And so he told her sister Ariandel almost everything, from how his previous brother conducted himself once he made the decision to become an adventurer to the day he finally underwent the qualifying mission with 3 other candidates. It was supposed to be a slightly challenging mission for their troupe, as they were sent to hunt a small group of wild wolves that were presenting a problem for neighboring villages. A troupe of a fledgling priest, a berserker, and a pair of female wind and fire mages were more than enough to vanquish such beasts. But as he ultimately discovered later, his teammates were more than simple candidates. Despite all of the small inconsistencies he should have heeded during their journey, his desperation forced him to stick by them, clearly intending to make himself useful by protecting them using the few runic spells he had barely mastered.

But his intentions fell down the drain when he was subtly set up by the very people he was supposed to trust. They had derided him throughout the way and when the time came to hunt their prey they found that the small pack of wolves had somehow multiplied in a short period of time. Such a coincidence gave them a perfect cover for their betrayal as it didn’t take long for him to realize that he was quickly abandoned to the wolves.

It was here though that Lukas omitted a few details. He chalked up his reincarnation to a mere survival story where in his attempts to shake those beasts, he had stumbled upon a well concealed ditch that gave him the chance to see the morning of the next day. There was no need to fabricate the rest of the story as he was sure the descendant of the Celeste family could vouch for him if people ever came snooping. A part of him though lightly wondered if anyone would dare disturb a powerful heiress with such inane questions.

His sister listened very carefully, her face wound in such an expression that Lukas sighed. He knew baring everything to her might break her heart but further hiding it might put her in danger considering they were dealing with people who were powerful enough to set up his death through the adventurer’s guild. How they were able to take into account his previous host’s decision to become an adventurer and use it to their means escaped Lukas’s comprehension but it did paint a grim future for the both of them.

“But it was all not for naught. At the height of my despair, when they thought I was helpless and powerless those teammates of mine were arrogant enough to spew a few details. There were mercenaries disguised as adventurers hired to kill me without raising the suspicion of the Cathedral. But that can only be possible through someone powerful enough to pull the strings of the guild together with someone on the inside of the Cathedral feeding them my whereabouts.”

A spell of silence passed before Lukas took a deep breath and told her of his own thoughts

"From what I can tell is that this plot was planned from the very beginning and I was the ultimate target of its pointed spear. I still have no clear clues on how they were able to pull it off but they will surely be very unhappy that I survived." He derisively snorted before he continued "This means there is someone in this place who wants for me to die but they can’t be obvious about it. If there is one thing The Cathedral of Light frowns upon is for their mages to meet untimely demise during missions. Even if I am just an outer disciple, if this matter becomes known than it will almost blow up for sure."

Aria shuddered in anger "Then we have to report this as soon as possible. Abandoning a priest during missions will force those Discipliners to take heavy action against them"

Lukas shook his head, "Have you forgotten what I just said? If it is an inside job then they will almost not dare leave any traces of their actions behind. The most we will be able to achieve is raise a few hairs before it all fades away to nothing. The only silver lining out of all of this is that I now possess the right to take stance to never associate with them ever again. Besides if the adventurer’s guild learns of my survival they will surely use their own means to investigate. Those mercenaries will definitely not have many good days to come….”

The adventurer’s guild might seem homely to those who are new but it was the experts who were aware of just how powerful and influential the guild was. The guild itself was helmed by a powerful priest of heaven tier, and even then, there are rumors were abound that they were more powerful figures behind the leader, making the guild runs smoothly and properly.

Due to his weak strength and influence, death might not be warranted for their actions but those mercenaries will find it hard to find a foothold for as long as they live within this region. Basic trust was a must among adventurers before any venture, so if their actions become known they will find it hard to form a party with any powerhouse worth their salt. Tales of battles over treasures and loot was not uncommon but around the region controlled by the Cathedral of Light such actions were clearly frowned upon and deeply punished.

Aria frowned for a moment before she sighed too. "Brother why do you risk your life like this? I can provide everything for us now that I'm an inner disciple and no one will dare say anything towards my face."

Lukas stared at her pale concerned but determined eyes before he slightly shook his head "it's not a matter of convenience that I keep saying no, it's a matter of pride and survival. In the past I used to protect the both of us and even after the awakening I still intend to do just that. But…I can't grow if I'm under your wings. If this latest happening has taught me anything is that I have to depend on myself and grow even stronger in order to protect both of us in the end…or at least make sure I’m not a burden." The later he silently added.

He then smiled before taking his sister's hand with an assured calm gaze, "I wasn't joking when I said I aimed for the inner sect by the end of the year."

His sister took a deep breath before she grudgingly returned his smile with her one of her own. She had worked so hard and for so long just so she could finally repay his brother in the end. And even though these odd changes she had noticed made her brother seem almost like a stranger to her but his silent determination and utmost sincerity could be felt and that was good enough for her.

Conclusively it meant that her brother hadn't lost his drive; the same kind of drive that allowed them to survive up to their Awakening Ceremony that changed their lives forever.