Chapter 4

Zephyr violently spat out an ink-black clot that smelled horrible, like death. A sizzling sound was heard when it made contact with the floorboards as it ate through the already rotten wood. ‘The Way sure is incredible… no wonder it’s a higher magic! Here I thought I would slowly rid myself of the toxin later… The Ancient Dragon Way’s just that powerful, immediately ridding my body of all toxins,’ thought Zephyr as he caught his breath. “Hmph,” Zephyr shot his fist forward, creating a strong breeze, much like a dragon’s breath, Zephyr felt as though a real punch could shatter a hill. “Is this the Might of a dragon?” Zephyr mocked. All he did was practice a simple punch, and he already felt it’s Mighty power. “Huh… true energy?” “All I did was recite it once, and it bolstered my energy manifold!” Feeling the power within him, Zephyr felt ecstatic. Only through experience and mastery, will a practitioner emit true energy. He felt his battle power become stronger than before, surpassing his previous limits. “However, this power still isn’t enough! I need more of these pills to augment myself. Lincoln, you better not miss a delivery!” he growled. Zephyr continued to hone his control over the Way throughout the night. The next morning, the ruckus from Zephyr’s training could be heard from outside his shack, the stance he took conveyed a dragon’s wrath, each strike carried great power. “A dragon’s Might is no small matter… even though I’ve reached new heights I am still far from where I need to be.” Zephyr surmised that he must be at a level six Strength fighter now. A loud creak shocked Zephyr. Just as he started to recover, the shack’s door was hastily opened. A small silhouette quickly entered the shack. She was Zephyr’s handmaiden, Leah. Even if she wore simple clothes, she had the sweetest face and the most mesmerizing eyes. She was breathless and red-faced, hands clutching two buns. Upon seeing Zephyr, she shot up with glee. “Master, are you feeling better?” “Leah!” Zephyr lit up; he barely controlled his excitement. Leah was the servant Lincoln forced himself upon, he was glad to see that she remained unharmed. Leah was taken in as a child by Zephyr’s father and has served Zephyr loyally and faithfully ever since; she was the only one in the clan that genuinely cared for him. As such, Zephyr could not bear to stand idly as Lincoln harassed her that day. “Master, this is great, you’re alright!” Leah walked forward and examined Zephyr. Upon realizing that he has indeed recovered, she smiled brightly. Ever since the “duel” with Lincoln two days ago, Zephyr had been knocked unconscious, it turned Leah into a worried wreck. “I am.” Zephyr caressed her face lightly to comfort her, warm memories were instantly triggered. ‘I will never let anyone hurt you,’ he thought to himself. In his past life, Zephyr had saved her once as well, but he could not save her the second time. To protect her purity after being defiled by Lincoln, Leah chose to take her life. Since then, Zephyr had been in deep pain and blamed himself for what had happened. To ensure vengeance, he escaped his household. Although he managed to get his revenge, he was not able to get Leah back; the regret of not saving Leah always haunted him. Fortunately, he had the chance for a do-over, a living, breathing do-over. Zephyr hugged her. ‘She’s still alive…’ he thought, Zephyr couldn’t help but let a few tears shed from his face.