I wasn’t always a child, carried in the arms of a queen who viewed me as an inconvenience. Once, I was a man-a struggling writer, a game developer chasing dreams that always seemed just out of reach. My name was Amahiko Kurohikari, and my life, as ordinary as it seemed, was riddled with shadows I couldn’t escape.

I lived in a cramped apartment that smelled faintly of instant noodles and despair, illuminated only by the dim glow of my computer screen. Days blurred into nights as I toiled endlessly, pouring my heart into stories and games that no one cared about. My bank account dwindled with every passing month, and my inbox overflowed with rejection letters from publishers and potential employers alike.

But the worst part wasn’t the failure. It was the loneliness.

I had no one-no friends, no family who would pick up the phone when I called. My only connection to the world was my ex-lover, Erina. She was the one bright spot in my otherwise bleak existence, a woman who once believed in me when no one else did. But even she had left, tired of waiting for a man who couldn’t seem to get his life together.

I couldn’t blame her.

Erina moved on, found someone else-someone who could offer her the stability I never could. And yet, despite it all, I couldn’t let her go.

That night, the night I died, began like any other. I had spent hours staring at the empty word document on my computer, my thoughts a jumbled mess of regret and desperation. My phone buzzed, and when I saw Erina’s name on the screen, my heart skipped a beat.

“Amahiko,” her voice trembled. “Can we meet? Just this once?”

I didn’t ask why. I didn’t hesitate. I threw on a coat and rushed out into the cold night, my mind racing with questions and possibilities.

We met at a quiet park, a place where we used to sit and dream about a future that never came to be. She looked the same as always-beautiful, with her soft brown eyes and the faintest trace of a smile that always warmed my heart. But tonight, her expression was different. She looked... scared.

“Erina,” I called out, stepping closer. “What’s wrong?”

Before she could answer, a shadow emerged from the darkness. A man, his face twisted with rage, brandished a knife.

“Stay away from her!” he snarled.

I instinctively stepped in front of Erina, shielding her with my body. “Who the hell are you?”

Erina’s voice trembled. “He’s... my boyfriend.”

The pieces clicked into place. Her current boyfriend wasn’t just jealous-he was dangerous.

The man lunged at us, the blade glinting under the pale streetlights. I barely had time to react. Grabbing a metal trash can lid from nearby, I managed to deflect his initial attack.

“Run, Erina!” I shouted, pushing her away.

But she didn’t run. She stood frozen in fear as the man came at me again. This time, I wasn’t fast enough. The blade plunged into my side, a searing pain that stole my breath.

I collapsed to the ground, my vision blurring as blood pooled beneath me. Erina screamed, finally snapping out of her daze. She rushed to my side, her hands trembling as she tried to stem the bleeding.

“Amahiko! No! Don’t do this to me!” she cried, tears streaming down her face.

The man, still enraged, raised the knife again. Summoning what little strength I had left, I swung my fist, connecting with his jaw. He stumbled back, tripping over a bench and falling unconscious.

Erina turned to me, her face a mask of guilt and despair. “I’m so sorry, Amahiko. I didn’t know he was like this. I thought he loved me... I thought...”

Her words trailed off, replaced by sobs.

I managed a weak smile, my voice barely a whisper. “It’s okay, Erina. You don’t need to explain. Just... stay safe.”

“No! Don’t say that! You’re going to be fine,” she pleaded, pressing her hands harder against the wound.

But we both knew the truth.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered, her voice breaking. “For everything. For leaving you. For not seeing... how much you cared.”

I reached up, brushing a tear from her cheek. “It doesn’t matter now. Just... be happy, Erina. That’s all I ever wanted.”

As the darkness closed in, her face was the last thing I saw, framed by the faint glow of the streetlights.

And then, everything went black.

When I opened my eyes again, it was to a new world-a world of kings, queens, and magic. A world I had once dreamed of but now seemed determined to test me in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

This was my second chance. But the pain of that final moment with Erina lingered, a reminder of the man I once was-and the man I needed to become.

I woke up to a blinding light and an overwhelming sense of helplessness. My body felt different—small, fragile. My hands, no larger than acorns, flailed uselessly in the air. A soft yet commanding voice broke through the haze of my disorientation.

“He’s awake,” the woman said.

