The Sleeping Past

What was my name?

Sylutia.

This was clearly not the name from her past life. Yet after waking this time, certain hazy memories told the girl that she was now called Sylutia.

Did reincarnation truly exist? When she had been born, she had possessed no memories of her past life. Only now did they suddenly return—and as some accidental side effect, she had instead lost her memories from the earlier years of this life, leaving only a few blurred fragments.

She looked over the clothes she wore. The plain white dress did not appear overly elaborate in style, but certain details, such as the cuffs and hem, were exceptionally refined, as if reminding her that its price was anything but cheap. Then she examined her palms. Smooth and delicate as they were, they did not look like the hands of someone who had ever done labor.

Her background in this life should have been fairly good. If she could find her family and relatives from this life, she would probably never need to worry about food or clothing? The girl pondered the origins of this body.

Although she did not know what kind of personality she had possessed in this life, from certain vague memory fragments and her inner feelings, she seemed no different from her past life. There was nothing strange or uncomfortable, as though she were still the same person.

As she searched through her hazy memories for information, a sudden understanding rose within her, and certain information appeared in her mind.

Name: Sylutia·※※※※

Race: Human (※※※)

Status: Healthy (No abnormalities)

Talents:

Stars [Unknown Grade]: The Stars watched over you. You were not a native inhabitant of this world, but a being descended from an Alien Star. Yet strangely, you had already been accepted by this world and become part of it. Cherish this gift, for the meaning behind it far exceeded your imagination.

Cornflower's Affection [Rare Grade, Upgradable]: When you used any secret arts or creations related to cornflowers, their effects were enhanced. A talent flowing through your bloodline, inherited from your family's lineage, allowing each generation of inheritors to receive the blessing of a certain flower's affection.

—Those who beheld the Fairy Sovereign, Hour of Spring "Funesini," and their bloodline descendants received the blessing of their covenant according to an ancient agreement.

Fate Card: [Sleeping Maiden] (Aspect Power Rank: None)

A strange Card surfaced in Sylutia's consciousness. Its border was entwined with silver metal vines. At the center of the Card, a silver-haired girl lay with her eyes closed, sleeping amid a sea of blooming pale-blue cornflowers. The sky in the distance was dim, and meteors occasionally streaked across it before vanishing in an instant, as though they had never existed.

[Sleeping Maiden]

"You have lost the Aspect Power you once possessed. From the silver vine frame alone, it can be guessed that this Aspect Power may be related to 'Radiant Moon' or 'Emerald Nectar.' Your memories of the past sleep deeply within you. If you wish to awaken that sleeping past, begin with 'Radiant Moon' and 'Emerald Nectar.'"

Effects:

[Identification Pupil Lv.2]: Originating from a special talent and constitution, you could distinguish colors that ordinary people could not perceive, as well as part of the true nature of things. (When you raised the rank of your Fate Card, this ability would also improve accordingly.)

;

Ability Cards: [Empty Slot] [Empty Slot] [Empty Slot]

At the center of the Fate Disk outlined by invisible Threads sat the [Sleeping Maiden] Card with its silver vine border. Beneath it were three empty slots, which should be able to hold other Cards.

One [Fate Card] representing the self, and three empty [Ability Cards]. This world possessed strange supernatural powers, and they seemed to be two sides of the same coin as individuals, taking the form of Cards. If one learned special secret arts and techniques, they could be transformed into Ability Cards and placed within the Fate Disk of the soul and consciousness, allowing them to take effect.

Step by step, she headed toward the village below the hillside. Seeing fiery-red evening clouds appear on the distant horizon, Sylutia could not help quickening her pace, afraid she would not make it before dark.

Her snow-white hair drifted in the wind, and her skirt fluttered. The village that looked nearby was not actually so close on foot. By the time Sylutia arrived, the sky was nearly dark. Fortunately, the village was not as quiet and early to rest as usual today. Several carriages were parked in the village square, surrounding a bonfire at its center. Their rear doors had been opened, displaying the goods they had brought, while many villagers gathered around them.

"The prices went up again, Vandhi."

"These clothes look rather ugly too. Were they things nobody else wanted, so you bought them cheap and hauled them here to sell?" The villagers discussed among themselves, their voices reaching the girl clearly.

The language was vastly different from that of her past life, yet she understood it naturally. She had probably learned it in this life.

