[MC's POV]
After leaving Revanya at the front of the orphanage, I headed straight into the forest to hunt beasts.
But today, my steps were lighter than usual.
The feeling of sharing food with someone—or hearing a cute little girl call me "big brother"—had left my heart strangely full. Happiness… and something else. A bond I couldn't quite explain.
Without realizing, I muttered under my breath,
"I'll protect you forever, my little sister."
I hunted until sunset and returned to the city. From that day onward, I decided that whenever I wasn't working or training, I'd spend my time with my little sister.
When I reached the orphanage, I saw her clutching her chocolates near the gate. As I approached, I noticed the tears in her eyes. My heart immediately sank.
I crouched beside her and asked gently,
"What happened, Revanya? Why are you crying? Did someone hurt you?"
The moment she saw me, she stuffed all her chocolates into one hand and threw herself into my arms with the other. I hugged her back and stroked her hair.
"Don't worry," I whispered, "your big brother is here. No matter what happens, I'll always be there for you."
Once she calmed down and I wiped away her tears, she sniffled and said,
"You were really nice to me this morning. I was happy, eating my chocolates, but those same boys from before tried to take them again. I told them what you taught me—that my big brother would beat them to a pulp! They stopped, but then they laughed and said nobody will protect me forever. Then they left."
I couldn't help but chuckle and said
"My silly little sister. Didn't I tell you? You are—and always will be—my little sister. Don't listen to idiots like them. Now come on, let's go have dinner together."
As we walked side by side, she beamed with joy, swinging her tiny hand in mine. Seeing her smile made me feel strangely at peace. Maybe it was a good thing I hadn't awakened yet. Life in the Tower would be ruthless and cold… but right now, this warmth felt irreplaceable.
---
From that day forward, my daily routine changed. Training and hunting in the forest, breakfast and dinner with Revanya, weekly trips to the market to buy small things with my savings.
It's been a year since I was expelled from the Tower. My physical growth has been remarkable—denser muscles, a taller frame, a healthy body that stands at six feet now. I've completely transformed from the weak boy I once was.
Sometimes I wonder… if I'd done this earlier, would things have turned out differently?
But then again, if I hadn't been expelled, I might never have met Revanya.
That thought alone makes it all worthwhile.
Once I noticed my body's growth slowing down, I considered returning to the Tower immediately. But instead, I decided to wait—to prepare my little sister for the Tower and Max out my body potential.
After getting permission from the orphanage to take her outside occasionally, I began teaching her swordsmanship, spear techniques, and basic combat. I told her all i knew about Tower.
Revanya was kind. Too kind, sometimes. I liked that about her, but it also worried me. So, I taught her about vigilance and the darker sides of people.
She always just nodded seriously and said, "Okay, big brother Max."
---
Three months before the Tower's deadline, I decided it was time to tell her everything—about my past, my failed awakening, and who I truly was.
When I picked her up from the orphanage, everyone already knew not to mess with "Max's little sister." We walked to the clearing where we always trained, but today, I sat down on a stump and said,
"Revanya, I haven't told you everything about myself. There's not much time before I return to the Tower again, so I want you to know the truth."
"Okay, big brother. Tell me… wait, what do you mean again?" she asked, tilting her head in confusion.
I told her my real name, my life before exile, my failed awakening, and the reason I came here. When I finished, I searched her eyes for any sign of fear or distrust—but all I saw was her usual bright smile.
If someone lied to me like that, I'd probably be furious. But she… she just smiled.
"Big brother," she said softly, "I always knew you had secrets. Your fighting style, your knowledge—it wasn't normal. But it doesn't matter. You've always been special to me. Don't worry, I'll always be by your side. And next year, when I enter the Tower, I'll look out for you."
Her words made me laugh. I patted her head and said,
"You won't get that chance. I'll become the strongest in the Tower—and beyond."
After our talk, I trained her a bit longer and made her promise to keep practicing every day until she was ready to climb the Tower herself.
---
Time passed quickly. The deadline drew near. I'd saved enough to buy a basic-quality cloak, boots, and gloves, as well as a common-grade katana. My wanted posters were long gone, but I kept my dyed hair and glasses—just in case.
When the day finally came, I bid farewell to Revanya. She held back her tears bravely, trying to look strong for her brother. I promised to send her letters as soon as I settled in.
Using city teleportation, I traveled to the capital of Ishtahar Province, and from there to the Tower's entrance. It was just as I remembered it—grand, ancient, and alive with anticipation.
Among the crowd, I spotted my so-called brother, Nolan, now twelve, entering the Tower surrounded by our family's escort. My excuse for a father stood nearby, cheering him on.
I looked away. Today wasn't about them. I wanted a new start.
Whatever Talent or ability I awaken, i will use them to fullest and face every challange head-on. No distractions.
After twenty minutes, I reached the same massive gate, its blue vortex swirling hypnotically. I paused for a moment. My fourteen years of life flashed before me—abandonment, isolation, exile… and the warm smile of my little sister.
A faint smile tugged at my lips.
"This time," I whispered, "I'll climb to the very top."
And with that, I stepped into the portal.
---
The same ethereal sensation washed over me—weightless, pure, endless white. Then, the familiar glowing screen appeared before my eyes. My heart pounded as the Awakening process began once more.
---
[Welcome back, Player]
[Scanning player's body for Awakening...]
[Conditions met]
[Restarting Awakening process...]
[Scanning body for Talent, Innate Ability, Bloodline, and Physique...]
[Awakening Talent and Innate Ability]
[Talent – Fusion (Rank: EX)]
[Innate Ability – 50× Multiplier]
[Bloodline Found – ???]
[Physique Found – ???]
[The Tower's scanning capabilities are insufficient to detect the Rank of Bloodline and Physique]
[Bloodline and Physique are in perfect harmony]
[Granting Traits derived from resonance]
[Two Traits already detected]
[Granting 3rd Trait...]
[Traits: Infinite Mind; Infinite Stamina; Infinite Mana]
[Awakening process complete]
[Player may check 'Status' at any time]
[Have a fun journey climbing the Tower and creating your own Myth]
[Welcome to the Tower of Mythus, Player Max]