Athena's General Reincarnated in Another World

Katherine Evenhart

I had been in my lab since early morning, organizing everything.

If everything went according to plan, we would be leaving by dawn—or maybe sometime the next afternoon. Most of my plants had already been packed. The maids spent the entire week helping me move them into specially enchanted jars for transport.

"Living in this city hasn't been so bad," I muttered to myself. "I've gotten used to a more… normal routine. Back at the castle, I could never walk the streets like a regular person."

I walked over to my desk—then suddenly, the world tilted.

A wave of dizziness hit me so hard I nearly collapsed, barely managing to catch myself on the wall.

"I… think I need a break," I murmured, fanning my face. Sweat was starting to bead on my forehead, and my breathing was growing shallow.

"I'll have plenty of time to rest during the trip. Just need to handle you first," I said, turning my gaze toward the giant seed resting at the center of the room.

Every day, its shell grew more fractured, more unstable.

"Don't worry," I whispered. "Mama won't leave you behind."

I stepped closer, raising my hands to summon my plant and wood golems to help carry her.

Mana swirled for a moment... then fizzled.

Nothing happened.

"What…?" I whispered, confused.

I tried again—still nothing.

Suddenly, a violent cough tore through me. My legs buckled, and I staggered back, gasping for breath. My body was overheating, but I was cold, drenched in sweat.

'Mama?' Her voice reached me—sleepy, distant, but suddenly alert. 'Are you okay?'

I tried to answer but couldn't. My throat was bone-dry, and the air in my lungs vanished as if stolen.

"I… need… air…" I managed to croak, stumbling toward a nearby chair—only to fall to the ground, my vision swimming.

'Mama!' she screamed in my mind, a desperate cry.

I couldn't stop coughing.

Something was draining my mana—fast.

My body convulsed as panic clawed at my chest. I couldn't breathe. I clawed at the floor, trying to call for help.

"Martha…" I tried to shout.

It came out as a whisper.

A bone-deep exhaustion washed over me. My limbs went numb.

And then—
Darkness.

***

"Lady Katherine!"

The voice pulled me from the darkness.

I didn't know how much time had passed—seconds, minutes? When I opened my eyes, Martha was kneeling beside me, splashing water on my face. One of her hands glowed faintly with healing magic.

"You're pale! What happened?" she asked, her voice frantic as she helped me sit up. "We need to get you to the infirmary—now!"

I couldn't answer. My limbs felt heavy, my head dizzy, my stomach churning. The world spun around me, and my thoughts scattered like leaves in the wind.

More maids arrived, some rushing in with a stretcher.

"Mana…" I managed to whisper. "I… I used it all up. I don't know how..."

The drowsiness returned, stronger now—pulling me under.

"The Limbo... I'll... be asleep there..."

My eyes began to close, the world fading again. Sound dropped away, like someone had pulled a veil over reality. I saw their mouths moving—Martha barking orders, the maids scrambling—but I couldn't hear anything.

This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

They lifted me onto the stretcher, moving quickly.

And then, I let go.

Darkness embraced me once more.

Nathan Evenhart:

We were taken to the grand mansion that had been used for official meetings over the past few days. My mother was in the infirmary.

Mom!

I ran through the halls, ignoring the people who turned their heads as I passed. My steps echoed as panic tightened in my chest. When I reached the infirmary wing, I saw Martha sitting on a bench outside the entrance.

She stood the moment she saw me and hurried toward me.

"Where's my mother? How is she?" I asked, breathless. Behind me, I heard Chloe, Natty, and Catty catching up.

"She's fine, young master," Martha said gently. "She's resting now. She's conscious and out of danger."

I didn't wait for another word. I rushed into the room.

The infirmary was spacious, rows of beds aligned in perfect order—but it was nearly empty. Only one section of the room was in use. As I got closer, I heard quiet laughter.

A familiar figure sat beside my mother's bed.

"Queen Siofna?" I asked, surprised.

She turned and gave me a warm smile. "Nathan, I'm glad you're here. Don't worry—I personally took care of her."

She stepped aside, and I moved closer to the bed. My mother looked pale, but alert. She was talking with the queen like they were old friends.

"Nate…" she whispered, smiling softly.

"Mom, what happened? Why did you collapse?" I asked, kneeling beside her.

"It was just a minor incident," she said. "My mana was completely drained all at once. But I'm alright now. My healer said I'm forbidden from casting any spells for a few days."

She let out a quiet laugh, though I could see the weariness in her expression.

