The rhythmic creaking of the carriage wheels filled the quiet morning air as Seraphina and Leon traveled along the worn dirt road leading away from Eldorin. The city, with all its dangers and uncertainties, was now behind them. Before them lay the vast unknown, a path stretching toward the Kingdom of Astralis—a place where they could start anew.
Leon, nestled securely in his mother's embrace, gazed at the world beyond the carriage window with silent curiosity. His infant body may have been small and weak, but his mind—his soul—was anything but.
Eon, run an internal status check.
A familiar presence stirred within him.
[ Affirmative. Running diagnostics... ]
[ Status Summary: ]
Soul Composition: Celestial Hybrid (80% Unlocked)
Affinities: Fire (Basic), Light (Basic)
System Unlock Progress: 5%
Abilities Available: Absolute Calculation (5%), Universal Synthesis (Locked), Skill Absorption (Locked)
A faint sense of satisfaction welled up within Leon. Though his journey had only just begun in this new life, he had already taken steps toward reclaiming what was rightfully his.
But it was not enough.
The gods who had betrayed him—who had stolen everything from him—still sat upon their thrones, looking down on the world as if it were theirs to control.
They believe they are untouchable.
A flicker of golden light danced across his fingertips, unnoticed by Seraphina. His newly unlocked Light Affinity responded to his growing will. It was weak for now, but it would not remain that way forever.
I will become stronger. Far stronger than before.
Not just to reclaim his throne, but to protect—truly protect—those he called his own.
Seraphina had lost everything: her husband, her father, her home. And yet, she still moved forward, unwavering. He could feel her quiet determination, her silent resolve.
She deserves peace.
And he would ensure that she found it.
Even if it meant carving a new empire with his own hands.
------
The journey was long, stretching across winding trails and open plains. They avoided major roads where possible, steering clear of prying eyes.
Seraphina remained vigilant, her senses sharp. She was no ordinary woman—before becoming the Duchess of House Aeternis, she had been a warrior, trained in the art of battle. Her past was something she rarely spoke of, but Leon could see it in her every action.
She was prepared to fight if necessary.
The merchant she had hired was a simple man, concerned only with profit. Though his caravan often made stops at various villages and trade hubs, Seraphina always remained cautious, never letting her guard down.
Leon, meanwhile, used the long hours of travel to quietly strengthen himself. Though his body was still too weak for proper training, his mind was as sharp as ever.
Eon, analyze my current growth rate.
[ Current growth is within expected parameters. However, limitations remain due to physical constraints. Recommended course of action: gradual mana refinement and controlled skill development. ]
Leon exhaled softly.
Patience.
He had spent countless eons in his past life as the Supreme God. He knew better than anyone that true power was not achieved in a day.
For now, he would focus on understanding his affinities—on refining his control over fire and light.
And when the time came…
He would take back what was his.
-----
One evening, as the caravan settled near a forest clearing for the night, Seraphina stepped away to scout the area. The moment she disappeared into the shadows, Leon closed his eyes.
Eon, activate Absolute Calculation at maximum efficiency within 5% limit.
[ Processing… ]
The world around him shifted. Numbers, energy flows, and unseen forces became clear within his mind. He could sense the warmth of the campfire, the quiet breaths of the resting travelers, and the faint magical energy in the air.
His fire affinity responded first. He felt the subtle pull of heat, the way the flames danced as if waiting for his command. With the slightest mental push, a tiny flicker of fire manifested at his fingertips—just for an instant.
Next, his light affinity. It was different, less aggressive than fire, yet purer. When he focused, he saw streams of light interwoven in the world itself. He could feel it respond to his will, shifting ever so slightly.
It was weak. Barely noticeable.
But it was a start.
And a start was all he needed.
------
Days turned into weeks as they drew closer to Astralis. The journey had been quiet so far, but Seraphina never let her guard down. Neither did Leon.
He could feel it.
A storm was coming.
Perhaps it was instinct, or perhaps it was the remnants of his divine perception. But something in the air felt different.
Change was near.
And when it arrived, he would be ready.
For this was only the beginning.
The first steps toward reclaiming his destiny.
Toward building something far greater than what had been lost.
An empire.
A family.
And a future where none could challenge him.
Not even the gods.