"…A vessel?"
Upon hearing my answer, my father's pupils shimmered with a different light than before.
It was as if they were asking, "I already know the correct answer, but can you say it?"
To meet my father's expectations, I didn't hesitate for even a moment before continuing.
"The soul is the essence that allows life to exist as life, and the body is the most sacred vessel that holds that essence."
"…Isn't that a quote from our clan's founder, Orpheus?"
"Yes, it is. At first glance, it may seem like this statement emphasizes the importance of the soul over the body, but in reality, it's the opposite. Orpheus was someone who dreamed of a perfect balance between soul and body. In other words, this saying implies that to fully enjoy the blessings of life, both the soul and the body must be cherished equally."
"Haha, you're absolutely right. Ignorant fools often misinterpret those words, claiming that Orpheus prioritized the soul while neglecting the body, but that's utter nonsense. I'm impressed that you've managed to grasp the true meaning."
Seeing that his young son, who barely reached his knee, could understand the profound teachings of our ancestors, my father smiled with pride.
"As a healer, and as a member of the Claudius family, I aim to become a strong vessel worthy of our name."
"So that's why you chose to study human anatomy first…"
"I judged that a deep understanding of human anatomy was necessary to strengthen my body and fully utilize Angelus's blessings."
"Hah!"
My father's smile widened even further.
He didn't say anything, but his expression spoke for him.
'That's my son! That's exactly how my son should be!'
And at that moment, I knew it was time to deliver the final blow.
"Father, I, Phaegan, will use my studies in human anatomy to forge a vessel strong enough to withstand the trials ahead. And one day, I will fill that vessel with the blessings of Angelus and the teachings of our ancestors."
"Hahaha! That's the spirit! That's what it means to be my son! You truly are the firstborn of Tiberius and Melissa!"
At last, the words that had been overflowing in my father's expression finally burst forth.
"Oh my! Young master, how admirable you are!"
Our nanny, who had been watching, couldn't hold back her tears again. Before her eyes had even dried, my father swept me up in his arms and lifted me high into the air.
"If your mother could hear this, she would be overjoyed. She'd puff out her chest and say, 'See? He truly is my son!' Wouldn't she, Nanny?"
"Indeed, sir! The madam would be absolutely delighted to see how strong and determined the young master has become."
My father spun me around several times before finally setting me down.
"There are foolish healers who fail to establish a strong foundation and instead become intoxicated with healing magic and mana, disregarding the importance of the body. They believe that since magic and spells can heal wounds, all injuries can be solved with magic alone. How ridiculous."
Each time my father shook his head, his thick beard swayed like reeds caught in a storm.
"No matter how powerful a healer's magic is, in the end, it is the flesh and blood of the body that must receive and endure the healing. And yet, despite your young age and lack of formal training, you've already recognized this truth. I couldn't be prouder."
"Thank you, Father."
As he praised me, I bowed my head low.
It was both to show respect and to hide the guilt creeping up inside me.
I'm sorry, Father. That wasn't the whole truth… To be honest, I had another reason for choosing human anatomy.
Even though I hadn't officially started my studies yet, I was already certain that I would excel in this subject.
In my previous life, I had killed more people than anyone else. I had extensively studied the quickest and most effective ways to eliminate my targets.
Naturally, through that process, my knowledge of human anatomy had deepened.
In the end, assassination is all about striking at the most lethal point when your target is at their most vulnerable. Master always said, 'If you don't understand how a person is built, how can you discuss the most efficient ways to kill them?'
Through my master's teachings and my own research, I had gained an advanced understanding of human anatomy.
And now, starting tomorrow, I would be adding to that knowledge with the medical expertise of the continent's most renowned healing family.
The study of death and the study of saving lives. There may be some differences, but one thing is certain: the healing techniques Claudius has developed over centuries will undoubtedly enhance my assassination skills. Perhaps this is precisely why the divine light sent me here.
Keeping my head bowed, I silently expressed my gratitude once more to the radiant force that had brought me to this place.
Some might question my reasoning.
Why, after spending five peaceful years on a tranquil island surrounded by forests and seas, would I choose to refine the bloody combat skills of my past life?
[Soon, a great calamity will come. I look forward to seeing how you prove yourself in the midst of it.]
If anyone were to ask me that question, I would simply reply with the words of the divine light that had sent me here.
Calamity and proof.
Two words that had never left my mind during the five years I had spent on this serene island, Espetara.
Mock me for overthinking. Scorn me for clinging to the bloodstained instincts of my past life.
But no matter what others say, my belief remains unchanged—honing my old skills will be to my advantage.
"Hahaha!"
Once again, my father lifted me high into the air, allowing me to take in the full view of the island from its highest peak.
My father, my nanny, the people who had stood by my side, and the island that had raised me.
And beyond that…
The world that awaited me beyond this island.
Avoiding my father and nanny's gaze, I fixed my eyes on the horizon, where the waves danced beyond the shore.
No matter what this calamity turned out to be, I vowed to forge the unshakable strength needed to overcome it.
—
That night.
Darkness had settled over Phaegan's room.
On the plush mattress made of the finest materials, the sound of steady, peaceful breathing filled the air.
Despite the late hour, Phaegan lay with his back straight, hands pressed together over his chest, deep in meditation.
Even though he had spent the entire day learning about Angelus, he did not stop his training.
— Heh. You spent the whole day studying Angelus for the first time, yet instead of resting, you're still training? And you're only five years old? Not bad, kid.
Unlike Arca, which allowed for a more relaxed form of practice, Angelus required rigorous discipline.
Maintaining such a demanding posture for so long was difficult for a child, yet Phaegan's form never wavered.
One year of daily morning exercise had paid off.
Arca would be more beneficial for combat in the future, but neglecting Angelus was not an option.
If Arca was a hidden blade for the future, then Angelus was the sturdy shield that would protect his present.
— Hmm… Judging by the flow of your mana, you're not entirely without talent. If you keep this up, you might become as competent a head of the household as Tiberius. Of course, you'll need my guidance to get there. Heh.
A voice flickered in the darkness.
A playful, mischievous voice.
A blue flame danced around Phaegan's forehead, its presence barely perceptible yet undeniably there.
— Hey, kid, I was kind enough to check on you, and you don't even say thanks?
Phaegan finally opened his eyes, his sharp gaze locking onto the flame.
"Shut up already."