After Kyle made the decision to abandon his past as "Jack" and fully integrate into this world, determined to fight his way to the top and gain wealth, he realized that this world was fundamentally different from Earth. Here, money alone did not determine one's fate; strength and reputation could change one's destiny entirely.
Especially since he still carried the name "Leothan" in his background. As long as he could prove himself again and graduate successfully from Dawn Academy, he would gain access to resources and training in various fields. He might even be chosen to become a general in the kingdom's army. With the backing of his family, he could rise quickly... but first, he had to prove his worth.
He muttered quietly as he stared at the mirror reflecting his image before him, speaking to himself:
"Alright... six months left until I enter the academy, and five years of study within it."
Six months isn't a long time, but it's not short either... It's enough time to lay a solid foundation, and the study period itself would be a chance to continue developing.
Kyle took a deep breath, filling his lungs with the damp, cold air that carried the scent of old wood and faint mold seeping from the room's corners.
"I need to make a detailed plan for the next six months."
He walked toward the table cautiously and slowly pulled out a small wooden chair, its creaking echoing through the cramped room, then sat down. He reached for his ring and quickly took out some papers and an ink-dipped feather pen from the storage space inside.
The ring looked simple from the outside—nothing different from any ordinary ring. Without Kyle's memories, one might think it was a worthless trinket.
"Honestly... I'm still surprised the family gave me a medium-grade storage ring."
Kyle's mind started analyzing rapidly:
Do you know the value of a medium storage ring? It's worth half a million gold coins and has a storage space of 100 cubic meters!
For a fleeting moment, he considered selling it, but that thought was swiftly kicked aside by his own mind.
"No... no, this ring will make my life much easier. I can't let it go."
He held the feather pen and began writing his thoughts with clear focus, brows furrowed, his red eyes gleaming with sharpness.
"Alright, I should categorize my belongings first."
He raised his fingers and counted:
"First: I have 1,000 gold coins, and I'll receive the same amount monthly from the family, sent through their affiliated trading chamber."
He paused for a moment, feeling the roughness of the paper between his fingers, then continued:
"Second: I have ten vials of high-grade holy water, bought from the temple... Each vial costs 150 gold, for a total of 1,500 gold."
He gently ran his fingers over one of the bottles. Its clear glass and soft blue glow gave a sense of comfort.
"It heals wounds and purifies corruption... but it's useless for broken bones. Still, as long as the blow doesn't kill me outright, it can save my life."
He opened one of the vials slightly and inhaled the refreshing scent that blended mint and sacred flowers.
"I think I'll dilute five vials with water for daily use and keep the rest for emergencies."
He placed the bottles carefully in a cloth-lined case and returned them to the ring, then returned to the paper:
"Third: I have a set of high-quality combat gear... and some potions that boost mana flow, strengthen the body and soul."
He brushed his fingers along the hilt of the sword leaning against the table, feeling a faint current of glowing energy pass through his skin.
"And the most important thing... the techniques."
He pulled out two books from the ring and placed them carefully on the table.
The first was a cultivation technique book that would help him reach the Gold Rank. The second contained a gold-grade sword technique—both perfectly aligned with his fire affinity.
Kyle smiled faintly and whispered:
"Seems the family still values their blood..."
Even though he was temporarily exiled and without guards, the family hadn't skimped on providing him with solid starting support.
"Honestly, it's an old tradition in the family... Lion cubs must hunt alone. If they prove themselves, they return with heads held high. If they fail... then at least they died as lions."
Kyle closed his eyes for a moment and murmured under his breath:
"And though it's harsh, if anyone lays a hand on a member of the family... the whole pride will trample them, just like a pack of lions crushing an intruder."
As he wrote on the papers and planned his journey toward Dawn Academy, he remembered that he was now in one of the central cities located in the eastern region of the Kingdom of Astalia. He had been sent here via a teleportation gate, as his family's lands were located in the south.
Dawn Academy lies in a neutral zone between four kingdoms in an alliance. It receives a steady flow of nobles and gifted individuals who have earned a recommendation letter. Of course, not everyone can enter, as all candidates must undergo rigorous tests to determine talent and potential.
As for the central cities, they are lands under direct royal authority, not subject to noble control. Their purpose is to serve as centers of trade and as a means to monitor the noble families and prevent wars between them—unless there is a legitimate cause approved by the Temple of Life, under the authority of the High Priestess.
The details of the treaty weren't fully known to Kyle, since the Leothan family hadn't engaged in war with any other noble house since his grandfather assumed leadership.
Another crucial point is that these cities act as rallying and defense centers in case of a major war against invaders.
Kyle muttered as he wrote:
"Seems the tug-of-war that happens every fifty years against the beasts will begin within two or three years."
Known as the "Tug War," Astalia uses it to expand into beast territory, while the beasts aim to reclaim their stolen lands.
Since Astalia was elevated from a duchy to a kingdom 1,600 years ago, it had lost only three to five times, and with limited casualties.
This alone proves the kingdom's strength. Despite their faith in the "Goddess of Life," Astalia was a kingdom of war, its brief history written in blood and fire.
You might ask: 1,600 years... is that short? The answer: yes. For those who reach the Legendary rank, lifespans can extend to 5,000 years or more.
Not because they are immortal, but simply because they live very long. And yes, they can be killed, but there are agreements in place forbidding fights between legends except under very specific circumstances.
"I need a map to determine my route and prepare travel supplies."
Kyle set his pen down, leaned back in his chair, and looked up at the cracked wooden ceiling, his gaze tracing the wood grains like the old threads of forgotten tales.
"Alright... should I train before morning?"
Kyle opened the cultivation book.
(The Technique: Flame Lion)
That was the technique's name. He quickly skimmed through the instructions and followed the steps, then sat cross-legged on the cold floor, straightened his back, closed his eyes, took a deep breath and a slow exhale, and began circulating his aura and absorbing mana from the surrounding air.
When mana is absorbed, it can be converted into aura or magical energy. Suddenly, Kyle felt something strange.
A fiery red aura surrounded his body, and he felt a searing warmth flow through his veins. He opened his eyes in shock, realizing he had already become a Bronze-rank Knight – Low Stage.
Kyle was stunned; according to his memories, he hadn't reached that rank yet.
But then he recalled the surge of power he felt when he absorbed the previous Kyle's soul... something he hadn't fully understood at the time.
He calmed his breath and continued training.
In this world, warrior and mage ranks are divided as follows:
Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Earth, Sky, Legendary,
Each rank is split into four stages: Low, Mid, High, Peak.
Now, after becoming a Low Bronze-rank Knight, Kyle could live up to 150 years in peace... unless killed before that.
Kyle continued training until the first rays of sunlight began to chase away the night sky.
He slowly opened his red eyes, now gleaming with light. He let out a murky breath, and as he stood, a cracking sound echoed from his joints, like distant thunder.
This stage is known as "Thunder Crack," a physical transformation triggered by reaching the Bronze Rank.
Kyle felt his body grow stronger, the pallor in his skin slowly fading.
"The feeling of becoming stronger... is enjoyable."
A faint smile appeared on his face, then he decided to head out to eat, take a walk, and buy a map in preparation for his upcoming journey.