Strangely enough, this fanged wolf and Nebis Leyang seemed destined to cross paths. He’d already encountered it twice in the forest’s outer zones.

The first time, its massive wolf form had startled even him. They’d fought fiercely.

By their second meeting, Leyang could have killed it. But he didn’t. No need.

How could an eight-year-old possibly haul a second-tier monster’s corpse home? His parents would’ve fainted. Besides, any child bringing back such a trophy would draw terrifying attention. He wasn’t ready to shatter his quiet life.

Rewriting his cultivation manual to absorb natural elemental energy had taken years. Real progress only began last year.

As a transmigrator, Leyang had no cheat system. His only advantage? Memories from his past life.

On Doloryara Continent, warriors strengthened their blood essence. Mages absorbed elemental energy through meditation—their affinity dictating speed. Both paths used "mana."

Leyang trained as both warrior and mage. He’d found his manual discarded in a trash bin during hard times. Through relentless practice, he’d nearly reached grandmaster level. Earth’s weak spiritual energy had been his only limit.

Spotting the wolf’s intent to flee, Leyang lunged, silver dagger flashing. The beast bolted without hesitation.

*Did I traumatize it last time?* Leyang sighed. He hadn’t even wanted to kill it.

Shrugging, he sheathed his dagger. The sun was setting. Time to head home before his parents scolded him.

Nebis Territory was vast but barren. Droughts had ruined crops. Most able-bodied youth had left. Leyang planned to visit neighboring towns soon—monster materials could fetch decent coin.

Doloryara’s currency system had five tiers: Small Dolos, Large Dolos, Small Yala Coins, Large Yala Coins, and Sacred Yala Coins. Five Small Dolos equaled one Large Dolo. Ten Large Dolos bought one Small Yala Coin. Four Small Yala Coins matched one Large Yala Coin. A single Sacred Yala Coin was worth a thousand Large Yala Coins. For context: three or four Small Dolos fed a family of four for a day.

Leyang gathered wild greens and caught a plump rabbit in the forest outskirts. He packed them into his basket, walking steadily back toward Nebis Territory. Venturing deeper meant death—even Camila Empire’s strongest avoided the Monster Woods’ heart.

The territory’s crumbling walls were overgrown with weeds taller than him. No wonder his elder brothers refused to inherit this land. Being a lord sounded grand—unless you ruled Nebis. No future here. Only hardship. Ambitious youths fled.

Back at Nebis Manor, abandoned fields stretched everywhere. Only a few elderly women and children remained—rejected by other lords. They greeted eight-year-old Leyang warmly. He often shared food with them. Not out of kindness. With his brothers gone and sister married off, he’d inherit this broken land. These gestures were investments.

"Papa! Mama! I’m back. Rabbit stew tonight!" Leyang pushed open the creaking manor gate.

Nebis Light stormed out from the inner courtyard, face stern.

"Forgot urgent work! Wild greens and rabbit are yours!" Leyang dumped his basket and bolted to his room. His clear voice floated back: "Why run so fast? Afraid I’ll eat you? I just wanted to check your injuries," Light muttered, sighing.

Bernell Meda joined him, peering at the basket. "Look at all this. How does our little boy manage it?"

"Hmph. Takes after his old man. I was quite the hunter once."

"Really? I recall you chasing chickens into mud puddles. A sorry sight." Bernell snorted.

Light scratched his head, cheeks flushing. "That was ages ago!"

In his room, Leyang heated bathwater while practicing dagger forms. His small frame was densely muscled. The silver blade left deep gashes in the training post—each strike lethal on flesh.

*Still far weaker than my past life. This power changes nothing.* He sheathed his Silver Blade Dagger and sank into the hot water.

Dinner was served on a long table draped in worn white cloth. Forks and knives felt clumsy compared to chopsticks.

"Leyang," Light set down his utensils. "Do you want to attend school?"

"No." The reply was instant. School meant wasting time with children. He needed strength.

Light blinked. "Don’t you want friends? Knowledge? At your age—"

"Not interested." Leyang chewed wild greens.

Bernell leaned in. "You’ll be lord someday. Illiteracy invites ridicule."

Leyang paused. He spoke the language fluently but couldn’t read Doloryara’s script.

"Even if I wanted to go... can we afford tuition?"

Light cleared his throat. "Your third sister will sponsor you. Her husband secured your place at Kamila Noble Academy in the capital. Study well. Don’t shame us. At twelve, you’ll inherit this territory."

"Little Four," Bernell added softly, "build noble connections there. They’ll lift our family."

*Kamila Noble Academy?*

"Understood. I’ll study hard."