Chapitre 4: Ch- 4 "Echoes of Destiny"
Year~ Unknown~
In the quiet solitude of eternity, a being pondered the expanse of their existence, uncertain of the countless eons they had traversed. They gazed into the depths of their memory, reflecting upon a distant era when tranquility and pacifism defined their essence.
Sighing softly, they mused, "Ah, how naïve I once was, believing that my convictions and my devotion to peace would remain unaltered. How profoundly mistaken I proved to be."
~~~
[A.N. ~ {} These brackets contain the 'WMW' story, while "" these quotation marks encapsulate the thoughts and notes of our protagonist.]
~~~
Year 2018~
Within Swayam's mind, a solemn thought emerged. 'Perhaps,' he reasoned with himself, 'it's unwise to squander my precious moments contemplating the hypothetical: 'What if I was in his place?' Surely, the odds of encountering a scenario like that are remote... or are they? Could I unwittingly have set in motion unforeseeable events?'
A shiver of dread coursed through him, unsettling his resolve. "I can only pray that the ominous flag remains partially furled. And if, by some cruel twist of fate, I've indeed raised it high, then I beseech the benevolent Great Omniscient Being, who may have granted me this second chance in time, to protect me. My fervent wish is to evade the impending ordeal, a spectacle I do not wish to endure!"
Only after a few calming breaths, he could sense that the prospect of being whisked away to another realm was slim. Thus, he allowed his guard to gradually lower, preparing to embark on the inaugural chapter of "WMW," intriguingly titled "Reincarnation."
~~~
Reading WMW~
{"My head really hurts...."
This was Fang Ming's first thought upon waking up. It felt as if there was a cut on his head, hurting so badly that it seemed as if his head was about to split open.}
~~~
'I can empathize with that.' Swayam mused as he read the opening lines of the chapter. "The agony of a splitting headache is a dreadful ordeal. Merely recollecting my own death induces a throbbing ache in my head."
Truly, who among us wouldn't share such sentiments if they had endured a similar circumstance?
Now, the question of whether he would persist in reading the chapter arose.
You see, there's a curious trait among passionate individuals—they'll traverse the harshest of terrains if it means inching closer to their goals. And Swayam possessed that very ardor, pressing onward with his reading, even in the face of the relatable headache.
~~~
{"The scene unfolding before Fang Ming resembled a carriage ride," the narrative unfolded. Each jolt of the carriage sent shockwaves of pain through his battered body, forcing him to gasp sharply.
As Fang Ming mustered the strength to open his eyes, he took in the peculiar surroundings. The walls around him were constructed from hollowed planks, and a group of fair-haired, blue-eyed youths occupied the space, all seemingly in a deep slumber, oblivious to his presence.
Lying on the frigid ground, Fang Ming shivered, realizing that his body couldn't endure prolonged exposure. He struggled to rise, determined not to succumb to the icy chill.}
~~~
Swayam couldn't help but have his own take on the situation. 'Well, this certainly feels like a one heck of a 'cliché' scenario,' he mused to himself. 'How did I never notice that in nearly every transmigration or reincarnation tale, the so-called 'protagonist' invariably winds up in either a 'half-dead' or 'full-dead' body? And why does no one ever address this clichéd circumstance and just accept it as par for the course? Well, I suppose I'm hardly in any position to question it... (cough also reincarnated cough)."
~~~
{At that movement, he felt a sharp pain lancing through his head.}
After reading that paragraph, Swayam couldn't help but vent his frustration towards 'The Plagiarist,' the writer of 'Warlock of the Magus World.' "Damn you, 'The Plagiarist,'" he grumbled, "just when my headache was starting to subside a bit, you had to introduce another headache-inducing twist."
After his brief rant directed at the author, Swayam found a modicum of calm within himself and remarked, "Well, that was rather cathartic, and thanks to that, Mr. Author, you're forgiven. Let's proceed."
~~~
{The pain arrived suddenly, and brought many strange memories with it. Fang Ming's eyes rolled back as he fainted.
...
"Hey. Leylin. Wake up..."
Fang Ming heard this sound in his daze, and couldn't help but open his eyes.
"Is this reincarnation?" Fang Ming remembered very clearly that the last thing he had seen were the dazzling flames that had erupted from the energy reactor's explosion.
It was impossible to survive such an explosion without any method of self-protection.
Furthermore, on the planet he existed on, such a style of carriage and wooden planks were considered ancient antiques.
After organizing the new memories in his mind, Fang Ming gained some insight about his body and this world.
This was a realm similar to the European Middle Ages but some kind of mysterious force also existed here.
His current body was originally called Leylin Farlier, son of a minor noble. As he had been tested to have the gift to become a Magus, his father, Viscount John Farlier, had pulled some strings to allow him to become a Magus Apprentice and at the movement, he was on the horse carriage traveling towards a Magus Academy.}
~~~
'And there's the cliché backdrop of a third-rate noble house, unmistakably in decline,' I jotted down in my notebook, making a mental note for future reference. Here, our protagonist astutely pinpointed a recurring trope often found in numerous works of fiction.
