Aron spent the next few days doing nothing but trying to balance the heightened senses granted by EB. Everything felt too sharp − the sound of wings in the sky, the faint footsteps of servants, even the pulse running through his own veins.
It took time, but slowly the chaos inside him settled.
As he had rushed through two minor realms in one go, harmony was essential.
Now his body and senses were finally in perfect sync.
Only then did he feel ready to start new things.
Today was also the day his father was returning from the North with his brothers.
Aron felt something unfamiliar bubbling in his chest − anticipation.
He wanted to meet his father again… and show him that he was changing.
He didn't want to disappoint him like before. In both lives, Aron held deep respect for the man.
His father, the renowned knight who upheld morals and virtue, was admired across the region. People often praised his heroic deeds and unwavering sense of justice.
Only after losing him in his previous life did Aron fully understand the love hidden in the man's strictness.
Lost in thought, Aron was pulled back by a loud announcement.
The family head had returned from the hunt.
Aron was preparing to train, but he instantly stopped and headed straight toward the courtyard.
"Welcome back, Father," Aron bowed.
His father's eyes narrowed slightly. "You look… good."
Aron couldn't hide anything from him. The man instantly sensed his growth.
"A sudden change in just a few days," he said. "Why?"
Aron had prepared for this.
"I just realized strength is necessary for leisure also," he replied calmly.
His father held his gaze for a moment and nodded. "If you think so.
He placed a firm hand on Aron's shoulder. "Join dinner with us today."
No matter how limited his time was, Father always checked on everyone.
Soon, the dining hall filled with the family.
Robin loudly boasted about defeating most of the monsters alone.
David scoffed at his exaggeration.
Father asked Rina about her training.
"It's fine… but I'm bored swinging swords in the training ground," she admitted.
Father gave a small smile. "Then would you like to take on a mission?"
Everyone froze.
He never gave missions to children below the age of ten.
But Rina was an exception. Her talent made such decisions expected.
But what he said next shocked even Aron.
"Take Aron with you."
Robin and David exchanged wide-eyed looks. Father never made unnecessary decisions, so this meant something important.
Rina straightened. "What's the mission?"
Father's expression turned serious.
"Strange phenomena have been appearing around Mount Supat. Lightning sparks are emerging from somewhere. The villagers are frightened. Go there and find the cause. Take Aron with you. Leave right after lunch."
Aron's eyes sharpened.
He remembered this event from his previous life.
Rina had gone alone that time… and she was injured because of what she encountered.
But this time, he was here.
He knew exactly what awaited them.
And it was an opportunity − a chance for both of them to grow.
After finishing dinner, they prepared for departure.
It would take a day to reach the mountain, so neither rushed.
They were provided a flying beast − Alkar.
A dark-black creature of medium size with small feet and wide wings, commonly used for travel.
Aron and Rina climbed onto its back.
With a powerful beat of its wings, Alkar rose into the night sky, carrying both siblings toward their first mission together.
Both siblings flew toward Supat Mountain on the back of Alkar.
The cold wind brushed against them as the beast glided through the night sky.
Supat Mountain was known across the region for its mysteries.
Many ancient warriors in the prehistoric era had visited the place right before their deaths − the reason still unknown.
Legends said the mountain held countless strong souls from the past.
Driven by greed, countless treasure seekers had searched the peaks and destroyed large portions of it.
Even now, several peaks remained half-shattered… silent reminders of the chaos caused by humans.
Aron kept EB active during the journey.
He had pushed himself these past days and could finally maintain it for around two hours continuously.
Every flap of Alkar's wings, every shift of the air, every distant creature's cry − nothing escaped him.
While practicing, a sudden thought struck him.
He never asked Merl about power points.
"Merl, what exactly can I do with these points?"
Merl's calm voice echoed in his mind.
Power points allow you to purchase information and skills. Additional features can be unlocked later.
"Skills… and information." Aron repeated slowly.
Useful. Very useful.
They were approaching a dangerous place, and Aron believed in preparation.
So he asked for information about Supat Mountain.
Merl responded instantly.
Ten power points deducted.
Then the explanation followed:
Supat Mountain was once the residence of the Ravens − spirit beings deeply connected to death. They guided lost souls after death.
Currently, desert beasts and a few blood demons inhabit the place.
Aron frowned slightly.
He had never heard about Ravens before.
As for blood demons, they weren't a huge threat… not if he and Rina worked together.
They still had a few hours before arrival.
Rina had already fallen asleep behind him, leaning slightly on his shoulder.
Aron decided it was wise to rest too.
With EB turning off and the night breeze calming his thoughts, he slowly closed his eyes.
Tomorrow… the true challenge of Supat Mountain would begin.