I turned my head, or rather my tiny neck twisted awkwardly, and I saw her. She was breathtaking—a figure straight out of a dream or, rather, a nightmare.

Her silver hair shimmered like moonlight, cascading down her back in waves. Her amethyst eyes, cold and calculating, scanned me as if I were a mere pawn in some grand game. This wasn’t just any woman; she was a queen. The intricate embroidery of her aristocratic gown spoke of her power and status. She held me with an unnerving ease, her hands firm yet delicate, as if cradling something she couldn’t quite decide the value of.

“Your Majesty, he’s beautiful,” a soft-spoken attendant murmured.

“Beauty means little in a kingdom that thrives on strength,” the woman replied, her voice like the edge of a blade—calm yet sharp.

My mind raced. Where was I? Who was this woman? Why did everything feel so… familiar?

That’s when I saw him. A tall man with a regal bearing stood a few paces away, observing me with an unreadable expression. His golden crown gleamed under the sunlight streaming through the grand windows. His name came to me as if summoned from the depths of my memory—Leonid III.

I knew these people. I had written them. This was my world.

But something was wrong. Gizelotte Orekeus, the queen, was never supposed to exist in this form. Her history, her demeanor, even her very presence here didn’t align with the story I had created.

The realization hit me like a thunderbolt. This wasn’t just a dream or some bizarre hallucination. I had been reincarnated into the very world I had designed as a writer and game developer.

And I was their son.

“Bring the Holy Sister,” Leonid commanded, his deep voice echoing through the chamber.

A woman clad in pristine white robes stepped forward, her hands glowing with soft light. She placed them gently on my tiny chest, and I felt a warmth spread through me.

“Let me appraise his status,” she said.

I watched her face closely, noting the flicker of surprise that she quickly masked.

“Your Majesty,” she began cautiously, “his level is… zero.”

Silence fell over the room like a heavy curtain. Gizelotte’s expression hardened, her amethyst eyes narrowing. Leonid’s lips curled into a sneer.

“Zero?” he repeated, his tone dripping with disdain.

“Unfit,” Gizelotte murmured, her voice devoid of emotion. “A child born to the royal line with no potential is a liability. The kingdom has no place for weakness.”

I wanted to scream, to defend myself, but my infant body betrayed me. All I could do was let out a pitiful wail.

Leonid nodded, as if confirming a decision they had already made. “He will be sent to the Sealed Holy Land.”

My mind reeled. The Sealed Holy Land was a plot device in my story—a vast, uncharted forest teeming with ancient magic and forgotten secrets. It was a place meant to test the protagonist, not a dumping ground for a powerless infant.

“This is not how it was supposed to be,” I thought. “What happened to my story?”

The next thing I knew, I was bundled into a small basket and carried away in the dead of night. The air was cold, and the stars above seemed to mock me with their indifference.

“Forgive me, young prince,” whispered the attendant who carried me. She was a kind-looking woman with tears streaming down her face. “This is not your fault.”

Her words did little to soothe me as she placed the basket at the edge of the forest. The Sealed Holy Land loomed before us, its trees like towering sentinels guarding untold secrets.

“May the gods protect you,” she said, her voice trembling.

And then she was gone, leaving me alone in the darkness.

But as I stared into the depths of the forest, something stirred within me. This was my world, my creation. If Gizelotte and Leonid thought they could discard me, they were gravely mistaken.

I might be a helpless infant now, but I was also Amahiko Kurohikari, the creator of this world. And I would reclaim my story, no matter the cost.

For now, I was just a baby in a basket. But someday, I would rise.

The Shadow King was born.

The night in the Sealed Holy Land was eerie, the forest alive with sounds that would chill even the bravest soul. Shadows danced between the towering trees, and the air seemed to hum with a strange energy. My infant body was helpless, but my mind was alert, taking in every detail.

Suddenly, the ground trembled. The sharp sound of a roar cut through the silence, followed by the fierce crackle of magic. Two immense magical presences clashed not far from where I lay in my basket.

Through the canopy of trees, I saw them: two majestic, terrifying beasts locked in combat.

The first was a Nine-Tailed White Fox, her fur shimmering under the moonlight like freshly fallen snow. Her tails swayed and whipped, each movement releasing waves of magical energy. Her eyes glowed a piercing blue as she growled, her voice filled with anger and pride.

