Infinite Returns : The More I Give, The Stronger I Become

Morning came, and Ethan stirred.

With his usual lazy energy, he moved through his morning routine, not in a rush, not in a hurry. Just… Ethan.

A few minutes later, he was ready.

He sat on the edge of his bed, his thoughts racing. Today, he would begin his 10th floor trial. He had everything he needed: his class, his bloodline, a new talent… and let's not forget—

He had finally started training with the sword. He had the foundation. The beginning of a path.

All in all—

"I'm ready," Ethan muttered under his breath.

But there were still two things he needed to do before heading out.

One: say goodbye to his teacher.

Two: gather information on the Forest of Death.

"And I can do both by meeting Syed," he said, stretching. "Hopefully he knows something useful."

Decision made, Ethan changed his appearance with a thought—and vanished in silence.

…

Ethan found Syed seated cross-legged, the sword Ethan had gifted him resting on his lap. His expression was serene, lost in deep meditation.

But the moment Ethan arrived—despite his near-invisible presence—Syed's eyes snapped open. His body tensed, ready to draw his sword.

His glowing sapphire-blue eyes locked onto Ethan.

"Ethan? So it's you."

Syed let out a quiet breath of relief. Inwardly, he was glad he hadn't struck on reflex. Not that it would've harmed Ethan anyway.

"I startled you," Ethan said with a curious tilt of the head. "Were you doing something important?"

"Nothing much. Just my morning meditation—keeps the mind and the sword aligned."

"And you?" Syed asked.

"Just here to say farewell," Ethan replied, "and ask a few questions… about the Forest of Death."

The moment Ethan mentioned it, Syed's face shifted—serious, solemn.

"You're planning to go there?"

"If yes, don't even think about it, Ethan."

His voice was sharp, intense.

"That forest is called the Forest of Death for a reason. No one has ever gone in and made it out alive."

"What do you mean?" Ethan asked, genuinely surprised.

Was it that dangerous? he wondered.

"Are you dumb?"

Syed snapped.

"Do you think it's called a forbidden zone for aesthetics? No, Ethan. That forest is the real deal. The only thing we know—barely—is that everyone who enters dies."

"No survivors. No escape. That's why we call it what it is."

Ethan listened quietly, his expression calm and unreadable. He wasn't dismissive, not even cocky. Just… thoughtful.

He believed in his strength. He had his system. But belief didn't mean recklessness. If this forest was that dangerous—

Then I'll need to approach it more carefully.

Still, he couldn't help but curse in his mind:

Damn Tower. Why would you give me this kind of quest? Are you trying to kill me already?

He was almost certain he was one of the few getting such extreme trials this early.

And he couldn't have been more wrong.

He wasn't one of them.

He was the only one.

The Tower was watching him closely—too closely. And for good reason. Ethan's abilities were too strange. Too powerful. Even Vaelith, our tower spirit, didn't know where his powers came from.

She was curious. Deeply curious.

She wanted to see just how far Ethan could go.

And right now, all her attention was on him.

⸻

Sigh…

Ethan let out a breath and flashed a bright smile at Syed.

"Of course not. I'm not going there. I only asked because I overheard some folks in the city talking about it."

He waved lazily, dismissively.

"And seriously, how could you think I'd go there? Don't you know who I am?"

Syed gave a faint smirk.

"I hope so, Ethan. I don't want to lose my first disciple this early. Let me enjoy that feeling a little longer."

Ethan chuckled and shook his head.

"Well, I came to say farewell. So… farewell, Teacher."

His voice softened slightly.

"I don't know what drove you to the state I found you in months ago… but I hope you've moved past it. Strive forward. Take care of that sword I gave you."

Ethan turned to leave, but paused mid-step.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a coin—black and white.

His coin.

He tossed it toward Syed without looking back, his voice echoing behind him.

"This is something I earned through difficulty. It's a coin that lets you meet a being who can grant anything… for a price."

"So take it. Use it if you need to."

"Farewell, Teacher."

And with that, Ethan's figure faded into the distance.

…

Syed stood still, eyes fixed on where Ethan had disappeared.

He looked down at the coin… then tucked it into his storage ring silently.

"Ethan, Ethan… you really can't lie. We've been together for three whole months. I know you more than you think."

He paused.

His expression twisted—conflicted, pained.

"You're going to the Forest of Death… aren't you?"

He didn't need an answer.

He already knew.

His stomach churned.

'Should I—'

"Do not even think about it, young master."

A voice cut clean through his thoughts.

It belonged to a tall man in a pristine butler's uniform. Posture perfect. Face unreadable. A man who radiated pure "no-nonsense" energy.

Syed said nothing.

"You've wasted enough time playing teacher," the man continued. "Your mother is calling."

"Give me a little more time," Syed muttered. "I have things I need to finish."

But the butler—Lary—shook his head.

"No can do, young master. We already gave you three months to train that boy. There will be no extension."

Syed's eyes turned cold as he slowly faced him.

"And if I refuse? Will you force me?"

His tone was icy.

But Lary didn't even flinch.

"It is the mistress's order."

"And her orders are not negotiable."

"You've been summoned to participate in the battle between heirs. It is your duty. And if I must use force to bring you—"

"I will, young master."

Syed's expression didn't change. He looked at Lary for moment.

Then he stepped forward and began to walk past Lary.

But before leaving, he spoke softly—

"Remember this day, Lary."

"This is the third time you've threatened me."

He gave him a cold smile.

"Please… don't forget it."

Because I won't.

—End of Chapter 65—

A/N:

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