Arc—now Kael—slowly opened his eyes.
At first, his vision was blurry, but as it gradually focused, a beautiful woman came into view. She was looking down at him with warm, loving eyes and a gentle smile. She wasn't a goddess or an angel—just a human woman radiating kindness.
For a brief moment, Arc wondered if everything that had happened before had been nothing more than a dream. But the heaviness in his small body quickly reminded him otherwise.
His head felt too heavy for his neck. He tried to reach out and touch his mother's face, but his arms were short and weak, clumsily waving in the air. He still hadn't gotten used to this tiny body—and he suspected it would take a long time before he did.
"Good morning, sweetheart," his mother said softly, her golden eyes filled with affection.
Arc tried to respond, but only a soft babble escaped his lips. He froze for a moment before remembering—he couldn't speak.
Now that he was so close to her, he truly noticed how beautiful she was. Her features were gentle, her presence calming. At the same time, curiosity stirred within him. This world, this place—everything was unfamiliar.
He slowly turned his head, taking in his surroundings. His floating crib was still there, as was the hovering table. The mana lamp that had glowed blue the night before was now dim and greyed out. Sunlight streamed through an open window, bathing the room in a soft glow.
The door slid open, and the man he had seen the previous day walked in—his father.
He approached and wrapped them both in a warm embrace, kissing his wife's forehead before gently kissing Arc as well.
"How are you feeling, dear?" his father asked. "You shouldn't overexert yourself."
"I'm feeling well," his mother replied with a smile. "You know I recover quickly."
"That's good to hear. I just wanted to check on both of you before I head out."
"Leaving early again?" she asked, a hint of sadness in her voice.
"I'll be back early today, don't worry," he said, hugging them once more before turning to leave.
After the door slid shut behind him, Arc's mother continued holding him as she walked around the room.
"Your father is always busy," she said softly. "But at least he'll be home early today."
She glanced down at him and smiled. "You must be hungry, honey."
She carried him into the next room.
It looked even more futuristic than the first. A large black screen covered one wall, and two leather-like couches sat nearby. Light poured in through several windows, and a floating table rested in the center of the room.
What kind of magic are they using? Arc wondered.
They moved again, entering another room with a large floating table surrounded by hovering chairs. His mother placed him into a unique high chair with side supports that held him securely.
After making sure he was comfortable, she prepared a bottle of milk.
As she worked, Arc continued to observe the room.
Where did I reincarnate to? None of this looks familiar.
He shifted in his chair, trying to move, but lost his balance and nearly toppled over. Just in time, his mother caught him.
"You're a curious one, aren't you, Kael?" she said, laughing softly as she settled him back into the chair.
She fed him, and only then did Arc realize how hungry he had been. Before he knew it, the bottle was empty.
Afterward, she gently burped him—an experience Arc found deeply embarrassing—before cradling him against her chest.
"You're going to grow up to be a fine young man," she murmured. "Isn't that right, Kael?"
She carried him back toward the first room.
"I could really use some fresh air," she said. "Would you like to go outside?"
Arc tried to answer, but only an excited babble came out.
His mother walked toward a large metallic door at the far end of the house. Beside it was a smooth panel embedded into the wall. She placed her palm against it, and a soft chime echoed through the room.
With a quiet mechanical hum, the door slowly slid open.
Light flooded in.
Arc—Kael—felt warmth brush against his skin as golden sunlight poured over him. It wasn't harsh or blinding. It was gentle, comforting, like a quiet embrace. A soft breeze followed, carrying with it the scent of fresh grass and distant earth. His small nose twitched at the unfamiliar yet pleasant sensation.
The world outside unfolded before him.
Lush green grass stretched endlessly from the doorstep, vibrant and alive, swaying softly as the wind passed through it like waves on an ocean. The land dipped and rose naturally, untouched and peaceful, as though it had been carefully preserved. Scattered wildflowers dotted the fields, splashes of color breaking the sea of green.
Arc's eyes widened.
Beyond the rolling plains, near the far horizon, something impossible hovered in the sky.
A city.
Massive and majestic, a floating landmass rested high above the earth, its silhouette cutting into the blue sky. Countless structures rose from its surface—towers, spires, and layered buildings stacked with deliberate design. Thin streaks of light traced along its edges, and faint glimmers of mana shimmered beneath it, holding the entire city aloft.
A floating city…
Arc's heart beat faster.
To the left of their home, stretching toward the distance, stood a vast forest. Towering trees with thick trunks and full canopies formed a natural wall of green. Their leaves rustled gently, creating a calming rhythm as the wind passed through them. The forest felt old—ancient—but not hostile. It watched quietly, like a patient guardian.
Arc tried to take everything in at once, his small head turning slowly as his eyes darted from the fields to the sky, from the forest to the distant city. He had never seen anything like this—not even in his previous life.
"This…" he thought, awe settling deep into his soul. "This world is different."
"Your amazed, aren't you, my little Kael?" his mother said softly.
She looked toward the horizon as well, her long hair flowing freely in the breeze, strands catching the sunlight. The golden rays illuminated her face, giving her an almost radiant glow. Her expression was peaceful—content.
Arc felt something unfamiliar stir within him.
Peace.
Real peace.
For the first time in a long while, there were no screams, no divine pressure crushing his soul, no blood staining his hands. Just warmth, quiet wind, and a world full of possibilities.
He felt it then—a quiet resolve forming in his heart.
I want to protect this.
This place. This peace. This life.
His gaze shifted back to his mother, who held him close, unaware of the ancient soul resting in her arms. He wanted to protect her. And his father. This fragile happiness they shared.
The gods crossed his mind—but only briefly.
Not now.
That battle could wait.
For now, he would live. He would grow. And when the time came… he would be ready.
"Let's head back inside now, dear," his mother said gently, turning toward the house.