A long time had passed since Sever returned through time.
He grew like any other human, from the cradle to walking. He still wasn't used to his small body, so he relied on his parents.
That reliance didn't satisfy him. To him, it felt like a burden to others—just more proof of his weakness.
"I used to be a king others relied on… now I rely on others."
He wasn't like other children who played and laughed. When his parents fell asleep at night, he would sneak into his father's library.
Night fell. Sever checked on his parents.
"They've fallen asleep. Now, as usual…"
He snuck into the library at the edge of the castle. His tiny steps slowed him down, so it took a long time to get there.
Once he arrived, he dragged a small chair, climbed on it, and turned the heavy doorknob.
Sever entered slowly, cautious in case someone was already inside—maybe a servant had sneaked in too.
"According to my memories, my father's library holds records and forbidden books on magic."
He reached the entrance. To someone his size, it was towering. His eyes sparkled at the sheer number of books stacked on shelves and scattered across the floor.
The old decoration of the library was enough on its own—centuries-old engravings, massive chandeliers adorned with the most expensive jewels showing the wealth, even the floor tiles were spotless—down to the millimeter.
"So this… is the library of the founder of House Valtorin!"
He wandered through the aisles, searching for books that could enhance his magic. Finally, he found the one he'd been looking for.
"This is it… The Manual of Curses and Seals. Back then I searched the entire continent for it—and here it is, just lying here."
He blew the dust off and opened the first page. The paper was the color of spilled coffee, and its scent was like dusty wood.
"I think I'll hide it in my room."
Sever carried the heavy book back to his room to read it in peace, away from prying eyes.
But unfortunately, on his way back, he tripped—making a loud noise that woke his parents.
"Damn this body."
His parents rushed in. When they saw him, they gave him a stern lecture not to do it again.
"Sev… what are you doing here? You know this place isn't for playing."
His mother stepped forward and pinched his cheek.
"Kya—!"
"Didn't I tell you before not to sneak in here?"
In the middle of the commotion, one of the maids stepped forward to calm things down.
"It's okay, my lady. Maybe young Master Sever thought it was a place he could play in… that's why you warned him—to enjoy yourself."
Sever thanked the maid from the bottom of his heart, tears of joy welling inside him.
"Thank you… I'll remember your kindness for years."
"Alright… but don't do it again. Deal?"
Sever nodded in agreement.
In the morning, he pretended to play in front of his parents—so they wouldn't suspect he was a prodigy.
It was as if his new body was trying to make up for what he missed… hug after hug, laugh after laugh.
He spent all his time with his parents—to reclaim the days he had lost in his past life.
Three years passed like this.
One day, Sever was sitting in his room reading The Manual of Curses and Seals when he heard footsteps approaching the door.
He didn't hesitate for a second. He hid the heavy book under the bed and lay down like an angel, staring at the ceiling.
While he was pretending to be innocent, the door creaked open. It was his father—Elric L. Valtorin.
The moment the door opened, Elric scanned every corner of the room, as if suspecting his son was hiding something. He turned his eyes toward Sever once again to make sure his doubts were justified.
They stared at each other in silence.
"Damn… what kind of situation is this? Why is Dad staring at me like that?"
Sweat trickled down Sever's forehead from the tension filling the room.
Elric suddenly laughed and lunged toward his son to tease him.
"Did I scare you? Hahaha! I was just messing around!"
Because of his father's strict nature, Sever thought he had been found out.
Elric L. Valtorin was one of the biggest supporters of the Kingdom of Reinhold—located in the central continent where Sever lived.
His father gave support—both financial and political—like no one else before him. Without Elric's negotiations, the kingdom wouldn't even exist today.
Due to the constant strife and betrayals within the central continent, relationships between the kingdoms had broken down.
Elric was one of the leading diplomats—he formed alliances between the elves, dwarves, fae, orcs, and demi-humans.
His loss would be a loss for the entire kingdom.
---
[Sever's Perspective – Present Day]
"Sever, you're three years old now. At this age, children receive the Seal that releases the mana suppressed inside them.
So next year, you'll undergo the Seal Trial. But this year… you'll train until you're panting like a dog."
That's your example for a son born of your blood? Fine. I'll act like a child.
"What are seals, exactly?"
"Didn't I already tell you?!"
Sever nodded.
"Alright, then I'll explain."
"Mana is divided into eight categories. The type you lean toward depends on your mana origin. You can develop and expand it through training."
"Memorize this list well:
Healing (Green)
Water (Blue)
Fire (Red)
Wind (Purple)
Earth (Brown)
Gravity (Yellow)"
"Once you master those, you'll face the final two—far harder to grasp:
White Mana – All elements, but stronger. Think of it as pushing the others to their absolute limit.
Black Mana – The ultimate level. Breaks boundaries. Allows the development of unique personal magic. Only one in a billion ever reaches this."
"Each element has 4 levels. At each level, you unlock a specific ability tied to that element."
"Now… let's talk about the Seal."
"Seal?! Finally, I'll be like you, Father!"
Elric smiled and nodded.
"Don't rush, Sever. The Seal is drawn below your neck using special ink that receives mana.
Once drawn, your instructor channels mana into it."
"Will it hurt?"
"Like a needle under your fingernail."
Painful! You really don't know how to comfort a child.
Elric smiled and patted Sever's head.
"You'll survive. Nobles always survive."
"And remember—Seals don't have levels like mana.
But they do differ by social status… though your value doesn't define your strength."
"A commoner might have a weaker Seal than you… and still become stronger."
"The known Seals are:
Seal of Commoners: Standard Seal
Seal of Nobles and Highborn: Stronger than standard by 20x, determined by bloodline
Seal of Blood and Legends: Not tied to class. Evolves through internal rage. Only wielded by Bloodthirsty Kings and monstrous warriors."
---
In my past life, I reached White Mana…
But my Seal never changed to the Legendary one—despite everything that happened.
I lost everyone I loved. No one stood beside me.
Back then, I just wanted to be understood… not praised.
But now… I've been given a second chance to hold them close.
"That's everything, Father?"
"Yes," he said with a suspicious smile.
"Now… it's time to train."
Not today, please…
"Okay."
If I argue with Elric… I won't survive.
And so… my journey to reclaim my former power began.