Chapter 6 – The Toxin Within
The warm hues of twilight stretched across the sky, bathing the world in a fading golden-red glow. The air in the room had cooled slightly, a gentle breeze drifting in from the half-open window, rustling the velvet curtains.
Chris sat still, his breathing slowing after the intensive practice. A faint smile remained on his lips from his earlier breakthrough. But that moment of peace was short-lived.
Knock. Knock.
A gentle knock echoed from the wooden door, soft but precise.
Chris turned his head."Enter," he said calmly.
The door creaked open, and stepping in with careful, deliberate steps was the same maid who had screamed and run when he first awoke. She had her chestnut-brown hair tied neatly in a low bun, her uniform crisp despite the hint of anxiety in her expression.
Her ocean-blue eyes met his, and for a moment she looked like she might panic again. But then she bowed respectfully.
"Good evening, Young Master Chris," she said softly. "I... I apologize for my earlier behavior. I was simply startled."Her voice trembled just a bit, but her posture remained proper.
Chris studied her for a moment, then nodded. "It's fine. You were only doing your duty."
Her shoulders seemed to relax slightly.
"My name is Vanesa, Young Master. I have been assigned to care for you during your coma. I... looked after you for the last year."
Chris blinked. He hadn't expected that."All this time... you were here?"
She nodded. "Every day, morning and night. I made sure your body was clean, your meals were delivered even if untouched, and your bedding changed. You were... like a younger brother to me."
Her sincerity struck him. In his past life, loyalty like this had been forged in blood and battle—not in quiet rooms and hushed whispers.
"Thank you, Vanesa," he said sincerely. "For everything."
Her cheeks flushed slightly at the unexpected gratitude."Ah, also! I came to inform you… The Master of the House, the Duke, is requesting your presence at dinner. He's very happy you've awoken."
Chris moved to sit up, and Vanesa quickly stepped forward to assist. As he swung his legs over the bed, his body gave a wave of resistance—muscles sore, joints stiff, but tolerable. Then something else hit him.
A foul stench.
Chris winced, lifting a hand to his shirt collar and sniffing. It was awful—a strange, metallic bitterness mixed with something rancid. His skin felt sticky and damp.
He instantly understood.
Toxins.
The Sword Emperor's Breathing Technique had begun cleansing the blocked aura veins—and with it, years of accumulated waste and stagnation were being expelled through his pores. It was a good sign, but the aftermath was far from pleasant.
Vanesa caught the scent as well, subtly wrinkling her nose despite trying to remain composed.
Chris gave a tired sigh."Before dinner... I'll need a hot bath. A long one."
"O-of course!" Vanesa bowed quickly. "I'll have the servants prepare the heated bath immediately. Please, wait just a moment."
With that, she turned and hurried out.
Chris stood by the window for a moment longer, his body sticky and sore, but his mind sharper than ever.The cleansing had begun—not just of the body, but of the destiny that had once failed him.
Step by step... I'll reclaim everything.