After my conversation with the entity concluded, and the dreams ceased as well, I embraced life to the fullest. Uncertain if the deity would honor his word and allow me to die of old age or abruptly pluck me to reincarnate in his world, I decided to savor every moment.
I married my true love, Evelyn, and together we raised a family, eventually welcoming children and grandchildren into our lives. The years were rich with joy, love, and challenges, but I cherished every moment, knowing that destiny might call upon me to fulfill my pledge to save another world.
As it turned out, the god kept his promise. After a fulfilling life and being blessed with the presence of loved ones, I eventually succumbed to old age, surrounded by the warmth of family, and peacefully passed away.
In the dimly lit chambers of the grand ducal palace, the Duchess Seraphina Gwendolyn Adelaide of Ravenscroft reclined on a luxurious canopy bed adorned with rich silks and intricate lace. The air was thick with anticipation as her attendants bustled about, preparing for the momentous occasion.
Outside, a storm raged, casting an eerie and ominous atmosphere over the castle. Thunder rumbled in the distance, matching the turbulent emotions within the room.
As the clock struck midnight, the skilled hands of the royal midwife, Mrs. Jenkins, took charge. Her experienced touch and calm demeanor provided a reassuring anchor amidst the chaos. The Duchess's labor pains intensified, and her cries echoed through the opulent chamber, harmonizing with the howling wind.
The Duke Reginald Fitzgerald Bartholomew de Montague of Ravenscroft paced nervously outside the dimly lit chamber where his wife, the Duchess, had just given birth to their son. His heart pounded with a mix of excitement and anxiety, and his hands trembled as he clutched the edges of his velvet robe. He had been waiting for this moment for what felt like an eternity, and the weight of responsibility settled on his shoulders like a heavy cloak.
As the midwife emerged from the chamber, her face bore a gentle smile, and she held a tiny bundle wrapped in soft blankets. The Duke's eyes, accustomed to the horrors of the battlefield, welled up with tears as he reached out to take his newborn son into his arms. It was a moment he had fought for, a moment he had longed for amidst the chaos of war.
Duchess: (Weakly) "Is he... our son?"
Duke: (Choked up) "Yes, my love. He's our son."
The Duchess couldn't help but smile through her exhaustion as she watched the Duke cradle their child, his battle-scarred face softened by an overwhelming mix of emotions. For the first time in years, he felt a sense of vulnerability that was foreign to him. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt for the countless nights he had spent away from her, fighting on the frontlines.
Duchess: (Whispering) "He has your eyes, my lord."
Duke: (Voice quivering) "And your grace... he has your smile."
Their eyes met, and for a moment, the world outside the chamber seemed to fade away. The Duke gently handed their son to the Duchess, who held the baby close to her chest, tears of joy glistening in her eyes.
Duchess: (Tenderly) "Our family has grown, my lord. You've fought so valiantly to protect our realm, and now we have this beautiful gift, just as you are to me."
Duke: (Softly) "I am the luckiest man in the realm to have you by my side, my love. I never thought I could be happier than the day we married, but this... this is a love beyond measure."
They shared a tender, lingering kiss, a rare moment of vulnerability in the midst of their turbulent world, sealing their unspoken promise to nurture and protect their newfound happiness.
Duke: (Whispering) "And we shall cherish every moment with you, my son, for you are the future of our house, a beacon of hope in our darkest hours."
In that quiet chamber, as the newborn son rested in his mother's arms, the Duke and Duchess found strength in their love and newfound purpose.
As I awoke in the capable hands of a midwife, Mrs. Jenkins, my senses slowly adjusted to the world around me. Her experienced touch and calming presence reassured me, and I could hear the faint echoes of my mother's joyful laughter. I was swaddled in warmth and comfort.
I was then passed to my father, the Duke. The Duke possessed a commanding presence, standing tall and distinguished with a strong, chiseled jawline. His aristocratic lineage was evident in his sharp, angular features, and he often wore a well-groomed beard that added an air of authority to his countenance. His deep-set, piercing eyes held the weight of his responsibilities.
