POV: Kael Lanpar
In my previous life, I was a soldier—a warrior. Someone who, despite everything, kept moving forward with his head held high… and a shattered soul.
I wish I could forget that life, but, to be honest, it's impossible.
Forgetting those scars, those screams… those souls that still chant my name, as if trying to drag me back to the same hell over and over again.
Still, despite everything, I'm here. Alive. With a new life… and a new chapter in this story that, apparently, has no end.
Two long years had already passed since I reincarnated into this world. A world filled with magic. Something I never thought was real—until I saw it with my own eyes.
My mother cloaked in crystal armor. My sister commanding ice. Things I never understood before. Things that once seemed impossible to me.
These years have not been a waste of time, but a time of learning… and great discoveries.
—Still meditating, Matías? —Kraidir's voice forced me to open one eye and break out of my state of concentration.
—I don't usually interrupt your little mental breakdown sessions, but… don't you think you're having them more and more often lately? —Kraidir added.
Meditation and thought are important to avoid losing your mind in this world. That's obvious even in the landscape.
The mental space… that place where each person expresses their emotions and their view of the world. It's created like a painting: the colors reflect every lived experience, and the final image is…
…your self. Your soul.
Before, my mental space was white, filled with corpses… and those strange pillars I still didn't understand—pillars I refused to look at.
Now, at least, my artwork had something beautiful. Something that gave me peace: a tree… and grass.
—Seriously? A tree and grass? You humans are too basic to represent anything —Kraidir said with his usual stoic expression.
—Unlike the gods, we humans possess a soul, Kraidir —I sighed and turned my gaze back to the tree.
When I was a child, I used to sit with my parents under a similar one. A mango tree. But to me, it was more than that: it was life. It was childhood. It was a happiness that will never return…
The hardest part about being in your mental space… is opening your eyes and leaving that inner refuge.
I'm not saying this new life is bad—far from it. I don't hate it.But forgetting… forgetting is difficult. And accepting, even more painful.
I was currently in the room of my new parents, alone, with no one else around. Four pillows formed a kind of barrier around me—probably to keep me from falling off the bed.
Of course, that wasn't going to stop me from trying to escape. I smiled, grateful that I still had my awareness… and my memories. Sometimes, they were quite useful.
As usual, the window in the room was open, letting in the warm and cozy sunlight that served as my natural alarm clock, reminding me a new day had begun.—New day, huh? How nice… —I murmured to myself.
Well, time to see what's new.
I stretched a little before grabbing a pillow with what little strength I had and tossing it to the floor to soften my landing.
—One… two… three… here I go.
I fell quickly but quietly. I smiled, seeing I had succeeded.
Maybe using wind magic would've been a good idea, but… last time I tried using it in secret, I nearly killed myself.
Flashback Begins
Most of the time, I spent my days alone in the castle, without my parents or my sister.
Only with Lilia from time to time.
It wasn't because they didn't love me… but one thing I've learned during this time is that ruling a kingdom—one where every decision can alter the fate of everyone—is a heavy burden. Especially for my parents.
To say I didn't feel for them would be lying to myself… but what could I do? I'm a baby.It's not like I could just tell them, "Don't worry, I've got a solution"… when I don't actually have one.
Back to the important part: this book is pretty cool.
Somehow, I managed to figure out the royal guards' shift schedule and the exact moment they changed posts. That was a gap I could use to sneak away and learn.
The place I was in was my father's office… though now, it was much messier. After the attack, Xavier had imposed stricter rules on safety and the kingdom's protection—or at least, the capital's.
The book in my hands was titled "Basic Mana Control."Honestly, the concept was completely new to me… but fascinating.
From what I understood, mana is a universal source. It's in everything, and it's what allows everything to exist.
It's like atoms in my past life… but with different properties, unique qualities. Apparently, there are two types of elements that can be manipulated with mana.
Excerpt from the book "Basic Mana Control"Absolutely everything that exists in the world is composed of mana.This energy is responsible for the existence and formation of all things.
Since everything is different, different types of elements are required for creation.The main elements—the most basic and important forms of matter—are: Water, Fire, Earth, Wind, and Lightning.
I closed the book.
—Whew… alright, I've read enough. I think it's time to put what I've learned into practice.If I'm not mistaken, I need to bring my hands together… sit in lotus position… and feel the mana.
To be honest, I couldn't feel anything inside me… but outside was a different story.I was completely focused, trying to perceive something—anything…
Until, without realizing it, I opened one eye.
