[Due to the extraordinary efficacy and soul-nourishing properties of the magic potion crafted by the Host, the severely damaged remnant soul origin of the Ancient Dragon Soul, “Iguneel,” has been accidentally repaired. This action has directly and profoundly interfered with and altered the core trajectory of the original world plotline.]
The cold system notification echoed in Yize’s mind, accompanied by a stream of information titled [Original Plot Summary] that sent a chill down his spine:
[Original Plot Summary: Faced with the blood feud of the Leimon Family’s destruction, Swan repeatedly overextended the “Dragonification Power” in a state of despair and anger. This abnormal behavior drew the attention of the protagonist, Li En. Under Li En’s deliberate approach and “care,” the inexperienced and heavily burdened Swan developed immense trust and dependence on him. This connection also influenced Iguneel, who was in a soul-symbiosis with Swan. Through observation, Iguneel discovered that Li En’s special constitution made him a more perfect vessel for dragon power compared to Swan. Ultimately, while facing Blood Pillar No. 1, Swan overextended the Dragonification Power for the sake of revenge, leading to the complete collapse and dissipation of his own soul and will. Without Swan’s soul as an anchor, Iguneel’s remnant soul also fell into a deep slumber. Before completely fading away, Swan transferred all the remaining Dragon Origin and the sleeping remnant soul of Iguneel to Li En, who was nearby, causing Li En’s Dragonification Power to undergo a qualitative leap. In the later stages, Li En utilized various opportunities to successfully repair and awaken Iguneel’s soul, finding her a new physical body and allowing her to be reborn.]
[Reality Plot Deviation: Through the special magic potion brewed by the Host using the ultra-high Alchemy attribute granted by this System, the efficacy has prematurely repaired and stabilized Iguneel’s remnant soul. As a result, Iguneel can now maintain an independent conscious state solely through her soul-symbiosis link with Swan, even briefly taking control of the body. Simultaneously, the Host’s previous series of actions—including rescuing Swan, providing walnut milk, and demonstrating special abilities—have accumulated a significant amount of affection from both Swan and Iguneel, indirectly blocking the path for Li En to obtain their trust and power in the original plot.]
Yize digested this information, finding it more ridiculous and… delicate the more he heard.
‘Iguneel… the dragon slain a hundred years ago by the first Principal of Starlight Academy, the legendary Dragon Slayer Jellal? Her remnant soul has actually been parasitic inside Swan this whole time?’
This secret caused his heart to shake violently.
‘And… I just wanted to help Luke deal with Senior Sister Emma’s mana depletion problem. How did I become a key figure in repairing an Ancient Dragon Soul?’
[Last night, the Host handed the crafted recovery-type magic potion to Luke, who then fed it to Swan. Under the pharmacy talent enhanced by this System’s ultra-high attributes, that recovery potion had an unexpected nourishing effect on the essence of the soul,] the System calmly pointed out the key moment.
‘That actually worked?’
Yize was somewhat speechless.
‘So, this was purely an accident?’
[Not entirely an accident. From the moment the Host saved Swan from the Westis Family assassins, you had already caught the preliminary attention of Iguneel’s remnant soul. Coupled with the interactions over these past days, the caution and ability you inadvertently displayed—such as your pharmacy skills and perception of danger—along with your casual care for Swan, like the walnut milk, have left a positive impression on both Iguneel and Swan, accumulating considerable affection. This caused the opportunity for the protagonist, Li En, to “take advantage of a weak point” to gain affection and trust in the original plot to naturally slip away.]
Yize: “…”
‘Poor protagonist…’
A complex sliver of sympathy welled up in his heart.
‘This time, not only might he have lost several important female leads, but even a major fortuitous encounter seems to have flown away because of my unintentional actions?’
Of course, Yize was merely lamenting.
Whatever happened to Li En had no direct relationship with him.
It wasn’t as if he was going to run over to Li En and say, “Sorry, brother, I seem to have accidentally caused you to miss out on at least three harem members and a top-tier dragon power inheritance?”
And then follow it up with a sincere apology?
That wouldn’t be a friendly gesture; it would be blatant mockery and provocation. It would be the behavior of someone looking for trouble, fearing that the other person’s hatred wasn’t high enough.
