Chapter 509
The passage of time often deeply buries all memories of early childhood. But for Ren, his memories remained vivid all the way to the age of one.
Even now, he remembered. He, who had just turned one, had been left with powerful impressions in more ways than one on that day.
The banquet hall felt enormous, almost overwhelmingly so, and the food was extravagant beyond measure. Although the war with the Demon Force had yet to end, their presence had lessened; that was why countless guests—both heroes and prominent political figures—had gathered at the family estate.
“Amazing.... He’s only twelve months old yet is already showing signs of mana?”
“His physical balance is already perfectly aligned. As expected of the family head’s child—his growth rate is incredible.”
“The future of the Inoue family looks bright! Hahaha!”
“Thank you for the compliment.”
“?!”
Every time Ren bowed and expressed gratitude just as he had been taught, the adults who had offered half-hearted praise would recoil in shock. Even as a child, Ren found their reactions surprisingly pleasant. The sight of them being emotionally shaken by his actions... gave him a strange sense of satisfaction.
At the time, he couldn’t define it clearly—it was the first time he’d ever felt such a thing—but looking back, it was probably a desire for recognition.
“Master Ren. Today, we’ll begin with the basics of mana control...”
“I’ve already mastered that. Let’s move on to the next.”