Part 1:
The next day, Aurelio awoke to the gentle light filtering through the small window of his room, casting a warm, golden glow upon the wooden floor. The beams of sunlight, delicate as a whisper, caressed his face, gently coaxing him from his slumber. As he rose from his bed, the cool touch of the floorboards sent a shiver down his spine, a stark reminder of the crisp morning air that filled the cottage. Stretching his limbs, he sat up, taking a moment to orient himself in his new surroundings.
He still hadn't gotten used to the new body he now inhabited, nor to the influx of random memories that would surface without warning. These memories, fragments of a life not entirely his own, would sometimes catch him off guard, like echoes of a distant past.
Dressing quickly, he left his room and tiptoed down the hallway, making sure to move slowly so as not to wake Haiya, who was still sleeping in the room next to his. The soft creak of the floorboards under his feet seemed to amplify in the morning stillness, each step a careful whisper in the silence.
Aurelio made his way to the kitchen, where the rich aroma of various spices greeted him, wrapping around him like a warm embrace. His mother, Valarie, was humming softly as she bustled about the room, her movements graceful and fluid, a dance she performed each morning.
"Good morning, dear," Valarie greeted him with a warm smile, pausing in her work to acknowledge him.
"Morning, Mom," Aurelio replied, a sense of warmth filling his heart as he exchanged greetings with his mother. Being in this familiar setting brought a comforting sense of belonging, especially after spending the past few years feeling isolated and lonely in his old world.
When Valarie asked what he wanted for breakfast, Aurelio though of what to say, he didn't know what foods existed or didn't exist in this world, so eventually, he suggested a "Mithashen". According to to his memories, it was a traditional food in Bavona village, similar to an omelette from his old world. Apparently, It was also his favorite breakfast. However, his anticipation was met with disappointment when his mother revealed they were out of eggs.
"I'm afraid we're out of eggs, dear," Valarie explained, a hint of amusement in her voice. "Why don't you and your father go to the farmers' market and buy some?"
Aurelio's stomach grumbled in protest at the news, but he nodded in understanding. Despite his hunger, he realized that he'd never ventured beyond the vicinity of his home, save for a few rare occasions. This would be a perfect opportunity to explore the world outside his familiar surroundings and satisfy his curiosity about this new realm. After all, his memories weren't in complete sequence, but rather a mix of random events that seemed to appear sporadically in his mind.
"Alright, fine," he agreed, his curiosity piqued by the prospect of the journey.
Stepping out into the garden, Aurelio was immediately struck by the sight of his father engaged in rigorous training. The morning sun cast a golden halo around Fabian, highlighting the muscular contours of his torso as he moved with fluid grace. His father's sweat glistened under the sunlight, each drop catching the light as he dashed from one side of the garden to the other, his sword a blur in his hand.
Aurelio's eyes widened in awe as he watched his father train, his mouth agape. Fabian moved with incredible speed, darting from one spot to another with such agility that Aurelio had a hard time keeping his eyes on him. Not only were his movements swift, but they also seemed to defy gravity itself, each step and leap executed with effortless precision.
"How is such movement even humanly possible?" Aurelio thought to himself, his mind racing with disbelief and admiration.
Caught up in the spectacle, Aurelio took a step back in awe, only to trip over his own feet and land awkwardly on his backside. The sudden commotion drew Fabian's attention, and he immediately paused his training to check on his son.
"You okay?"
"U-uhm, yes," Aurelio stammered, trying to mask his embarrassment as he brushed off the dirt from his clothes.
"You should be more careful," Fabian advised with a soft chuckle, extending a hand to help Aurelio up from the ground.
"Thanks, father," Aurelio said, accepting the assistance and regaining his footing.
Aurelio's curiosity burned within him, and he couldn't resist asking, "Father, may I ask a question?"
"A question? Sure, go ahead," Fabian replied, wiping the sweat from his brow as he listened attentively.
"How did you move like that?" Aurelio's voice was filled with wonder, gesturing towards the swift and agile maneuvers he had witnessed moments ago.
Fabian's expression turned thoughtful, his gaze wandering to the distant horizon. "Ah, that," he began, choosing his words carefully.
"Well...how do I explain this to you...? It is uh, said that some among us, blessed by the divine, are born with a special gift. By "us" I mean we, homo Praestiens."
Aurelio furrowed his brow, intrigued. "Homo praestiens?"
--It seems to have the term homo, and if I can recall correctly that's the genus that encompasses all humans. On earth, at least the earth as I knew it, they only had the human sub race "homo sapien", because all the other sub races had died out thousands of years ago due to natural selection.
