Lucian, unaware of Lia's quiet turmoil, simply leaned back against the bedframe, his gaze fixated on the sunlight spilling across his room.
He didn't know what the future would bring, but this time, he wasn't going to let it slip away. Not Lia. Not anyone he cared about.
He would protect them all—no matter what.
"I'll go make breakfast."
He came out of his thoughts at the voice of Lia.
He turned, looking at her who had already reached halfway to the door. Her expression was unreadable, and she was moving a bit too quickly.
"Hmm"
He hummed quietly and pushed the blanket aside.
His body felt heavier than he'd like, but it was manageable.
By now, his body had healed enough for him to be able to move without any support or help, though his stamina was still lacking.
He took a slow breath.
"Status."
A familiar blue screen shimmered before his eyes.
[STATUS]
Name – Lucien Foster
Race – Human
Titles – [LOCKED]
Bloodline – ??? (Dormant, Sealed)
Affinity – [LOCKED]
Talent – [LOCKED]
Rank – [LOCKED]
[Attributes]
Strength – 2
Agility – 2
Constitution – 2
Intelligence – 7
Will – 3
Perception – 2
Charm – 6
Stamina – 2
Mana – [LOCKED]
Attribute Points (AP) – 2
***
Lucian looked at the screen for a moment before dismissing it with a quiet exhale.
"Not much has changed," he murmured under his breath.
He hadn't expected otherwise.
It had only been a little over a week since his regression.
Still, he could feel the difference, however small; his movements were more fluid, his balance steadier, his thoughts clearer.
It was progress.
Heading into the bathroom, he stripped off his clothes and stood before the mirror.
His reflection stared back at him—familiar, yet subtly altered.
His once-pale complexion now carried a faint tone of colour, and his face seemed sharper, more defined.
His black hair was still slightly messy, falling over his forehead, but his eyes, dark and steady, no longer looked lifeless.
"I look… a bit better than before," he murmured. There was no vanity in his voice, just a quiet acknowledgement.
[Have you admired yourself enough?]
Akasha's dry tone echoed in his mind, making the corners of his lips twitch.
"Yes," he said simply, chuckling as he turned on the shower.
When he finished, he found Lia already setting the table.
The scent of breakfast filled the small apartment—simple food, but warm.
After having breakfast, Lucian insisted on helping her with the chores.
"You don't have to," Lia said, her tone a mix of firmness and concern.
"I can handle it myself."
"I know," he replied, rinsing a plate before she could stop him. "But I'm not planning to sit around doing nothing."
She frowned for a few seconds before sighing and letting him help.
He worked beside her quietly, washing dishes, hanging clothes, and wiping the table as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
She tried to argue again, but eventually gave up, smiling faintly at his persistence.
When noon came, Lia prepared to leave for her part-time job.
She hesitated at the doorway, adjusting her bag strap, glancing at him as if she wanted to say something—but in the end, she didn't.
"Don't overdo it," she finally said.
"I won't."
She gave a small nod and left, closing the door softly behind her.
Lucian stood there for a few moments, the apartment suddenly felt quieter than before. Then, rolling his shoulders, he stepped into the hallway.
His body still wasn't at full strength, but that didn't matter. He needed to move, to rebuild, to push his limits again.
He started his exercises slowly—push-ups, sit-ups, squats—keeping his form steady. Every motion was deliberate. The sound of his breathing filled the narrow space.
He didn't have a gym, and he wasn't about to waste money on one.
The hallway would do. Once he felt warmed up, he stepped outside for a short run.
Before leaving, he'd gotten Lia's reluctant permission—though not without her warning him not to go too far.
He'd promised, though they both knew he'd test the limit eventually.
For now, though, he kept it simple—one step at a time.
Every push, every breath, every bead of sweat brought him closer to what he needed to be.
It wasn't much, but it was a start.
And for Lucian, that was enough.