The morning sun spilled gently through the silk curtains, casting golden streaks across the lavish room.
Leo slowly opened his eyes.
For the first time in this new life, he woke up without the weight of his former anxieties.
No longer did he need to bend to the pressure of finances, nor did he need to appease his sisters.
The knots around his heart were finally loosened.
But he knew better than anyone—this peace wouldn't last unless he had the strength to protect it.
His mind wandered to a memory he'd buried deep: the Class Tournament.
It was the first stepping stone for Alex, the "protagonist" of this world, to rise in power and become the adored child of destiny.
Leo couldn't afford to lag behind. If he wanted to rewrite fate, to deviate from the twisted plot that once crushed him, he had to act. Now.
He swung his legs off the bed and stood. The cool tiles greeted his bare feet with a crisp chill.
As he stepped out into the hallway, he saw his mother, Elena Skydawn, gracefully fastening a ribbon around her waist.
Her long silver hair shimmered faintly in the morning light, a reminder of the noble lineage she carried.
"Good morning Leo,I have an important errand to run today," Elena said with a calm smile. "If you need anything, contact Butler Wang."
Leo nodded, silently grateful for the growing bond between them.
After watching her depart with a group of cloaked guards, Leo called for Wang.
Not long after, the ever-composed butler arrived, bowing respectfully.
"Young Master Leo," he said, "how may I serve you?"
"I want protection. Bodyguards," Leo said without flinching. "Capable ones."
Wang's smile widened ever so slightly.
"It has already been arranged."
Leo blinked.
Wang continued, "Two Dominion Realm, middle stage warriors, and ten Starforged Realm, greater stage elites. All loyal to the Skydawn lineage. Their allegiance now lies with you."
Leo was momentarily speechless.
This family... They really are preparing for something.
Despite the flood of questions in his heart, Leo didn't ask. He simply nodded.
"Assign a few to monitor Alex," Leo said. "Report his every move. Snatch whatever resources he stumbles upon. Follow him as closely as his own shadow."
One of the Dominion Realm guards bowed and departed instantly.
Leo couldn't help but smirk.
He remembered a phrase from his past life: "Whenever a protagonist takes a walk, the heavens drop a treasure at his feet."
What a joke.
Let's see if fate still favors you when I dig the treasure out before you even find it, Alex.
Turning to another Dominion guard, Leo gave another command.
"Start scouting the commoners. Look for potential. Train them. From now on, we build our own faction—'Shadow Force.'"
The name left his lips like a whisper of fate.
He remembered a girl named Rebecca Grimore. In his past life, she was a cold-blooded assassin—an expert of stealth, shadows, and death.
She was perfect.
"Butler Wang," Leo said. "Collect all available information on Rebecca Grimore. I want her found."
"Understood."
After all the orders were issued, Leo returned to his room and sat cross-legged.
It was time.
"[System], show me my status panel."
---
Status Panel
Name: Leo Aetherwind
Age: 17
Cultivation Realm: Lesser Emberborn Realm
Physique: Immortal Body (Locked)
Bloodline:
Pureblood Aetherwind
Pureblood Skydawn
??? (Locked)
Cultivation Techniques:
Shadow Wind Step
Crimson Pulse Art
Moonfall Blade
Skills:
Phantom Mind (Charm, Illusion, and Manipulation Resistance)
Inventory:
Villain's Cloak of Shadow (Equipped)
Insight Pill (1/day weakness reveal)
Constitution Pill (x1)
System Points: 27,500
---
Leo scrolled through the [System Shop], his eyes scanning countless items—techniques, skills, weapons, tools.
One item caught his attention.
A high-tier cultivation technique designed to absorb and harness nature's ambient energy.
It could strengthen the body, increase attack and defense, and offer battlefield adaptability by drawing power from the environment.
Its price?
50,000 points.
Leo almost choked.
Then he remembered—his first purchase was eligible for a 50% discount.
With narrowed eyes, he purchased the technique.
[Ding! Congratulations to the host for purchasing a cultivation technique! Please name your new technique.]
Leo thought for a moment.
"Nature Vein Overdrive."
---
[ New Technique Acquired:
Nature Vein Overdrive: Absorb nature energy to strengthen physique. Enables burst-enhanced attacks and defensive shielding.
Constant absorption increases body resilience and energy recovery. Suitable for both solo duels and extended battles. ]
---
"Perfect," Leo whispered.
Without wasting another second, he changed into his training gear, tied up his cloak, and stepped out into the secluded garden training field.
The wind brushed past his face as he took his stance.
There was no time to waste.
Strength was the only language this world respected.
And he was about to scream it.
---
End of Chapter 7
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Author's Note:
Loving the journey so far?
Please support with a Power Stone!
Your votes help this fanfic grow—and as a thank you, there will be bonus chapters for Power Stone milestones!
Got suggestions or wild ideas?
Drop them in the comments—I'd love to include your thoughts as we shape Gojo's path together.
Let's keep pushing forward—no regrets, just pure hype!
– azuredragonx
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