"I've heard tales... but what does it mean?" Aurelio continued.
"It means that a select few of us homo praestiens are born with the ability to harness a power granted by the heavens themselves," Fabian explained, his voice carrying a reverence that matched the solemnity of the topic. "It's not something we can explain easily, my son. It's as if god has chosen to bestow upon us a greater connection to ourselves, increasing our strength, speed, agility and overall body performance."
Aurelio's eyes widened with understanding. "So, being... a Praestien, it's what allows you to move with such grace and strength?"
--Hmm... Fabain's explanation sounds quite.... "Pseudoscientific". There are two possibilities, that this world actually does have divine force and magic and what not, which I really hope is true! But... as far as I know from my memories, magic is just fiction... even in this world. Whatever Fabian says, I'll have to take it with a grain of salt...
Fabian nodded slowly, a hint of pride mingling with caution in his demeanor. "Yes, though it comes with great responsibility. Not all who are Homo Praestiens can even achieve it. It requires discipline, training, and a deep respect for the balance between body and soul. Only then will the heavens allow you to awaken."
"Awaken?"
"Yeah, very few Homo Praestiens awaken and consequentially are able to achieve the powers bestowed by the heavens... out of the 2-3 million homo Praestiens in Miliscient, I believe there are less than 200 awakened..."
"So... you awakened??"
"Yep, when I was around 16 to be exact. I was a young soldier who was receiving proper training in the royal garrison. One day, one of my Instructors was sparring with me, and I was losing badly... I barely had any strength left in me, but somehow in the final few moments of the spar, I felt an... inexplicable feeling, as if my body were starting to grow and improve rapidly... In the end I completely overpowered him."
Aurelio couldn't help but look at Fabian with awestruck eyes.
-- Woah, that's seriously badass!
"Uhm...Father, lets say I do have the ability to awaken, when do you think that'd potentially happen?"
"Hmm... I haven't met many awakened praestiens myself, but I'm pretty sure that most people who awaken, do it between the ages of 16 - 19 years old, and sometimes, very rarely at the young age of 15. But if you do awaken, you must be careful as to not over use your abilities..."
"Huh? Why...?"
"Over using your abilities damages your brain and can leave long lasting curses on your body..." Fabian started.
--Curses...? Oh, he must mean... injuries/paralysis or something like that...
"When I was younger and still served in the royal garrison near the capital, I was called the "wrath of Miliscient kingdom" because I never lost a duel there, in my prime, I was waaay stronger than I am now. But one day during a duel I over exerted myself a bit to much-"
He paused before speaking.
"That day, if I hadn't met your mother, who was a healer at the royal capital back then, I could've been permanently paralyzed for the rest of my life" he looked towards the horizon where a tall chain of mountains could be seen in the distance.
"Wait wait wait, how and why did you move so fast if you're technically injured??"
A faint smile graced Fabians face.
"Like I said, I was way stronger when I was younger, plus overuse of the gift does injure you, but not using it is equally bad as I've heard that not using for long periods of time makes God take back the gift from you. Anyways, why are you here?"
Aurelio wanted to ask more questions, about Fabians past and such, but he realized that he was getting side tracked.
"Well... we ran out of eggs so mom said that we should go to the farmers market"
"Alright, let's go"
After wiping the sweat off of his body with a towel and wearing his tunic back on, Fabian gestured Aurelio to follow him.
As they left the garden behind, Aurelio and Fabian embarked on a leisurely stroll along a winding trail that meandered through the picturesque landscape of Bavona village. The air was crisp and fragrant, filled with the earthy scent of freshly tilled soil and the sweet aroma of wildflowers blooming along the path.
The rolling green hills stretched out before them, dotted with fields of vibrant crops swaying gently in the breeze. To their left, the fertile lands of Bavona village extended as far as the eye could see, a patchwork quilt of emerald fields and golden pastures bathed in the soft morning light.
As they walked, Aurelio couldn't help but marvel at the natural beauty surrounding them. The village itself was nestled amidst the verdant hills, its rustic cottages and thatched-roof homes blending seamlessly into the landscape. Smoke billowed lazily from chimneys, mingling with the morning mist that hung low over the countryside.
The population of Bavona village was sparse but bustling with activity. Farmers tended to their fields, their hands calloused from years of hard work in the soil. A few merchants bustled about the village square, their stalls laden with fresh produce and handmade goods.
Despite its remoteness, Bavona village was a vibrant community, alive with the rhythms of rural life. Bavona village was located on the north western outskirts of a small kingdom called Miliscient.
