Chapter Text
It's the same dream as always.
I find myself at a grand tea party. I don't know who the host is, but that doesn't matter, everyone is happy. I can see my parents enjoying the exquisite tea and sweets that we could only once dream of.
My teacher is showing off his skills, serving the appetizers with a dexterity that only a gentleman of his caliber could have. Brad is in his element, boasting about his vast knowledge of the finest desserts, using his natural charm to flirt with the girls from my village.
Greg and Chris, on the other hand, are in their own world, fighting over trivial things. I still find it hard to understand that they don't hate each other; that's just their way of showing affection, men.
Jilk, for his part, is enjoying a conversation about the different types of tea with the elderly villagers. His face lights up with happiness as he relaxes into a conversation about his passion, and it's refreshing to see.
It's one of the reasons why even Greg doesn't dare to challenge him, knowing how skilled he is in the art of tea-making. Julius, who always felt out of place in formal events, is playing with the village children.
Seeing him enjoy something as simple as a ball, without the weight of the kingdom on his shoulders, brings a smile to my face. And I, at the center of the party, realize that I am the happiest person in the world, surrounded by all those I love.
But like all good things, this must come to an end. Life taught me that lesson in the cruelest way.
A dark cloud covers the clear sky. The first monstrous roar resonates in the distance, followed by the screams of the defenseless and the terrifying sound of fire ravaging everything in its path.
I can do nothing but watch as my village is destroyed by an army of monsters, led by a man I knew from a young age through my mother's stories: Sir Vandel Him Zenden.
His figure was feared by all, and his legend spread throughout the world. I still remember how they used him to scare children into behaving. "If you don't get home before nightfall, the Black Knight will come for you."
His black armor, his sword raised in defiance of even the gods, leaves no doubt about his power. I see him destroy my parents and teacher with a single blow, and my heart breaks into a thousand pieces.
My life is once again marked by tragedy. My friends fight valiantly. Julius defends everyone with all his might, while Greg and Chris take every opportunity to attack Sir Vandel.
Brad and Jilk don't hesitate to destroy every monster that dares to get in their way. Everything seems to indicate that victory is near... until we hear the infernal metallic sound.
An army of unmanned ships emerges on the horizon, firing mercilessly. Their shots are lethal, and they make no distinction between monsters, civilians, soldiers, or even my friends.
Everyone falls before their unstoppable power. Desperation invades me. I can do nothing. My voice, trapped in my throat, cannot alert anyone.
I can only watch as my loved ones are annihilated, while my heart breaks once again. Heavy footsteps approach me. As I turn, I see him. Him. Sir Leon Fou Bartfort.
The Lord of Machines, dressed in his black armor that blends with his cold and mocking gaze. Those eyes, always watching from above, knowing that I have no escape.
I want to run, but I trip and fall. My knees burn, but I can't waste time on pain. My only thought is to escape, even though I know I won't succeed.
My loved ones always die. And he always catches me. The dream stops at that precise moment, when I feel his hand grasping my ankle tightly.
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I wake up with a start, with a muffled scream. My body is drenched in sweat, and when I look around, I confirm that I am alone in my room. It's still early, the sun is just starting to peek through the window.
I decide that I can't stay in bed any longer, knowing that rest is impossible. I can make the most of the day; I've always been one to make the most of every moment. I get up and quickly change into comfortable clothes for exercising.
Although I'm a witch, the fact that I'm always behind the action doesn't justify not taking care of my physical condition. My current state, I admit, is quite deplorable. I should have accepted Greg's proposal for physical conditioning... I think with an ironic smile.
But it doesn't matter, I have a new opportunity in this timeline. My name is Olivia. Daughter of Tomas and Sarah, two humble bakers. In the past — or would it be more correct to say in the future? — I was known as "the Saint of this era."
Along with my five best friends and Kyle, we faced all kinds of threats, from the Principality of Fanoss with its monsters and the most feared Dark Knight, to the Lord of Machines, Leon Fou Bartfort, and his fearsome metal army, determined to take revenge for the death of his family.
The battles seemed endless, each one being won with great sacrifices, until culminating in a final confrontation where only the Lord of Machines and I were left. Emerging victorious, I was able to perform the greatest miracle I had ever heard of: traveling four years into the past, or rather, my mind traveled to my body from four years ago.
It's the reason why I'm now jogging in my hometown, which had been destroyed when the invasion of Fanoss occurred. Six months have passed since I woke up in the past, and I still remember how difficult it was to explain to my parents why, when I woke up, the first thing I did was hug them and cry like never before.
The news that my village had been attacked by a surprise attack by the monster army of Fanoss had left me inconsolable. I begged the guys to help me go to the island, but Jilk refused, I could see it in his soul, he didn't want me to see how the victims had been left.
"There were no survivors" was what the detailed report of the attack said. "Multiple body parts with marks showing they had been partially devoured by monsters" was what I read in the part that Jilk tried to keep me from reading.
The families of Greg and Chris took care of giving them a dignified burial. My people didn't deserve to be devoured by the monsters. My people didn't deserve to die.
