Chapter 13
The First Meeting Beneath the Waterfall
Several more days quietly passed beneath the cold mountain skies surrounding the Ashvaris Clan.
From sunrise until deep into the night—
Eryx continuously endured Azrath's brutal training without complaint.
Running endlessly across steep mountain paths.
Practicing balance upon wet stones beneath freezing waterfalls.
Repeating sword movements until his small hands turned numb beneath the cold winds.
Again.
And again.
And again.
Even the warriors of the Ashvaris Clan had gradually begun watching the young child with growing disbelief.
Because no ordinary five-year-old child should have possessed such determination.
Yet—
Eryx never once asked to stop.
Meanwhile—
The political alliance between the four great clans had already begun moving forward quietly.
Several days after accepting the engagement proposals—
the long-awaited guests of the Ashvaris Clan finally arrived.
Cold mountain winds drifted throughout the enormous clan territory while several heavily armed guards stood respectfully near the massive black gates of the Ashvaris estate.
Beyond the gates—
countless ancient stone structures extended throughout the snowy mountains while enormous waterfalls crashed endlessly from the dark cliffs surrounding the clan lands.
Tall black towers rose proudly toward the pale skies above while long banners carrying the Ashvaris emblem moved restlessly beneath the freezing winds.
The entire Ashvaris Clan carried a cold yet majestic atmosphere.
Inside the grand central chamber—
ancient orange flames burned quietly along the dark stone walls while countless engraved pillars surrounded the enormous hall.
Silver symbols and ancient warrior carvings covered the towering pillars while enormous black banners swayed gently beneath the cold breeze flowing throughout the chamber.
At the very center—
Azrath Ashvaris calmly sat upon the elevated clan throne.
His overwhelming presence alone naturally made the atmosphere inside the hall feel heavier.
Beside him stood Sylthara Ashvaris gracefully, her long dark hair moving softly beneath the cold winds entering through the enormous open windows behind them.
Soon—
three young girls slowly entered the hall together.
Despite their young age—
each of them carried the elegant aura of a noble clan descendant.
The atmosphere inside the chamber remained calm—
yet faint political tension silently lingered beneath the surface.
Azrath's deep voice finally echoed throughout the grand hall.
"Welcome to the Ashvaris Clan."
The first girl stepped forward gracefully before lowering her head respectfully.
A cheerful yet elegant smile appeared upon her beautiful face.
"My name is Myrsasha Dhairvans."
Her calm voice echoed softly throughout the chamber while her bright golden eyes quietly observed the enormous Ashvaris hall surrounding her with visible curiosity.
Unlike the others—
she seemed genuinely fascinated by the mountain clan atmosphere.
"I am the daughter of Hridesh Dhairvans— the current head of the Dhairvans Clan."
Azrath silently nodded.
Soon—
the second girl stepped forward confidently.
Unlike Myrsasha—
her posture carried sharper pride and natural confidence.
Her eyes remained steady and composed while faint arrogance could be felt beneath her calm expression.
"My name is Aleria Jyorath."
Her voice sounded firm and steady throughout the chamber.
"I am the daughter of Jacob Jyorath— the current head of the Jyorath Clan."
The chamber once again fell silent for several moments before the final girl slowly stepped forward.
Her expression remained completely unreadable.
Cold.
Quiet.
Emotionless.
Yet her extraordinary beauty naturally drew attention toward her presence.
Her greenish eyes remained calm and distant, as if she rarely revealed her true emotions to others.
"My name is Nythera Veyrath."
Her soft voice echoed quietly throughout the hall.
"I am the daughter of Arthur Veyrath— head of the Veyrath Clan."
After hearing their introductions—
Azrath slowly rose from his seat.
The atmosphere inside the chamber immediately grew heavier beneath his overwhelming presence.
"I am Azrath Ashvaris."
"The current head of the Ashvaris Clan."
His deep voice echoed powerfully before his gaze shifted slightly toward Sylthara standing beside him.
"And this is Sylthara Ashvaris— mother of Eryx Ashvaris."
The three girls quietly lowered their heads respectfully once again.
For several moments—
only the sound of burning flames and distant mountain winds echoed throughout the enormous hall.
Then—
Azrath spoke once more.
"You three must be tired after such a long journey."
His deep voice sounded calmer than before.
"You may rest within the clan estate."
"Or if you wish— you may explore the surroundings of the Ashvaris Clan."
A faint smile slowly appeared upon his face.
"And if your curiosity is too great…"
"You may also meet Eryx Ashvaris."
"Nysera will escort you."
"There is still time before the engagement agreements are officially signed."
After hearing his words—
the three girls exchanged brief glances before speaking almost together.
"We would like to see the surroundings of the Ashvaris Clan…"
"And meet Eryx Ashvaris as well."
The moment those words were spoken—
Azrath suddenly laughed softly.
A deep yet amused laugh echoed throughout the chamber.
"Well…"
"That is only natural."
"You are all curious about Eryx."
Meanwhile—
behind one of the enormous dark curtains near the chamber wall—
a young girl quietly froze in shock.
Nysera Ashvaris.
Her beautiful eyes widened immediately after hearing Azrath suddenly mention her name.
"Oh no…"
"He noticed me…"
She had originally been secretly listening to the entire conversation out of curiosity.
Yet before she could quietly escape—
Azrath's deep voice echoed once more.
"I know you are there."
"Come out."
Nysera awkwardly stepped out from behind the curtain while the three girls immediately turned toward her.
Unlike the elegant atmosphere carried by the visiting daughters—
Nysera looked far more lively and expressive.
A slightly embarrassed smile appeared upon her face as she awkwardly scratched her cheek.
Azrath calmly looked toward her.
"Escort our guests properly."
"And take care of them."
Nysera quickly straightened herself before nodding.
"Yes, Father."
Soon—
the four girls quietly left the grand chamber together.
Meanwhile—
far beyond the enormous estate…
Near the roaring waterfalls surrounding the mountain cliffs—
Eryx continued his training alone beneath the freezing waters crashing endlessly from above.
Cold mist continuously spread throughout the surrounding cliffs while powerful streams of water crashed violently against the dark rocks below.
The freezing winds surrounding the mountains made the atmosphere feel even harsher.
Tall pine trees swayed endlessly beneath the cold breeze while pale sunlight slowly spread across the snowy cliffs surrounding the waterfall.
At the very center of the waterfall—
Eryx tightly gripped his wooden training sword while his small body trembled slightly beneath exhaustion.
His wet black hair covered parts of his face while several bruises and scratches could already be seen across his young arms from days of relentless training.
Heavy breathing continuously escaped from his mouth.
Yet—
his sharp eyes still carried determination far beyond his age.
"I am still lacking strength…"
Eryx quietly muttered beneath his breath.
"I still cannot perform Mother's techniques perfectly…"
"And Father's techniques require even greater strength."
His small fists slowly tightened.
"No…"
"I cannot stop."
"I have to continue training again and again."
The roaring waterfall continued crashing endlessly around him.
For several moments—
Eryx slowly closed his eyes.
"But first…"
"I need to calm my mind."
Only the sound of flowing water and cold winds remained.
Eryx slowly stepped forward before sitting directly beneath the center of the enormous waterfall.
The instant the freezing water crashed against his body—
his expression slightly tightened.
The pressure behind the waterfall was terrifying.
It felt as if enormous stones were continuously slamming against his shoulders and back without pause.
Cold water flowed throughout his entire body while the overwhelming pressure made even breathing difficult.
His small body trembled violently beneath the crushing force.
"I think…"
"My body cannot endure this pressure yet…"
For a brief moment—
doubt quietly appeared within his mind.
Then—
Eryx suddenly remembered the promise he had made to Sylthara.
The promise to grow stronger.
The promise to never remain weak again.
Slowly—
his trembling fists tightened once more beneath the freezing water.
"No…"
"I must endure this."
"I have to become stronger."
Meanwhile—
far across the mountain cliffs—
the sound of approaching footsteps slowly echoed near the waterfall.
Nysera Ashvaris carefully guided the three girls across the narrow stone pathways surrounding the cliffs while cold mist continuously spread throughout the air around them.
The enormous waterfall crashing before them immediately drew the attention of the three clan daughters.
Myrsasha's golden eyes widened slightly with fascination.
Aleria quietly crossed her arms while carefully observing the harsh training environment surrounding the cliffs.
Meanwhile—
Nythera silently stared toward the center of the waterfall without speaking a single word.
Then—
all four girls finally noticed him.
A small figure sitting directly beneath the center of the freezing waterfall.
The violent current continuously crashed against his body while cold winds roared endlessly throughout the mountains.
Yet—
Eryx remained seated beneath the overwhelming pressure without moving.
His soaked black hair covered parts of his face while his bruised arms trembled slightly beneath exhaustion.
The surrounding atmosphere instantly grew quieter.
Even the three girls seemed slightly surprised.
Because none of them had expected the heir of the Ashvaris Clan to be training under such terrifying conditions.
Nysera finally placed both hands near her mouth before shouting loudly toward the waterfall.
"Hey Eryx!"
