The screen stared right into his face. The lines of text conveying the now familiar information.
Despite having seen this sight since morning and having made unforeseen advancements in understanding this screen, Henry still found himself surprised at the slight change in the information that was in front of him.
[Mark: unmarked]
[Attribute: undefined]
[Skills: Spirit Breathing, Spirit Sleeping]
[Spirit Energy: 54,351/150,000]
[Quest: Awaken your Spirit Core!]
[Time limit: 2 days]
[Reward: ???]
His eyes blinked, a puzzlement shining in them. A person present in the room wouldn't be able to tell his surprise though. The room was too dark for that, after all.
Still, the blue light which the screen emanated, was enough to brighten the surroundings. Of course, Henry was the only one who could see in it.
"My own portable torch? Just amazing. Just with this alone, I am much ahead of everyone else. Killing in the dark of the night would be a piece of cake. Of course, I cannot get too complacent. I should exercise caution against Fire mages."
He put aside his introspection and turned to think about his [Spirit Energy]. The number next to it had halved.
This meant that Henry had covered double the distance to his goal than he previously had.
But it also implied something unknown at play here. If his past life had cast any fear in him, it was the fear of the unknown.
During the 40 years of his pursuit, Henry had never been able to tell a friend from foe. Being betrayed time and time again, he had always been on the edge.
He had been unsure if the village he was living in was safe. He could not tell if the person he was travelling with would stab him or not.
He could not tell if the girl who was showing kindness to him would poison his food or not.
He had become paranoid. And this paranoia bore its fangs right now, at the instant when the Spirit Energy showed unknown developments.
His heart started racing. His breath became uneven. Sweat started dripping down his head and blood rushed forth through his veins, giving a red tinge to his fair skin.
Taking in a deep breath he calmed himself, though. His thoughts turned rational once again. Intelligence reflected in his eyes, which were veiled by the dark night.
"If this screen has bad intentions intentions, so what? I have already died once and this screen is what most likely brought me back to life. If it wants to kill me again, I'll willingly die. It's only fair!"
The frown vanished from his face, replaced by an aloof and indifferent expression.
"I've already accumulated 10,000 Spirit Energy. The rest would be taken care of by Spirit Sleeping. I can finally rest now."
With that he dressed himself. Surely he would not want anyone to intrude upon the naked him. Satisfied with the comfortable night gown he was wearing, he returned to his bed, falling asleep instantly.
***
"Everyone be ready to depart! We'll set off in a short while!"
Sir Edmund's voice resounded, making the guards in the two carts stiffen up. They whispered amongt themselves.
"Captain is so lovely today!"
"Of course, he is, you fool! It's the Young Master's Bestowment Ritual."
"He's the only heir of the House. It's only natural."
"Where's the Young Master anyway?"
"Ah, look over there. He's here!"
The guards looked outside of their carts. There, they saw Henry Korvess. The only Heir of the Korvess House. The son of the Light Warden.
He was wearing loose, casual trousers. Something which was atypical of the Royal Houses. His shirt was tight, enveloped by a vermillion robe which draped down his entire body.
On its back was a crest— a long sword slicing a radiant Sun.
Henry's each step was controlled. Filling the guards with a sense of awe.
"He's just like the Lord!"
"The Young Master indeed takes after the Lord!"
"I'm feeling shivers down my spine!"
"The Young Master is indeed unmatched in confidence!"
Henry was smiling, an anticipation lingering in his eyes. He slowly raised his head.
His vermillion eyes were like a fierce furnace and his blonde hair like a violent sea of fire. It filled the guards with admiration.
"My heart almost stopped just now!"
"The air about the Young Master is different today!"
Sir Edmund looked at this him and muttered under his breath, "You are unmatched in might and beauty, Young Master."
He smiled and continued to himself, "I swear my life to you! Again! And a million times more!"
He looked at the approaching Henry.
The latter asked, "Are we ready to go?"
"Yes, Young Master! Sebren will accompany you. Please ask him if anything troubles you."
Henry nodded, a nonchalance apparent on his face.
He walked towards his cariage. A black ebony construct with masterfully embroidered edges. A gold-laced door adorned the middle of the carriage. Its door open to the Heir of the Korvess house.
Henry sat down inside the comfortable ride. The head butler, Sebren Holloway following after him.
He said, "Young Master, your luggage has been prepared. We'll make a stop by the Oblivion Order before heading to the Academy."
Henry looked at the man, casting an acknowledging glance at him. The man's sideburns had turned white— a proof of his service to the Korvess Household.
Henry recalled what he knew about Sebren from his past life. The man, a Light Adept with Wind affinity, had died on a trip back from the Academy.
A huge uproar had been caused as a result. Lord Cascius had sent forces to investigate the matter. This was also part of the reason of his family's downfall.
Henry looked at the man, smiled and said, "I'll be meditating for a while. Do not disturb me."
His voice carried a commanding tone, reminiscent of Cascius. Sebren bowed as he agreed, "Yes, Young Master. Then, I shall excuse myself."
With that, Sebren got of the carriage and took the spot of the driver. He gestured for everyone to distance themselves from their carriage, indicating Henry's intentions.
Henry, meanwhile, though, had already sat cross-legged. He began his Accumulation, filling up more of his Spirit Energy.
His mind was still as water, focused on completing the quest.
Hidden from his eyes, but still fresh in his memories, the lines that the screen displayed hovered in his mind:
[Spirit Energy: 85,000/150,000]
He would awaken his core today! And nothing could stop him!