[Max's POV]
At the border of Ro'nark Province, a poster of mystery caught my eye. It featured a photograph with a detailed description, advertising a reward of 1 billion gold coins—a colossal sum that only a handful of families or individuals could reasonably aspire to afford. I immediately took caution and pulled over my hood, moving towards the side of the road.
I was completely caught off guard. I had expected many types of reactions, but nothing like this. Are they interested in me because for the first time after ten thousand years of history, I am the first to not awaken a talent?
Alarmed that there was a price on my head, I felt relieved that I had chosen to walk because nowadays hardly anyone walks long distances anymore.
The presence of transportation systems in the form of Mana rails or beast carriages had completely changed the way of travel.
Now I can't easily cross the border; I need a plan. I put my brain to work; the first problem was my face. Currently my face value was very high; I would have had to alter my appearance to even walk safely in public.
Remembering about movies and comics from a previous life, I donned spectacles to appear a bit different. I had no idea how long the posters or inspection would remain. I needed a new ID and money; I had nothing.
A plan took shape in my mind; I decided to become a hunter, which could solve both my problems of ID and money. Hunters were usually of age 10-12 or adults who had given up on climbing the Tower. They hunted the remnant beasts of a ten-thousand-year-old apocalypse.
Being a hunter would provide me combat practice and also a means to earn a livelihood. Doing this was also not very dangerous unless I am trying to throw my life away.
After putting on borrowed goggles, I decided on the name Max, leaving Maximilian Ro'nark behind forever.
Next, I started hunting the mana beast, using the opportunity to improve my fighting techniques and increase my body strength. I sold the body parts of the beast, so it was complete profit for me.
During early days, I hunted beasts with my hand first only. After struggling for about a week, I started getting good at killing them with my fist alone. After some time, I bought myself some basic supplies and a spear, as opposed to my favor for swords.
To further strengthen my identity, this was a necessity. Although thanks to my brain, using any weapon was not much of a challenge to me. I struggled for some time, but my body adjusted to the new weapon.
My daily routine is to hunt, exercise, sleep and repeat. After continuing this routine for 6 weeks and I was getting good at it. More than a month in border town, finally I made my way to Elven province.
The new ID obtained from the hunters association helped in clearing the security checks effortlessly. After crossing the border, I finally felt free after a long time.
The Elven province was more nature-oriented and had houses in jungles, or it's better to say that jungles grew around their houses. I decided to stay in a small city, which could provide me with better resources, food, and beasts to hunt.
After scouring the city, I even found a lodging suitable for someone like me. I booked my stay there and restarted my routine again. I also hunted to meet my daily needs and focus on making myself stronger.
However, I soon noticed something peculiar about my body. I was not getting tired even if I hunted all day long and didn't rest at night.
I couldn't explain this, but anything that could be helpful in my goal to make myself as strong as possible so that I don't have to go through that same feeling again.
By the 4th month of my stay in the Elven province, I had been able to go without more than a week's sleep, yet I didn't feel fatigued at all except for some mental strain.
Probably caused by the lack of rest, and I had the feeling that if this pattern continued, the mental strain would also eventually be reduced to zero.
Whatever these changes were, I felt reassured that I was getting stronger. I didn't completely understand what changes occurred in my body, but I was reassured that I was getting stronger.
During these days, I got introduced to the orphanage near me. My identity was also that of an orphan, so I was able to gain the trust of the orphanage easily.
One particular kid from the orphanage, Revanya, caught my eye, leading to a sibling relationship. I still remembered vividly when she spoke to me the first time after I gave her sweets.
She looked up with cheerful eyes and said, "My name is Revanya, big brother. Thank you for giving me such sweets. I will give you my share of sweets when I receive that at the orphanage."
Then she nodded her head and looked at me with those innocent eyes and asked, "Can I be your little sister, Big Brother Max, please?"
I didn't think for a second and just said, "From now on you are and always will be my little sister."
From then on, with spending time on my practice, I spent whatever free time I had with Revanya. That feeling of sharing food with someone—or hearing a cute little girl call me "big brother"—had left my heart strangely full. Happiness… and something else. A bond I couldn't quite explain.
She was an abandoned orphan; I couldn't believe my ears that someone was even capable of leaving behind such a precious and cute girl.
Time was passing at a steady rate; I immersed myself, resting only for food and small talks with Revanya. Sometimes it felt that maybe it was a good thing I hadn't awakened yet. Life in the Tower would be ruthless and cold… but right now, this warmth felt irreplaceable.
My physical growth has been remarkable, if nothing else: denser muscles, a taller frame, and a healthy body with a six feet height. I've completely transformed from the weak boy I once was.
Sometimes I wonder… if I'd done this earlier, would things have turned out differently?
But then again, if I hadn't been expelled, I might never have met Revanya. That thought alone makes it all worthwhile.
After about a year, I noticed my body's growth slowing down. I considered returning to the Tower immediately but ultimately decided against that.
Since my reincarnation, she was the first I had a meaningful bond with. So I decided to spend the rest of my days enjoying the warmth of being called "big brother."
As the deadline to re-enter the Tower neared, I finally decided to tell Revanya the truth about me. I didn't want the only person with a real connection with me to know the falsehood about me.
I told her my real name, my life before exile, my failed awakening, and the reason I came here. When I finished, I searched her eyes for any sign of fear or distrust—but all I saw was her usual bright smile.
If someone lied to me like that, I'd probably be furious. But she… she just gave an infectious smile.
"Big brother," she said softly, "I always thought you had some secrets. But it doesn't matter much to me. You have always been special to me. Don't worry, I will always be by your side. And next year, when I enter the Tower, I will even look out for you."
Her words made me laugh a little; I patted her head and said,
"You won't get that chance. I will become the strongest in the Tower—and beyond."
Time passed quickly; I had saved enough to buy a basic-quality cloak, boots, and gloves, as well as a common-grade katana. My wanted posters were long gone, but I kept my glasses—just in case.
When the day finally came, I bid farewell to Revanya. She held back her tears bravely, trying to look strong for her brother. I promised to send her a message as soon as I could.
Using city teleportation, I traveled to the capital of Ishtahar Province and from there to the Tower's entrance. It was just as I remembered it—grand, ancient, and alive with anticipation.
Among the crowd, I darted my eyes around until I spotted my so-called brother, Nolan, now twelve, entering the Tower surrounded by our family's escort. My excuse for a father was also there in attendance, cheering him on.
Today wasn't about them; I turned away from them. I wanted a new start. Whatever talent or ability I awaken, I will use it to the fullest and face every challenge head-on. No distractions.
After some time in line, I reached the same massive gate. Its white vortex swirling hypnotically, I paused for a moment. My fourteen years of life flashed before me—abandonment, isolation, exile… and that warm smile of my little sister.
A faint smile tugged at my lips.
"This time," I whispered, "I will not just climb to the very top but dominate in every way possible."
With that conviction, I stepped into the portal.
The same ethereal sensation washed over me—weightless, pure, endless white. Then, the familiar glowing screen appeared before my eyes. My heart pounded as the Awakening process began once more.
[Welcome back, Player Max]