Ramsus was an unlucky child. He had been born to a farmer couple in a village adjoining the forbidden forest. While he did not remember much of his early childhood, he still remembered the horrors of the night his village was attacked by a monster tide. He remembered how the earth quaked as if declaring the oncoming calamity, the distant bloodthirsty roars and seeing the terror on his parent's face. He remembered how his mother had tucked him inside the closet with his baby brother asking not to make a sound. He remembered how his parents had spilt their blood through self-inflicted wounds in all corners of the house to hide the sibling's scent and then had run off trying to attract the monsters. He also remembered the screams of his mother and father among the various screams he heard that night. He had placed his hands on his brother's mouth to prevent any sounds from leaking. While he did not succeed in blocking his brother's cries, his parent's sacrifice had brought them enough time until the army arrived and slew the beasts.

The soldiers found the boys after searching the home and sent them over to the capital as these two were the sole survivors of the incident. The kids were sent to the military academy in Atrexia city where they were given odd jobs and some resources to cultivate. He had turned 6 at the time and was at the ideal age to start cultivation. He used his pay to buy needs for his brother and himself. Through the past 6 years, he had cultivated diligently and practised martial arts earnestly, while looking after his brother. In fact, he could be considered quite talented in the martial way and was almost invincible in the same realm. This was the reason why despite being in the middle knight realm, he was still nominated by the military academy to take the test for light tower's lower rung.

As he was not involved in the politics of nobles, in his ignorance, he had offended a noble child of considerable rank. Due to this, he had been unable to make friends in the caravan or join any groups. He was also bullied incessantly by the noble's group. The entire journey had been very excruciating for the 12-year-old child. But he clearly remembered the scene of a child the same as his younger brother beating up all that came to challenge him. The scene of Michael's resolve and aura ready to fight against everything had been truly imprinted in his heart. He had never admired anyone in the short life of his but after that day, all he held for Michael was admiration. It was not the admiration of his strength or genius but the admiration for his courage! The will to go against the tides and to fight tooth and nail against stronger adversaries. In the month that followed, Ramsus had held on steadfast despite the bullying. Unfortunately, he was not selected.

It was not a shock for him. The tower may consider talent as an important aspect but that was only for students. For helpers, it was a matter of pure combat ability. The most important part of these worker's job description was to clear the surrounding forests of weaker monsters. Thus the exam of the second day was simply judging the combat power of the applicants. While Ramsus had failed, he now had a goal. He wanted to be like the crown prince. To be an expert that had the courage to go against the tides! Thus, he had planned to return to the military academy and hone himself further. But, just as he entered his tent to pack his belongings, he saw Michael standing there! He was immediately excited but confused at the same time. Michael was the crown prince of humans, the second rank elite disciple of the tower. While he himself was a nobody. So why would Michael come to visit him? Was there a mistake or was this a conspiracy of the darn noble?

He saw Michael looking at him and he heard him say:

> Micahel : Come with me for a chat.

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Micahel had successfully passed the exam and completed one of the important goals he had set for himself. That was, gaining influence. This was one of the most important things needed for his future plan.

After many years of cultivation, he knew his talent better than anyone else. While he was very talented, he did not possess resources that could hasten his cultivation. This was mostly because the humans were the lower rung of the society in Aterna. Even the emperor was extremely poor. Thus, he had already been working on an elaborate plan. One that depended on his influence rather than his power. He remembered his memories of the forbidden forest and he was certain that this plan, after execution, would be a significant boost to his strength. This would allow him to meet the goal he had set for himself - reaching the immortal realm in 50 years!

After pondering many things, he then turned to Ramsus. This kid was quite talented and with resources could be groomed well. He was talented with martial arts as well. Michael needed to nominate two retainers for himself who would be able to enter the tower with him. Paul had told him that the emperor himself had arranged one of the kids and that he was free to select the other one.

Michael had already figured out the purpose of the retainer sent by the emperor - it was to spy on Micahel and to report things back to the kingdom. After all, many talented humans had been poached from their race over the years. These were the betrayers of the race and all races had them. They would become dogs of other races for more power, beauties or treasures. The elves had recruited most human betrayers using the honey trap method.

Michael did not particularly mind. There were limited things the kid could know. And he was planning to learn soul arts that would let him do as he wished without anyone finding out! After observing Ramsus for more than 2 months, Micahel liked the character of this kid and thus, he asked him to follow back to his quarters.

> Michael : Listen Ramsus, I have called you to give you a chance. I can bring in 2 retainers with me to the tower. There is a spot open. Do you want to become my retainer?

>

> Ramsus : My Lord! This... I think that there are many more qualified than me in the camp. I do not think that I am qualified.

>

> Michael : I like that you know the situation. So I will tell you. The cultivation that you or someone else in the camp possess right now is nothing much. It's not like I get to chose between you and a perfect realm expert. Also, the most important thing in a retainer is not power, talent or anything else. The most important thing is loyalty! As long as you offer me your loyalty, I will give you a chance. A chance to reach the apex! A chance to become an expert! And a chance to follow me to bring the race to glory!

Ramsus was truly stunned. He had never thought that Micahel had such grand ambitions! Almost all children wanted to reach higher realms but they never thought about the race. It was for the experts to think that. Besides, becoming an expert was much easier than leading the race to glory. The other races had many immortal experts. For one person to truly lead the race to glory was almost impossible! But for Michael to have such ambitions already had Ramsus awed. If he did not know better, he might even have thought that Micahel was boasting. But, he could see the resolve in Michael's eyes. It was clear that Michael truly believed what he was saying. Ramsus finally made a decision.

He knew that as a commoner, he was bound to follow nobles. This was a social structure not many could break! But, if he was to follow someone, he would follow someone who had the courage to challenge the impossible. In his mind, he had already considered Michael his master. With his mind made up, he said:

> Ramsus : I accept, My Lord!

>

> Michael : No need to be so formal. Now that you are under my wing, you can call me master. Know that you are the only one under my wing right now. The other guy is from the empire and is not my follower. Later, many others may join me but as long as you are loyal, you would always have a place by my side! You can approach me later for cultivation resources. Now, get prepared to join me. From now, you shall take the Rageberg name and are Ramsus Rageberg! If you have a family, you should shift them to Redster. They will be cared for. For this, you have my word. I will give you my seal for this reason. Return it to me later.

Ramsus left after taking Michael's seal. This was Michael's first follower in his new life. In this new life, he had decided to choose followers that he could lead to war. Ramsus was his first choice.

Many years later, when he reached incredible heights, many emperors and gods, leaders of planes themselves would have to bow to this commoner kid to ask for a chance to meet Michael!