The second was a Silver Dragon Monarch, her scales glinting like polished steel. Her massive wings spread wide, and her silver eyes glared down at her opponent. Lightning crackled around her claws as she chanted in a deep, resonant voice, her words dripping with power.

“You’ve encroached on my territory, Shiori!” the dragon growled.

“Your territory? This land is unclaimed, Hina!” the fox snapped back. “Step down, or I’ll show you why even monarchs bow to me!”

Their fight escalated, both chanting spells and unleashing devastating attacks that shook the earth. Fire and lightning clashed in the air, each strike tearing through the landscape. The sheer force of their battle should have been enough to obliterate me.

Yet, amidst the chaos, something inside me stirred.

I felt an overwhelming surge of willpower, a determination to survive. My infant cries turned into a deep, resonant echo that rippled through the air like a shockwave. The two beasts froze mid-attack, their eyes snapping toward me.

“Who dares interfere?” Hina growled, her gaze narrowing.

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“It’s… him,” Shiori whispered, her eyes wide with disbelief. “That presence… it’s unlike anything I’ve ever felt.”

Before I could comprehend what was happening, a blinding light erupted from my tiny body. The force wasn’t something I understood, yet it felt natural, as if it had always been a part of me. The light wrapped around both beasts, binding them in golden chains of energy.

“What… is this magic?” Hina roared, struggling against the chains.

“Impossible! No mere infant could wield such power!” Shiori exclaimed, her voice trembling.

But the chains held firm, and a voice—mine, yet not mine—spoke words I didn’t understand. The beasts shuddered, and then the chains vanished. Both creatures knelt before me, their towering forms lowering to the ground in submission.

“You… you have bested us with your will alone,” Shiori said, bowing her head. “We acknowledge you as our master.”

“Master,” Hina echoed, her voice filled with both respect and curiosity.

The air around me shimmered, and I felt a strange warmth spread through my body. My mind buzzed with new knowledge, spells, and abilities. A notification flashed before my eyes, as if my own world had come to life in an interface I once created.

Level Up!

Level: 0 → 15

Abilities Unlocked:

• Elemental Magic

• Summoning Magic

• Will Suppression (Unique Skill)

Though I couldn’t yet fully grasp the significance, I instinctively knew these powers were mine now. I stared at the two majestic creatures who had pledged themselves to me. They were no longer mere beasts but my familiars.

“You will need names,” I said, surprising myself with how steady my voice sounded despite my infant form.

The Nine-Tailed White Fox lifted her head, her piercing blue eyes meeting mine. “What shall you call me, Master?”

“Shiori,” I said, the name rolling off my tongue with ease.

The Silver Dragon Monarch tilted her head, her silver eyes shimmering with curiosity. “And me?”

“Hina,” I said, smiling softly.

Both beasts bowed their heads, their forms glowing faintly as the familiar bond solidified.

“We are yours to command, Master,” Shiori said, her voice filled with reverence.

“Where you go, we will follow,” Hina added, her tone resolute.

For the first time since my reincarnation, I felt a spark of hope. I wasn’t just a powerless infant discarded by a cruel king and queen. I was Amahiko Kurohikari, the creator of this world, and now, I had the power to shape my destiny.

The Shadow King’s rise had truly begun.

The glowing bonds that tied Shiori and Hina to me faded, leaving a tranquil energy in the air. Their immense forms loomed over me, majestic and regal, but their once fierce expressions were now calm, almost protective.

Shiori stepped forward first, her nine tails swaying behind her. She lowered her head so her icy blue eyes could meet mine. “Master, your power is extraordinary. Even as an infant, your will overcame us both. What are you?”

I hesitated. What was I? Was I still Amahiko Kurohikari, the struggling writer and game developer, or was I someone entirely new in this world?

“I’m…” My voice came out soft, uncertain. Then I decided to speak with confidence. “I am your master, and I am someone who will shape this world.”

Hina let out a low rumble of approval, her silver scales gleaming under the moonlight. “Bold words, Master. But they suit you. Few beings could suppress a Silver Dragon Monarch with mere willpower.” She paused, tilting her head. “Though I must admit, it’s curious. You are… just a child. How is this possible?”

I looked down at my tiny hands, then back at them. “I don’t know how, but this world… it’s my creation.”

Shiori’s ears twitched, her gaze sharp. “Your creation? What do you mean, Master?”

