Chapter 149

Suddenly.

Without warning.

All of a sudden.

Before I could even think, it happened in a rush.

When something unexpected occurs, your mind usually freezes. Like how you’re more likely to stand frozen when a car speeds toward you rather than leap out of the way.

That’s why I was just blankly staring at the space where the Sword Master had vanished. The old man waved his hand casually over the spot he’d stepped through and sealed the torn space. Watching all this unfold, my brain oscillated between confusion and awe, like an artist grappling with inspiration.

Yeah.

The inspiration hit me suddenly, slamming into my head like a freight train.

It came without notice, invading my thoughts and pushing me into some profound state of enlightenment before I could even blink.

So, if someone were to ask what I prioritize in life, what could I possibly answer? There are countless responses—thousands, maybe tens of thousands—depending on the person.

It could be greed, love, revenge, persecution, sacrifice, dedication… These are the realms the Sword Master touched upon.

It might also involve material things: wealth, masterpieces, heirlooms, luxury goods, treasures… Or it could revolve around achievements, skills, relationships, networks—things built up over a lifetime.

Of course, values vary based on individual perspectives.

But does any of it last forever? No.

Time erodes everything. Since humans aren’t immortal, we’re bound by the flow of time—each hour, minute, and second shaping our existence.

Yesterday, it was family.

Today, it’s love.

Tomorrow, it’ll be desire.

That’s humanity—constantly shifting desires. Not everyone is exempt from this flow.

Each person is shaped by their environment, memories, experiences, and aspirations. That’s why we’re all unique.

To claim understanding of this would mean either being a sage who foresees the future or someone firmly rooted in their identity, unchanging.

Thus, I understand what the Sword Master was trying to convey: choose one path among countless possibilities and stick to it. You can’t encompass everything—it’s a limitation inherent to being human.

Even though attaining mastery allows one to transcend certain limits—slicing through space, creating miracles—it doesn’t change the fact that they remain human. Everything achieved still falls within the realm of imagination tied to their physical form.

Though initially overwhelming, it’s still part of the journey for those who reach sword mastery.

So then, how do I define myself?

My modern life.

And my life in the Valley of Starwind.

Between these two, I chose the latter—to live in the valley instead of returning to the modern world.

Even though the system deemed this choice a dead end, I didn’t give up. My start began with skills redefined by the system, escaping the oppressive constraints of dreams. A small hope lingered—to someday travel back to Earth, to reconnect with family and friends.

Why can’t I let go? Because I build my life on memories.

Learning and growing come from past experiences. Every moment of learning becomes part of the past, anchoring us in the present.

The present is fleeting.

For that fleeting moment, the past accumulates endlessly. It grows heavier as life progresses.

Memories breed longing—not just happiness but a mix of positives and negatives. This romanticized version sustains me.

Life in the Valley of Starwind is similar. In just one year, I experienced incredibly dense living. Every day was precious, filled with meaningful encounters. I met important people, including Yul, and eventually started a family.

Fate runs deep.

Jack.

Suri.

Fairies.

Spirits.

Maxim.

Bass.

Rossu.

Beckettauer.

Marco.

Petri.

The princess.

Garim.

The Sword Master.

Dragons.

The Fairy King.

The Fairy Captain.

Countless connections have crossed my path. Like snapshots, each leaves its mark. How much heavier will my future become? These bonds deepen but never fade.

Living moment by moment, carry eternity. So where does this eternity come from? Ironically, it’s created from moments. And the current moment—the unknown future—is no different. Possibility stretches infinitely, making it eternal.

Past memories shape the foundation similarly. Though incomplete, they intertwine to support fleeting instances, creating eternity.

My head itches slightly, a strange sensation hinting at something emerging.

Instinctively, I look at the system. That’s how I defined it.

I refuse to give up anything. Greedy for more, I want it all.

Right now, even if greed seeps into the past or spreads into the future, I’ll always cherish the present.

So, for this fleeting moment, I’ll remember it forever. Like a photograph, revisiting it fuels progress toward the future. Thus, eternity.

Knowing there’s a limit yet calling out for eternity—it’s my selfish desire. The simple human wish for happiness to endure. I don’t deny it; I embrace it fully.

