When Aleric opened his eyes, he again found himself in an unfamiliar place. The room was dimly lit, with the soft glow of candlelight casting flickering shadows on the stone walls. He lay on a luxurious bed, covered with fine silk sheets. The air was filled with the scent of herbs and the faint sound of water dripping from a nearby basin.
Aleric's mind was a whirlwind of confusion and memories. He remembered the brutal ritual, the searing pain, and the moment before everything went black. He remembered his talk with the Goddess Aranya and her sisters, and learning about Delphina.
His mind was also flooded with completely unfamiliar memories, disjointed and incomplete. He saw flashes of a grand estate, sprawling gardens, and a family that he had never known. There were moments of joy and laughter, but also an undercurrent of tension and expectation. The memories were like fragments of a puzzle that he couldn't quite piece together.
As he lay there trying to make sense of it all, Aleric felt a strange mix of emotions. There was a sense of loss for the life he had replaced, but also a flicker of curiosity and hope for what lay ahead. The Goddess's words echoed in his mind: a chance to rewrite his destiny, to find a sense of belonging.
But it wasn't until he looked down at his small hands and felt the unfamiliar weight of his new body, that he fully realized his new reality. He was no longer the battle-scarred survivor he once was; he had been reborn into the body of a six-year-old child.
From his vivid memories and the luxurious feel of the room, he seemed to be a rich kid too.
The infirmary was a well-organized room, with shelves lined with jars of various herbs and potions. Aleric's eyes scanned the room, taking in the details. He noticed a figure sitting by his bedside, a mature woman with kind eyes and a gentle smile.
She had honey-colored hair that was neatly pinned up, revealing the graceful curve of her neck. Her fair skin had a hint of a tan and a few freckles, hinting at time spent both indoors and outside. Wearing a soft lavender dress and a clean apron, she moved gracefully, her hands busy with a mortar and pestle.
Her eyes widened slightly, startled to see him awake. "Good morning. How do you feel, young master?" she said softly, her voice soothing yet filled with surprise.
Aleric tried to speak, but his voice came out as a weak croak. He cleared his throat and tried again. "Where am I?" he asked, his voice trembling with uncertainty.
The woman set aside her work and leaned closer; her expression filled with concern. "You are in the infirmary. You were found unconscious near the riverbank, and you were brought here to heal. We are all so happy you're finally home, safe and sound. Lady Grimwald was inconsolable for weeks while you were missing, and not even the Lord could get her to leave your bedside for several days after you were found."
As Aleric lay back, his mind swirling with unanswered questions, he couldn't shake the feeling of disorientation. The name Grimwald echoed in his thoughts, teasing him with the promise of familiarity. He closed his eyes, hoping to find some clarity in the darkness. Instead, he was met with fleeting images of another life, one filled with smiles instead of battles and bloodshed.
"Who are you?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
The woman smiled warmly, worry still evident in her eyes. "You know me, young master. I'm Kara, the Grimwald family healer. Rest for now, and we will talk more when you feel a bit stronger."
Aleric nodded weakly, his body still aching from the ordeal he had endured. He gratefully swallowed the elixir she handed to him, too exhausted and sore to care what it was.
As sleep overtook him, Aleric's dreams were filled with disjointed images and sounds. Faces he did not recognize, places that felt both strange and familiar, and the echo of voices calling his name. He tossed and turned, the weight of his new reality pressing down on him even in his sleep.
He awoke with a start, the room now dimly lit by the soft glow of evening light filtering through the windows. Kara was still there, her presence a comforting constant in this strange new reality. She hummed softly as she tended to her work, her voice a soothing balm to his troubled mind.
"Good afternoon, young master," she greeted him with a gentle smile. "How are you feeling now?"
Aleric took a moment to assess his body. The aches had lessened, and he felt a bit more alert. "I feel a bit better, and my mind is less foggy. Thank you," he replied, his voice still weak but steadier than before.
Kara's brow furrowed slightly. "Do you remember anything about what happened to you? Your father will want to know."
Aleric hesitated, his mind a jumble of fragmented memories. "I... I don't remember much," he admitted. "Everything is so hazy."
Kara's worry deepened. "It's alright, young master. Sometimes, the mind needs time to heal, just like the body." She paused, then continued, "Can you tell me your name?"
"Aleric Grimwald," he said, the name feeling both familiar and foreign on his tongue.
Kara nodded, her eyes searching his face for any signs of recognition. "And do you remember your family? Your home?"
Aleric shook his head slowly. "No, not really. Only vague memories of a few faces. I'm sorry."
