The story is of Viktor, in his past life as Arjun, he was counting his last breaths on earth, while laying on the deathbed cursing his misfortune, unaware that he was about to get a second chance at life, a do-over in another world, a chance at happ...
In the backyard, a large wooden table set with platters of roasted meats and fresh vegetables bore witness to a gathering of family and friends. Raphael and Nina, the esteemed adventurers, sat side by side, sharing tales of their countless exploits over the last two decades. As they reminisced, their adoptive son, Viktor, nestled contentedly in Nina's arms, blissfully unaware of the tensions simmering beneath the surface of their joyful reunion.
Across from them sat Alfred, Nina's father and the district chief, whose furrowed brow and crossed arms spoke volumes about his current mood. Beside him, Rose, Nina's mother, tried desperately to diffuse the chilly animosity that had been seeping into their family gathering ever since Raphael had taken Nina's hand in marriage. Wolfgang, too, felt the weight of the lingering tension but chose to keep his thoughts to himself, allowing the vegetables on his plate to be an excellent distraction.
Nina, noticing the unease, gently patted Viktor on the back, her magical presence radiating warmth and comfort. "Father," she began softly, "please, let's focus on the good we have gathered here today. We've had many adventures, but more importantly, we have each other."
Alfred, however, remained steadfastly annoyed. "It's just... I didn't have the chance to prepare myself for my little girl growing up so quickly," he grumbled, his voice deep and heavy. "You took something sacred from her, Raphael."
"Father, please," Nina interjected, her blue eyes sparkling with unshed tears. "When I married Raphael, I chose to share my life—and my love—with him. It's not the end of innocence; it's a beginning. Besides, we are still adventurers, just in a different realm of life now."
Raphael leaned forward, attempting to ease the tension further. "Alfred, you can trust me. I love your daughter deeply, and trust me when I say... it's more than just physical."
"Yes!" Nina exclaimed, fearfully glancing at Viktor, who had begun to curiously grab at her golden hair. "We hold our experiences dear to our hearts, turning them into beautiful memories. And it's not like I'm lost to you—I'm still your daughter."
Recognizing the moment for what it was, Rose took her husband's hand, squeezing it gently. "Alfred, dear, it's unreasonable for us to expect Nina to remain forever as our little girl. No matter how much we want it to be so, life is about growth. And it would be unfair to tie her down."
The atmosphere around them began shifting minutely, and Alfred took a deep breath, trying to clear his mind of the stormy thoughts. "I suppose I have my own concerns, but I only wish to protect my little princess," he finally admitted, his stern demeanor softening slightly.
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Just then, the atmosphere began to shift. As laughter broke through the heaviness, Raphael chimed in, "So, Father, I noticed that there were lots of traders and merchants coming into the town. What is with all the rush around the town center?" His amiable curiosity caught everyone's attention.
