I Got Reborn Into A Baron's Household

In the void of my mind, lost memories began to surface, interweaving like threads on a loom. I was no longer just Alon Imamura, a half Filipino-Japanese scientist and inventor from a distant world called Earth; I was also Draven of House Eisenhart, son of Baron Caspian and Serephina Eisenhart. The memories of both lives danced and merged, creating a tapestry that was both familiar and alien.

I saw myself as a child in the Philippines, running through the vibrant streets of Manila, the air filled with the scent of jeepney exhaust and street food. The simplicity of that life was a stark contrast to the harsh realities of the world I now inhabited. Yet, there were parallels—moments of discovery and innovation that transcended the boundaries of space and time.

I remembered my first science fair—the thrill of presenting an invention I had poured my heart into. That memory morphed into my first attempt at learning magic in this world, where I encountered failure and disappointment upon discovering I had no affinity for wielding magic.

Faces from both lives flashed before me—friends, family, mentors, and those around me. Each one left an imprint, shaping me into the person I had become. Among them was Galen. His arrogant smirk and talkative nature initially grated on my nerves, even as he had just started serving as one of our family's knights. Yet, his loyalty was unwavering—a constant beacon through the trials we faced. Beside him stood figures from my past life—my supportive grandmother, my best friend from college, and my mentor who had guided my scientific pursuits.

Memories of breakthroughs and setbacks in my lab on Earth blended with the trials and failures of this magical world. The eureka moment of a successful experiment merged with the excitement I felt when I first started magic lessons with my mentor. The frustration of failed prototypes echoed the pain of defeats and betrayals. But through it all, the drive to innovate and overcome challenges remained constant.

I saw myself standing before a whiteboard covered in equations and diagrams, the symbols and lines glowing with a familiar blue light. The scene shifted, and I was in a vast library, poring over magic books, the pages illuminated with the same ethereal glow. The sights, sounds, and smells of both worlds blended seamlessly, creating a surreal landscape that was both familiar and new.

In this dreamscape, I found myself standing before a mirror. The reflection staring back at me was a fusion of both lives—the determined gaze of Draven, the inquisitive mind of Alon. The memories had become one, strengthening me, giving me a newfound sense of purpose. Galen stood beside me, his arrogant facade stripped away, revealing the loyal knight who had always had my back.

A voice echoed through the void, resonant and clear. "Welcome back, Draven. Alon. You are the bridge between worlds. Embrace your past, for it is the key to your future. Innovate, adapt, and forge your own path."

As the words faded, the dreamscape began to dissolve, the memories retreating like a receding tide. I reached out, trying to hold onto them, but they slipped through my fingers like sand.

When I finally regained consciousness, the first thing I saw was Galen's worried face hovering over me. The cold stone floor pressed against my back, a stark reminder of where I was.

"Welcome back," Galen said, relief evident in his voice. "You had me worried there for a moment."

I groaned, sitting up slowly, my body aching from the aftermath of the battle. "How long was I out?"

Galen shrugged. "Not long. A few minutes at most. But it was enough to give me a scare."

I looked around the chamber, my gaze landing on Redvers's lifeless form. Memories of the dream still lingered—the echoes of Alon's innovations and discoveries merging with Draven's lost memories. A new sense of clarity and purpose filled me. I remembered Galen's arrogance, even when he first joined the knights, but also his unwavering loyalty—a beacon of strength in this uncertain world.

As I stood, leaning on Galen for support, I knew that our immediate threat was eliminated. Both the Naga and Redvers were defeated, but our mission was far from over. Before we could continue, I needed to tend to my own wounds.

"Galen, give me a moment," I said, my voice steady despite the exhaustion. "I need to patch myself up before we keep going."

Galen smirked, his arrogant demeanor returning now that the immediate danger had passed. "About time you fixed yourself up. You look like you've been through a meat grinder—not exactly the dashing hero type right now."

I rolled my eyes but couldn't help a small smile. "Thanks for the concern, Galen. Now, let me focus."

Taking a deep breath, I concentrated on the healing spell I had used on Galen earlier. The words of the incantation came naturally, a blend of instinct and memory.

"Vin's lina, vinar kin, fin lina naru! (Heal and restore)"

The green light enveloped me, pulsing in rhythm with my heartbeat. I channeled a bit of the aether I had recovered while I was unconscious into the spell, feeling warmth spread through my body. The pain began to ebb, and the fatigue lifted slightly as the spell took effect.

After a few moments, the light faded, and I felt a renewed sense of strength. The aches and pains of the battle were dulled, and my mind was clearer.

Galen clapped me on the back, his talkative nature kicking in. "There you go, good as new! Well, mostly. You still look a bit rough around the edges, but at least you won't keel over anytime soon."

I chuckled, shaking my head. But as I looked around the chamber, the weight of our losses hit me. The troops who had joined us on this mission, their faces flashing through my mind. I had hoped that aside from Galen, there might be a few survivors. But it was just the two of us left.

"We lost good people today," I said softly, the regret heavy in my voice. "I wish we could have saved more of them."

Galen's expression sobered, his humor fading. "I know, young master. But we can't let their sacrifices be in vain. We owe it to them to see this through."

I nodded, determination replacing regret. "You're right. We came here for a reason, and we won't waste their efforts. We'll finish what we started."

With a deep breath, I surveyed the ancient stone walls, the secrets of the ruins waiting to be discovered. The path ahead was uncertain, but my resolve was firm. I would not let the losses be for nothing.

"Let's go," I said, steeling myself for what lay ahead. "We have ruins to explore and answers to find. For those we lost, and for the truth we seek."

Galen and I began to explore the ruins in earnest. The chamber where we had fought the Naga and Redvers was vast, with towering walls of ancient stone and shadows that danced eerily in the faint light filtering through cracks in the ceiling. As we moved deeper into the room, I noticed something peculiar about one of the walls.

"Galen, look at this," I said, approaching what appeared to be a seamlessly integrated door. The stone was intricately carved with symbols and patterns that seemed to shimmer slightly in the dim light.

Galen joined me, his eyes scanning the door with a mix of curiosity and caution. "What do you make of it, young master? Some kind of ancient entrance?"

I nodded, running my fingers over the cool stone. "It looks like a door, but there's no visible handle or mechanism to open it."

Galen crossed his arms, his arrogant smirk returning. "Well, you're the brains of this operation, young master. Any brilliant ideas on how to get it open?"

I inspected the door more closely, my eyes narrowing as I noticed ancient text etched into the stone. The symbols were familiar—the same ones I had seen in an old book about the mana-born ancient people. That book contained samples of ancient texts, letters I could read and understand. Master Alaric had once told me it was a lost language, impossible to decipher. But I kept that detail to myself. I had always believed it was likely a skill I had acquired when I reincarnated as Draven, like a pre-installed program.

Focusing on the text, the symbols began to make sense. I began to read the ancient text aloud, the words flowing from my lips with an eerie familiarity.

[𐌋𐌉𐌓𐌉𐌍 𐌃𐌄 𐌄𐌓𐌄𐌍 𐌊𐌓𐌀𐌉𐌔 𐌊𐌉𐌍 𐌖𐌉𐌓𐌉𐌄. 𐌔𐌏𐌋 𐌀𐌅𐌉𐌍 𐌊𐌄𐌉𐌓 𐌃𐌄 𐌋𐌉𐌍𐌀𐌓, 𐌉 𐌃𐌄 𐌃𐌌𐌖 𐌄𐌔 𐌍𐌄𐌓𐌖.]

"Lirin de eren krais kin virie. Sol avin keir de vinar, i de daru es naru."

Galen's jaw dropped in shock. "Young master, how... how are you reading that? That's ancient text!"

I ignored his surprise, concentrating on the riddle before me. "Only the chosen may unveil the secret of this portal. Utter the words of the elder tongue, and the way shall be made known."

As I finished reading the riddle, the ancient symbols on the door began to glow with a soft, ethereal light. I expected the door to open, but instead, the world around me began to shift and blur. A sudden, disorienting sensation washed over me, and I felt myself being pulled away from Galen.

"Young master!" Galen's voice echoed through the chamber, tinged with concern and alarm. But it was too late. I was already being transported elsewhere, leaving Galen behind in the chamber.

When the world came back into focus, I found myself in a completely different room. The walls were lined with ancient tomes, and the air was thick with the scent of ancient magic. I was standing on an intricately designed mosaic floor, the tiles shimmering with a faint, otherworldly glow.

I looked around, a sense of awe and wonder filling me. This place was unlike anything I had ever seen. But Galen was nowhere to be found. I was alone in this hidden chamber, surrounded by the secrets of the ancient people.

A pang of guilt and concern washed over me. I hoped Galen was safe, and that he would find a way to join me soon. But for now, I had to focus on the task at hand. This chamber held the knowledge and power of the mana-born, and it was up to me to unlock its secrets.

As I explored the hidden chamber, my eyes widened at the treasures laid out before me. Gold, silver, and diamonds sparkled in the faint, otherworldly light, piled haphazardly among ancient artifacts. It was like stumbling upon a dragon's hoard, minus the dragon. I couldn't help but chuckle at the thought of Galen's reaction to all this wealth—he'd probably insist on a finder's fee.

Among the treasures, something small and shiny caught my eye. It was a ring, simple in design but radiating an aura of power. As I picked it up, I noticed a small tag attached to it, inscribed with ancient text. Squinting at the symbols, I read aloud, "Celestial Vault" The tag described its abilities and appearance in detail.

Ring Name: Celestial Vault

Ability: Dimensional Storage

- Dimensional Storage allows the wearer to access a vast, pocket dimension where they can store an unlimited number of items. When activated, the ring opens a small portal to this pocket dimension, enabling the wearer to retrieve or deposit items at will. The storage space within the dimension is organized and can be accessed mentally, allowing the wearer to quickly locate and retrieve specific items. This ability eliminates the need for carrying physical bags or packs, providing an immense convenience for adventurers, scholars, and travelers. The ring also has a security feature that prevents unauthorized access, ensuring that only the wearer can use the storage space.

Appearance:

- Band: The band of the Celestial Vault is crafted from a smooth, iridescent silver metal that seems to shimmer with different colors when viewed from various angles. The surface of the band is engraved with intricate, celestial patterns such as stars, planets, and galaxies, representing its connection to the pocket dimension.

- Gem: Set in the center of the band is a large, flawless opal that glows with a soft, ethereal light. The opal appears to contain tiny, shifting specks of light, resembling a miniature galaxy within the gem. This opal is the focal point for accessing the pocket dimension and is securely set in an ornate bezel that complements the ring's celestial theme.

- Design: The ring is designed to be both elegant and functional, with a sleek and sophisticated look that enhances its magical properties. The band is slightly curved for a comfortable fit, and the gemstone is positioned to catch the light beautifully, making the ring both a powerful tool and a stunning accessory.

The Celestial Vault, with its infinite storage ability and breathtaking appearance, would be a valuable and practical accessory for any adventurer seeking to carry their belongings effortlessly.

My eyebrows shot up after reading all of the text. "Well, that's convenient," I muttered, slipping the ring onto my finger. The tag disintegrated as the ring settled into place, and I felt a strange sensation, as if the very fabric of space around me had shifted.

Turning my attention to the bookshelves lining the walls, I began to peruse the titles. The ancient people seemed to have a wide range of interests. There were epic stories of heroes and villains, romance novels with titles like "Love Blooms Even in the Mana-Drained Swamp," and cooking recipes that made my stomach rumble. One book in particular caught my eye: "101 Ways to Tame Your Naga: A Practical Guide." I couldn't help but laugh, flipping through the pages. "Who knew nagas could be tamed with the right blend of herbs and a soothing lullaby?" I shook my head, amused.

But it was the next book that truly captured my attention. The tome was thick and heavy, its cover adorned with intricate runes. "The Complete Guide to Runic Enchantment," I read aloud, a thrill of excitement coursing through me. This was the knowledge I had sought—detailed instructions on how to enchant artifacts using runes.

I settled down on a nearby stone bench, the book open on my lap. As I began to read, I noticed a pattern emerging in the runes and their applications. It reminded me of something from my past life—computer programming. Each rune acted like a line of code, combining in specific sequences to create different effects. The more I read, the more the similarities became apparent.

"This is just like programming," I murmured to myself, a smile spreading across my face. "If I think of mana as the power source and the runes as the code, it all starts to make sense."