After walking for a couple of minutes, Aurelio and Fabian approached the farmers market, and they were greeted by a bustling scene of activity. Stalls lined the cobblestone square, each laden with an array of fresh produce, dairy products, and even livestock. The air was filled with the chatter of vendors hawking their wares and the fragrant aroma of ripe fruits and vegetables.
As they made their way through the market, Fabian was greeted warmly by the villagers, many of whom paused in their transactions to exchange pleasantries with the well-known knight. Despite no longer serving in the royal garrison in the capital of the kingdom, Fabian's reputation as a skilled and honorable protector had earned him the respect and admiration of the villagers.
Aurelio watched with a mixture of pride and curiosity as his father conversed with the locals, his authoritative yet approachable demeanor commanding attention wherever he went. It was clear that Fabian was not only respected but also beloved by the people of Bavona village, his presence instilling a sense of security and camaraderie among the tight-knit community.
As they wandered among the stalls, Aurelio couldn't help but marvel at the vibrant tapestry of village life unfolding before him. From the colorful array of fruits and vegetables to the lively banter of the merchants, the farmers market was a lively hub of activity, a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of the villagers who called Bavona home.
As Aurelio and Fabian approached a stall selling eggs, they were greeted by a kindly-looking farmer with a weathered face and a bald head, a testament to years spent working the land under the sun. The farmer's warm smile and twinkling eyes suggested a lifetime of hard work and wisdom.
"Well, if it isn't Fabian!" the farmer exclaimed, his voice carrying the unmistakable cadence of the countryside. "What brings you and your lad to the market today?"
Fabian returned the farmer's greeting with a friendly nod. "Just picking up some eggs for breakfast," he replied. "Seems like we've run out at home."
The farmer chuckled and reached for a basket of fresh eggs, his hands moving with practiced efficiency. "No worries, I've got plenty to spare. How many would you like?"
Fabian glanced at Aurelio before turning back to the farmer. "A dozen should do the trick."
With a nod of understanding, the farmer carefully counted out twelve eggs, selecting the plumpest and freshest from the basket. As he handed them over, Fabian reached into his coin pouch and retrieved three small bronze coins, the standard currency for small transactions in the Kingdom.
"Here you go," Fabian said, offering the coins to the farmer. "Thank you for the eggs."
The farmer accepted the coins with a grateful smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "My pleasure, Fabian. Enjoy your breakfast!"
With the transaction completed, Fabian thanked the farmer once more and tucked the eggs securely into his basket. As they made their way back home, Aurelio couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment, its as if this is what he was missing in his past life all along.
After returning home, Aurelio and Fabian handed the eggs to Valarie, who greeted them with a smile of appreciation. With deft hands, she cracked the eggs into a bowl and whisked them together, adding a pinch of salt and a sprinkle of herbs for flavor. Soon, the aroma of sizzling eggs filled the kitchen as Valarie expertly cooked them into a fluffy Mithashen.
As the Mithashen cooked, Aurelio made his way to Haiya's room, gently nudging her awake. Haiya stirred from her slumber, rubbing her eyes sleepily before her gaze focused on Aurelio's smiling face. With a yawn, she climbed out of bed and followed Aurelio to the kitchen, where Valarie was just finishing up the Mithashen.
"Breakfast is ready~," Valarie announced with a warm smile, setting the steaming Mithashen on the table along with some freshly baked bread and a bowl of ripe fruit.
Aurelio took his seat at the table, feeling a sense of anticipation as he eagerly awaited the first bite of the delicious meal. With Haiya by his side and his parents across from him, he felt a deep sense of gratitude for the simple joys of family and home. As they dug into the hearty breakfast together, laughter and conversation filled the air, a testament to the bond that held them together as a family.
Part 2:
As he ate, Aurelio couldn't help but marvel at the flavors of this new world, so different yet strangely reminiscent of the tastes he had known in his old life. The Mithashen was unlike anything he had ever eaten before, yet it felt strangely familiar, like a long-forgotten memory stirred to life.
After finishing his meal, Aurelio thanked his mother for the delicious breakfast and headed back to his room. His parents' study beckoned to him from across the hall, its shelves lined with books and scrolls containing knowledge of this world's history and lore.
He decided that it would be important to learn more about this world as a lot of the memories he has within this body are very hazy, but first, he has a more important matter to tend to.
Returning to his room, Aurelio retrieved a quill and parchment, ready to document the knowledge he had acquired thus far about Bavona Village, Miliscient Kingdom, his father's past, and the various human sub-races.