~~~
{He saw that the one who woken him up was a large, male youth.
He had thick eyebrows and large eyes, a tall and straight nose, and sparkling golden hair. Although his face was somewhat young and tender, his body was sturdy and well muscled, looking extremely manly.}
*Cough* Gay vibes *Cough* *Cough*
{Seeing that Fang Ming had awoken, the boy laughed happily, "Haha.... Leylin, you're finally awake. If you had awoken even a few more minutes later, you probably wouldn't have been able to make it to dinner and I assume you don't want to starve."
Fang Ming lowered his eyes and after some thought, he figured out this person's identity.
"Thanks George."
The youths who were together with him and were heading towards the Magus Academy had all been tested to be gifted to be a Magi. This George was a legitimate son of a Count, and was also one of the favoured son of that Count. In order to allow George to enter a Magus Academy, the Count had spent many resources and had pulled a lot of strings.
"A Count?" Fang Ming inwardly thought.
He flashed back to his current body's father, Viscount John Farlier, whose holdings were equal in size to a city in his previous life, with thousands of soldiers under his command.
In this world, nobility ranking was inevitably tied to personal strength. Since George's father was a Count, his holdings were likely atleast the size of several cities, and his annual income was probably a few thousand gold coins. With such finances and power at his disposal, he still had to take so much effort in order to send George to a Magus Academy. Fang Ming couldn't help but wonder how did his father managed to do the same thing.}
~~~
"Cough It's all about plot and story progression, after all. Cough Another tidbit to remember for crafting a compelling narrative," I added, marking it down alongside my previous note.
With renewed determination, I affirmed, "Let's carry on."
~~~
{As Fang Ming pondered the question, another sharp pain assaulted his head, causing another scene to appear in his mind's eye.}
'At this juncture, I'm growing rather immune to this so-called pain.' I observed dispassionately. Finding nothing else of note, I resolved, "Let's press on."
{It was a dark room, with old musty shelves lining the sides, filled with an ancient air. The surroundings were chock full with dust.}
~~~
"Wait a minute, don't nobles prefer their studies to be spotlessly clean?" I mused, making a mental note to ponder this question later.
{Under a dim light, John Farlier solemnly passed a ring to Leylin, saying: "Dear Leylin, this is our Farlier Family's Heirloom Treasure, a promise from a Magus. At that time, my grandfather had helped an injured Magus, who had in return gifted grandfather with this ring, promising him that if one of his descendants had the gift to be a Magus, he could use this ring and enter any magus academy for free! Now, I am giving this to you, in hopes that you can be the Pride of the Farlier Family, and uphold our legacy…"}
~~~
Upon reading this paragraph, Swayam contemplated whether to remark on the recurring theme in fiction where characters often stumble upon heirlooms, receive them from formidable predecessors, or seize them forcibly.
After a moment's reflection, he decided, "Nahh, I think I'll abstain from mentioning that."
~~~
{The Ring!
Fang Ming's eyes narrowed as his right hand involuntarily went to his chest.
Under his clothing, he could feel the solid touch, like a metal ring was under there.
Heaving a sigh of relief in his heart, he thought to himself: "Lucky! I'm not sure if those guys did not recognize it as a treasure, or perhaps there is some restriction. Either way, I'm lucky that this was not snatched from me."
As a scientist in his former life, Fang Ming was extremely curious and interested in that mysterious strength, filled with the desire to research more about it.
Furthermore, he didn't want to be chased back home because he had lost such an important proof of entry.}
"Tch, Noice." Swayam clicked his tongue and continued.
{Although I have taken over this body and accepted its memories, but I am still very different from the original Leylin. To his family members who have spent years with him, they would easily be able to see the difference. If they mistake it as him being possessed by the devil and perhaps beg or hire one of those mysterious magi to investigate, I might be found out…
However, if I can enter a magus academy, I will probably not return home for at least several years. By that time, if there are any changes in behavior, it would be considered normal. Furthermore, to be a Magus, it is probably normal to be strange and eccentric; if I were to act the same as the Leylin of before, it would be deemed strange then.}
~~~
"From this paragraph alone," I noted, "it's evident how cautious and quick-witted Fang Ming is. It underscores the importance of a writer highlighting the protagonist's unique qualities."
I jotted down this insightful point, recognizing its significance for future reference in crafting engaging characters.
~~~
{Just as he was in deep thought, a pair of strong large hands suddenly assisted him to his feet.
"What are you thinking about?" George asked.
"No… Nothing." Fang Ming quickly shook his head, then clutched his head again, as it was still in pain.}
~~~
"Scoff~ Pain," I grumbled aloud. Little did I know at that moment just how excruciating the process of soul splitting and soul merging could become.
~~~
{Fang Ming suddenly spun his head around and looked at George, causing George's heart to clutch suddenly, as if he was being stared at by a venomous snake.
"Dearest George, why didn't you wake me up earlier, and left me to just lie on the floor like that for so long?" Fang Ming rolled his eyes and asked.
