eins_left_foot

The Path 033

Witnessing Will abruptly attack one of their own, another security guard shouted, "What are you doing!?". At the same time, his partner pulled out a pistol-like device that functioned similarly to a taser, exclaiming, "Hands in the air...!" with an audible crack in his voice. 

"I refuse," responded Will, crossing his arms in defiance. It would be one thing if the security guard escorting him had told him the truth, but as he had used Lyra's name and was directing him away from wher...

Monthly Poll

First off, I wanted to apologize about the slow releases this month. It's not secret that my motivation to write is tied to people's interests in my stories, so I've been struggling due to the lack of traction the stories have gained on sites like Royal Road and Webnovel. I want to make original novels that people enjoy, but it takes time for new, untested stories to gain a following. I plan to keep at it, but since you guys and gals are the ones who support my way of life, I wanted to open t...

The Path 032

"Feel better...?" asked Will, wearing an amused smile as Ohta approached, hands in his jacket pockets.

"There was nothing in the explanation given to us that said we couldn't prevent additional monsters from being summoned," Ohta contended, his expression a neutral deadpan as he added, "Besides, the difficulty of this trial is bullshit. Under normal circumstances, even if everyone in the exam were to cooperate, they wouldn't be able to defeat monsters like this. Not without hemorrhaging...

The Path 031

"Who was it!?" exclaimed Aisha, having regained enough awareness to rise from the shallow water that now blanketed the hexagonal chamber. "What killed this Báirseach!?"

"Technically speaking, it was never alive," remarked Will, earning himself an annoyed glower from the young half-zoan as she accused, "Of course it was you..."

"Is that what's important right now?" asked Will, indicating with his head to the summoning circle that was still active at the center of the chamber. "If ...

The Path 030

With weapons and equipment supplied by Will, the party of sixteen made steady progress through the Labyrinth. Most monsters wouldn't go out of their way to attack large groups, so their advance was largely unimpeded until they reached the spacious enclosure encircling the central obelisk.

Encircling the more than one-hundred-meter-tall obelisk was a six-sided, star-shaped structure with entrances at the interior angles of each point of the star. More notably, there were statues depictin...

The Path 029

With Johanna and Maeve eventually returning of their own accord, the search party to find them naturally concluded. Some, similar to Aisha, were against allowing them to rejoin the group. In response, Will simply reminded everyone that their actions were being observed by at least a hundred thousand people, including scouts and potential sponsors. After that, they miraculously became more cooperative.

'I guess that was the only attack...' concluded Will, sitting cross-legged atop his to...

The Path 028

As day gave way to night within the Labyrinth of Corridors, Will found himself alone atop a makeshift tower constructed and reinforced using Earth Magic. He wasn't exactly a loner, but as he didn't want to get too close to anyone his current age, lest they get entangled in his affairs, he kept his distance. At least when he could.

Interrupting Will's contemplative reverie, Ishyll ascended the tower's ladder, beaming as he declared, "I have come to relieve you, my Lord."

"Your cons...

The Path 027

Though the Labyrinth of Corridors was a nigh insurmountable challenge for the majority of examinees, many of whom didn't even qualify as First-Grade Warriors or Mages, Will couldn't help covering his mouth to stifle a yawn as he stood with his foot atop the head of a more than three-meter-tall bear with moss-green fur.

*high-pitched whistling*

"Hmmmm...?"

Catching the crossbow bolt intended for his temple, Will examined its tip with raised brows as the person who fired it ab...

The Path 026

As the Labyrinth was only a few kilometers across, based on what he had seen from the top of the wall, Will wasn't too surprised when he heard the tell-tale sounds of combat a few minutes after he set out.

'Time to do some recruiting...' mused Will, turning a corner and following a long corridor for roughly a hundred meters before finding the entrance to a large enclosure where five people were gathered in a loose circle, facing outward.

*swsswsswsswswss*

"B-Bound by blaze! ...

The Path 025

"Seriously...don't these people have anything better to do...?" asked Ohta, feeling anxious due to the sizeable crowd that had gathered to watch the practical examination.

"I think I'm starting to lose feeling in my legs..." muttered Dori, using her newly acquired spear as a support. She was tempted to grab Will's sleeve or arm, but when she noticed him looking around with a focused gleam in his eyes, she decided against it.

'This event is more popular than I expected. Maybe I sho...

