The Most Satisfied Reincarnate

Desmond's smile formed a tinge of awkwardness as he glanced at his sister, Alice. With a flicker of his magical prowess, he summoned a surge of power, channeling it into his hands. As if guided by invisible hands, his beard and mustache were effortlessly transformed into mere memories, revealing a clean-shaven face that exuded youthful handsomeness.

"Now, what do you think?" Desmond asked, his body bending slightly as he extended his arms. Simultaneously, a swirling current of natural energy enveloped his figure, manifesting into slender streams of water that delicately cleansed away any lingering stench, leaving him refreshed and revitalized.

Alice's face glistened with a tear that mingled with her warm smile. Without hesitation, she darted toward her brother, embracing him tightly. "I've missed you, brother," she whispered, her voice tinged with a mix of longing and loneliness. Ever since their parents had vanished without a trace, Alice had entrusted her hopes and heart to Desmond.

Desmond, keenly attuned to his sister's emotions, could feel her cold body pressed against his, a fresh fragrance emanating from her lustrous white hair. They remained locked in an embrace, their hearts reconnecting, even as Desmond's loyal subordinates gradually appeared in the distance, one by one.

Felix, distinguished by his complete set of animal skin garments, stood among the men, their bare chests covered with similar attire. Scars adorned their chests, a testament to the arduous battles they had fought together in their relentless pursuit of formidable beasts.

Among the women, Annie wore a short animal skin shirt that exposed her midriff, complemented by long animal pants that accentuated her slender legs. Laura, on the other hand, donned similar attire but opted for long pants, with a thick gown restricting her freedom of movement.

All of Desmond's followers awaited his presence, understanding the importance of allowing this brief, tender moment between him and Alice to unfold undisturbed. With no news from their parents, the siblings had been left to fend for themselves in the untamed wilderness.

Desmond silently reflected on Alice's circumstances, realizing that she had come to rely solely on him, the only family she had left, and the one person she felt truly connected to. "She depends on me entirely, the only familiar figure in her world," Desmond murmured. Their embrace persisted, while his subordinates respectfully gathered behind Alice, maintaining a respectful distance.

If it weren't for Desmond's unwavering determination and natural leadership, Felix might have assumed the role of caretaker for both siblings. Alice was fortunate to have such a resolute brother. Desmond had not only orchestrated miraculous escapes for them, but he had also slain a prominent figure in the North Kingdom—a Grandmaster—despite his tender age. His future held limitless potential.

Possessing power, physical appeal, and now an army under his command, Desmond's words reverberated within the minds of his loyal followers. "I apologize for the delay," Desmond finally spoke, breaking the prolonged embrace with Alice. She stood beside him without a trace of shyness, her complexion visibly improved after unburdening her hidden emotions to her beloved brother.

Unlike the past, Laura now regarded them both with a genuine smile, free from the grip of jealousy that had once consumed her. She had transitioned into a supportive role, acknowledging the undeniable bond between Desmond and Alice. Deep down, Laura knew she had countless opportunities ahead.

The only competition she faced was her fellow comrade, Annie, whose gaze toward Desmond carried a hint of affection.

"I request that half of you accompany me on a search and hunt for a group of wyverns," Desmond declared, his voice firm and commanding. Standing tall among his loyal band, he locked eyes with each member, his unwavering gaze filled with determination.

Among the assembled group were twenty men and three girls, including Desmond and Felix. Even if half of the men accompanied him, it would still leave only ten men to defend their hidden base in case of any untoward incidents. Yet, the biting cold of the frozen ground failed to affect Desmond as he stood barefoot and bare-chested.

Despite having devoted the past six months to his research, his physique remained muscular and strong.

As the men laid eyes on Desmond, an image began to take shape in their minds—an amalgamation of him and a formidable black dragon. Any thoughts or doubts about how to take down a wyvern were quickly swallowed and buried.

"Do any of you have questions?" Desmond inquired, sensing the weight of their gazes upon him, though they seemed to vanish into thin air. His peripheral vision caught a glimpse of the map, adorned with numerous red dots symbolizing the roaming beasts in the vicinity of their base.

"No, young master!" they responded in unison, their expressions solemn and their focus unwavering.

Satisfied with their resolute spirit, Desmond nodded. Despite the passing months, their courage and loyalty to him remained steadfast. "Felix, I need you to stay here and protect my sister. I cannot allow any harm to befall the girls while we embark on this hunt," Desmond instructed, gesturing upward.

As the group followed Desmond's finger, their gaze was drawn to the ceiling, which trembled ominously, accompanied by the growls of the creatures above. They had grown accustomed to this phenomenon in recent months, but with no further command from Desmond, they had chosen to ignore it.

Initially inclined to voice his concerns, Felix quickly nodded instead. Alice had shared her daughter's wishes with him, and now safeguarding that final wish became his duty.

"Yes, young master. You can place your full trust in me," Felix declared, emanating an aura befitting that of a 4th-class swordsman, despite his advancing age. The others who observed him couldn't help but feel a sense of shame for their own complacency.

Unlike mages, who relied on talent and innate traits to ascend to the pinnacle of their craft, swordsmen thrived through unwavering determination and tireless effort, much like Felix. Any ordinary individual could attain the same level of power with dedicated hard work.

Sadly, many swordsmen succumbed to the allure of their newfound strength and the pride that accompanied reaching the 2nd class. The prospect of acquiring wealth akin to that of prosperous small merchants often led them astray.

"With that settled, I entrust you all to Felix," Desmond spoke softly to his sister. He and the selected men then descended the stairs and made their way toward the corner of the grand canyon, their destination awaiting them.