The flood of memories came crashing down like a tidal wave.
Evans gasped.
Each moment replayed with crystal clarity—the betrayal, the torture, the raw agony, and the numbing realization of helplessness. Every searing second etched itself into his mind as though he had truly lived those four long years. His body convulsed, eyes widening, sweat pouring from every pore.
He collapsed to his knees, arms trembling, breath shallow.
His mind screamed.
For two full minutes, his body fought the backlash. But slowly—inch by inch—he stabilized. Cold sweat ran down his jaw, dripping to the ground below. His chest heaved up and down like a bellows, and his gaze, once wild and frenzied, gradually grew steady.
He was still kneeling. Still alive.
Still sane.
With a trembling hand, Evans opened his status.
[Status Window]
Name: Evans Blake
Age: 12
Spiritual Power: 5.3
Meditation Technique: Dark Wood Beginner Technique
Witchcraft:
– Invisible Hand (2 SP/minute)
– Acid Ball (4 SP per cast)
Evans stared at the floating screen, still panting.
"So… there was some gain." He smiled faintly, eyes reflecting both fatigue and cold determination. "Two spells… even if one is defensive and the other can only be cast once... I finally have something that resembles a weapon."
His hand clenched into a fist.
"At least now... I'm not completely an ant anymore."
He then turned his attention to the simulator, where two opportunities still remained. His gaze hardened.
"Let's use them both."
He selected the next simulation.
[Truth Simulation: Commencing]
Day One
You left Gale Town once again, heading toward the capital, determined to carve a path on your own.
Day 22
You arrived in Shadowmere and began work as a blacksmith apprentice in a small shop.
Day 23
You resumed meditation using the Dark Wood Beginner Technique. The results were disappointing. Almost no increase in spiritual energy.
Month Two
You could no longer accept this stagnation. Desperation grew.
Month Three
You formulated a plan.
Outside the walls of the Blue Sea Alliance lay untamed training grounds dense forests, low-level magical beasts, and wandering apprentices. Because it served as a practice field, security was light. The Alliance had no shortage of apprentice cannon fodder. As long as no major rules were broken, they turned a blind eye.
You ventured into the forest, waiting.
Hunting.
Five days passed. Nothing.
Then, one afternoon, while crouched on a thick branch near the beach of a lake, you spotted a girl.
Young. Wearing the apprentice robes of the Alliance. Wandering alone.
She didn't notice you.
You didn't hesitate.
You waited—patiently, perfectly still,until she stepped into your kill zone. And then, with a fluid motion, you raised your hand and fired your spell.
Acid Ball.
The green orb hissed through the air and struck her face dead-on.
She never even saw it coming.
Her scream was brief. Flesh dissolved. Bone turned to ash. The stench of burning life filled the air.
You didn't linger.
You looted her satchel and found it.
[Acquired: Blue Spirit Meditation Technique – Intermediate Grade]
You laughed aloud, heart pounding with triumph, and fled the forest at full speed.
Year One
You memorized the technique completely and began to practice in solitude. The results were minimal at first, but you did not stop.
Year Five
You remained diligent. Constant. Tireless.
Year Twenty
You reached the absolute peak of a first-level apprentice. Spiritual energy surged within you, but the barrier to the second level remained unbroken.
Year Thirty
You still could not break through.
Year Forty
Desperate, you left the capital in search of opportunities. You were intercepted by a rank two apprentice in the wild.
You were too slow.
Too weak.
Too poor.
He killed you on the spot when he found nothing of value.
You are dead.
Do you want to retain memories or realm?
Evans looked at the end of the simulation with a faint exhale. He leaned against the wall behind him, his expression complicated.
"Even after twenty years… I couldn't advance."
He stared silently for a few seconds before whispering, "My talent really is trash."
But then his gaze sharpened.
"Still… the meditation technique—that's worth more than any stat increase. With it, I can replace this garbage Dark Wood Technique once and for all."
He clenched his jaw and made his choice.
[Retain Memories]