Chapter 12: 12 - New Paths

The silence of the forest felt denser than usual as Rygar adjusted his breathing after his morning training. He had already realized that his magic wasn't fast enough for high-speed battles, even when cast without incantation. After landing a surprise first strike, he would struggle to hit a prepared and agile warrior. Because of this, he was training to replicate what he had done in the battle against the Northern Saint, trying to reduce his magic's casting time.

As always, Verdia watched him intently, evaluating every move. The past two months spent with her had been eye-opening, not just due to the intensity of the training but also because of the stories she shared.

His mentor was far more than she appeared. Her knowledge of magic was astounding, but what truly stood out in her narratives was the weight of her adventures. Rygar discovered that she wasn't just an experienced mage; she was a King-level mage in Wind and Earth, as well as a Water Saint. According to her, she had made enemies during her ventures, and her power remained a threat to the successors of those enemies, even though she bore no grudge against them.

Despite her confidence, Verdia revealed a more human side when addressing her struggles. Rygar, in turn, shared the issue that gnawed at him internally: his lack of control over his savagery. He explained how, in moments of rage, he was on the verge of completely losing control, his rationality vanishing as his feral instincts took over. This had led him to attack his father and other warriors in the tribe. Verdia had no ready answers but promised they would find a solution together.

During the second month, Verdia brought him news. An elder elf named Ilya wished to meet him. Intrigued, Rygar followed her to an isolated clearing where the presence of the silver-haired elf was almost mystical. Her eyes carried the weight of centuries, and her voice was as calm as the whispering trees.

"You resemble your grandfather, Rygar," Ilya began, her gaze studying the young Dedoldia. "Except for your eyes, of course. Verdia told me about you. I believe my knowledge may be helpful for your problem."

"Hm? What do you mean?"

"Your struggle to control your instincts."

Ilya explained that many years ago, her mother had told her stories about the second Beast God, Giger. He, like Rygar, had faced bouts of savagery in his youth. He was the first recorded case, though there may have been others before him who didn't leave as much of an impact.

According to her, the problem wasn't uncommon among the most talented of the beast race. All those who displayed extraordinary potential faced similar challenges. She cited a personal example: Ingar Dedoldia, a warrior who had reached the rank of Emperor 600 years ago. She had been very close to this warrior during his lifetime.

"Ingar was wild as a child—I can say that because I saw him grow up from a baby," Ilya said nostalgically. "When he chose the path of the warrior, a demon passing through this area accepted him as a disciple. Years later, he returned, and his savagery had become a controlled weapon, no longer something that dominated him. Though he was still quite energetic."

"I asked him what had changed, and he told me he had learned to channel all his aggression into his axe."

"He wasn't very bright, after all. But you are, or so Verdia tells me. You should understand..."

Ilya then shared her theory: knowing that Touki, or Battle Aura, is the mana flowing through an individual's body, she hypothesized that when disciplined, it allows one to gain greater control over strength, speed, senses, and, consequently, instincts.

From her understanding of Battle Aura, people gained better control over it upon reaching the rank of Saint. She recommended Rygar aim for that level as a starting goal. It wasn't easy, of course—there had been few cases—but Rygar didn't need to fear or suppress his essence; he needed to learn to control the strength that stemmed from it.

This revelation sent Rygar into deep reflection. He began reevaluating his recent actions: his attacks on his allies, his impulsive decisions in combat. Perhaps his growing strength was both a blessing and a curse—something he needed to master to achieve his goals.

"From what Verdia has told me, your strength is already absurd for your age, so it shouldn't be too hard..." she concluded, sizing him up.

That night, as he gazed at the stars, Rygar decided it was time to return to his tribe and share what he had learned. Knowing that others had faced this problem and overcome it made him feel more confident. He knew the journey ahead would be long, but now, more than ever, he had a renewed focus.

Verdia decided to follow him to continue his training. They said their goodbyes and set off.

---

The journey back to the Dedoldia tribe was silent yet meaningful. Verdia walked beside him, occasionally sharing small observations about the surrounding landscapes but respecting the young man's introspection.

When they arrived at the village, the atmosphere felt tense. Some villagers watched them with distrustful glances, while others showed expressions of concern. Rygar's outburst months ago was still fresh in many minds, and the rumors of what he had done and endured in battle only fueled divided opinions.

