 XP
Your level being lower than your enemies grants you bonus XP.Conversely, defeating enemies lower level than you will grant less XP.
A smile crept onto Soul's face.
Three Slimes, and I'm already halfway to level 2…
A third window overlapped the first:
[Quest – First Steps]Slimes defeated: 3 / 10Skeletons defeated: 0 / 10
Rewards upon completion:– Spell: Summon – Slime LV1– Spell: Necromancy – Skeleton LV1– +50 XP
He closed the windows, feeling lighter.
— I get it better now, he murmured.— Thank you.
Bron grunted.
— Don't thank me yet. When you start fighting monsters that make you feel like puking your guts out, you'll curse my name.
Fenrick, meanwhile, allowed himself a faint smile.
— You'll survive.— You look stubborn.
Second Necromancy Class — and the Skeletons
After returning to the school and taking a short break, Soul headed to the necromancy room.
Inside, it was as cold as ever, lit by candles with blue flames. Lady Nyxmar stood near a stone altar, notes in hand.
— You're late, she said simply.
— Sorry, Professor. Summoning class ran long.
She folded the notes.
— Very well. Today, we'll go deeper into what it means to "listen to the dead."
She led him, as the day before, to the cemetery. The sky had grown a bit overcast, giving the place an even heavier atmosphere. The wind gently rustled the flowers laid on the graves.
Soul felt the air grow… denser.
Nyxmar laid her hand on a headstone.
— The dead are not puppets.— Raising them without respect… is a death sentence.
She had him kneel before an old grave and told him to close his eyes, to feel the echo of who that person had once been.
— You must understand that every skeleton you raise…— Belonged to someone.
Soul felt something.
A distant sadness.A lingering nostalgia.Like the scent of smoke and children's laughter.
He opened his eyes.
— I think I…
— You felt something, didn't you?
— Yes, Professor.
She looked at him for a moment, as if weighing his soul.
Then Soul gathered his courage.
— Lady Nyxmar… could I fight Skeletons?— Under your supervision.
She raised a brow, faintly amused.
— You want to strike what you'll soon learn to summon.— Interesting.
She glanced around them, then pointed to a slightly darker patch of ground where a few bones jutted out.
— There.— Some skeletons remain, animated by the residual magic of this place.— You may face two. No more.
Soul nodded.
— Understood.
This time, he rested his hand on the scythe's hilt.
Shinigami's Embrace vibrated faintly on his back, as if impatient.
— You really want to use that weapon for your first fight against death? Nyxmar asked.
— If I have to learn to wield it, I might as well start early.
She gave a thin smile.
— So be it.— But remember: that blade cuts more than flesh.
Soul drew the scythe.
The dark blade seemed to drink in the light, and a cold shiver climbed up his arm.
A sharp crack echoed.
In front of them, a bony hand broke through the earth.
A Skeleton slowly pulled itself upright, shaking the dust from its bones, empty sockets turning toward Soul.
Battle: Soul vs First Skeleton
The skeleton bent down, picked up an old fragment of a rusty sword, and clumsily took a stance, radiating a sinister awkwardness.
Soul tightened his grip on the scythe.
It was heavy—much heavier than the katana.The center of gravity was different, the shaft long.
Don't let the weight control you.
The skeleton lurched forward in jerky motions, like a poorly-oiled puppet.
Its rusty sword sliced through the air toward Soul's shoulder.
Soul threw himself back, the blade passing just a few centimeters away.
He swung the scythe in a clumsy arc… that went too high.
Nyxmar spoke calmly, without moving.
— Your scythe is not a club.— You don't just swing it randomly.— You draw a path.
The skeleton attacked again. Soul blocked with the shaft, bone grinding against the dark wood, then tried a sweeping strike. The blade scraped against the skeleton's ribs… without breaking them.
Soul returned to his stance, panting.
Breathe.Calm down.Observe.
He noticed a weak spot: the joints at the knees, the hips.
The skeleton lunged a third time.
Soul sidestepped, lowered his scythe, and struck at the legs.
CRACK.
The bones shattered, and the skeleton collapsed to the ground.
A second clean strike to the skull silenced it.
Soul was drenched in sweat, breathing hard.
— You've won, said Nyxmar.— But just barely.
His heart was racing.His hands trembled around the shaft.
A faint violet notification appeared before his eyes:
[Skeleton (LV 3) defeated → +15 XP]XP: 65 / 100Quest – Skeletons defeated: 1 / 10
He exhaled.
Battle: Soul vs Second Skeleton
Nyxmar made a second gesture.
Another skeleton crawled out of the earth, this time unarmed—nothing but bones and claws.
— Without a sword, it will use its body, she explained.— Don't let its hands touch you. It's stronger than it looks.
Soul nodded, already exhausted. His arms felt heavy. His breathing, more ragged.