Her energetic voice echoed throughout the cliffs.
"Come here!"
"There are some guests who want to meet you!"
Hearing Nysera's voice—
Eryx slowly opened his eyes beneath the freezing waterfall.
For several moments—
he remained completely still before finally standing up beneath the violent current.
Cold water continuously flowed down his exhausted body while his sharp eyes slowly shifted toward the distant figures standing near the stone pathway.
The moment his gaze landed upon the three unfamiliar girls—
Eryx suddenly froze.
A faint look of shock immediately appeared across his face.
Because standing before him—
were three extraordinarily beautiful young girls unlike anyone he had ever seen before.
Cold mountain winds drifted endlessly throughout the cliffs while pale sunlight reflected softly against their noble clothing and graceful appearances.
Myrsasha's bright golden eyes carried a cheerful warmth that naturally drew attention toward her gentle smile.
Beside her—
Aleria stood proudly with calm confidence, her sharp gaze carrying the elegant aura of a noble warrior clan descendant.
Meanwhile—
Nythera quietly stood beneath the drifting mist with her dark brown-black eyes remaining calm and distant.
Her emotionless expression somehow made her presence feel even more mysterious beneath the pale mountain sunlight.
For several moments—
Eryx completely forgot about the freezing waterfall crashing against his body.
His young mind remained stunned by their extraordinary appearances.
Because throughout most of his life—
he had rarely interacted with children outside the Ashvaris Clan.
Especially not girls who carried such noble beauty and presence.
Meanwhile—
the three girls also silently observed him.
Their expressions gradually changed after properly seeing Eryx for the first time.
Because the boy standing beneath the waterfall looked nothing like the image they had imagined inside their minds.
Instead of a spoiled young heir—
they saw a bruised and exhausted child continuously enduring brutal training beneath freezing mountain waters.
Even his small hands carried visible injuries from repeated sword practice.
Cold winds blew endlessly throughout the cliffs as both sides quietly stared at one another for the very first time.
For several moments—
both sides simply continued staring at one another in silence.
Only the endless roar of the waterfall and the cold mountain winds echoed throughout the cliffs surrounding them.
The atmosphere strangely became awkward.
Myrsasha quietly blinked while curiously observing Eryx.
Aleria continued watching him calmly with crossed arms, though faint surprise still remained visible within her sharp eyes.
Meanwhile—
Nythera silently stared toward him without saying a single word.
Even Eryx himself remained completely frozen for a brief moment.
Because this was the first time he had ever stood before girls carrying such extraordinary beauty and noble presence.
Then—
Nysera suddenly interrupted the silence.
"Hey!"
Her loud voice instantly echoed throughout the mountain cliffs.
"How long are you going to keep standing there?!"
"Come here already!"
The sudden shout immediately brought everyone back to their senses.
Eryx awkwardly looked away for a moment before slowly stepping out from beneath the waterfall.
Cold water continuously dripped from his soaked clothes while strands of wet black hair rested against his face.
The freezing winds blew strongly throughout the cliffs while soft sunlight gradually spread across the surrounding mountains.
Nearby pine trees moved gently beneath the cold breeze while the distant chirping of birds created a strangely peaceful atmosphere around the roaring waterfall.
Combined with the breathtaking beauty of the four girls standing nearby—
the entire scene looked almost unreal beneath the pale mountain skies.
Eryx slowly walked across the wet stones before finally stopping a short distance away from them.
Water continued dripping quietly from his clothes onto the rocky ground below.
For a brief moment—
his sharp eyes once again glanced toward the three unfamiliar girls.
Then—
he finally spoke.
"…You wanted to meet me?"
Nysera immediately stepped forward with an excited smile.
"Of course."
"These are the daughters of the three great clans Father told you about."
Eryx quietly looked toward them once again before calmly straightening his posture despite his completely soaked appearance.
Water still slowly dripped from his dark clothes while the cold mountain winds moved gently throughout the cliffs surrounding them.
Then—
Eryx slightly lowered his head politely.
"My name is Eryx Ashvaris."
His calm voice sounded quieter than expected.
"I am the son of Azrath Ashvaris and Sylthara Ashvaris."
The three girls silently observed him for several moments before Myrsasha stepped forward first.
A gentle smile naturally appeared upon her face.
"It is nice meeting you, Eryx."
"My name is Myrsasha Dhairvans."
Unlike before inside the formal chamber—
her voice now sounded far warmer and more relaxed.
Nearby—
Aleria crossed her arms confidently before speaking next.
"Aleria Jyorath."
Her sharp eyes quietly scanned Eryx from head to toe before a faint smirk appeared across her face.
