The early sun, draped in a soft, golden veil, peeked over the snow-capped peaks of the Frostwind Mountain Range, casting its light upon the bustling city of Malbery below. Nestled amidst the foothills, the city awoke with a vibrant symphony – the rhythmic clanging of metal from blacksmith workshops, the lively chatter of merchants hawking their wares, and the joyous laughter of children echoing through the streets.
Within the confines of a modestly furnished but comfortable noble residence, a young boy named Aeon sat perched on the edge of a plush bed. His youthful face, adorned with striking light blue hair that shimmered like spun moonlight, displayed a mix of unease and fleeting bursts of happiness. He was still grappling with the overwhelming new world he found himself in and the vast knowledge he'd inherited from Eldran.
The silence was broken by the creaking sound of an old oak door opening. Rossy, a young woman with gentle eyes and neatly braided brown hair, entered the room. A member of a distant branch of the Walker family, she served as Aeon's attendant, taking care of his daily needs.
Upon entering, Rossy stopped short, her eyes widening in surprise. Before her stood a sight that seemed to defy reality. The boy, not yet eight years old, possessed features of exceptional beauty. His hair, the color of the summer sky, shimmered under the morning light, highlighting his delicate features and porcelain-like skin. His deep blue eyes, reminiscent of a vast ocean, held an unexpected depth that momentarily captivated her.
Sensing her presence, Aeon slowly opened his eyes, revealing the captivating depths within. Rossy, realizing she'd been staring, quickly averted her gaze, a blush creeping up her cheeks.
"Good morning, Young Master Aeon," she stammered, her voice slightly breathless.
The polite greeting pulled Rossy out of her momentary trance. Straightening her posture, she approached the bed with a small, concerned smile. "Are you feeling alright, young master?" she inquired. "Did you sleep well?"
Reassured by her gentle tone, Aeon replied, "Yes, Rossy. I slept well, thank you for asking."
Rossy nodded, a hint of worry still lingering in her eyes. "I'll let your parents know you're awake," she said before turning to leave.
Aeon watched her leave, his brow furrowed in confusion. Why did she seem so anxious? Why did she seem hesitant to leave him alone?
After a short period,
The heavy oak door creaked open again, revealing not one but two figures. As Rossy stepped aside, Aeon saw a middle-aged man with a kind and handsome appearance, his eyes instantly crinkling at the corners with relief. This was Kael Walker, Aeon's adoptive father. Beside him stood a woman, his adoptive mother Mary, radiating an aura of elegance and warmth. Her beauty, like a blooming flower, held a timeless quality.
A hush fell over the room, the weight of unspoken emotions hanging in the air. Mary rushed to Aeon's side, her gentle touch sending a wave of comfort through him. She brushed his hair back, her eyes searching his face with a mixture of worry and love. "Aeon, my darling," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. "You've worried us sick. How are you feeling now?"
Aeon, touched by her concern, reached out and squeezed her hand. "I'm alright, mother," he said softly, his voice hoarse. "Just a little tired."
Kael knelt before Aeon, his face etched with concern. "It's been nearly five days, son. You gave us quite a scare, fainting like that."
A vague memory flickered in Aeon's mind, a feeling of immense exhaustion pulling him under. He frowned, trying to piece together the missing fragments.
"Why did I faint?" he asked, his voice barely a whisper.
Kael's eyes widened in surprise. "Don't you remember, Aeon? You were struck with the 'Soulweakening' disease. It's quite rare, affects young ones with fragile souls."
Aeon grasped at the information, his fragmented memories clicking into place. The fatigue, the overwhelming knowledge, the strange dreams – they all pointed to a period of immense strain on his soul. But a new understanding dawned on him as well. The merging with Eldran's soul, though overwhelming, must have also tempered his own, strengthening it and enabling him to recover.
He decided to keep these newfound insights to himself. He smiled faintly, reassuring his parents. "I feel much better now, truly. Thank you both for being here."
Aeon's mother's smile returned, genuine and bright. "That's all that matters, my dear," she said, her voice filled with relief. Just then, Rossy entered the room, carrying a tray laden with steaming bowls. The aroma of warm broth and fresh bread filled the air, a tantalizing invitation.
