The early years of Liam’s life were filled with warmth, laughter, and discovery. His new family—Elric, Mara, and their small but lively household—were farmers in a quiet village nestled at the edge of a dense forest. Life was simple, but it was rich in ways that Liam hadn’t fully appreciated in his past life.

Elric, Liam’s father, was a towering figure with a booming laugh and an endless reservoir of energy. He worked tirelessly in the fields but always made time for his family. Liam’s mother, Mara, was gentle and nurturing, her presence a calming force in their home. But Liam soon realized that their household was unique. His father had another wife, Lilia, a spirited and cheerful woman who treated Liam with as much love as Mara did. The two women shared a bond of deep friendship, their cooperation keeping the family close-knit and harmonious.

As a toddler, Liam spent his days following his father around the fields, toddling after the man’s long strides. “You’ll be a farmer one day, my boy,” Elric would say, lifting Liam onto his shoulders to give him a view of the endless rows of crops. “But for now, just enjoy being a kid.”

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

And enjoy he did. Whether it was splashing in the shallow creek with the other children, chasing chickens around the yard, or listening to the village elders tell stories by the fire, Liam embraced the simplicity of his new life. His mothers doted on him, taking turns teaching him everything from basic chores to the songs and traditions of their village. Lilia, ever the playful one, would often scoop him up and dance around the kitchen, her laughter filling the air. “You’re going to grow up to be something special, little one,” she’d say, planting a kiss on his forehead.

Yet, even as he lived this idyllic life, fragments of another existence lingered at the edges of his mind. They were faint, like whispers carried on the wind, but they were there—memories of a different world, one filled with towering buildings, glowing screens, and machines that roared like beasts. These memories didn’t trouble him; if anything, they felt like a gift, a secret part of him that made him unique.