Chapter 3:Awakening 2

Chapter 3: Awakening of the Warlord

Leon's eyes fluttered open, his body feeling heavy yet strangely whole. A dull ache pulsed in his skull, but it was nothing compared to the sensation crawling beneath his skin—a presence that did not belong to this moment in time.

He wasn't supposed to be here.

His breathing slowed as he forced himself to think. This room, this body… it was his, but younger. His memories—no, not just memories, his very existence—carried the weight of a lifetime that had already played out. He had died. He knew that with certainty. And yet, here he was.

Regression.

But how?

Time magic, perhaps? No, not like this. He had read about mages tampering with time—short rewinds, localized loops—but no one had ever reversed an entire existence. Even the most divine artifacts couldn't achieve such a feat. And yet, something had pulled him back. Something powerful.

Why?

Was this a second chance? A punishment? Or was there something even greater at play?

A sharp knock on the door pulled him from his thoughts.

"Well, well, look who finally decided to wake up."

The voice was light, teasing, yet carried the weight of authority. Leon turned his head to see an elderly man striding into the room with a casual gait, as if he had all the time in the world.

Long silver hair framed a face marked with age yet brimming with energy. His robe, far too casual for someone of his station, gave the impression of a man who had long since abandoned the need for appearances. Yet his piercing gaze told another story entirely.

Grandmaster Aldric, the head of the academy.

Leon had heard stories about him—eccentric, unpredictable, but undeniably brilliant. He was said to be one of the strongest mages alive, though few had ever seen him fight. Some believed he was a relic of the past. Others whispered that his madness was merely a mask for something deeper.

Aldric stopped beside the bed, peering down at him with a grin. "I must say, collapsing right after an impressive victory? Quite the dramatic touch. If I didn't know any better, I'd say you planned it."

Leon sat up slowly, testing his body. His muscles felt stiff, but not weak. He was whole. Strong.

"I collapsed from exhaustion, didn't I?" he asked, keeping his tone neutral.

"Oh, that's what the healers say." Aldric waved a hand dismissively. "But I don't buy it. No, no, no. You're perfectly fine. Which means something else happened."

Leon met his gaze, unreadable.

Aldric studied him for a long moment before chuckling. "You're not going to tell me, are you?"

"No."

The old man threw his head back and laughed. "Good! I do love a bit of mystery."

A healer cleared her throat. "Grandmaster, please don't agitate the patient."

Aldric waved her off. "Oh, nonsense! If anything, my presence is helping him recover faster." Then he turned back to Leon. "So, what's next? Going to take it easy for a while, or shake things up again?"

Before Leon could respond, a sharp voice cut through the room.

"Grandmaster, stop bothering him and come with me."

A woman entered, exuding authority. Her long silver hair, strikingly similar to Aldric's, hinted at a familial connection. Unlike the grandmaster's carefree demeanor, hers was sharp and disciplined. Her piercing eyes locked onto Aldric with a mix of frustration and familiarity.

"Ah, Seraphina, my dear daughter." Aldric grinned. "Surely you wouldn't drag your poor old father away when he's having such a fascinating conversation?"

Seraphina crossed her arms. "Yes, I would."

With a sigh, Aldric let himself be pulled away, though he cast one last amused glance at Leon before disappearing through the door.

Leon watched them go, finding them to be a truly unique pair of father and daughter.