In the morning, Lucien woke up and sat on his bed.
I can still feel that strange power I felt before. But I cannot use it. Was it just a dream?
He shook his head.
I will just forget about it.
At that moment, his father entered the room.
Lucien, get ready. We will be leaving soon.
Lucien looked at him.
Leaving? Where to?
To my master, his father replied.
Lucien blinked.
Oh… I forgot about that.
Lucien quickly got ready.
When he went outside, he saw his mother and father waiting for him.
After we take you to my master, we will return to our main house, his father said.
Lucien smiled slightly.
Wow. Why can I not go alone?
His father shook his head.
Because it would be dangerous for you. I just want you to live a normal life.
Lucien thought quietly.
Normal life? Or training life?
He sighed.
I already accepted this. It does not matter to me. As long as I have freedom where I am going.
His mother walked closer to him.
The day has finally come for us to part ways. Grow strong, Lucien. When you do, things will become easier for you.
Lucien looked at her.
I promise you. I will become stronger than you can imagine. I will create a peaceful life for us.
His mother smiled proudly.
I believe in you.
Then his father gave Lucien the sword he found in the dungeon.
You will not be able to wield this sword yet because you cannot use AURU. The sword must acknowledge you before you can use it.
Before we leave, I will show you how it feels to wield a powerful sword.
Abyssal Sovereign.
His father poured more AURU into the blade.
The sword began to tremble.
Dark energy spread across the metal like living shadows.
But his father suddenly lost control of the sword.
He stopped.
This blade is powerful. It did not accept me. I will wait until you can use AURU to see what it is truly capable of.
There is a legend about this sword. I heard it when I was young. I never thought it was real.
They say the sword chooses its owner.
Now, let us go.
Lucien nodded.
Father, I have a question.
Go ahead, his father said.
What makes you think I will be able to use mana or AURU?
His father smiled quietly.
Because when I was your age, I could not use mana or AURU either. But I learned later.
You are my son. I believe you will be able to use it too. It will just take time.
Lucien nodded.
Alright. Let us go.
---
While they traveled, Lucien's father remembered his past.
When I was young, I trained with my master. He taught me swordsmanship and martial arts.
He was kind, but very harsh during training.
He never allowed me to rest.
If I wanted him to stop training me, I had to defeat him.
That was the only way he would allow me to rest.
I trained with him for six years before I was able to defeat him.
When I was twelve, I went to The Tower of Silent Calamity.
The most dangerous tower in the world.
No one has cleared it in 59 years.
According to legend, only the chosen one can clear the tower.
Whoever clears it will gain power beyond human limits.
They will become like a god.
That is what the legend says.
I went to the tower with three friends.
They died when we reached the third floor.
The monsters were stronger than anyone could imagine.
No one has ever cleared the first floor alone.
But I was the first to clear it with my party.
They were useful as bait.
He paused.
They died on the third floor because of poison in the air.
But something was strange about the tower.
Traps did not activate against me.
Monsters were not as strong when I fought them.
I defeated the boss until I reached the twenty second floor.
I almost died there.
But when I opened my eyes, I was in my bed.
I had been inside the tower for two years.
They thought I was dead.
Then I saw a system.
At first, I thought I was dreaming.
But the system was real.
It showed that my power was unsealed.
Level up. Level up. Level up.
My level reached one hundred.
The system made me stronger.
That was how I became one of the twelve strongest warriors in the world.
But now I am just an old man who cares about his family.
He smiled.
---
Lucien looked forward.
There he is. That is my master.
Lucien saw a tall man with powerful muscles.
(Your master looks strong and intimidating. You can add scars, sharp eyes, and strict facial expression later for detail.)
Lucien got down from the horse.
I will miss you, mom and dad.
His mother hugged him.
I will miss you too. Take care of yourself. Do not overwork yourself.
I will not.
His father met his master.
Long time, master. How are you?
The master laughed.
Look at you. You look younger and more disciplined. You usually never ask how I am.
This is my son, his father said.
The master looked at Lucien.
You look exactly like your father when he was young. Even if you are using a magic item to hide your hair color.
Lucien thought to himself.
He noticed I am using a magic item.
Lucien's father spoke again.
Take care of my son.
The master nodded.
I will take good care of him. But do not expect me to go easy on him during training.
He smiled.
Lucien's father gave him a magic bag.
There are clothes inside. But that is not all.
When Lucien returns, give this to him.
Then his father left.
---
Lucien's father returned to the Valdoryn Empire.
Everyone heard that he had returned.
They celebrated the return of one of the strongest men in the world.
Lucien's father held his own title as a legendary warrior.
---
Lucien was still running up the mountain.
His new master appeared behind him.
You are still here? You are faster than I expected for a beginner.
Try to catch up to me.
Then he disappeared.
Lucien smiled.
That is father's master. His speed is incredible.
I will learn a lot from him.
He continued running toward the mountain before sunset.