Eternal Lives

Chapter 10:

Joon stood slowly, the weight of the katana at his side unfamiliar yet instinctive. The young man before him—his student, apparently—awaited his orders, his face a mix of respect and apprehension.

"Let them go," Joon said, his voice calm yet firm. "Our priority is the village."

The words felt natural, as if they belonged to someone else, someone Joon had become the moment he awoke in this life.

The student bowed. "Understood, Sensei."

As the young man ran to relay the command, Joon turned toward the village nestled in the valley below. Smoke rose from scattered fires, and the cries of frightened children carried on the wind.

Another life, another chance to protect.

Joon quickly pieced together the basics of his new life. He was a revered swordmaster in a small, war-torn village, tasked with training a group of young warriors to defend their home from bandits and rival clans.

The village was a tight-knit community, and despite their hardships, the people radiated a quiet resilience. Joon admired their strength and quickly grew fond of them, especially his students.

Each of them had their quirks:

• Akiko, the sharp-eyed archer with a fiery temper.

• Takeshi, the stoic warrior with a heart too big for battle.

• Haruto, the youngest and most eager, constantly tripping over his own feet but determined to prove himself.

Joon couldn't help but see shades of his past bandmates in them, and it made him smile.

Days turned into weeks as Joon settled into his new role. Teaching came naturally to him, though he sometimes questioned the source of his instincts.

He showed Akiko how to steady her breathing to improve her aim, helped Takeshi channel his strength with precision, and patiently corrected Haruto's every misstep.

During breaks, he shared stories of his past lives—though he disguised them as mere tales. His students were fascinated, often asking for more.

"Sensei," Haruto said one evening, his eyes wide with wonder, "do you think I could ever be a hero like the ones in your stories?"

Joon smiled, ruffling the boy's hair. "You already are. You just don't know it yet."

The peace was fragile, and Joon knew it wouldn't last. Scouts brought news of a rival clan amassing forces nearby, their intentions clear: the village was next.

The villagers prepared for the worst, fortifying their homes and stockpiling supplies. Joon worked tirelessly to train his students, pushing them harder than ever.

"You're not just warriors," he told them one afternoon as they practiced in the clearing. "You're protectors. Remember that."

His words resonated, and his students rose to the challenge, their skills improving with each passing day.

Despite the looming threat, Joon found joy in the small moments. He helped repair roofs, taught children how to hold wooden swords, and shared quiet meals with the elders.

One evening, as he sat by the fire with Akiko and Takeshi, the girl broke the silence.

"Sensei," she said hesitantly, "do you ever regret staying here? You could have left, found a safer place."

Joon stared into the flames, the memories of his past lives flickering in his mind.

"I've been many places," he said softly, "but none have felt as important as this one."

His students exchanged glances, their admiration for him evident.

The attack came at dawn, the rival clan descending upon the village with ruthless precision. Joon and his students met them head-on, their training and unity giving them an edge.

Joon moved like a force of nature, his katana a blur as he defended his home. His students fought bravely, their fear replaced by determination.

But the enemy was relentless, and the battle took its toll.

Joon found himself facing the rival leader, a towering man wielding a massive blade. Their duel was intense, every strike sending shockwaves through the air.

As their swords clashed, Joon's body screamed in protest, the exhaustion of countless lives catching up with him.

Finally, with one last surge of strength, Joon disarmed the man, sending his sword flying. But before Joon could deliver the final blow, a sharp pain blossomed in his chest.

He looked down to see the man's hidden dagger buried deep.

Joon staggered back, the world spinning around him. He collapsed to his knees, his vision dimming.

"Sensei!" Akiko's voice cut through the chaos as she ran to his side, tears streaming down her face.

Joon smiled weakly, reaching out to touch her hand. "You'll protect them now," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "All of you… you're ready."

As the light faded, Joon's mind filled with images of the lives he had lived and the people he had loved.

When Joon opened his eyes again, he was surrounded by the sleek, modern trappings of an office. The faint hum of a city skyline filled the air.

A gold nameplate on the desk before him read:

CEO Park Joon

He exhaled slowly, leaning back in the leather chair as a new chapter began.