Chapter 3: Training, Growth, and the Threshold of Rebirth
"Now that you have met your new family," Vale said with a serious expression,
"you will undergo half a month of training. Your body will be pushed to its absolute limits—physically and mentally."
Haneul stood upright, listening carefully.
"Your trainer," Vale continued, "and also your personal attendant, will be Isaac."
"I understand," Haneul replied, his eyes firm.
Vale smiled faintly. Rather than fear or hesitation, what he saw in Haneul was anticipation.
"Your training will begin tomorrow," Vale said.
"For now, eat well and rest properly."
With that, everyone went their separate ways.
Vale headed toward his office.
Elizabeth returned to the manor's library.
Emily happily ran off into the garden.
Haneul returned to his room.
Learning About the World
Alone in his room, Haneul turned his attention to the bookshelf.
He began reading, page after page, absorbing knowledge about this unfamiliar world.
He learned that the continent was ruled by a powerful force known as the Empire, an authority that governed most nations under its banner.
He read about Valhalla Academy, a prestigious institution where talented individuals—mostly from noble families—were trained to become elite warriors, mages, and leaders.
Most importantly, he discovered that the Five Celestial Gods were not the only gods in existence—there were lesser gods, forgotten gods, and even Outer Gods whose names were feared.
(This world is far more dangerous than I imagined…)
After some time, a maid came to inform him that dinner was ready.
A Family Dinner.
When Haneul arrived at the dining hall, he froze.
A long, luxurious table stretched across the room, covered with countless dishes. The aroma alone made his stomach growl.
"You may eat now, my child," Elizabeth said warmly.
"Thank you for the meal," Haneul replied politely.
He cut into a piece of pork and took a bite.
His eyes widened.
(It's incredible…)
Emily eagerly handed him a strawberry cupcake.
"Try this, big brother!"
Haneul took a bite and smiled.
"Delicious."
Vale burst into laughter.
"Hahaha! Eat as much as you want!
Maids, bring out more food—we seem to have a little glutton!"
The atmosphere was lively and warm—something Haneul had never experienced in his previous life.
That night, before sleeping, he noticed numerous guards patrolling the manor grounds.
"With security like this… I can finally rest."
He lay down and fell asleep peacefully.
Day One – Physical Training
The next morning, Haneul stood at the rear of the manor grounds, surrounded by trees.
Isaac stood before him, posture straight and expression serious.
"Young Master," Isaac said,
"we will begin with a warm-up. One full lap around the manor. Jogging pace."
"Understood."
"Ready…One… Two… Three…Go!"
Haneul immediately began running.
By the time he completed the lap, his breathing was heavy and sweat soaked his clothes.
"Good," Isaac said.
"Now we begin the main physical training."
Isaac raised his voice.
"One hundred push-ups.
After that, one hundred sit-ups.
And finally—one hundred squats."
Haneul clenched his fists.
"Got it."
By the 87th push-up, his arms shook violently.
(Don't stop.)
He forced himself through all one hundred.
"You may rest if you wish," Isaac offered.
"No," Haneul replied between breaths.
"Let's continue."
Isaac smiled slightly.
During sit-ups, Haneul slowed down at the 74th, then forced himself to speed up instead.
Isaac noticed.
(That determination…)
When Haneul reached the squats, his legs finally gave out at the 62nd.
"Young Master!" Isaac moved forward.
"I'm fine…!" Haneul said, standing back up.
He completed all one hundred.
"Excellent," Isaac said.
"Twenty minutes of rest."
Haneul collapsed onto the ground. Isaac handed him water and a towel.
"Thank you."
"I am merely fulfilling my duty," Isaac replied, bowing lightly.
After the break, Isaac spoke again.
"Now we move on to combat training."
He drew a circle on the ground and assumed a judo stance.
"Your objective is simple—push me out of the circle."
"Judo?" Haneul asked.
"How do you know this martial art?"
"I was trained by a transmigrator," Isaac replied.
"We will discuss that later. Focus."
Haneul took a taekwondo stance and charged.
His roundhouse kick was caught.
His punch was blocked.
"You're wide open, Young Master."
Isaac threw him to the ground.
But—
There's an opening.
Haneul reacted instantly, twisting his body and delivering a powerful front kick.
Isaac was pushed out of the circle.
"Impressive," Isaac said.
"You recognized the opening and acted without hesitation."
"Thank you."
"The circle will increase in size tomorrow," Isaac warned.
"I'll keep that in mind."
After combat training, Isaac began teaching Haneul about the System.
"The System allows all living beings to grow stronger," Isaac explained.
"You gain experience by slaying other beings. Experience raises your level, and leveling up strengthens your body."
He continued.
"Stats are divided by color, indicating growth thresholds."
Colorless: Levels 1–100
Red: 1–200
Orange: 1–300
Yellow: 1–400
Green: 1–500
Blue: 1–600
Purple: 1–700
Black: 1–800
White: 1–900
Gold: 1–1,000
"Skills," Isaac said, "are abilities acquired through effort, learning, or awakening."
Skill types included:
AOE, Buff, Mobility, Passive, Active
Skill ranks were:
Common, Uncommon, Rare, Legendary, Special, Exclusive, and Mythical
"Every living being is born with one Unique Skill," Isaac added.
"No two beings can possess the same Unique Skill."
Isaac then explained Class.
"Everyone starts with a starter class—Warrior, Mage, Assassin, Archer, or Support."
"Classes can evolve through Class Evolution, by fusing compatible classes. This requires clearing a Class Evolution Trial, a dungeon provided by the System."
"Failure results in ejection and a one-day cooldown."
Lastly, Isaac explained Sub-Classes.
"A Sub-Class cannot evolve, but it provides passive buffs.
For example, Assassin as a Sub-Class makes your presence harder to detect."
Half a Month Later
Steel clashed.
Haneul and Isaac exchanged sword strikes in the training grounds.
"You've grown far stronger, Young Master!" Isaac shouted.
With a swift motion, Haneul disarmed him.
"It's thanks to you."
Isaac raised his hands, conceding defeat.
Vale approached, laughter in his voice.
"I see you've surpassed your limits, my son."
"Thank you, Father." Haneul sheaths his sword.
"It's time," Vale said.
"Time for your rebirth."
"I'm ready."
They descended into the manor's basement.
A massive dragon egg, radiating pure mana, stood before them. Vale produced a Spiritual Dragon Heart.
"You must choose the type of dragon you wish to become," Vale explained.
"The environment where you hatch will determine your nature."
Haneul closed his eyes.
"I'm going to be a—"
And this is the end for chapter 3