That would severely violate his core principle of “laying low.”
To Yize, the core of “laying low” was caution—acting only after planning and avoiding unnecessary risks, rather than simply cowering.
As long as he confirmed that things were within his control and clearly beneficial to his strength or safety, he wouldn’t let an opportunity pass.
His gaze fell back onto “Swan,” who was currently holding a bowl and licking the milk stains from his lips with a satisfied expression.
His eyes held a hint of pride and pure happiness, a stark contrast to Swan’s usual demeanor.
‘I originally thought it was a split personality caused by excessive mental stress… I didn’t expect it to be Iguneel possessing the body.’
Yize felt a wave of emotion.
‘However, the “protagonist” in the original plot… isn’t that fortuitous encounter a bit too easy? Swan paid the painful price of a gender transformation just to barely master the Dragonification Power… yet Li En nearly obtained the power Swan sacrificed everything for, including Iguneel’s dragon soul itself, for free?’
Thinking of this, a trace of bitterness belonging to an “ordinary person” rose in Yize’s heart.
As a “passerby A” who worked hard and tried to hide himself in this world, he had been walking on thin ice for six years.
He had relied entirely on his own… well, hard work and a “little bit” of assistance from the System to painfully accumulate his current trump cards for self-preservation.
When had he ever had a “pie fall from the sky” moment where he could directly inherit someone else’s lifelong power origin?
‘As expected, comparing oneself to others only leads to frustration. The protagonist’s treatment is just different…’
He thought a bit sourly.
[Hehe, indeed, my dear Host. Being able to possess your current strength is entirely “thanks to” your own “hard work”…]
Despite being a mechanical voice devoid of emotion, Yize could swear he heard a hint of subtle, human-like sarcasm in the System’s tone.
“Ahem…”
Yize immediately straightened his attitude internally.
‘Please allow me to rephrase—the reason I have achieved my modest successes today is entirely due to my own unremitting hard work and struggle, as well as the precious rewards and guidance provided by my wise, divine, and generous System! Both are indispensable!’
[Hmph, that’s more like it!] The System’s voice seemed… a bit more satisfied?
……
In the afternoon, the Betty Territory welcomed a pivotal figure.
Yize saw the strongest Warrior of the current Aolai Empire, the Sword Saint known as the “Azure Sword Maiden”—Laura.
Her appearance was much younger than Yize had imagined. She looked to be only twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, with long azure hair and a posture as straight as a pine tree.
She didn’t emit any overbearing aura. Instead, she gave off a sense of deep, steady restraint, as if all her sharp edges were tucked away in a scabbard.
After a brief visit to Lord Betty to understand the basic situation at the front lines, the first person Laura sought out was Sara.
She bowed slightly to Sara, her attitude respectful but not subservient. Her voice was steady and clear.
“Lady Sara, the situation on the front lines is critical and unpredictable. Your status is noble and vital to the stability of the Empire; this place is far too dangerous. Please prioritize your safety and return to the Imperial Capital with me, back to your father’s side.”
Her tone maintained respect, but the unwavering determination within it was clear to anyone.
Sara didn’t seem surprised by this. She looked calmly at her former swordsmanship teacher and asked in return, “Teacher Laura, did my father send you?”
Before entering the Starlight Academy to study magic, Laura had briefly instructed Sara in basic swordsmanship and physical training. The two shared a student-teacher bond.
Laura nodded frankly, a trace of undetectable concern in her eyes. “Yes. Your father was worried sick upon learning you were at the front lines. The Empire can lose a border territory, but it cannot afford for any accident to befall you.”
Her words were blunt and cruel, but they illustrated the vastly different weights members of the Royal Family and border nobles held on the Empire’s scales.
If Sara hadn’t been here, it was almost impossible for a Sword Saint—the Empire’s final line of defense tasked with protecting core royals—to be dispatched to such a forward position.
A flash of understanding crossed Sara’s eyes, followed by a firm shake of her head. Her tone didn’t waver.
“Teacher Laura, I understand your meaning. But because of that, I cannot leave even more.”
