The steady clatter of the carriage wheels against the cobblestone road should have been soothing, but instead, it felt like the countdown to my doom. My leg tapped restlessly against the floor, the rhythm quickening as every passing moment seemed to drag me closer to some inevitable disaster.

Disaster could strike at any time. Right as I was thinking this, in fact.

The world outside the window was a blur of dark greens and grays, the thick forests and distant mountains of the Romani estate passing by without meaning. My thoughts were too tangled, too loud to care about the scenery.

Death. The word thudded through my mind, heavy and unyielding. I had faced enemies that could kill with a flick of their wrist and had stared down creatures that would make lesser men weep, but this—this was different. It wasn’t an enemy I could fight or outsmart. It was just… there, somewhere on the horizon, waiting.

I didn’t even know how far off that horizon was. A year? A month? Fuck, maybe just a week. The uncertainty was a knife twisting in my gut, and I couldn’t pull it out.

Most importantly, how do you even fight something as abstract as ‘life-span’? Was this related to the Goddess of Fate, Aurethia? Was my fated day of death cut short, or what?

There had to be a way to find out. Some spell, some ancient magic tucked away in the pages of [Arcane Crown] or whispered in the halls of the Waybound Academy. Something that could show me how long I had before I kicked the bucket. I racked my brain, trying to recall anything I’d read, anything at all, but my mind was too clouded with panic to think straight. And even if I did figure it out, how would I fix it? How the hell do you fix a lifespan that’s already been ripped to shreds?

Okay, to be fair, it’s not impossible to increase my lifespan. It’s just complicated. However, if the remaining time is long enough, I can just cultivate it away. I noted. Unfortunately for the EXP restriction, I didn’t have any fix for it. This, I could try to fix.

That would be an easy fix. People in Murim lived for two or even three hundred years through cultivation, after all. The problem was if I only had, let’s say, one year left. Or less. Then cultivation wouldn’t save me, I’d drop dead.

So depending on how long I had left, I could just sit still or go through complications to fix it. But how do I confirm how much time I have left to live?

Letting out a sigh, I decided to distract myself by calling forth my Status Page. It had been a while.

Name: Iskandaar Romani

Age: 19 years

Race: Human

Qi: 3400/3400

Level: 30 | 21% EXP

Class: Myth Slayer

Class Level: [1/10]

Class Skills:

Mythrend [Active]

Void Step [Active]

Soul Sever [Active]

Legendbreaker [Passive]

Veil of the Slayer [Passive]

General Skills:

The Heavenly Demon Skill Tree [23.77%]

Insight [Basic]

Swordsmanship [Intermediate]

Kickboxing [Master]

The tapping of my leg grew faster, louder. The status screen looked powerful, but all of that was a waste if I ended up dropping dead right now.

Across from me, Lilian shifted uncomfortably. It didn’t help that this was probably her first time in a carriage, and the person she sat against was acting like a caged animal. But I couldn’t stop. If I stopped moving, I felt like my heart might give out right there.

“Are you… alright?” Her voice broke through the noise in my head, a hesitant question hanging in the air between us.

I glanced at her, catching the concern in her red eyes, and forced a laugh. It came out more like a scoff. “Yeah, I’m just peachy,” I said, waving her off. “Don’t worry about it.”

She didn’t look convinced. Of course, she didn’t. It wasn’t like I was doing a good job of hiding how fucked up I felt. She leaned back, crossing her arms over her chest. “You’ve been acting weird ever since we left Lockdarn. I get that you’re tired or whatever, but this… are you scared of something?”

I kept my gaze on the window, watching the shadows of the trees stretch and bend with the movement of the carriage. The thought of explaining what was going on, of voicing the raw fear gnawing at me, made my throat tighten.

I didn’t want to reveal to her that my super powerful technique cost most of my life-span; that’d ruin my image. Plus I wasn’t about to dump my problems on her.