With this new perspective, I delved deeper into the book, deciphering the runic sequences with ease. There were runes for enhancing weapons, creating illusions, and even controlling elements. I laughed at some of the more peculiar enchantments, like the rune to keep your ale cold. "Galen would love that one," I mused, making a mental note to share it with him later.

But among the humorous and practical enchantments, there were also powerful and dangerous ones. Runes that could amplify spells, manipulate time, and even create complex magical constructs. I studied each one carefully, committing the symbols and their meanings to memory. This knowledge could revolutionize the way we used magic, giving us the edge we needed to protect our world and those we cared about.

"If enchantment is like programming, then I can hack this world," I said to myself, a determined grin on my face.

As I continued to inspect the artifacts, I noticed that each one had a small tag attached, written in the same ancient text. Some of the artifacts were mundane, possessing no enchantments, but others were imbued with powerful magic. Three particular artifacts caught my eye: a sword, an amulet, and another ring.

The first was a formidable sword with a tag that read "Titan's Might." I picked it up, feeling the weight of its dark, heavy metal blade. The runes etched into the surface glowed faintly with a golden light, and I could sense the immense power it held. The tag on it reads:

Titan's Might

Ability: Herculean Force

- Grants the wielder immense strength and power, channeling raw physical strength into each strike. The sword enhances endurance and resilience, making the wielder nearly unstoppable in battle. It amplifies natural strength, enabling feats of power beyond ordinary human capability.

Appearance:

Blade: - Dark, heavy metal with runes of strength, designed for powerful, crushing blows.

- Hilt: Thick, reinforced leather grip with a sturdy steel crossguard shaped like titan arms, featuring engravings of mythical creatures.

- Pommel: Shaped like a clenched fist with a large, golden gem imbued with the essence of ancient titans.

I swung the sword experimentally, feeling a surge of strength course through me. "This would be perfect for Galen," I murmured, imagining my talkative knight wielding such a powerful weapon.

The next artifact was an amulet called "Heart of Elysium." The tag described its abilities and appearance in detail.

Heart of Elysium

Ability: Guardian's Embrace

- Once activate it provides powerful protective and healing abilities for 5 seconds, creating a barrier that shields the wearer from physical and magical attacks. The barrier absorbs damage and converts it into healing energy, purifying harmful effects like curses or poisons.

Appearance:

- Gem: A large, radiant crystal with a deep blue hue, glowing with an inner light and featuring constellation patterns.

- Pendant: Intricate filigree heart adorned with luminous gemstones representing the elements.

- Chain: Delicate yet sturdy silver chain with engraved charms symbolizing protection and healing.

I held the amulet, feeling a warm, comforting energy emanate from it. "This could be a game-changer in battle," I said to myself, appreciating its elegant design and powerful abilities.

Another enchanted ring artifact, this one called "Aetherium Band." Its tag detailed its unique abilities and striking appearance.

Aetherium Band

Ability: Arcane Manipulation

- Grants the wearer the power to move, manipulate, and control objects with their mind. Allows the wearer to lift, push, pull, and manipulate objects of various sizes and weights, useful for combat and delicate tasks.

Appearance:

- Band: Sleek, polished black metal etched with arcane symbols that glow with a soft, purple light.

- Gem: Smooth, circular amethyst with a mesmerizing, swirling pattern, set in an ornate bezel.

- Design: Modern and streamlined, with a slightly curved band for comfort and a gemstone positioned to catch the light beautifully.

I slipped the ring onto my finger, feeling a tingling sensation as the telekinetic energy coursed through me. "This could be incredibly useful," I mused, already thinking of the various applications for such a powerful ability.

As I continued to explore the chamber, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and excitement. The knowledge and artifacts I had discovered here could be a game changer. With the Celestial Vault, the powerful enchanted items, and the book of runes, I was equipped with tools that could revolutionize the world.

"Galen is going to love this sword," I said to myself, a grin spreading across my face. "I can't wait to see his reaction."

With a mixture of satisfaction and excitement, I began collecting the treasures, books, and artifacts scattered across the chamber. The Celestial Vault made the task effortless; with a mere thought, each item vanished into the ring's mystical void. I marveled as heaps of gold, silver, and diamonds disappeared, followed by ancient tomes and potent artifacts—including the enchanted sword that seemed to hum with latent power.

Before leaving the chamber, I decided to equip the amulet I had found. I donned the Heart of Elysium amulet, the delicate silver chain resting comfortably around my neck, and the intricate pendant lying against my chest. I could feel the protective and healing energies of the amulet enveloping me, ready to shield and restore.

With all the valuables secured and my new artifacts equipped, I turned my attention to the task of leaving the chamber. The door through which I had entered remained sealed, and there were no other obvious exits. I began to inspect the walls more closely, running my hands over the ancient stone in search of any hidden mechanisms or secret passages.

As I circled the room, my eyes fell upon a faint, glowing pattern on the floor. It was a magic circle, intricately designed and pulsing with a soft, ethereal light. I approached it cautiously, studying the symbols and runes that formed the circle. It seemed to be a teleportation circle, based on the rune designs.

"Well, here goes nothing," I said to myself, stepping into the center of the magic circle. As soon as my feet touched the glowing runes, the light intensified, and a sudden, disorienting sensation washed over me. The world around me blurred, and I felt myself being pulled through space, the chamber disappearing from view.

When the world came back into focus, I found myself standing outside the secret chamber, the ancient stone door sealed shut behind me. The familiar sight of the ruins greeted me, and I turned to see Galen pacing back and forth, his expression a mix of concern and impatience.

"Young master!" he exclaimed, rushing over as soon as he saw me. "You had me worried sick! One moment you were there, and the next, you were gone. I've been trying to find a way to follow you, but this blasted door wouldn't budge. I was about to start knocking it down or find some explosives to blow it open."

I chuckled, grateful for his concern. "Sorry to keep you waiting, Galen. I found a treasure trove in there, and it took me a while to gather everything."

Galen's eyes widened with interest. "Treasure, you say? Well, don't keep me in suspense, young master. What did you find?"

With a grin, I decided to have a bit of fun with him. "Oh, just some ancient artifacts and a few trinkets. But there was one thing that I think you'll appreciate."

I reached into the Celestial Vault and focused on the enchanted sword, Titan's Might. With a thought, the sword materialized in my hand, its dark metal blade and intricate runes glowing faintly.

Galen stumbled back; his eyes wide with shock. "By the gods, young master! How did you... where did that come from?"

I laughed, enjoying his reaction. "It's a little trick I picked up. This sword is called Titan's Might, and it's yours now."

Galen looked at me, then at the sword, and back at me again, his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. "Mine? You're giving this to me? But... but how?"

I handed him the sword, and he took it reverently, testing its weight and balance. "It grants the wielder immense strength and power," I explained. "A reward for your loyalty and bravery, Galen."

He looked up at me, his expression a mix of gratitude and awe. "Young master, I... I don't know what to say. This is... thank you."

I smiled and clapped him on the back. "Say you'll put it to good use, Galen. And that's not all—I have more treasures to share with you."

Reaching into the ring once more, I retrieved a small pouch filled with gold, silver, and diamonds, handing it to Galen with a wink. "And here's a little something extra to line your pockets, my friend. You've earned it."

Galen's eyes widened as he accepted the pouch, peeking inside and letting out a low whistle. "Young master, this is... this is too generous. I can't just—"

I cut him off with a smirk. "Well, if you don't want it, Galen, I won't force you. I can always find someone else who might appreciate a small fortune."

Galen looked at me, then at the pouch, and back at me again before breaking into a wide grin. "I'm joking, young master! Of course, I want it. I may be loyal, but I'm not about to turn down a bit of treasure."

I chuckled, patting him on the back. "That's the spirit, Galen. Consider it a well-deserved reward for your unwavering loyalty and bravery."

With a laugh, Galen tucked the pouch securely into his belt. "In that case, young master, lead the way."

Before leaving the ruins, I paused, remembering the fallen soldiers who had accompanied us on this mission. I couldn't leave them behind. With a heavy heart, I began to gather the corpses of our comrades, storing them carefully in the Celestial Vault. Galen, noticing my actions, solemnly helped me ensure that none were left behind.

