Crowds stretched as far as the eye could see, their cheers echoing through the square like thunder. Flags waved, and chants filled the air: "David! David!" The scene was electric. Standing on the grand balcony above was David Vyacheslav, a man whose rise from career criminal to celebrated politician seemed almost mythical. He adjusted his tailored suit, his sharp features illuminated by the floodlights, and waved to the people below.

The roar grew louder. With a confident smile, David approached the microphone and tapped it twice. The crowd fell silent.

"My people," he began, his deep voice resonating. "It is an honor to serve you as the next Minister of Healthcare. I, David Vyacheslav, promise—"

A deafening explosion cut him off mid-sentence. The world around him dissolved into chaos. Smoke, fire, and shouts filled the air. All David could see was darkness, then an unbearable flash of light. A choking sensation overcame him, and he wheezed, gasping like a drowning man breaking the surface of the water.

When his vision returned, he wasn't in the city anymore. He lay in an unfamiliar, opulent room. The walls were draped in rich silks, and sunlight streamed through tall windows adorned with floral motifs. The air felt dense, almost unreal.

"Where…?" he whispered before a pounding headache overtook him. Darkness enveloped him once more.

Hours later, the sound of a door creaking open roused him slightly. A young woman, no older than 20, entered the room hesitantly. She was dressed in a simple yet elegant uniform, her brown hair tied neatly, and a soft expression of concern on her face.

"Young Master Alex," she called softly, stepping closer to the bed. She gently shook him by the shoulder.

David's eyes snapped open, panic filling his chest. "Who…where am I?!" he demanded, his voice raw.

The girl froze, puzzled by his tone. "Young Master Alex, you are in your chambers in the Lily Palace. I am Kyla, your maid, newly assigned to serve you."

David blinked, the words sinking in. Lily Palace? Alex? He looked down at his hands—smaller, thinner than he remembered—and at his reflection in the gilded mirror nearby. The face staring back was that of a boy, barely 15, with tousled blonde hair and striking purple eyes that had some sort of pattern within them.

"Ah, fuck," he muttered under his breath, earning a shocked look from Kyla. "Kyla, right? Just…leave me alone for a bit."

The maid hesitated, bowing slightly before leaving the room. David—or rather, Alex—ran a hand through his hair, trying to steady his thoughts. What the hell is this? he thought, memories of his old life and the explosion flooding back.

Just as he began piecing together the situation, the door swung open with a loud bang.

A young man entered, his presence commanding the room. He was taller than Alex by a good margin, with sharp red eyes that seemed to pierce through the soul and an unsettling smile. His dark hair was combed back, and his movements carried the ease of someone accustomed to power.

"Alex!" the man said warmly. "I heard you were unwell. I had to come see you."

David's instincts flared. This was Damian von Amartia, heir to the Kingdom of Axeria and, according to Alex's fragmented memories, his only friend. Yet, everything about Damian screamed danger. David, seasoned from years of navigating betrayals and schemes, immediately saw through the facade. 

"Damian," Alex said, his voice steady but guarded. "I'm fine. No need to worry."

Damian's smile widened, but it didn't reach his eyes. "I'm glad to hear that. Let's talk later, then." With that, he turned and left, the room feeling colder in his absence.

David leaned back, his mind racing. This world, this body, this life… What have I been thrown into?(A/N: I will now start referring to david as Alex)

Alex got up from the bed he had been sleeping on, disoriented. He walked outside and was mesmerized by the view. Before him stood a statue of a human, towering as high as the Eiffel Tower—at least, according to his estimates.

"Look who's finally awake," a voice sneered from behind him. Alex turned around to see a man slightly taller than himself, maybe 5'9". The man was smirking at him. "What are you staring at? Did you already forget what I did to you?"

This was one of Alex's older brothers, Juleo.

Juleo looked to be about 17 years old, with an average height of 5'9". What set him apart was his elven lineage, made evident by his pointed ears.

"Young Master Alex," a soft voice interrupted. Alex turned to see Kaya standing nearby. "The First Lady is looking for you."

Juleo chuckled darkly. "Got off easy this time, didn't you? Don't expect it to happen again." With that, Juleo walked away, leaving Alex to face Kaya.

"Lead the way," Alex said.

Kaya nodded and began guiding him toward the main room of Lily Palace.