Instead, I decided to deflect. “What about you?” I shot back, trying to sound casual. “You’ve been quiet this whole trip. Mad because your tribe ditched you?”

Lilian’s eyes narrowed, and for a second, I thought she might actually lunge across the carriage and punch me. But instead, she just sighed, the tension in her shoulders easing as she slumped back against her seat. “They didn’t ditch me,” she muttered, her voice laced with frustration. “I know why they left me behind. It just… sucks, you know? They’re my family, and now I’m stuck with you.”

I almost laughed at that. “Yeah, I’m sure they’ll come running back any day now. You’re not stuck with me, Lilian. If anything, I’m stuck with you. You're at a higher level than me, so rest assured.”

She rolled her eyes, the corners of her mouth twitching upward in a reluctant smile. “Whatever. You’re changing the topic. I’m not the one with a foot tapping like there’s a war drum under the carriage. So, what’s really bothering you?”

I opened my mouth to toss another sarcastic comment her way, but the words caught in my throat. She was right. I was deflecting. But what was I supposed to say? That I was scared shitless because I didn’t know how much time I had left? That the thought of dropping dead in some godforsaken alley was making my skin crawl?

I wasn’t particularly fearful of death. No man who was would drink three dozen energy drinks and stay awake for three days. I didn’t mind if I died. At least… back in my last life, where I lost everything.

But this was a second chance.

This was a new life with endless possibilities. I didn’t want to just… die.

Plus it would be so embarrassing to die while taking a walk when I’m the person who slayed a Myth. I knew I was worrying too much, but I’m sure it’ll pass soon.

Before I could figure out how to answer her, the carriage began to slow, the sounds of the city gradually replacing the quiet of the countryside. We were home. Romer City, the center of the Romani county, sprawled out before us, familiar and unchanged. The sight of it was oddly comforting. I hadn’t even spent a month here, and yet it smelled like home.

We went through the city gates and headed into our mansion.

“I know you’ve seen the city before, but where we’re heading is something else entirely,” I told Lilian as she peeked out of the carriage window.

Her eyes widened as the Romani mansion came into view.

The estate was perched on a lush hill, with tall stone walls and towering spires reaching into the sky. A clear river wound through the grounds, reflecting the golden light of the afternoon. The mansion itself looked like something out of a storybook, its ancient walls softened by ivy and surrounded by manicured gardens.

The Romanis were wealthy. The mansion alone proved that.

“This… this is the Romani estate?” Lilian whispered in disbelief.

I nodded, a small smile tugging at my lips. “Welcome to Romer City, Lilian. This is home.”

As the carriage passed over the drawbridge and into the courtyard, the rich scent of blooming flowers and fresh bread from the nearby market filled the air. Sir Rashid called out, announcing our arrival. The carriage came to a halt, and the door swung open to reveal Sir Rashid, my father’s most trusted knight.Lilian’s usual composure faltered as she stepped onto the cobblestones, her gaze sweeping over the mansion and the surrounding gardens.

“Wow,” she breathed, clearly in awe. “It’s… it’s like something out of a story.”

Her reaction helped me breathe easier, momentarily easing the tension that had been gnawing at me. For a brief moment, the beauty of the estate made everything feel almost normal again.

Almost.

“Follow me, young master,” Sir Rashid said, and I nodded. Lilian followed behind me, her earlier frustration had long faded as she whipped her head around. The family home was as imposing as ever, its tall stone walls and ornate towers standing like sentinels as we approached.

Reaching the mansion’s door, the familiar figures of the Count and Countess appeared, faces etched with worry. They had been waiting, and now that we were here, the full weight of what had happened in Lockdarn would come crashing down on them.

My heart pounded in my chest, each step toward them feeling heavier than the last. As I met my father’s gaze, I couldn’t help but wonder how much longer I’d have to keep up this charade. “Mother. Father.” I bowed to them gently, and my mother pulled me into a hug.