"We won't leave them here, young master," Galen said, his voice filled with respect and sadness. "They deserve a proper burial back home."

I nodded, feeling a mix of gratitude and sorrow. "Thank you, Galen. They fought bravely, and we'll make sure their sacrifices are honored. Their families will be well compensated."

Once all the fallen were safely stored within the ring, we made our way out of the ruins, the weight of our losses heavy on our minds. The journey back to Eisenhart was starkly different from our trek to the ancient site. The Devil's Forest, once foreboding and treacherous, now seemed to acknowledge our presence with an eerie calm. The usual cacophony of wild beasts and rustling leaves was replaced by a hushed silence, as if the very forest had acknowledged our victory.

During one of our breaks, I seized the opportunity to enhance my Shinken sword with the runes I had learned from the ancient tome. Utilizing my knowledge of runic enchantment, I carefully etched the symbols onto the blade, imbuing it with powerful aetheric energy. Although this was just a prototype, once the enchantment was complete, the sword became a formidable weapon. I named it Aetherblade Version 0.

Sword Name: Aetherblade

Ability: Spectral Strike

- Spectral Strike enhances the wielder's agility and strength, allowing for lightning-fast movements and powerful attacks. When activated, the sword channels aether energy into the blade, enabling the wielder to perform ranged attacks known as Aether Slashes. These slashes unleash arcs of shimmering energy that can cut through enemies and obstacles from a distance. The sword also grants the wielder enhanced reflexes and speed, making them nearly untouchable in combat. The more the wielder uses the Aetherblade, the stronger and more precise the Aether Slashes become.

***

It took us only eight days to emerge from the Devil's Forest. But as we approached the familiar landscape of Eisenhart, the sight that greeted us was nothing short of a nightmare. My heart pounded in my chest as I took in the devastation. The once-proud walls of our home lay in ruins, reduced to jagged rubble, while thick, black smoke coiled upward from burning houses. The acrid stench of destruction clung to the air, suffocating and bitter. 

Beyond the shattered walls, an army had gathered—roughly a thousand soldiers bearing banners I didn't recognize. Their emblems were foreign and foreboding, a stark reminder that these were no allies. A handful of archers manned the crumbling battlements, their presence seeming more a mockery than a defense. 

"What in the name of all that's holy..." Galen murmured, his voice trembling with shock and disbelief. I couldn't respond. Words failed me as the crushing reality sank in. My home, my people—everything I cherished was under attack. Images of my family flooded my mind: my parents, my three little sisters—Suzy, Wendy, and Mecca. Were they safe? The thought of them in danger was unbearable. 

Rage boiled within me, consuming all reason. My fists clenched, and I took a step forward, ready to charge headlong into the chaos. 

Galen, ever the voice of reason, seized my arm and yanked me back. "Young master, wait!" he hissed, his grip firm and unyielding. "You can't just rush in there. Look at the size of that force! There must be a thousand of them. We need a plan." 

I struggled against his hold, my vision clouded by fury. "They're destroying my home, Galen! My family could be in there! I can't just stand here!" 

His gaze locked onto mine, stern and unwavering. "And you won't stand by. But you can't save them by throwing your life away. We need to assess the situation, find their weaknesses, and strike when the time is right. Charging in now will only get you killed—and that won't help anyone, least of all your family."

His words cut through the haze of my anger, but the rage didn't dissipate—it only deepened. The air around us seemed to thrum with tension, heavy and oppressive. Galen staggered back, his face pale, as if crushed by the sheer force of my emotions. 

"Young master..." he gasped, his voice strained. "Your anger... it's... overwhelming..." 

I barely heard him. My focus had narrowed, consumed by the singular need to protect my home and family. With a swift motion, I called forth the Aetherblade from the Celestial Vault. The enchanted sword materialized in my hand, its shimmering blue light casting a faint glow around me. Runes etched into its surface pulsed with raw, arcane power. 

Galen's eyes widened in alarm. "Young master, no! You can't—!" 

But his voice was lost to me. I was already moving, the Aetherblade steady in my grip, its power coursing through my veins. The world around me slowed, every detail etched with crystal clarity. 

"I will kill you all!" I roared, charging toward the enemy, fury blazing within me like an unstoppable inferno.