The world blurred into focus as I opened my eyes, my senses awakening to a strange and unfamiliar environment. The soft hues of pastel walls surrounded me, and the air carried the gentle scent of lavender. Confusion washed over me as I realised I was lying in a crib, dressed in infant garments. Questions raced through my mind, but the memories of my previous life as Echo 1, the seasoned special forces operative, eluded me.

A gentle touch brushed against my cheek, and I turned my head to see a woman with warm, caring eyes bending over me. "Welcome to our family, little Alex," she said, her voice filled with love and tenderness. "I'm your mom, and this is your dad."

My gaze shifted to the man beside her, his eyes reflecting a mixture of pride and awe. "We're so grateful to have you in our lives, son," he said, his voice tinged with emotion. “As your father, I promise to protect you, guide you, and be there for you every step of the way."

The words echoed in my mind as I tried to comprehend their meaning. Who were these people? How did I come to be in this place? But as I stared into their eyes, a sense of belonging washed over me.

Yet, despite the warmth of their embrace, a lingering pain tugged at my heart. Tears welled up in my eyes as memories of my past life seeped into my consciousness. The weight of loss bore down on me, crushing my spirit. I had been Echo 1, a leader, a soldier, entrusted with a mission that ended in tragedy. My comrades, my brothers and sisters in arms, had fallen before my eyes, their lives extinguished in an instant. The guilt gnawed at my soul, tormenting me with questions of what more I could have done to save them.

Mom, with her kind smile, leaned closer, her eyes filled with concern. She seemed to sense the sadness that lingered within me. "It's okay to cry, my little one," she cooed softly, her voice a soothing melody. "Let your tears release the pain. We're here for you."

Dad, his pride mingled with a hint of uncertainty, reached out a hand to gently touch my trembling fingers. "It’s okay, little buddy," he murmured, his voice filled with compassion. "We're here to love and protect you."

Their comforting words provided a light amidst the storm raging within me. I let myself cry, the tears flowing freely as I mourned the loss of my comrades, my team, and the mission that had ended in tragedy. Each sob carried the weight of my regrets and the pain of separation. But in the embrace of my parents, I found hope, a new chance.

As the days turned into weeks, I became attuned to the rhythms of this new life. I marvelled at the simple joys of discovery, looking to find out more about this world. I realised that this was a world of magic, one evening as my parent’s were tucking me into bed

Dad said with a tender smile “Sleep well child, as a future Paladin you need lots of rest so you can be strong”

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Pouting my mom’s whispered “He’s gonna be a healer just like me, you should see his joy when I play with him using my mana.’”

All Dad could do was scratch his head and I giggled with their banter.

In the days that followed, I observed my parents with keen interest, trying to comprehend the essence of this magical realm now my home. Mom's healing abilities fascinated me. With gentle gestures and whispered incantations, she mended wounds and alleviated pain. I watched in awe as her magic enveloped those in need, their expressions transforming from anguish to relief.

"How does it work, Mom?" I asked one evening as she healed a small cut on my finger.

"How can magic make me feel better?"

Mom smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Magic is the manifestation of the life force that flows through all living beings, my dear," she explained. "As a healer, I channel that energy and use it to mend, to restore balance within the body. It is a delicate dance between the natural world and the mystical forces that govern it."

I absorbed her words, the notion of being connected to a greater energy filling me with a sense of awe. It was as if I held a small piece of the universe within me, a flickering flame waiting to be nurtured.

Meanwhile, Dad's training sessions outside the house inspired me. With a single gesture, he conjured protective barriers, radiant shields that shimmered with divine energy. His sword became an extension of his will, guided by the mastery of his martial training and bolstered by the magic that coursed through his veins. It was a dance of strength and grace, an embodiment of a warrior’s code.

Deep within me, a fire ignited—a call to embrace my legacy, watching my dad train reminded me of my training,I wanted to once again walk the path of honour and wield the forces that once defined my existence. Though I was but a young child, the desire burned brightly within me…

As I grew older my parents also noticed the unusual calmness that I displayed, the maturity that was above my tender age.They wondered at the depths of my understanding, at the way I observed their every move with an intensity that surpassed my years.

"He's not like other children," Mom confided in a hushed tone, her voice laced with both pride and apprehension. "There's wisdom in his eyes, a depth to his presence."

Dad, his gaze fixed on me with a mix of admiration and caution, replied, "Indeed, my love. Our son possesses a remarkable spirit."

Their conversations, spoken in hushed tones, filled my ears as I pretended not to listen. I couldn't deny the truth in their words—I felt a sense of purpose burning within me. It was as if the memories of my past life had imprinted upon my soul, fueling a desire to protect and lead.

They started to engage me in conversations, speaking to me as if I understood their every word. They shared tales of enchanted forests, mythical creatures, and legendary wizards.

"In the Enchanted Forest," Mom would say, her voice filled with awe, "there are these magical Whispering Willows. They guard the secrets of the elves and grant power to those deemed worthy."

Dad would add, his voice brimming with excitement, "And in the Forbidden Archives, ancient scrolls hold unimaginable spells capable of defying reality itself. But not many dare to venture there."

Listening to their stories, my mind filled with images of a vast and mysterious world. I yearned to explore every corner of it, to unlock its secrets and forge my own path. The magical realm they described felt tangible and alive, just waiting for me to step into it.

The path ahead was unknown, but with the love and wisdom of my parents, I was prepared to unveil the secrets of this magical realm, to embark on a grand adventure that would shape the course of my life.

And so, with a heart filled with anticipation and a spirit ready to soar, I stood on the threshold of a new world—a world unveiled.