As I continue jogging, I can see the early risers of my village starting their day, all of them, when they see me, give me a warm smile and a greeting, which I immediately return.
I won't let anyone die this time. Finally, I arrive at the shore of the island and begin to practice my magic. First, I use my healing magic to eliminate my physical fatigue, and then I practice my defensive barriers.
It's rare to have all the knowledge and experience to perform advanced magic, but for my body and magic not to be on par. Previously, I was an eighteen-year-old woman with a body forged by practice, dungeons, and wars.
But now I'm in my body, which is about to turn fifteen. My body, which until a few months ago, when I returned, the biggest task I had done was helping out in the family bakery.
More than saying that any kind of conditioning I could have obtained from that task was counteracted by all the pastries I ate afterwards. I need to be in top shape.
If I can accelerate my growth, I could improve our chances of defeating our enemies. For some reason, I was sent six months before my first year of school at the capital's academy.
I'd like to say that this time I have could be used to send letters to the highest authorities of the kingdom to prevent events that would benefit Fanoss or the Lord of Machines. But the problem is that I'm just a commoner, no one in power would take me seriously.
The only authority I could turn to is my teacher, but I remember that he dedicated himself to following his research on the pilgrimage of the original Saint. When he could read my letter, it would be too late.
And it's not like it's easy to send letters to the important people of the kingdom. All the correspondence from my entry to the academy was only from the kingdom's authorities.
News is scarce on my island. Every so often, I go to the docks to ask what's new in the kingdom, hoping that I can detect if there's been any change in the future I know.
It's as if it were a war scar; I feel the pressure on my ankle, the same place where the Lord of Machines grabbed me in the last seconds I spent in my previous timeline. Please, Saint, I hope he didn't come back with me. I highly doubt he expected me to time-jump. How could he have known? There's no record of anyone having done it before. A magic that was only possible with the help of the relics of the original Saint.
If he came back with me, I don't know what could happen. I slap both my cheeks with the palms of my hands, trying to shake off the anxiety that's invading me. Whether the Lord of Machines came back or not, it doesn't change my situation. I need to train hard to recover my old physical and magical condition.
I must use my connection with my teacher to ensure a better start to the war and recover the Saint's relics as soon as possible. As I practice my magic spears, I can't help but think that I'll have to slap Julius again. I wish there were a less violent way to rekindle our relationship, but he himself confessed that my action was what sparked his interest in me.
I just hope he doesn't realize that this time my ignorance about his identity is feigned. It will be difficult, as I've never been a good liar, and he's too astute to fall for such an obvious trap. I can already feel the headache that living through another school year will be, but I've never backed down from a challenge.
Whether it's my advanced studies, the harassment I suffered from my classmates, pirates, or even wars, I've always come out on top. As long as I believe in myself and those around me, I'll defeat the Lord of Machines once again. This time, once and for all.
I'm almost at my limit of mana reserves; I can feel myself starting to get a little dizzy, a sign that my senses are weakening from the lack of magic. But it's perfect; there's no better way to increase your mana reserves than to empty everything inside you, forcing your body to expand its limits.
I start with my last exercise of the day, the most difficult but the most necessary. I'm trying to learn magic that isn't my natural element, the lightning element. Why learn magic that, no matter how hard I try, will only be as strong as a small fraction of my natural Light element? Easy, there's no better element to use against machines.
And I need to learn quickly a magic that was vital to having even a chance against the Lord of Machines' army. I look around, even at the endless skies that surround the island, while a chill runs down my spine. Until I learn this magic, I'll never feel that my privacy is safe.
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My last days in my hometown ended with an intimate party, just my parents and me. The table was full of my favorite dishes: freshly baked bread, meat stew, and fresh vegetables from the garden. The party served as both my birthday and farewell, and my parents had prepared everything with love and care.
As we ate, my parents looked at me with tearful eyes, and I could feel their love and sadness. The first time I left home, I felt embarrassed by how my parents acted, but now I can understand them better. You never know when it will be the last time you see your loved ones.
After eating, we sat in the living room, surrounded by photos and memories of my childhood. My parents told me stories of when I was little, and I laughed and cried at the same time. The house smelled of freshly baked bread and old wood from the fireplace, and I felt surrounded by warmth and love.
Unlike the first time, now I hugged my parents tightly, basking in their warmth and aroma. My mother stroked my hair, and my father gave me a strong hug. "We're going to miss you so much," my mother said, her voice trembling. "But we're proud of you," my father added. "We know you're going to do great things."
With laughter, tears, and embarrassing stories from my childhood, I ended what I consider the best day of my new life. Tomorrow, I'll be on my way to the academy in the capital, ready to face new challenges and make my dreams come true.
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The trip was just like I remembered it the first time. A escort of royal guards with shiny armor and the baron in charge of the island where I live, with his serious face and gray hair, accompanied me during the journey.
The false flattery from everyone was evident, but my past self couldn't notice it. We set sail for the skies, and no one spoke to me. It was obvious that they thought I wasn't someone worth their time.
Previously, my nerves hadn't allowed me to notice this. I had immersed myself in my books and fantasies, not noticing the mistreatment. I wonder how long it would have taken me to notice that the students were also like this if it weren't for the fact that the girls at the academy were never subtle about showing how much they despised my presence at school.
