Chapter 5 A Hidden Gift

The following day was bright and clear, a sharp contrast to the dark, tense forest that Floyd and his father had traversed the previous evening. Floyd stood at the window of the manor, his gaze distant as he observed the bustle of the small village that surrounded their home. The world outside was peaceful, calm, almost serene, but Floyd knew better. After the battle with the Night Howler, he couldn't shake the feeling that danger lurked just beyond the horizon.

He had barely slept, his mind replaying the battle over and over, analyzing his magic, his actions, and the raw power that surged through him. It was exhilarating, but also overwhelming. He had never felt anything like it in his past life-a power so vast and uncontrollable that it both excited and terrified him. How could he control it? How could he be sure that it wouldn't consume him?

A soft knock on the door broke his thoughts.

"Floyd?" His mother's gentle voice called from the other side. "Breakfast is ready. Your father's waiting for you."

He straightened up, wiping a hand over his face, still not used to the daily rhythms of this new life.

"I'll be right there," he called back, quickly adjusting his clothes and heading out of the room.

When Floyd entered the dining room, his father was already seated, a mug of steaming tea in his hand, while his mother, Elena, bustled around preparing the meal. The sight of them-his parents, so kind and warm-still felt surreal to Floyd. He had been reborn into this new world, and they had welcomed him without question. It was a gift he couldn't fully understand yet, but he was beginning to grasp the importance of it. They loved him, a new child, without reservation. It was more than he had ever known in his past life.

"Good morning, son," BohLin said with a nod, his voice deep but gentle. "You slept well?"

Floyd hesitated for a moment, then smiled faintly, his usual awkwardness creeping in. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just... thinking about yesterday."

His father raised an eyebrow. "About the beast? You handled it well. You've got a natural gift for combat magic."

Floyd shifted uncomfortably in his chair, unsure how to respond. He was still processing the strange surge of power he had felt during the fight. It hadn't just been his magical abilities that had helped him-it had been something else. Something deeper.

"Thanks," he said, finally. "I guess... I just feel like it was too easy. Like I'm not doing enough to control it."

His mother smiled warmly, placing a plate of food in front of him. "You're still young, Floyd. Your abilities will grow with time. And you're lucky to have a strong father to guide you." She paused, her eyes twinkling with affection. "Don't be too hard on yourself. You've already accomplished more than most would in their entire lifetime."

Floyd glanced up at her, the tenderness in her gaze making him feel both comforted and exposed. She was right, of course. He was lucky to have them. But that didn't stop the gnawing uncertainty inside of him.

He reached for his fork, distracted by his thoughts. The door to the dining room opened then, and the maid, Lyra, stepped inside, a warm smile on her face.

"Good morning, Master Floyd," she greeted him cheerfully, bowing slightly. "I've prepared the garden for your practice session today. Is there anything specific you'd like to focus on?"

Floyd blinked, caught off guard. He had been so consumed with his thoughts that he had forgotten about his daily training.

"I... I hadn't thought about it," he admitted, his voice trailing off.

Lyra tilted her head, sensing his discomfort. "Perhaps some sword training would be good today? Or more magic practice? The choice is yours, of course."

His mother chimed in, her voice light. "You've been doing quite well with your magic. Maybe it's time you spent more time honing your swordplay as well."

Floyd hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Swordplay sounds good. I'll meet you in the garden soon."

Lyra smiled, giving a slight bow before stepping out. As she left, Floyd took another deep breath, trying to shake the restlessness that had settled in his chest.

"Your magic has great potential," BohLin said suddenly, his gaze never leaving his tea. "But don't forget that you need to master your body as well. Magic can only take you so far. It's the discipline of the mind and body that will make you truly unstoppable."

Floyd nodded slowly. The weight of his father's words didn't escape him. Even though he had been blessed with an immense amount of power, it was clear that he couldn't rely solely on magic. Swordsmanship, physical prowess, and the ability to think quickly-these were just as important.

"I understand," Floyd said quietly, his voice steady. "I'll work harder at it."

His mother smiled again. "You've already come so far. But remember to enjoy your childhood as well. You don't have to shoulder everything at once."

Floyd smiled faintly. It was strange. Despite all the magic, the battles, and the expectations, his parents made him feel... normal. They were a solid presence, one that rooted him to this world, even though he wasn't sure where he fit into it yet.

After breakfast, Floyd went to the garden, where Lyra was waiting for him, a wooden training sword in her hands. The sun was warm, the scent of fresh flowers filling the air. This was a peaceful world, he realized. One filled with beauty, nature, and new beginnings.

Lyra handed him the sword, and as he grasped the handle, he couldn't help but feel a rush of determination. Today, he would sharpen his skills. Not just with magic, but with the sword as well. This world was his to explore, and he had much to learn.

As he stood there in the garden, the warm sunlight on his skin, he realized something: this life, this second chance, was not just about survival. It was about finding his place, mastering the power inside him, and protecting the people who mattered. He had his parents, his newfound friends, and his own potential.

But with that potential came responsibility.

And with responsibility came the need to understand the world-and himself-better.

The sword felt heavier in his hand than it had before, but now, he wasn't afraid. He wasn't afraid of the power inside him.

No. Today, he would begin mastering it.

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