home

search

Chapter 3: The Path of Growth

  The world of Dominara was vast—larger than Earth itself. A realm where knights carved legends with their swords and mages reshaped destiny with their spells.

  Among the twelve great continents, Solterra stood as the mightiest. Blessed by two gods after the Ancient God War—the Sun God, Solmara, and the Earth Goddess, Terranis—it became a land where warriors, scholars, and rulers thrived under divine favor.

  And within this land, one name commanded both respect and fear—House Everhart.

  A noble house of unmatched military might, vassals of the Solmerg Duchy, their golden sun cresting over an iron sword symbolized unwavering strength and wisdom. For generations, the Everharts had stood at the empire’s forefront, leading armies, crushing enemies, and ensuring Solterra’s dominance.

  At the head of this house stood my father—Count Edwin von Everhart, the man known as Solterra’s indomitable warlord, and a 4th class Awakener: SWORD MONARCH.

  And I?

  I was his son and heir—Rin von Everhart.

  You ask how I know all of this?

  Because from the moment I could understand words, my mother made sure I never forgot it.

  Time flows differently when you’re given a second chance.

  Back on Earth, I was nothing—a forgotten office worker who lived and died without making a mark. But in this life, from the moment I was born, I was someone’s pride.

  And in just one year, everything changed.

  The Everhart estate was a fortress of discipline, its halls walked only by warriors, scholars, and nobles of great renown. It was not a place easily shaken.

  Until I stood up.

  That day, in the grand halls of our mansion, I placed my hands on the edge of an ornate wooden table, pushing myself up. My chubby legs wobbled, my small fingers tightened their grip, and with one determined breath—I took my first step.

  Silence.

  The knights standing guard froze, their eyes widening in disbelief.

  The maids gasped, one even dropping the silver tray she was carrying, sending fruit tumbling across the marble floor.

  Even my father—the legendary commander who had faced countless

  battles without flinching—stiffened as he watched me.

  Then, his sharp blue eyes narrowed.

  And a grin split his face.

  “Hahaha! He takes after me!” His deep laughter boomed across the hall. “My son will be a great warrior in the future!”

  Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.

  That night, the mansion roared with celebration as if I had won a war. Wine flowed, servants cheered, and my mother—normally the composed and graceful Countess Seraphina—smothered me in kisses until I nearly suffocated.

  For them, my first step was more than a milestone.

  It was proof that I was destined for greatness.

  The Everhart Garden was a place of serenity—a contrast to the battlefield where my father spent most of his life. The scent of roses filled the air, golden sunlight casting long shadows through the trees.

  I lay on a thick blanket, nestled between my mother and father.

  For once, war and politics didn’t loom over them.

  My father leaned against a tree, his powerful arms crossed as he gazed down at me with a rare, soft smile. My mother, her sapphire eyes shimmering, brushed a delicate flower against my cheek.

  "Rin, my little star, do you like the flowers?" she whispered.

  I stared at her face.

  So warm. So gentle.

  I had lived an entire lifetime before this—a life of loneliness and regret.

  But now, I had a family.

  A real one.

  I wanted to see them happy.

  I wanted to make them proud.

  So, I did the only thing I could.

  I spoke.

  “…Mama.”

  The garden fell silent.

  My mother’s breath hitched, her entire body trembling. Her eyes widened, disbelief and joy crashing together in an overwhelming wave.

  My father—who had never been shaken in battle—froze.

  Then, I turned my head, looking at him.

  “…Papa.”

  A sharp breath escaped him.

  His battle-hardened posture broke, his eyes softening in a way I had never seen before.

  And then—he laughed.

  A deep, heartfelt laugh that echoed through the garden.

  "Hahaha! Did you hear that, Seraphina? He called us!" His voice, always sharp and commanding, shook with emotion.

  My mother burst into tears, covering her mouth as sobs of happiness escaped her. She lifted me into her arms, holding me as if I were the most precious treasure in the world.

  "My little star…" she whispered. "You’ve made me the happiest mother alive."

  Father placed a hand on my back, his voice raw with pride.

  "And you’ve made me the proudest father."

  As I drifted off to sleep in their arms, a thought burned into my soul.

  In my past life, I was nothing. No one’s pride.

  But in this life… I was loved.

  Three years passed in the blink of an eye.

  My body grew stronger, my mind sharper.

  My daily routine shaped me:

  Morning: Studying history, economy, and politics.

  Afternoon: Playing with my parents when they had time.

  Evening: Light exercise and meditation.

  But as I grew older, one problem surfaced.

  I was alone.

  My parents, burdened by border wars, were constantly away. The mansion, once filled with warmth, now felt empty.

  One night, I turned to my mother, hesitating before whispering—

  "Mama… can I have a friend?"

  Her sapphire eyes widened.

  At first, she hesitated. Nobles rarely let their children mingle freely. But then, she smiled.

  "Ah… The head butler’s son is close to your age." She gently stroked my hair. "Would you like to meet him?"

  Excitement bubbled in my chest.

  That night, I fell asleep with a smile.

  The next morning, a nervous young boy stood before me.

  He had silver eyes and ashen hair, a rare combination.

  "H-Hello… Are you Young Master Rin?" he stammered.

  I studied him for a moment.

  Then, suddenly—

  My heart pounded.

  This was the first time in three years my talent had activated!

  Golden letters appeared before my eyes.

  [Evaluation of Target]

  Name: Lucien Hawthorne

  Age: 3 years, 7 months

  Race: Human

  Class: (Unlocked at Age 5)

  Talent: Perfect Memory (Epic)

  [Talent: Perfect Memory]

  A prodigy with an absolute memory, capable of recalling anything he has read, seen, or experienced with perfect clarity.

  I froze.

  This kid… was a monster in his own right.

  A butler with Perfect Memory? Someone who could remember every document, every map, every enemy detail?

  A smile crept onto my lips.

  I had found my first friend and companion.

  And together… we would build something unstoppable.

Recommended Popular Novels