My name is Rindall Gren and I am the Calrius city instructor. Not only that but I am also a renowned warrior. Within the continent of Elreim, if you were to mention my name, they would prostrate in reverence due to my outstanding achievements. But even with all those achievements, they pale in comparison to my other job title as Lord Kelbrim’s personal knight.

As his personal knight, I swore under absolute loyalty under Lord Kelbrim.

It wasn’t astonishing because I am indeed a personal friend of the Lord and I regard him as my brother. Lord Kelbrim also regards me as his brother but while in public occasions, no one can know about that.

After establishing my title and fame, I became the city instructor to help Kelbrim’s city to continue to grow. The warriors would either be trained by my instructions or by the assistance of my assistants.

Speaking of assistants, there’s a pesky one that keeps slipping into my training school.

This so called assistant is Lord Kelbrim’s daughter...She tends to refer me as uncle though.

Lord Kelbrim, his wife along with his son and daughter, of course know about my relations between me and Lord Kelbrim. Therefore, his daughter tends to address me as uncle, only in private though.

Lord Kelbrim’s daughter is Lori Anna Kelbrim. She’s quite shy in front of the newcomers but she is really adept at using daggers. If I had to compare, she’d last about 5 minutes against Lord Kelbrim’s assassins, which is considerably powerful. Lord Kelbrim’s assassins were personally trained by me and they are masters in the art of assassinations. Thus, making Lori’s achievement quite outstanding.

She’s a quick learner but even if she’s my “niece”, I can’t have the Lord’s daughter here at my training school. It would cause quite a commotion.

Unfortunately for me, she developed an assassin secret-- The art of disguise but all she really does is change her hair color and some facial features.

People would often shriek in astonishment that Lord Kelbrim’s daughter is working under me but they were fooled by the slight changes in appearances and many of the local guards were trying to woo the girl but as her uncle in secret, I strictly forbid anyone from approaching her and she thanked me for that.

My niece is quite shy due to her introvert personality but she’s slowly getting rid of that personality, thanks to being one of my assistants.

Of course, Lord Kelbrim knows of this situation but he’s more than happy since her daughter was slowly beginning to talk to more people.

Lori is quite the beautiful woman and being Lord Kelbrim’s daughter, obviously she would have many suitors.

While having those suitors, Lord Kelbrim made a silent pact with me and every time a nobleman or some sort of notable man would seek my niece’s hand in marriage, Lord Kelbrim would send him to my training school to prove his worth.

Of course, I beat them senseless.

How could they be weak and expect to protect my niece.

They at least have to be several times stronger than her and actually hold a chance against me.

Another day was passing as it was nearing late afternoon, early evening. I noticed an influx of adventurers coming to my training school. Normally, I would be fine because my school is actually running around the clock for those that are dedicated to their training.

As the crowd was beginning to file in towards the entrance of my school, I noticed a man at the far end of the crowd.

This man wore a black outfit with white streaks at the edge lining. The outfit wasn’t much as it seemed to be some sort of training uniform but what shocked me was the smell of blood radiating from this man.

As an expert warrior, naturally I had the ability to sense other people’s potential and also able to perceive a person’s aura.

I sensed an unimaginable force emanating from this man that stood at the end of the line. None of the people that were rushing inside paid attention to this man but I noticed it first. This man was indeed an expert warrior but not only that, he was barely covering the stench of blood, which meant that he had recently killed someone or something.

My eyes were locked onto him as I saw him first and he immediately noticed my gaze. My body trembled under a slight pressure but I shook it off immediately.

I immediately thought to myself…

‘This man is not weaker than I am...he’s quite powerful and his presence is daunting...I better remove him from my establishment before things get rowdy...’