I remember the way they looked at me, with disdain and superiority, as if I were an inferior creature. It's not that it really matters now. Without sounding arrogant, I'm the Saint of this era. My magic has no equal. I'm someone who fought and won against the Black Knight, the monster legion of the principality, and the lifeless army of the Lord of Machines.
A war veteran like me isn't afraid of a handful of girls who think their parents' power allows them to treat people like trash. That being said, it doesn't mean I'll confront them when the harassment starts. What I need least is more enemies when I have to focus on making sure everyone is better prepared for the inevitable wars.
I highly doubt that negotiations with the principality will be possible, and if the Lord of Machines also returned to this time... I don't even want to think about it. His army was dangerous, machines that knew no fear or mercy, replaceable and repairable, immune to my powers of persuasion.
But more dangerous than the metal army was its master. Leon Fou Bartfort, intelligent and cunning, someone who, due to his position in his family, was basically a commoner, and who, through his own efforts, became the most dangerous person of this generation.
And in the worst-case scenario, he now has six months in this timeline. I have no doubt that he's taken advantage of every second of this new life. I have to constantly remind myself that the last encounter against him was won by me. Because, honestly, I feel like I lost everything.
The ship's horns pull me out of my pessimistic thoughts. We're about to land. I look out the window and see the capital of Holfort in all its glory, full of bright colors and exquisite architecture. The academy is closer, the place that defined my last three years with friendships, fights, losses, and achievements.
I'm finally back in my second home.
My escort leaves me at the port, without words of encouragement, just a dry "Don't make the crown regret giving you this opportunity." The first time, I just nodded nervously, but this time I simply ignore them. I have bigger obstacles to overcome than arrogant people.
Dragging my suitcase, I can't help but feel butterflies in my stomach. Julius, guys, I long to be with you again, my second family. The bustle is just as I remember it, old friendships reuniting, new alliances being forged, slaves and servants being yelled at and mistreated to obey the orders of their young masters.
As I approach the entrance, it becomes more crowded. My memory isn't perfect for these details, but I'm sure this is where I first saw them, along with this crowd... "Look, it's them! His Highness and his entourage!" A girl's shrill voice screamed with excitement.
I quickly turn around, excited, and there they are, my best friends, Julius, Jilk, Greg, Chris, and Brad, in all their glory, so handsome and full of energy, every movement full of confidence and elegance cultivated since childhood.
I spent these six months on my home island, surrounded by my family and neighbors who once died, but now that I see them alive, I feel like a great weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I'm back again, thank you, Saint.
I follow them with my tear-blurred gaze, as if I were one of their many admirers. I can't help but smile at seeing them behave as I remember. Brad, as always, happy for the female attention, giving greetings and kisses, while striking poses in front of the mirror. His radiant smile and perfectly combed hair make him look like a true gallant.
Greg, angry about something he's discussing with Chris, and the latter trying not to show that he's being affected in the same way. His reddened face and clenched fists reveal his frustration. Jilk, with a serene face, giving a small smile to those around them, while ensuring that there's no danger for Julius, always just a few steps away from him. His calm presence and constant vigilance make him seem like a true protector.
And Julius, so imposing, with a natural leader's face, showing no weakness, every part of him demonstrating how he's a prince taken from a fairy tale. No one would think how much he hates his position as heir to the throne.
I can't wait to talk to them again, I hope I can convince them to take serious training from the start. We must be in better shape than last time to have our happy ending.
"Look, on the other side, Lady Angelica is coming!", a man's voice was heard. Angelica Rapha Redgrave... I admit it's been a while since I last thought about her, although she was the one responsible for the harassment that accompanied me throughout my school years.
In the end, she received her fair punishment for taking advantage of her title, obsessed with the title of queen, never bothering to see the real Julius. Her punishment was exile, and before she was married to a rural baron, the entire Redgrave territory was destroyed by one of the first attacks of the Principality of Fanoss.
I hope that in your past life, you found peace, and that in this new one, you won't make the same mistakes. I turn my gaze to see her, she's just as I remember, beautiful and elegant, with ruby-red eyes that can freeze anyone.
Her entourage accompanies her as always, ladies from lower families who were the ones who bullied me on her orders, their faces the ones I saw in nightmares during my first year of school. And then, my heart stops. My breathing becomes shallow. My gaze fixes on a figure that shouldn't be there.
No... It can't be... Why is he here? I couldn't notice him at first because, honestly, he didn't stand out. How can someone like him have so little presence? But now I see him. I see him clearly. Walking as if he were Angelica Rapha Redgrave's bodyguard, wearing the same uniform as all the men in the academy, and with a double-edged sword at his waist.
The last enemy of the Kingdom of Holtfort. The man who has haunted my nightmares. The Lord of Machines, Leon Fou Bartfort. My mind becomes a whirlwind of fear and anxiety. What is he doing here? What plans does he have? My heart beats strongly, as if it's trying to escape my chest.
I can't breathe. I can't think. I can only feel the fear that consumes me.