Kara sighed softly. "There's no need to apologize, young master. Memory loss can happen after a traumatic event. We'll do everything we can to help you recover."
She stood up and began to gather some herbs and potions from the shelves. "I'm going to examine you, both physically and magically, to see if there are any lingering effects from your ordeal."
Aleric watched as she moved gracefully around the room, her hands deftly mixing ingredients and chanting softly under her breath. She returned to his bedside with another elixir and a bundle of herbs.
"Drink this," she instructed, holding the vial to his lips. "It will help with the pain and aid in your recovery."
Aleric obediently drank the bitter liquid, feeling a warmth spread through his body. Kara then placed the bundle of herbs and a glowing circular gem on his chest and began to chant, her voice low and melodic. He felt a tingling sensation as the magic flowed through him, soothing his aches and pains.
As the warmth of the elixir settled in his chest, Aleric felt a strange sensation of calm wash over him. Kara's chanting continued, her words weaving a protective cocoon around him. The room seemed to dim slightly, the flickering candlelight casting long shadows on the stone walls.
Aleric's mind drifted, and for a moment, he thought he saw fleeting images of a grand hall adorned with tapestries and a warm hearth. Faces appeared—smiling, familiar, yet just out of reach. He tried to grasp onto the memories, but they slipped away like sand through his fingers.
Kara's chant reached a crescendo, and the glowing gem on his chest pulsed with a soft, soothing light. She finished the incantation with a flourish, and the tingling sensation faded, leaving Aleric feeling both rejuvenated and exhausted.
After a few moments, Kara pocketed the gem and sat back, her expression thoughtful. "There are no physical injuries that I can see, but the magical residue around you is concerning. It suggests that you were exposed to a powerful spell or ritual."
Aleric's eyes widened. "A ritual... yes, I remember something about a ritual," he said, his voice trembling.
Kara leaned closer; her eyes filled with both curiosity and compassion. "Take your time, young master. What do you remember?"
Aleric closed his eyes, trying to piece together the fragments of his memory. "There was pain... and darkness. I remember symbols and chanting. And then... nothing until I woke up here."
Kara nodded, her expression grave. "I believe you were subjected to a forbidden ritual, but I think it best to consult the Priestess in order to confirm. What matters is that you're safe now, and no one can hurt you here."
Aleric hesitated for a moment, then looked up at Kara with curiosity. "Can you tell me about my family?" he asked softly. "I want to know them."
Kara's expression softened, and she smiled gently. "Of course, young master. Your family is very special. Your father, Lord Thaddeus Grimwald, is a nobleman known for his wisdom and strength. He is a respected leader and cares deeply for his family and his vassals."
She paused, then continued, "Your mother, Lady Eveline, is a kind and gentle woman. She has a heart full of love and compassion, and she is always looking out for the well-being of others. She was very worried about you when you were missing."
Aleric listened intently, trying to absorb the information. "Do I have any siblings?" he asked.
Kara nodded. "Yes, you have an older brother and sister. Your brother, Josiah, is a skilled swordsman and is being groomed to take over as family head one day. Your sister, Diana, is known for her intelligence and grace. She is very protective of you and was beside herself with worry when you went missing."
As Kara spoke, Aleric felt a strange mix of emotions. The names and descriptions stirred something deep within him, yet they remained elusive, like shadows just out of reach.
"And what about me?" he asked, his voice trembling. "What am I like?"
Kara smiled softly; her eyes filled with warmth. "You are always curious and adventurous, young master. You love exploring the woods and learning about the world around you. You have a kind heart and a strong sense of justice, just like your father."
Aleric felt a mixture of emotions as he learned about his new family. He had never experienced such a close-knit and caring family before, even from a distance. "Thank you," He replied quietly. "I hope my memories come back soon."
Kara placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Take your time, young master. Your family loves you very much, and they will support you as you recover. Get some rest while you can, young master. I can only hold your loved ones back for so long, especially the Lord and Lady. They will probably be here when you awaken."
Aleric nodded, feeling a sense of both relief and apprehension wash over him. He'd never had a family before, nor anyone who cared so much about him that his absence made them 'inconsolable'. How was he supposed to act around them? Would they notice he was different, that he wasn't really their son?
As he lay back on the soft pillows, his mind raced with questions and doubts. He closed his eyes, trying to calm his thoughts, but sleep eluded him. The minutes felt like hours as he waited, the anticipation building with each passing moment.
He decided to check out this system the Goddess had given him. He wasn't entirely sure how to activate it, so he settled on the simplest method.
He gave a mental command a try.