There were only a select few within the Elreim continent that could stimulate my defensive presence. Those select few were among the highest, trained experts that lived in seclusion but I had never seen a man like the one right in front of me. Even among adventurers, none could emanate such a presence that would alert me...but this man was an adventurer...and he is quite strong…

The crowd of new adventurers and rookie guards was slowly diminishing as they entered my training school. My school was quite the large establishment since it was personally ordered built by Lord Kelbrim himself and he made it in accordance to my preferences as a training facility. As the crowd became smaller, gradually the man drew in closer as if he wanted to enter the school.

Why would such an expert try to enter my facility. This is quite shameful as he is an expert already. He need not to show off but rather he needs to get away from my establishment!

This is a training school for beginners and I will not tolerate people with ill intent within my training grounds.

Before long, the man was directly in front of me and his presence was even more ruthless. Along with the man’s presence, the underlying appearance of blood beneath his clothes were amplifying his aura. However, I did not lose my bearing as I was experienced with this.

I immediately responded in defense towards the unknown expert and we casually exchanged words.

Before I knew it, the situation escalated and now I am to exchange techniques with this expert.

I felt quite stupid because I let the situation escalate this far. I should’ve sent this man away instead of arguing…

Using a personal gift from Lord Kelbrim, the Astir ring on my right hand, index finger, I sent a message to my Niece, Lori to hurry and flee through the back entrance of the school. I did not want her to be in harms way but before I could enter the building….my niece came out through the entrance while holding the sparring wooden weapons.

But what shocked me the most was that she wasn’t in her disguise.

She had her normal appearance while wearing her dagger on her side.

I would’ve yelled in protest but I continued to eye the expert in front of me. I wouldn’t dare avert my eyes from this expert. Who knows when he might strike at Lord Kelbrim’s daughter--my niece.

While looking at the expert, he smiled towards the direction of Lori as she laid down the barrel of wooden weapons. My gaze gradually drifted towards Lori and her face was indeed...flushed pink…

In all of my time of protecting my wonderful niece...I had never seen such a serene expression on her face. None of her suitors were able to gain favor in her eyes...yet this unknown man gained her heart with a simple smile…

I knew that this man was indeed strong and he was quite handsome, even more so than those annoying suitors of my niece…

BUT!

I will not give her up so easily…

I immediately picked up my Black sandwood weapon. It was modeled after my Xilfer Sword that I acquired within a dungeon.

Black sandwood was a unique type of wood that came from a Sandtree within the Sakun Desert. Sandtrees are normally red colored but during a special occasion where rain and lightning would strike upon the Desert, the lightning discharge will force a select few of the sandtrees and change their properties to a different type.

Most sandtrees are very brittle which no one would use as a wooden piece but Black Sandwood was quite durable and more stronger than the average trees.

Some people are still shocked at the contrast between Red sandwood and Black sandwood since they are naturally the same but the lightning discharge would somehow change the wood’s properties.

My wooden weapon was dark black and I knew that this man wouldn’t stand a chance unless…

He chose Libril Wood…

Libril Wood looks typically like white oak however, they are extremely durable. It would take quite a bit to eventually wear down the durable wood and the man chose it…

In comparison, Black Sandwood and Libril Wood don’t have much difference except for their opposite colors.

I felt astonished at the man’s excellent choice and my evaluation of him became better but still…that’s my niece…

FInally, I spoke to the man about the exchange at the end of the duel.

A respectable duel must have rewards and consequences for the winner and loser. I asked him for his appeal...

But then...the words he spoke next astonished me....I felt quite shocked that such a expert as himself would want to meet Lord Kelbrim. Is he trying to play me as a fool...he must be either stupid or ignorant because I will not casually let anyone meet Lord Kelbrim even if he was an expert. Who knows what this adventurer wants to do with Lord Kelbrim…

I refused his offer simply because I cannot trust him. But then, his next words infuriated me…

Even if this man was a commoner, he is still an expert and he should know the rules…

How dare he...such an insolent man...lying while settling the terms of the duel…

He is with no doubt, a untrustworthy man. I can’t believe I thought of allowing this pathetic man a chance of marriage with my niece!