______________________________________ Notes: ____________________________________________
I currently have a lot of questions about this world, questions that aren't answered in my memories. That is why I have to dedicate some time to learning more about this world, after all, if this is my new home I should at least have basic knowledge about it.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
After jotting down the note, Aurelio finally breathed a sigh of relief. It was something he'd been meaning to do for a while now, but never found the right moment. Back in his old life, he had became a huge RPG fan in collage, spending countless hours immersed in those worlds. Being the strategist he was, he couldn't stand the thought of not having a "starter note" ready to go, just like in his games.
--'It will quite a pain in the ass to have to do all the research myself, I'll have to continuously ask questions to Fabian and Valarie to get a good understanding of this world'
As he chuckled to himself, a knock on the door broke his concentration. Startled, he quickly tried to hide the note. "Come in," he called out.
Valarie entered the room, her eyes curious. "What're you up to, Auri?" she asked.
"Uh, nothing," Aurelio replied, hastily concealing the note. He did it because explaining the whole reincarnation thingamajig would be way too complicated and no one would believe him. Besides, didn't most shitty Isekai protagonists pull the same move in the stories he used to read?
Valarie's gaze landed on the crumpled note, and she moved closer to him to take a peek. "What's this?" she inquired, her interest piqued.
"D-don't!" Aurelio protested, feeling a flush of embarrassment.
Valarie gently took the note out of Aurelio's hand.
Valarie's eyes widened, not at the note's content, but at the fact that the note was in a language she didn't understand. Aurelio didn't receive any formal education and just barely knew how to read and write, so the fact that he could write in another language was certainly surprising.
"A-Auri, what's this language? How'd you learn it?" Valarie asked, her concern evident.
-- 'Oh yeah, she doesn't know this language' he thought to himself.
In Milisicient, most of it's inhabatants spoke Miliscian, the official language of the kingdom. Miliscian was an ancient language, dating back to thousands of years ago. It carried the echoes of a rich history, its roots entwined with the early settlers who first laid the foundations of Miliscient. Over the centuries, Miliscian evolved, absorbing influences from neighboring regions and distant traders, yet it retained its unique syntax and melodic cadence. The language was not only a means of communication but also a vessel of cultural identity, with its literature, poetry, and oral traditions passed down through generations, preserving the wisdom and heritage of the Miliscient people.
Aurelio scrambled to come up with an excuse, relying on his quick thinking. "Well, uhm... I tried drawing random shapes and symbols and pretended to make up my own language," he blurted out.
Valarie was taken aback at first but eventually accepted the explanation—it made more sense than the idea of her 12-year-old son suddenly becoming multilingual. Basically, the excuse was so shitty that there was no way someone could come up with it, therefore meaning it had to be true.
"Oh, I see... Anyways, I came to chat with you," Valarie continued. "Your father and I are a bit worried about you. You hardly ever go outside, and while I get that there aren't many kids your age around here, it's not healthy to stay cooped up indoors all the time."
She paused, then added, "Can you at least consider spending some time outdoors? I can join you if you want."
Aurelio let out a sigh of relief. "That's it? Sure, I can go outside, and no, you don't have to come with me," he replied with a grin.
Valarie was surprised by Aurelio's sudden agreement but smiled back nonetheless. "Alright, that's good to hear. I'll going to cook lunch, if you are going out then make sure to come back in an hour or so, also, don't go too far~" she said, getting up from her seat.
After Valarie left, Aurelio came to a realization.
'In this world.... I'M A TOTAL SHUT IN!'
Not that he was very outgoing in his past life, but at least he wasn't a NEET.
In that moment he decided that since he has been given a clean slate to start over, he has to make the most of it.
After tidying up his room, he wore his shoes and left the house.
As Aurelio stepped out of the doorway, the warm glow of the sun enveloped him, momentarily blinding his eyes. With a reflexive raise of his hands to shield his vision, he felt the gentle touch of the April breeze against his skin. The soft wind tousled his hair and swept through the grass beneath his feet. He lifted his eyes to the distant horizon, where majestic mountains stood sentinel against the sky, their peaks caressed by ethereal wisps of cloud, mighty birds flapped their magnificent wings in the distance. With a breath as deep as the boundless expanse before him, he welcomed the oxygen-rich air that danced with the essence of life, revitalizing his spirit with its pure embrace. In that moment, amidst the symphony of nature's whispers, Aurelio felt an undeniable connection to the universe, a silent promise of adventure and wonder awaiting him in every step he took.