"I've already explained what she needs to do," Queen Siofna added. "Her mana core was slightly damaged. She'll need to wait until it naturally replenishes before it can begin healing on its own."

"Drained?" I asked, confused. "How? What do you mean?"

"I think I overdid it with my spell tests," she said, rubbing the back of her neck. "I'm lucky I didn't completely lose consciousness. The idea of my mind slipping into limbo is… terrifying. I'll follow Queen Siofna's recommendations and rest for a few days."

"Just call me Siofna," the queen added gently.

Relief washed over me. For a while on the way here, my heart hadn't stopped racing. I glanced back and saw Chloe stepping closer.

"Auntie, I was so scared…" she whispered, placing a hand on my mother's shoulder.

Footsteps echoed behind us, and Martha entered the room again.

"I'll inform Hugo we should wait until morning to depart," she said.

But my mother slowly sat up in bed.

"That won't be necessary. I'm fine, really."

"I can't let you leave in this condition, Lady Katherine," Martha said firmly.

"She's right, Auntie. You need to rest," Chloe added.

My mother shook her head.

"Nonsense. We'll be spending at least two days in a carriage to the capital, then another three on the ship. I'll have plenty of time to rest during the journey. The truth is, I'd feel safer getting back to the castle as soon as possible. We've stayed in this city long enough."

I helped her sit up more comfortably.

"Are you sure about this, Mom?" I asked.

"Absolutely," she replied with a tired but determined smile. "We were just waiting for you all to return so we could leave."

Queen Siofna stepped closer.

"If it'll help ease your minds, Katherine can travel in my carriage. I'll be monitoring her condition on the way to the capital. We'll all be heading there together anyway," she offered.

"I don't want to trouble a queen…" my mother said hesitantly.

Siofna smiled. "You'd trouble me far more by traveling without proper care."

I decided not to argue. Queen Siofna was one of the most renowned healers in the world. Knowing she would be watching over my mother brought me peace of mind—something I desperately needed, especially with everything that had happened with Cylla. She still hadn't returned. She needed time, she said… but the weight of that silence was growing heavier by the hour.

A wheelchair was brought in. My mother could walk, but the queen insisted she avoid any unnecessary strain.

"Then I'll take her myself," Siofna said. "We'll wait in the central plaza with Adrihna until the rest of you arrive."

"I'll bring them," Martha replied. "My husband is already with Adrihna and Kinue in the city center. Once Lady Margaery finishes her meeting, we'll all gather there and depart together."

Siofna nodded and began escorting my mother out, accompanied by elven guards. Natty and Catty followed closely behind to assist.

"Don't forget about the seed!" my mother called back as she was being wheeled away.

Martha gave a nod in acknowledgment.

I watched them go, a faint sigh of relief escaping me. At least she was safe now.

"Where's my mother?" Chloe asked, glancing around.

"She's been in a meeting somewhere in the mansion since early morning," Martha answered. "She probably doesn't even know what happened yet. I'm heading back to the house to pick her up soon. Do you two want to come with me, or would you rather wait here? I still have a few things left to organize."

"I'll go with you," Chloe said, stepping toward Martha. "I need to talk to Cylla."

That caught me off guard.

She turned to me and gently placed a hand on my arm.

"Nate… it's better if you stay. Cylla will go back to your room, and I want to have a serious talk with her. I… need to apologize. And we need to talk about what comes next, about our future."

There was a weight in her tone, something firm beneath the softness.

"I know you want to see her. But right now, let me try to fix things. After she calms down, you two can talk."

I hesitated.

I was the one who hurt her. This shouldn't fall on Chloe's shoulders.

"It's my fault. I should be the one—"

"This is something between us as women, too. Trust me," she interrupted. "If she sees you now… it'll only make things worse. And honestly, I feel terrible about it too."

I finally gave a small nod, reluctantly agreeing.

Even though every part of me wanted to run to Cylla and make things right, I knew Chloe was right. I was the reason she was in so much pain. I couldn't shake the shame tightening in my chest — the guilt, the disappointment… all of it aimed squarely at myself.

I stayed behind, letting them go.

For a while, I simply stood there, staring down the quiet, empty street. The houses around us were still and silent, the trees at the forest's edge wrapped in heavy shadows. A breeze passed through, barely audible — cold, but not biting.

I tried to clear my thoughts.

Tried not to think.

Just breathe.

But then…

A small shiver crawled down my spine.

Something in the air shifted.

There was no sound.

No movement.

Only that quiet, uncomfortable sensation... like something wasn't quite where it should be.