After what happened, Serena Enid—her full name—followed her dear friend Aiden back to Noah's Mansion. She insisted on accompanying him, worried after noticing the slight red bump on his forehead from when she accidentally struck him with the wooden practice sword earlier.

  "I'm not hurt, Serena. Trust me," Aiden said calmly.

  "No, Aiden, I don't trust you on that," Serena replied, shaking her head. "Plus, your forehead has a small reddish bump... because of me." Her voice carried guilt, and Aiden relented.

  His reassurance clearly did nothing to ease her concern.

  'Because she is that kind, caring, and attentive person,' he thought, knowing her nature all too well from his past life—especially toward those she held dear.

  The two walked through the grand hallway of Noah's Mansion, passing towering white and red walls adorned with intricate gold and crimson swirls. Ornate pillars, each carved with elegant patterns, lined their path. At the end stood a massive, finely crafted wooden door. As they approached, two tall, heavily armored knights—their steel adorned with the emblem of a red flaming sword—bowed respectfully before pushing the heavy doors open. The doors closed behind them with a soft, resonant thud.

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  "It always baffles me how warm and welcoming your home is, Aiden," Serena said softly, her eyes shining with childlike wonder. The mansion, vibrant and majestic, always left her entranced. She cherished these visits, as Aiden was the only one who spent time with her, never once pushing her away.

  Aiden's lips curled into a nostalgic smile. "Yeah... It sure is, Serena." Yet, within his heart, a bittersweet ache lingered. 'It's been so long since I've seen my home whole... and not reduced to ruins.'

  From the corner of her eye, Serena caught a fleeting sadness in his amber gaze. Concern flickered in her soft blue eyes. Why does he look so sad? Is it because of me? She felt the question burning inside her, but her intuition told her he wouldn't share the truth. Instead, she chose another path.

  "Um... Aiden?" she spoke softly, her cheeks blooming with a shy warmth.

  "Yes, Serena?" Aiden turned his head to meet her gaze, noticing her small hand tugging lightly on his sleeve.

  "How was... my swordsmanship? Did I do well for my first time?" Her voice was soft, tinged with uncertainty and hope.

  Aiden's smile grew warmer, a blend of joy and relief. "You did wonderfully," he assured her, his voice gentle. Her effort, her courage—they meant everything to him.

  But within, questions lingered—questions that had haunted him since his miraculous return to this time. The radiant tree of Eden had granted his wish for a second chance, yet he retained all his memories from his past life. 'Why do I still remember everything?' he wondered. 'I must return to the tree... and seek my answer.'