Embrace of the void

Michael took a sip of tea as Julian set the cup down.

 "Did you enjoy the tea?" Nora inquired, watching him closely.

 "Yes, it's wonderful," he replied, appreciating the warm beverage.

 "Honestly, I've told my husband more than once that he shouldn't feel obligated to protect you," Nora confessed. "But he insists he owes your father a debt and cannot abandon you. You should know that he cares for you as if you were his own son."

Michael listened, a mix of frustration and gratitude washing over him.

 "I heard your parents went on a mission to the Demon Continent," she continued.

Shocked, Michael asked, "Were they killed there?"

 "No, to everyone's surprise, they managed to escape, while causing destruction that none other could replicate. They are considered heroes among the public and other races."

 "What happened?"

 "I heard they infiltrated the Demon King's castle, stole something from his treasury, and even injured one of the Seven Deadly Sins—his elite followers. They destroyed part of the castle before escaping using your mother's affinity for space."

Michael's mind raced. "What about the Demon King?"

 "His whereabouts are unknown, but I believe he wasn't in his castle at the time. Otherwise, your parents wouldn't have been able to escape. Everyone is curious about what they stole,, and no one could find out. Even the Emperor visited your house to investigate, but he found nothing."

 "Why can't I remember any of this?"

 "They erased your memory. You were too young, and remembering would have caused unnecessary complications."

 "Is the Demon King after me for revenge?"

"Yes but he doesn't want you dead, We wouldn't be having this conversation if he wanted you dead... In fact, there's an order to capture you alive. He knows it's unlikely that the item your parents stole is with you, so he's not rushing. He sees you as weak and might be aware that your memory has been wiped."

 "But that doesn't mean you're not in danger," Nora added. "Once you leave the city, many will try to capture you. If you were in any coastal city, you would have likely been captured by demons already."

 "Do you understand what that means? You're a danger to everyone around you. I don't hate you, but I feel sorry for you. Please stay away from my husband; you're dragging us into great peril. Now that you've awakened, you must find your own path. I don't want our family to suffer because of you."

Michael nodded, understanding her concerns. "I'm sorry for putting you and your family in danger. I had no idea it was this serious. I won't be a burden anymore."

 "Good. Just know that I'll do anything to protect my family. If you need any last favor, let me know."

Michael hesitated. "Actually, I have two requests."

 "If it's within my power, I'll help."

 "I need an item to conceal my class from others."

Nora considered this. "That might be difficult, especially to hide it from high-ranking individuals."

 "I want the best. I can afford it."

 "Alright, I'll see what I can do. What's your second request?"

 "You must promise to keep this a secret, even from Uncle Matt."

 "I promise," she replied, intrigued.

 "I need a human corpse."

Nora's expression shifted to one of surprise. "A corpse? What do you want with it? The kingdom has strict regulations regarding human remains."

Michael hesitated, weighing his words. Finally, he decided to share part of the truth. "One of my class skills requires dealing with corpses. I can't explain everything, but I need your help."

Nora studied him for a moment before sighing. "I pity you. It seems your class is related to death. Most races ban classes that deal with the dead. Even if you aren't pursued by your parents, your class will attract trouble."

"I understand. I just want to be prepared."

"Very well, I'll assist you. What kind of corpse do you need?"

"I want the body of an exceptionally talented person, preferably someone with a legendary class, and it must not exceed rank E".

 "That will be very difficult. If it has to be a human, the only candidates are young nobles, and even obtaining their corpses would be a challenge."

 "What about other races?"

 "Those might be easier to acquire."

"Alright. I'll see what I can do," Nora said. "Here, take this crystal."

"What is it?"

"It's a communication crystal. I'll contact you once I have the items."

"Thank you."

"What are your plans now?" she asked.

 "I think I'll leave the city once I have what I need."

 "Where will you go?"

 "I'm not sure yet. I'll figure it out later."

 "Be careful," she warned.

 "Goodbye."

As Michael left the Silverfang house, he reflected on the gravity of his situation.

 "This is more dangerous than I thought," he mused. "I was foolish to believe I could live a peaceful life after being reincarnated. I must stay vigilant."

As Michael stepped out of the house, he was taken aback to see three familiar figures approaching. Two girls and a boy were about to enter.

The first girl resembled a younger version of Mrs. Nora, clearly her daughter. The moment Michael laid eyes on her, fragments of memories began to resurface.

It seems he didn't regain all of his memories when he reincarnated..

He and Lily, Matt and Nora's daughter, had been childhood friends, but after the tragic death of his parents, their bond had faded.

Alongside Lily were two others he recognized well: Sarah and John, his ex-girlfriend and a friend from his former life.

This idiot, Michael thought, while John appeared more appealing in this world, he still provoked an urge to punch his face.

John was handsome, with brown eyes and hair, standing at a height similar to Michael's. Sarah, on the other hand, was strikingly beautiful, her black hair and green eyes capable of enchanting anyone.

As Michael exchanged glances with the trio, he chose to ignore them and continued on his way.

 "Lily, what is that jerk doing in your house? Didn't we agree to cut ties with him?" John asked, a hint of irritation in his voice.

 "I don't know, John. Maybe my father invited him," Lily replied.

 "Should we stop him?" John inquired, a smirk forming on his lips.

 "Do you want him to kick your ass again?" Lily replied.

John laughed, "I'm awake now. He can't do that. Maybe I should get my revenge for the past."

Lily interjected, "I advise you not to. Even before he awakened, the Duke's sons never managed to defeat him; they only managed to injure him slightly by using someone who was awakened. My father mentioned he successfully awakened, so it's better to drop the idea of revenge for now."

John's smile faltered, uncertainty creeping into his expression.

Turning to Sarah, Lily asked, "What are you thinking? Why are you so quiet? Weren't you impressed with him before?"

Sarah gazed intently at the spot where Michael had just stood. "Something feels different about him," she murmured.

 "He's awakened. Of course, there will be changes," Lily replied. "Let's go inside; my mother is waiting for us."

The trio entered the Silverfang residence, leaving Michael to reflect on his situation as he made his way home.

---

Upon reaching his house, Michael began to contemplate his future.

Based on the information Nora provided, he realized he needed to cancel his plans regarding the academy. He was already in danger, being watched by the nobles due to his father's legacy, Not to mention the complications his class would bring.

In truth, he didn't need the academy. He possessed ample knowledge about his parents' affinities stored in his ring.

Moreover, he doubted anyone in this kingdom or continent had an affinity for the void.

As for his class, perhaps he could seek out a necromancer to teach him black magic, but he would handle the rest on his own.

What he required now were items, combat techniques, and skills that matched his current level—his ring contained advanced knowledge far beyond his capabilities at the moment.

He could search for suitable resources in the nearby shops.

As he pondered where to go and how to leave, a thought struck him. He checked his storage ring for a specific item.

{Transportation Scroll}: This item allows the user to travel to the destination inscribed upon it.

{Destination: Frostholm}

 "Why didn't my parents change the destination to the continent of the dwarves or elves? If I go to Frostholm at my current level, I'm basically asking for death," Michael muttered in frustration.

Sighing, he resolved to level up and reach at least the first or second rank before using the scroll.

 "Alright, I'll continue my training until I hear back from Nora."

With that determination, Michael resumed his training, honing his elemental and combat techniques as time slipped away.