My father frowned instead. Not at me, but at Lilian; a demi-wolf dressed like a maid.

A short silence passed, and by then, my father's concern had twisted into something sharper.

My mother canceled the hug, while his lips thinned as he shot me a look. “Are you playing with women even during all this? I got you a fiancé!”

If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

His voice was hard, a tone that brooked no argument. Was he accusing me of buying a slave, or what?

I opened my mouth to defend myself, to explain that it wasn’t what it looked like, but before I could get a word in, Sir Rashid cleared his throat. “My lord,” he leaned down and whispered something into the Count’s ear, his words too low for anyone else to hear, other than the Countess.

Whatever Rashid said, it hit my father like a cold splash of water. He visibly flinched. The Countess scowled too.

Their eyes widened slightly, flicking back to Lilian, then to me. For a moment, my father just stared, piecing together the situation with newfound clarity. I could see the change in his expression—discomfort mixed with realization. He cleared his throat, looking away from Lilian, and quickly shifted the subject.

Huh. I wondered what Sir Rashid told him. The mark thing again? No way.

“Let’s converse about this indoors,” he said, his voice now carefully neutral. Without another word, he turned on his heel and led us into the mansion.

****

We followed him into a familiar meeting room, the same grand room I had met Nebula in. The room was large, with tall windows that let in the afternoon light, casting long shadows across the polished floor. A heavy wooden table dominated the center, surrounded by chairs that had seen countless important conversations.

As soon as we were seated, my father wasted no time. “What happened in Lockdarn?” he asked, his tone leaving no room for evasion.

Sir Rashid and I exchanged a quick glance before I started recounting the events.

I told him about the battle, about the Moon Wolf Tribe’s struggle against the Obsidian Vampires. I kept my voice steady as I spoke of the deaths, the devastation. So many people were gone, and the city was left in ruins. I also talked about Lilian. Her presence beside me was a silent reminder of the losses suffered. When he heard the stuff she had to go through, their expressions softened toward her.

Among all that, he seemed pleased when he heard that Sir Carlos had stepped into the 5th Ascension. Although he was currently unconscious. He and Sir Lucas were brought back to Romer, and would receive adequate treatment until they regained their health.

Sir Rashid took over the conversation next. He talked about what Amelia had told him, that the situation was a lot grander than what met the eye. He went over the details of the fight he had heard, including who won and who was defeated.

My father listened intently, his face a mask of controlled emotion. He was more a politician than a warrior, and I could see the wheels turning in his mind as he processed the implications of everything. The deaths, the destruction—these weren’t just personal tragedies; they were political landmines.

“That's basically it,” Sir Rashid ended. “After hearing all this, I decided to bring the young master back as soon as possible to inform you, my lord. But I've kept most of the knights behind to support the city and its people. Those who left the city must be returning now, only to find it ruined.”

“Lockdarn is a key city,” he said, his voice heavy with the weight of responsibility. “The consequences of this battle will echo through the region. You have done well to leave the knights behind. We’ll need to provide aid to the survivors, rebuild the city, and ensure that the other Nobles understand the gravity of what happened.”

That's going to be expensive. Unfortunately, as the most powerful noble house nearby, the Romani County had to help out until the Imperial Family would give their official statement. Although that might not be a bad thing. We'll likely receive rewards from the Emperor, not counting the fame, so it'll do us good.

He paused, his gaze sharpening as it locked onto mine. “This was a hard-earned victory, but don’t let it get to your head, Iskandaar. No, it wasn't even your victory. You were lucky this time to survive. Next time, things won’t be so easy. You need to train more, strengthen yourself. Enemies of this level are everywhere. You wouldn't be lucky everytime. Grow stronger.”

I nodded, knowing he was right. I’d survived, but it had been a close thing. Too close. My father’s words were a harsh reminder that I couldn’t afford to rest on my laurels.

He stood up, signaling the end of the conversation. “Lead the girl to the head maid,” he instructed.

