It had been almost a year months since my birth, and I had been learning about the world around me ever since.
Esone, the continent I lived and fought to protect as the great hero Ardon Shayde and once again reincarnated into, was divided among different races.
Humans, Elves, Dwarves, and Beast men each had their own kingdoms, namely Arcadia for the Humans, Eryndor for Elves, Thalassar for the dwarves, Drakonia for the Beastmen. And at last There was another continent to the north that was inhabited by demons.
After the Dark Era and my passing, Not much have changed over the years but the races had lived in harmony for the past hundred years and seems to have supported each other. However, being in a noble house, my family has been getting info about the tensions between races that is still existing underneath the surface.
As for my life as a black haired and blue eyed adorable toddler, I couldn't do much, but I was slowly started to talk and run around. My parents, Lord Arthur Durahan and Lady Elise Durahan, spoke to me constantly, teaching me about the more benign aspects of politics, day to day life, and magic.
Although I still can't awaken my mana, I kept up my meditation to speed up the process. I figured it was best to go with the flow and work on my physical capacity first so that my body can contain pure mana when I awaken and considering I'm still just a not-even-a year old to awaken my mana pool.
With that, I spent most of my time in the mansion meditating, from my spacious room to the sprawling mansion's garden. It was a grand and imposing place, befitting of a noble family. The servants took care of me, and my parents often visited me when they were not busy with their duties.
Being free doesn't fit me now that I'm a kid so, with the memories of my past life, I was determined to regain my past life's powers once again in this life. Every night, I secretly trained to hone my skills, hoping to regain the abilities that I had lost.
My older brother, Alvin Durahan, came up to me one day as I was practicing in the garden. I didn't hold any resentment towards him, despite the fact that he was already twelve years old, the family's heir, and my father's favorite. Being a second son of a noble had impacts that I was too young to comprehend. At least, that is how the family sees me from their perspective. Well, I could careless about being the heir of the family. I am a free spirit, so I would gladly accept Alvin as the heir to the Durahan family.
However,
"Levin, what are you doing?" Alvin asked, looking at me curiously.
"I'm practicing," I replied, holding up a wooden sword. "I want to be strong like father."
Alvin snorted. "Father's strength comes from his status, not his sword skills. Besides, you're just an infant. You should be focusing on learning to talk and walk."
I frowned, feeling annoyed.
Alvin may be skilled in being a aristocratic noble, but due to him being young, he sure doesn't understand that holding high social status doesn't mean you are not a vulnerable prey to the strong. He may have spoken without understanding, but it made me feel annoyed, and I was determined to prove myself. "I'll show you," I muttered.
Alvin shook his head and walked away, leaving me alone in the garden.
"Humph"
After that, I continued to practice, swinging the wooden sword with all my might, feeling the familiar rush of power that came with every swing.
I became more proficient and stronger as the days went by. My parents were impressed with my progress, and they often spoke to me about their hopes and dreams for me. I was aware that I had a lot to live up to, but I was determined to do so.
And so, I continued to live my life as Levin Durahan, to live my life as a noble's son, not for the political power but to learn all that I could about the world around me with ease and utilize every weapon in my arsenal.