Leon sat on the edge of his bed, his gaze fixed on the translucent status screen hovering before him. His body still ached, but his curiosity overpowered the discomfort. He scrutinized the numbers displayed on the screen, his eyes narrowing as he noticed something remarkable.
Host Name: Leon
Race: Half-Dragon
Age: 18 years
Strength: 35
Mana: 33
Luck: 35
Intelligence: 43
Sword Skills: C Rank
Magic Skills: D Rank
His strength and mana had increased by ten points each since his last check. "This can't be right," Leon muttered, his fingers instinctively brushing over the holographic interface. "How did this happen?"
As if in response to his thoughts, the system activated.
[System Notice: The increase in strength and mana is a result of the partial awakening of your dragon blood. Your growth rate has surpassed that of ordinary humans. Continuous training will amplify your capabilities further.]
Leon smirked, leaning back against the headboard. "So, that's the benefit of being a transmigrator," he mused, a faint sense of satisfaction warming his chest. "I guess I have no choice but to train harder."
His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a soft knock at the door. Before he could respond, the door creaked open, and Aliya's small figure peeked through. Her dragon-like features, usually vibrant, were slightly marred by traces of worry.
"Brother!" she exclaimed, rushing into the room. Her eyes brimmed with tears as she flung herself into his arms. "You're awake! You've been sleeping for two whole days! I was so scared. I thought… I thought you might never wake up again."
Leon's heart melted at her words. The guilt of his past actions—actions he didn't even remember but knew haunted this family—gnawed at him. He wrapped his arms around her gently, stroking her soft hair. "I'm sorry, Aliya," he said softly. "I'm sorry for everything. For the past, for worrying you. I promise I won't leave you again."
Her tears flowed freely as she clung to him tighter. "You're a good brother now. I don't want to lose you," she whispered.
Leon pulled back slightly, smiling down at her. "Then how about this? For today, I'll do whatever you want. Anything at all. Consider it my way of asking for your forgiveness."
Aliya's face lit up instantly, her eyes shining with excitement. "Really? Anything?"
"Anything," Leon confirmed with a nod.
Without wasting a moment, Aliya grabbed his hand and began tugging him out of the room. "Come on! I'll show you all my favorite places!"
Leon couldn't help but chuckle as he let her lead him through the sprawling mansion. The day passed in a blur of laughter and exploration. Aliya showed him the grand library, where she proudly displayed her favorite books. They visited the greenhouse, where she made him sniff every flower and giggled at his exaggerated reactions. The stables were next, where she introduced him to her pony, an energetic creature named Starfire.
For the first time since arriving in this world, Leon felt at ease. Aliya's joy was infectious, and her unbridled enthusiasm melted away his lingering doubts and fears. He found himself smiling more than he had in years, both in his past life and this one.
By the time the sun began to set, the two of them were sitting on a hill overlooking the estate. Aliya leaned against Leon, her small frame tucked comfortably against his side.
"Thank you, brother," she said softly, her voice filled with contentment. "Today was the best day ever."
Leon smiled, ruffling her hair gently. "No, Aliya. Thank you. You've reminded me what it means to have a family."
As the sky turned shades of orange and purple, Leon made a silent vow. He would protect this family, no matter what. And he would become stronger—not just for himself, but for them.