Chapter 9: First Step
Lucas leaned back in his chair, watching as Lira gracefully gathered the plates, her movements precise and practiced. Despite being just a servant, there was an air of quiet dignity about her, a trait he found somewhat refreshing in this unfamiliar era.
As she stacked the plates and wiped the table clean, she turned to him, her gaze still respectfully lowered. "Is there anything you want, my Lord, before you sleep?"
Lucas sighed, stretching his arms slightly before shaking his head. "No, Lira... all I need right now is a good night’s rest," he said, his voice carrying a note of exhaustion. His body still ached from earlier, and his mind was running in circles, planning out the steps he needed to take in the coming days.
"Tomorrow is going to be a long day. We’ll head into the city to get some things."
Lira nodded immediately, bowing slightly. "Understood, my Lord. I will be here in the morning when you wake."
Lucas gave her a tired nod. "Good."
She turned on her heel, moving toward the door, her presence as fleeting as a whisper. The wooden door creaked softly as she stepped out, leaving him alone in the dimly lit room.
He exhaled deeply and stood up, rolling his shoulders to ease the stiffness. The bath earlier had helped a little, but the fatigue still clung to his bones. He was weak. Too weak. And that was unacceptable.
Lucas moved toward the bed, his fingers grazing over the soft fabric of the sheets. The room was silent now, save for the occasional flicker of the lantern’s flame. He sat on the edge of the bed, rubbing his temples.
Tomorrow... tomorrow was the beginning of everything.
He had already decided—he would pursue Dual Cultivation. It was a dangerous path, forbidden in later centuries, but in this time, it had yet to be discovered. He had the knowledge, the insight, and most importantly, the desperation to grow stronger.