Using the cover of night, the girl followed the road toward the village square, wondering how she should explain her origins to others, then find a simple job here to settle down for the time being.

She did not seem to have any money on her. As she walked, the girl patted her clothes again. Unfortunately, apart from this lovely plain white dress and her undergarments, she had nothing else on her.

No, there was one more thing. She reached behind her head and touched the ribbon tied among her hair.

When she untied it, her raised hair fell against her neck. Sylutia held a pale-blue satin hair ribbon, patterned with beautiful cornflowers formed by overlapping Threads. It showed off exquisite craftsmanship.

She had something to trade, but... the girl touched her cheek. Though she did not know exactly what this body looked like, based on her vague memories and the feel of it, she should be very beautiful?

Being too beautiful without any strength was actually quite dangerous. You possessed something others coveted, yet lacked the power to Guard it.

At that thought, she slowed her steps and began considering how to handle the situation. If this were a large city, public security should be much better. But this was a small village, and she had no way of knowing what the local customs were like. Still, she truly had no better choice at present. If she spent the night outside, she might encounter other situations she could not handle. Going somewhere with more people would always be better, and she could gain at least a little protection from the checks and balances of the crowd.

After thinking for a short while, she picked up her pace again and headed toward the brightly lit place.

"It can't be helped, Old Master Ponder. This trip hasn't been easy for me either. You have to understand, it's the Tilang Festival period now. There are plenty of fierce beasts on the roads, so I have to spend more money hiring people to protect the caravan. We can't travel at night either. Look, didn't we arrive late this time? Normally, how could I give up such a money-making opportunity? Wouldn't you agree?" The bearded merchant clasped his hands within his sleeves as he explained the current situation to the village chief beside him.

"Alright, alright. I've heard those excuses of yours countless times. You merchants always have reasons for making money." The old village chief waved a hand, making it clear that he did not care about the other man's costs.

"Oh, right. Did you bring the iron nails I ordered last time?"

"I did, but those things are heavy. I put them beneath the carriage, and we probably won't get them unloaded until tomorrow. What, do you need them urgently?"

"Not urgently. I bought the nails to reinforce the houses. The Gale Season will arrive in another two or three years. It'll be too late to do it then."

"You're preparing for something two years away already. You really do think far ahead."

"Everything gets more expensive during Gale Season. I'm just preparing in advance to save a little money." The village chief shook his head and answered casually.

"Gale winds, sinking fog... I wonder whether this old body of mine can last until the next Trade Wind Season arrives."

"It will. You're so healthy, sir. You'll definitely see the morning light of the next Trade Wind Season."

"Hahaha, then I'll have to live another twenty-odd years."

More noisy voices entered the girl's ears. In this life, her hearing far surpassed that of her past life. Even if ten people spoke at once, she could easily distinguish them all, understand them simultaneously, and remember everything.

That ability was truly somewhat terrifying. In her past life, she could probably have gotten into the university she had once dreamed of attending.

From the conversations between the villagers and merchants, Sylutia learned quite a bit. This caravan passed through the villages, and its leading merchant was also a frequent visitor to the area. The atmosphere appeared quite warm and harmonious, allowing her to put aside some of her worries.

Facing the orange-yellow bonfire, the girl gradually drew near. When she stepped across the boundary between firelight and shadow, she was revealed all at once.

A snow-white silk dress was not something ordinary people could afford to wear. Especially one kept so spotless—even nobles would only wear such clothing on certain formal occasions. When Sylutia entered the village square, she immediately drew the attention of many people.

"Excuse me, you... Your Ladyship, are you?" When a caravan member saw her face clearly, he hurriedly changed his words to an honorific.

Able to come and go so leisurely, dressed in luxurious clothing, and breathtakingly beautiful—she had to be the daughter of some noble family. She might even be the child of a great noble house.

The caravan member hurriedly reported to Vandhi. He too turned his head, bid the village chief farewell, and strode quickly toward the silver-haired girl in white.

"Greetings, esteemed young lady. May I ask if there is anything you need?" He attempted to imitate the etiquette he had seen before and greeted her.

The slightly comical, clumsy gesture made the girl want to laugh, but she politely held it back and lifted her skirt slightly in return, as though it were some sort of instinct.