The Path 024

After freeing his hand from Timothy's presumed sister's, William asked, "Shall we introduce ourselves? My name is William Altaurus Oirthear, but you can call me Will. You haven't officially pledged your fealty, so there's no need for honorifics such as Lord or Master."

"It's nice to meet you, Will! My name's Dorothy, but my brother and Ohta both call me Dori!" exclaimed the starry-eyed brunette, hands clenched in fists and held up to her chin as she beamed from ear to ear.

"Yo. Su...

The Path 023

Though William hadn't been especially studious in his seventh incarnation, he had an advantage over others as he could will himself, via Dominate, to recall information from the books he had read. He didn't receive a perfect score, as he saw no reason to, but it was more than enough to qualify him for entrance into the Royal Academy.

Following the four-hour written exam, William and the other prospective students were given an hour for lunch and to enjoy a brief respite before the pract...

The Path 022

"Wow, Claire. You're pretty sly when you want to be..." remarked William, genuinely impressed. After all, there were definitely benefits to her plan, but as four to five was more than one, he promptly added, "But as much as I enjoy spending time with you and this group, I'd rather you not be the only people I spend time with."

"Well, can't blame a girl for trying," replied Claire, spreading her hands and shrugging. She knew it was a stretch to convince William this early, but by sowing ...

The Path 021

Though he would have preferred to return for the night, William stuck around for his official introduction and induction into the Assembly of Excellence. Fortunately, First-Years couldn't hold any positions or titles within the group, so he had at least two years before he inherited David's status as Vice-Chairman or Lyra's as Chairman.

Unfortunately, as he was the future Lord of Eastwarden, William received 'many' invitations to dinner or tea from other guests, including those from dif...

The Path 020

Stepping past Lyra, who had already drawn her rapier, William made his way over to his Gryphon-themed spadroons, pulling them from the floor before turning to face her.

"I would suggest you parry my blow or evade this time," said Lyra, smiling as she reapplied a Second Circle Ice Magic, Chilling Edge, to her weapon. Afterward, she applied Acceleration and Reduce Friction to her arms and legs, allowing her to move faster than she could otherwise.

"Take your time," hummed William, c...

The Path 019

"Well, then, allow me the honor of carrying out introductions," said Lyra, gesturing to the girl with short red hair and grey eyes as she explained, "This is my good friend and confidant, Claire Liesma. Her family owns the largest vineyard in the Thiar Duchy and the Kingdom as a whole."

"Hey, nice to meet'cha," said Claire, raising her hand rather than bowing. Then, indicating with her chin toward William's left arm, she added, "And nice tattoo. Fitting for the boy rumored to have tamed...

The Path 018

Having arrived before William, David was standing in a group of well-dressed youths, six boys and four girls, when a Butler arrived to whisper into the ear of a bespectacled girl with long, wheat-colored hair and red amber eyes. Her outfit, consisting of a fitted white jumpsuit with gold trim, a silvery-white breastplate, and a dark green tailcoat with an ivory-white interior and gold stitching, alluded to her high status, but she was actually dressed 'casually' to put the other guests at eas...

The Path 017

"You want me to show off...?" asked William, surprised. 

"It's already widely known that you trained under the Ebonsword," said David. "Those who wish to exhibit their strength or superiority are bound to target and challenge you. Demonstrating your strength at the party and gaining the backing of the Assembly of Excellence should deter most."

"Did you think of this yourself, or did someone put you up to it...?" asked William.

"What do you mean...?" asked David.

"...

The Path 016

'What a frightening child...' thought Andralius, sitting in his office with a pensive look following his meeting with William. He had heard the latter was perceptive and far more mature than other children, but throughout their conversation, he felt like he was the one being humored.

"Having doubts~?" asked a deep, spine-chilling, feminine voice, followed by the flame in Andralius's hearth turning a ghostly blue hue.

Closing his eyes, Andralius responded, "Would it matter?"

...

The Path 015

"You don't seem particularly surprised," remarked Thomas, gazing down at William with a sidelong glance. 

"And you seem disappointed," mused William, meeting Thomas's gaze with a smile.

Though his left eye twitched slightly, Thomas maintained a smile of his own, asking, "Why would I be disappointed?"

"Why, indeed...?" asked William, breaking eye contact to take stock of his surroundings.