Aeon's stomach rumbled involuntarily, earning a chuckle from Mary. "It seems your body is asking for more than just rest," she said, taking the tray from Rossy. "Come now, eat your fill. You have a lot of catching up to do."
As Aeon took the bowl from his mother's hands, the warmth of the broth mingled with the warmth of her love, filling him with a sense of belonging he hadn't felt in a long time. In that moment, amidst the quiet comfort of his family, Aeon knew that he wasn't alone. He had a new life to build, a future to create, and a family who loved him unconditionally. The journey ahead might be uncertain, but with the love and support of his family, he was ready to face it head-on.
Aeon pushed himself up from the bed, feeling the remnants of slumber clinging to him. The steaming broth had revitalized him, and the warmth of his family's love lingered in his heart. However, a restless excitement bubbled within him. He yearned to explore this new world, to step outside the confines of his room and experience the sights and sounds of his new home.
"I'm feeling much better, Father," Aeon declared, his voice stronger than before. "Perhaps I could…" he hesitated, unsure how to phrase his request.
Kael smiled, his kind eyes crinkling at the corners. "You want to go outside, don't you, son?"
Aeon's cheeks flushed slightly. "Yes, Father. I… I just want to see what it's like outside."
Mary, ever the perceptive one, placed a hand on Aeon's shoulder. "It's understandable, Aeon," she said gently. "But you've been quite ill, and it might be wise to rest a little longer."
Aeon's excitement dimmed slightly, but he understood his mother's concern. He didn't want to push them. Just then, Rossy, who had been observing the exchange, stepped forward.
"Perhaps, My Lady," she suggested, "Young Master Aeon could use some fresh air. I could accompany him on a short walk around the manor grounds."
Kael and Mary exchanged a glance, considering the suggestion. Aeon looked at Rossy with hopeful eyes.
"What do you say, Aeon?" Mary asked, her voice softening. "Would you like to go for a short walk with Rossy?"
Aeon's face lit up. "Yes, mother! Thank you!"
With his parents' approval, Aeon, accompanied by Rossy, stepped out of his room for the first time. Excitement surged through him as he entered the hallway. The familiar oak walls were adorned with intricate tapestries depicting fantastical creatures – griffins with majestic wings, dragons breathing fire, and creatures with human bodies and animal heads. He had only seen such beings in fantastical stories back in his past life, but here, they seemed to come alive on the walls.
Aeon stopped, mesmerized by the artwork. "What are these creatures?" he asked Rossy, his voice filled with curiosity.
Rossy smiled gently. "Those, Young Master Aeon, are depictions of mythical creatures that once roamed our world. Some believe they still exist in remote undiscovered lands."
Aeon's imagination soared. He could almost picture these creatures thundering across the plains or soaring through the skies. The thought sparked a fire within him, a yearning for adventure that echoed the fragmented memories he was still piecing together.
Following Rossy, Aeon emerged from the hallway onto a spacious balcony overlooking the manor grounds. The morning sun bathed the landscape in a golden light. Lush gardens sprawled before him, dotted with vibrant flowers and exotic plants. Children, ranging from ten to twelve years old, practiced martial arts on the training grounds, their movements coordinated and powerful.
Aeon watched, captivated. He saw them spar with wooden swords, execute intricate flips and kicks, and unleash concentrated bursts of energy. His heart pounded with a desire to join them, to experience the thrill of combat and hone his own fighting skills. However, a part of him also understood, thanks to the inherited memories, that training wouldn't begin until he turned ten. Children younger than that were expected to focus on their physical growth and basic education.
"They seem strong," Aeon remarked, his voice barely a whisper.
"They are, Young Master Aeon," Rossy replied. "Training starts at the age of ten, and the strongest of them will have the opportunity to train with the Imperial Knights or join prestigious academies."
Aeon clenched his fists, a determined glint in his eyes. He knew he had to be patient and focus on merging his memories completely. The knowledge hidden within held the key to his future, to unlocking his true potential. He needed to understand his abilities, his strengths, and the world he now inhabited. Only then could he start preparing for the challenges that lay ahead.
Turning away from the training grounds, Aeon explored the rest of the manor grounds with Rossy by his side. He learned about the different plants and flowers, the history of the manor, and the traditions of the Walker family. As the day progressed, his excitement waned, replaced by a sense of determination. He knew his journey had just begun, and he was eager to start writing his own story in this new world.