Reincarnation X Fantasy – Part 39
Where Is Tom?
…From the narrator's perspective…
The priest, finishing the traditional Tuesday prayer to the gods, turned toward the people with tearful eyes and said:
"Pray…Pray for the swift return of Tom Breach—the chosen one,the future hero of the Church,one of the strongest individuals in the Empire,the successor of Ziar, the legendary hero,the child blessed by the gods…who is now missing.
If Tom—lost due to the schemes of the enemies of the Church, the faith, and the gods—is not found soon…the gods will unleash their wrath.Famine and misery will fall upon the people."
And the people, with trembling voices and wet eyes, prayed desperately for Tom's return.
Meanwhile, in a tavern filled with knights of the imperial army,a drunken soldier, barely conscious, raised his cup of wine and slurred:
"A toast…to the eternal disappearance of Tom Breach!Enemy of the Empire…enemy of the court…enemy of the people and the knights…that cursed bastard who brought famine and misery,who became famous thanks to the Church…may he never return!"
At the highest place in the Empire—a pure, immaculate hall where only the Emperor and his ministers gathered—a heated argument erupted between the imperial court and the Church's representative,the second-highest authority of the Church:High Bishop Leonard.
The Church threatened:
"If Tom is not found after the Academy Tournament,the Church's army will intervene.We will dethrone the Emperor,dismantle the imperial army,and destroy the three great noble families—all except the Hyper family, who have supported the Church from the beginning.
With the support of the people,a great war against the imperial court will begin."
The ministers were terrified.This time, they could not resist.They wanted Tom—future enemy of the court—to disappear forever,but they knew the truth:
The imperial army could not defeat the Church's army.For twenty years, the Church had not lost a single battle.They had the strongest man in the Empire—Ziar.And Tom, the second rising monster, was missing.
If both of them stood with the Church,the imperial court would be finished.
So the ministers swore to the Church that they would do everything in their power to find Tom.
But what had happened to Tom?
It had been nearly two weeks since he vanished.
According to the testimony of several Church soldiers,Tom was last seen leaving the Second Wall through the forbidden forest.
No one had seen him since.
Ziar was inside the walls—but Tom was not.
Because of Tom's disappearance and the pressure from the Church,the Academy's grand tournament was postponed for the first time in history.It was supposed to be held in two days.
But the fact that Tom was last seen by imperial soldiersmade the people suspicious.
Everyone believed the imperial court had secretly eliminated him.
From the Great Wall to the Noble Wall,everyone asked the same question:
Where is Tom?What happened to him?Is he alive… or dead?
…From Tom's perspective…
"What do you mean, a forbidden technique?"
The old man stepped closer and looked toward the forest.
Old man:"If you enter the tournament with only the skills you have now,you will lose.
Your opponents are from the Flor and Hyper families—families that have developed their techniques for generations.
And you?Aside from what you learned from Ziar and what you figured out yourself,you have nothing.
You will lose…unless you can fight all their techniques with a single move."
"A single move? What does that even mean?"
Old man:"There is something we call the Forbidden.A taboo.
A technique banned by three forces:
The laws of the Empire,the laws of the Church,and the laws of humanity.
Some things are forbidden by the Empire but not by the Church—like protesting against poverty.
Some things are forbidden by the Church but not by the Empire—like denying the existence of the gods.
And some things are forbidden by humanity itself—like betraying someone who trusted you,even if both the Church and Empire approve.
But there is one thing…one technique…that all three forbid.
Because it makes you too strong."
"What do you mean all three forbid it?"
Old man:"Let me explain it differently.
In normal conditions,you can only use about one percent of your physical and mental capacity.Your mind limits you—because using your full potential would destroy your body.
But in a near-death situation,your survival instinct activates.Your mind unlocks power beyond imagination—just to keep you alive for a few more seconds.
In that state,you can do things forbidden by humanity,forbidden by religion,and forbidden by the Empire.
You would sacrifice anyone to survive.
This technique…forces your survival instinct to activate.Not in danger—but in normal conditions.
It gives you the power of a dying manwhile you are still alive.
With this power,you can do anything.But if you fail to control it—you will die instantly.
So if you want to perform this technique…
You must die first."