I was floating.Not just me… the books around me too.
It was… incredible.
I was at the same height as my father's desk.The books started to dance around me, as if responding to an invisible symphony.
I could feel every movement, every connection, every element.I was so amazed by what I was seeing that I didn't pay attention to the pain that started to rise in my chest.
At first it was mild… but then…
An intense pain.One I recognized.
That same emptiness I felt when I died.When I was dragged into this new world.
To be honest, I don't remember much after that.I woke up in my parents' bedroom, with Lilia at my side.
End of Flashback
Back then, I was barely a year old… and I almost got myself reincarnated again.Well… if that's even possible.
One thing I hadn't considered at the time was the concept of spirit.To be honest, I still don't fully understand it… it's something ambiguous, like a mist between soul and will.
I had to look both ways, making sure no guards were coming.Luckily, I didn't see anyone.
Right time, perfect moment.
—I'm just saying it might be a good idea for Kael to start learning more —my father's distant voice interrupted my escape plan and forced me to hide behind a couch.
—Xavier, are you even listening to yourself? —my mother's voice cut him off firmly— He's a child! He's only two damn years old.You promised me we wouldn't burden our children with what we had to endure.
Her voice… it was cracking. I could feel it.And I understood.
One thing I always knew, thanks to my previous parents, is that a parent's duty isn't just to protect…It's also to give their children what they never had.
—I'm not saying this as a king… but as a father —my father replied, his voice trying to sound firm, though something in it trembled—And I'm sorry if it sounds cruel… but moments of peace don't exist.
Our generation has lived it firsthand.
I watched him place his hands on my mother's shoulders, as if trying to comfort her.It was obvious this was about to turn into a pointless argument…
So, it was time to put on the mask of the sweet, innocent child… and defuse the emotional bomb.
I slowly stepped out from my hiding spot, letting the sunlight pouring in through the window illuminate me and reveal my presence.
My parents saw me immediately… and their faces changed.They weren't first-time parents; they knew exactly how to react.
—Mom? Dad? Are you fighting? —my voice was soft, trembling, just the right touch of innocence and fragility, like I was on the verge of tears.I know—it was a little dramatic… but necessary.
—No —my father said quickly, softening his expression as he glanced at my mother—. We were just having an adult conversation.What are you doing awake at this hour, little one?
—That's what I should be asking you… —I muttered with a small smile—. But well, what can you do.I just… couldn't sleep.
I walked over to them and hugged them tightly. I didn't want to let go.Maybe it was the echo of a wish I was never able to fulfill in my past life.
—Where's Mai? —I asked, looking up.
—She's busy with some clan matters —my mother replied gently as she ruffled my hair.
Suddenly, my father gently pulled back from the hug, knelt in front of me, and looked into my eyes.His pupils were tired, but still burned with that unshakable resolve.The resolve of a king. Of a father.
—Kael… son… you know that being human also means growing and preparing.
My mother tried to interrupt, but he gave her a sad look—no anger, just nostalgia—before turning back to me.
—Soon, this legacy… this kingdom… will fall into your hands.
You will have to be the pillar, the guide, the one who protects his own. Not out of duty. Not for honor.But for love.
One day, you'll understand what those words truly mean.
Love.That word…
In another life, I also acted out of love.It wasn't just hatred. It wasn't just rage. It was… all of it.
—What do you mean, Dad? —I asked, trying to read past his expressions.
—I mean that from today on… you will be the writer of your own destiny.
This is the beginning of something new… but also something incredible.You will train, you will learn, you will grow strong.
His words weren't a command.They were a promise… and a warning.
This time, the world wasn't entirely forcing me to become strong.This time, I had the chance to choose to do it.Even though… the outcome would likely be the same.
Power is cruel. It's ugly to say, but… life is not for the weak.Life is for those brave enough to carry the weight of their own story.
I was never afraid of death.I was afraid of reliving… those moments of pain.The fear. The desperation.
We humans were born for this. It's our curse… and our redemption.
—I understand, Father. You want me to become strong… like you, right?
My father's gaze was different from my mother's.His eyes reflected pride. Hope.My mother's… reflected one word: pain.
But even in pain… something beautiful can be built.Somehow, I understand her.
I sighed.
—I've rested long enough —I finally said to myself—. It's time to fight for this new life.If I have it… it must be for a reason.
Right, Kraidir?
—That's right, Matías Castleboard…