"What happened to him, Raviel?"
Even in my unconscious state, I could hear voices. It seemed Father and my teacher were talking nearby.
"He strained his body by using a high-level technique."
"A high-level technique? I told you he only needed basic swordsmanship. Why did you make him do that?"
"Do you think I would make him do it?"
"…Don't tell me—"
"Yes. He did it himself. Moreover, the technique was different from the original. It was as if it had been modified to suit his own body. If an eight-year-old child used the original technique, their life would be in danger. But this one… was different."
"That means… he's a prodigy in swordsmanship."
"William, I think you should make him a swordsman—"
Before he could finish, a loud bang echoed through the room. It sounded as if the door had been kicked open.
"For that, don't ask me—ask my wife," Father replied calmly.
"How dare you try to involve my child in someone else's war? I stayed silent before because he didn't object—but now, I will not accept this decision."
Even with my eyes closed, I could feel her overwhelming anger. Mother was truly terrifying when enraged—enough to even intimidate Father.
"Carrie, don't worry. I'll do as you say, my—"
"Roy, you're awake, aren't you?" Ray's voice echoed in my mind.
"Shut up," I muttered internally.
I began recalling the details of the Jenorva family.
Their mansion was located deep within one of the most dangerous forests in the world. Countless hostile creatures inhabited it—but the forest's true danger wasn't the monsters. It was the curse that lingered within, making navigation nearly impossible.
Only the Jenorva family and those closely associated with them—staff, allies, and trusted individuals—knew how to traverse it safely.
Thus, it was called the LostForest.
There wasn't much information about the Jenorva family in the original novel… except for one thing.
In the future, it would be destroyed.
The one responsible… was none other than the main character, due to Aiden Solvairis.
I didn't exist in the original story.
But my existence now… would definitely bring change.
"Do you want to become a swordsman?" Ray asked.
"I don't think so," I replied.
"Why?" he asked, even though he already knew the answer.
"I obtained Sword Slash and other techniques through Deep Learning. Do you really think I can properly learn swordsmanship without it?"
"Then what are you going to be? A mage, probably?" Ray asked.
"I have a Mind Palace, so that part will be easier. But first, I need to learn mana sensing and mana manipulation—the basic pillars of magic. After that… things like mana reinforcement, magic sealing, and more."
"Then what type of mage will you be?" Ray continued. "Summoner? Alchemist? Pyromancer? Dark mage?"
"…Are you using my memories?" I asked suspiciously.
"Uh… probably?" Ray replied.
"It depends," I said. "On my affinity for magic."
"Right, right," Ray said casually.
Suddenly, I felt my body being lifted.
I slowly opened my eyes.
"Mother…?"
"Yes, Roy? You're already awake?" she said softly, pressing a gentle kiss on my forehead. "I'm sorry… it was my decision that led to this."
"No, Mother. This is my fault. I ended up like this because of my own actions."
"You don't have to deny it, Roy…" She paused briefly. "I'm going to leave you with your brothers, okay?"
"Okay, Mother."
"Rest well," she said, placing me gently on the bed before leaving the room.
"Yep… a doting mother. Quite emotional too," Ray commented.
"Don't let that fool you," I replied. "Before her marriage, she secretly dominated an arena for two years straight. She has resistance to poison and abnormal conditions. Her skin is extremely tough—most attacks would simply slide off."
"I know," Ray said. "She was quite troublesome for the main character."
"Yes, it's obvious—"
Creak.
The door slowly opened, and two figures stepped inside.
"Bwo-der…" a soft baby voice called out.
"Aiden… Aamon?" I said, my eyes half-lidded.
"Yes, it's us," Aamon replied.
There was something hidden beneath his tone… Jealousy?