My name is Aldir. At just 17 years old, I find myself a freshman at one of the country's most prestigious universities. I'm an only child, raised by my mother who has been my constant companion throughout my life. My black hair is thick and glossy, and I stand at a modest 170 cm with eyes that often reflect a sense of quiet melancholy. While I've always excelled academically, earning top honors in various school competitions, my life outside of those achievements is simple. I've always been a voracious reader, drawn to novels filled with fantasy, action, and even romance—though I've never really experienced love for myself.

In my first semester of college, I remained largely reserved, a habit I developed in elementary school. Social interaction has never come easily to me, except with the few friends I've allowed into my world. Crowds and noise have always unsettled my thoughts, so I often escape into the soothing realm of music, listening through my headphones during breaks between classes.

Reading is not just a hobby for me; it's a part of my soul. Books, particularly those that explain the mysteries of the universe, have always captured my imagination. The wonders of space, the countless galaxies and stars, they have a profound effect on me. Science was one of my strongest subjects in school, but it's the stories of adventure and otherworldly realms that truly stir my spirit. Fantasy novels in particular, with their grand battles and awe-inspiring landscapes, resonate deeply with me. Yet, I've never understood the real power of romance; it's a genre I've admired from a distance but never truly explored.

One day, however, a novel caught my attention. It was about someone from the modern world being pulled into another realm. The words seemed to reach out to me, as if whispering a question I had long pondered: "Is there really another world out there?" I found myself consumed by the idea, my mind swirling with thoughts of parallel universes and distant realities.

As days passed, I scoured the shelves for more books on the subject. Every night, I dreamt of new worlds and untapped potential, imagining myself wielding great power in some far-off land.

The morning sun slowly climbed into the sky, bathing the world in a soft, golden hue. The warm light chased away the lingering shadows of night as it filtered through the trees outside my window, dappling the grass with the morning dew. I sat by the window, quietly taking in the beauty of the moment. The cool morning breeze brushed against my face, carrying the faint fragrance of flowers from the garden.

For a moment, I closed my eyes, savoring the peace. This was the perfect start to a new day.

In the distance, I could hear the cheerful songs of birds as they greeted the dawn. Their melodies filled the air, a harmonious celebration of nature's awakening. I smiled, feeling a quiet connection with their joy.

"Good morning, world," I whispered, taking a deep breath. Today felt full of promise, brimming with unseen wonders waiting to unfold. Stretching after a night of rest, I rose from my bed, ready to start the day.

I made my way downstairs, toward the familiar sound of my mother preparing breakfast. As usual, she was cooking in the kitchen, a small island of warmth in our home. I approached her quietly and wrapped my arms around her from behind.

"Mom, can I have chicken fried rice today?" I asked with a playful, childlike tone. My mother's cooking was unparalleled, and her fried rice was a dish I always craved. There was something special about it—better than anything you'd find in a restaurant.

"Aldir!" she scolded lightly, turning to face me with a knowing look. "You're in college now; stop being so picky about food! What if one of your friends came over and saw you acting like this?"

I laughed sheepishly. It was a game we often played—me teasing her with requests, and her pretending to be annoyed. The truth was, these little moments made our mornings feel alive.

"Alright, alright. I was just kidding, Mom," I said, letting go and pulling out a chair to sit down.

"Breakfast is simple today—eggs and rice. I need to head to the market later. You've got class, right? Just focus on your studies."

Breakfast passed in the usual rhythm. I often teased her, but there were moments when things turned serious. I recalled one day, years ago, when she slapped me hard enough to redden my cheek. Even then, I hadn't been angry. I knew she was strict because she cared deeply for me, especially after my father passed away when I was just six years old.

I can still vividly remember the days when our family was whole. Back then, my mother would shout from downstairs to wake my father up, sometimes even dousing him with water to get him out of bed. Those were good times—times now lost to tragedy. My father died in a car accident one night while driving home from work. The accident was horrific, and the car he was driving was almost unrecognizable. The investigation concluded that he had fallen asleep at the wheel.

My mother had been devastated. She cursed the company for making him work late, blaming them for his death. They never apologized, nor did anyone from his workplace come to the funeral. It was a stark reminder of how unfair the world could be—where those in power could so easily disregard the lives of others. That day, my mother made me promise her something.

"Aldir, promise me you'll never push yourself too hard. Don't let work consume you. You're all I have left. Please… don't leave me too."

Now, 11 years later, life was different. My mother had grown colder in some ways, more protective in others. She worried about me constantly, overreacting to the smallest things, but I never resented her for it. I knew she loved me deeply.

After finishing breakfast, I got ready to leave for class. As usual, before stepping out the door, I said my goodbyes.

"Mom, I'm heading to class."

"Be safe, Aldir. And don't be afraid to speak up if the driver is going too fast. Make sure you have a helmet if you're on a motorbike. Don't cause trouble at school, either. Just focus on your studies and come straight home."

I smiled at her overprotectiveness—it had a certain charm, even though it was relentless.

"I'll be fine, Mom. Don't worry."

I stepped out of the house with determination, knowing that something was shifting in my life. I didn't realize it at the time, but this simple step would set me on a path to a destiny I never imagined. A destiny filled with battles, bloodshed, and challenges that would forever change my fate.