As I left Grandpa Kaewon’s workshop and headed home, my mind drifted back to the memories of when I turned eleven years old. Grandpa had gone to a city and was declared dead. I hope to change this scenario this time around.

Nearing my house, I saw my father, Baron Aiden, stepping out of the horse carriage. He is the head and richest person in the village, a merchant who maintains and is responsible for the entire trade of the village. He manages rune stones in three different cities. Despite being a commoner, his wealth allowed him to buy a noble title, although he still can't buy a surname.

"Father!" I called out, running towards him. His stern face softened as he saw me, and he kneeled to my level.

"Ah, there you are," he said, patting my head. "How was your day?"

It was an awkward yet emotional moment to see my father, whom I had not seen for nearly a decade, suddenly patting my head. "It was good, Father. I spent time with Grandpa and accepted his offer to become his disciple."

He chuckled, a warm sound that made me feel safe. "I thought you would decline him as you wanted to be a mage. But don't give a hard time to Grandpa Kaewon, and be dedicated to your path. You can achieve anything."

I tried hard to keep my cool and maintain a happy face so that others would feel normal as well.

As we entered our house, we were greeted by the maid, and I went to my room to meditate for a few hours before dinner. I needed to sharpen my senses and reacquire the ability to sense mana that I had before my regression.

There are two ways to learn a skill: through hard work and repetition or by acquiring a scroll from dungeons. For example, a person practicing with a sword for years without a teacher could gain the "Swordsman" skill at level 1, or they could use a scroll. 

However, scrolls often result in slower leveling since the scroll is just the transfer of knowledge, and the body isn't ready for the skill. Since I retained my knowledge of the skills but not the physique, they had all reverted to level 1. However, I could bring them back up easily.

The black orb and the mysterious Star called "Cosmic Abyss" still intrigued me, shrouded in secrets that no one seemed to understand.

At the dinner table, I explained my conversation with Kaewon. My sister, Luna, started talking about her day and how she was able to go through her daily life with just minor inconveniences.

As our dinner was coming to an end, my mother asked, "Dajit, go to Soren Mountain with the guards to bring back the new batch of herbs from our gardener."

My mother is a level 4 alchemist with Hydrarchos star (water ability) and good alchemy skills. She always orders a new batch of herbs every month to make potions.

Luna said, "I would like to go with Dajit since I can get my ring too."

My mother, Lina, sighed, but agreed. "Fine, but Dajit, make sure your sister doesn't get hurt. And give this 50-gold coin to Uncle Kaewon."

I nodded, acknowledging her instructions. Then my father said, "I have to go to the capital of our state for business purposes, and it will take me two months to come back. So take care, and I will bring gifts for both of you if you study diligently and listen to your mom."

With a final nod, our family dinner concluded.

Back in my room, I settled into a meditative pose, focusing on calming and accepting my emotions. The events of the day replayed in my mind—the sudden regression, the emotional highs and lows, and the lingering shock from my near-death experience while protecting my newfound sister. As I attempted to absorb the residual fear, I channeled my thoughts inward, seeking clarity and strength.