[Multiverse] The Reincarnated One's Journey Across Multiverse

Old Jack waved his hand, motioning for Shirakawa Yuki to come closer. "Yuki, come here. Let Grandpa take a look at you!"

Yuki approached, his steps light but purposeful. "Grandpa Jack, is there something you need from me?"

Old Jack chuckled and placed a hand on Yuki's head. "Do you remember what I told you a few days ago? Today, the Deacon of the Spirit Hall from Notting City is coming to our village to awaken your spirits."

Yuki blinked, his expression sheepish. "Ah, sorry, Grandpa. I forgot."

"It's alright, child. But we should get going. We still need to stop by Tang San's house. His father might still be asleep," Old Jack said, taking Yuki's hand as they stepped outside.

Yuki nodded, though his heart raced with excitement. *Tang San... So, I'll finally meet him. The protagonist of this world.* Yuki's grip tightened slightly, his thoughts spiraling. He had always admired Tang San from the stories he'd read in his previous life.

---

A short while later, they arrived at a modest house with three rooms. The main house had a wooden sign hanging above the entrance, featuring a simple hammer painted on it.

Old Jack didn't enter but called out loudly, "Xiao San, Grandpa's here to get you!"

Moments later, the door creaked open, and a young boy, about six years old, stepped out. Dressed in a plain linen shirt, his gaze was calm yet curious. It was Tang San.

Old Jack introduced them. "Tang San, this is Shirakawa Yuki. He's your age, and like you, an orphan."

Tang San's eyes flickered as he studied Yuki. Something about the boy seemed... off. Despite his youthful appearance, his eyes carried a depth that didn't belong to someone his age.

"Hello, my name is Shirakawa Yuki." Yuki smiled softly, taking in the sight of Tang San. *So, this is the one destined to shake this world.*

Tang San hesitated but returned the greeting politely. "I'm Tang San."

The introduction was brief, but Yuki could feel an unspoken tension. Tang San's instincts told him that Yuki was not ordinary, but he chose to remain silent.

---

Together, they followed Old Jack to the Spirit Hall at the center of the village. The "hall" was more of a slightly larger wooden house than anything grand. Inside, nine children, including Yuki and Tang San, waited under Old Jack's watchful eye.

The villagers whispered among themselves, their disdain for Yuki and Tang San palpable. Yuki knew why. His current body's status as an orphan made him a target for ridicule, and Tang San's father, though a skilled blacksmith, was known for his drinking habits and poverty.

Standing before them was a young man in his twenties, dressed in a pristine white uniform with a black cloak draped over his shoulders. A soul emblem adorned his chest, and a badge depicting three crossed swords was pinned to his uniform. His sharp features and confident demeanor exuded authority.

Old Jack approached him respectfully, bowing deeply. "Thank you, great Spirit Master, for coming to our humble village."

The man nodded slightly, a flicker of impatience crossing his face. "I have several villages to visit today, so let's begin quickly."

Old Jack turned back to the children. "Children, this is a Spirit Hall Deacon from Notting City. He will help you awaken your spirits. Do your best to cooperate, and may one of you have the potential to become a Spirit Master!"

The Deacon scoffed lightly, his tone dismissive. "Don't get your hopes up. It's rare for ordinary villagers to possess spirit power. In all the villages I've visited so far, no one has shown any promise."

Old Jack's hopeful expression dimmed, and he left quietly.

---

The Deacon surveyed the children with a practiced eye. "I am Su Yuntao, a Level 26 Spirit Grandmaster, and I'll guide you through the awakening process. Form a line."

The children shuffled into place, Yuki on the far left, Tang San on the far right.

Su Yuntao placed six black stones on the ground, forming a hexagon, and gestured for the first child to step inside. "Don't be afraid. Close your eyes and feel the power within you."

As the ritual began, Su Yuntao's voice deepened. "Lone Wolf, possess!"

A surge of green energy radiated from Su Yuntao's forehead, spreading throughout his body. His black hair turned gray, growing longer and wilder. Muscles bulged under his uniform, his hands sprouting claws, and his eyes glowed an eerie green. Two rings of light—one white and one yellow—rose from his feet, marking him as a Spirit Master.

The first child screamed, but Su Yuntao grabbed his shoulder firmly. "Stay still! This is the power of my spirit. If you awaken yours, you might achieve the same one day."

Golden light flowed from the stones, enveloping the trembling child. Yuki and Tang San watched in silence, unflinching. Yuki's gaze was analytical, while Tang San's held a quiet determination.

As the awakening ceremony continued, Yuki's heart pounded. Soon, it would be his turn.