Way of the Knights

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[A/N: I'll make this short and continue at the end. Go on and read first.]

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It is so heavy…

Frankly, I don't even know how a pressure like this could exist. I've been to many places in my previous life before but I've encountered anything like this.

Sufficed to say, It's been what? Days? Since I've started this grueling training?

I always thought that I adapt rather quickly to things, specially now that I am mentally a very, very old man, but it seems that I was wrong.

Maybe it's because I'm young again? You know, hormones and hot-headedness and stuff. Yeah…that might be it.

I could hear my joints cracking, it feels like a mountain was pressing me down. But beneath that, there's also a very faint transformation happening.

Creation won't begin unless destruction didn't take place...

It's a well known fact, and one of the main reasons I endure. Thankfully though, this pressure won't stunt my growth, or else I might not be as calm as I am now.

As for the progress...

First and foremost, I never thought that it was possible, but even though I am not making any huge strides in my cultivation (body, spirit or energy), I could still feel that I am being strengthened. It was painful sure, but it's effects were magical. Given that cultivation would be more arduous the higher the realm goes, the speed of which I am progressing is still relatively fast considering the fact that I took it the hard way.

From Fighter Realm, which goal is to strengthen the body so it could handle energies better, to Soldier Realm, it only took me and my friends mere months to achieve it, which is phenomenal on it's own but not too surprising as many people knew that we came from impressive backgrounds, they might've thought that we used unconventional means to raise our cultivations, and some elders might think that we progressed too fast and our foundations out lacking, but the truth was far from that.

And here I am, further deepening my foundations as I go. Things would only get better as I move on I suppose.

Nevertheless, it looks like my time in this Crown Space is up, anytime soon and I would be transported to the real world.

I felt my consciousness darkened, as I opened my eyes once more, I am back to the familiar cavern of mine. It's night time once more, and I better move towards the medicinal pond I made or else I will wake up with bruises and sore body tomorrow.

***

"Haaah…"

Damn, feels good to stretch my body. I could feel energy coursing through my body in great tides, my body feels tighter and more compact and my spirit vigorous as I stare at the rising sun on the east. I could wrestle 10 bulls in my condition and still have enough energy to run wantonly on the streets.

Anyway, better get dressed. I know that I placed a multi-purpose formation around me but you never know…

Oh, right. The monthly task.

Eh, I already have everything I need though. I guess I should report in to the Expedition Team first to get a better perspective of the mission.

Which way was it again?

Oh right, northwest outside of the institute, landmark would be a tavern that has a sign that says 'Adventurers Tavern', got it.

I gathered my stuff and went outside of my cave dwelling, normally I would train my spiritual energies during this time but I might as well go there to knock this mission down as soon as possible. The longer I stall this the more training time I lose, specially we will be venturing outside, which will be dangerous.

I walked towards the gates and I swear I could feel someone staring at me…

I pushed my spiritual sense and scanned my surroundings, and what do we have here?

A few paces away from me, hidden behind the trees, I saw the son of the fattest merchant ever, trying to kill me with his glare. I mean, he could try harder I guess, but I also think he won't be expecting me finding out that he's there.

Well, yeah sure. I did him dirty.

I mean waking up with white froth in the corners of your mouth and wet pants, isn't really fun for anyone, but it's funny for me!

What could I do? I'm not allowed to ruin him physically or else I would get expelled! So I placed him under an illusion, one that would truly scar him for the rest of his pathetic life. To be totally honest, I would've killed him already if it weren't for the fact that I don't want my low-profile status to be over just yet.

I lost count on how many times, him and his pig of a father placed me and my family in a difficult position. It came to the point where my father was nearly demoted and my mom was forced to work for them, doing their nasty laundry. What's worse is that our former clan helped them in suppressing us in all aspects.

My father lost it during that times, they forced his hand and for the first time, dad acted against his oaths and pushed them to the brink of extinction. Seriously, Dad was so fucking angry at them for doing that to Mom, even the Royal Family decided to turn their head away fearing his wrathful gaze will expose them…

Not all royalties are pure, innocent, or pacifists anyway.

