Time continued its slow march, and Leon's quiet training persisted. Though his body remained that of an infant, his mind was anything but weak. Every moment was an opportunity to learn, to understand the rules of this world, and to reclaim his former glory step by step.
His passive mana assimilation had increased to 8%, a slow but steady improvement. With each passing day, he could feel his body adapting, becoming just a little stronger, a little more attuned to mana. It was an agonizingly slow process, but patience was a virtue he had long since mastered.
However, simply gathering mana was not enough. He needed control.
Lying in his crib, Leon closed his eyes and focused inward. The mana flowing into his body was wild, unrefined—like a storm with no direction. If he wanted to use it, he needed to tame it.
"Mana is like a river. Without direction, it flows aimlessly. But with the right control, it becomes a force of destruction or creation."
Leon concentrated, trying to will the mana to move according to his desires.
A spark. A flicker of movement.
And then—nothing.
[Eon: Mana Manipulation Attempt Failed. Body Limitations Prevent Active Control.]
Leon sighed internally. Of course. This body is still too weak. But… if I can't control it directly, then I need to shape its flow passively.
He adjusted his approach, focusing not on forceful movement but on guiding the natural flow. Like shaping a stream, he mentally nudged the mana toward his core, allowing it to settle there instead of dispersing aimlessly.
It was a simple yet critical step.
[Eon: Passive Mana Circulation—Initiated.]
A triumphant gleam flashed in Leon's golden eyes. This is the first step.
---
Beyond the peaceful facade of the Aeternis estate, the noble houses of the kingdom continued their silent battle.
The Valmore family's proposal for Leon's engagement had not gone unnoticed. Though Duke Reynard had yet to respond, rumors had already begun to spread among the aristocracy.
Would House Aeternis submit to a political marriage? Or would they refuse and risk further antagonizing their rivals?
And then, there were those who were simply watching—waiting for the moment to strike.
In a distant manor, a hooded figure knelt before an unseen presence, their voice barely above a whisper.
"The child… he is different."
A pause. Then a deep, measured response.
"Observe. Do not act yet."
The shadows within the room stirred, fading into silence.
---
Seraphina Aeternis watched her son with a mix of awe and amusement. Though still an infant, Leon was unlike any child she had ever seen.
Most babies were oblivious to their surroundings, concerned only with eating and sleeping. But Leon… his gaze was different. There was intelligence behind those golden eyes, a sharpness that didn't belong to a newborn.
It was almost unsettling.
Yet, Seraphina could not bring herself to be afraid. If anything, she was proud.
"My little Leon… you are truly special."
She held him close, running a gentle hand through his soft platinum hair. "Shall we test that mind of yours, hmm?"
A soft chuckle escaped her lips as she reached for a small wooden toy—an intricate puzzle cube, often used to entertain young noble children. Normally, a child wouldn't be able to solve it for years.
But she had a feeling Leon would be different.
Carefully, she placed it in his small hands. "Let's see if you can surprise me again, my love."
Leon eyed the puzzle, analyzing its structure. Simple interlocking mechanisms, designed to test problem-solving ability.
Amusing.
His tiny fingers moved with surprising precision, shifting the pieces with calculated ease. Within seconds, a faint click echoed through the room.
The puzzle cube fell apart, fully solved.
Seraphina's eyes widened. "Oh… my."
Leon smirked internally. And that was supposed to be difficult?
His mother let out a soft laugh, hugging him tighter. "A genius… My little genius."
She kissed his forehead lovingly. "The world won't be ready for you, my darling."
Leon's expression remained impassive, but deep down, he couldn't help but agree.
The world was not ready for him.
And soon, it would understand the truth.
The Supreme God had returned.