—-

Apollo remembered these ivory gates as he stood before the manor’s outer courtyard. It was “home”, but it never felt like one. Although Apollo grew up here, the lack of pleasant memories was jarring.

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This town he grew up in was known as Verdacre; filled with towering and vibrant trees that provided copious amounts of shade for miles to come.

Additionally, his family—the Kaiser Family—had a reputable name in this town; they were one of the two small ruling noble families of the area. While nothing compared to the true powers of this world, they could hold their own with other bordering town nobles.

“The Kaiser Family; what a coincidence. Both are scum under the same name. My old life had magic and spells—knights and mages, but here, that is not what exists.”

It wasn’t before long that Apollo entered the gates.

Upon doing so, Apollo was immediately given odd looks as he limped through the courtyard. His torn clothing and matted hair instantly highlighted the signs of a terrible light, yet it wasn’t concern within the eyes of the onlookers; no, it was disgust and scorn. 

“Little child, is staying out all night long all you know how to do? Just because your parents are dead and you have no one to look after you doesn’t mean you can go off and do your own thing!”

A slightly stern-looking man with a tinge of deceit laced within his eyes appeared from amongst the crowd to reprimand Apollo.

Apollo paused after hearing this voice and glanced at the man with a foul look. After all, the voice triggered a string of memories. Finally, Apollo retorted, “Tch, did you really think I stayed out all night? You know the exact cause of my disappearance, don’t act like you know nothing.”

The hate Apollo fostered ran deep and it showed in the tone of voice he used. Not to mention, his retort was quick.

“You disrespectful brat…you dare talk back?!”

In light of Apollo’s retort, the stern-looking man raised his hand to deliver a smack. However, his wrist was grabbed by another male looking to be of equal age. Before he could embarrass himself further, the newcomer shook his head.

“Just drop. If you have working eyes, I’m sure you can see his current state. Not to mention, his words originate from anger, so I suggest your direct your focus elsewhere. Otherwise, you’ll just look silly,” the newcomer said while also glancing towards Apollo.

He then continued his next words, but they were directed towards Apollo, “Hurry along to your living quarters and tend to your body unless you want to lose that leg of yours.”

“Danyul! If we don’t punish this little eyesore, then he will feel it is alright to talk back! How is it right to let him go free like this? Where is the proper training?! Our youths will have no etiquette!”

“Oh? So tell me then, Ashur. where is your etiquette and how exactly do you plan to punish him?”

The slightly irritated Ashur stumbled over the question while peering at Apollo. Danyul had a point, Apollo’s current state could only be described as horrible.

‘Any type of beating would probably kill this kid and I don’t want that type of incident on my hands,’ Ashur inwardly determined before waving his hand.

“Bah! Never mind… but that little brat should never talk back again!” Ashur snarled before stomping off.

Meanwhile, Apollo limped in the opposite direction and gritted his teeth the entire time. Moreover, his fist never once unclenched as a fire burned in his eyes.

On the other hand, Danyul’s expression gradually turned into one of downcast after watching Apollo limp away. A heavy melancholy lingered within his eyes.

Eventually, Danyul muttered something to himself, “If only you had the talent your parents did…”

Shortly after, Apollo reached his courtyard. Compared to the rest of the mansion, Apollo’s living space was on the tiny side. It was a room unable to fit more than 5 people. It had a simple plush mat as a bed, a desk, and a lamp.

When he turned his head, Apollo saw a small container on the corner of the desk. As soon as it entered his sight, a small screen appeared before his eyes with information.

「Item Name: Healing Ointment

Rank 1 Medicine

Grade: Poor

Effect: Restores 1 Health every 30 mins when smeared on an open wound.

Sub-effect: Closes minor wounds in 2 hours.

Uses: 10/10 」

“Every 30 minutes? If I go by the system information…it’ll take 4 hours to heal? But two to close it,” Apollo muttered while tapping his chin.

[Just use it. You don’t have any better options at this moment. We can’t train if your body holds that type of energy.]

Eventually, Apollo nodded and applied the ointment to the bruises of his body and more importantly the gash on his leg. After some time, a green number reading “+1” rose from his body.

It was quite a surprise, but so was the sensation.

“It feels better, but I still have to wait for this gash to close before moving too much. If I don’t, I’m not sure what would happen.”

[Oh…you’ll bleed and start losing Health again.]

“Heh heh…yeah that would happen right.”

[Yes it would. What else would happen?]

Confined to his bed, Apollo tried to occupy himself for the time being, but it was fruitless as there was nothing interesting in the room. Thus, over 2 hours were spent in silence.

Fortunately, a loud bell chimed throughout the mansion. Immediately, felt a familiarity from this bell.

“I think it’s the bell for daily training sessions and teaching classes. That would be the cue to start the mission,” Apollo remarked before standing up. With the gash, as well as the pain now gone, it wasn’t difficult to move.

[Ah, yes yes..]

Apollo approached the training field while the bell chimed continually.

Eventually, once everyone was in attendance the bell stopped. But, upon arrival, Apollo saw both Danyul standing before a ground of kneeling children. Based on their appearances, they all seemed to be between the ages of 9-11.

“Oh? Haha, look, Axel! That sleeping boy finally woke up and came along,” a young boy joked while elbowing another in his side. He had a chubby face, squinted eyes, and light brown hair. Despite his chubbiness, he possessed above-average looks save for his mischievousness. His name was Dylon.

On the other hand, the boy he nudged was slightly taller than the rest. He had clear yet slightly overbearing red eyes with olive hair and a sharp jawline. He was one of the top talents of the family—Axel Kaiser.

“Eh, I see. The imp has come out haha,” Axel chuckled.

However, little did they know last night when they abandoned the boy, he had died. Instantly, feelings of hatred seethed within Apollo. Although part of them was his own feelings, Apollo understood his current situation.

Soon enough, Apollo exhaled heavily while trembling with fury in an attempt to bury the overflowing indignation inside him was threatening to explode forth.

‘It’s them. They are the culprits of our death. Although I was thinking of minding my business. It seems even after becoming the cause of death, they won’t let us be. But that is their mistake; I will obtain power and I will make you kneel,’ Apollo thought as he clenched his fist.

[Inevitably.]

“What are you doing? Haha. Do you want to fight? Heh, fighting against a little shrimp like you will be fun. Come on, let’s go,” Axel chuckled, attempting to stand up. However, an authoritative voice sounded.

“Silence and sit down! The lessons will begin shortly, so shut up,” Danyul reprimanded, sparing them all stern looks.

In response, Axel grumbled and glanced at Apollo who took a seat in the back. Similarly, Danyul’s eyebrows rose in shock as well. ‘This boy doesn’t usually attend these lessons, what’s different today?’

Amidst taking his seat, Apollo looked intently at Danyul. The hate he felt for the group of boys present was still there but he had to complete his mission.

“It is time you all learn about the practicality of society. All of you are either 10 years old or approaching that age. Therefore, it’s time to impart some vital knowledge.”