Rebirth: Childhood friend of the heroine

'So system...what can you do?' En route to the Headmaster's office, Alex asked

The Curse has revealed something vital or who knows how many more times Alex would have used the godly powers without realising its side effects.

{The system would assign a few tasks regularly to help the Host assimilate the power of the Creator.}

{The current status of the host follows:

{Name: Alex}

{Age: 37}

{Assimilation: 12.1%}

{Quest: None}

{Skills obtained: None}

Alex raised his brows, "So the magical skills I have been using, won't be usable anymore?'

{No, host. Unless the host wants to damage his soul further, those powers would be kept bound by a seal.}

Alex heaved a sigh. Just a few minutes ago, he was feeling all kinds of emotions at the realization that he no longer needed to depend on his swords.

But well, he was wrong. He still couldn't utilize magical skills; as such, his blades remained his only option.

'Okay then, assign me a quest.'

{Ding!}

{Quest generating....}

{Heavylift marathon: Host needs to run a certain distance while carrying certain weights, and all while utilizing the Creator's powers.}

Alex was taken aback, 'Wasn't I forbidden from using the Curse's Power?'

This time it wasn't the system that responded,

[Don't worry, I will only allow the bare minimum, which will enhance your physical abilities. That will help your soul to get used to my presence and powers.]

Alex hummed...understandable.

{Distance: 0/200 miles}

{Weight: 200 kg}

{Note: The weight might increase as the Host travels the distance.}

"...." Alex's feet came to a halt upon seeing that distance.

Isn't that absurd? The cathedral from here was like two fifty miles.

'System...shouldn't you have chosen a beginner quest for a noob like me?' He remembers that the initial quest always remains simple and easily doable.

Then why was the system torturing him with such an absurd number?

{The host has already assimilated more than 10% of the Creator's powers, so it is necessary to train your soul accordingly. In that way, the future usage of the Creator's powers wouldn't toll on the host's soul.}

....why does it seem the system was just twisting its words to sound believable?

'Sigh...no point in whining. I guess I have to fulfill the task.'

Entering the Headmaster's office, he found the Headmaster prepared with his bag and another teacher was with him.

"Good afternoon, sir...ma'am." he greeted them, before adding, "There is some slight change of plan.".

Hector raised his brows, before he asked, "What's the matter?" This came out of nowhere.

Alex told them, "I need to check a few things en route so I would be traveling separately. That's why, please take care of Celestria in my stead." Bowing his head, he requested the duo.

The other teacher—Professor Seraphine Elara, asked, "Is it too urgent? Shouldn't we focus on the matter with the Heavenly Decree first?"

The black-haired lady believed that there could be nothing more important than the message they heard.

Alex nodded, "It is urgent, but don't worry, I will be there when you reach Cathedral. After all, without me, there is a high chance you won't get to hear from the Saintess."

Elara exhaled a sigh, "Although I once served the church...what you are saying is true." The only reason Elara was asked to accompany Hector was because of her last job as a Priestess.

However, her knowledge of human biology made the head priest of that time realize that she was wasting her talent by singing prayers. As such, he directly requested Hector to recruit her as a teacher at Soulforge Academy.

However, things are different now. The time she left the church, there was no supreme Saintess, so visiting the cathedral wasn't an impossible task for her.

But now...it seems.

"Don't worry, Professor Elara...I will somehow help you two meet her." Alex assured the duo, even though Elara barely had the hope for someone other than royalties to meet the Saintess in person.

Soon, Alex stepped out of the room and was met by Celestria, who was heading towards the office.

"Hey~" She smiled and waved at him while carrying a heavy-looking bag.

Stepping closer, she said, "I have brought your favorite muffins and cooked something delicious for the trip. Can't wait to finally spend some time with you~"

Alex's heart turned heavy seeing the girl being all happy about the journey.

It was he who previously said that he wanted to be with her more when they had the time.

But now, "Sorry Cela..."

Celestria's excitement dimmed as she heard about his reason.

Alex, naturally, didn't lie to her and told her everything he heard from the Curse.

Her brows tensed upon hearing his unnatural Soul age growth.

"As such, I now have to fulfill a few tasks the Curse assigns me, to get used to him."

Celestria worryingly pinched the hem of his shirt as she asked, "This won't....really damage your soul if you follow the Curse's words, right?" She couldn't have said that there was no need for Alex to utilize the Curse anymore.

She could have used her authority as a Princess to keep Alex safe....but after the message from the deities descended, she knew her status as royalty meant nothing.

Although her heart was restless at the thought that Alex's soul was harmed because of her in one way or another, she couldn't ask him to stop using those powers.

"I have no other option than to rely on the Curse, Cela. You know all I have is my blade and a few techniques. However, that won't help me to fight against the monster waiting out there."

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Celestria understands; however, she still feels quite anxious about this whole thing.

Inching closer, and clutching his shirt, she voiced, "Sometimes I wish to be excessively strong so I can protect you."

Alex chuckled, hearing her slowly mumbling before rubbing her back and telling her, "Your smile helps me a lot. It reminds me that I can't make any reckless moves and endanger my life."

Celestria blushed slightly, hiding her face in his chest, as she muttered, "Liar...

°°°°°°

They soon arrived at the main entrance of the academy.

Edric and Amanda were also there, leaving for Labyrinth but have made some excuses of visiting Edric's hometown.

Naturally, the school administration wouldn't have allowed the two young adults to venture into Labyrinths without supervision.

"Okay then, see you soon." Edric offered his hand, and Alex shook.

"Don't push yourself too much because of what I said. You know I was just motivating you." Alex told him with a stern gaze.

The raven-haired youth chuckled, "If you think I will make some foolish mistake in over aggression then you might not know me enough yet."

Alex sighed, "I am just worried...anyway, take care."

Edric nodded before Amanda also bid her farewell, reminding Alex to convey her message to Sarah before the duo departed.

Once they were gone, the Headmaster and Professor Elara also sat inside the carriage.

Celestria turned to look at him, her eyes slightly moist before she hugged him. Her thin arms tightly holding him as if she wanted to become one with him

"Take care and please get there on time."

Alex hummed as he kissed her head before saying goodbye.

The duo soon parted and after waving at the carriage, Alex heaved a sigh.

"Okay then....two hundred kilograms it was."

He first made his way into the forest, and away from surveillance before taking out the anklets Nd bracelets.

These weighted artifacts are used to enhance one's speed and stamina.

Tying the cuffs around his ankles and wrists, Alex felt his movements becoming slightly slower.

Alex checked the system screen and found that there were still a hundred kilometers more required.

Naturally, Alex had something in mind.

He went towards the nearest tree, and, using his sword, carved out its trunk.

Taking out several ropes he somehow tied the trunk over his shoulder.

Since the trunk was not thick and short, he was able to tie it comfortably to his shoulders and arms....well, not too comfortably.

'It reminds me of the old days...' When he was getting trained by old man Hachi, he was forced to do these kinds of training to improve his body.

However, after coming to this world, he had been taking it easy.

Since his sword arts and later the Curse's Power allowed him to win almost every battle, Alex didn't think he would be pulled back to basics.

But here he was.

'Okay, Curse. I am ready.' Just as he said, dark markings began to appear on his face—but unlike in the past, only two lines were drawn on his cheeks, and his eyes were faintly glowing.

[This should do.]

Hearing those words, Alex took a deep breath and looked up ahead.

The journey was long, but the training was necessary.

So, let's go!

°°°°°°°°

A/N:- I hope the chapter was understandable. Thanks for reading.