After studying with Aldrich earlier, Arthas closed the door of the library with a sense of contentment.
He watched his youngest child run toward his room, clearly overjoyed at having finished learning the two languages they had studied together.
As a father, Arthas couldn't help but feel a swell of pride in his son's remarkable intelligence and eagerness to learn.
He recalled Marvin's words after Aldrich's recovery: that his son possessed intelligence far superior to his peers. Yet, what Arthas observed now seemed almost exaggerated.
With a chuckle, Arthas made his way to the sleeping chamber, where Eleanor was reclining on their bed, absorbed in a book.
She looked up and smiled as the door opened and closed.
"How did your studies go today, love?" Eleanor asked warmly, her voice gentle and full of curiosity.
Arthas removed his coat and sat on the edge of the bed, unfastening his footwear. "Our son just finished learning the Orc and Elf languages. He's growing so quickly, Eleanor. It's almost as if I'm running out of things to teach him. Do you think he might have the potential to become a mage? Even though his talent lies in blacksmithing, his intellect might allow him to excel in magic as well."
Eleanor set her book aside, her gaze soft but steady. "Aldrich is still so young, Arthas. Let's not burden him with too many expectations. He's brilliant, yes, but he's also our little boy. Let's give him the space to grow into whoever he's meant to be."
Arthas sighed, conceding as he leaned back to meet her eyes.
"You're right, as always. Sometimes, I get so caught up in what he could become that I forget to simply let him be." He reached out and took her hand, pressing a kiss to her fingers.
"Thank you for reminding me."
Eleanor smiled, her cheeks tinged with warmth. "That's what I'm here for. And you're doing wonderfully as a father, Arthas. Don't ever doubt that."
Arthas's lips curved into a playful smile. "You always know the right thing to say to me. Speaking of which… how about we consider giving Aldrich a sibling? I think I've got a bit more wisdom to pass down."
Eleanor's face turned a delightful shade of crimson as she laughed softly. "You… you really know how to surprise me." She playfully swatted his arm before retreating under the covers, her laughter muffled but infectious.
Arthas chuckled, finding her reaction utterly charming.
He slid beneath the covers and wrapped an arm around her, his voice dropping to a tender murmur. "I'm serious, Eleanor. Every moment with you feels like a gift. And if we can share that joy with another little one, I think we should."
Eleanor peeked out from the blanket, her eyes shining with emotion. "Let's take it one day at a time, my love. But I'll hold that thought close to my heart."
They lay together in comfortable silence, the bond between them unspoken yet deeply felt.
Meanwhile, in William's study, Magnus knocked once before pushing the door open.
"William," Magnus began, his voice steady but laden with weight.
William looked up from the papers on his desk, his sharp eyes meeting his younger brother's. "Magnus, what brings you here at this hour?"
Magnus stepped inside, closing the door behind him. "I've decided. I'll be joining the war at the Southern Border."
William's brow furrowed as he stood, his broad frame casting a shadow over his desk. "You're serious about this?"
Magnus nodded firmly. "It's the only way, William. If I want to carve out a place for myself, to earn my own barony, war and conquest are my path."
Silence hung heavy between them before William finally spoke, his voice low. "Do you understand what you're walking into? That war is a furnace, Magnus. It burns away the weak and leaves only ash. You're a Tier 2 Warrior, but the warriors and mages there… they're leagues ahead. You'll be cannon fodder."
Magnus smiled faintly, though it didn't reach his eyes. "I know the risks. But staying here, living in your shadow, watching Aldrich… it's unbearable. I need to do this, for myself." His voice caught for a moment. "I can't stay and watch him surpass me. He's just a child, and yet… it's as though I'll never measure up."
William exhaled deeply, stepping closer to his brother. He placed a firm hand on Magnus's shoulder. "Magnus, you're my brother—and my best friend. You don't have to prove anything to me. This barony, this family, it's yours as much as mine."