Status
Instantly, the screen he had seen previously appeared in his vision.
__________
Name: Aleric Grimwald
EXP: (Locked)
Essence points: (Locked)
Age: 6
Level: (Locked)
Race: Human
Class: (Locked)
Sub-class: (Locked)
Professions: (Locked)
Stats:
Health 12
Mana 12 (+18)
Strength 3
Perception 3 (+2)
Endurance 4
Charisma 3 (+4)
Intelligence 4 (+2)
Agility 3
Luck 2 (+8)
Affinities:
-Elemental Affinity
-Shadow Affinity
-Nature Affinity
Titles:
-Blessed by the Gods
Blessings:
-Soulbound Oath
-Bond of Loyalty
-Verdant Renewal
-Enchanting Melody
-Arcane Insight
Inventory
__________
Aleric noticed several other tabs that were greyed out and seemingly unavailable.
__________
Skills and Abilities (Locked)
Spells (Locked)
Quests (Locked)
Essence Shop (Locked)
__________
He then focused on each of his affinities.
__________
-Elemental Affinity:
Affinity for the mana and magics associated with the five elements of the natural world: Fire, Water, Earth, Air, and Neutral.
-Shadow Affinity:
Affinity for the mana and magics associated with the element of darkness.
-Nature Affinity:
Affinity for the mana, magics, and life forms of nature, apart from flesh and blood life forms.
__________
Focusing on his class, he received a message from the system stating he would unlock the remainder of his status when he came of age.
That's when Delphina finally made her appearance. She was still integrating with the system, so she couldn't stay long. Still, she did tell him that he would come of age at fifteen when he 'awakened'.
It's probably best you don't mention that you can see your status screen. Most people need a special artifact for that, and you aren't meant to even have a status before you awaken. Delphina's voice echoed through his mind.
Oh, and Aleric? For the love of Aranya, call me Lina. She's the only one I ever let use my full name, and being her Chosen doesn't get you an exception. The attitude in her voice made Aleric laugh inwardly and he simply told her he would call her whatever she wanted, within reason of course.
Eventually, exhaustion overcame him, and he drifted into a restless sleep. He dreamed of flickering images: a grand manor house surrounded by lush gardens, a tall figure with a stern expression, and a comforting warmth that felt like home. These fragments danced just out of reach, leaving him with an unsettling sense of loss.
When Aleric opened his eyes again, the room was dimly lit by the soft glow of the setting sun streaming through the window. The scent of herbs lingered in the air, mingling with the faint aroma of freshly baked bread. Kara had left a tray of food on a nearby table, and the sight of it made his stomach rumble.
Aleric struggled to sit up, his muscles protesting with each movement. He reached for the tray and nibbled on a piece of bread, savoring its warmth and softness. The herbs in the room seemed to work their magic, easing some of the tension in his body and calming his scattered thoughts.
As he ate, he allowed his mind to wander back to the dream. The manor house, the gardens, and the figure with the stern expression; they felt familiar, tugging at something deep within him. He wondered if they were memories or mere figments of his imagination.
The sound of footsteps drew his attention back to the present. The door creaked open further, and the two figures stepped into the room. Their presence commanded respect, and Aleric felt a pang of recognition.
His parents had arrived.
As Kara helped get him propped up on the pillows, he observed the two new figures standing at the doorway. A tall man with a commanding presence, dressed in fine clothes that hinted at his status. His dark hair was streaked with silver, and his eyes held a mixture of relief and concern. The second was an older woman with a gentle face and kind eyes, her long black hair cascading in soft waves over her shoulders.
"Father? Mother?" Aleric's voice was rough and raw, but the man's expression softened at the sound.
"Aleric, my son," the man said, his voice a mix of relief and authority. "You gave us quite a scare."
The woman stepped forward; her eyes filled with tears. "Oh, my dear sweet boy, we were so worried about you!" she said, her voice trembling. "Thank the gods you're safe."
Aleric's mind raced as he tried to piece together the fragments of his dreams. He knew these were the last memories of the Aleric that they knew. He looked up at the stern man, his father, Thaddeus, and then at the gentle woman, his mother, Eveline. Their concern was palpable, and he felt a strange mix of gratitude and guilt.
"Aleric," Thaddeus continued after a moment's silence, "we need to understand what happened to you. Any detail, no matter how small, could be important."
Aleric contemplated his options. He didn't believe it would be a good idea to expose his true origins, but he also felt these people deserved to know what information he could give them about their son's last days.
