Reincarnated as a Wandering Swordsman in a World of Magic and Murim

The days following Ren's victory were anything but triumphant.

Every time he trained, the flames surged beyond his control. A simple flicker would erupt into a roaring inferno. A focused strike would leave deep scorch marks across the training field.

It wasn't just power—it was hunger.

The Soulfire wanted more.

And with each passing day, it became harder to contain.

---

The First Signs of Corruption

Ren sat in meditation, trying to steady his breathing. Master Takeda's words echoed in his mind:

"Soulfire does not just burn—it consumes. The stronger your emotions, the more powerful it becomes. But if you lose control… it will burn you."

But the fire wasn't listening.

It clawed at his mind, whispering, urging him to let go. To unleash it fully.

Ren opened his eyes and gasped. His hands—they were burning.

Not with pain, but with hunger.

Blue flames licked at his skin, creeping up his arms. His heartbeat quickened. No matter how much he tried to suppress them, they only grew stronger.

"Stop… stop…!"

He clenched his fists, forcing the fire down. The flames vanished, but the burning desire inside him did not.

He staggered to his feet, his breathing ragged.

Haruto, watching from the shadows, sighed. "It's worse than I thought."

Ren flinched. "Father—"

"You're losing control," Haruto said simply. "If this continues, the Soulfire will consume your mind. You'll become nothing more than a raging beast of flames."

Ren shuddered. "Then… what do I do?"

Haruto hesitated, then spoke carefully.

"There is someone who can help you."

Ren blinked. "A teacher?"

Haruto nodded. "A master of forbidden arts. The only one who has ever controlled Soulfire without being consumed by it."

Ren clenched his fists. He had no choice.

He had to find this person—before the fire devoured him whole.

---

The Mysterious Teacher

Three days later, Ren found himself standing before an old, abandoned temple deep within the mountains.

The wind howled, carrying the scent of burning wood and something… else. Something ancient.

Haruto stood beside him. "This is where you'll find her."

Ren frowned. "Her?"

As if in answer, the temple doors creaked open.

A woman stepped out.

She was clad in black and crimson robes, her long silver hair flowing like silk. Her eyes—they burned with blue fire.

Ren's breath caught.

The flames in her gaze were the same as the ones inside him.

She smiled faintly. "So… another one cursed by the Soulfire."

Haruto bowed. "Lady Kagura, this is my son. He needs your guidance."

Kagura studied Ren, her expression unreadable. Then she turned, stepping back into the temple.

"Come inside, boy. If you wish to master your fire, you must first understand its price."

Ren swallowed hard and followed.

He had a feeling this was only the beginning.