8th Day of September, Year 312 of the Vastian Calendar.
Jiang Ning had just finished his daily mission. His breath was steady, his muscles aching pleasantly after the morning drills. The faint hum of mana still pulsed through his veins as he wiped sweat from his brow and pulled open the shimmering blue panel before him.
[Character Profile]
Name: Jiang Ning
Title: [Knight]
EXP: 6 / 500
Potential: B
Talents:
Horseback Riding (D)
Swordsmanship (SSS)
Close Combat (D)
Archery (F)
Hunting (E)
Tracking (F)
Attributes:
Strength: 28+
Stamina: 28+
Agility: 25+
Vitality: 27+
Endurance: 27+
Mana: 13+
Battle Points: 360
Stat Points: 35
Advancement Requirements:
500 EXP
100 in all attributes
5,000 Battle Points
If I keep up this pace, he thought, I should be able to advance to the realm of Elite Knight in less than two years.
He smiled faintly, closing the screen with a flick of his hand. Having a clear view of his own growth gave him something rare, that was measurable progress and a sense of control.
The clang of steel caught his attention. Turning, Jiang Ning watched as Henry trained Rasmus in the courtyard.
The boy's movements were clumsy but earnest. Sweat poured down his face, his wooden sword trembling with each parry. Henry barked corrections between strikes, his tone harsh but encouraging.
"Grip tighter! A blade should feel like an extension of your arm, not a branch you picked off the ground!"
Rasmus nodded, tightening his hold and lunging again.
Jiang Ning smiled. "Good," he muttered under his breath. "He's improving."
Rasmus had been a sword user in his past life, Jiang Ning remembered that clearly. Training him under Henry was the best decision. The old knight might not have the refined mana control of an elite, but in pure technique, there were few in the household who could match him. Even among Ren Ning's knights, Henry's swordsmanship stood out as something bordering on artistry.
While Jiang Ning was observing, hurried footsteps approached from behind.
"My lord!" a familiar voice called.
He turned, frowning slightly as he saw Lina rushing toward him, her expression pale and anxious.
"Why are you in such a hurry? Did something happen?" he asked, concerned.
She caught her breath and grabbed his hand nervously. "Lord Qin is here, my lord!"
For a moment, Jiang Ning's expression didn't change. But his eyes, cold and sharp, flickered with something dark.
Qin Ning. The younger brother of Ren Ning. His uncle.
And the man Jiang Ning despised most in the world.
He masked his fury with a neutral expression, though his heartbeat quickened.
So it begins.
Charles's visit wasn't supposed to be today. In his past life, the man had only arrived on the day of the banquet. For him to appear early meant something had changed. The future was no longer unfolding exactly as he remembered.
"Lina," he said quietly, "stay close to Sir Ronan for now. He'll protect you."
Her eyes widened in confusion. "Eh? But… why? Why do I have to stay with Sir Ronan inside the estate?"
He gently brushed a strand of hair from her face and smiled. "Just trust me."
"But… Sir Ronan is a bit scary," she whispered timidly.
"You'll be fine," Jiang Ning said softly. "He looks intimidating, but he's a good man. Remember, appearances can be deceiving. Sometimes the kindest faces hide the darkest hearts."
His tone carried a weight that made her shiver slightly.
She nodded slowly, her hands tightening at her sides. "Okay. I'll try to get along with him."
"Good girl." He chuckled lightly, patting her head. "Now stay here and wait for me."
"Yes, my lord."
As Jiang Ning turned away, the warmth left his expression. His eyes hardened like tempered steel.
Qin, I won't allow you to harm this family again. Not this time.
He strode off with long, steady steps.
Behind him, Lina hesitated, her curiosity getting the better of her. She took one cautious step to follow, only for a massive shadow to block her path.
She yelped. "S-Sir Ronan!"
The towering knight stood silently before her, his armor gleaming under the sun. "Forgive me, Miss Lina," he said in a calm, deep voice. "But Lord Ning instructed me not to let you wander."
Lina puffed her cheeks slightly, defeated. "You're really scary when you stand like that, you know…"
Ronan didn't answer, though a faint smile might've ghosted under his helm.
Inside Ren Ning's study, two men were seated across a polished mahogany desk. The older one, Ren himself, had the posture of command even in repose. The other, a man with neat brown hair and an elegant scholar's air, leaned back in casual comfort, a smile too smooth to be sincere.
"I heard my nephew has reached the knight realm," Charles said, his tone playful. "Quite the surprise. Where is he? I'd like to see him."
Ren laughed, pride lighting his weathered face. "Shocking, isn't it? Hahaha! I don't know how he managed it, but he did. The boy's potential is beyond what I expected."
"He's not even twenty," Ren continued, shaking his head fondly. "Already at the knight realm. His aptitude might even surpass mine."
"Impressive indeed." Qin chuckled, though inside his chest, jealousy twisted like a blade.
Damn it, he thought. A new variable. Lucas was already a problem, now his son? If he's allowed to grow, he'll inherit everything. I can't let that happen.
At that moment, a knock interrupted his thoughts.
Knock, knock, knock.
Ren's expression brightened. "Speak of the devil! That must be him!" He stood, but Qin raised a hand, smiling.
"Allow me, brother. I'd like to see how the boy's changed."
Ren waved his permission. "Go ahead."
Qin walked to the door, twisting his face into the image of warmth.
The door opened, and there he was.
Jiang Ning stepped inside, composed and silent.
For an instant, their eyes met, and something unspoken passed between them.
Rage and deceit.
Memory and hatred.
Qin's smile widened. "Jiang Ning! You've grown into quite the young man. Come here, let your uncle see you."
He reached out and pulled him into an embrace.
The touch made Jiang Ning's stomach twist. He forced a polite smile, suppressing the disgust burning in his veins. "It's good to see you, Uncle."
"Look at this lad!" Qin turned toward Ren with a laugh. "He's taller than me now!"
Ren chuckled. "You're just shrinking; old age will do that."
Qin joined in the laughter, masking his dark thoughts with practiced ease.
Smile all you want, boy, he thought bitterly. You won't laugh for long.
Ren gestured toward the chairs. "Sit, both of you. I'm sure you have much to talk about."
Qin rested a hand on Jiang Ning's shoulder as they sat, his grin unwavering. "Tell me, nephew, how does it feel to be a knight?"
"It feels… earned," Jiang Ning said evenly.
Qin chuckled. "Confident, are we? Perhaps I should see this new strength of yours for myself."
At that exact moment, a familiar cyan light flickered before Jiang Ning's eyes.
[System Mission Triggered!]
Mission: Revenge I
Difficulty: Easy
Objective: Challenge Qin Ning to a spar and defeat him.
Time Limit: 23 hours, 59 minutes, 59 seconds
Reward: 100 Battle Points, 25 EXP, Random Talent Upgrade Card (x1)
Penalty for failure: -200 Battle Points
The glowing letters faded, but Jiang Ning's pulse quickened. His lips curled into a faint smirk.
A mission… and against him, no less.
Perfect.
He leaned back slightly, meeting his uncle's gaze. "Uncle," he said suddenly, his voice steady and deceptively calm, "how about a little spar?"
Qin blinked. "Huh?"