Recap:
After a bitter confrontation with his father Lucas, Leo declared his independence. With determination in his eyes and flames of vengeance in his heart, he turned away from a home that never sheltered him.
The system rewarded him for defying fate, and as he stepped into the unknown, a new chapter awaited.
---
The sun dipped toward the horizon, painting the skies with shades of crimson and gold. As Leo walked down the forested path near the outskirts of the city, his sharp senses picked up the sound of carriage wheels creaking in the distance.
A sleek black carriage adorned with a silver crest stood silently at the roadside. The horses snorted gently, well-bred and emanating noble energy.
Leo narrowed his eyes. Why is a carriage here?
Before he could ask aloud, a figure stepped down from the driver's seat, walked toward him, and bowed deeply.
"Young Master Leo, I've come on behalf of the Eldest Lady of the Skydawn family—Lady Elena. I am Butler Wang."
Leo's breath hitched.
Elena Skydawn… That's... my mother.
Seeing Leo frozen in place, Butler Wang offered a gentle smile. "The lady requests your presence. Everything is fine now, young master. Please, step inside."
Leo nodded slowly, stepping into the luxurious interior of the carriage. He settled into the velvet seats, a mix of thoughts flooding his mind.
In his past life, he thought his mother had abandoned him, chosen the Skydawn family over him.
But only after her death did he uncover the truth. She had defied fate, opposed Alex, and sacrificed everything for him.
The memory of her bloody hands protecting him was etched into his soul.
Alex—the so-called hero—had once dared to offer his mother a place by his side as his woman. When she refused, he branded her a traitor.
Leo clenched his fists. Alex… I'll make your life a nightmare worse than death.
The carriage halted.
When Leo stepped outside, he was stunned.
The mansion before him was vast, radiant with soft mana lights and adorned with glowing white lilies. It was larger, grander, and older than the Aetherwind estate. The air buzzed with ancient power.
So this... is the Skydawn estate. No wonder even that idiot Alex never looked too deep into them.
The Skydawn were a mysterious family, known by name but never seen. It was whispered they had remained in seclusion for generations.
Leo hesitated at the threshold. His heart pounded. Then—
"Leo? Is that you?"
The soft, melodic voice pulled him from his storm of thoughts. A woman in flowing silver robes, her eyes gleaming like the moon, walked toward him. Her face was gentle, beautiful, timeless.
"Mom…"
He stood there, trembling.
She walked up to him, wrapping him in her arms. "I've waited for you, my child."
Leo couldn't hold back anymore. The tears he never allowed to fall burst forth. He hugged her tightly, burying his face into her shoulder.
In his last life, this embrace had ended in blood and fire. Now, it began again—with warmth.
Elena gently wiped his tears. "Don't cry, baby. Mom is here. Mom will always be here."
She ruffled his hair, took his hand, and led him inside.
That night, Leo poured everything out—his rejection, the duel, and even his father's coldness.
Elena listened quietly, her face calm yet stormy. "Lucas… he still doesn't understand you."
She placed a hand on Leo's shoulder. "You don't have to go anywhere else. From now on, this is your home. Your mother will always be by your side."
She pounded her chest with pride. Leo chuckled—genuinely. Elena blinked in surprise.
It was the first time she'd seen him laugh like this since he was a child.
Ding! [System Notification: Congratulations to host for deviating from the original plot. Reward: 20,000 Fate Points.]
Leo smiled faintly. Of course. Coming here already changed everything.
That evening, they enjoyed a warm, homely meal. No pretense. No nobles. Just a mother and her son.
For the first time in years, Leo slept peacefully.
But after midnight, the door creaked open.
Elena stepped in quietly, sat by his side, and gently stroked his hair.
"I'm sorry I wasn't there when you needed me most," she whispered.
"I promise… no one will ever hurt you again."
The moonlight spilled across the room as Elena made her silent vow.
---
[Status Panel]
( Updated )
Name: Leo Aetherwind
Age: 16
Cultivation Realm: Lesser Emberborn
Bloodlines:
Pureblood Aetherwind (Unlocked)
Pureblood Skydawn (Unlocked)
??? (Locked)
Physique:
Immortal Body (Locked)
Cultivation Techniques:
Shadow Wind Step
Crimson Pulse Art
Moonfall Blade
Skills:
Phantom Mind (Charm, Illusion, and Manipulation Resistance)
Inventory:
Villain's Cloak of Shadow (Equipped)
Insight Pill (1/day weakness reveal)
Constitution Pill x1
Fate Points: 27,500
---
End of Chapter 6.