Five years had passed like the blink of an eye.
The seasons had turned, the rivers had frozen and thawed, yet for Rion, time had felt strangely gentle.
In this new life, he found peace — a kind he'd never known before. The once restless soul of a thirty-year-old man who'd lived through monotony and loneliness now rested inside the body of a child who had everything he'd longed for: a family, a home, and laughter that reached him without condition.
He often thought to himself, So this is what it means to live.
Every morning, he'd wake to the smell of his mother's cooking and the sound of his father chopping wood outside. Every evening, he'd watch the orange sun sink beyond the white hills of the north. His new life was simple, yet beautiful in ways that words could never truly describe.
It wasn't just freedom that made it precious — it was love.
The kind of love that asked for nothing in return.
Now winter had come again.
The wind carried a soft chill through the narrow paths of the northern village. The roofs were buried in snow, smoke rose lazily from chimneys, and a silence hung over everything — the kind of silence that only winter nights could bring.
But there was one home that wasn't quiet.
The Alder household glowed from within. Light flickered through its windows, warm and golden against the endless white. Laughter echoed faintly into the night, breaking the stillness of the sleeping village.
Inside, the dining table was already set — candles stood in neat rows, their tiny flames dancing; plates were filled with roasted vegetables, warm bread, and spiced stew. The air smelled of butter and herbs.
Paul, ever full of restless energy, stood on a stool trying to hang a decorative garland that kept slipping from his grasp. "Why do these things never stay put?" he muttered, struggling with a piece of string.
In the kitchen, Niana hummed softly while stirring the soup. Beside her, Talia — carefully arranged sliced fruit on a silver plate. They worked together in quiet rhythm, though the faint tension between them always lingered like a shadow neither spoke of.
At the table, Rion sat with his chin resting on his palms, quietly watching them all. His eyes reflected the candlelight.
He felt something stir in his chest.
So this is warmth… this is family.
No words could ever describe how much that meant to him.
"Alright!" Paul exclaimed, jumping off the stool and stretching his arms. "Everything's ready!"
At that very moment, a cheerful voice came from the kitchen doorway.
"Tadah! Look what's coming!"
Niana entered, holding a small cake with flickering candles. The gentle scent of vanilla filled the room. Rion's eyes widened slightly.
She placed it on the table and smiled. "Happy birthday, Rion."
Paul came behind her, clapping his hands once. "Go on, my boy! Blow out the candles!"
For a moment, Rion didn't move. His eyes were fixed on the flames — so small, yet they brought forth a flood of old memories.
A birthday in his previous life. His mother and father smiling. The sound of laughter before it all faded into silence.
He closed his eyes. That was the last time I celebrated my birthday...
Then, suddenly, a pair of gentle arms wrapped around him.
Niana's voice whispered, "Go on, sweetheart."
Rion blinked, his chest tightening with warmth he couldn't describe. He smiled faintly and blew out the candles.
The flames went out — and the room erupted in cheers.
Laughter filled the air.
Paul began to sing, terribly off-key, and Talia almost dropped her glass trying to hold in her laughter. Even Niana laughed so hard her shoulders shook. Feya, Rion's little sister — only two years old — clapped her tiny hands in excitement, crumbs on her cheeks. Beside her, Lior, the youngest at one year old, babbled happily in Talia's arms.
The walls seemed to vibrate with life, with happiness, with everything that Rion had once thought was lost to him forever.
For that one evening, there were no regrets, no memories of his previous life— only the joy of being alive.
As the dinner went on, Paul slammed his mug onto the table, cheeks flushed from wine.
"So, Rion!" he said loudly, voice full of pride. "Tell me, what's your dream? A strong boy like you should become a knight — just like your father!"
Niana immediately frowned. "No! My Rion will become a mage, like his mother. You always think everything must be solved with a sword."
Paul crossed his arms, frowning playfully. "You don't understand. Feya and little Lior will need someone to protect them! You expect him to throw spells when danger comes knocking?"
Niana raised her voice, though her smile never faded. "You expect him to swing a sword when he could solve every problems with magic?"
For a few seconds, their playful argument filled the air like thunder.
Then, softly, Talia spoke up — her calm, measured voice cutting through the noise.
"I think… Master Rion should decide for himself."
The room fell silent. Her tone wasn't commanding, yet it carried weight — a simple truth they all felt but rarely said aloud.
Niana sighed softly. "Yes, she's right. And stop calling him 'Master,' Talia. He's your son too."
Talia smiled faintly, eyes gentle. "Of course."
Everyone turned toward Rion now, waiting. The air grew still again.
Rion hesitated for a second, his small hands resting on his knees. Then he spoke clearly.
"I want to learn both — magic and swordsmanship."
Paul blinked, then burst into laughter. "Ha! Didn't I tell you, Niana? He's not ordinary — he's an exception!"
Even Niana couldn't help but laugh. "Fine, fine. Maybe this time you're right."
Paul rose from his chair, a wide grin on his face. "Then it's settled! Tomorrow, I'll find you the best teacher in the land!"
Everyone laughed again. Even Rion.
He leaned back, his heart light. Watching them — his parents, his family — he felt something indescribable.
Maybe this world isn't just my second chance, he thought. Maybe it's the life I was always meant to live.
He looked outside the frosted window, where snow was falling gently under the moonlight. The whole world seemed at peace — silent, endless, and pure.
And for the first time since his rebirth, Rion truly felt at home.