“I…” I hesitated again, unsure of how much to reveal. “I remember things from before I was born. A world beyond this one. I created a story, a world like this, filled with people, places, and creatures like you. But something has changed. This world isn’t exactly how I left it.”

Hina and Shiori exchanged glances, their expressions unreadable.

“Master, if what you say is true, then you are no ordinary being,” Shiori said. “You are the Creator. The threads of this world bend to your will, whether you realize it or not.”

Hina nodded, her massive wings folding neatly against her back. “It explains the power you wield. Even as a new-born, your presence alone is enough to subdue creatures like us. But, Master, if you created this world… why do you seem so uncertain of your role in it?”

I couldn’t answer that. The truth was, I had no idea why I was here or why this world felt both familiar and alien. Instead, I shifted the focus.

“What about you two?” I asked. “Why were you fighting?”

Shiori huffed, her tails flicking with irritation. “This land is rich with untamed magic, a power that neither the humans nor the demons can reach. I came to claim it, to use it as a sanctuary for myself.”

Hina’s silver eyes narrowed. “And I, as the guardian of these lands, could not allow her to take what she pleased.”

“So, you fought,” I said, my tone flat.

Shiori’s ears drooped slightly. “Yes… It seems foolish now, doesn’t it?”

Hina gave a short nod. “Your presence has put things into perspective, Master. We were blinded by pride, unable to see the larger picture.”

I leaned back against the edge of the basket, feeling a strange mix of satisfaction and responsibility. “Then let’s make a new deal. You two don’t need to fight over this land anymore. Instead, we’ll work together to make it into something greater—a place where we can all grow stronger.”

Both of them straightened, their expressions thoughtful.

Shiori was the first to speak. “If that is your will, Master, then I shall follow it. This land will be ours to shape as you see fit.”

Hina nodded in agreement. “I, too, will abide by your will. This land has waited long enough for a true ruler. You will be that ruler, Master.”

Their words stirred something in me—a sense of purpose I hadn’t felt in years. This was more than just survival. This was the start of something greater.

“Good,” I said, my voice firm. “Then let’s not waste time. Together, we’ll make this land a place that even kings and queens will envy.”

Shiori bowed her head, her tails curling around her body. “As you command, Master.”

Hina lowered herself as well, her wings forming a protective canopy. “Your will is ours to carry out.”

In that moment, the weight of my new reality fully settled on my shoulders. I wasn’t just an infant abandoned in the forest. I was someone who had already begun to rewrite the fate of this world.

With Shiori and Hina by my side, I knew one thing for certain: this was only the beginning.

The night deepened, the magical glow of the sealed holy land casting soft light on the tranquil forest. Shiori and Hina had settled around me like loyal guardians, their immense forms shielding me from the unknown dangers of the land.

I leaned back in the basket, the infant body I was trapped in making it impossible to sit up fully. My mind, however, was sharp and restless.

“Shiori, Hina,” I called, breaking the silence.

Both beasts turned their attention to me, their majestic forms looming over me like ancient protectors.

“Yes, Master?” Shiori said, her tone soft and inquisitive.

“You both seem… too willing to follow me. I overpowered you, sure, but why would beings as powerful as you pledge yourselves so easily?”

Shiori flicked one of her tails, her icy blue eyes narrowing slightly. “It’s true that strength alone does not always command loyalty, Master. But your presence… it’s different. When you subdued us, it wasn’t just power we felt. It was something deeper, something ancient. A connection, perhaps.”

Hina nodded, her silver scales shimmering as she spoke. “I agree with Shiori. When your will struck us, it felt… familiar. As if we had always been meant to serve you, even before we knew you existed.”

I frowned, their words stirring an uncomfortable feeling in my chest. A connection? Something ancient? None of this made sense.

“But I’m new to this world,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. “I created it, yes, but this wasn’t supposed to happen. I never intended for you two to exist, let alone for us to meet like this. Something is wrong with this world.”

Shiori tilted her head, curiosity evident in her expression. “Wrong? What do you mean, Master?”

I hesitated, then decided to tell them the truth. “The queen who abandoned me, Gizelotte… She wasn’t supposed to be like this. In the world I created, she was a force of justice, a powerful mage who fought for equality and balance. Yet here, she’s twisted. Cruel. She threw me into this forest to die simply because of my level.”