Seeing William look away, Thomas's blue eyes briefly narrowed into a witherin...

The Path 014

Using his newly acquired pack of Timberwolves, William spent the night exploring the forest and expanding his numbers. Leshien's remark about the Talamhnath potentially escaping the forest and attacking his people resonated with him, so before returning home, William intended to make the forest a bit safer by bringing the monsters most infamous for assailing travelers under his heel.

In the span of a single night, William succeeded in 'taming' a total of 108 Timberwolves, a trio of fire...

The Path 013

'I feel bad for the other students attending the Royal Academy...'

Observing the battle between William and the Talamhnath, Leshien felt mixed emotions. On the one hand, it was good that William could face and surmount his fears. Most children nearing their tenth cycle would struggle to take on a Grade 1 Timberwolf. And, even if they won, they would suffer a mild trauma after being forced to face the reality they could die.

What confused yet impressed Leshien was that William was ...

The Path 012

*fwip* *fwip* *fwip* *fwip* *fwip* *fwip* *fwip* *fwip* *fwip*

After getting his ass handed to him for the better part of two hours, William spent an additional three and a half swinging a pair of weighted spadroons. Leshien stuck around for a while to observe his form, but as she had other matters to attend to, she eventually left him alone in the training hall.

Nearing his limit, William used the remainder of his Mana and Aura to deftly slice off the head of a mannequin before s...

The Path 011

[Two Years Later]

"It's time to wake up, Young Master~!" exclaimed the familiar voice of Ryza, followed by a loud 'fwoop' as the covers were unceremoniously pulled from William's body.

Though his first instinct was to curse, William ultimately sat up and took a moment to stretch his arms overhead before scooting out of his oversized bed and into the pair of pants one of his Maids was holding for him. Ever since Leshien had talked to his mother, he enjoyed much greater freedom. Con...

The Path 010

"Aiming for the Font of Life without hesitation. Wise choice," said Leshien, releasing their hold on the tip of William's rubber-tipped spear. The latter hadn't channeled any of his Mana into the attack, but their ability to stop it without budging alluded to Leshien's physics-defying power.

Instead of responding to Leshien's remark, William redoubled his efforts, thrusting at the diminutive Elf's face, compelling them to tilt their head. In the same series of motions, he pulled back wi...

The Path 009

Since she was already there, Orianna took the opportunity to groom Aeolus while William attended Ailbhe. In the process, she revealed, "I received word this morning that the person we hired to be your Martial Instructor has reached the entry of Runecryst. They should arrive here within the week."

Blinking in surprise, William asked, "You hired someone from outside the territory?"

Understanding William's concerns, Orianna smiled approvingly and said, "Caution and vigilance are comm...

The Path 008

Following the strategy meeting, Ars and Orianna were listening to Primis's report regarding William.

"You're certain?" asked Ars, frowning at the news that his son's Mana and Aura pathways weren't developing as they should be.

Nodding in affirmation, Primis explained, "OrdinarFollowing the strategy meeting, Ars and Orianna were listening to Primis's report regarding William.

"You're certain?" asked Ars, frowning at the news that his son's Mana and Aura pathways weren't devel...

The Path 007

[Six Months Later, Midsummer]

'This is pretty therapeutic...' thought William, using a specialized anti-static brush to clean the wings of one of the younger Gryphons.

*jealous trilling*

Bumping its head against William's back, the white-feathered Gryphon tried to get his attention.

"Calm down. I'm almost done," mused William. He had already decided long ago that the white-feathered Gryphon would become his partner, so he typically groomed it last. This allowed him to ...

The Path 006

Meeting William's gaze and tilting her head slightly to the side, Delphina remained silent for several seconds before asking, "Is that another way of referring to the Seven Braves...?"

"Not exactly," replied William, changing topics by asking, "So, what do you like to do? Any hobbies...?"

As she was only seven, going on eight years old, Delphina was a little confused by William's line of questioning and manner of speaking. She expected him to ramble on about himself and his family...

The Path 005

As it was his seventh life, Aiden, now William Oirthear, knew it was better to lay low than stand out during his early childhood. The more capable you presented yourself, the more expectations people would impose upon you. Luckily, while he was born into one of the five most influential families in the most prosperous human kingdom, he was only the second eldest son, making him a precautionary heir in the event his elder brother, David, perished.

"Young Master, you would do well to pay ...