I immediately launched forward in a dash and clashed with this expert. Our weapons clashed and he successfully parried my long reach of an attack. I continued my assault even though my first strike was deflected but suddenly, I was bashed by the unknown man’s push.

The man exerted a tremendous force that actually pushed me a few feet backwards. I was astonished at the man’s strength. I glared at him in protest. He began to exhibit an unnatural aura of bloodlust.

The unknown man glared back at me but I continued to hold my stance. I have faced countless times where my life was in danger due to an immense pressure. This isn’t new to me!

But, the unknown man began to shift his attack stance. It was odd and yet the stance had no opening...it was unusual…

No martial stance should be absolute…but here it was...I have never seen such a strange form. It was murderous but brilliant. This man was an unrivaled expert. I want to test his attacks…

I shifted into my defensive stance and waited for the man to initial the attack.

Suddenly, the man disappeared but within a split second, he reappeared within my field.

Such speed!

I barely noticed the air change as this man sprinted forward to close the gap between us. The man attacked my side which was open during my defensive stance. It was an ploy to trick my opponents and while they aimed towards my side, I would use my downslash as a retaliation force.

However…

His strike was too quick!

It already impacted in my side, causing my liver to receive a harsh blow from the wooden weapon. My body quivered slightly from the pain and my body was shifted back a few feet.

The speed of his sword is so unnatural! Most beast attacks could not reach that fast and the ones that could were often Class A-Class S beasts!

My guard was broken and my liver hurts. I don’t think I can keep this up without using my abilities…

The unknown man began to explain why his attack could connect.

He spoke about my openings and I knew that already. I wouldn’t leave my openings out carelessly. This man is clearly trying to help me but he still lied...I cannot accept such an expert…

This time...I will end it!

I partially agreed to his earlier proposal about meeting Lord Kelbrim and before he could relax, I initiated my body strengthening skill and dashed towards him while spouting the changes in the duel. This is normally considered cowardly but I cannot tolerate his behavior anymore.

My body was wrapped in a white glow and I began to accelerate.

The unknown expert was releasing his bloodlust in a repulsive manner but he cannot affect me that easily. I began my retaliation and slashed at every opportunity that was presented to me.

My attacks weren’t succeeding due to my unequalled strength and speed. I activated my attack boost skill and my body was fusing white and orange all together in a combination glow.

My attacks became fierce and I finally began to overpower the man.

I was finally succeeding and I continued my assault.

My heart felt happy that my attacks were reaching but then…

All of a sudden, the unknown man began to emit a powerful aura. Quite different from his bloodlust...it was much more stronger and I felt dread emanating from the man.

My speed and strong attacks were successful at first but then suddenly, the man’s speed accelerated. Within a few seconds, his attacks were beginning to reach my attack speed and eventually I was guarding against the man’s weird assault.

The unknown man shifted his body into irregular attack patterns and struck my body at impossible angles.Lucky for me, my speed at least allowed me to deflect some of his attacks but his strikes were connecting.

Every time our swords connected, a burst of darkness would erupt from the man’s weapon. My body was gradually stiffening due to the dreadful presence and his pressure was increasing.

Suddenly, everything went black around me and the unknown man…

I was shrouded in darkness and my body felt numb. I could not feel anything but then…

From the shadows, there was a glint of a white wooden blade that flickered from all around me. The blade flickered endlessly and before I knew it…

My body received an endless amount of attacks. The strikes continued on and on without rest and my body jolted from the massive amount of strikes that came in a burst. My mind was clouded and I could not react to the darkness and thus I lost consciousness….

…

…

…

A sphere of darkness erupted between me and the instructor. My body was reacting to the immediate situation as if the darkness was a part of my body. My interface which displayed my health, mana and stamina pool began to fluctuate differently and the bars suddenly disappeared.

Not only that, within the darkness that covered my body, I heard a voice that beckoned me. A voice that was silent to the world but signifying to only my ears. A window notification pinged in the background as I felt a powerful presence that echoed within the darkness and suddenly it faded away…

The darkness continued and suddenly..

