Chapter 2

Shaun's surroundings were a haze of unfiltered and strange feelings. He felt warm all around him, a strange yet reassuring heat across his skin. A human shape, smooth and supple in a way that felt strangely intimate yet perplexing was touched by his quivering hands. He was intrigued by the experience despite his confusion.

He had never tasted anything like the deep, sweet flavor that engulfed his tongue. It resembled milk, snug and luscious, but much sweeter. This new experience was unusual in every sense. As though he were In the middle of a vivid dream, everything was both real and unreal. 

"Is this what death feels like?" Shaun asked himself. His body moved automatically, his lips latched onto a source of nourishment. The act itself was startling- a reaction that should not be his. Was he... suckling? Like a child, like an infant...?

The thought jolted him, but curiosity won out. He slowly opened his eyes, blinking against the dim light. The room was softly lit, creating shadows that danced on the walls. His eyes was quickly drawn downwards, where an image both shocking and fascinating filled his field of view.

A big, supple breast pushed against his cheek, it's silky skin warm and welcoming. It dominated his view, and a flood of sensations swept over him. His lips stayed attached, drawing nourishment from the unfamiliar source as his mind struggled to understand. Slowly his gaze moved upwards, beyond the swell of breast and the delicate fabric framing it, to the woman who held him.

Her face was lovely, noble in both demeanour and look. Long locks of hair framed a face of serene beauty. Her eyes, soft and warm, gazed down at him with a love that stirred a curious combination of comfort and unease within him. She smiled warmly, her look communicating protectiveness.

Shaun's uncertainty intensified, his mind struggling to make sense of the unusual circumstance. Why am I here? What is happening? For a tiny minute, he thought of breaking away from her embrace, of escaping the weird intimacy. Yet another part of him- the part that clung to temptation fought against the idea.

"When would i ever have an opportunity like this again?" He thought, a scandalous curiosity bubbling to the surface. His gaze lingered on the woman's chest, the softness pressed against him igniting thoughts he dared not entertain too deeply. Without thinking, he raised his hands, small and clumsy, towards the ample mounds that enveloped him.

His fingers, or rather what should have been his fingers, caressed the curve of her breast. Shaun froze. Something was wrong. His hands felt strange- tiny, frail. He pulled them closer to his face shaking as he understood the reality. These weren't his hands. These were the hands of a baby- small, wriggling and helpless. 

Panic set in. His mind reeled as he processed the revelation. I've been reborn... as a child? He stares at the tiny limbs.

The woman above him seemed oblivious to his inner turmoil. Instead her smile grew, radiating maternal warmth. She cradled him closer, her movements gentle and protective as though he were the most precious thing in her world.

As Shaun struggled with this realization, a loud male voice boomed from the room door.

A tall, good-looking man walked into the room, with bold authoritative features. He was none other than Aldric Filavandrel, Shaun's supposed father.

Aldric smiled mischievously as the woman holding Shaun "Ah, my dear, it looks like the little prince has an appetite fit for a king!" he said, his gaze falling on Shaun's contented expression. "Shall we call him 'Suck-A-Lot'?

The woman chuckled softly at his jest, brushing a gentle hand across baby Shaun's forehead.

Aldric smiled bigger as he walked up to his wife and looked at the bundle she was holding. "Our young Suck-A-Lot seems quite content in your embrace, my love. You must have the most soothing of bosoms." He gave her a sly wink, eliciting another soft laugh from the woman.

She looked down at Shaun, her expression softening as she spoke. "He has been a perfect angel since the moment he was born. I only wish for his safety and happiness, my lord."

"And so it shall be, my dear," Aldric replied, his tone gentle and reassuring. He took the swaddled bundle from his wife's arms, holding Shaun close to his chest. "He will have everything he needs to grow into a strong and noble man." With a final smile, he turned and made his way to the door.

As he stepped into the hallway, Aldric was met by a tall, imposing figure. The man bowed slightly in respect, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

"My lord, it is an honor to see you," the man said, straightening himself to his full height. "I trust the birth of your son was successful?"

Aldric nodded, his expression softening. "Indeed it was, Geralt. Thank you for your concern. Our prince is a healthy and strong baby, a true heir to the Filavandrel name."

"That is wonderful news, my lord," Geralt said, the admiration clear in his voice.

"If you are ready, my Lord," Geralt said, "we can begin the baby's test. Everything is prepared according to your instructions."

"Indeed, Geralt," Aldric responded, his tone suddenly filled with eagerness. "I cannot wait to see what our son will be capable of, how strong he will grow to be. I just know he will be destined for greatness, he is my son after all."

With Geralt at his side, Aldric aheaded towards the designated room.

Shaun's mind was anything but calm. Everything around him screamed that this life had expectations he couldn't imagine. 

The sound of Aldric's shoes echoed softly as he carried Shaun down the hallway, following Geralt. They stopped in front of a strange circle drawn on the floor.

Geralt stepped into the circle and then began to speak in a low, steady voice. Shaun didn't understand the words, but they seemed important. Suddenly, the lines of the circle began to glow, the light spreading quickly until it filled the whole space.

Shaun winced as the light grew brighter, covering his tiny eyes with his hands. It felt warm and strange, and for a moment, he was completely blinded.

When the light finally dimmed, Shaun lowered his hands and blinked. The hallway was gone. They were now in a new room, softly lit and filled with strange objects and symbols.

What just happened? Shaun thought, staring around in confusion. The air felt heavy, filled with an energy he couldn't explain. He looked up at Aldric, who carried him calmly, as if this was just another ordinary day.

Shaun's breath, or the closest thing to it in his infant state, was caught. Around the room were people with hoods over their heads, and in the middle of the room was a scale. But Shaun could tell by looking at it that this was no ordinary scale.

"The Astral scale," Aldric began, as if reading Shaun's mind, an artifact as old as Eldoria itself, made by Zepharion, the keeper of balance. And this will be used to test your mana affinity and potential. 

My potential? Shaun asked himself. Shaun's thoughts churned. He wanted answers, but not like this—not from an artifact that could shape how he would be treated, how he would be judged. Yet he couldn't stop what was coming.

"Let us see what fate has in store for you, my son," Aldric murmured, his voice carrying both pride and anticipation."

Shaun's little palm was placed onto the Mortal plate of the Astral scale with it's cold surface. The ritual master began the chant with a steady voice. The scale was instantly awakened with the golden runes embedded on it sparking and spinning across it's frame. 

As shaun's mana seeped into the plate, the bowls of the scale their usual motion. The mortal plate dropped slowly, gleaming with a soft light, while the Celestial plate rose, glowing in anticipation. But then something went wrong.

The room darkened, and the scale's hum turned into a disturbing growl. The mortal plate beneath Shaun's hand vibrated furiously as the Celestial plate rocketed upward, bursting loose from the bonds with a resounding crash. A wave of energy surged outward, driving everyone back.

The runes moved chaotically, losing their orderly structure, until they collided and shattered like glass. Aldric put up a barrier shielding himself and Shaun as the fragments of light scattered around the room. 

The overseers stared in shock as the Celestial plate floated floated mid air, broken and glowing ominously.

"The scale.... it's broken!" one of the overseer gasped.