It had been three years since Ian's regression. The once-small, frail boy had grown into a tall and handsome young man, his transformation nothing short of remarkable. He had grown stronger than he ever was in his past life, a fact he could hardly ignore as he stood now, facing the drake.
The creature snarled, its scales glinting like polished steel under the dim light filtering through the dense canopy of the forest. Its molten eyes locked onto Ian with predatory intent, smoke curling from its nostrils. Ian's sword glinted faintly, its blade tempered by both fire and his will. Every muscle in his body tensed as he stared the beast down, his breath steady.
The drake lunged, its claws tearing through the air with a deafening screech. Ian sidestepped. He countered with a swift slash, his blade carving through the beast's hide but not deep enough to bring it down. It roared in fury, lashing its tail, which Ian narrowly avoided by rolling to the side. His heart thumped in his chest, but his mind remained calm. He couldn't afford to falter.
With a burst of mana channeled into his legs, Ian launched himself forward, closing the gap between them. His blade found its mark this time, piercing through the drake's vulnerable underbelly. The beast let out a final, guttural cry before collapsing to the ground, its massive body shaking the earth beneath it.
Ian wiped the sweat from his brow, his breathing heavy but steady. He stood over the drake for a moment, letting the tension ebb away, before turning and making his way back to the small hut nestled deep in the forest. The sight of Theoarize chasing a butterfly greeted him, the little cat leaping and swatting playfully at the air.
"Theoarize, you're acting like a proper cat now," Ian teased, a warm chuckle escaping his lips.
The cat froze mid-pounce, its fur bristling as it turned to glare at him. "Shut up!" Theoarize screeched, its high-pitched voice betraying its irritation.
Ian laughed even harder, sitting down on the patio with a contented sigh. "I'm serious. You've embraced your role as a cat."
Theoarize puffed up indignantly before settling next to him. After a moment of silence, the cat's tone softened. "You really won't leave this forest?"
Ian shook his head, gazing out at the trees swaying gently in the wind. "I don't think so. A quarter of the forest has been cleared, and there's no longer a monster threat to the northern border of the Winterbell Empire. I've done enough." He smiled faintly. "Besides, I'm comfortable here. The peace I've found in this valley… it's something I never thought I'd have."
Pulling out a ripe watermelon, Ian broke it open, the fresh aroma filling the air. He offered a piece to Theoarize, who accepted it grudgingly, nibbling at the fruit while perched on the patio railing.
"You have knowledge that could change the future or conquer the world," Theoarize pointed out, their voice thoughtful. "And yet you choose to live here, away from it all."
"I'm not interested in changing the world," Ian replied softly, his gaze lifting to the clear blue sky above. "The outside world… it's full of noise. But here, it's quiet. I'm happy."
A faint chime echoed in his mind as a status window appeared before him, its soft glow casting a faint light on his face. He glanced at it with mild curiosity, the updated information catching his eye.
[Name: Ian Lancaster (Winterbell)
Age: 16 (Chronological Age: 36)
Title: God of Salvation, Humanity's Strongest, Sinner of Otherworld,
Faith: 1,130,756
Gifts:
Absolute Protection (EX): Grants immunity to mortal-level threats and most divine-level attacks.
Monarch Aura (EX): Commands respect and loyalty from allies, and instills fear in enemies.
Divine Blessings (EX): Bestows enhanced resistance to curses, illnesses, and negative effects.
Swordsmanship (B+): Advanced proficiency with swords, allowing for precise and powerful techniques.
Dagger Mastery (B): Skilled in close-quarters combat and stealth tactics.
Cooking (A+): Exceptional culinary skills, capable of creating dishes that enhance vitality and mana recovery.
Mana Manipulation (C+): Basic control over mana flow, sufficient for moderate spellcasting.
Stamina (B-): Above-average endurance for prolonged physical and magical exertion.
Agility (A+): Exceptional speed, reflexes, and evasion.
Ian tilted his head "Isn't this too overpowered?" he asked, glancing at Theoarize.
The cat snickered, their sharp teeth showing. "Don't let it get to your head. You're still bound by faith. The moment your faith value drops into the negative, you'll become an evil god. And if it surpasses a certain threshold…" Theoarize's voice trailed off ominously. "You'll cease to exist."
Ian's smile faded slightly. He looked at the faith value displayed in the window, the weight of his existence pressing down on him for a brief moment. "This divinity… it's yours, isn't it?"
Theoarize nodded. "The Goddess of Fate… I ceased to exist when you became my successor. Gods who meddle too much in mortal affairs rarely last long. I was already on the brink of fading, and yet I chose to interfere for you."
Ian's brow furrowed. "Why would you do that? What did you see in me?"
Theoarize's ears twitched, and they looked at Ian thoughtfully. "I don't know But maybe I saw a bit of myself in you. Always an observer, watching from the sidelines, just like you've chosen to do. Perhaps I believed in you, Ian. Or perhaps it was fate."
Ian leaned back, letting the gentle breeze carry away his thoughts. "Fate, huh?" he murmured, a wistful smile gracing his lips. "Maybe you and I are more alike than I thought."
