Chapter 38

{This chapter is mostly a recap. Thank you, readers, for your supportive comments. I apologize for the mistakes so far. I’ll do my best to improve the flow of the story moving forward.}

After gathering all the materials needed for my army, we returned to Gauriash’s estate. The afternoon air was light with laughter and contentment after a long day of work. Lunch was rich and flavorful, prepared with care—Gauriash never failed to impress when it came to hospitality.

Once we were full, we moved into his elegant entertainment room, a warm and ornate space designed to ease both body and mind. Cushions of fine fabric were scattered across the floor, the scent of calming herbs burning gently in the corners.

As we settled, Gauriash, ever the gracious host, turned to me and spoke in a low, thoughtful tone.

“Prince Asher, forgive my boldness,” he said, his eyes searching mine. “I’ve met many people in my years—lords, nobles, commanders, merchants ... But there’s something about you that I can’t quite define. A kind of weight ... a presence. Not just your title. Something deeper.”

The comment caught me off guard, though I kept my expression carefully composed. I offered a polite smile, choosing not to respond directly. Better to let the mystery speak for itself.

We continued the afternoon with light conversation and a few traditional games. After a bell’s time, we bid farewell and departed for the castle. The sun hung high above us by the time we arrived at the gates.

Once inside, I politely excused myself and made my way to my chambers.

There, in the quiet of my study, I sat down and penned a letter—a formal request for an audience with the king and queen. My heart felt unusually heavy. This wasn’t politics or planning. This was personal.

Unable to sit still, I began pacing the floor, my boots tapping lightly against the polished stone. Thoughts churned in my head.

That was how Cassie found me when she arrived, entering the room quietly, her usual smirk replaced with curiosity.

Before she could speak, there was a knock at the door.

A servant handed me a sealed parchment. I broke the wax and read it quickly.

“You may meet the King and Queen. They are available until the supper hour.”

I nodded to myself and turned to Cassie. “I have to go. The King and Queen are free now.”

Cassie tilted her head, clearly concerned but knowing better than to press. “Shall I accompany you?”

“No, not this time. I need to go alone.”

She gave a short nod and stepped aside. I left the room with purpose, my cloak brushing the floor behind me, and made my way toward the royal chambers—toward the audience that had waited far too long.

After entering the royal chambers, I found my parents seated together in a quiet, sun-dappled corner, surrounded by silken curtains and the scent of jasmine tea

I stepped forward and gave a respectful bow before taking a seat beside them. My heart beat with a strange mixture of determination and vulnerability.

“Mother, Father ... I have something to say.”

They turned to me in unison, their expressions soft but attentive. My mother tilted her head slightly, her eyes studying me closely, while my father gave a small nod, his hand resting thoughtfully on his chin.

“Go on,” he said, his voice calm and measured.

I sat before my parents, the weight of my truth pressing against my chest. After a moment of silence, I finally spoke.

“Mother ... Father ... there’s something I’ve never told anyone outside my closest circle. It’s time you knew.”

Their expressions remained composed, but I could sense their curiosity and concern.

“I wasn’t born in this world.”

That made them lean in, just slightly.

“I was born on a distant world called Earth. My life there ... it was different. Fast-paced, full of technology, conflict, and struggle. And like all lives, it eventually came to an end.”

I paused, the memory of that moment still vivid in my heart.

“When I died, I didn’t go to the afterlife. Instead, I was summoned by a divine presence ... the goddess Eterna. She told me my death was not the end, but a test—and an opportunity. She offered me a second chance, not as a reward, but as a responsibility.”

Their silence encouraged me to continue.

“She sent me here. To this world. Into this body.”

I glanced at my own hands.

“But she did not leave me empty-handed. Eterna granted me three gifts—three powers to help fulfill my role in this world.”

I raised a finger.

“The first: Metal Manipulation. I can shape, forge, and command metal at will. Blades, armor, tools—anything forged from metal bends to my intention.”

A second finger.

“The second: Nature Magic. It connects me to the life around us—the forests, the soil, the very rhythm of the world. I can grow, nurture, and command plant life, and eventually even interact with natural forces.”

A third finger.

“And third: Dimensional Gate. A spatial ability that lets me store, travel, and manipulate space—a power that is still growing, still revealing its limits.”

I looked into their eyes, then added quietly, “But there was one more gift. Not from the goddess directly, but a blessing I received after I accepted the host body I now inhabit.”

I placed a hand on my chest.

“It’s called Echo Sense. It allows me to feel the truth in words, to sense emotions and intentions through vibrations—like echoes in a cave. It’s why I can tell when someone is lying ... and why no secret stays hidden for long near me.”