The skeleton lunged at him, its movements unnervingly faster. Soul blocked the first strike with the shaft, stepping back, feeling his foot hit against a gravestone.
The second strike narrowly missed his face.
He swept at the skeleton's arm with the scythe, breaking a forearm, but lost his balance and dropped to one knee.
The skeleton raised its other arm to strike.
— Get up, Nyxmar ordered, her voice sharp.
Soul clenched his teeth.
His body screamed in protest.
I don't want to die. Not yet. Not here.
He pushed off his legs, lifted the scythe with everything he had, and brought the blade crashing down on the skeleton's neck.
CRACK.
The skull rolled across the ground. The rest of the body crumpled.
Soul remained standing for a few seconds, swaying… then dropped to one knee, completely drained, head bowed.
Another window popped up:
[Skeleton (LV 3) defeated → +15 XP]XP: 80 / 100Quest – Skeletons defeated: 2 / 10
He was shaking, sweating—but a small smile finally formed on his lips.
— You're done for today, said Nyxmar.— One more, and you'd pass out.
She watched him for a moment.
— You have potential.— And you have that… stupid stubbornness that great necromancers often share.
She turned and started walking toward the cemetery gates.
— Ask Bron tomorrow to teach you how to properly handle your weapons, she added without looking back.— You've got two mythic artifacts… Would be a shame if you chopped your own foot off.
Back with Friends
As he left the cemetery, the sun was starting to sink, painting the sky in orange and pink hues. The village was bathed in soft light. The rooftops turned golden, and smoke drifted lazily from the chimneys.
Soul joined Ryen, Mira, and Kael near the central tree.
— YOU LOOK DEAD, Ryen said with his usual delicacy.
— Not as much as some of the things I saw today, Soul replied.
They laughed.
— So? Kael asked.— How was your day?
Soul took a breath, then told them.
The three slimes.The two skeletons.The exhaustion.Bron's advice.Nyxmar's cold but fair remarks.
Ryen shouted:
— YOU'VE ALREADY FOUGHT REAL MONSTERS?!— I just got smacked by Harald for my "pathetic stance"…
Kael smiled, genuinely impressed.
— You're ahead of us on that front.— But don't go breaking yourself.
Mira frowned slightly, worried.
— Aren't you pushing too hard?
— Maybe, Soul admitted.— But… I feel like I don't have time to dawdle.
Ryen then talked about his own day:The chains of sword swings, Harald's brutal corrections, the burning in his muscles—but also the satisfaction when, finally, the master had nodded in approval.
Kael spoke of his precision shooting drills, the moving targets, and the moment he finally hit a moving mark under Halden's grumpy yet proud gaze.
Mira described her long meditation with Master Aelhynn, her work on controlling flame, the micro-variations of heat.
The four of them walked side by side, their voices blending with the sound of their footsteps on packed earth.
They were tired.But together.
Dinner at the Drasils'
The house smelled of stew and herbs. Candlelight danced along the walls. On the table, Lynea had set out a dish of vegetable and meat stew, thick slices of bread, and a few fruits.
Aegis sat down, folded his arms, and studied his son.
— You look like you got trampled by a herd of buffalo.
— That's… not entirely wrong, Soul replied with a small laugh.
They ate, the wooden spoons clinking softly against the bowls.
Soul told his day once more—this time with more detail for his parents. He told them about the duel with Zeke, Bron's advice, the three slimes, the two skeletons.
He hesitated for a second before mentioning necromancy… but Lynea stayed quiet, attentive, not fearful—only filled with maternal concern.
Aegis, meanwhile, watched him for a long moment.
— You've faced more today than some adults do in a month, he finally said.— I'm proud of you. But… don't forget you're only seven.
Soul nodded.
— I won't forget.— It's just… I feel like I already wasted a whole life just waiting.
Lynea placed her hand over his.
— Then in this one… live at your own pace. Not at anyone else's.
The warmth of the room, the soft crackling of the fire, his parents' calm voices… all of it formed a cocoon Soul had lost in his previous life.
I want to protect this.This village.These people.
And for that…I need to grow stronger.Faster than anyone else.
After dinner, he went up to his room, sat on his bed, and opened his status window again.
[STATUS – Soul DRASIL]Level: 1XP: 80 / 100Quest – First Steps:Slimes: 3 / 10Skeletons: 2 / 10
He smiled, exhausted but satisfied.
— Tomorrow…— We keep going.
He closed the window, lay down, and stared once more at the ceiling.
The outside world was dangerous, cruel, filled with monsters, prejudice, gods, and secrets.
But here, in this bed, with two mythic weapons at his side and a Soul System above him, he was no longer just the young undertaker and veterinarian who had died in the flames.
He was Soul Drasil, Summoner and Necromancer.
And his legend was only just beginning.
End of Chapter 3.