Recognition and Revelation
Ben's hands grasped Victor's waist firmly, bringing him to a standstill mid-step. His blue eyes, keen and piercing, drilled into Victor's, as if he was looking right through the shrouds of time and life itself. The King's eyes seemed to reach into his very soul and find something no one else could understand.
Victor's body hardened, his nerves on fire, but he did not stir. His lips parted, tentative, his heart racing in his chest. He felt exposed, as he had never been exposed before—this was not fear, not rage, but something more. Something that pulled at the very foundations of his being.
Behind him, Anna's voice cut through, crisp but with a thread of worry. "Ben! Are you going to reply or not?"
Ben blinked, as if returning from far-off contemplation. The first word to pass his lips was a whisper, almost silent, but heavy with shock and wonder.
"Ho… how."
Only a single word.
Anna's piercing look blazed. "What—how?!" she asked, uncertainty and astonishment in her voice.
Victor's chest constricted. He stilled, mind reeling like a tempest. How could Ben possibly know? How could he penetrate him? For goodness' sake, he was not really Victor Lionheart. He was a soul on Earth, reincarnated, living in a body that was not his own. And yet somehow, the father before him knew.
A quiet, soothing voice was spoken in his ear, soft but directing. "Victor… don't panic. They don't know what really happened. Just remain calm."
Relaxation streamed through him like warm water. His body loosened a little, his shoulders sagging as he let himself breathe.
He raised his voice, cautious but unsure. "Wh… what, Father?"
Ben's face did not lighten, eyes keen, voice full of incredulity and wonder. "How… how did you become a cultivator?"
Victor blinked in surprise. He had not anticipated being asked so bluntly, but there was no criticism in Ben's voice—only astonishment.
Anna's lips tightened into a thin line, her brows knitting together. She took a step forward, irritation and concern combined in her face. "What are you saying, Ben? Are you crazy? Our son cannot cultivate! Do you remember, or are you attempting to tease him?"
Victor's heart thudded. He could see it in Anna's eyes—she was protective, intensely conscious of her son's initial potential. And yet, she did not behave sternly. Her love was abiding, a shield and an anchor.
Ben shook his head slowly, blue eyes fixed. "Anna… I am not joking. Come, check it for yourself."
Anna's eyes softened a little, a combination of wariness and interest, but the hard edge of her protective nature was still present. She nodded, folding her arms, obviously demanding evidence.
Ben's mouth curled into the slightest smile, subtle but confident. He beckoned to Victor. "You and I, tell the truth. Otherwise… the next five years, you'll be sleeping on the cold floor."
Victor's lips curled, a thin, parched laugh escaping. He touched the side of his face lightly, pushing a clump of hair back, and felt the heat of their combined regard.
Anna moved nearer, eyes gazing at him with a mix of uncertainty and wonder. She touched him, her hand resting lightly on his waist, feeling the real, solid presence of her son. Closing her eyes, she breathed in the faint scent of mana emanating from him, allowing it to wash over her.
Then, her purple eyes flew open, her eyes wide with shock. "Son… you… you actually broke through. Foundation Realm. Basic stage."
Victor's lips went up into a thin, controlled smile. "Yes, Mother. Yes, Father. I did."
Ben's face relaxed, the tightness in his jaw easing a trifle, though his blue eyes retained their shock.
Victor started his story, cautious, subdued, his performance impeccable. "Today… I entered the forest. I was hungry, so I picked a fruit and devoured it. It was something I've never seen before. I slept for a bit after eating. When I awoke… I felt… different. Powerful. And I knew… I had broken through."
His expression did not change, nearly calm, betraying no sign of the excitement he really felt on the inside. Ben and Anna both examined him, doubting but unable to see the entire extent of his acting.
Anna's arms wrapped about him again. "Son… you've really made it through. You can grow. Nobody can taunt you anymore. You have everyone's respect… my dearest, my best. I will instruct you on everything."
Victor shivered with emotion. He could feel the warmth and pride in her tone, see the gentle glint in her eyes.
Ben's hand rested on Victor's shoulder, firm, comforting. "I can at last leave my kingdom with you. Relax… live your life, with your mother."
Victor smiled softly, a sound all too rare, unbefogged. But Anna's eyes pierced him.
"You shouldn't take any loads, son. Don't even attempt to put anything on your shoulders. Your life is yours to live to the fullest—spend every moment enjoying it."
Victor inclined his head, taking her words silently to heart. Between his mother and father, he experienced warmth, love, and authority blended together—a perfect mix of direction and liberty.
Anna's smile relaxed even more. "Now… let's get things straightened out. Your little sister is waiting. She's concerned about you."
Victor blinked in surprise. He was really surprised. He now knew he had a sister in this existence. For the first time, he felt a stir of anticipation beyond the cultivation, beyond the ability. Family was there.
Ben emitted a low, laughing hum, moving forward. Anna trailed behind, her hand tapping gently on Victor's back as they proceeded toward the city gate. The soldiers filed on either side of them, their black and gold armor shining dimly in the late sun.
Victor strode between them, a small smile playing on his lips, heart calm but full of anticipation. A family, a kingdom, and a life all his own at last.
As he drew near the city gates, the burden of the past and the hope of the future coalesced into one, exhilarating certainty: he was home.