Ancestor of All

The day passed swiftly, bringing with it an air of calm that belied the undercurrent of tension.

Marquis Alaric Windwalker sat at the head of a grand table in his chamber, studying the seven individuals seated before him. At his right was Lyria, her youthful appearance masking the trials she had endured. Beside her sat Edric, a boy of extraordinary potential whose presence carried the weight of the family's future.

The remaining five individuals were Silver Knights, the stalwart guardians who had ensured Edric's safe arrival. They sat with composed expressions, their eyes steady as they awaited the Marquis to address them. Etiquette dictated silence until he spoke, a custom deeply ingrained in noble circles.

Alaric's lips curled into a welcoming smile as he began. "Welcome, everyone. Your journey must have been arduous. Rest assured, you are safe here. This castle is impenetrable. No harm will come to you within these walls."

Although his words were for the entire gathering, his gaze lingered on Edric. The Silver Knights needed little reassurance—they were formidable enough to fend for themselves—and Lyria, he knew, would soon return to her estate. Edric, however, was the center of his plans.

Lyria returned the Marquis's smile, her tone warm as she spoke. "Lord Marquis, you have always been like a father to me. From the very beginning, you've supported me, and now you're extending that same care to my son. I can't express my gratitude enough. Would it be alright for Edric to stay here for a few months? At least until we resolve the situation with the Darkwind family?"

Though phrased as a question, her request was little more than a formality. Everyone in the room, save for Edric, understood that the Marquis had been waiting for this moment. Lyria had resisted his offers before, but the circumstances had forced her to relent.

Alaric's smile broadened. "Of course, Lyria. There is no need to ask. Edric is always welcome here. I will do everything in my power to protect him. You and Edric are the Windwalker family's greatest hopes. I am confident that one day, both of you will reach the Golden rank and secure our family's dominance over this region."

The Silver Knights exchanged smiles of relief. With Edric in the Marquis's castle, their burdens would lighten, and they could return to their respective duties.

...

Allowing Edric to stay in the Marquis' castle would undoubtedly give him more freedom, and with that freedom came the risk of losing the influence she had carefully cultivated over him. For Lyria, keeping Edric close and under her sway was paramount. She understood the value of controlling his actions and decisions, particularly because she was convinced that his potential was far greater than anyone else realized—perhaps even above legendary.

She couldn't allow anyone else to shape him. Yet, at this moment, she found herself with few alternatives. For now, she had no choice but to proceed cautiously, hoping to maintain control over Edric and steer him in the direction she needed.

The attack on Edric had stoked her anger, violating a boundary she could not ignore. Lyria began formulating a plan. Military preparations were already underway, and she considered hiring assassins to target key members of the Darkwind family. Yet, finding suitable targets proved difficult; none of their members matched Edric's legendary potential.

...

Marquis Alaric poured himself a glass of wine, gesturing for the others to join him. Glasses were raised, a silent toast to the future, before the gathering dispersed.

Shortly after, a servant approached Edric and escorted him to his quarters. The room, as lavish as the rest of the castle, was a testament to the Marquis's dedication to his guest's comfort and safety. Four knights stood guard outside, their presence a silent promise of protection.

The servant bowed respectfully. "Master, this is your room. Please let us know if you need anything."

Edric offered a polite nod. "Thank you for your hospitality."

Left alone, Edric stepped inside and closed the door behind him. The room's opulence was undeniable, but it did little to ease the weight he carried. He sank into a plush chair, closing his eyes as exhaustion seeped into his bones.

These past few days had been taxing. For all his strength and talent as both a knight and a mage, the constant pretense of weakness had drained him. Suppressing his power, avoiding displays of skill, and living under the shadow of assassination attempts had taken their toll.

For now, he allowed himself a moment of peace.

...

After a brief rest, Edric opened his system panel.

Name: Edric Windwalker

Age: 15 years, 6 months, and 19 days

Task: Have a biological child -

Mirelle: 163 days left, Etc (Display All) Reward: A random White-level skill Deadline: 394 days Non-completion Punishment: Death

Techniques:

Golden Knight Training: 257 / 275,000 Great Mage Training: 117 / 20,000

Talents:

Knight Talent: Legendary (0 / 2,400,000) Mage Talent: Average (0 / 100,000)

Cheat: Low Level - 1,000 XP per day

Available XP: 26,271

Edric sat in his opulent quarters, muttering, "I definitely don't have enough XP for the Golden Knight rank. It takes 275,000 XP, and at my current pace, it would take months to save that much." He frowned, deep in thought. "But should I focus on advancing my mage skills to Great Mage before attempting the Golden Knight breakthrough?"

He mulled over the idea, weighing the benefits and costs. Advancing as a mage would delay his knightly progression by around 20 days. While that might seem minor, reaching the Golden Knight rank even slightly earlier could make a crucial difference in upcoming battles or emergencies. After careful deliberation, he chose to wait.

Edric's decision would hinge on the resources available in the castle. If he found valuable magic tomes, particularly those covering Great Mage-level spells, it might justify the delay. If he discovered Silver-level spells that aligned with his limited magical talent, the diversion could be worthwhile. Reaching Silver Mage would cost just 50,000 XP, and adding the Great Mage rank would require no more than 70,000 XP in total—far less than what was needed for the Golden Knight breakthrough.

