Ethan's eyes snapped open, his mind reeling as unfamiliar sensations bombarded him. The last thing he remembered was crossing the street, a blinding light, and then... nothing. Now, he found himself staring up at a thatched roof, the scent of herbs and wood smoke filling his nostrils.

"What the..." he muttered, his voice coming out higher and softer than he expected. Ethan sat up abruptly, his head spinning. He looked down at his hands smaller, paler, with long, slender fingers that weren't his own.

A mirror on the far wall caught his attention. Stumbling out of bed, he made his way over, his movements clumsy as if he were puppet master to an unfamiliar marionette. The face that stared back at him was not his own. Instead, he saw a young boy, no older than twelve, with striking silver hair and eyes the color of amethysts.

Ethan burst into laughter, the sound bordering on hysterical. "Well, well, well," he chuckled, running a hand through his new silky locks. "Looks like I've gone and gotten myself isekai'd. How delightfully insane!"

His genius mind raced, piecing together the situation. He was in a new body, in what appeared to be a medieval fantasy setting. The rational part of his brain insisted this was impossible, but the more eccentric side the part that had always dreamed of adventure and magic was practically giddy with excitement.

A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. "Young master?" a timid voice called. "Are you awake? Your father requests your presence in the study."

Ethan grinned, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Oh, this is going to be fun," he whispered to himself. Louder, he called out, "I'll be right there!"

He quickly dressed in the clothes laid out for him a fine tunic and breeches that spoke of noble birth. As he left the room, Ethan's mind was already formulating plans and schemes. He may be in a child's body, but his mind was sharp as ever, brimming with knowledge from his previous life and an insatiable curiosity about this new world.

The hallway outside was grand, with tapestries depicting epic battles and mythical creatures. Ethan's eyes darted everywhere, taking in every detail. A maid passing by curtsied deeply. "Good morning, young master Aldric," she murmured.

"Aldric, huh?" Ethan mused. "Fitting name for a fantasy world." He gave the maid a charming smile, causing her to blush and hurry away.

He approached what he assumed was the study, Ethan's heart raced with anticipation. A new life, a new world full of possibilities. His innocence and wonder at the situation battled with the cunning plans already forming in his mind.

He knocked on the ornate door, took a deep breath, and stepped into his new life. Whatever challenges this world had in store, Ethan no, Aldric was ready to face them headon, with a mad grin and a twinkle in his eye.

Aldric stepped into the study, he found himself face to face with a sternlooking man seated behind an imposing oak desk. The man's piercing gaze swept over Aldric, as if searching for something.

"Aldric," the man said, his voice deep and authoritative, "I trust you've prepared for your evaluation at the Academy today?"

Aldric's mind raced, piecing together the implications. An academy? An evaluation? His lips curled into a slight smirk. This was his chance to showcase his abilities and gather more information about this new world.

"Of course, Father," Aldric replied smoothly, his voice dripping with confidence. "I'm more than ready for whatever challenges the Academy might present."

The man his father in this world raised an eyebrow, seemingly taken aback by Aldric's demeanor. "Very well," he said after a moment. "Remember, the honor of our family rests on your performance. Do not disappoint me."

Aldric bowed slightly, his mind already whirling with possibilities. "I wouldn't dream of it," he said, a hint of mischief in his voice. He turned to leave the study, Aldric's eyes caught sight of a map on the wall. Strange lands, unfamiliar names a whole new world to explore and conquer. His heart raced with excitement.

Aldric stood among his peers, still basking in the aftermath of his extraordinary revelation at the Crystalis Revelio, a commotion near the entrance of the chamber caught everyone's attention. The massive doors burst open, revealing a tall, imposing figure wrapped in shimmering robes that seemed to ripple with arcane energy.

"Archmage Zephyrian," Magistra Elara gasped, quickly bowing. The other students followed suit, but Aldric merely cocked his head, studying the newcomer with undisguised curiosity.

The Archmage's eyes, swirling with mystical power, locked onto Aldric. "So," he intoned, his voice resonating with authority, "you're the anomaly that set off every magical sensor in the Academy. Come with me, young Valthorn. We have much to discuss."

As Aldric moved to follow the Archmage, whispers erupted among the other students. He caught snippets of awe, envy, and speculation about his future.