Aleric took another bite of bread, gathering his thoughts despite the fatigue that weighed heavily on him. "I... I think I was in a forest," he said slowly, trying to recall the fleeting images. "There were trees all around, and the air was thick with mist. I felt like I was being carried, but I don't know by who."
Aleric hesitated, his eyes flickering with uncertainty. He wanted to help, but his mind was a fog of confusion. "I remember feeling scared," he began slowly, "There was an intense pain, like my insides were being shredded. And there was a voice. A woman's voice. She was calling my name."
His parents exchanged a concerned glance, but neither interrupted his attempt to piece together the hazy memories. "It was almost melodic," Aleric continued, his brow furrowing. "But there was something unsettling about it. It felt like she was trying to guide me, but I couldn't understand her words."
Thaddeus's expression grew more intense, and Eveline's gentle touch on Aleric's arm became more reassuring. "It's alright, Aleric," she said softly. "Take your time. These memories will come back when you're ready."
Aleric's struggle to recall his memories was evident, but he persevered, knowing how much it meant to his parents. He took a deep breath, trying to steady his thoughts. "I remember a sense of urgency," he said slowly. "Like I was running from something or someone. There was a light ahead, but everything else was dark and shadowy."
Thaddeus leaned in, his eyes narrowing with concern. "Aleric, do you remember anything else? Any faces, any landmarks?"
Aleric shook his head, frustration coloring his features. "No, it's all so fragmented. Like pieces of a puzzle that won't fit together. I remember feeling desperate, like I had to reach that light no matter what."
Eveline's grip on his arm tightened slightly, her eyes filled with empathy. "It's alright, Aleric. The fact that you remember even this much is a good sign."
Aleric nodded, feeling the warmth of their support. He took another sip of water, feeling a little more grounded. "I just wish I could remember more," he murmured, looking from his mother to his father. "I feel like I'm missing something important."
Thaddeus stepped closer, his hand resting on Aleric's shoulder. "You're doing so well, son. We'll get to the bottom of this, together. For now, your recovery is our main priority."
Eveline reached out and gently stroked his hair. "Don't push yourself too hard, sweetie. We'll figure this out together. Right now, we want you to rest and recover."
Her words were soothing, and Aleric felt a wave of exhaustion wash over him again. He nodded, closing his eyes briefly. "Alright," he murmured. "I'll try to remember more later."
Thaddeus placed a reassuring hand on his son's shoulder. "That's all we can ask for, Aleric. Just focus on getting better." He threw a meaningful glance at his wife, knowing she had noticed it as well.
Aleric nodded, oblivious to the subtle tension in the room. "Of course, Father," he said softly. "I'm sorry for worrying you."
"What nonsense, my dear," Eveline said softly. "You're our son. We love you very much."
Aleric's heart ached at her words. He had never experienced such kindness and care before. It was both comforting and overwhelming.
Thaddeus cleared his throat, his expression softening. "Aleric, we want you to know that no matter what happened, we are here for you. We will support you and help you through this."
Aleric nodded, feeling a mixture of guilt and gratitude. "Thank you, Father. I will do my best to recover and remember what details I can."
Kara, who had been standing quietly by the door, stepped forward. "Lord and Lady Grimwald, if I may, the young master still needs rest. His body is healing, but it will take time for his mind to recover fully."
The lord nodded. "Yes, of course. We'll leave him to rest. Come, my dear," he said, taking Eveline's hand. "We'll visit again later. Kara, can we speak to you in the hall, please?"
__________
As they stepped into the hall, the door to Aleric's room closed softly behind them. The corridor was quiet, the only sound being the distant murmur of servants going about their duties. Lord Grimwald turned to Kara; his expression serious.
"Kara, I now understand your concern about Aleric," he began, his voice low. "His behavior is rather odd. Do you think it's a result of whatever he went through?"
Eveline nodded in agreement with her husband's assessment; her eyes filled with concern. "He spoke with such maturity, far beyond his years. It was as if he wasn't our little boy anymore."
Kara waited until the couple was ready to listen. She took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. "My lord, my lady," she began, choosing her words carefully, "Aleric's condition is indeed troubling. The changes in his demeanor, his memories—they point to something far deeper than mere trauma. I believe his soul has been touched by something dark, something that we cannot fully comprehend without the proper expertise."
Lord Grimwald's face grew stern, his brow furrowed deeply. "This is no trivial matter, Kara. Are you absolutely certain of your observations?"
Kara nodded gravely. "Yes, my lord. The signs are subtle but unmistakable. His awareness, the way he perceives the world around him—it has shifted. This is not simply a matter of physical healing. His soul has been altered, and we must proceed with great care."