He pondered the possibilities. A single Silver-level spell could significantly enhance his power, even with his weaker magical potential. For example, a Silver-tier healing spell would outperform ordinary healing spells, possibly turning the tide in critical situations. A silver-level flight spell might even provide him an escape route from a Golden Knight. It could give him a tactical edge, allowing him to evade danger quickly. The mere thought of such capabilities was enticing.

Edric was acutely aware of the constant threat of assassins. While he felt relatively safe within the castle, he knew better than to depend entirely on its defenses or the Marquis's knights. Personal Strength was the only reliable safeguard. He shuddered at the thought of facing a Golden-level assassin but doubted one would be sent after him. Even so, he resolved to prepare for the worst.

...

Five days passed, and Edric began to explore the castle. The Marquis had granted him access to most areas, though leaving the castle remained strictly forbidden. Alaric made it clear: his safety could not be guaranteed outside the fortress's walls.

Feigning weakness day after day was utterly draining. Only his mother knew he had ascended to the rank of knight, leaving him to play the part of a frail, unassuming boy. The charade was maddening, testing his patience at every turn.

The secrecy was necessary. News of his achievements could easily leak, drawing unwanted attention. Breaking through to knight level at his age was a feat few could match, surpassing even his mother's legendary talent. This revelation could attract rivals or opportunistic noble families, eager to exploit or eliminate a potential threat.

...

Edric sat calmly in his chair, his gaze fixed on Marquis Alaric Windwalker.

Looking at the imposing figure before him, he found it hard to reconcile the man's youthful vigor with his 200-plus years. Marquis Alaric Windwalker, with his red hair slicked back and piercing green eyes, exuded both authority and vitality.

The Marquis smiled warmly at Edric, his tone carrying an unusual blend of gravity and fatherly affection. "Edric, my son, may I ask something of you?"

Edric, intrigued, straightened in his seat. "Of course, my lord Marquis."

The Marquis's smile deepened, though his gaze turned serious. "You possess legendary knight talent—a gift that few are fortunate enough to have. Our family is incredibly lucky to count you among its members. But with such talent comes responsibility. It falls upon those with extraordinary gifts to ensure the family's future by leaving behind descendants."

Edric's stomach sank slightly, though his expression remained neutral. He already suspected where this conversation was heading.

The Marquis continued, "During your time here, I ask that you contribute to our lineage. I've selected several exceptional women from across the territory. Each of them is highly accomplished and qualified to bear children of legendary potential. What do you think?"

The Marquis's tone was resolute, but his eyes studied Edric closely, seeking a reaction. He doubted any young man of Edric's age could refuse such an offer in this era, though he recognized that Edric was no ordinary youth.

After a few moments of consideration, Edric nodded. "Of course, I would sacrifice myself for the family. However, I have one condition."

The Marquis leaned forward slightly, his curiosity piqued. "Name it. Whatever it is, I will make it happen."

"I want full access to the library, especially the books on magic," Edric said firmly. "I don't want anything withheld from me. If you can agree to this, I'll be extremely grateful."

The Marquis raised an eyebrow, clearly taken aback. From what he knew, Edric's magical aptitude was middling at best—hardly worth the effort to cultivate alongside his knightly talents. "Edric," he began, his voice measured, "you should focus on your knight training. Magecraft isn't your strength. It's not the best use of your time."

"I understand, Marquis," Edric replied respectfully, "and I will prioritize my knight training. But I believe it's important to shore up any weaknesses. I don't want gaps in my knowledge or abilities. Please, my lord, grant me access. I have a deep love for books and learning."

The Marquis studied Edric for a long moment before nodding. "Very well. I'll grant you access to the library. However, you must be cautious. Many of the books are irreplaceable treasures passed down through generations. Your mother, Lyria, only has copies of books up to the Great Rank. My collection includes original works on Silver Rank magic, which are much rarer. These volumes cannot be copied without magic stones, making them even more precious."

The Marquis's voice carried a clear warning. "If you damage any of the books, it would be a significant loss to the family. Treat them with the utmost care."

Edric's heart leapt at the mention of Silver Rank magic books. If the collection included potent spells, he could make great strides as a mage. Even with his limited talent, mastering one or two Silver-level spells could dramatically shift the balance of power in his favor, especially when facing a Silver Knight or assassin.

"Thank you, Marquis," Edric said, his voice calm despite his excitement. "I will handle the books with the greatest care."

The Marquis nodded, seemingly satisfied. "Good. But remember, Edric, the future of our family depends on you. Fulfill your duty here, and you'll have everything you desire."

Edric smiled politely, though inwardly, he was already compartmentalizing the request. Producing descendants was a trivial matter in his mind. The Marquis would see to their upbringing and ensure they lived comfortably, leaving Edric free to focus on his own goals.

Yet, a part of him—a modern part he'd almost forgotten—felt uneasy. The idea of fathering children with women he barely knew clashed with his old-world sensibilities. But that part of him had grown faint, diluted by the harsh realities of his current life and the original Edric's worldview. Survival and strength took precedence over sentiment.