The Days of Growth
Three months passed, and a gentle morning light flooded the wooden dwelling. In the nursery, a small crib gently swayed.
Anos was inside, his reddish-black eyes wide with blank staring at the beams of the ceiling.
'Already three months…' he mused, the edges of his baby mouth curving in weak irritation.
He slanted his look towards Celestia Ruth, who sat elegantly in a chair by the window, reading a creased book with that serene smile she always wore. Her golden hair glimmered indistinctly in the sun.
'Being a baby is… oddly nice,' Anos thought. 'No enemies, no blades against my neck, no betrayal lurking around every corner. Just warmth. Just her.'
But then his little fists tightened.
'Still… this body is pathetic. I can't move like I want to. Even turning feels like climbing a mountain.'
Determined, Anos rolled his flabby body against the mattress. He glared at the wood poles of the crib as if it were an enemy to be defeated.
'Let's start.'
His short arms stretched, fumbling, before taking hold of the poles at last. His fingers shook, little legs kicking out against the cushion as he pushed to stand up.
Celestia looked up from her book, her lips curving upwards.
"Hm? He's climbing again…" she breathed, amusement dancing in her eyes.
Anos' breathing became labored. His fat legs shook like jelly. And yet, he pushed himself up until—triumphantly—he stood, leaning against the railing.
Weak… too weak,' he swore, sweat dripping on his baby forehead. A couple of seconds and his legs collapsed, and he thudded backward onto the cushion with a muffled impact.
'Ahhh… damn it. This is going to take a long time.' He sighed to himself.
Celestia smiled, covering her lips with her hand, giggling softly. "That's my son… so stubborn, so cute."
She sipped tea, eyes soft.
"When Anos grows a little more, when he can talk clearly… I'll begin teaching him letters. And books. He'll surpass everyone."
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One and a Half Years Later
The bedroom was quiet, sunlight spilling through thin curtains. A small figure slept soundly on the bed. His breathing was steady, calm—until the door opened.
Celestia Ruth stepped in, carrying a tray. She gazed at her son and smiled faintly.
"Good morning, Anos."
The boy moved, his eyes opening. His formerly infant-like gaze now sparkled with clarity and focus. His reddish-black eyes showed intelligence that went far beyond his years.
"Mother…" he breathed sleepily, then blinked fully awake.
Celestia sat beside the bed, pushing a lock of hair back from behind her ear. She regarded her son with pride.
In less than a year, Anos had crawled, then walked, then talked. When she had taught him the letters, he had learned them in weeks. In months, he was reading calligraphy like an academian.
She had been shocked at first. Now, she was just. proud.
"You grow so fast," she whispered, touching his cheek. "Sometimes I miss when you'd call me 'Mama.'
Anos smiled wryly, rubbed his little head.
"I'm already big, Mother."
Celestia laughed, the tone warm. "I know… I just miss hearing it." She moved in close, kissing his forehead. "But call me whatever you want. You're my son—that's enough."
"Mother…" Anos spoke again, somewhat embarrassed but insistent.
She laughed softly and walked away. "Haha, I'll be waiting in the kitchen. Don't take too long."
Her laughter resounded down the corridor as she departed.
Anos gazed at the shutting door, sighing.
"She really is… my mother. Regardless of how many times I reincarnate, I never thought of this warmth."
He turned to the window, lowering his voice.
"Zara, open my status."
The well-known black virtual screen materialized.
[Opening status…]
[Name: Anos (Fourth Life), 3+]
[Age: 2 years old]
[Title: Reincarnator]
[Martial Spirit: Not yet awakened]
[Innate Skills: Imitation Spiral Eye, Divine Light of Healing, Endless Hunger]
[Skills: Basic Breathing (Advanced), Throwing Art (Basic)]
[Practiced: Basic Breathing Technique, Basic Throwing Technique]
[System Points: 42,000 Sp]
Anos studied the display, his head slowly nodding.
"Not much… but still, progress. That's enough for now."
He recalled the quests Zara had assigned to him—shock his mother, learn to read in one month. Both were done easily, returning him with useful techniques.
Fundamental Breathing made his lungs and body stronger. Throwing Art honed his precision. Simple yet potent cores.
The points, though, were left untended.
"What should I even merge? I cannot squander them thoughtlessly."
He discarded the screen and stood, taking a step towards the kitchen.
"Two years have gone by within this Soulspire World," he grumbled to himself. "And for the very first time in all my existences… I can say my days are truly wonderful."
When he went into the kitchen, Celestia was already sitting at the table, drinking her tea. Two neatly wrapped books lay in front of her.
"Good morning, Mother." Anos sat down next to her on the chair.
She smiled knowingly. "Happy birthday, Anos. These are your gifts."
Anos blinked and then smiled softly. "Ah… right. My birthday."
Celestia laughed at his tone. "Eat first. You can look at them later."
Anos smiled and nodded. "Thank you, Mother." He leaned over, giving her a peck on the cheek before resuming his breakfast.
Celestia stood stock still for a second, her eyes wide. Then, happiness flooded her face, and her heart was filled with peaceful contentment.
'Yes,' she thought, watching him munch contentedly. 'I don't need anyone else. Not that man, not the past. As long as I have Anos… I have everything.'