61. simulation 2. (1)

"The system announced that it would enter simulation in... 5, 4, 3, 2, 1..."

I am Noah Drake, grew up in a time of chaos. My village lies on the border between two great nations: Grand Sui and Grand Valorian. This place was once fertile and prosperous, but eight years of war have stripped it bare. The days of flourishing are now in the past; what remains is only dust and suffering. Everywhere, people are dying of hunger.

I was born into a farming family with three children. Hardworking and determined, I was blessed with an exceptional physique. Even as a child, I was stubborn. Whenever I set my mind to something, I would see it through, no matter the cost. Because of this, people in the village both loved and hated me.

When the war broke out, I was only eight. I saw family members separated and villagers slaughtered by invading soldiers. I should have died, but an enemy soldier saved me, saying I resembled his younger brother and that if I had the chance, I should run to save myself.

Later, I learned that many ordinary people were forced into battle against their will. If they didn't kill, they would be killed. Many tried to flee, but they were slaughtered to set an example. Like me, they suffered. They said, 'This is the fate of the weak.' I did not want to be weak. I swore that one day, I would end this war.

That same year, I felt an occasional instinct for sensing impending danger.

After eight years of struggling outside, I came to understand the brutal and miraculous nature of this world. There are martial artists who can fly and shatter rocks with a single strike. I resolved to become a powerful martial artist so that I would no longer be oppressed—strong enough to stop the war.

With such an ideal, but driven by survival and strength, I could only join the military. At sixteen, I officially became a logistics soldier in Grand Valorian.

During my duties, I was taught a basic martial technique to strengthen the body. With my unusual physique, hard work, and pain tolerance, it took me only three months to achieve minor mastery. I looked at my scarred hands and felt the power coursing through them. I knew I would achieve greatness.

At eighteen, after three years in the military, I had crazily trained to reach a level of significant accomplishment. I was considered a prodigy in the army, catching the attention of the commander. He met me, expressed his interest in adopting me as a son, and promised to take me to the Imperial Capital for further study.

I agreed, as living in this world without backing is nearly impossible. The commander had many adopted sons as well. By the end of that year, I arrived at the capital to study at the Elderstone Academy, a training school for martial artists. It was divided into two sections: one for prodigies and one for talents. I was placed in Class 34, near the bottom of the talent section.

At nineteen, after a year of training at the academy, my progress slowed significantly. My instructor said it was normal for training to slow down as techniques grew more difficult. This was common in the talent section, but for the prodigies, who were heaven's favored, it was not a challenge.

That same year, I started to see glimpses of the future with eerie clarity, like the assassination of a prime minister or which prince would ascend to power. Initially, I thought I was losing my mind, but everything after that happened exactly the same way. Realizing I could foresee certain events, I kept it secret, using this ability to gamble and gather resources to strengthen myself. Most importantly, I aligned myself with the Eleventh Princess, Elara Vespera. Outwardly, she was unremarkable, but it was a facade. In the future, she would become the empress who unites the two nations, Grand Valorian and Grand Sui.

At twenty, I achieved the rank of warrior and became one of her personal guards. I was considered a miracle among the talent class, with various factions trying to recruit me. I declined, publicly stating that I owed my life to Princess Elara Vespera and would serve her guard forever.

By twenty-two, I had reached the pinnacle of warrior rank, and in the shadows, I became her trusted confidant, assisting her in countless matters. At twenty-four, I was now the commander of a cavalry unit, heading to suppress a noble rebellion against the new empress. The rebel leader was the Western Prince, Edmund Hawthorne.

Recently, I've had continuous dreams of a young man telling me to cherish what I have. The feeling grows stronger, yet I don't understand. I already cherish what I have, but I can only keep it in mind and remain cautious.

After ten days, I defeated the Western Prince, confiscated his assets, and apprehended all rebels. Among the captured, I found an old acquaintance—Xiao Hui, a girl three years younger than me and the sister of an old friend, Sister Shen. As children, she and I were a mischievous pair, known throughout the village for our pranks.

After losing her home, she became a refugee. Recently, she sold herself to work as a servant in the Western Prince's household. She looked thin, her skin pale. She must have endured much hardship.

After an emotional reunion, I brought her to my residence to care for her. She told me that my family had fled to Grand Sui, which explained why I had been unable to find any trace of them.

With the kingdom stabilizing, I don't have to run around putting down rebels anymore. I was now the Queen's right-hand in a unified country, with wealth enough for a lifetime. Over time, Xiao Hui regained her health and beauty. Her once thin frame filled out, her skin soft and radiant, her hair glossy and braided over her shoulders, her smile warm and bright.

I didn't ask about her past, and we enjoyed each other's company, as if we were children again. One evening, as we walked by the river, seeing her upset and unhappy, I surprised her by jumping in with her. Expecting her to shout or scold, she merely swam to shore, her soaked clothes clinging to her vibrant figure. She blushed and chided me, saying she couldn't enter the city looking like this.

We started a small fire and sat together until late at night. By its light, her skin glowed, her cheeks flushed, and her voice grew soft. She asked, "What are you staring at? You're blushing... Haven't you seen a woman's body before?"

Her words struck me. In my 25 years, I'd never seen a woman's body. I had always been focused on martial training, ignoring matters between men and women.

Seeing my confused look, she bit her lip, hesitated, and then said, "When I was nineteen, my parents sold me as a concubine to a well-off middle-aged man. The pain of that night was unbearable, but he left quickly. I thought intimacy was dreadful, and I even wanted to die.

But life is unpredictable. The next day, a rebellion wiped out my husband's family, and I wandered until you rescued me. I avoided thoughts of intimacy, thinking it only brought pain. But last night, I saw Steward James with Isabella, and she didn't seem in pain. She looked... happy. I can't understand it and thought of asking you. But I was afraid you'd laugh at me. I never expected you to be just as clueless."

Her words about Steward James and Isabella made my blood boil. The master hasn't done anything yet, but the servant is already stepping out of line? Upon returning, I would deal with him.

I looked into Xiao Hui's eyes, eagerly awaiting her answer. I don't know much about men and women, but I can't disappoint her.

After a while of discussion, she and I decided to investigate this matter together.

Starting with Steward James.