It took some time, but Atlas was able to adjust to living with the Alnhart family. After spending a few months with the Alnhart family, Atlas got all sorts of clothes, toys, books, and lots of ice cream. Ice cream was his favorite dessert but he couldn’t eat too much of it because everyone was worried that it would make his stomach ache. He was limited to eating ice cream three times a week. 

Even with how happy he has been living with Cyrus and his new family, he still hadn’t remembered his memories from before he came to the forest because he was a little nervous about remembering them. He wasn’t good with pain. In his previous life, his parents made sure he never felt he wasn’t loved or supported. The most physically painful thing he experienced was breaking his arm as a kid, but that was still doable. Plus, his parents made sure he was well taken care of so he could heal well. As for emotional pain, losing Sir Walter in his first life was at the top of that list. 

And that was it.

Atlas knew those memories were going to be brutal and he was scared he may not mentally recover from it. Especially because Sohtris and Avlios said that he would need a lot of support to be able to get through those memories. 

They also told him that they wouldn’t blame him for not remembering them. He was considering taking them up on the offer of not remembering even if it could help Cyrus. The Gods couldn’t interfere too much so they could only give him a jist of what happened. Remembering was still up to Atlas. Still, he wanted to help Cyrus and that was why he was torn between the two options. 

Cyrus knew that Atlas was conflicted, but he didn’t know what to say to help Atlas. Atlas kept saying that he only needed Cyrus to be there for him, but he wanted to do more for Atlas. 

Everyone but Sir Walter left Atlas alone so he could think. They worried about him, but they knew they couldn’t do much but give him a listening ear if he needed it…

Meanwhile, Atlas wandered around the garden with Sir Walter but he felt a bit lost, mentally. Physically, he was always lost, but now, he felt like his mind was going around in circles. 

“Sir Walter, do you think I’m a coward if I decide to not remember what happened to me before I regained my past life memories?” Atlas asked after an hour of silence. 

Sir Walter didn’t understand human emotions that well, but to him, he had never seen Atlas as a coward. Atlas was his most special person, so he had to tell Atlas that. He didn’t want his little brother to wallow in anxiety. 

“I don’t know what worries you, but I have never seen you as a coward,” Sir Walter tried to cheer him up. “Atlas has always been a headstrong, loving, and caring human being. You always put your family first. You forgive a little too easily, but you are someone who sticks to their sense of justice. I think you are a wonderful person whatever you decide to choose.” 

“Even if the information could be important to Cyrus? What happens if my memories could help him a little bit on his mission? Wouldn’t it be cowardly of me if I decide to not remember everything?” 

Sir Walter stopped walking, making Atlas stop in his tracks. 

“Cyrus wouldn’t want you to hurt yourself trying to help him. If these memories hurt you, he will blame himself. That’s why, I do not think you need to remember them. Cyrus is more than capable of completing his mission. The Gods wouldn’t tell him to do it if they didn’t have any faith in him.” 

Sir Walter made a good point. Plus, Atlas didn’t want to see Cyrus blame himself…

“I understand, Sir Walter. Then, I won’t remember and keep moving forward. I will still do my best to help Cyrus, but I can help him in other ways. My brain isn’t the best, so I might as well get stronger to help him. I can be his sword and shield!” 

This was the Atlas that Sir Walter knew. Someone who cares about his family more than himself, but also allows other people to help him. 

“And I will be protecting you both. I will make sure that I can protect you for the rest of my life!”  

Atlas jumped Sir Walter into a hug, thankful that his lifelong brother and friend was by his side once more.

In a world where he thought he was alone, he now had people he could rely on. Truly, he was happy. 

*****

When Cyrus found out that Atlas decided to not remember those traumatic memories, he couldn’t help but sigh in relief. He had heard about Atlas being locked up and his magical energy being drained for years in the small basement. Why would he want Atlas to remember anything from that time? He also felt it was best if Atlas kept those memories in the trash. 

To him, what mattered the most was creating new memories with Atlas. 

With Atlas’ mental crisis out of the way, Cyrus resumed his training and Atlas began his. Cyrus also resumed his meetings with his fiancée. Atlas hasn’t met her yet, but he was told that he would be able to meet her soon.  

Since Wallace was Cyrus’ master, Atlas was able to become his student too. 

Cyrus was allowed to do his own thing, so Wallace focused on teaching Atlas different weapons to see which one was best suited for him. 

Atlas was standing on the training grounds where Cyrus usually trained with Wallace. It was a bit far from the Alnhart’s mansion, but it was still within their property. 

“Alright, Lord Atlas, I have a selection of weapons on the racks.” Wallace pointed at four racks at the edge of the training grounds.  

There were different kinds of swords, spears/halberds, axes, bows, and other weapons. 

“Pick them up and give them a swing for a couple of minutes. At the end, you will need to check your ID card to see if you have any new skills. This is typically done with children who have just turned five years old. This method is used to see which weapons a child should focus on for the rest of their lives.” 

Atlas nodded his head and went to pick up the dagger first. He swung it around but didn’t feel anything special. He did the same thing for every weapon on the racks. It took almost an hour to get through all the weapons. There was even a pair of battle gauntlets. According to Wallace, battle gauntlets were used by martial artists who preferred to use their fists and arms in battle. He liked the feel of the gauntlets, almost like there was a connection to it. 

When he finished, Atlas looked at his ID card and wasn’t shocked at the results. The only weapons he had compatibility with were the gauntlets. Atlas was a bit relieved to know that he could use a weapon, even if it was not a sword like in story books or video protagonists. It’s still really cool though! 

“A martial artist? You also have a ton of mana, so almost like a monk. That’s pretty cool!” Wallace couldn’t help but give Atlas some intense pats on his back. “I’m not much of a martial artist, but I know a strong person who can be your teacher. I will talk with Everet about it.” 

“Thank you, Duke Wallace!” 

“Just call me teacher. I will be sure to check on your progress from time to time, so if you have any other questions, feel free to ask.” 

Wallace was grinning while tightly putting his arm around Atlas's shoulders.

Atlas didn’t mind the affection, laughing along with Wallace. He liked Wallace’s personality a lot.

Wallace, even if he was the Duke of Balther, was a carefree spirit who didn’t care about etiquette or social rules. His mind consisted of his wife first, then his kids, his friends and their kids, maybe his relatives, and lastly, his loyalty to the Hirean Empire. Of course, his wife was and would always be first. 

Cyrus, who was on the other side of the training grounds, saw Atlas and Wallace getting along and felt relieved. 

Atlas didn’t seem upset about his decision to not remember his earlier childhood memories and was already back to his usual happy self. He had a huge smile on his face and he was laughing without a care in the world. 

At times, Cryus was glad that Atlas was a simple-minded person. He was easy to coax, but he was incredibly loyal and caring. He felt Atlas was the person he had always wanted to be. But that was all in the past. 

Now, he would make up for Atlas’ shortcomings and protect him.