"So you really train beneath waterfalls every day…"
Finally—
Nythera stepped forward slightly.
Her dark brown-black eyes calmly met Eryx's gaze.
Dark and quiet—
yet strangely beautiful beneath the pale mountain sunlight.
"My name is Nythera Veyrath."
Her soft voice remained as emotionless as before.
Yet somehow—
it did not feel cold.
Only quiet.
For several moments—
the atmosphere once again fell silent beneath the roaring waterfall nearby.
Meanwhile—
Eryx quietly observed the three girls before him.
Myrsasha's cheerful expressions.
Aleria's proud posture and confident movements.
Nythera's calm dark eyes and unreadable face.
Even the way they spoke and carried themselves felt completely different from one another.
The cold winds continuously moved through their hair and clothing while sunlight reflected softly across the mountain cliffs surrounding them.
Eryx silently realized something.
None of them looked weak.
Despite their beauty and noble appearances—
each of them carried the presence of someone raised within powerful clans.
And at the same time—
the three girls were also quietly observing him in return.
The bruises covering his arms.
The exhausted breathing hidden beneath his calm face.
The determination still visible within his sharp eyes despite his young age.
For the very first time—
both sides began silently forming their first impressions of one another beneath the endless roar of the Ashvaris waterfalls.
For several moments—
the atmosphere remained calm beneath the roaring waterfall while cold mountain winds drifted endlessly throughout the cliffs surrounding them.
Nysera eventually began casually talking with the three girls while Eryx quietly listened nearby.
The awkward tension from earlier had gradually begun fading little by little.
Myrsasha curiously looked toward Eryx once again before softly tilting her head.
"You look younger than us."
Her cheerful voice carried no mockery—
only simple curiosity.
Eryx quietly nodded.
"Yes."
"I am five years old."
A faint calm expression appeared upon his face.
"Perhaps after one more month… I will become six."
His sharp eyes briefly glanced toward the three girls standing before him.
"And I think the three of you are around two years older than me."
After hearing his answer—
Myrsasha looked slightly surprised.
Even Aleria quietly raised one eyebrow.
Because although Eryx appeared young—
the atmosphere surrounding him felt strangely mature compared to ordinary children.
Then—
Aleria finally spoke.
"But…"
"You feel different from children your age."
Her sharp gaze carefully observed him once again.
"The way you speak."
"The way you act."
"And especially your eyes."
A faint thoughtful expression appeared upon her face.
"It doesn't feel like I'm talking to a normal five-year-old child."
For a brief moment—
the surroundings once again grew quieter.
Only the endless waterfall echoed throughout the mountain cliffs while cold winds moved gently through everyone's hair and clothing.
Eryx remained silent after hearing Aleria's words.
Because deep inside—
even he understood that he was different from other children.
After all—
although his current body belonged to a five-year-old child…
his soul did not.
Within this new world—
Eryx still carried the memories of another life.
A life from a completely different world.
A world without clans.
Without mana.
Without ancient warriors or mountain kingdoms.
And in that previous life—
he had already lived for twenty-four years.
That was why—
sometimes even his own actions felt strange compared to the children around him.
The way he observed people.
The way he controlled his emotions.
The way he silently analyzed situations without realizing it.
Even his determination to grow stronger came from experiences far beyond his current age.
Yet—
Eryx could never reveal such truths to anyone.
Not Azrath.
Not Sylthara.
Not even Nysera.
Because reincarnation itself sounded impossible.
So instead—
Eryx simply gave a small calm smile before answering quietly.
"…Mother says I think too much for my age."
Nysera immediately laughed after hearing that.
"That part is true."
"Sometimes he acts more mature than adults inside the clan."
Myrsasha softly giggled while Aleria looked even more curious than before.
Meanwhile—
Nythera quietly continued staring toward Eryx in silence.
Her dark brown-black eyes calmly observed him as cold mountain winds drifted endlessly throughout the cliffs surrounding the waterfall.
Then—
the peaceful atmosphere surrounding the waterfall was suddenly interrupted by the sound of hurried footsteps approaching from the distant stone pathway.
A young Ashvaris Clan disciple quickly appeared near the cliffs before respectfully lowering his head toward the group.
Cold winds moved through his dark robes while he tried to steady his breathing after climbing across the steep mountain pathways.
"Young Master Eryx."
The disciple respectfully placed one hand across his chest before continuing.
"The Clan Head has summoned all of you to the central chamber hall."
His gaze briefly shifted toward the three clan daughters and Nysera before returning toward Eryx once again.
