4: Reborn Reality Check
Three years had passed since Leonis's rebirth.
Sitting in his small bedroom, surrounded by toys and family photos, Leonis couldn't help but think:
How did I end up here?
In this tiny, vulnerable body?
With a family who loves me unconditionally?
Memories of his past life lingered.
Mira, his childhood friend, still held a special place in his heart.
But his new family had grown on him.
Aria's warmth.
Flynn's wisdom.
Kaid and Elsie's playful antics.
Luna, his twin, shared an unspoken bond.
"Leonis, breakfast is ready!" Aria called out.
Leonis's stomach growled.
Time to fuel up!
As he ran downstairs with his infant legs, Luna giggled.
"Brother's got speed!" she chirped.
In the kitchen, Kaid high-fived him.
"Morning, little dude! Kaid grinned.
Life was different now.
Simple joys brought happiness.
But sometimes, late at night, he wondered:
Who was he, really?
A reborn soul?
A new person?
Or a mix of both?
Kaid chuckled, "Hey, Leo, you're so slow, Luna's gonna beat you!"
Luna giggled, "Yeah, brother's a turtle!"
Leonis playfully rolled his eyes.
"Hey, I'm faster than both of you!"
Elsie chimed in, "No way, Leonis! Kaid's the fastest!"
The siblings' laughter filled the room.
Aria called out, "Alright, kids! Time for dinner!"
The family headed to the dining table.
Their maid, Emma, had prepared a delicious meal.
"Tonight's menu: roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, and steamed vegetables," Emma announced.
Leonis's stomach growled in anticipation.
Luna whispered, "Brother, don't eat too much or you'll get a tummy ache!"
Leonis grinned mischievously.
"Too late for that, sis!"
As they sat down, Aria reminded them,
"Don't forget your manners."
"Thank you, Emma, for the wonderful dinner." Kaid began,
"Thank you, Emma!" Elsie and Luna echoed,
"And thank you, Mom, for... well, everything!" Leonis added,
Aria smiled warmly.
"That's my sweet Leonis."
As they dug in, Leonis savored the flavors.
This life might be different, but family love remained constant.
Just then, the dining room door swung open.
Four knights in gleaming plate armor marched in, their swords at their sides.
Leonis's eyes widened.
"Who are they?" Leonis asked, his curiosity piqued.
"They're knights, Leo!" Kaid chuckled.
"Yeah, they protect the kingdom and our family!" Elsie added,
Leonis's gaze locked onto the knights' swords.
"Are those swords?!" Leonis exclaimed.
"Brother's never seen swords before!" Luna giggled.
"Well have you seen one," ? He asked as he rolled his eyeballs.
"Of course I've seen it when Mom took me along for shop… oh ! I slipped"
"Mom" ? Leonis gave Aria a questioning look
"Knights use swords to defend the kingdom, Leo."Kaid explained.
"And they're really good at it!"Elsie added,
The knights approached Aria Silver, their faces stern, but with hints of warmth.
"Greetings, Lady Aria Silver," one knight said, bowing deeply.
"The king's messenger," another added.
Aria's expression turned gracious.
"Rise, Sir Edward. What brings you from the castle?"
Sir Edward handed Aria a sealed letter.
"From His Majesty, King Ryker. Urgent news, my lady."
Aria took the letter, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"Thank you, Sir Edward. You may withdraw."
The knights bowed and departed as swiftly as they arrived.
Leonis's mind whirled.
Knights? King's messenger? Secret letters?
This was getting interesting!
Leonis turned to Kaid and Elsie.
"Tell me more about knights!" Leonis urged.
Kaid grinned. "Well, Leo, knights are trained warriors."
"They protect the kingdom from harm."Elsie added,
Luna chimed in. "And they're so cool!"
Aria smiled warmly.
"Finish dinner, kids. We'll discuss later."
But Leonis's curiosity lingered.
What was in that letter?
Why did the king send messengers?
And what did it have to do with their family?
Leonis glanced at Aria, who was reading the letter.
Her expression changed from curiosity to concern.