My body was accelerating all around the instructor and the shadow of darkness reminded me of Shishou’s ultimate techniques.

The Kurogane clan had multiple techniques that varied from multiple attacking weapons to various hand-to-hand combat styles but among them were ten special techniques that can only be unlocked under special circumstances. Each technique will have their specific strength but only when you apply them in succession, will you experience the full force of the skills.

[box border=1 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=3 width=80% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5][col colspan=4 valign=top width=100% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5]The first form -- Shadow Stalk

Under the shadow of the night, Shadow Burst will implement body to become part of the darkness. While enveloped in darkness, the body will accelerate faster until a sudden halt and the body will attack at every angle which the body had accelerated into. The first form enables the practitioner to attack endlessly as long as the body accelerated within that point of time before the halt.[/col][/box]

This definitely is Shadow stalk...Shishou I got it---

Before I could reminisce in the memories of my shishou, a red notification suddenly appeared and bright red letters were engraved in my interface…

FORCE LOG-OUT

As soon as I saw those bright, red letters, my vision suddenly flashed bright and I saw absolute nothing but white. The darkness was replaced by this white room and I felt strange…

Normally, the safety system which implemented the force log-out option would’ve disconnected the user by cutting the connection between the game and the mind but...my body is literally within the game. Now, I am floating in a white plane and there is absolutely nothi---

Before I could assess my situation, a mist of dark miasma began to erupt a few feet in front of me. I stared at the anomaly and I couldn’t do anything. The safety system should’ve sent me back home but I am stuck here with whatever is trying to appear.

The dark miasma began to flush out of control and suddenly a figure was being formed.

Darkness began to wrap around itself and limbs were being formed simultaneously as it continues to erupt even more. Dark scales were appearing all over the limbs and even dark liquid began to drop from those limbs as the dark miasma continued to create the pieces of whatever creature that was being formed.

After the limbs, came a giant body structure that was approximately 20 feet in length. The miasma was spiraling out of control as it continuously formed the body. From the exterior of the body, there was a giant tail that ruptured from the darkness and was completely half-submerged with a puddle of dark liquid.

The miasma began to form a giant reptilian monster from lore.

The head and wings were finally the last to form from the miasma. The dark miasma spiked around the head and began to form the structure. After completion, the head was darker than the rest of its body and had a pair of crimson eyes that bled dark liquid. The wings finally formed and with the wings spread apart, I could see the dark spikes formed at the bone tendons that were covered by dark skin.

The reptilian monster was a giant black dragon that appeared from the darkness.

It had menacing fangs that dripped the mysterious dark liquid that singed as it came in contact with the white floor. The limbs of the black dragon had claws that were sharp and elongated to add more impact to its presence. The claws were also releasing the mysterious dark liquid that dripped on the floor.

As I continued to stare at the appearance of the dragon, the dragon locked its eyes onto my body. His crimson eyes were glaring at my body and gradually, I locked my eyes onto the black dragon.

I wasn’t scared at the sudden appearance of the dragon.

I was more astonished and excited at such an incredible experience. The dragon’s appearance felt very real and his presence was more dreadful than mine. I may be an experienced killer that executed multiple assassinations and ended a war but this dragon lived much longer than I did. His body was gigantic and the dark miasma was pressuring my existence as I stood in front of it. I did not feel defeat but simply I was in awe of its’ presence.

As I stared at the black dragon, his eyes began to flicker and suddenly a voice ruptured from the blank white plane.

The voice spoke…

[You...are...the...one…]

Huh? The one for whaaat???

[I...choose...you…]

Choosing me? What for?

[I..acknowledge you….as..my...successor…]

Successor? Black Dragon, you choose me?

[Young one...head towards the north...Between the border...of Elreim...and Milreim…]

Is this black dragon giving me directions...Okay..Is this a quest!? Alright, I will do it. Sounds like adventure anyways…

[At the...northern part of Elreim and Milreim...find my tomb...and release me…]

Ohh..tomb? Did this black dragon die?