"Hello." Her clear voice was like a mountain spring, soft and lovely, causing everyone present to pause for several seconds.

The girl paused slightly as well, surprised by what her voice now sounded like.

"Hello. May I ask where this is?" she spoke again, lightly touching the cheek beside her ear and tucking back a few strands of hair to ease her nervousness.

"This is..." Merchant Vandhi had not expected anyone to ask such a question. He froze for several seconds before recovering.

"We are in Linden Village, in the southern part of the Regas Duchy."

The Regas Duchy... The girl searched her memories carefully, but felt no familiarity whatsoever. It seemed she had never come to this place in this life. If so, then if she wished to reclaim her identity, she could only rely on raising the relevant Aspect Power ranks to restore her memories. Otherwise, charging about like a headless fly would make it difficult to achieve anything.

Seeing the girl fall silent in thought, the people before her grew somewhat nervous, unsure of what they had done wrong. Fortunately, the village chief heard what was happening and slowly approached.

When Village Chief Ponder came before the girl, the change pulled her from her thoughts. Her eyes stirred slightly as her gaze met the old man's.

Her irises were pale blue like cornflower petals, pure as though they had never been tainted. Even the worldly village chief was somewhat surprised by that air about her. In his youth, he had been an adventurer and traveled to many places.

"Miss, may I ask if you are lost?" he asked carefully, apparently recognizing the trouble she had encountered.

"Yes. I experienced an accident and became lost in the forest not far from here. I currently need some help." The girl bowed politely once more.

"I see." Hearing this, Village Chief Ponder and Merchant Vandhi exchanged looks, their minds finally settling.

This noble young lady looked quite easy to get along with. Her temperament was much better than those spoiled young masters and misses they usually encountered in Scorched Stone City.

This was a world with supernatural powers. The nobles possessed abundant resources, knowledge, and techniques, as well as strength beyond the reach of commoners. Therefore, ordinary people generally feared coming into conflict with nobles unless they had no other choice.

"If that is the case, how about I arrange a place for you to stay tonight, miss? I still don't know your name." The village chief offered his hospitality.

"My name is... Tia. I'll trouble you, then." Out of caution, the girl gave only a shortened version of her name.

"No problem, Miss Tia." Stroking his beard, the village chief answered with a smile. In his eyes, the girl was the sort of innocent young lady who had spent a long time secluded in an estate or Castle, rarely venturing outside—one of the easiest kinds of people to get along with.

An ordinary minor noble could not raise someone with such an aura. She was likely the daughter of some great noble family. If he could build a good relationship with her, there would surely be some benefit. After all, even a little something slipping through the fingers of those great nobles would be a treasure commoners could not obtain in a lifetime.

The conversation among the three gradually ended. While they had been speaking, many villagers and caravan members had quietly gathered nearby. Though they did not come too close, the convergence of all those gazes still made Sylutia uncomfortable. It was not that she was afraid; she simply had never been good at handling social interactions, whether in this life or her past one. She preferred quietly being alone.

Fortunately, the situation was quickly broken up. At the village chief's call, a girl about as tall as Sylutia ran over. She had reddish-brown hair, messily tied into a braid behind her head. She wore a short flax-yellow shirt, and her thin, sallow body showed bare calves with a faint sheen of oil. The straw sandals on her feet were tightly woven and sturdy.

"Talia, take this young lady home. Clean up the room your sister used to live in, put on clean bedding, and let this young lady stay there for the night."

"Got it, Grandpa." Talia answered casually, but her gaze never left Sylutia's face, as though she wanted to take a good look and identify her clearly.

"Come with me."

She stretched out a hand and immediately seized Sylutia by the wrist, leading her through the crowd and toward the interior of the village.

That action startled Village Chief Ponder and Merchant Vandhi, but they had no time to stop her. Fortunately, Sylutia merely followed along without showing displeasure, and only then did the two wipe away cold sweat and relax.

"It's my fault. That child has gotten used to running wild, and I haven't taught her properly." The village chief thought of how he normally devoted all his energy to the village. The only one he had paid much attention to was Talia's elder sister, who had recently married.

Compared with the wild and stubborn Talia, her sister Winnie was much more virtuous and steady, well-liked by everyone. That was why she had married into a respectable family in the city.