Leonis's thoughts swirled.
Questions piled up.
But for now, he'd have to wait.
Leonis's gaze lingered on the departing knights.
Knights... He'd read about them in light novels.
In his previous world, Leonis devoured fantasy stories.
Tales of chivalry, bravery, and honor.
Knights were the epitome of heroism.
But now, seeing them in person...
It felt surreal.
Leonis recalled his favorite light novel series.
"The Legendary Knights of Eldoria"
He'd spent hours imagining himself as the protagonist.
Fighting dragons, saving kingdoms.
Now, reality blurred with fantasy.
Were these knights real-life heroes?
Leonis's thoughts swirled.
Past and present collided.
His curiosity deepened.
Who were these knights?
What was their purpose here?
Leonis turned to Aria, still reading the letter.
Her expression remained enigmatic.
Leonis's patience wore thin.
He needed answers.
Leonis's thoughts were interrupted by Kaid's enthusiastic voice.
"Hey, Leo! Did you see their swords? I've been training with Sir Lucas, our guard. He's teaching me swordsmanship!"
Elsie chimed in, "Kaid's getting stronger every day!"
Kaid grinned. "I'm focusing on magic too. I want to be a mage warrior like Dad."
Leonis's eyes widened. "You're learning magic?"
Kaid nodded. "Yeah! Dad's the strongest mage warrior in the kingdom. I want to be just like him."
Aria looked up from the letter, a hint of pride in her eyes.
"Your father would be proud, Kaid. But remember, magic requires dedication and discipline."
Kaid beamed. "I won't let you down, Mom! I'll become the greatest mage warrior ever!"
Leonis felt a surge of admiration for his brother.
He had forgotten that Kaid was training to follow in their father's footsteps.
Their father, the legendary mage warrior.
Could he learn magic too? Leonis wondered
Aria folded the letter, her expression thoughtful.
"Kids, finish your meal. I need to attend to some matters."
Leonis's curiosity resurfaced.
"Mom, what's going on?" he asked.
Aria smiled reassuringly.
"Nothing to worry about, Leonis. Just kingdom business."
Kaid grinned mischievously.
"Can we have a dessert feast while you're away, Mom?"
Aria chuckled.
"Not without Emma's supervision, Kaid. Behave yourself."
She turned to Kaid with a stern gaze.
"And no involving Elsie and the others in any naughty adventures."
Kaid held up his hands in mock innocence.
"Who, me? Never, Mom!"
Elsie giggled.
"Kaid's always getting us into trouble!"
Luna playfully rolled her eyes.
"Kaid's the king of mischief!"
Aria smiled warmly.
"I'm counting on you, Kaid. Watch over your siblings."
With that, Aria departed, leaving the children to their meal.
The room fell silent, each lost in their thoughts.
Leonis pondered the mysterious letter.
Kaid schemed his next adventure.
Elsie and Luna chattered about their toys.
Emma, the maid, entered with a warm smile.
"Finish your meal, kids. I'll clear the table."
As Emma busied herself, Leonis turned to Kaid.
"Hey, Kaid? What do you think Mom's doing?"
Kaid shrugged.
"Maybe it's related to Dad's return"
Leonis's thoughts drifted to his father, a man he had never met.
Since his rebirth, Leonis had heard tales of his father's bravery.
Kaid and Elsie often praised their father's accomplishments.
"He's the strongest mage warrior in the kingdom!" Kaid would say.
"Father saved the kingdom from darkness!" Elsie would add.
Leonis's curiosity grew with each story.
Who was this legendary figure?
Why hadn't he met his father?
Whenever Kaid and Elsie spoke of their father, Leonis felt a pang.
He wished it was him who was coming home.
Luna, sensing Leonis's emotions, asked,
"Do you think Father will come home soon?"
Elsie nodded enthusiastically.
"I hope so! We miss him!"
Kaid grinned mischievously.
"I want to surprise Dad with something special when he returns."
Leonis's interest piqued.
"What is it, Kaid?"
Kaid's eyes sparkled.
"Wait and see, Leo!
Leonis's curiosity deepened.