I could only cry and clench my teeth back then, blame the world for it's cruelty and unfairness. I might've been through a lot, but I'll never forget my grudges…

Soon…the grand purge will begin.

Those who deserve to stay, will stay. And to those who don't…

Anyway, I think he's planning something. Well, he's rich as hell so I don't doubt it. Let's see what he does…

I walked out of the gates of the mountain range reserved for Genius Class. That being said, I still find it hard to believe that this whole place is just for us to use. It's too damn large don't you think? And for a mere population of 16, this place could've been used for other purposes, but somehow, some smart ass went ahead and thought that it was a good idea to waste it and just let a small amount of people to use.

Like that was a flawless plan!

It must be those wrinkled Royal Tutors and Royal Advisors who taught that this was a good idea. They must've been like…

'Oh! Do you have an idea of what 'Social Status' meant? Here! Have a look! See this mountain range? Only 'Talented' people get to use it, they could do whatever they want with it!'

'Oh? You're a commoner and been subjected to our standards of flawed 'Talent Measurement', and didn't have great results? That's too bad then…you don't get to experience this at all! Boo hoo…'

I swear we're gonna have a 'nice talk' someday.

Normally, there's no reason for any students to step outside of the institute, all of the basic needs are met inside for that reason, but it's not like we are treated like a prisoner here, that's their way of telling us that we need to train harder to get a brighter future.

There are some cases where a student is allowed to go out. Either by applying for a leave, running an errand or a mission pre-requisite. Just so happens that mine fell in the third category.

After showing the contents of the Monthly Mission, I was granted passage by the guards. I felt the influence of the array wash off of me as soon as I step outside. I was then back at the public zone, where the bustle of merchants and people who lived at the Inner Circle was active.

I felt gazes of people checking me out as I walked by.

Some of them showed awe and envy, that might be because I am a student of the Inner Branch? I'm still wearing my uniform so that must be the case, some looks were disdain and gloating, as for why that is, I'm not sure and I don't particularly care. Not my business anyway…

If my memory serves me right, then the place that I'm looking for is actually quite hidden in plain sight. In order to get through there, I need to walked through narrow pathways that will eventually lead me there.

I've walked through a series of criss-crossing alleys and eventually gotten closer to the place.

But it seems that someone didn't wish for a peaceful journey.

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[A/N: Hey, It's me. I'm alive, don't worry I won't drop this. I'm sorry if I haven't given you guys any updates during the past few days. I know I've said that we're going back to daily chapters but I broke my promise. Once again, I'm sorry. If you wanna know the reason why, read on. If you don't, then off to the next chapter you go.

Anyhoo. So, things aren't going so hot in my private life.

I've been feeling terrible, not physically but mentally, over these past few months. I'm not sure why, I wanna say depression and anxiety but it's not for certain as I haven't gone to the doctors yet. Why? Cause they're expensive and I just left my job to focus on this.

I've been in constant meditation and introspection and I want to say that I've somehow…recovered? Like spiritually? It doesn't make sense I know, but just know that I felt better.

That's until…my freaking tab decided to do a factory reset for some reason and delete EVERYTHING that I've worked on!

Templates, plot, advance chapters, character sheets, cultivation sheets, world detail sheets, EVERYTHING RELATED TO THIS STORY WAS DELETED.

And I, an actual retard, should've known! And should've been prepared! Didn't made any back-ups!

I am…ugh.

I don't anyone else to blame other than my stupid ass, and it's such a bitter pill to swallow that you could've prevented an accident if you paid attention, but you didn't cause…you're an idiot. I'm an idiot.

Anyways…instead of making a 'Not a Chapter' chapter and tell you guys what happened. I figured that I would do something like this instead since I don't want to delete any chapters anymore. I think that's the reason why I can't upload chapters with my tab without it being a mess.

Alright, this is long enough. Once again, I'm sorry. I'm working on reconstructing everything as soon as possible. And since I'm basically starting fresh anyway, why not a change of perspective right?

Let me know what you think of this chapter in the comments.

Also, If you could spare me a power stone, that would really help a lot. Thanks for your support so far and enjoy!]