[From my tomb...once I am released...you will inherit----]

Inherit what? WHAT IS IT!?

Suddenly, the black dragon’s entire body flickered and immediately vanished. The dark miasma completely disappeared and the dark liquid was no more. The area turned completely back to white and then…

Everything went dark.

And, I returned back to Earth…

I saw the top portion of the pod and it automatically opened to release me from the capsule. I finally wore my training gi but I had the white, worn down bokken in my hand. It was radiating a white glow but other than that, it looked like a regular bokken that was painted white. I quickly exit the capsule and went out of the capsule room.

As I came out the door, I saw the clock which had the time at 1240. It was barely afternoon and it was good that I came out around this time because I felt hungry and I want to eat something soon.

I sensed Hiromi from the second floor. She had abruptly gotten up as soon as I reappeared back into the capsule. I head towards the basement that had my training facility. My basement was extended further underground with a total of 3 rooms.

As I entered the basement, I saw in a corner where the rest of my wooden practice weapons were located. All of them were similar in color--Brown and I simply placed the white bokken together with the rest. It looked quite ridiculous as there was a faint white glow emanating from the bokken.

I left the basement and reentered the main floor of my house and saw that Hiromi was sitting on the couch with a flustered expression. Her cheeks were slightly reddened and now that I know that Hiromi was a female...I began to notice her effeminate features...I stared at her for a few seconds and she was turning bright red from embarrassment. I quickly took my seat in front of her and finally I spoke…

“Ta-- I mean, Hiromi...You are free to do what you want, alright? Whether if you want to leave or stay by my side. Before anything else happens, just remember that we have to take it slow alright. I know about your feelings now and I can’t return them in favor just yet. We have to slowly get there, okay?”

Hiromi was astonished at my words but she nodded in acceptance. Her face was bright red and I felt that she was determined about something. Her aura was fierce and her eyes had a glint of seriousness that seemed that she was going to try harder than before.

I think things might get worse…..but I don’t think I’ll hate it…

Finally...I remembered something…

I did say that I was gonna go to school again. I think I should attend Tokyo University (Tokyo Daigaku--Todai) but first I should make a call to the prime minister so he can help me…

I stood up and pulled out my phone as I walked towards my laptop. I turned on the laptop and began to search for the classes that I will be taking. I’ll probably major in Astrophysics and Computer Programming.

I dialed the Prime Minister’s private phone number and within 5 seconds, the Prime Minister answered…

“Hello, is this Ichiro-kun calling?”

“Yes, Prime Minister. I would like to inquire a few things and maybe ask for your assistance”

“Ah, yes, yes. Of course, go ahead.”

“I would like to enroll in Todai. I know it is literally in the middle of the spring semester but I want to enroll now. I know you can pull a few strings for me.”

“Oh, that’ll be easy but you do know that you have to take an aptitude test to see if you are qualified to attend Todai. Their requirements are pretty hefty.”

“I know that. I’ll be fine. Before you say it, what do I have to owe you for this favor. I know that there’s going to be some speculations and some information to be altered so I would like to extend my services towards you in return for enrolling me into Todai.”

“Ah, I wasn’t going to ask for anything but now that you say so...I would like for your assistance in the Military Tech Advancement facility. It will be a co-joint facility between the newly formed Japanese military and the Kurogane Corporation. Your military rank will be transferred and all you have to do is attend the research facility and give a few pointers. I know of your condition of not returning to the battlefield so instead of putting you as the Commander of the JPN forces, I chose the second best which is a Military researcher...you will still be the highest ranking personnel in the entire Japanese force but you will not extend your support into the battlefield, thus meeting your condition of not returning to the field.”

I see...well, this works out fine but I still feel reluctant about this...I’ll be reinstated...again...and they probably can constrict me if they go to war...but that war is over...so, I think it’ll be fine...