“The Betty Territory is now the outermost and last organized line of defense for the Empire against the Blood Race invasion. If this place falls, the Blood Race will strike directly at the heart of the Empire. At that time, what safety will there be to speak of?”
“As a member of the Royal Family and the Chief Student of Starlight Academy, it is impossible for me to flee now, for both public and private reasons. Unless the Blood Race retreats, I will not leave.”
Hearing this, Laura’s steady face didn’t show much surprise. Instead, the corners of her mouth twitched imperceptibly upward, forming a faint, “just as I thought” smile.
“You are just as you were before. Once you’ve decided on something, no one can sway you.”
She paused, seemingly having anticipated this result. Her tone suddenly shifted, becoming decisive.
“Since that’s the case, I can only take the most direct and effective method—”
Standing to the side, Yize blinked and thought to himself, ‘Is persuasion failing? Is she going to use force? Is she going to take Senior Sister Sara back by strength?’
However, Laura’s next words made Yize pause.
“—I can only uproot and thoroughly clear out every Blood Race stronghold entrenched on the Empire’s border at the fastest possible speed. Once the border is at peace, you will naturally be able to return with a calm mind.”
Yize was stunned for a moment before realizing the truth.
This Lady Sword Saint wasn’t being unreasonable; she chose the most domineering and protective way to support Sara’s resolve while ensuring her absolute safety.
‘It looks like Senior Sister Sara holds quite a bit of weight in this Sword Saint’s heart!’
A genuine smile appeared on Sara’s face. “Thank you, Teacher Laura.”
She then seemed to remember something and said, “By the way, Teacher, there is someone here you might be very interested in.”
Yize’s heart jumped. He instinctively wanted to shrink back.
‘No way? Senior Sister, you aren’t planning to push me forward, are you? I don’t want a Sword Saint to be “interested” in me!’
Following Sara’s gesture, Laura’s sharp gaze swept over the people nearby before precisely landing on the tall, resolute figure of Dio.
“The one you’re talking about… is him?”
Sara nodded with a smile, her voice carrying a hint of praise.
“As expected of Teacher Laura, you recognized him at a glance. Senior Dio performed exceptionally well in the previous battles. His sword techniques are fierce and powerful, his Aura is refined, and he personally slew several Blood Race officers.”
At that moment, Dio stepped forward on his own.
He stood before Laura with a look of immense complexity. His eyes were a swirling mess of excitement, reverence, nostalgia, and even a trace of indescribable sorrow.
All these emotions intertwined, causing him to bow deeply and formally to Laura. His voice carried a faint, undetectable tremble as he blurted out, “Teacher Laura!”
The moment those two words left his mouth, Dio himself suddenly realized the problem.
In the timeline of this life, he hadn’t officially met Laura yet, let alone become her disciple!
As expected, a clear look of doubt and inquiry surfaced in Laura’s calm, lake-like eyes. She frowned slightly as she looked at Dio.
“We… seem to be meeting officially for the first time, right? Why do you call me Teacher?”
Dio was suddenly at a loss for words. He opened his mouth but didn’t know how to explain.
Was he supposed to say, “In my previous life, I was the disciple you took before your death, and I received your painstaking guidance until the day I died in battle”?
Sara, standing nearby, also looked surprised.
She had seen that Dio’s swordsmanship was exquisite and its style bore some resemblance to Laura’s legendary inheritance, so she had assumed he was a disciple Laura had taken in secret.
She hadn’t expected Laura to not recognize Dio at all.
Yet, Dio’s heartfelt cry of “Teacher,” saturated with complex emotions, certainly didn’t seem fake.
This contradictory situation caused deep confusion to rise in her heart as well.
‘What is going on here?’ Sara’s gaze shifted back and forth between Dio and Laura.
Standing a bit further away, Yize took everything in. Combining this with Dio’s previous “prophetic” words and his extraordinary knowledge of the Blood Race, he had already reached a clear conclusion.
‘It seems my Senior Brother Dio is a Reincarnator without a doubt.’
He thought to himself.
‘That cry of “Teacher” is clearly a residual emotion from his past life. This perfectly explains why he possesses such formidable and mature combat power at such a young age, even enough to firmly surpass Senior Sister Sara.’
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