I was then passed to my mother, the Duchess Seraphina Gwendolyn Adelaide of Ravenscroft, who was a vision of ethereal beauty—a beauty that seemed to have been plucked from the pages of a fairy tale. Delicate features, soft rosy cheeks, and captivating, doe-like eyes radiated gentle warmth. Her smile could light up a room and put even the sternest of guests at ease.
As she cradled me in her arms, I, let out a soft coo, and a tiny, mischievous smile played upon my lips. It was as if I knew that this smile, just for her, would be the first of countless that would melt her heart in the days to come. Her laughter, a beautiful melody, filled the room.
My father, the Duke Reginald Fitzgerald Bartholomew de Montague of Ravenscroft, stood nearby, his stern countenance softened by the sight of his wife and newborn son. With an affectionate grin, he reached out and gently stroked my tiny fingers.
In those moments, as my parents marveled at their firstborn, a sense of magic seemed to envelop us all. The castle's maids, drawn by the joyous commotion, entered the room to catch a glimpse of the newest addition to the noble family.
As I turned my curious gaze toward the maids, my eyes twinkled with innocence and wonder. With the purity of a child's heart, I extended my tiny arms toward them, and my cherubic smile widened. It was a smile that had the power to disarm and captivate, and as the maids gathered around, they couldn't help but chuckle and coo in response.
In that moment, surrounded by love, laughter, and the enchantment of new life, I, Cedric Reginald de Montague of Ravenscroft, had unwittingly begun my journey into a world filled with boundless possibilities.
For the first six months of my life, my existence was marked by crying for nourishment, soiling my clothes, and sleep. I struggled to resist slumber with my mature mind but couldn't prevail.
After those initial six months, I gained the ability to stay awake for longer stretches. It was during this time that I began to babble and smile at my parents
Now, I needed to check if the knowledge bestowed upon me was correct or not. I was still only 6 months old, and I wasn't allowed to stray away from my crib. An attendant was posted there for all of my needs, keeping a watchful eye on me at all times, making it impossible for me to access the library.
To overcome this, I started to pester the maid attendant, tugging at her and pointing at the books. Which bore no fruit until my mother, the duchess was done with her duties and came to my room.
Duchess:(With a soft chuckle, sitting in a cozy chair with her 6-month-old son on her lap) "Well, my little adventurer, it seems you've had quite the day, haven't you? Pointing at all those books and babbling away. I must say, the maid was quite taken aback."
Baby: (Giggles and coos, still excited by the books)
Duchess: "Ah, but I think I understand now. You wanted a story, didn't you?"
She reached for a beautifully illustrated book that held tales from the world beyond their cozy chamber.
Duchess:"Tonight, my dear, we shall embark on a special journey through the lands of Aerandor, the very world you were born into, in our beloved Dukedom of Ravenscroft, where the wild forest meets the realm of men."
With a gentle touch, she opened the book to a captivating tale.
Duchess: "Once upon a time, in the Kingdom of Valoria, Located in the central plains of Aerandor, Valoria serves as a crossroads between many of the surrounding kingdom, where our ancestors hail from, there lived a kind-hearted knight named Sir Cedric. Sir Cedric was a valiant human, strong of heart and pure of spirit."
As she read, she used her fingers to trace the intricate illustrations of the knight, painting an image for her son.
Duchess: "Now, in the mystical forests of Thalindor, the Elven Kingdom, Lies to the east of Valoria, within dense and mystical forests, there dwelled a wise elven scholar named Elyndor. Elyndor was known for his wisdom and knowledge, and his connection to the ancient magic of the woodlands."
The baby's wide eyes followed her finger as she pointed to the graceful elves in the book.
Duchess: "In the heart of the Dwarven Kingdom, Ironpeak Hold, Nestled deep within the mountain range to the northeast, Ironpeak Hold's tunnels extend beneath the very earth, there was a sturdy and steadfast dwarf named Durin. Durin was a master blacksmith who forged the most exquisite weapons and armor."
