The Days of Growth
Three months later, a soft morning light spilled into the wooden house. Inside the nursery, a tiny crib rocked gently.
Anos lay within, his reddish-black eyes wide open as he stared blankly at the ceiling beams.
'Three months already…' he thought, the corners of his baby mouth twitching in faint frustration.
He tilted his gaze toward Celestia Ruth, who sat gracefully on a chair by the window, reading a worn book with that calm smile she always carried. Her soft hair shimmered faintly in the sunlight.
'Life as a baby is… strangely good,' Anos mused. 'No enemies, no blades against my throat, no betrayal waiting behind every corner. Just warmth. Just her.'
But then his tiny fists clenched.
'Still… this body is pathetic. I can't move like I want to. Even turning feels like climbing a mountain.'
With determination, Anos rolled his soft body against the mattress. He stared at the wooden poles of the crib like they were an enemy to conquer.
'Let's start.'
His little arms stretched, fumbling, then finally grabbed the poles. His fingers trembled, tiny legs kicking against the cushion as he struggled to pull himself upright.
Celestia peeked from her book, lips curving upward.
"Hm? He's trying to climb again…" she whispered, amusement sparkling in her eyes.
Anos' breath grew ragged. His chubby legs shook like jelly. Still, he forced himself up until—finally—he was standing, supported by the railing.
'Weak… too weak,' he cursed, sweat beading on his baby forehead. A few seconds later, his legs gave out, and he flopped backward into the cushion with a muffled thud.
'Ahhh… damn it. This is going to take a long time.' He sighed inwardly.
Celestia covered her lips with her hand, giggling softly. "That's my son… so stubborn, so cute."
She took a sip of tea, eyes gentle.
"When Anos grows a little more, when he can talk clearly… I'll begin teaching him letters. And books. He'll surpass everyone."
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One and a Half Years Later
The bedroom was quiet, sunlight spilling through thin curtains. A small figure slept soundly on the bed. His breathing was steady, calm—until the door opened.
Celestia Ruth stepped in, carrying a tray. She gazed at her son and smiled faintly.
"Good morning, Anos."
The boy stirred, opening his eyes. His once-infant gaze now held clarity and focus. His reddish-black pupils reflected intelligence far beyond his years.
"Mother…" he whispered drowsily, before blinking fully awake.
Celestia sat by the bedside, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. She looked at her son with pride.
In just over a year, Anos had gone from crawling to walking to speaking fluently. When she had taught him the alphabet, he mastered it in mere weeks. Within months, he was reading calligraphy with the precision of a scholar.
At first, she had been stunned. Now, she was simply… proud.
"You grow so fast," she murmured, stroking his cheek. "Sometimes I miss the days when you called me 'Mama.'"
Anos smiled wryly, scratching his small head.
"I'm already big, Mother."
Celestia chuckled, the sound warm. "I know… I just miss hearing it." She leaned closer, pressing her lips to his forehead. "But call me however you wish. You're my son—that's enough."
"Mother…" Anos said again, a bit embarrassed but firm.
She laughed lightly and stood. "Haha, I'll be waiting in the kitchen. Don't take too long."
Her laughter echoed down the corridor as she left.
Anos stared at the closing door, sighing.
"She really is… my mother. No matter how many times I live, I never expected this warmth."
He turned toward the window, his voice dropping.
"Zara, open my status."
The familiar black virtual screen appeared.
[Opening status…]
[Name: Anos (Fourth Life), 3+]
[Age: 2 years old]
[Title: Reincarnator]
[Martial Spirit: Not yet awakened]
[Innate Skills: Imitation Spiral Eye, Divine Light of Healing, Endless Hunger]
[Skills: Basic Breathing (Advanced), Throwing Art (Basic)]
[Practiced: Basic Breathing Technique, Basic Throwing Technique]
[System Points: 42,000 Sp]
Anos studied the display, nodding slowly.
"Not much… but still, progress. That's enough for now."
He thought back to the quests Zara had given him—make his mother shocked, learn to read within one month. Both were completed easily, rewarding him with useful techniques.
Basic Breathing strengthened his lungs and body. Throwing Art sharpened his accuracy. Simple, but powerful foundations.
The points, however, remained untouched.
"What should I even fuse? I can't waste them carelessly."
He dismissed the screen and rose, walking toward the kitchen.
"Two years have passed in this Soulspire World," he muttered under his breath. "And for the first time in all my lives… I can say my days are truly delightful."
When he entered the kitchen, Celestia was already seated at the table, sipping her tea. Two neatly wrapped books rested before her.
"Good morning, Mother." Anos climbed onto the chair beside her.
She smiled knowingly. "Happy birthday, Anos. These are your gifts."
Anos blinked, then chuckled softly. "Ah… right. My birthday."
Celestia giggled at his tone. "Eat first. You can check them later."
Anos nodded, smiling. "Thank you, Mother." He leaned over, pecking her cheek before turning to his breakfast.
Celestia froze for a moment, her eyes wide. Then, warmth spread across her face, and her heart filled with quiet joy.
'Yes,' she thought, watching him eat happily. 'I don't need anyone else. Not that man, not the past. As long as I have Anos… I have everything.'