The first person to meet him upon entering the village was Selene, his mother. Her worried eyes scanned her son with the intensity of a protective parent. She noticed the small scars on his arms, the steadier gaze, and the more disciplined posture.

"Are you okay, my son?" she asked, pulling him into a tight hug.

"I am, Mother. I'm sorry for worrying you this time…"

Selene seemed relieved, but there was still tension in the air. It wasn't just concern; there was something more, as if she knew Rygar's decisions would lead him down an even more dangerous path.

Soon after settling in, Rygar requested a meeting with Gustav, Gyes, Fendrel, and his father, Hontar. He knew he needed to clarify everything that had happened and pave the way for moving forward without leaving loose ends.

At the meeting, he began with an apology.

"I made a mistake. My outburst wasn't just a reaction to the situation but a reflection of my lack of control over myself. And because of it, I almost killed one of our own…"

Gyes spoke sternly. "It wasn't just that. You disobeyed orders not to pursue the enemy, forcing us to follow you and putting your companions at risk."

Hontar glared at him but said nothing.

Rygar felt the pressure. No one would defend him here. If something had gone wrong, he could have caused a disaster. He had been lucky, and he knew he couldn't keep relying on luck.

"This is by no means an excuse. I won't shy away from my responsibility, but I've discovered the reason for this lack of control and how to fix it during my time in the elven village."

He then shared what he had learned from Ilya, including all the relevant information to help them understand.

"I made an unforgivable mistake because of this. But now I know I can control it, and I promise I won't let it happen again."

The room was silent for a moment before Fendrel spoke. Having lost an arm in Darian's ambush, he wore an expression of seriousness.

"You're still young, Rygar. Sometimes I forget that because you seem so mature and are already so strong. But I feel a bit guilty, with four of us intimidating a child. Young or not, we all make mistakes. What matters is what you'll do with this now. If you're committed to correcting your errors, I'll be here to help you, even with one arm."

Fendrel then offered his assistance in Rygar's training, emphasizing that despite his physical limitations, he was still the only Saint-level warrior in the tribe. His words brought an unexpected sense of unity to the group.

Rygar finally relaxed a bit, the weight on his shoulders easing significantly. He then recounted the events that had led him to the elven village: the battle against the final three members of the Black Frost, the confrontation with Darian, the fight against the Northern Saint, and the revelation that the noble who had hired the assassins might still pose a threat to Verdia.

"I can't ignore this danger," Rygar declared firmly. "If this noble tried to eliminate Verdia once, he might try again. And if he's a threat to my mentor, then he's a threat to me as well."

Gustav and Gyes agreed, albeit with some reservations, recognizing Verdia's contributions to the tribe during her time there. Hontar, on the other hand, supported his son with a subtle nod. Rygar's decision to confront such a powerful enemy directly was dangerous, but it also showcased his unwavering determination.

After the meeting, Selene surprised everyone by inviting Verdia to live with them while continuing Rygar's magical training. Though hesitant at first, Verdia ultimately accepted, noting that there was still much she needed to teach the young Doldia.

That evening, as the village quieted down, Rygar revisited his reflections. He stared up at the star-filled sky, recalling Ilya's words, Verdia's teachings, and the repercussions of his past actions. He realized that his goals needed refinement.

---

The wind rushed through the forest, rustling leaves and cooling Rygar's face as he organized his thoughts and actions. He understood that moving forward required more than apologies or promises. It demanded strength, discipline, and reliable allies.

In the courtyard of his home, alongside Verdia and his mother, Rygar began to strategize his next steps.

Recent events had profoundly shaped him. His mind wandered back to the battles he had fought, the lessons learned, and the dangers looming on the horizon. The world around him was far vaster and more perilous than he had imagined, demanding preparation beyond what he thought was necessary. The morality of this world differed sharply from his previous one, as it brimmed with superhuman beings, near-omnipotent magic, gods, and demons.

"If this world has its own rules, I need to learn them," Rygar murmured, staring at his sword. "I need to grow stronger—not just for myself but for my tribe, my family... and so I can live according to my will."

He mentally organized his goals:

Reach Sword Saint Level and Control His Savagery.

Controlling his power was his top priority. To achieve this, he committed to intensive training with Fendrel, his father, and other warriors while delving into the theories shared by Ilya.