I don’t pretend to be anything special. I’m simply Yul’s dad, Anne and Evangelin’s husband, and the small lord of the Valley of Starwind. Socially agreed-upon roles define me.

If those roles disappeared, would I cease to exist?

No. While I wouldn’t vanish, I’d change.

These roles, though socially constructed, aren’t the core of who I am. They’re influenced by external factors and can shift with the wind.

Responsibility comes with acknowledging and accepting this.

There will be challenges and difficulties ahead.

But I strive to prevent them and won’t give up.

Though not purely self-originated, I acknowledge the happiness tied to my identity and affirm its value.

This realization is small—a common epiphany anyone might experience while living.

How does this relate to combat? Honestly, I’m not sure. It just popped into my mind.

This thought alone doesn’t manifest in reality. It merely strengthens my resolve, making me more resolute.

Yet, the results seem impressive.

[Combat Master Level 1 Achieved! Choose your Mastery Effect!]

[Clap Clap Clap Clap Clap!]

[Amazing! Congratulations on reaching mastery purely through effort without side effects!!!]

The system’s boisterous celebration echoes.

“Thank you.”

Gratitude feels natural. In response, the system reveals rewards in soft light.

[1. Moment]

[2. Eternity]

“This is what I just realized.”

[Originally, something else was planned, but this is the rightful reward for ascending correctly!]

“Thank you.”

Is this better? I know what it symbolizes.

But technically, what it can do remains unclear. That’s my homework to explore step by step.

Without hesitation, I tap it, and my vision clears.

The intricate arrangement of magic power forming the world. An absolute sense of awareness centered on my position. A faint omnipotence suggesting limitless potential.

They say perception changes. Is this what the Sword Master meant? Standing here feels lonely despite the monumental difference from taking just one step forward.

In games, this might’ve been simplified as increased attack power, passive effects, or health boosts. How ironic.

“No pain.”

Instead, it feels refreshing. My mind feels sharp, like breathing crisp morning air. Slight pride lingers.

Previously, I followed the system’s guidance, progressing along an elite path.

This time feels different. Even though the process resembles the elite route, the subject has shifted.

I reached this point first, and the system followed.

Maybe that’s why there’s no accompanying pain, only clarity lingering around me.

I quietly savor this moment, enjoying the forest’s serene silence. How long has it been? A small, cute presence approaches.

“Abba!”

“Yes?”

“Yuri’s bicycle broke…”

As I basked in the afterglow, a darling child appeared. Radiating melancholy, she clung to me cutely. Tiny horns and jewel-like red eyes marked her as our village mascot—a cheerful bringer of joy. It was Yul.

“I’ll fix it for you.”

“Really?”

Her face brightens as she recounts the incident—bringing her bike into the forest to find Abba, only for it to break and reduce her to tears. Her already red eyes are redder now.

“Did Yul cry?”

“Um…”

“I’ll take care of it. Let’s go.”

“Abba’s the best!”

“How did you find me?”

“With Grandpa and Abba.”

“Were you looking for me?”

Yul nods quietly, which makes me proud. Holding her close, we walk slowly.

“How did you find me?”

“There were tracks.”

“You followed the footprints?”

“Yes! Yuri has good eyesight, right?”

“Our Yul has great vision.”

“Hehe.”

Titles like “Master” or “whatnot”—do they matter?

I differ from the Sword Master. While he seeks higher realms for improvement, I live to cherish and preserve this happiness forever.

“Did Yul get hurt?”

“Nope! Yuri’s body is tough!”

True, with armor rivaling a knight’s heavy gear, Yul’s unlikely to bruise from a mere fall. Still, I check her thoroughly out of concern, finally relaxing once I confirm she’s fine.

“Let’s go. Abba will make you a new bike.”

“Yes!”

Yul radiates warmth like fresh milk.

“All of today… The fairies…”

On the way, she excitedly shares every detail of her day. Smiling dumbly, I nod along, encouraging her enthusiastically. This fuels her further, gesturing wildly as she delivers a passionate monologue.

Yeah. This is what I want—simple, everyday moments.

“Yul.”

“Yes!”

“Do you know how much Abba loves you?”

Her eyes widen comically, then soften into a warm smile. A radiant grin spreads across her face, culminating in a grand declaration.

“I love you too!”

That’s all I need.

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