The night sky, adorned with countless stars, silently bore witness to a sadness that lingered behind the faint smile of a boy named Veyron. In his hand, he tightly gripped an old necklace containing a photo of his family. His gaze was distant, yet filled with meaning. There was laughter in his smile, but also a wound that had never truly healed. He was no longer the child who cried over loss, but a boy silently shouldering a great destiny.
"I will save the world… and find the Red Dungeon. But is there truly a secret behind my mother's reincarnation? Or is it just a recurring dream... or a voice too real to ignore?" he whispered. Deep down, he knew the truth he sought would not be so simple.
From the shadows within, Long Xuantian silently observed him. For the first time, he saw a different side of the boy—not strength, not ambition, but a heart that remained human.
"I once believed that humans who became strong lost their feelings… but you're different, Veyron. You still carry your heart—and that is what makes you dangerous… and remarkable."
---
In Another Modern World.
A high school where a tragedy once unfolded. There, standing on the blood-stained floor, was a woman. Her sharp eyes stared at a spot that seemed to echo with screams from the past. Her smile carried a cruelty that no longer needed to be hidden.
"My plan is unfolding. This is only the beginning, Kim Han," she whispered to the empty air, as though speaking to something—or someone—beyond the world.
---
In the United States—Another World.
Atop the tallest skyscraper, an elderly man stood with a gleaming magic staff and a robe fluttering in the wind. His silver hair danced with the breeze, and a smirk traced his lips.
"You always succeed, crazy girl… Kim Han. This is just the start. Wait for us."
---
That Evening.
Veyron looked up at the stars, the cool breeze brushing his hair. He held the necklace close to his chest and smiled faintly.
"Xuantian, have you fully recovered?"
"Yes, 100%. But why do you look both happy and sorrowful?"
"It's nothing, really… I'm just... in two more rounds, I'll reach the finals."
"And after the tournament? What will you do next?"
"I plan to enter the academy… then search for the Red Dungeon. I want to know why my mother was reincarnated—and who truly knows about her."
"Very well. Then I shall be your travel companion, Veyron."
Veyron returned to his room and lay down, still holding the necklace close. Just before sleep took him, a gentle voice whispered from within.
"Veyron… I know you're still sad about your mother… but I will be with you always."
---
In Ahn Taeryun's Room.
Taeryun gazed toward Veyron's room with a knowing smile. A strange whisper echoed in his ears—almost like a spellbound message.
"This time, we must succeed… my friends."
---
The Next Morning.
The morning sun filtered through the window, gently waking Veyron. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes. Today, two matches awaited him—two critical battles that would decide whether he reached the final.
"Alright… I have to win the second and third rounds. After that, it's the finals."
After a quick shower, he dressed in his usual attire, sword at his side. His smile returned—but deep within, something remained hollow.
"Why does my heart feel… empty, now that my mother no longer appears in my dreams?"
In the dining hall, a girl sat across from him.
"Mind if I sit here?"
"Go ahead. It's not like this is my seat."
He blushed slightly at the girl's beauty and tried not to stare too long.
"Why are you staring?"
"Sorry. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."
As he continued eating, he chuckled inwardly, mocking himself.
"I'm just ugly. She probably doesn't like me. Haha… But it doesn't matter. I still have a world to save."
Little did he know, the world was already beginning to change—step by step—because of him.
---
In the Training Hall.
Veyron trained relentlessly, sweat pouring down his face. After wiping himself down and changing, he headed to the tournament arena.
Elsewhere, the girl peeked through a tiny crack in the wall, watching him train.
"I want to be friends with him… but I'm too shy. Maybe later, when we fight…"
---
At the Tournament Arena.
Crowds roared as names lit up on the magic screen. Veyron looked up, searching for his opponent.
"Violet Hari, huh… She already knows all my techniques. But I'll win anyway."
---
Match: Veyron Aldrecht vs Violet Hari
Cheers filled the air. Every eye was on them.
"On the right, Violet Hari—swordmaster level 5 at age 5, daughter of the Grand Duke of the North! On the left, Veyron Aldrecht—swordmaster level 7 at age 7, son of the Elarion Emperor!"
"Are you both ready?"
"Ready."
The match began. Violet struck fast—but Veyron vanished from sight.
"Your tricks won't work. I already know them!" Violet laughed arrogantly.
"Do you? But this is a new technique."
Veyron reappeared in the sky. 'Wind Ball Magic 7th!' The attack soared toward Violet. She deflected it—but when she looked again, he was gone.
"What?! How are you—?"
"You let your guard down, Violet. Technique Fifth: Magic Lightning Slash Fire Arrow."
He combined magic and swordsmanship—a technique never seen before.
"How can you create… a hybrid technique?!"
"A true fighter needs intelligence, not just strength."
Gasps erupted as symbols of ancient, forbidden magic pulsed behind Veyron—symbols thought lost to the world.
"That's… Infinity Magic from the neighboring continent… How is this possible?"
Exhausted, Violet dropped to her knees. Her mana core was depleted.
"Winner: Veyron Aldrecht!"
He left the arena calmly. But something dark was watching him from the shadows. He felt it—but didn't react.
---
The Next Morning.
Crowds gathered again—this time, to see the finalists.
"And the four winners: Veyron Aldrecht, Lyra, Balgor, and Ahn Taeryun!"
Veyron smiled as Taeryun approached.
"Looks like we're up next, Veyron. Let's do this."
Veyron drew his sword. They clashed immediately—steel against steel.
"Hold on! The referee hasn't set the barrier yet!" laughed Taeryun.
The barrier activated. Their real battle began.
"First Technique Time Slash Technique!"
"Technique Fifth Thunder Fang Slash!"
Their swords collided with explosive energy. Smoke covered the arena—but neither of them backed down.
Despite their equal performance, the truth was harsh: Veyron was level 120. Taeryun… level 1,000.
"Veyron, want to try my technique? You won't lose anything."
Gabriel's sword changed color—white and blue.
[Ding! You are now using Long Xuantian's power. Gabriel's sword has changed. Techniques have been replaced.]
"First Technique: Tianglong Shattering Sword!"
Taeryun tried to block—but his sword shattered. The cloudy sky split, revealing blue skies.
"I… surrender."
Taeryun fainted. Even the first technique had drained all of Veyron's strength.
---
Somewhere Else.
"Where am I? Is this still the arena?"
"You're finally here, Veyron Aldrecht—or should I say… Kim Han?"
A shadowed woman stood before him—too powerful to challenge.
"I won't waste your time. Find the old paper. The voice you keep hearing… the truth is hidden there. Now go. Welcome to the real world."
She waved her hand—and Veyron woke up.
---
Back in his room. Taeryun and Lyra were nearby, along with the referee.
"Who won… the match?"
"You did, Veyron. I lost. You were too strong."
Veyron turned to the window and sighed deeply. The real journey was only beginning.
"The voice… It wasn't just a dream. There's something… waiting."
---
Chapter 10 Completed.