Hina’s claws dug into the ground, her silver eyes darkening. “A queen who would abandon her own child is no queen at all. But you said she was different in your creation. Could someone—or something—have altered her?”

“It’s possible,” I admitted. “But I don’t know how or why.”

Shiori let out a soft growl, her tails curling around her body protectively. “Master, if this world has deviated from your design, it means there are forces at play that even you may not have anticipated. We must tread carefully.”

I nodded, my mind racing. If Gizelotte had changed, who else had? What other parts of this world had shifted beyond recognition?

Hina leaned closer, her silver eyes locking onto mine. “Master, if this world is not as you intended, then you have a duty to set it right. As the creator, it falls to you to correct the flaws and restore balance.”

I clenched my tiny fists, frustration bubbling within me. “But how? I’m just a baby. I may have power, but I can’t walk, let alone fight.”

Shiori’s soft laughter broke the tension. “You may be an infant in body, Master, but your soul and will are far beyond that. You’ve already subdued two of the most powerful beings in this land. That’s a start, isn’t it?”

Hina smiled, her fanged grin surprisingly reassuring. “Shiori is right. You have us now, Master. We will be your strength until you can stand on your own.”

Their unwavering faith in me was humbling. For the first time since my reincarnation, I felt a flicker of hope.

“Thank you,” I said softly. “I don’t know what lies ahead, but I’m glad I have you two with me.”

Shiori’s tails wagged slightly, her demeanor softening. “Always, Master. Together, we’ll face whatever challenges come our way.”

Hina nodded, her voice firm. “You are not alone in this world, Master. We are bound to you, in loyalty and purpose. Wherever you lead, we will follow.”

I leaned back, the weight of the day settling over me. As the moonlight bathed the forest, I closed my eyes, my mind buzzing with thoughts of the journey ahead.

This world may have strayed from my vision, but with Shiori and Hina by my side, I was determined to uncover its secrets and reclaim the balance I had once envisioned.

The Shadow King’s rise was no longer a distant dream—it was my destiny.

The night’s stillness was broken by the soft rustle of footsteps, an almost ethereal sound that seemed to blend with the serene ambiance of the sealed holy land. Shiori’s ears twitched, her tails curling protectively around me, while Hina raised her head, her silver eyes narrowing in suspicion.

“Master,” Shiori said quietly, her voice tense. “Someone approaches.”

Before I could respond, the figure stepped into the moonlight. A young woman, clad in a flowing white and black habit, her golden hair shimmering like sunlight breaking through the shadows. Her eyes were hidden behind a blindfold, but her posture exuded a calm and graceful presence.

Hina let out a low growl, her wings partially spreading. “An undead,” she muttered. “I can feel the curse lingering on her.”

The woman stopped a few steps away, her hands folded before her. Despite the ominous aura surrounding her, there was no malice in her presence—only an overwhelming sense of serenity and warmth.

“I mean no harm,” she said softly, her voice carrying a soothing melody. “I was drawn here… to the child.”

Her words sent a jolt through me. Me? Why would someone like her be drawn to me?

“Who are you?” I asked, my voice cautious but curious.

She lowered her head slightly, a gesture of reverence. “My name is Natalia Arc Mary, a servant of the divine… or at least, I once was.”

Shiori’s eyes narrowed. “And now? What are you?”

Mary’s smile was faint, tinged with sadness. “I am cursed by the undead god, neither alive nor truly dead. Yet, my purpose remains unchanged. I am here to protect and nurture those in need, even if my existence is a shadow of what it once was.”

Her words stirred something deep within me—a distant memory of my past life, of a mother who had always been there, offering love and guidance even in the darkest times.

Mary knelt before me, her movements deliberate and gentle. “This child,” she said, her voice trembling slightly, “I can feel his light, even through the curse that clouds my sight. He is… extraordinary.”

I didn’t respond, my infant form incapable of expressing the storm of emotions her presence stirred. Yet, there was an undeniable sense of familiarity, a warmth that reminded me of my previous life’s mother.

“Why are you here?” Hina asked, her tone guarded. “What do you want with our master?”

Mary turned her blindfolded gaze toward Hina, her expression calm. “I do not seek to take him from you. I only wish to offer what I can—a mother’s love, a safe haven, and guidance.”

