After a good night’s rest, recovering from the battle against the second-rank beast, Conan awoke determined. Today, he would meet with the sect leader who had summoned him the previous night. As he walked through the corridors toward the palace, which rose at the highest point of the sect, his thoughts revolved around one question: What could she want from him? It had barely been a week since he had taken possession of this body, still adapting to his new reality.
When he arrived at the palace, Conan advanced through the great throne room, where the leader awaited him. As he crossed the imposing doors, he came face to face with a figure he immediately recognized. His heart tightened upon seeing Selene Evenstar, the Ice Empress. She had been one of those responsible for his death in his previous life. However, an unexpected thought invaded his mind:
"Why don’t I feel hatred for her? Even now, looking at her, I feel no resentment. Is it because of that time?" Conan wondered as an old memory vividly surfaced in his mind.
He saw himself younger, around 15 years old, sitting next to a young woman with white hair. Both were gazing at the landscape before them, a lake with crystal-clear waters, so serene and captivating it seemed to freeze time.
"Why are you leaving?" asked the young woman, her voice sad, her gaze fixed on the lake.
"I'm going to train on my own. There's nothing here anymore that can make me stronger," the young Conan replied, his voice serious and firm. He avoided looking at the girl, not wanting to face the sadness etched on her face.
"Can I come with you?" she asked, a glimmer of hope in her voice.
"No. The place I'm going… you wouldn’t like it. And the things I'll do… I don't want you to have to go through that," Conan replied, with a cold expression, though his heart was uneasy.
If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
Hesitantly, he handed her a simple necklace, adorned with a jade ornament. It was something special to him, a symbol of his promise.
"But I promise I’ll return. This necklace will be proof," he said, finally meeting the girl’s gaze.
The memory faded as Conan brought his attention back to the present. Selene, the same person from that memory, was sitting on the throne before him, watching him with an indecipherable expression. The weight of her presence was undeniable, but Conan shook the thoughts of the past from his mind. **Now is not the time to dwell on the past**, he reminded himself, focusing on what lay ahead.
Just steps from the throne, Conan gave a respectful bow.
"Disciple Conan Itharis presents himself to the sect leader," he said, his voice firm.
"It’s good to see you, little disciple," Selene replied, a subtle smile on her lips. There was something enigmatic in her tone, but Conan maintained his composure.
"To what do I owe the honor of your summons, Master?" Conan asked, curiosity mixing with caution.
"I’ve invited you here because I want you to participate in the competition between sects that will take place in three weeks, right here," Selene explained, a glint of conviction in her eyes.
Conan frowned. The competition was known for gathering the strongest disciples. He had not yet reached the level of the best in the sect.
"But why me? There are stronger disciples who deserve this honor," Conan asked, genuinely confused.
"Because I believe you can become stronger than many of them in this short time. And I will give you the resources to do so," Selene affirmed, extending a storage ring to him.
Inside, Conan found rare pills and herbs, valuable materials that could significantly accelerate his cultivation. He pondered for a moment before accepting.
"I understand. I will accept your invitation and honor your trust," Conan said, determined.
"Good. Begin cultivating immediately. When the competition draws near, I will summon you to assess your progress," Selene concluded, bidding him farewell with a slight nod.
"Disciple Conan takes his leave," he said, bowing before exiting the hall.
Conan returned to his dormitory with the storage ring in hand, determined not to waste the opportunity. Upon arrival, he sat in a meditation position, preparing to begin an extended period of cultivation. He analyzed the items he had received, selected some of the pills and herbs, and began to cultivate, determined not to stop until he had reached a new level of power.
As Conan concentrated, elsewhere in the palace, Selene sat alone in her chambers, lost in thought. Her fingers touched the jade necklace around her neck, a reminder of times past, carefully hidden beneath her robes.
"Why are they so similar?" she wondered. The resemblance between Conan and the young man she had once known was not only in appearance but also in the way he acted, in the determination he exuded. Selene sighed, her fingers caressing the necklace. "Is destiny playing tricks on me?"
No matter how hard she tried to push the thoughts away, she couldn’t shake the feeling that, somehow, the past was returning to haunt her—but with a different face.