The Most Satisfied Reincarnate

[WARNING: System detected passive skill drain, depleting host energy!]

[Initiating sealing process for the unusual skill...]

[Counter-attack unsuccessful...]

[System detected a loss of 10 years from host's lifespan]

[Durability of the Dragon Necklace has been diminished]

[Name: Dragon Necklace

Grade: Rare

Description: The necklace bestowed upon Desmond by Alice brims with affection, lending it a distinct charm. This enchanting item bears intricate engravings and has been imbued with an Item Modifier spell, enabling it to store and continuously activate any spell. However, each activation places an increasing strain on the necklace.

Spell: 1/1

Durability: 500/1000]

[The Swordsman Skill: Power boost Deactivated!]

[The Swordsman Skill: Body Enhancement Deactivated!]

[System detected a possible combination of a new skill. Proceed with merging?]

As Desmond beheld the unfolding events, his countenance became a mosaic of conflicting emotions, each vying for dominance. This cruel twist of fate had stolen away a precious decade from his life, leaving him with an unsettling uncertainty about the remaining years he could lay claim to.

Simultaneously, the repercussions of employing the swordsman skill began to manifest. Slumped against the bed, his body succumbed to a numbing sensation that left him feeling detached from physicality itself. The crimson rivers coursing through his veins seemed to languidly traverse their paths, while a shroud of mist descended upon his surroundings, painting his vision in an ethereal haze.

Despite the bitterness that swelled within his heart, he couldn't deny that without the swordsman skill, he would have perished by now. But the cost exacted upon him was excruciatingly steep.

Yet, amidst this tumultuous maelstrom of thoughts, Desmond found himself contemplating the extraordinary coincidence of these abilities, all of them tracing back to his bloodline. Particularly, his other passive skill, Dragon Regeneration, had been acquired through the infusion of dragon essence into his being. Each dose of this essence granted him an additional year of life.

"Could it be that this reptilian entity is compelling me to slay a lesser dragon species?" Desmond mused, a flicker of excitement glimmering in his eyes.

The dragon essence not only bestowed a permanent boost to his attributes but also complemented the absorption option provided by the system. Was this what one would consider an unfair advantage, a clandestine privilege?

Nevertheless, Desmond had grown acquainted with the capricious nature of his fortune. Every boon he received was tempered by a grave consequence. First, the loss of his arm, and now the waning durability of his cherished item.

Thus, he resisted the impulse to revel in unbridled joy and instead mulled over his predicament. The only imminent danger that loomed on the horizon was the potential encroachment into the territory of these mystical creatures. As for the assassins, he could confound them with his custom spell. His primary concern lay in the fact that they had gained knowledge of his objectives.

It was all but certain that they would orchestrate yet another ambush, this time, armed with the awareness of his formidable capabilities. Desmond harbored no illusions—Grimm might well appear, or perhaps even Krox during the ensuing ambush.

After emerging from his brief reverie, Desmond shook his head, deciding to revisit these musings once he reached the city and secured admission as a student in the academy. The guidebook had provided only rudimentary information, leaving him oblivious to the intricacies of the academy's regulations.

*ROAR*

Suddenly, a resounding roar reverberated from beyond the confines of his dwelling. Desperate to respond, Desmond attempted to rouse his dormant body, fully aware of the arduous consequences that awaited him. Even the simplest movement, such as flexing his fingers, proved to be an immense struggle.

Desmond's helpless gaze fell upon Laura and Annie, and he gestured for them to lay his body down. Without uttering a word, they understood the gravity of the situation that had befallen their young master. Tenderly, they carefully positioned him on the bed, covering his form with a blanket, and kept a watchful eye, awaiting his command.

Meanwhile, Annie's attention was drawn to Laura's unsteady footing, her body trembling as she struggled to maintain consciousness. Realizing the strain her comrade was under, Laura assured her, "I'll handle things from here." Despite being a skilled swordsman, Annie had also honed her skills in magical communication, a discipline frequently employed by their young master.

Laura cast a fleeting glance at Annie, weakly nodding before saluting their young master. With utmost care, she withdrew from the room, drawing the curtains closed and creating a serene atmosphere by extinguishing the lights. Settling herself on the bedside, Laura closed her eyes, allowing a sense of calm to envelop her.

Annie's warm smile graced her features as she redirected her gaze towards her young master. His eyes were wide open, fixed upon her without the faintest flutter of his eyelids. She attempted to send him magical messages, desperately seeking a response. Confusion clouded her thoughts, for she could not fathom the circumstances that had befallen her young master.

Discovering him in the forest near the main road had sent shockwaves through her being. Were it not for his flowing locks and the tumult stirred by the surrounding fauna, Annie would have mistaken him for a lifeless corpse.

Meanwhile, Desmond, upon receiving the messages in his mind, clenched his teeth in frustration. He had indeed received Annie's messages, but his body remained devoid of any semblance of energy. How could he hope to regain his strength when even standing upright seemed like an insurmountable challenge?

"System, is there another method by which I can recover?" Desmond pleaded urgently. The battle outside raged on unabated, and he found himself in a vulnerable state. It was not that he lacked trust in Annie and Laura, but their adversaries surpassed their capabilities.

[Initiating process...]

[The system has discovered an alternative means for host energy recovery, obviating the need for meditation.]

[Would you like to view the information?]

"Yes!" Desmond's reply was fraught with haste. The battle outside continued to escalate, and he could ill afford to remain in such a precarious state. This did not imply a lack of faith in Annie and Laura; rather, their foes transcended their capabilities.

[System Conclusion: Host can direct me to autonomously gather energy, augmenting daily energy levels while simultaneously facilitating recovery.]

...Desmond wondered how, after all these years, he had failed to consider such a simple solution, instead stubbornly engaging in cumbersome practices each day. Could it be that his family's teachings had clouded his judgment?

His ancestors had extolled the virtues of daily meditation, emphasizing its ability to calm the mind, relax the body, and broaden one's perspective. The added benefit of energy replenishment had seemingly become an intrinsic part of his routine, unquestioned until now. Had his mind become numbed by the wonders of this fantastical realm?

"How could I overlook something so fundamental?" Desmond chastised himself inwardly. He swiftly commanded the system to implement the suggested approach, and without delay, he felt a surge of natural energy permeate his weary body. The revitalizing force gradually permeated every cell, organ, and bone, tending to them with tender care.

Desmond likened his body to a withered tree suddenly quenched by life-giving water. The hair on his skin stood erect, dancing with jubilation, while his bloodstream roared like a raging tsunami, invigorating his entire being.

As the lingering exhaustion gradually dissipated, Desmond felt a soothing coolness permeate his weary eyes, relieving them from the strain akin to that of an overworked machine.

"I see. So, that's why the book mentioned that humans have already become attuned to this unique energy," Desmond mused quietly to himself, a newfound understanding dawning upon him.

His attention then shifted towards Annie, who stood by the small window, her gaze fixated upon the outside world. Despite her usually composed demeanor, a faint furrow creased her brow, and her nails dug into her palms with a resolute grip.

Simultaneously, Desmond's peripheral vision caught a system notification hovering beneath the circle map, signaling the emergence of a new combination. Curiosity stirred within him, eager to uncover the possibilities that lay before him.