The Warlord's Second Life As A Commoner : 005

The sky is clear in the small village where Rayne's family lives, accompanied by the cheerful sound of birds flying between the trees. In the backyard, Evan chopped wood while Anna hung the laundry out to dry. Lucian, now almost three years old, sat on a log, his sharp eyes watching his father's every move with deep interest.

"Evan, be careful with your hands," Anna exclaimed from afar, reminding her husband, who was getting excited with an axe in hand.

Evan chuckled, "Take it easy, I've been doing this for years."

Lucian, although still a child, was already showing signs of remarkable development. His understanding of his surroundings was beyond his years, and he often watched with an attention unusual for a child. However, there was one thing that always caught his attention: the old sword hanging on the living room wall.

It was Evan's, a symbol of his past as a soldier under the command of Maximus Caelum. The long silver blade was riddled with scratches, but still held an alluring aura of toughness.

One morning, while Anna was at the market and Evan was busy repairing the roof, Lucian sneaked into the living room. He looked curiously at the sword on the wall. His small feet moved slowly, and his hand reached for the hilt that hung low, just enough for him to reach.

When he touched the sword, a strange wave of feeling passed through his body. It was as if something inside him was awakening. Flashes of memories from his life as Maximus Caelum appeared-the battles, the clashing of swords, and the sound of troops chanting his name.

With great effort, he pulled the sword from its holster. Its weight made his small body sway slightly, but he managed to hold it with both hands. Despite the difficulty, Lucian was not daunted. There was a sense of familiarity that put him at ease, like welcoming an old friend.

When Evan went into the house to get some water, he was surprised to see his son standing with the sword. "Lucian! What are you doing?" he exclaimed as he ran over.

Lucian looked at his father with a serious gaze, not like a typical child. "Father," he said in a low, but confident voice. "I want to study."

Evan was silent. The words felt foreign coming out of a child's mouth. He took the sword from Lucian's hand carefully, then put it back in its original place. "You're too young for swordplay," he said, trying to sound stern. Yet, in his heart, he knew there was something different about this boy.

Days passed, and Lucian's desire to wield a sword did not fade. He often watched Evan as the man practiced in the backyard, swinging a wooden sword to keep himself fit. Every movement, every step, Lucian watched closely.

One afternoon, Evan finally gave in to his son's request. He made a small wooden sword, light enough for Lucian to hold. "It's just for practice," Evan said. "And you have to listen to every word I say. Understood?"

Lucian nodded eagerly. He grabbed the wooden sword with both hands, feeling its much lighter weight compared to a real sword. However, it was enough for him to get started.

Evan began to teach him the basics, such as how to hold the sword properly and balanced foot position. Despite his small body, Lucian learned quickly. His movements weren't perfect, but there was something in the way he held the sword that made Evan think of someone.

"You remind me of..." Evan didn't finish his sentence. He shook his head, trying to push the thought away. "Come on, let's continue."

At night, as Lucian fell asleep in his bed, dreams of his old life came back to haunt him. In his dreams, he saw his old self-Maximus Caelum-standing on a hill, watching over a battlefield filled with blood and fire. In his hand, he held the same sword that hung on the wall of Evan's house.

"You cannot escape your destiny," the voice from his dream echoed. "You were reborn for a reason. The world needs you again."

Lucian woke up covered in cold sweat. He stared at the ceiling, trying to comprehend what he had just experienced. Although his body was small, his soul felt heavy with the weight of his past.

One afternoon, when Evan and Anna went to the village, Lucian decided to practice alone in the backyard. He swung the wooden sword with the movements his father had taught him. Although his movements were still awkward, there was a perseverance in the way he practiced.

Suddenly, a cold wind blew, and there was silence. From the shadow of a large tree nearby, a dark figure emerged, one he had seen in his dreams.

However, within him, a question kept coming up. Will he be able to live a more peaceful life this time? Or would fate drag him back to the battlefield he had left behind? The answer is not yet clear, but Lucian promises himself that he will become stronger—not only for himself, but also for the people who are now his family. And when the world calls to him, he will answer the call without hesitation. He knows that each challenge he faces will shape him further, forging bonds that can withstand the trials ahead. With determination burning in his heart, Lucian sets forth, ready to embrace whatever destiny has in store for him.

He knows that each challenge he faces will shape him further, forging bonds that can withstand the trials ahead. With determination burning in his heart, Lucian sets forth, ready to embrace whatever destiny has in store for him.

With resolve in his heart, Lucian set out to forge a new path, one that embraced both the lessons of his past and the hope for his future. Each day became a step toward healing, as he learned to balance the weight of his memories with the lightness of newfound joy.