The morning sun cast golden rays over the vast estate of House Aeternis, signaling the beginning of another day. Yet, for Leon, the night had been far from ordinary. The awakening of his AI system, Eon, marked the first step in reclaiming his lost supremacy.
Lying in his crib, Leon's infant body felt unchanged, but within, he could feel the faintest traces of mana swirling. Though far from his past strength, the mere presence of mana reassured him—his journey had begun.
"Master, system diagnostics complete," Eon's mechanical voice echoed in his mind.
Leon processed the information instantly. Most of his past abilities were locked, but passive functions like status concealment were operational. More importantly, his body, though young, had begun adapting to the world's mana.
I need to accelerate my growth, he thought. Remaining as a powerless child leaves me vulnerable.
Despite being in a noble household, Leon was no fool. He had already observed the subtle tensions lingering in House Aeternis. His father, Duke Reynard Aeternis, carried the burden of preserving their declining status, while political rivals waited like vultures, eager to strike.
If I want to ensure my family's survival, I must grow stronger—fast.
---
Seraphina Aeternis entered Leon's nursery, her emerald eyes softening as she approached his crib.
"My little Leon," she murmured, lifting him gently. A warm smile graced her lips as she cradled him against her chest.
Leon remained still, studying her. His mother's presence was soothing, yet he could sense an underlying sadness beneath her tender demeanor.
"You must become strong, my love," she whispered, stroking his silvery-white hair. "This world is not kind, even to those of noble birth."
Her words carried weight, an unspoken truth that Leon already understood. House Aeternis was not invincible, and she feared for his future.
Seraphina sighed, composing herself. "But for now, you are my precious little boy," she added, pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead.
Leon, in his own way, found comfort in her warmth. In this life, I will protect you too, Mother, he silently vowed.
---
That evening, after being laid back in his crib, Leon closed his eyes, focusing inward.
"Eon, guide me through mana sensory training."
[Affirmative, Master. Initiating sensory enhancement sequence.]
A soft hum resonated in his consciousness as Eon began stimulating his mana pathways. At first, it was faint—like a distant whisper—but as he concentrated, he felt it: the gentle ebb and flow of mana in the air.
Leon's mind sharpened. So this is the mana of Eldora…
Unlike his past divine energy, this world's mana was raw, untamed. It would take time to refine, but he had taken the first step.
A faint smile touched his lips.
This is just the beginning.
---
Elsewhere…
In the grand halls of the royal palace, a man in regal robes frowned as he studied a report.
"…An anomaly in the mana flow?" he muttered. "A presence not recorded in our archives?"
The royal mage beside him bowed. "Yes, Your Majesty. A faint yet undeniable disturbance. It is as if something… or someone… has begun to awaken."
The king's eyes darkened.
"Find out what it is. Immediately."