IS THAT TOO MUCH TO ASK GOD?

Elijah's eyes opened, he felt starved. More than three days had passed since his last meal.

However, he could sense a new energy flowing through his body.

The sun had set. The room was illuminated by magic lamps and the last embers of sunlight came through the window.

He turned his head and noticed the food, which had been served on the table. However, something else got his attention as he moved his gaze and saw the blonde muscular man sitting on the couch beside the table.

The man who appeared to be in his late twenties or early thirties was wearing a military uniform, decorated with medals and intricate gold embroidery.

His royal blue military uniform seemed to swallow the sunlight turning its colour into a shade of purple.

A dress sword leaned against the armrest as he drank from a half-empty glass of something amber.

His eyes observed Elijah; It was a casual gaze, yet it felt intimidating.

"Young master, this is Lord Armstrong."

Sebastian introduced the man to Elijah, handing him a cup of warm water.

Elijah remained seated on the bed as he gave a bow to the Duke.

"I'm truly grateful for your assistance lord Armstrong." His voice was weak but sincere.

Elijah drank the water and moved his body to stand.

"Don't over exert yourself. I presume you have undergone awakening." The man spoke; his voice was gruff but his concern was evident.

"I'm not sure my lord" Elijah replied,

Alexander placed the brandy glass on the table and stood up.

"I'm sorry for your loss kid." Alexander paused, his chin dipped slightly deeper than usual.

Clenching his hands, he continued,

"As Duke of these lands, I offer my deepest apologies that such an incident occurred within my territory."

Elijah flinched at the sudden apology, he couldn't think of any response.

He admired the Duke's behaviour and felt ashamed thinking about his own. He felt ashamed at his inability and ignorance.

Alexander turned towards Sebastian,

"We are investigating the incident but there hasn't been any progress." He paused and observed Elijah,

His eyes seemed to contain hesitation and reluctance,

"Elijah, You may approach when you are ready.

None here question your courage , nor the strength that let an eight-year-old bring her to heel." He kept his gaze towards Elijah,

"I would not ask this of a boy. But you are no ordinary child. You have already done what seasoned knights could not.

We do not understand it. But, she awaits something only you can give. That accursed creature is our only remaining lead."

She's still alive.

Elijah felt chills running down his spine, his throat suffocating under pressure.

He turned his head towards Sebastian,

"We brought her back, she's not in a state to cause any trouble. You don't have to worry young master." Sebastian spoke, his eyes filled with worry as he turned towards Alexander.

"My lord, young master needs some more time. He doesn't know the details yet." There was no reverence in his voice,flat and plain, as though he addressed a boy, not a duke.

Alexander took a step back in shock,

"I'm sorry. I didn't think it through. I'll take my leave for now." Alexander picked up his sword and started walking towards the door.

Elijah was having trouble following everything. His information about this world, his family and their relations was too lacking.

Alexander stopped just before opening the door,

"I've already spoken with your father. You'll remain here until you've recovered, under my protection. After that, you'll attend the Academy in the capital. My daughter will be enrolling as well. See that you get along."

Alexander left without waiting for a reply.

Elijah was trying to make sense of it all. He found himself standing in the wreckage of a conversation he couldn't follow.

He heard Sebastian's tired sighing.

The world around him was moving, everything was about to change once more.

—————————-

 Elijah was left behind blinking, breathless, utterly lost watching others trade words like blades while he sat there, still trying to understand the opening sentence.

Somehow, the world had moved three steps ahead without him, and no one had the courtesy to slow down.

Tragic, really. He was the main character of the story, and yet he didn't even have a clue what chapter he was in.

Someone was observing him from the beginning, making webs of fate around him. Enjoying every moment.

So you still had her rage within you. Truly fitting gift.

This time make it more beautiful.

The last act was quiet, dull, and merciful. This time let it spiral. Let it burn.

Burn what they love, what you love, shatter the order.

Give me chaos.

Give me a show of a lifetime.

—————————————————

Elijah's physical recovery was unprecedented, by the next morning his body felt great. He felt as good as new.

As for the psychological trauma, he was still dealing with it. He requested the duke to give his guards a proper burial and send their belongings back to their families.

The Duke complied with his request. He had already given them a proper burial; making their graves near the village's cemetery, where his hunting lodge was situated and where Elijah stayed for the time being.

Elijah met with the survivors. Who were mostly servants and maids. The cook also survived. They all wanted to continue their journey along with Elijah.

After all, they were close to the capital. Their destination has been the Fenice Mansion in the capital, many of them were young and had ambitions.

Capital was a great place and opportunity for them; this fact overshadowed their fears.

Elijah understood from their behaviour that the death in this World was quite common. Especially for non nobles; most of them had seen deaths from up close.

Deaths from monster attacks, starvation, sickness and lack of means were common occurrence.

Elijah's resolve was developed. He was determined to grow stronger and more powerful.

With his magic now awakened, the mana core within him surged like a second heartbeat, filling him with newfound and unshakable confidence.

He subconsciously started thinking more and more about magic as a way of overcoming his fear and trauma.

This is a magical world, first step is to have more information. Next step is to learn magical arts.

As much as I want to stay holed up somewhere safe. I got this feeling that nowhere is safe unless I grow stronger.

The only thing capable of making me stronger is magic. I also have to find out how did I defeat that vampire.

Sebastian seems to have no idea about why it happened.

On the fourth day, Elijah along with his remaining staff moved into Duke's Castle.