As we were discussing the strategies for the upcoming war, Elijah called me aside to tell me some important news. He asked me to follow him.
Elijah led me through the majestic corridors of the Gloria Empire's castle. The walls were adorned with intricate tapestries depicting the empire's rich history and noble heritage. Soft torchlight flickered, casting a warm glow on the polished marble floors beneath our feet.
The air was filled with the subtle scent of aged wood and the distant fragrance of blooming flowers from the palace gardens. As we walked, the grandeur of the architecture became apparent, with arched doorways leading to opulent chambers and expansive windows offering glimpses of the flourishing city beyond.
The echo of our footsteps resonated in the corridor, a reminder of the empire's enduring strength and resilience. Elijah maintained a thoughtful silence, occasionally glancing my way as if assessing the impact of the information I had shared about my journey.
The corridor itself seemed to breathe with history, each stone and tapestry telling tales of Gloria's triumphs and challenges. Portraits of past rulers adorned the walls, their stern gazes watching over the present with a sense of regal authority.
As we neared our destination, the corridor widened, revealing intricately carved arches that framed a set of beautiful double doors. Elijah paused, casting a meaningful look my way before pushing open the doors to reveal the room.
The noble survivors of the Eldoria Empire were staying in this room.
The room exuded an air of hushed tension as we entered. The survivors of Eldoria, including Count Mapisto, Duke and Duchess Thaddeus, and Rowan's parents and siblings, were gathered, their expressions a mix of weariness and determination. The space is adorned with regal furnishings and a grand table.
There was one more unexpected person in the room: Magnus Thaddeus. The person I was reincarnated as before.
When I looked at the Duke, Duchess, and Count Mapisto, I felt a sense of guilt flow over me again.
A wave of guilt washed over me as I locked eyes with the Duke, Duchess, and Count Mapisto. The weight of my actions in the previous life, the choices made by the person I once inhabited, now bore down on me in the presence of those who had suffered the consequences.
Elijah, sensing the tension, placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder.
Magnus Thaddeus, the true owner of the body I had inhabited, approached with an unexpectedly cheerful demeanor. His warm smile and the twinkle in his eyes caught me off guard as I braced myself for a confrontation or resentment.
To my surprise, he extended a hand, a gesture of forgiveness that I hadn't anticipated. "Magnus, you've been through a lot, and so have I. I appreciate what you've done to protect my family. Thank you."
I felt a mix of relief and gratitude as his words sank in. The guilt became less of a burden, and it was replaced by a renewed sense of friendship.
The Duke and Duchess Thaddeus, the parents of the body I had inhabited, approached with stern expressions etched across their faces. Their initial anger was palpable, understandable given the years I had spent as their son, Magnus Thaddeus, and the sudden departure that followed.
Duke Thaddeus spoke first, his voice carrying the weight of disappointment. "Magnus, for over a decade, you lived as our son. And then, without a word, you vanished. Do you have any idea of the anguish and worry you put us through?"
I took a deep breath, meeting their gaze with a mixture of remorse and sincerity. "I know I can never fully understand the pain I've caused you. The circumstances that led to my departure were beyond my control, and for that, I am truly sorry."
Duchess Thaddeus, her eyes reflecting a blend of anger and hurt, retorted, "Sorry? You should have explained to us that you weren't our son."
I nodded, acknowledging the validity of their emotions. "That was a mistake from my side. I am sorry. I can't change the past. All I can do is try to make amends and help you in any way I can now."
As the conversation unfolded, I shared the complexities of my journey and the unexpected turns that led me to protect Eldoria and, in turn, the Thaddeus family. The tale of my reincarnation and the complexities of my connection with Magnus Thaddeus became evident.
The Duke and Duchess's eyes softened, and a tentative understanding took the place of the anger. The weight of forgiveness hung in the air as Duke Thaddeus spoke again, his tone less harsh: "Magnus, we may never fully comprehend the circumstances, but it seems you had your reasons. We can't change what happened, but we can choose how to move forward."
Duchess Thaddeus, her expression softening, added, "We forgive you, Magnus. It wasn't your fault."
A sense of relief washed over me, and a genuine smile formed on Magnus Thaddeus's face.
