Chapter 4 – Rebirth of Fate Kindspring
"I'm going to be a Crystal Dragon."
Haneul's voice was calm, yet firm. There was no hesitation as he looked straight at Vale, his eyes filled with certainty rather than fear.
For a brief moment, silence filled the underground chamber.
"…A Crystal Dragon, huh."
Vale narrowed his eyes slightly, a faint smile forming at the corner of his lips. Among all dragon lineages, Crystal Dragons were rare—even among dragons.
"They are well known for their defensive prowess," Vale continued. "Especially their barrier-type abilities. Their bodies resonate naturally with crystalline mana, allowing them to construct nearly perfect mana shields."
He took a step closer to Haneul.
"Is this your final decision?"
Haneul clenched his fists, his expression shining with anticipation rather than doubt.
"Yes," he said again, even more confidently.
"I'm going to be a Crystal Dragon."
"Heh… very well."
Vale turned his gaze toward the corner of the room.
"Isaac."
At once, the old butler straightened his posture.
"Yes, my lord."
"Bring every crystal we have," Vale ordered. "Large or small, refined or raw—it doesn't matter. Gather all of them and place them here."
"Yes, my lord."
Isaac bowed deeply before leaving the chamber. Moments later, servants began moving busily throughout the estate.
Vale then turned back to Haneul, his expression becoming serious.
"Listen carefully. I will explain the rebirth process one last time."
Haneul nodded and focused.
"Rebirth is the act of reconstructing both body and soul," Vale said slowly. "You will shed your current existence and be born again as a new being. In your case, a Crystal Dragon."
He gestured toward the massive Dragon Egg beside them.
"For a Crystal Dragon, the surrounding environment is critical. The egg must be saturated with crystal mana so it can absorb the energy needed to reshape your body, your mana circuits, and your soul itself."
"The crystals will act as catalysts," Vale continued. "Their energy will be absorbed into the egg, transferred into you, and engraved into your very existence."
Haneul inhaled deeply.
"I understand, Father."
Vale paused for a moment before speaking again.
"And once rebirth is complete, you will no longer go by your old name."
Haneul blinked in surprise.
"A new name?" he asked.
Vale nodded.
"I already have one in mind."
Haneul's heart skipped slightly.
"What will my new name be, Father?"
Vale looked directly at him.
"Fate."
"…Fate?"
"Fate Kindspring," Vale declared. "That shall be your name."
Haneul repeated it quietly.
"Fate… Fate Kindspring."
A smile slowly spread across his face.
"I like it," he said honestly.
Vale chuckled softly.
"It means destiny. And I believe it was destiny that led us to meet."
"I agree," Fate replied. "I think it really was destiny…"
Not long after, Isaac returned, accompanied by several servants. They carried multiple chests overflowing with crystals of every kind—clear crystals, blue mana crystals, white spirit crystals, and even rare prismatic shards.
The servants carefully arranged the crystals around the Dragon Egg, forming a circular formation that glowed faintly with mana.
Once everything was prepared, Fate stepped forward.
He entered the Dragon Egg without hesitation.
Vale raised his hand, mana flowing from his palm. The cracked portion of the egg slowly sealed shut, its surface becoming smooth once more.
Then, Vale took out a glowing object from his spatial storage.
The Spiritual Dragon Heart.
"This will be the final trigger," Vale murmured.
He placed the heart against the egg.
The moment they made contact, the heart dissolved into pure energy. The Dragon Egg began to tremble violently as it absorbed the crystal mana, the surrounding crystals dimming one by one.
"Everyone, leave the basement," Vale ordered.
The servants bowed and quickly exited. Vale remained for a moment longer before turning away.
As he closed the door, he thought quietly—
(Good luck, kiddo.)
A week passed.
When Vale finally opened the basement door again, the Dragon Egg before him was covered in glowing cracks.
"…It's time."
With a thunderous sound, the egg shattered.
From within emerged a humanoid figure.
White hair cascaded down his shoulders. Two elegant dragon horns curved upward from his head, shimmering like polished crystal. His eyes slowly opened, glowing a brilliant blue.
Silence filled the chamber.
"Congratulations on completing your rebirth," Vale said.
"…Fate."
The young man bowed respectfully.
"Thank you, Father."
Vale handed him a set of clothes.
"Put these on. Elizabeth and Emily are waiting for you in the garden."
Fate changed quickly. The clothes fit him perfectly, as if tailored specifically for his new body.
"Let's go greet them, Father," Fate said with a bright smile.
In the garden, Elizabeth and Emily waited anxiously.
Then—
"Big brother!!!"
Emily ran toward Fate and hugged him tightly.
"You're back!"
Fate laughed softly and patted her head.
"It's good to see you too, Emily."
Elizabeth approached with a gentle smile.
"Hello there, Hane—no, I should call you by your new name now."
"Hello, Fate."
"Hello, Mother," Fate replied warmly.
Vale cleared his throat.
"Now that your rebirth is complete, you can finally use the system."
Fate nodded.
"To view your status window, simply call it in your mind," Vale explained. "Only you can see it unless someone possesses a special ability."
Fate focused.
(Status Window.)
A blue holographic screen appeared before him.
Name: Fate Kindspring
Race: Dragon (Crystal Dragon)
Class: None
Level: 1
Skills:
Dragon Eyes
Passive Skills:
Mana Circuits
Unique Skill: Unawakened
Stats:
Strength: 10 (Colorless)
Agility: 10 (Colorless)
Endurance: 10 (Colorless)
Intelligence: 10 (Colorless)
Mana: 20 (Colorless)
After explaining his status to his family, Vale nodded.
"As expected. Your mana increased because you are a dragon. Dragons possess superior mana capacity, regeneration, and control."
Elizabeth added gently, "Your skills and passive abilities are likely innate traits of your race."
Emily giggled.
"You even have horns now, just like me!"
"Thank you, everyone," Fate said sincerely
.
"Become strong," Elizabeth said. "Strong enough to protect yourself and others."
Fate raised his voice with determination.
"I will. I'll become strong enough to protect everyone."
"Well said," Vale replied. "You'll soon attend Valhalla Academy. But first, you must meet the requirements—Level 30, a starter class, and evaluation of your strength and mana."
"Yes, Father!" Fate answered excitedly.
"Isaac."
"Yes, my lord."
"You will assist Fate in leveling up and acquiring his class," Vale said. "Take him to the Forest of Hidden Beasts."
"It shall be done, my lord."
Isaac turned to Fate.
"Please follow me, young master."
Before leaving, Fate bowed to his family.
"I'll be going now, Father, Mother, Emily."
"Be careful," Vale warned. "You're still adjusting to your new body."
"Take care," Elizabeth said.
"Bye-bye!" Emily waved enthusiastically.
With that, Fate Kindspring stepped out of the estate—
toward his first trial in this new world.
—End of Chapter 4