It has been years since then, and I'm now sixteen. I've grown much stronger.
_____________________
The evening light settled over the dining room, casting soft shadows as I sat across from my parents. The familiar scents of herbs and spices filled the air, and everything seemed so ordinary—so perfectly normal—that I almost missed the look they exchanged before speaking.
My mother placed a steaming bowl in front of me, her hands lingering on it as she finally glanced over to my father. "We've been talking," she said, her voice gentle yet purposeful, "and we think it might be time for you to move forward in a… well, a special way."
My father gave a slight nod, his gaze serious yet warm. "Your talents are undeniable," he continued, leaning forward with that steady look he always wore when talking about something important. "You've come so far on your own, and we think… we think it's time for the academy."
I set my spoon down, feeling my chest tighten just a bit as the word sank in. Academy. There was only one place they could mean. "You're talking about Cresent Academy, aren't you?"
"Yes," my mother confirmed, her eyes meeting mine with a gentle smile. "We want to send you there. You'll be among the best, and they'll know how to help you develop in ways we can't provide at home."
"Cresent Academy…" I echoed, almost tasting the words. It was a place I knew all too well—just not in this life. Memories of my time there as Hiroshi started to unfold, vivid and detailed. I remembered the vast halls and winding corridors, the countless hours spent studying and sparring, and the friends and rivals who had shaped my journey there. That academy had been a cornerstone of my life before, a place where things really began.
As if sensing my inner monologue, Sera's voice appeared softly in my mind, reminding me of her presence. "The place where everything began, huh? Looks like fate has a funny way of bringing things full circle."
A smile tugged at my lips. Sera had been with me since I first began to relearn my old skills, offering advice, encouragement, and sometimes her own sarcastic commentary. She understood more about me than anyone in this life, and her words struck something deep.
I forced my focus back to my parents, realizing I must have drifted off for a moment. They were watching me with patient, hopeful eyes, and I could tell this was a big moment for them too. It must not have been easy to think about letting me go. They'd spent so much time raising me, and now they were ready to send me into the world.
"I… I think it sounds amazing," I said, and I meant it. The academy had been more than a school for me once—it was where I'd tested my limits, honed my skills, and made connections that shaped my journey. Going back there, even in this new life, felt like an invitation from fate.
My father nodded approvingly, and my mother reached over, resting her hand on mine. "It's a big step," she said softly. "We're so proud of you, and we're excited to see where this path takes you."
Sera's voice chimed in again, just for me to hear. "Looks like we're heading back to the start. But this time, you're armed with experience… and maybe a bit more style."
I stifled a small laugh, covering it by nodding earnestly at my parents. The idea of returning to Cresent Academy stirred something within me, not just because of what it had meant to Hiroshi, but because of what it could mean for me now. This was a new life, a chance to live differently, make new connections, and learn from the mistakes of my past. But the familiarity of the academy offered a strange comfort too, like reuniting with an old friend.
"Thank you, both of you," I said, looking at them with genuine gratitude. "I won't let you down."
As we finished dinner, I found myself thinking not just about the academy but about all the new experiences and possibilities it would bring.
---
After the talk with my parents about the academy, I finally retreated to my room, excitement and curiosity simmering in my mind. Sitting cross-legged on the bed, I took a deep breath, closed my eyes, and called up the familiar system interface.
[Sera, open stats.]
A translucent panel shimmered into view before me, and Sera's cheerful voice resonated in my mind, "Here you go, Leonis!"
My stats appeared, with numbers that still felt somewhat surreal, considering the years I'd spent grinding and experimenting with my abilities in the solitude of the forest.
---
[Name: Leonis]
[Level: 38]
[HP: 5900/5900]
[MP: 7900/7900]
[Strength: 245]
[Intelligence: 310]
[Agility: 275]
[Spellcrafting: Advanced]
[Flicker: Lv. 3]
[Analyze: Lv. 2]
---
I scrolled through my list of skills, feeling a mix of satisfaction and anticipation. It was reassuring to see how far I'd come, knowing that each skill, each level had been hard-earned through hours of experimentation, battles, and focused practice.
Sera's voice returned, "Leonis, you're in great shape for the academy!" I could almost feel her beaming, as if she took as much pride in my progress as I did.
Smiling at her words, I nodded. "Let's hope all this training pays off, Sera. Crescent Academy...it's familiar territory." Even though the academy was technically new to me in this life, there was a strange sense of coming home.
"Don't worry," Sera's voice chimed, "With your skills, you're going to impress everyone!"
A flicker of excitement sparked through me. "Maybe, Sera. Let's give it our best."
With that thought, I closed the panel, feeling ready for whatever lay ahead.