Shiori’s tails twitched, her icy blue eyes studying Mary intently. “You claim to be cursed, yet you carry yourself with such grace. Why would someone like you choose to adopt a child in such a state?”

Mary smiled softly. “Because even in darkness, there is light. And this child… he is my light.”

The sincerity in her voice was undeniable, and for the first time since my reincarnation, I felt a sense of security that I couldn’t explain.

Without realizing it, I reached out toward her, my tiny hands brushing against hers. Her touch was cool, yet it carried an unexplainable warmth that eased the tension in my heart.

“You accept me?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

I nodded, the motion subtle but deliberate.

A tear slid down her cheek, glimmering in the moonlight. “Thank you,” she said, her voice breaking with emotion. “I will do everything in my power to protect you, my child.”

Hina and Shiori exchanged glances, their earlier tension easing.

“Master,” Shiori said softly, “if this is your will, then we shall accept her as part of your family.”

Hina nodded, her silver eyes filled with resolve. “She seems genuine. If she means to nurture and protect you, then we will allow it.”

Mary smiled at them, her blindfolded gaze seeming to meet theirs. “Thank you. I promise I will not betray his trust—or yours.”

She gently lifted me into her arms, her embrace tender yet firm. Despite her undead nature, there was no malice or coldness in her touch. Instead, it was filled with a maternal warmth that I hadn’t realized I longed for.

As she held me close, I felt a strange sense of peace. For the first time since my reincarnation, I allowed myself to relax, to accept the love and care of someone who saw me not as a weapon or a tool, but as a child.

“Rest now, my little one,” Mary whispered, her voice soothing. “You are safe.”

And for the first time in what felt like an eternity, I believed her.

The night had grown quieter, the sounds of the forest fading into a serene stillness. Mary cradled me in her arms, her presence radiating an almost divine tranquility. Shiori and Hina rested nearby, their forms smaller now, taking on more manageable shapes to conserve their strength.

Mary sat against the base of an ancient tree, her golden hair shimmering faintly in the moonlight. I could feel her gentle hands supporting me, her touch steady and protective. Yet, there was a sense of hesitation in her movements, as if she were unsure how to proceed.

“My little one,” she said softly, her voice carrying the same warmth that had drawn me to her. “You must be hungry.”

I blinked, not sure how to react. My infant body felt weak, but my adult mind rebelled against the idea of relying on someone like this.

Mary hesitated, then smiled gently. “I know this may seem strange to you, but you are still a child in this world. You cannot survive without nourishment, and in your current state, only milk will sustain you.”

Her words were logical, but my pride resisted. I turned my head away, trying to ignore the gnawing hunger in my stomach.

“You’re embarrassed, aren’t you?” she said, a faint laugh escaping her lips. “That’s natural. But you must understand—your life is precious to me. Denying what you need will only harm you.”

I felt a pang of guilt at her words. Despite my reluctance, I couldn’t deny the truth. My body was too weak to process anything else, and I couldn’t risk my survival over something as trivial as pride.

Mary adjusted her position, carefully untying part of her habit. Her movements were slow and deliberate, giving me time to process what was happening.

“This isn’t about shame or pride,” she said softly, her tone soothing. “It’s about love and care. I only wish to give you the strength you need to face the challenges ahead.”

Her words struck a chord deep within me, reminding me of my mother from my previous life. The care, the selflessness—it was the same.

I hesitated for a moment longer, then finally gave in.

“Thank you,” she whispered, her voice trembling slightly with emotion. “You’ve made the right choice.”

As I accepted her care, I felt an overwhelming sense of warmth and safety. Her presence was a balm to the lingering unease in my heart, a reminder that even in this strange and dangerous world, there were moments of peace and connection.

Shiori and Hina watched silently, their expressions unreadable but calm. It was as if they understood the bond being formed, their loyalty to me extending to this woman who had chosen to protect me.

Once the moment passed, Mary gently adjusted her habit and held me close, her blindfolded gaze soft. “You’re stronger now,” she said, a smile gracing her lips. “And you’ll only grow stronger from here.”

The forest seemed to exhale with us, its quiet atmosphere returning as if acknowledging the importance of the bond we had just forged.

And with that, the first chapter of my new life came to an end—not with the clash of swords or the roar of beasts, but with a mother’s love and a moment of peace in an unforgiving world.