The sun cast its golden light over the Aeternis estate as another day began. Though outwardly peaceful, within the nursery, Leon's mind was constantly working.
It had been a few days since he had established passive mana absorption with Eon's assistance. His body was still too weak for direct control, but he could already sense a faint improvement.
[Passive Mana Assimilation: 5% → 6%]
It was a slow process, but even a small increase was proof of progress.
"Patience. A god does not rush. I will reach my peak again in time."
Just as Leon was contemplating his next steps, the door to the nursery opened, and his mother, Seraphina Aeternis, entered. A soft smile adorned her face as she approached him, her golden eyes filled with warmth.
"Good morning, my little Leon," she whispered, lifting him gently into her arms.
Leon instinctively reached out, grasping a lock of her silky platinum hair. She chuckled, pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead.
"You truly are the most precious thing in my world."
Though he had once been the Supreme God, worshipped by countless beings, no devotion had ever felt like this. It was a feeling foreign yet comforting.
"So this is what it means to be loved as family..."
His mother sat with him by the window, rocking him gently. As he gazed outside, his sharp eyes took in the sprawling estate—the towering walls, the training grounds, and the distant figures of knights honing their skills.
Knights. Warriors. Strength.
His body may have been weak now, but one day, he would be out there as well.
---
Elsewhere, Duke Reynard sat in his private study, reading over a report brought by his trusted advisor, Lord Garret.
"The other noble houses continue to scheme," Garret said. "House Valmore in particular seems eager to discredit House Aeternis in the king's court."
Reynard sighed. "Valmore… They have been a thorn in our side for years. What do they want now?"
Garret hesitated before answering. "They've trying propose to an engagement."
Reynard's grip on the report tightened. "With whom?"
"Your son, young Leon, and their eldest daughter, Lady Evelyn Valmore."
A heavy silence filled the room. Though Leon was still an infant, noble families often arranged marriages at a young age for political advantages.
"They seek to bind our house to theirs," Reynard muttered. "To put a leash on my son before he even grows strong."
Garret nodded. "It is a calculated move. If you accept, House Aeternis will appear weaker. If you refuse, they will use it to further tarnish our reputation."
The Aeternis name would not be shackled so easily.
---
Meanwhile, within the nursery, Leon continued his silent training.
His passive mana absorption was slowly strengthening his body. But mana alone was not enough—he needed knowledge, techniques, and an understanding of this world's power system.
"Eon, analyze the magic system of Eldora."
[Analyzing... Complete.]
[Magic in Eldora is divided into tiers: Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, and Rare. Attributes include Fire, Water, Earth, Wind, Lightning, Light, Dark, Space, and Time. Mastery is achieved through talent, training, and enlightenment.]
Leon smirked. It was not unlike the systems of the countless worlds he had once ruled.
"Then, I will begin by mastering the foundation."
Even as an infant, his return to power had already begun.