Eveline clutched her husband's arm, her worry etched clearly on her face. "What does this mean for Aleric? Will he ever be the same?"
Kara's eyes softened with empathy. "It's difficult to say, my lady. Every soul reacts differently to such encounters. I believe we should consult with the Priestess. Soul magic is not my forte, and Aleric's condition may be beyond my abilities. The Priestess may have insights or methods that can help him. Aleric is strong, and with the proper guidance and support, he can heal."
Aleric's mother gasped; her eyes wide. "Do you really think it's that serious?"
Aleric's mother gasped; her eyes wide with a mixture of fear and hope. "Do you really think it's that serious, Kara? Is there no other explanation for his condition?" Eveline's voice trembled as she spoke, her concern for her son evident.
Kara nodded solemnly. "It's better to be cautious, my lady. The Priestess has a vast knowledge of the soul and its mysteries. She may be able to determine if there is something more at play here, something that we might have missed. I would be remise in my duties if I were to take any chances with the young master's well-being."
Lord Grimwald glanced at the closed door of Aleric's room, his mind racing with the implications of Kara's words. "We cannot afford to lose him, not now when he has just returned to us. Whatever it takes, we must find a way to help him."
Eveline's eyes filled with tears, her voice trembling as she replied, "I don't want him to suffer anything else. Whatever is wrong with him, we must do everything in our power to help him, no matter the cost."
Kara placed a comforting hand on Eveline's arm, her expression filled with empathy. "Rest assured, my lady, we will do everything in our power to see him well again. We will leave no stone unturned in our efforts."
Thaddeus, who had been silently listening, placed a reassuring hand on his wife's shoulder. "We'll do whatever it takes to help our son. Kara, please arrange for the Priestess to visit as soon as possible. We need her expertise to understand what we're dealing with and how best to proceed."
"Of course, my lord," Kara replied. "I will send word to the temple immediately and do my best to ensure the Priestess comes at the earliest opportunity."
As Kara left to make the arrangements, Lord and Lady Grimwald stood in the hall, their hearts heavy with worry and determination. They knew that the road ahead would be challenging, but they were resolved to do everything within their power to help Aleric recover and ensure his future well-being.
Unbeknownst to the trio of concerned adults, the door hadn't closed completely like they thought. Aleric just barely made out what was said, but he heard every word.
Am I going to be cast aside by my own family just as I arrive in this new world?
Aleric's heart pounded in his chest. He felt a surge of emotions: fear, confusion, and a deep sense of betrayal. If this was all just a part of the Goddesses' plans, if she would go this far for entertainment, then he was right not to trust her.
Aleric's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. The door may have been ajar, but hearing the conversation left him feeling more isolated than ever.
Kara returned a few hours later with a serious yet determined expression. "The Priestess is currently occupied and will be here in three days. Until then, we must ensure Aleric remains calm and well-rested."
Lord Grimwald nodded; his expression steely. "Thank you, Kara. We will do our best."
Kara turned her gaze to Eveline, who still seemed on the brink of tears. "Lady Eveline, it is imperative to remain strong for Aleric. He will draw strength from your courage."
Eveline nodded, wiping away her tears. "You're right, Kara. We must be strong, for his sake."
As the hours turned into days, the Grimwald household was shrouded in an aura of anxiety and anticipation. Each family member grappled with their own fears and hopes, all centered around Aleric's mysterious ailment. They ensured he was never left alone, with either Kara or one of his parents or siblings by his side at all times.
Despite their best efforts to keep him calm, Aleric's mind remained a turbulent sea of thoughts. He stared at the ceiling, trying to make sense of everything. He knew he wasn't the same hardened assassin as he had been on Earth, but he didn't know how to articulate the changes he felt within himself. He felt as if parts of him, who he was, had been... replaced? Reconstructed? Was he even himself anymore?
The words of his parents and Kara echoed in his mind, fueling his anxiety. He knew exactly what had happened; his soul had been brought from another world and placed into the body of this child. He couldn't tell them that, though. He wanted to trust them, to believe in their determination to help him, but a part of him feared revealing too much. What if they couldn't accept the truth? What if they saw him as an imposter, a usurper of their son's life?
The night before the Priestess's arrival, he found himself staring at the ceiling, the weight of his secret pressing heavily on his chest.
The thought of consulting the Priestess both terrified and intrigued him. He yearned for answers but feared what those answers might reveal. Would the Priestess see something in him that even he couldn't comprehend? Would she reveal his true identity?
Exhaustion finally stole him away into sleep, without Aleric finding the solace he was looking for.