After waking up and staring at my shadow who also now stares at me, I headed downstairs to the kitchen.


    The first thing I saw as soon as I entered the kitchen was a small note left on the table.


    Picking it up, I read through the contents.


    ===


    Lucas, sorry we can''te home but I made some breakfast for you and Lilya, So you should eat it.


    Also, spend some time with your sister. She has been waiting for you a long time, I''m sure she will be happy when she sees you.


    Anyway, I have to go now,


    Love mom and dad


    ===


    So they didn''te back home huh…


    What could they do all night when they don''t have time toe? Does criminal activities increase that much here?


    Neatly folding the small note, I headed towards the dining table where warm dishes covered in a thin stic film were already prepared.


    As I sat on the table, lifting the stic film, the fragrance of the bacon and the eggs on the te instantly invaded my nostrils.


    Without skipping a beat, I devoured everything that was on the te.


    "Delicious"


    After eating my fill, and patting my now bloated belly, I checked the time on my smart bracket.


    6:45 A.M.


    It was still very early in the morning, and looking outside the window I could see the sun slowly brightening up the surroundings. Since I had nothing to do, I decided to train for a couple of hours before waking Lilya up.


    -nk!


    Sliding the ss doors that led to the garden, the morning breeze instantly cooled my body.


    Walking in the garden, feeling the lush green grass tingling at my naked feet, I took a deep breath and took out my sword from my smart bracelet


    "Fuuuu…"


    Visualizing the creation of the protective ring, I raised my sword.


    Swish—!


    A transparent ring materialized in the air, encircling me.


    Right after the first ring form, I created the second and third defensive ring.


    Swinging my sword with precision, I focused on maintaining the defensive rings, eachyer adding to theplexity of the skill. The transparent barriers shimmered with an ethereal glow as they encircled me, a testament to the progress I was making with the [Phnx Guardian Form].


    The morning sunlight danced on the des of grass as I continued my training, the rhythmic sound of sword swings apanying the tranquillity of the garden.


    As I immersed myself in the practice, I became increasingly aware of my shadow lingering nearby. It stood as a silent observer, its enigmatic presence adding an extrayer of intrigue to my training routine.


    After a satisfying training session, I sheathed my sword and observed the intricate patterns of my defensive rings fading away. The sun had climbed higher in the sky, casting a warm glow over the garden.


    With the trainingplete, I decided it was time to wake up Lily. I headed back inside, still apanied by my ever-watchful shadow. Climbing the stairs, I reached Lily''s room, gently knocking on the door.


    "Lily it''s time to wake up. Mom and Dad left breakfast for us," I called out, hoping to rouse her from her slumber.


    Opening the door, I found Lily still nestled in her bed, her eyes blinking open as she adjusted to the morning light.


    "Good morning, sleepyhead," I grinned, and Lily responded with a drowsy smile.


    "Big brother is that you?" she said, her eyes widening as she nced at me.


    A small smilees to my face "Yes it''s me your big brother."


    "Big Brother!"


    "Wah-"


    Before I could do anything Lily jumped into my arms with her little feet


    Hooking her little arms around my neck, Lily''s face brightened up her ck eye staring at me with emotions.


    "I, really, really missed you so much!"  Lily said in a small whisper as she lost her face too much neck.


    Well, what can I say? She is just 5 year old girl, who loved her big brother very much.


    Feeling Lily''s warm embrace, I couldn''t help but be moved by her genuine affection. Despite the strangeness of this world and the mysteries surrounding my reincarnation, moments like these grounded me in the importance of family.


    "I missed you too, Lily," I whispered, gently patting her back as she clung to me. The genuine happiness radiating from her was contagious, and I found myself cherishing the simple joy of being reunited with my little sister.


    Breaking the hug, Lily looked up at me with wide eyes, a mischievous glint dancing in them.


    "Big brother, can we go on an adventure today?" she asked, her excitement palpable.


    "An adventure?" I chuckled. "Sure, why not? We can explore the town, see what''s around. But first, let''s have some breakfast. Mom and Dad left us something delicious."


    Lily''s eyes lit up at the mention of food, and we made our way downstairs to the dining table. The aroma of the morning meal filled the air, and Lilya eagerly dug into the warm dishes.


    As we enjoyed our breakfast, I couldn''t shake the feeling of contentment. Despite the uncertainties of this new world and the lingering questions about my previous life, the bond with my family remained a constant source of strength.


    After the hearty meal, Lily insisted on helping me with my training. With a makeshift wooden sword, she mimicked my movements, her enthusiasm infectious. It turned into a yful sparring session, and we both sharedughter in the garden.


    "Big brother now let''s go to the park! I want to park with you!" Lily said with excitement in her voice


    I couldn''t resist Lilya''s infectious excitement, and the idea of spending more quality time with her in the park sounded like a wonderful n.


    "Sure thing, Lily! Let''s go to the park," I said with a smile, and Lilya''s eyes lit up with joy.


    We gathered a few essentials, like snacks and a small nket, and set off towards the nearby park. The sun was shining brightly, and the gentle breeze carried the scent of blooming flowers.


    As we reached the park, Lily immediately darted towards the swings, herughter echoing in the air. I followed suit, pushing her on the swing with a yful grin.


    "Higher, big brother! Higher!" she giggled, her excitement contagious.


    I obliged, pushing the swing higher until Lilya''sughter reached new heights. The simple joy of the moment filled my heart, momentarily pushing aside the uncertainties that lingered in the back of my mind.