Build a Network of Strong Allies.

Rygar understood that individual strength alone wasn't enough in a world where even the most powerful kingdoms were ruled by weak kings. He resolved to gather trustworthy and capable individuals to protect his tribe and tackle future challenges.

Eliminate the noble who is threatening Verdia.

He couldn't ignore the man who attempted to take Verdia's life. This enemy was a persistent danger, and Rygar vowed to ensure the threat would no longer linger.

Lay a Foundation for the Future.

Beyond addressing immediate concerns, Rygar saw his strength as a resource with greater purpose. Everyone around him referred to him as a rare talent, and he resolved to make the most of it, contemplating how to unite and mobilize those around him to create something enduring.

---

The following day, Rygar assembled the young warriors and mages he had previously trained, along with his five chosen leaders: Kilian, Taes, Lisena, Erat, and Lione. With a determined gaze, he addressed them.

"You've done well in your training so far, but there's still much to do. The challenges ahead will be unlike anything you've faced before. And I need you to be ready. If anyone here isn't willing to continue, I won't stop you. In fact, I encourage you to step away because this group will only move forward with those who have unwavering determination."

He paused, observing them. No one moved. Instead, their eyes gleamed with admiration and excitement. (Strange. They're just a bunch of kids. I thought some would be intimidated. Could this be the spirit of unity?)

He then announced the creation of an organization, a group bound by a shared purpose: to protect the Great Forest and expand their influence to ensure the Doldia tribe's survival. The name he chose evoked strength and unity: The Iron Legion.

"The Iron Legion will be the wall that shields our people but also the blade that cuts down any threat," Rygar declared. "Train hard and hone your skills because each of you will play a vital role in the future."

This day would later be remembered as a turning point in world history, the birth of the Iron Legion.

---

In the weeks that followed, Rygar immersed himself in rigorous training with Fendrel and Verdia. Under Fendrel's guidance, he progressed rapidly in the Sword God Style, finding it almost tailor-made for him. He also began mastering the fundamentals of touki, the battle aura he had unknowingly used before but now sought to wield consciously. Verdia intensified his magical studies, particularly in elemental control and advanced spellcasting across all schools of magic she knew.

During these sessions, Rygar felt himself transforming. His explosive, untamed power was gradually becoming refined, focused, and even more formidable.

One evening, as he stood overlooking his tribe at sunset, Rygar reflected on everything he had learned so far. He acknowledged that this was just the beginning of his journey, but for the first time, he felt a clear sense of purpose.

"This world isn't like my old one and never will be," he thought, gazing at the horizon. "But maybe that's what makes it so challenging. If there's something I can do to protect the people I love and change the course of this place, I'll do it. I'll live on my terms, and anyone who threatens my family will become my enemy."

His thoughts drifted briefly to his previous life. After six years, the sense of loss had faded. This world was now his reality. He wouldn't forget who he had been, but he wouldn't let it hold him back either.

His mind then returned to the noble who endangered Verdia. Allowing such a danger to persist was unthinkable. He knew action would be required sooner rather than later.

With that resolve, Rygar closed his eyes for a moment and took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his decisions and the clarity of his newfound determination. He was ready for whatever came next.

"If this world demands strength, then strength it shall have. But don't blame me if the damage I cause is irreversible."

Current Status

Age: 6 years and 3 months

Mana Reserves: King Level

Magical Skills:

Fire Magic: Advanced

Earth Magic: Advanced

Water Magic: Intermediate

Wind Magic: Intermediate

Healing Magic: Intermediate

Detoxification Magic: Beginner

Howling Magic: Minor Mastery

Mixed Spells:

Lava Ball, Mud Field (Mud Trap), Blizzard, Fog Wave

Combat Skills:

North God Style: Intermediate

Sword God Style: Advanced

Combat with Natural Weapons (claws, instincts, etc.): Advanced

Battle Strength: Saint-Level Warrior

Intellectual Skills:

Reading and writing in Beast-God and Human languages

Mathematics (University Level)

Practical Skills:

Excellent hunter, Good teacher, Terrible cook

"If you seek power, travel onward.

Your destination is the Demon Continent.

Journey through its lands. Ascend to Necross Fortress.

Before the Demon King, prove your strength and you may wish for even greater power.

Only then can the power of conquest be yours."