*****
Running through the Death Forest, a young boy no older than ten sobbed silently. His face was streaked with dirt and tears, but he didn't dare make a sound. The assassins chasing him were close. Clutching his mother's necklace tightly in his small hands, Evan tried to hold back his panic.
His mind raced with questions he couldn't answer. Why would his uncle want him dead? What had they done to deserve this? He still remembered the warmth of his mother's blood on his hands, the way she had whispered for him to run before falling silent forever.
Wiping his tears, Evan pushed forward. He had to survive. He had to tell his father.
A loud, guttural roar echoed through the trees, freezing Evan in his tracks. His legs trembled as his wide eyes took in the massive demonic beast standing before him. Its red eyes glowed in the darkness, its sharp teeth bared in a menacing snarl.
Evan's heart pounded. He couldn't move. His voice came out in a broken whisper, barely audible. "Sa...save me..."
The beast lunged, and Evan shut his eyes, bracing for the end.
But it didn't come.
The next sound he heard was a heavy thud, followed by the splatter of warm blood. Slowly, he opened his eyes, trembling as he looked up. The beast's severed head lay at his feet, its lifeless eyes staring back at him. Blood pooled around it, staining the forest floor.
Evan's gaze moved upward to the figure standing in Infront of him. Cold, piercing blue eyes locked onto his. The man holding the bloodied dagger had an aura so chilling that Evan's body froze in place.
The boy couldn't hold it in anymore. He cried.
Ian stood there, unsure of what to do. He had been hunting as usual when he came across this scene—a terrified child in the middle of the Death Forest. His monarch aura didn't make things easier; children typically ran from him, not toward him.
Awkwardly, Ian stepped forward, but his eyes caught on the necklace in Evan's small hand. Recognition flickered in his mind. He knew this child. Evan Vance Carlisle, the son of Duke Carlisle of Orthea. Ian's expression darkened as the memories resurfaced.
Kneeling slowly, Ian tried not to look as imposing. Before he could figure out what to say, Theoarize, in her small feline form, padded over and brushed against Evan. The boy froze at first but then reached out to stroke her soft fur. Her purring seemed to calm him, and his sobs quieted.
Ian took a deep breath.
"Name?" he asked, his tone softer than usual.
Evan wiped his tears and stammered, "E-Evan…"
"What are you doing here, Evan?" Ian's voice was calm but firm.
"I… I will pay you," Evan said quickly, his words tumbling out in desperation. "Please take me to Orthea Manor."
"No," Ian replied bluntly.
Evan's eyes widened in disbelief. "But... I…"
Without another word, Ian picked up the boy in his arms, ignoring his protests. Evan squirmed for a moment but then went quiet, stunned by the man's strength and cold composure. Ian carried him through the forest toward the valley.
As they arrived, Evan looked around in confusion. "Is this really the Death Forest?" he asked, his voice small and hesitant.
"It is," Ian replied curtly.
Inside the small hut, Ian set Evan down and tossed him a clean set of clothes. "Go wash," he said, lighting the indoor fire and removing his cloak.
Evan hesitated, staring at Ian. For a moment, the boy was struck by how otherworldly the man looked. His blue eyes were clear and sharp, like the sky on a winter morning. His black hair was sleek and well-kept, and the aura around him was inhumanly powerful.
Realizing he was staring, Evan quickly looked down and scurried off to wash himself.
Theoarize hopped onto the table and watched Ian with curious eyes. "Who is that child?" she asked.
Ian sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Evan Vance Carlisle. The reason Winterbell's northern defenses were breached."
Theoarize tilted her head. "How?"
Ian's gaze darkened as he stared into the fire. "I told the demon king I served, Liam, to attack the northern border. I knew the Duke of Carlisle wouldn't be there—he was searching for his son, who had supposedly died in this forest." He paused, his jaw tightening. "Evan's death destroyed him. The Duke's grief led to his downfall, and his corrupt brother took his place as patriarch. That man helped me breach Winterbell."
Theoarize flicked her tail. "And now you've met the child you thought was dead."
Ian nodded slowly. "Fate has a twisted sense of humor."
The sound of the bathroom door opening drew their attention. Evan stepped out, his hair still damp, dressed in the clean clothes Ian had given him. He looked at Ian hesitantly, unsure of what to say.
Ian motioned for him to sit by the fire. Taking a towel, he began drying the boy's hair.
"Who are you?" Evan asked quietly, his voice trembling with curiosity and fear.
"A wanderer," Ian replied without looking at him.
Evan frowned but didn't press further. The two ate dinner in silence before Ian led the boy to one of the upstairs rooms.
After ensuring Evan was asleep, Ian returned to the main room. He glanced at Theoarize, who was curled up on a cushion.
"It's fate," she said simply, her golden eyes gleaming in the firelight. "You were meant to save him."
Ian scoffed but didn't argue. Instead, he looked back toward the boy's room. His thoughts were conflicted.
"Fate or not," Ian muttered, "this changes everything."