“Mhm..I really am hesitating but I know I can’t force the Japanese Government to do what I want to do. Well, I could but I do not want to abuse my right as Shishou’s successor so I’ll agree on your condition, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.”

“Excellent. I already informed my cabinet members and they will finalize your enrollment. All you have to do is submit your information at the University. Also, whenever you go to submit your information, please contact me so I can call the Dean of Todai and he’ll personally greet you.”

“Alright, just contact the dean that I will be arriving tomorrow early morning...I will terminate this call and make sure to tell Emperor Naruhito to stop trying to investigate information about me. I am looking at the Emperor’s network channel right now and he is trying to dig up information about me. Please tell him on my behalf.”

“I see...I will make sure to tell him directly…”

I ended the call and I looked at the Emperor’s networking channel and began to terminate his connection from my side. Almost instantly, Emperor Naruhito’s channel was terminated and I finally turned off the laptop.

I noticed that Hiromi was staring at me as I was on the phone with the Prime Minister. After I ended everything, I smiled towards her and she turned away in embarrassment.

I should stop bullying her...but...oh well...I think I’ll accept her. She isn’t a bad woman and her features are quite alluring...I want to see what’s under ther---

What the hell am I thinking about…

Anyways...I think I’ll go visit my sister. She’s almost done with her afternoon classes. Hana is a freshman in College but she’s really smart. I think I’ll pick her up as a surprise.

Most likely, Keiji told her but she probably doesn’t know where I live and I’ll send a message to Mom and Dad. They probably won’t miss their ungrateful son but I want to make sure they know that I am back…

My sister attends Keio university (Keidai) so I should be there in a few hours, just in time for her afternoon classes to end.

I stand up and look at Hiromi and spoke…

“Hiromi..I will be going okay. If you need to eat something, there should be some food in the fridge. I am going to pay a visit to my sister and I will be back around late afternoon--early evening okay?”

Hiromi was still beet red from embarrassment but she nodded.

You know...Hiromi has always helped me. I never really gave her anything even when I asked her in the past. She never asked for anything and I feel bad that I thought that she was a guy named Takashi. I still blame Shishou for the misunderstanding but I am partially to blame too. Well, as long as she accepts me...here goes nothing…

I quickly close the distance between an embarrassed Hiromi and me. She was flustered thus she couldn’t sense my approach. I leaned forward and kissed her forehead…

“Wha-wha-wha!?”

Hiromi stuttered in exclamation and fainted from happiness.

I simply sigh at the shy woman..

Hiromi...consider that my gift to you and there’s more to come later in the future…

I exit my house and locked the door. I walk to my driveway and pulled out my keys which had a black device attached to the set of keys. I pressed the button on the black device and suddenly, my driveway shuddered and began to split in half. Upon being split, there was a mechanical platform that had a black car on top of it.

The mechanical platform adjusted itself where the driveway used to be and I unlocked my car.

My car was a custom JZA80 Black Supra with sleek black finish.

Spoiler : For specs, this is my custom finish of my supra irl

- 10:1 compression built motor, Eagle rods, CP pistons, ACL race bearings, ARP head studs and main studs

- Precision 6466 dual ball bearing turbo, 0.81A/R with SP cover, 41psi

- OS Giken R4C quadruple disc clutch

- Fuel Injector Clinic 2150cc injectors x6, dual Walbro 416 E85 pumps, dual feed center return Titan Motorsports fuel rail, -6 AN feeds and lines, stock return, Aeromotive FPR, GM flex fuel sensor

- ProEFI 128 standalone ECM, self-tuned, flex fuel enabled

- 19x9.5F and 19x11.0R HRE C95 wheels (street)

- Tires for racing are Nitto NT-01 R compound 275x40x18 in the rear

I enter my vehicle and as I drove off the platform, I reengaged the mechanical system and the platform rose back down into the ground and my driveway appeared again from the outer slits of the ground surface.

I make my way towards Tokyo and speed along the highway…

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