As they moved through the crowd, Sylutia lowered her head slightly to avoid the curious gazes around her. She felt the hand gripping her wrist. Talia was about the same height as her, and there were slightly rough marks on the insides of her fingers. She had probably scratched herself not long ago, and the wounds had scabbed over, leaving hardened skin.

Even though this was their first meeting, Sylutia guessed that Talia was the type of girl who liked running about and playing everywhere.

Just as Sylutia was wondering what kind of living environment awaited her here, a burst of hurried hoofbeats came from the distance. She could not help turning to look. In the night, a line of cavalry carrying torches galloped along the road.

They held their reins, their bodies rising and falling with their horses' strides, their expressions anxious. When they reached the village entrance, they almost did not slow at all as they leaped over the low fence. Several cavalrymen behind them did not even manage to jump, smashing straight through the fence instead.

The dry wood of the Rising Wind Season snapped in half with sharp cracking sounds, and the cavalry charged into the square with their torches raised.

"Everyone, prepare to defend!"

A rough roar exploded across the square. Before many villagers could even understand what had happened, another terrified scream rang out.

"Wolves! Wolves!"

From the darkness outside the village came chilling whimpers, drawing ever closer. Nothing could be seen in the blackness, but the constant rustling sounds meant a group of living creatures was approaching.

Only then did the villagers finally react. Some rushed home to find weapons, while women hurriedly sought out their children and brought them indoors. The caravan escorts tensed as well, drawing their short swords and axes. Others raised spears, preparing to face the unknown danger.

More than ten seconds later, a pack of running silhouettes appeared outside the village. Yet what caught the eye even more were those pairs of oily green eyes.

Wolves—a wolf pack. More than forty wolves charged out of the night. The enormous wolf at their head leaped directly over the useless fence. Only then, by the firelight, could everyone clearly see what it looked like.

Its entire body was covered in sleek orange-red fur. Its long hair stirred slightly like flames. Even standing on all fours, it was taller than a man, larger than an ordinary cow. As it approached, scorching breath spread outward. Its narrow eyes revealed savage ferocity, and an invisible pressure instantly cowed everyone present.

As she stared at the giant wolf that seemed like flowing fire in the square, a great deal of information surfaced in Sylutia's mind.

Race: Forest Wolf (Mutated)

Status: Healthy (Fierce)

Talents:

Smell [Good Grade]: A sharp sense of smell, capable of distinguishing and tracking all kinds of creatures. A universal talent among wolf-type creatures.

Fate Card: [Crimson-Dyed Wolf] (First Order—Blazing Sun)

"Baptized by the 'Blazing Sun' Rising Wind, wolves roaming the mountains and forests gradually became dyed with orange flame-red. When they completed their overall transformation, they entered the first stage of the supernatural Aspect Power 'Blazing Sun,' escaping the category of beasts and becoming Fang Beasts feared by ordinary people."

Effects:

[Blood Boil Lv.2]: The Aspect Power of 'Blazing Sun' flowed through the blood, granting this creature powerful vitality, allowing it to run day and night without knowing fatigue, while also slightly strengthening its physique and increasing its strength and speed.

Ability Cards:

[Fangs Lv.2] (Beast Fang): Possessed sharp teeth and fangs far beyond those of beasts, capable of tearing through certain metals and naturally sharpening and repairing themselves. (Most beastly creatures gained one of three abilities—teeth, horns, or claws. This originated from the 'Beast Fang' Aspect instinct flowing through their bloodline.)

So that was it. After taking in the information, the girl understood why the cavalry had been unable to shake off the wolf pack. Empowered by the "Blazing Sun" Aspect Power, these Ti Wolves had extraordinarily enduring stamina. Ordinary people and animals simply could not outrun them. Once they could not win a fight, they could only be run to death alive.

At that thought, she could not help feeling fortunate. If she had chosen to flee all the way during the day, she would likely have been caught by that Ti Wolf after exhausting herself on the road and become its meal.

"Hurry!"

While Sylutia was still observing and thinking, Talia anxiously pulled her toward the houses deeper within the village. There were several stone buildings there that could serve as shelter, and many villagers were currently running in that direction. At the same time, the battle in the square began.

"Steel Edge Sharp Blade!"

Invisible light flowed into the drawn broadsword. Then the blade struck at the giant wolf's open, blood-filled maw of fangs, sending shattered sparks and blood flying.