Magnus shook his head, stepping back. "That's not enough. I need something that's mine, William. Something I can build with my own hands." He hesitated before adding, "I'm not asking for your blessing. I just wanted you to know."
William's expression darkened, but he nodded. "If this is your choice, I won't stop you. But promise me this—stay alive. No matter what happens, come back."
Magnus offered a thin smile, his eyes betraying his uncertainty. "I'll try."
As Magnus left the study, he walked down the dimly lit hallways, his footsteps echoing softly. When he passed Aldrich's door, he paused. The faint sound of movement came from within. Leaning closer, he knocked. "Aldrich, are you there?"
There was a moment of silence before a muffled voice replied, "Yeah, big bro."
Magnus frowned but didn't press further. "Good night, then." He continued walking, his mind heavy with thoughts.
Inside the room, Aldrich who is still naked let out a breath of relief. He sat on his bed, a wooden greatsword resting beside him. His hands trembled as he wrote a letter, the words flowing from a heart weighed down by guilt and determination.
'By the time you read this, I will already be gone. I know you've had suspicions about me, and you deserve the truth. I am your son, but at the same time, I am not. I am an old soul, reborn into this body for reasons I cannot explain. I did not choose this, but I have tried to make the best of it.
I was happy here, with you. You showed me what a family truly is. Please tell Marion to stay away from sweets and to exercise more—she's getting chubby. And tell her to marry that noble from the neighboring town; he seems like a good man.
I will be taking the wooden greatsword with me as proof that I am still your son. When the time is right, I will return.'
Love,
Aldrich Kane
Tears blurred his vision as he folded the letter. He hastily wiped his teary eyes then gripped the wooden greatsword tightly, he whispered, "I'm sorry, Father. Mother. Marion."
Just before leaving, Aldrich decided to level up his skills one last time. He poured his accumulated experience points into his fighter and blacksmith classes.
FIGHTER SUBCLASS LEVEL UP!! (+0.2 in Strength, Agility and Vitality)
FIGHTER SUBCLASS LEVEL UP!! (+0.2 in Strength, Agility and Vitality)
NEWBIE BLACKSMITH CLASS LEVEL UP!! (+0.20 in Strength and Vitality, +0.10 in Intelligence and Agility, +0.5 Unassigned Attribute)
As the notifications flashed in his mind, Aldrich felt a surge of energy ripple through his body.
His muscles tensed, and he couldn't resist flexing in front of the mirror.
"Wow, is this what power feels like?" he muttered, striking a pose. "I could probably punch through a mountain!."
He then reads his updated status panel.
[Status Panel]
Age: 2 / 75 years
Class: Newbie Blacksmith Level 3 (0/800)
Subclass: Fighter Level 3 (0/800)
Health: 39.9 / 39.9
Mana: 19.8 / 19.8
Strength: 3.99
Agility: 3.89
Intelligence: 1.98
Vitality: 3.99
Skill Points: 7
Unused Attribute Points: 0.54
Experience Points: 200
Power Tier: 1
Warrior Bonus Attribute:
Tier 1: +0.2 to all of Strength, Agility and Vitality attribute
Note: You are just beginning your journey. A cannon fodder.
"So there's another way to boost my stats, every time I achieve a new realm I get stacking bonus attribute points. So that's why even Father who is a Tier 3 Enhanced Warrior is as strong as Hulk in my previous life, then what about the higher realms." He wistfully thinks while imagining himself being a Tier 9 in this world.
He clenched his fists, feeling the raw strength coursing through him. "I'm unstoppable! Well… as long as no Tier 2 warriors show up. Let's keep it reasonable."
Grinning to himself, he gave the wooden greatsword a practice swing. The weapon felt as light as a feather in his hands. "I should name this thing. Maybe… Featherblade? No, too ironic. Greatslash? I'll work on it."
Feeling a mix of exhilaration and nervousness, Aldrich whispered, "Alright, new me, let's do this." He wraps the blanket tighter around his naked body as he waits for the night to come.