"And Young Master…"
A faint awkward expression appeared upon his face as his eyes unintentionally glanced toward Eryx's completely soaked appearance.
"Please change your clothes before arriving."
For a brief moment—
silence quietly filled the surroundings.
Only the sound of the roaring waterfall and the cold mountain winds echoed throughout the cliffs.
Then—
Nysera suddenly burst into laughter.
"Hahaha!"
"Well… he really does look terrible right now."
Eryx quietly looked down at himself.
His dark training clothes were completely soaked while cold water continuously dripped from his sleeves onto the rocky ground below.
Several bruises and scratches remained visible across his arms from days of harsh training beneath the waterfalls.
Nearby—
Myrsasha softly covered her smile while trying not to laugh openly.
Even Aleria's proud expression slightly broke as a faint amused smirk appeared across her face.
Meanwhile—
Nythera silently looked toward Eryx for several seconds before calmly turning her gaze away.
Eryx released a small quiet sigh before nodding calmly.
"…Understood."
The disciple respectfully lowered his head once more.
"We will await your arrival inside the chamber hall."
Soon—
the disciple quickly departed through the narrow mountain pathway once again while cold winds continued roaring throughout the cliffs surrounding the waterfall.
For several moments—
the atmosphere near the waterfall remained filled with soft laughter after the disciple departed.
Eryx quietly stood there with an awkward expression while cold water continued dripping from his completely soaked clothes.
Even he understood that his current appearance looked somewhat miserable.
Meanwhile—
Nysera continued laughing without mercy.
"Hahaha!"
"You really look like a drowned mountain rat right now."
Hearing her words—
Eryx narrowed his eyes slightly before speaking with visible embarrassment.
"Sister Nysera…"
"If you laugh any more than this…"
"I am going to push you into the water."
Although his voice remained calm—
it was obvious he was teasing her.
The moment Nysera heard that—
she immediately placed both hands on her waist dramatically.
"Oh?"
"You want to push me into the water?"
A mischievous grin instantly appeared across her face.
"Then let me see how exactly you plan to do that."
Without hesitation—
Nysera suddenly bent down before picking up a small wooden stick lying near the rocky ground.
The moment Eryx saw the stick—
his expression instantly changed.
A faint look of alarm immediately appeared across his face.
Because he already knew what would happen next.
"Sister Nysera…"
Eryx calmly took one small step backward.
"I suddenly remembered Father is calling us."
"We should probably head there first."
The three girls quietly watched the scene unfold before them.
Myrsasha struggled to hold back her laughter after seeing Eryx's immediate change in attitude.
Even Aleria's proud expression visibly softened while amusement appeared within her sharp eyes.
Meanwhile—
Nythera silently observed the interaction between the siblings without speaking.
Because for the first time—
they saw Eryx acting somewhat closer to his actual age instead of constantly behaving mature and serious.
Nysera slowly pointed the wooden stick toward him with a dangerous smile.
"You are lucky Father summoned us."
"Otherwise— I was definitely going to teach you a lesson today."
Eryx calmly nodded without changing his expression.
"Yeah."
"Sure."
Nysera's eye twitched slightly after hearing his completely unbothered response.
Meanwhile—
cold mountain winds continued flowing throughout the cliffs while soft sunlight illuminated the peaceful surroundings near the roaring waterfall.
Tall pine trees swayed gently beneath the freezing breeze while countless droplets of water shimmered beautifully beneath the pale sunlight.
For several moments—
the three clan daughters quietly continued observing the strange interaction between the Ashvaris siblings.
The mighty heir of the Ashvaris Clan who endured brutal waterfall training without complaint…
was somehow being threatened by a wooden stick.
The contrast felt strangely amusing.
Myrsasha softly laughed once more while Aleria quietly shook her head with a faint smirk.
Even Nythera's calm dark eyes seemed to soften slightly while silently watching them.
Soon—
Eryx finally turned toward the mountain pathway leading back toward the enormous clan estate.
"We should go."
His calm voice echoed quietly beneath the endless roar of the waterfall.
Nysera proudly spun the wooden stick once before carelessly throwing it aside.
"Good."
"Father hates waiting."
The group soon began walking together across the narrow stone pathways surrounding the mountain cliffs.
Cold winds moved endlessly throughout the snowy mountains while the distant Ashvaris estate could once again be seen beneath the pale skies above.
Massive black towers stood proudly among the mountains while long clan banners danced beneath the freezing winds.
Behind them—
the enormous waterfall continued crashing endlessly against the dark rocks below.
And slowly—
the figures of the five children disappeared into the cold mountain mist surrounding the Ashvaris Clan.
End of Chapter 13
To Be Continued…