My voice softened.

“I don’t tell you this to seek approval or praise. I tell you because it’s the truth. And I want you to know the real me—your son Asher, yes ... but also something more.”

“After I died on Earth, the goddess Eterna tested me once more—to determine if I was a soul worthy of salvation. It wasn’t just a trial of strength, but of character and purpose.”

I took a deep breath and continued.

“During this test, I was granted unlimited access to basic resources—water, food, and wood. Along with them, I received several types of metals. With those resources, I made a choice ... to build, to create. I decided to establish a trading hall, aiming to become the finest merchant in existence.”

A faint smile crossed my lips as I recalled the next part.

“It was during that time I met a peculiar rabbit named Hopperius the Sage. He wasn’t just any creature—he was a creation of the goddess herself. Eterna had sent him to guide me, to help me navigate my path.”

I looked at both of them.

“And when I completed her trials, I was granted three divine rewards. First, the ability to use Nature Magic without consuming mana—an endless well of power for growth and life. Second, eternal youth—a gift to ensure I remain in my prime as long as I serve my purpose. And third ... the Aurelith Tree.”

They looked puzzled, so I clarified.

“It’s a divine tree, now rooted in my dimensional space. It’s unlike anything this world has ever seen. Its power is vast, and its potential ... still unfolding.”

“Then, when I first woke up on this planet, I found myself in the royal apothecary,” I continued. “That’s where I met Kaelis.”

I glanced at them both and smiled slightly at the memory.

“Not long after that, I was summoned by you, Father. I’m sure you remember that dinner.”

The king gave a small nod. “Yes, I remember. That was the night you gave me the herb that healed the Queen’s illness.”

I turned to my mother, emotion softening my voice.

“And that same night, Mother, you declared me your son. That was the moment I truly gained something I had longed for all my life—a family. A real family. The kind I never had back on Earth.”

They said nothing, but I could see the warmth in their eyes.

My tone turned more serious as I continued.

“But soon after, I was shocked to discover that slavery exists here—and not just exists, but is legal and openly practiced. At first, I was disturbed. Where I come from, such a thing is unthinkable. And yet ... I now own slaves in this world.”

I looked down for a moment before lifting my gaze.

Then, I explained how thrilled I was to have a second chance at life—a life with a family I had always dreamed of. I shared the simple joys, like how I playfully pranked Bao that morning, and how, through that moment, I gained my first real friend: Boa.

I recalled how, in my innocence, I named the slaves I had just received—unaware of the customs and implications behind such an action. It was Silvia who later explained the true significance and consequences of naming a slave. Her words struck me, and from that day on, I vowed to always think before acting so carelessly again.

I went on to explain how eager I was to embrace this new life, how excited I felt to move forward and build meaningful relationships. I wanted to make friends, to belong. It was Aldric Valtorian who sensed that desire in me. Without a word, he took me to the commoners’ training ground, offering me a space where I could truly connect with others without status getting in the way.

That simple, thoughtful gesture meant so much to me that I chose him, without hesitation, to be my right hand.

Then, when I interacted with Darius Valen, my Echo Sense came into play. Not only that, but during our conversation, he felt genuine. That was the moment I decided he would be the head of my army.

While we were discussing my plans for an archer-assassin group, the idea of the compound bow and arrows from my previous life came to mind.

I also wanted a place of my own for research and development. When you gave me the south side of the castle wall, I was truly delighted.

My request to not be disturbed earned me both an enemy and a challenge.

The enemy was Adrian Kane, and the challenge he presented gave me the opportunity to demonstrate the power of the bow.

During the challenge, I realized that what I truly desired was freedom—so I took the blood oath to become the Protector of the Throne. However, in my haste, I made the mistake of slicing my palm.

But that mistake turned out to be a blessing in disguise. When you, Mother, got angry and slapped me, I truly understood what it meant to have a family.

After breakfast, when you gave me a large sum of money to spend, I felt like I was in heaven. That day, I got the chance to visit the market—a dream come true.

Any human from Earth who loves magic would give an arm just to step into such a place. But I wasn’t just getting to see it—I was getting to shop there.

That’s when I met Aldric Valefang. We went to the market together, and I was overflowing with curiosity about all the magical beasts I might encounter. Upon reaching the market, I was busy admiring the creatures when I suddenly felt a pull in a particular direction.

Without thinking, I followed it. That pull led me straight to Varian’s shop. The sensation grew stronger as I approached. He spoke, and I listened. There was a confrontation there—I don’t recall all the details—but I know that I ended up rescuing the gryphons that day.

That visit marked the start of many connections. I purchased several magical beasts and made valuable contacts among the beast traders.