“Tell her to come meet me later,” my mother added, her voice gentle but firm. “The head maid, I mean. I'll need to instruct her on how she should treat this child since she will accompany you to the Academy.”

She seemed excessively happy, saying the word academy. She hid her face with a hand fan.

I remembered my father's grief when the Carlstein Baron asked him why I wouldn't be attending the academy, but now he was smiling. He too was happy, knowing I'd be attending the Academy.

“Yes mother,” I bowed and nodded.

“So it's true you got a [Class]? That means you've crossed the 2nd Ascension.” He worded it like a question, but when I opened my mouth, my father waved me away. “Never mind, go rest.”

Rubbing the back of my head, I walked out of the room. Lilian followed, awkwardly bowing to my parents as she stepped into the quieter hallways.

….

The air was cooler here, a welcome contrast to the tense atmosphere we’d just left behind. I took in a breath, enjoying the fragrance of the garden flowing through the windows.

I could feel Lilian’s eyes on me, her glances filled with suspicion and curiosity. “What?” I turned to her.

When she shrugged, I sighed inwardly, knowing what she must be thinking. Before she could say anything, I spoke again. “Don’t worry about what my father said,” I told her, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible. “I don't play around with women… Er, I’ve changed my ways.”

It would be awkward if she heard the rumors about me, so I had to say I'd changed instead. She stared at me for a moment, clearly trying to decide whether to believe me or not.

“....” I smiled, and she raised an eyebrow.

“...Fine,” she muttered. I could tell she wasn’t entirely convinced but for now, it would have to do.

With that, we continued walking down the hall, heading toward the head maid’s quarters. The day wasn’t over yet, neither for Lilian nor me.

There was still plenty left to deal with. Such as looking around for ways to figure out my remaining lifespan.

****

Lilian didn't really have a choice when she was thrown to Iskandaar as his maid. She had no choice but to accept it since her grandmother marked him.

In simpler terms, Iskandaar was basically a part of her tribe now. Although it was annoying that she had to serve him as a maid, follow these useless noble customs and everything, she could get used to it. Her tribe respected strength above ranks, even if she was the Princess, she didn't mind being the servant of a stronger person. That's just how it was. Even though he said his Level was lower than her, he was certainly stronger than her.

Her first impression of him wasn't that good, but she would blame the rumors around him for that. That bias was gone after she witnessed his strength. Plus, if her grandmother's theory on his identity was correct, he was a bag of opportunity.

Being around a person like him would be beneficial for her. She'd be able to level up faster, for sure; someone of his background was a trouble magnet, and trouble meant Levels. She loved Levels.

So she didn't mind following him around the entire day, wondering what he was up to. It wasn't as fun as she had hoped, unfortunately.

The city of Romer bustled with its energy; the streets were so active that it seemed alive with the sounds of merchants selling their wares, children playing, and the constant hum of everyday life. Lilian had lived in Lockdarn for a month, but her mind that was used to the forest-life still found all of this too loud.

And yet, as she followed Iskandaar, who moved through the crowd, she began to find the lively atmosphere strangely quiet. Her gaze was drawn to the young man in front of her, whose tense posture and persistent pace failed to hide the madness within him.

He definitely lied when he said he was not worried. What’s he hiding?

Someone of his strength and stature, what did he have to fear so much?

Iskandaar didn’t look back at her, focused as they made their way through the winding alleys and crowded marketplaces. He seemed to be searching for something—something important, something that had him on edge. But he wasn’t saying what.

Lilian was patient and observed for the first few hours, but their silence lasted far too long. The anxiety she sensed in him was contagious; it began to fill her own mind with questions and concerns. She couldn't take it anymore, so she opened her mouth.

“What are you searching for, anyway?” she asked, breaking the silence between them. Unlike usual, her tone was soft. She did feel concerned seeing him like this, but no matter what, he was her tribe’s savior.