She continued to weave the tale, her voice like a soothing melody.
Duchess: "Deep within the volcanic caverns of Ignisarum, the Dragon Kingdom, Located to the south of Valoria, across treacherous volcanic terrain, a majestic dragon named Drakarion soared through the skies. His wings were like flames, and his scales glittered like gemstones."
The baby, now nestled comfortably against her chest, listened with rapt attention.
Duchess: "And in the untamed wilderness of Feralands, the Beastmen Kingdom,Spreads across the vast wilderness to the west of Valoria, a shamanic beastman named Kaelan communed with the spirits of the land. His bond with the creatures of the wild was unbreakable."
She turned the pages, each one revealing a new chapter of their enchanting adventure.
Duchess: "And so, my precious one, these diverse races of Aerandor came together when a great darkness threatened their world. They united their strengths, forging bonds of friendship and trust."
As the Duchess read the story, her son's eyelids grew heavier with each passing word. The room was bathed in the soft glow of a moonbeam, creating a tranquil ambiance.
Duchess: "They learned from one another, my love, just as I hope you'll learn from the world around you. And together, they overcame the darkness and brought peace to their lands."
With a gentle kiss on her son's forehead, she closed the book and held him close, swaying gently in the chair.
Duchess: (Whispering) "Sleep now, my little adventurer, for you have many stories yet to discover in this world of wonder and beauty. Dream of the lands beyond our borders, and know that you are loved beyond measure, here in Ravenscroft, our home."
The baby's eyes fluttered closed, and he nestled into his mother's embrace, carried away into a land of dreams, just like the heroes of the story.
Through this, I was able to confirm that the number of races in the world was indeed the same.
This world was called Aerandor, and there were five races: Humans, Elves, Dwarves, Beastmen, and Dragons.
I was born in the dukedom of Ravenscroft, located in the western reaches of the Kingdom of Valoria. The Dukedom of Ravenscroft is a realm of striking beauty and natural wonder, distinguished by its rugged landscapes, dense forests, and a mystical aura that seems to hang in the air. As it shares its western border with the Kingdom of Beastmen, Feralands, the dukedom serves as both a protective bulwark against the untamed wilderness and a place of intrigue and mystique.
That was all the information I could gather for now, but I didn't stay idle. I searched and learned all martial arts and weapon mastery by purchasing their scrolls through the virtual marketplace. These scrolls crumbled to dust after I read them, storing their knowledge in my brain. However, a baby's brain capacity is limited, so I had to take a potion.
Potion of Arcane Awe, Usage:
- A single drop of the Potion of Arcane Awe is administered to the baby on the night of their birth.
- As the baby grows, the potion enhances their ability to absorb and comprehend magical knowledge and skills. It allows them to learn and master magical abilities more quickly than others in the world.
Since I didn't take it on the day I was born, the effect diminished somewhat, but it was still better than nothing. After taking the potion, my brain's capacity expanded beyond that of a typical infant, allowing me to absorb and comprehend magical knowledge and skills more quickly than others in the world. It was as if the potion had unlocked a hidden potential within me. After that, I started using magic scrolls as well to learn all kinds of magic skills.
These potions I could also use on my siblings in the future so they could assist me with my endeavor to save the world. Using these, I can rally people to my cause and raise people's strength to assist me as I raise a massive army to eradicate demons and angels and bring peace to the world.
Thankfully, I have caring parents in this world that dote on me, and being the heir, I have no trouble getting supplies. I will need to gather at least a bit of wealth then exaggerate the numbers to use the resources available to me.
I want to explore this world, and in this world, since I will have a whole territory to rule in the future, I want to make my territory developed to such an extent that when people arrive at my territory, they assume it is heaven, heaven on Aerandor.
As such, when they think of heaven, they think of my territory, the dukedom of Ravenscroft. I will use all the resources available at my disposal to achieve my dream.
That is how I, Cedric Reginald de Montague of Ravenscroft, had unwittingly begun my journey into a world filled with boundless possibilities.
