Chapter 65: Unraveled Memories

In a distant and ethereal space, a lady's figure stood shrouded in a gentle, otherworldly light. Her eyes, filled with a timeless wisdom, were fixed on a young boy, Eric, as he navigated the complexities of his world. She observed him with keen interest, as if she were a guardian of fate itself.

"It has finally begun," she murmured, her voice carrying a weight of anticipation and intrigue. "Now, boy, will you live in the past, will your perception of this world distort, or will you continue to live as you did?"

Her words hung in the air, echoing with an enigmatic resonance. It was as though she were an unseen hand guiding the threads of destiny. And then, just as abruptly as the scene had begun, it cut away, leaving behind an aura of profound mystery.

In the waking world, Eric stirred from his slumber, the images of the enchanted forest, the memory of his [SSS] rank skill, and the encounter with the horned rabbits still fresh in his mind. He stretched and yawned, the feeling of a good night's sleep lingering.

As he opened his eyes, the first thing that greeted him was the sight of Shadow, his loyal wolf companion, lying nearby. Shadow's sharp eyes watched Eric's every move, a silent and vigilant guardian.

Eric couldn't help but smile at the sight of his faithful friend. With a gentle pat, he ruffled Shadow's fur, who responded with a contented sigh, his tail wagging gently.

"Shadow," Eric said, his voice filled with affection, "you were already strong, but did you get even stronger, my friend?"

Shadow's response was immediate and enthusiastic. He wagged his tail even faster, the silent communication between them unmistakable. It was as if the forest's magic had somehow amplified Shadow's innate strength.

Feeling the deepening connection between them, Eric couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for his companion. Shadow was not just his loyal friend; he was his partner in this journey, and their bond was growing stronger by the day.

With renewed determination, Eric swung his legs out of bed and prepared to face the day. There was a sense of anticipation in the air—a feeling that today held the promise of new discoveries and challenges.

After a quick change of clothes and a refreshing wash, Eric made his way to the dining area. The delicious aroma of breakfast greeted him, and he couldn't help but feel a surge of hunger.

As he entered the room, he found his father, Lord Alaric, his mother, Lady Ellara, and his master, Seraphina, already seated and awaiting his arrival. They exchanged warm greetings and smiles as Eric took his seat at the table, with Shadow settling in comfortably behind him.

Breakfast was a comforting and jovial affair, filled with the usual conversations and shared laughter. The Emberhart family relished these moments together, their bonds growing stronger with each passing day.

Seraphina, with her usual air of wisdom and composure, broke the pleasant silence. "Lord Alaric," she began, "yesterday, after bidding you good night, I conducted extensive research into Eric's skill. I wanted to determine if there were any records of someone possessing this skill, but my search yielded no results."

Alaric and Ellara exchanged surprised glances, their curiosity piqued. Alaric, the ever-protective father, was the first to voice his concern. "Is that so? Could there be any potential issues or complications that we need to consider moving forward?"

Seraphina's response was measured, and she sought to ease any concerns. "No, my lord. Eric's skill, Memory, seems to be a unique and unprecedented gift. Its nature doesn't suggest any immediate problems, and it holds immense potential."

Ellara, beaming with pride and affection for her son, couldn't contain her joy. "Well done, my boy. I always knew you were special, being our son."

Eric blushed slightly, his heart warmed by his mother's praise. He replied with a hint of humor, "Yes, Mother, it is because I am your son that I cannot be anything less than extraordinary."

Their laughter filled the room, a testament to the love and unity that bound the Emberhart family together.

After breakfast, they gathered in the family hall, where Alaric sought Seraphina's permission for Eric to activate his skill, given its non-combat nature. Seraphina readily agreed, and a sense of anticipation filled the room.

With all eyes focused on him—his father, his mother, his master, and his loyal companion, Shadow—Eric took a deep breath. His heart beat with a mixture of excitement and trepidation as he prepared to activate his skill, Memory [SSS].

The room fell into a hushed silence as Eric closed his eyes and invoked his skill. A subtle shift occurred, imperceptible to anyone but Eric. The world seemed to hold its breath as the activation took place.

**Activating Skill: Memory [SSS]**

The letters and words appeared before Eric's mind's eye, shimmering with an otherworldly brilliance. The flow of time seemed to warp as memories, fragments of his life, knowledge, and experiences, began to pour into his consciousness.

He saw flashes of his younger years, memories of his first spellcasting attempts, the books he had read, and the lessons he had learned from Seraphina. It was like revisiting the chapters of his life, each memory a page in the book of his existence.

However, as the moments passed, something peculiar began to happen. Memories that were both familiar and unfamiliar started to surface. Faces of people he had never met, places he had never seen—these enigmatic recollections blended with his own, creating a mosaic of strange and bewildering images.

Eric's brow furrowed as he tried to make sense of it all. The pressure of these memories became almost overwhelming, like a tidal wave threatening to engulf him. He felt as if he were caught in a storm of thoughts and experiences, unable to discern their origin or significance.

The room remained in complete silence, the family and Shadow watching with bated breath as Eric grappled with this torrent of memories. To them, it appeared as though he were standing in a daze, his face a canvas of mixed emotions.

Then, as if the weight of this influx had finally taken its toll, Eric's legs gave way, and he collapsed to the ground. The abruptness of his fall sent shockwaves of worry through his parents and master, who rushed to his side.

Alaric and Ellara knelt beside their unconscious son, their voices filled with concern as they tried to rouse him from his state. Seraphina examined Eric's condition closely, her keen gaze searching for clues to the enigma of Memory [SSS].

Shadow, too, was by his side, his loyal presence offering a sense of comfort and reassurance. The room was filled with a palpable air of uncertainty and anticipation as they waited for Eric to awaken, hoping that he could shed light on the mysteries that lay within his newfound skill.