It would be a lie to say that Alden didn't feel sorry for the kid, or rather, the body he now inhabited. They both shared the same name, yet their lives had taken vastly different paths.
After the first painful experience, Alden's memories seamlessly merged with those of the child. He learned a great deal about the kid's family and upbringing. The revelations were staggering; unfair seemed like a mild term for the hardships this child endured. Food thrown at him, brutal beatings during sword practice, denial of basic privileges, and lifelong ostracization painted a grim picture of a life marred by cruelty.
As Alden delved deeper into the combined memories, he couldn't help but feel a surge of empathy for the child whose body he now inhabited. The boy, despite sharing Alden's name, had lived a starkly different life—a life plagued by constant mistreatment and isolation. The vivid recollections painted a painful narrative of a childhood filled with adversity, a stark contrast to Alden's own experiences. The merging of their memories sparked within Alden a newfound determination to change the course of this young life.
Alden Van Farrow, that's what they called him. Born to a formidable Grand Knight, the noble Duke, and a concubine of a modest noble family. The intricacies of his family background unfolded in Alden's mind, revealing the complex tapestry of lineage and hierarchy that surrounded his birth. Despite the noble title, the circumstances of his birth had always cast a shadow over his standing in the family.
From the moment his grandfather, from his mother's side, offered his only daughter to Duke Mason Van Farrow to strengthen their relations, Alden's destiny and role were predetermined. Branded an outsider, he was labelled and imprinted with fine etching from a young age, a sickening reality for a child. The threads of his fate were woven into the fabric of aristocratic politics, a tapestry that he had never willingly chosen.
The Duke of Van Farrow, a Grand Knight at the pinnacle of his prowess, harboured envy towards those with magical abilities. Among his offspring, one possessed the affinity for fire and was deemed the Chosen One within the family and the kingdom. Even the Duke's other children, devoid of magical powers, commanded respect, fear, and love from all. The dynamics within the noble family showcased a stark contrast between the privileged and the marginalized.
Alden, born to a concubine, was the only one among the Van Farrow children without any magical affinity. His fate was sealed early on, subjected to tests alongside the other Van Farrow children when he was just two years old. The contrast in treatment and expectations within the noble family highlighted the stark reality of his marginalized position.
------------------------------------
The duke's family and the Conaway family has decided to abandon him. Even his mother, the women that gave birth to him turn her head away when she found out about his body condition. She said, As Alden remembered.
"What use is are you to me"
Those cold phrase has broken the now deceased Alden.
You would think having a lower statue and being a concubine to a duke, would leave you at dismay. You as women would prioritize your child that you gave birth to and do your best to make your child feel that he/she as a mother would be by their side, but alas she not that type of women.
Alden frowned, noticing a sound of wood cracking, looking at his almost closed fist that took a chunk part of the window.
"This is going to be difficult" he spoke.
[emotionally reacting from remembering the treatment is understandable but for me not to even notice would be a problem in the future] Alden deducted.
[Can you blame the kid though?] he thought
'Sigh"
Easing his grip from the window. Alden smiled.
[But I would like to see how the story would unfold, discovering that the child they neglected and mistreat has awaken a magic affinity.]
[But first] Alden smile widen.
'System add 10 points to strength, 6 points to speed and 10 Points Resistance"
"ohh and all point to magic" Alden spoke.
DING
{Affirmed command}
'Phewww' he breathed out.
feeling that his heart started beating fast, his muscle fidgeting as if bugs are crawling under his skin. Body shaking and swaying at an alarming rate.
[wow this feeling is incredible, it's like being reborn but without the pain]
After the process has finished, Alden turned around and went to the built-in bathroom. Walking in and looking at his reflections on mirror, the first thing that came to his mind is his height.
5.5 tall, well built. At first sight People would think that he was some sort of an Athlete back on Earth, molded body like a sculpture from renaissance, Brown hair styled like a noble gentleman wearing a suit. Hazel eyes and pretty face that scream "wife stealer'.
Turning to all sides, Alden was impressed about how he looked now. Although being in a kid's body and knowing how his personality is. he would take advantage of it to his heart's desires.
[Not bad for a kid, or it might be the affinity change] looking at his brother down under. He thought.
"hehehe' he meekly laughed.
Disregarding his perverted thoughts for the time being, Alden decided to take a shower. Although he didn't know where his maid has gone and knowing that she is neglecting her duties on purpose. He still didn't feel like taking action.
Anyway, walking to the nearest empty large tub that's looks like a miniature olden day wooden water carrier back on earth. He put his arm in the deeper part of the tub, palm wide and closed his eyes. The next second, he can hear the flow of stream gushing out and filling the tub slowing. Up to his almost shoulder. Alden stopped and looked at the full large tub, felt satisfied. He took his clothes off, bare naked and jump inside the tube.
"ahhhhhhhh this is life" he spoke.
Reminiscing about the plan that he has thought off for tonight, Alden stretched his arm and palm wide and spoke.
"Fire"
SHAWWWWWW