"Heh heh. I saw you were having such a nice sleep, and thought you liked to sleep on the ground." George scratched his head abashedly. However, his eyes sparked with a cunning gleam.
Under Fang Ming's murderous glare, he finally raised his hands in surrender and replied: "Fine. Fine. Who asked you to offend my goddess. Offending her is still fine, as bros, I am not such a petty person. Alas, the entire carriage is now treating you like an enemy, and I do not want to be isolated as well."
"Offend? Goddess?" Fang Ming scratched his head, until he suddenly remembered why he was beaten up.
It was a girl named Bessita. Although she was only 15 years of age, but her body was already well developed and voluptuous, in addition to her watery big eyes, was a huge draw to the lecherous Leylin.
The original Leylin was no gentleman. He had lost his virginity at the age of twelve, and after that he had either seduced or forced his way with many others, and had by now slept with more than a hundred women.
He had been known as the Scourge of his father's holdings. As Fang Ming finished exploring the memories, he rolled his eyes once again in disdain. No wonder this body was so weak and frail, it wasn't just because of the injuries.
Thinking back, it was clear that Leylin had been too used to causing trouble in his own territory, and hadn't been able to control himself when he saw Bessita.
The first few times, it was still rather normal; flirting and making passes. Near the end though, he had started resorting to violent means. When Fang Ming saw these memories, he couldn't help but label the original as an idiot.
That Bessita is a princess of a small country. And Leylin still wanted to rape her. Is his brains filled with glue? Sheesh.}
~~~
"Ah, an early-teenager hormonal main character," I observed, making a mental note of this character archetype.
{What happened after this goes without saying. Leylin was taught a savage lesson by the bunch of 'Flower Guardians', had actually died because of the beatings, which had eventually benefitted Fang Ming.
Heh heh. This Bessita, it seems like she isn't as simple as I thought, how scheming. Fang Ming gave a cold laugh as he thought.
Fine. No matter what, since I have taken over your body, if I have the chance, I will take revenge for you and as of now, I am Leylin Farlier. Fang Ming swore in his heart.}
"Hmm... Ok"
{In Leylin's memory, he had not seen any signs of Asians, nor had he heard anything about China. In this new Western styled world, if he used his own Chinese name, it would be too dangerous.
Finally after contemplating, when he looked around, he realized that there was no longer anyone else in sight within the spacious carriage. It was no wonder that George had come to call him.
"No matter what, I still have to thank you George, and also do you have any medicine?" Leylin stood up and stretched his body. Although it still hurt in a few places, but at least it didn't impede his movement, and the wound at the back of his head had already became a scab.
"Heh heh…I knew that you'd need this." George laughed as he tossed a small bottle over, "This is my family's secret product. I heard that it's usually used during Knight's training, and is extremely effective against any bodily injuries."}
~~~
"How did they even become best friends, to the extent that George is willing to share his family's secret product, given their vastly different social statuses? Leylin is the son of a minor Viscount, and George is the favored son of a Count. So, how did it happen?" I pondered. "Well, it seems the only plausible explanation is that it's merely a matter of plot convenience."
~~~
{As George spoke, he looked around furtively: "Alright. Dinner is about to start. I'm going to head there first, you should apply the medicine quickly and hurry over too and remember, do not tell anyone else about our friendship."
After he finished speaking, he had ran off like a gust of wind.
Looking at George's figure disappear into the distance, Leylin couldn't help but massage his forehead. It looks like this Leylin has truly stirred up a hornet's nest. Was it such a big deal though? In Leylin's memories, it seems like in this world, sexual relations are rather open…
At this point, he couldn't do anything to remedy the situation. Swiftly taking off his clothes, Leylin quickly rubbed the medicine all over the injuries on his body.
"Hiss… This damned George. Couldn't he help me apply the medicine before leaving?" Leylin drew several sharp cold breaths as he applied the medicine.
The medicine was extremely effective. As soon as he applied it, there was a cooling sensation and the pain vanished rather quickly.
After he had dealt with the wounds on his body, Leylin put on his clothes and opened the carriage door.
Whoosh
A gentle breeze blew across, and the sun was setting in the horizon, painting everything around with a golden hue.
"No matter what, it feels so good to be alive."
Leylin's eyes moistened as he muttered.
Looking at the surroundings, he noticed several of the large carriages forming a circle to make a crude temporary campsite, with a large fire in the middle.
There were many youths around the fire, sitting and resting on cloth mats laid on the ground, laughing, playing and talking with each other, while eating the bread in their hands.
Leylin walked towards a table where there were quite a few breads and juices placed. According to his memories, this was where food was distributed.
When he approached the area, he saw that there were quite a few people queuing up. As they spotted Leylin though, they looked over at him with a look of despise.
Although Leylin thought of himself as thick-skinned, he still found it somewhat difficult to endure.
Still, he did not leave. No matter what, he still had to eat.
"HURRY UP." A hoarse voice rang out.
"So…Sorry. Lady Angelia." A freckled boy quickly apologised and took his share of food before running away.}
...
To be continued~
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone