Morning sunlight filtered through the hospital curtains, painting gentle streaks of gold across the room. I opened my eyes slowly, feeling stronger than before. My leg didn't throb anymore—not even a dull ache.
The night before, I had once again entered my Supreme Space in secret. The river of magical water flowed calmly under starlight when I dipped my crippled leg into it. The moment the cool, glowing water touched my skin, warmth spread through my body. My bones cracked softly—not in pain, but healing. Damaged muscles tightened, aligning themselves.
It was like hundreds of invisible threads gently weaving me back together.
When I pulled my leg out, it looked… perfect. I stood tentatively. The old limp that had haunted Bruce disappeared. I could walk—no, run—if I wanted to.
I clenched my fist, a smile tugging at the corner of my lips. "Thank you, Supreme Space."
That night, under the ceiling full of stars and data, I made a silent promise: I will use this life to protect them—to protect my family.
The next morning, my parents arrived at the hospital. Elena's eyes lit up when she saw me standing there. "Bruce! You're walking!"
Richard raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Your recovery is… remarkable. The doctor said complete healing would take months."
I shrugged casually, trying to sound natural. "Maybe I'm just lucky."
Elena touched my cheek gently. "Lucky or not, you truly are a miracle, my son."
There it was again—that word. Son. It felt less foreign this time, and instead of sadness, it brought warmth.
By afternoon, my discharge papers were ready. The doctor shook his head while handing them to Richard. "I've never seen such progress in my entire career. Whatever genes your boy has, cherish them."
Elena laughed softly and ruffled my hair. "Oh, believe me, I will."
The journey to their estate took nearly two hours. From the car window, I watched the landscape change—from busy city streets to tranquil hills lined with tall trees. The Valen estate sat at the heart of nature, surrounded by forest and open sky.
The moment we passed through the tall iron gates, I caught my breath. The mansion wasn't just a house—it was a palace. The white marble walls reflected sunlight like glass, gardens filled with vibrant flowers stretched endlessly, and fountains sparkled in the centre.
A long path of clean stone tiles led to the entrance, guarded by men and women in dark suits standing respectfully at attention.
"This is home now," Elena said as we stepped out of the car. "Welcome, Bruce."
I stared at the grand building, unable to speak. It wasn't the size or wealth that amazed me, but the feeling that wrapped around the air itself—warmth, belonging, peace.
For someone who had once ruled the underworld, the quiet sincerity of this place felt more powerful than any empire.
Inside, I was greeted by five young women standing near the grand staircase.
Each one was different, yet they all carried the same aura—like queens of their own kingdoms.
Elena smiled proudly. "Bruce, these are your sisters."
My gaze moved to the eldest first.
The first woman, Aria Valen, had long black hair tied neatly behind her. Her expression was calm but sharp; her posture was straight like a commander. Her eyes studied me carefully before softening just a little. "So, you're the new little brother I've been hearing about," she said with a faint smile. "You look braver than I expected."
The second, Seren Valen, stood next to her—shorter, quiet, her presence strangely invisible yet commanding respect. Her deep blue eyes seemed to see right through me. "I was told you were hurt," she said softly. "But now, you stand." Then, she gave a small nod. "Good. The weak in this world don't last long."
Her words weren't cruel—they were protective, like she was warning me about the world's coldness.
The third, Luna Valen, leaned casually against the stair rail. Her silver-white hair caught the light, and her smile was bold and fearless. "So this is my baby brother? Huh, not bad." She reached out, messing up my hair playfully. "Don't worry, I'll teach you a few moves to handle yourself if those bullies ever come again."
I couldn't help but chuckle. "I'll look forward to that."
The fourth, Clara Valen, stepped forward shyly. She had curly brown hair and wore light glasses. Her eyes were as warm as her mother's. "You can call me Clara," she said softly. "If your leg ever hurts, come to me, okay? I study medicine."
"Thank you," I said, touched by her kind smile.
And last was Eve Valen, the youngest of the five. She stood quietly a little apart, her crimson eyes observing me without expression. Her dark purple hair framed her face elegantly. She looked cold… until she spoke.
"Welcome home, Bruce," she said simply, her voice low but gentle. "We've been waiting for you."
It was only five words, yet something in her tone made my chest tighten.
I bowed slightly. "I'm… happy to meet you all."
Aria laughed lightly. "Formal and polite, huh? That won't last long with us."
Luna threw an arm over my shoulder and grinned. "You're family now, little brother! No running away, even if you try."
I smiled awkwardly but genuinely. For the first time since awakening in this new body, I felt truly at peace.
Dinner that night was unforgettable.
The dining hall looked like something from a royal palace—long polished tables, chandeliers, and food that smelled better than anything I'd tasted in both my lives combined. Elena kept piling dishes on my plate, smiling at every bite.
"Eat more," she said. "You've been through too much already."
Aria talked about her company, Seren remained mostly quiet, Luna cracked jokes, Clara laughed behind her hand, and even Eve smiled faintly once or twice.
Watching them, I realised something powerful. These weren't just people—they were warriors and queens, each with their own hidden sides. Bruce's memories told me that much. But seeing them laugh tonight, carefree and loving, they looked human—beautifully, perfectly human.
And I wanted to protect that happiness more than anything.
When dinner ended, Richard placed his hand gently on my shoulder. "Tomorrow, we'll give you a tour of the house. You'll also meet your tutors. Education comes first."
I nodded eagerly. "Yes, Father."
He smiled—rare, but genuine. "Good boy."
Later, as I walked slowly through the hallways toward my new room, my sisters followed behind, chatting and teasing me about random things—what kind of games I liked, whether I was scared of ghosts, or if I could handle Luna's training.
Eve, walking a few steps behind, whispered just loud enough for me to hear, "You don't have to act strong all the time."
I turned to her. "I'm not acting."
Her crimson eyes glimmered for a moment. "Then prove it, little brother."
Before I could answer, she walked ahead.
I stood there under the warm lights of the Valen mansion, a quiet smile spreading over my face.
Aron Turner, the ruthless underworld king, was gone.
Bruce Valen, the reborn boy, had finally found something he never had before—family.
And for the first time, it wasn't power I desired.
It was the joy of being loved.