Chapter 3: Echoes of Awakenings(2/2)

"The MC came from Excalibur Reach, but there is practically nothing known about the city in this world. Fortunately, I read the novel well enough to know a lot about it, but it is quite useless for now. I can only use it to threaten Leon, but that is for the future."

Alex's thoughts were interrupted when the majestic door opened once again, but this time, it was an old man in some sort of holy attire.

"May the goddess bless you and live a happy and peaceful life." That was the only part Alex could understand. After that, it all seemed gibberish, but he understood that it was the divine language.

Alex saw its uses and wanted to learn it, but remembering that he needed to become a priest, or, in other words, waste his life, he decided to let go of the idea and focus on more practical matters.

After the priest stopped speaking, Alex felt more strength in his little body and was finally able to speak.

"Hello?" Alex's voice came out small and uncertain, but clear enough to be understood.

The old man's eyes widened slightly before softening with a kind smile. "Ah, young master Aldric, you have indeed been blessed. The goddess has granted you her favor."

Alex struggled to piece together the context. He remembered from the novel that Aldric Mars was revered but also feared, known for his arrogance and eventual downfall. He had to navigate this carefully.

The priest bowed deeply. "Rest now, young master. You have been through much."

As the priest left, Alex took a deep breath, trying to center himself. He needed to understand his new environment and the people around him. First, he had to figure out how to blend in and avoid suspicion.

Just then, the door opened again, and the middle-aged lady who had stroked his forehead earlier entered. Her presence exuded warmth and authority. "My dear Aldric, how are you feeling?"

Alex looked at her, trying to remember her from the novel. She must be Duchess Mars, Aldric's mother. "I... I'm feeling better, Mother," he said, testing the waters with a term of endearment.

She smiled, visibly relieved. "That's good to hear. You gave us quite a scare."

"I'm sorry," Alex replied, still getting used to the sound of his new voice.

She sat beside him, taking his hand in hers. "You have nothing to apologize for. Just focus on getting better. We were so worried when you fell ill."

Alex nodded, his mind racing. He needed to gather as much information as possible without raising any alarms. "Mother, can you tell me about Excalibur Reach?"

Her expression became thoughtful. "Excalibur Reach? Why do you ask, dear?"

"I had a dream about it," Alex improvised. "It seemed so real."

The duchess chuckled softly. "You always had a vivid imagination. Excalibur Reach is a place of great mystery and power. It is said to have been the home of ancient warriors and legendary beasts. Few have ventured there and returned."

Alex absorbed the information, trying to connect it with what he knew from the novel. "And what about our city, Marsburg?"

"Marsburg is the jewel of the Eternal Realms," she said proudly. "Our family has ruled here for generations. It is a place of prosperity and strength."

Alex nodded, feeling a bit more grounded. He had a lot to learn and adapt to, but he was determined to make the most of this second chance. He would navigate the complexities of this world, leverage his knowledge from the novel, and forge a new path for Aldric Mars.

As the Duchess continued to talk, Alex listened intently, piecing together the history and politics of the Eternal Realms. He needed to understand the dynamics of power, the key players, and how he could survive and thrive in this new reality.

He may have been thrown into an unfamiliar world, but Alex was resolved to turn his predicament into an opportunity. He would learn, adapt, and rise, ensuring that Aldric Mars's fate would be rewritten according to his own design.

Later that night

"AH!"

Alex was struggling to understand how to beat Leon. Leon started training at a way earlier stage, lived with a master who was older than his family, and got combat experience fighting monsters.

"Maybe I will just live a peaceful life, inherit the family, and enjoy the luxuries, not bothering Leon and helping to get the good side of him."

Just as Alex was going to give up, a sound was heard in his head.