As forgiveness settled in the room, the heavy atmosphere lightened. Just as the Thaddeus family and I began to navigate this new understanding, the door swung open. Alina, Anna, and Rowan entered the room, each wearing expressions of curiosity and relief.
Anna, unable to contain her excitement, rushed towards me. With an exuberant leap, she jumped into my arms, shouting, "Brother! Where did you go? I was worried!"
I chuckled, embracing her. "I had some business to take care of, Anna. But I'm back now."
Alina, with a tender smile, approached her father. They exchanged a comforting, loving glance as they reunited. Rowan stood behind us, his presence a silent support in this moment of family reconciliation. At the same time, he wanted to confront his family.
As Anna gestured to Rowan, signaling him to approach his parents and siblings, there was a palpable sense of tension in the air. Rowan took a deep breath and walked towards his family, his steps echoing the resolve that simmered within him.
As he approached, his father's stern gaze met his. Duke Wilson, unyielding and traditional, wasted no time expressing his disapproval. "Rowan," he spat, "I heard you've been using that bow again. When will you realize you're a Wilson, meant for the sword? A true failure, deviating from our family's legacy."
Rowan, however, was no longer the boy who would silently bear the weight of his father's expectations. He became determined, his eyes showing a strong resolve. "Father, the bow is my choice, and I won't let you or anyone else define my worth. I can no longer allow your expectations to control me."
Anna stepped forward, her voice steady. "Rowan has proven himself time and again. Using a bow doesn't make him a failure. It makes him unique and skilled in his way."
Rowan's siblings watched the scene unfold, unsure of how to react. During their confrontation, the father and son revealed a long-standing conflict between their generations. This issue had been brewing beneath the surface for some time.
As the tension escalated, Duke Wilson's disapproval extended beyond Rowan's choice of weaponry. With a dismissive glance at Anna, he remarked, "And what's this? Associating with outsiders and defending my son's foolish choices?"
The insult towards Anna and me became the breaking point for Rowan. His jaw clenched, and his fists tightened as he exchanged a determined look with me. We couldn't let our family be disrespected any further.
Rowan stepped forward, his voice sounded more confident and authoritative than before. "Father, you will not insult my friends. Magnus and Anna are a part of me now. We won't tolerate this disrespect any longer."
I stood by Rowan's side, echoing his sentiment. "We may have different paths, but that doesn't diminish our bond as a family. Your expectations can't erase the love and loyalty we share."
Even though the insult clearly hurt Anna, she remained calm. "We stand together, and your narrow-minded views won't change that."
Rowan realized he couldn't keep living up to his father's expectations. He decided to take action and faced the challenge with determination. "I won't be constrained by your expectations any longer. Father, I'm leaving."
With those words, Rowan stormed out of the room, leaving behind a lingering sense of tension and unspoken truths. The weight of familial discord hung in the air, a stark reminder of the struggles each member faced in defining their own paths.
As the door closed behind him, the room fell into a heavy silence.
Anna ran behind him while I was glaring at Duke Wilson. As I was about to summon my astral sword, Elijah and Alina dragged me outside the room.
"Magnus, let's not escalate the situation further. Rowan needs some space, and your actions might only worsen things," Elijah advised, his voice a calming force.
Alina added, "We need to focus on the bigger picture, on stopping Nyx and protecting the realms. Personal disputes can't take precedence right now."
I pouted as I said, "I know Nyx is worse. But at least allow me to hit that guy."
Elijah gave me a stern look. "Violence won't solve anything, Magnus. We have to find a way to bridge the gaps, not widen them."
Alina chimed in, "Besides, we'll support Rowan. He needs friends now more than ever."
Reluctantly, I nodded, realizing the importance of keeping the peace for now. "Fine, let's focus on Nyx. But Duke Wilson won't get away with insulting my sister and Rowan."
Suddenly, a soldier who had been wounded came into our group, and the air suddenly became tense and ominous. His breaths came in ragged gasps, and his eyes held a wild, terrified gleam.
"Monster... in the city," he managed to utter between struggled breaths. "It's tearing through everything, devouring souls. A nightmare incarnate."
Elijah's face darkened with concern. "How did this happen? What kind of monster are we dealing with?"
The soldier struggled to convey the horror he had witnessed. "It's like a shadow, but alive. Consuming everything in its path. The screams... the darkness."