The Heart of a Smith - Chapter 9 - Their Stances

In a world where elements lay barren and powerful wizards had abandoned their homeland a millennium ago to explore the multiverse, Sunan found himself reincarnated as a noble scion stripped of his title. This world, once brimming with magic and wonder, had fallen into a desolate state, and wizards had become mere legends.Sunan was acutely aware that after a thousand years, the elements would awaken once more, heralding the return of the wizards and ushering in a new era of prosperity. He understood that his path was clear: he must train diligently to become a wizard himself and survive until this glorious age arrived.“Resources are scarce?” he mused, determination flickering in his eyes. “Then I’ll just have to synthesize them myself.”With that thought, he activated the Synthesis Cube, a device that granted him the ability to combine materials into something new. This Cube was not just a tool; it was a symbol of his potential in this world, reflecting his status as a player in a game he once played.As he set to work, the Cube glowed with possibilities, presenting him with a myriad of options. He had a few basic materials at his disposal, remnants of his previous life and the knowledge he had accumulated from his past experiences in the game.Sunan began experimenting, combining herbs and minerals he had gathered. Each successful synthesis filled him with a sense of accomplishment, inching him closer to his goal of becoming a wizard.Days turned into weeks, and Sunan’s skills improved rapidly. He crafted potions, improved his understanding of magical theories, and honed his mental abilities through intense meditation practices. The Star Ring Meditation, one of the first techniques he mastered, allowed him to tap into the latent mental energy within himself, enhancing his cognitive functions and magical sensitivity.As he progressed, whispers of his endeavors began to circulate among the remaining noble families and the common folk. Some viewed him with suspicion, while others saw potential in the young man who dared to challenge the status quo.Sunan knew he needed allies. He began seeking out individuals who shared his vision—a return to the age of wizards. He discreetly approached the remnants of the nobility, the few who still held some influence, and began to forge connections.His reputation grew cautiously, and with it, the opportunities to gather resources and knowledge. He learned of hidden libraries, ancient texts, and artifacts that could aid in his quest.One fateful day, while exploring a forgotten ruin, he uncovered an ancient tome detailing the rituals of the wizards who had once thrived on this land. The pages contained knowledge that could accelerate his growth, including spells long lost to time.“This is it,” Sunan thought as he carefully transcribed the contents into his own notes. “With this, I can not only learn the spells but also improve my synthesis techniques.”As he delved deeper into the arcane arts, he realized that the key to his ascension lay not just in personal power but in understanding the intricate web of alliances and rivalries that defined noble society. He had to navigate these treacherous waters carefully.In the back of his mind, Sunan always remembered the impending return of the wizards. The time was coming when he would have to reveal his true potential and lead the charge into the new era.With each passing day, he grew stronger, more confident, and increasingly aware of the responsibilities that awaited him.The world was changing, and Sunan was determined to be at the forefront of that change—a wizard in a world that had forgotten what it meant to wield true power.

The paramount existences among daemons are known as ‘Great Sages’.

A young man leaves the mountain village and wanders the world, entering the legends step by step, becoming a part of mythology itself.

Kaidan (Kaidan refers to eerie tales of strange, mysterious, rare, or bewitching ghosts and monsters from Japanese folklore.) feed on cognition, wield information as weapons, and use information as currency, existing between the peculiarities of neither life nor death.They exist in human rumors and dwell in the shadows of the world.“Does this mean I will become a Kaidan?”In ancient times, they were worshipped as deities, empowered by faith.“Then I am a deity!”In more recent ancient times, they were regarded as demons and fed on fear.“I will become the master of Kaidan!”However, as the tides of time washed over, they gradually vanished, leaving behind only texts considered to be delusions.“To restore the glory of Kaidan is an undeniable duty of ours.”But you are not yet a Kaidan, hmm, nor a person.“Well, becoming a Kaidan counts as success.”

“Do you love...me?” My eyes stung as I asked my so-called husband.“No,” he said quietly. “I don't love you. I don't need to love you. I just need to take care of you as I promised your father before he died.”My world crumbled down on me.His words hit me like a physical blow. I staggered back, the world spinning around me. “S-So that's it? This whole time, you've been with me out of some sense of duty?”Elijah looked away, unable to meet my gaze. “Your father asked me to look after you, to make sure you were happy and safe. That's what I've been trying to do.”“Fine then. Let's get a divorce!” I announced, loud and clear.___Ash always believed he could make his cold and vicious hubby fall in love with him.However, after three years of marriage, Ash received only betrayal from Elijah. Elijah never loved him and was only with Ash because he promised Ash's father that he would take care of him after his death. Ash, heartbroken and sorrowful, decided to quit his marriage.However, when he handed Elijah the divorce papers, he ripped them pieces and pushed Ash against the wall.“You have lost your mind if you think I will ever divorce you.” Elijah glared, but Ash was unaffected by his rage. However, once Ash had left him for good, Elijah realised how deeply he loved him, and not just because of his responsibility to Ash. So he resolved to go after Ash and bring him back.Amidst this, he came to know that Ash was the one who caused the accident four years ago in which Elijah lost both of his parents. He had investigated this case for years but now that he found out it was Ash, he was devastated.“Come back before I lose my mind and do something you will regret.”But can an emotionless and frigid man who has never learned to express affection or feelings approach the love of his life while he conflicted between taking his revenge and loving Ash?