Whispers of Power
The walk back to Eldoria was quiet. I moved through the forest with ease, stepping over roots and fallen leaves, my mind deep in thought. The battle with the mana beast had confirmed what I already knew—my strength was still a shadow of its former glory. But even in this weakened state, I was leagues beyond any mere human.
As I reached the village outskirts, a group of hunters stood waiting. Their faces showed doubt, some even amusement. They expected me to return empty-handed.
One of them, a burly man with a thick beard, crossed his arms. "Where's the proof, stranger? You claim to have fought the beast, but we see no corpse."
I smirked. "Go look for yourselves. The beast is unconscious in the eastern forest, near the old ruins."
The hunters exchanged glances before a few of them jogged off toward the forest. The burly man scoffed. "You expect us to believe you knocked out a mana beast instead of killing it?"
"Believe what you want," I replied, walking past him.
Lyria ran up to me, her eyes full of worry. "You're back! Are you hurt?"
I glanced down at myself. Not a scratch. "Not at all."
She exhaled, placing her hands on her hips. "You're insane, you know that?"
I grinned. "So I've been told."
Before she could scold me further, shouting erupted from the forest. The hunters who had gone to check my claim came rushing back, their faces pale.
"It's true!" one of them shouted. "The beast is there! Unharmed—but unconscious!"
Murmurs spread through the gathered villagers. Some looked at me with newfound respect, others with unease. The burly hunter narrowed his eyes. "What are you?"
I met his gaze and held it. "Someone you don't want as an enemy."
He gritted his teeth but said nothing.
The village chief approached. "You have done us a great service. The beast would have continued to terrorize our lands if not for you. Here." He held out a small pouch. "The reward, as promised."
I took it, weighing the coins in my palm. Money had once meant nothing to me, but in this new world, it was a necessity.
"Stay in Eldoria as long as you wish," the chief continued. "You are welcome here."
I nodded, tucking the pouch away. "I'll keep that in mind."
As the crowd dispersed, Lyria tugged my sleeve. "Come on. Let's get back home."
Home.
I had no home. Not anymore. But for now, this village would do.
A Sudden Visitor
Night fell, and I sat outside Lyria's house, gazing at the stars. In my previous life, I had ruled over the heavens, shaping the cosmos to my will. Now, I was bound to the earth, stripped of my divinity.
For now.
A soft sound caught my attention—footsteps, barely audible. Someone was approaching.
"Show yourself," I said without turning.
A chuckle echoed through the darkness. "You're sharper than you look, stranger."
I turned my head slightly. A cloaked figure stood at the edge of the garden, their face obscured. But the air around them was different—thick with the scent of magic.
This was no mere villager.
The figure tilted their head. "The way you handled that mana beast… You're not normal, are you?"
I leaned back against the wooden railing. "And who might you be?"
The figure chuckled again. "Just a traveler, like yourself. But unlike you, I know things. I see things."
Their voice dropped to a whisper.
"And I know you are not what you claim to be."
I smiled, though my eyes remained cold. "Then I suggest you choose your next words carefully."
For a moment, silence stretched between us. Then the figure let out a low laugh.
"Interesting. Very interesting."
They took a step back. "We will meet again, forgotten one."
And just like that, they vanished into the night, leaving only the echo of their words behind.
I narrowed my eyes.
Someone knew.
The world was starting to notice my return.
Good.
It was about time.