Kaid led the group out of the dining area, his excitement contagious.
"Follow me, everyone!" Kaid exclaimed, his eyes sparkling.
Leonis's curiosity grew as they ventured into unexplored territory.
He had never seen these parts of the manor before.
Aria had kept him and Luna on a tight leash, limiting their exploration.
But now, with Kaid as their guide, the secrets of the manor unfolded.
As they walked, guards and maids bowed their heads, greeting them.
"Master Kaid, Lady Elsie, Lady Luna, Master Leonis," they said in unison.
Leonis felt a thrill, unfamiliar with such formalities.
The grandeur of the manor astonished him.
Tapestries depicting battles and myths adorned the walls.
Candelabras cast warm glows, illuminating polished marble floors.
They passed a majestic ballroom, where Leonis spotted a stunning chandelier.
"Wow, Kaid, this is incredible!" Leonis exclaimed.
Kaid chuckled.
Luna skipped ahead, curiosity sparkling in her eyes.
"Kaid, what's that room?" she asked, pointing to a door.
"Ah, that's the library. Father's favorite place," Kaid replied.
Leonis's interest piqued.
"A library? Can we see?"
Kaid grinned mischievously.
"Later, Leo. First, we have a surprise to prepare."
Elsie playfully rolled her eyes.
"You're always full of secrets, Kaid."
Kaid winked.
"Patience, Elsie."
The group continued, navigating the manor's winding corridors.
Leonis's wonder grew with each step.
What lay ahead?
Kaid tucked the book into his cloak, a sly grin spreading.
"Patience, everyone," he said. "All will be revealed soon enough."
Elsie raised an eyebrow.
"Kaid, you're being mysterious again."
Kaid chuckled.
"Trust me, Elsie. This surprise will be worth it."
Luna bounced up and down.
"I love surprises!"
Leonis watched Kaid, curiosity burning
Kaid led the group to a secluded training area.
The sound of clashing steel and murmured incantations filled the air.
Kaid approached a training dummy, its wooden surface scarred.
He began to chant, his voice low and concentrated.
The air around him shimmered as he spoke ancient words.
"Ignis exigens."
A punch-sized fireball materialized in the air.
It hurtled toward the training dummy.
The fireball clashed with the dummy, sending splinters flying.
The dummy stumbled, its wooden limbs smoldering.
Elsie's eyes widened.
"Kaid, your magic's improved!"
Luna clapped.
"Wow, Kaid! Fireball!"
Leonis watched, amazed.
Kaid's control and precision were impressive.
Kaid grinned.
"Thanks, guys. Still working on it."
The group fell silent.
Leonis watched, awestruck, as the fireball clashed with the training dummy.
"Magic?" he whispered.
Luna's eyes sparkled, equally amazed.
"Wow, Kaid! That's incredible!"
Kaid grinned.
"Thanks, Luna. Still working on control."
Elsie smiled.
"Father would be proud."
Leonis's curiosity grew.
"Father? You mean our dad is also magical?"
Kaid nodded.
"Father's magic is unmatched! He can cast massive spells."
Leonis's mind reeled.
Everia Kingdom?
So much to learn.
"Tell me more," Leonis said, eyes locked on Kaid.
Kaid leaned against the training dummy.
"Magic is a part of life in Everia. Everyone has some degree of magical ability."
Elsie jumped in.
"But magical strength varies. Some have more affinity than others."
Luna nodded.
"Our dad's affinity is incredibly high."
Kaid continued.
"There are Nine magical ranks:
Leonis's thoughts swirled.
"Which rank is our dad?"
Elsie smiled proudly.
"Our dad is a Saint rank , the sixth rank."
Luna added.
"Only a few Saints exist in Everia."
Kaid chuckled.
"And Father's the strongest among them."
Leonis felt determined.
"I want to learn more. Teach me."
Kaid grinned.
"Patience, Leo. We'll get you caught up soon."
Elsie playfully rolled her eyes.
"Kaid's already planning your training."
Luna bounced up and down.
"Can we spar now? I want to show Leo my skills!"