Iskandaar did not respond immediately. For a brief moment, she worried that he would completely ignore her. But then, without turning to face her, he said, "It's nothing. I, uh, I… just need to figure something out."

Yeah, it’s definitely something. Lilian thought with a frown at his ambiguous response. She decided not to press further for now. He doesn’t trust me yet… She could see the strain on his face, the way his hands clenched and unclenched at his sides as if he was barely holding himself together. She wanted to know what made him so worried, but he couldn’t trust her with it. It honestly pained her a little, but she could understand.

Whatever he was looking for was of utmost importance to him.

They persisted in their search, traversing from one part of the city to another.

Iskandaar visited several locations—an old bookstore here, a potion shop there—but each time left frustrated because he couldn't find what he was looking for. Lilian followed quietly, her mind racing with uncertainty.

Lilian's keen ears picked up on the townspeople's whispers as they moved through Romer's busier areas. The city was filled with chatter, much of it directed at them. Or rather, at Iskandaar and the “new girl” trailing behind him.

“That’s the Romani heir, isn’t it? The one with the reputation?”

“Yeah, and look, he’s got another one with him. It’s a demi-human, no less… Poor thing. Even if she got sold as a slave, to be bought by someone like that… Tsk, tsk.”

“Another victim… Pity. You’d think a noble would know better, especially a Romani.”

Lilian's frown deepened as the whispers entered her ears. The judgment in their voices was obvious, they didn’t even try to hide it. Each of their words dripped with contempt for him and sympathy for her.

It was not hard to figure out what they meant by "victim." The townspeople saw her as just another conquest for a noble with a trash reputation—a reputation that seemed to follow Iskandaar everywhere he went. It annoyed Lilian.

She glanced at him, wondering how much of what they said was true. Was he really as those rumors said he was? How bad was his past that people talked about him this way, despite his noble status? He didn’t even look bothered by it, too. He was used to it.

But when she looked at him, she didn’t see the man they described. Instead, she saw someone strong enough to cleave the Vampiric Father in two, yet being so nervous. He was someone searching for answers, not for trouble. Lilian couldn’t trust those rumors.

His frustration was evident in the way he moved, his steps becoming more erratic as they went from one place to another without finding what he was looking for. The day wore on, and their search led them deeper into the city’s quieter quarters. That’s when they came across some people.

In a deserted alley, Iskandaar and Lilian finished talking with a couple. “...T-thank you, my lord,” The couple exchanged a glance as the husband said, bowing his head. “We appreciate your kindness. We’ll be going now!”

Iskandaar nodded and moved aside to let them pass. As they moved down the alley, he followed their retreating forms until they turned a corner and vanished from sight.

A small, bright smile tugged on the corners of his lips. For a brief moment, the heaviness that he had been hiding in his chest appeared to lift. He looked… peaceful. Lilian was glad, but sadly, it didn’t last long.

The couple's laughter faded into the background, and his smile too did the same. The weight of his concerns seemed to return as he leaned forward, pressing his forehead against the cool stone wall as if to find comfort in its unyielding solidity.

He let out a long, exhausted sigh, but his eyes held a glimmer of hope.

Lilian observed him silently. It was far too obvious by now that whatever was bothering him was eating him alive on the inside, so she decided to speak up again.

"Hey," she took a quiet step closer and placed a hand on his shoulder, gentle but firm. "It’s okay. You will find exactly what you are looking for. We will figure it out."

Iskandaar did not immediately lift his head. A moment later, he did and revealed a small smile. "I have. I think. We're getting close," he said calmly. "I think we've got some solid leads."

Lilian blinked in surprise. She hadn’t expected to hear that, but she was happy. Seeing the glimmer of hope in his expression lifted some of her own tension. The weight that had been pressing down on them all day seemed to lighten just a bit.

The two of them stood there in the alley, the world outside continuing on without them as if they were caught in a moment of stillness. Lilian didn’t say anything more, nodding.