The dream was painfully vivid. I was back at my 10th birthday, sitting in the dimly lit dining hall of the orphanage. A small, pitiful cake sat in front of me, its single candle flickering weakly. My father had disappeared years ago, supposedly to "buy milk," and my mother had vanished when I was only nine.
The other orphans sang "Happy Birthday," their voices cheerful and full of warmth. It wasn't much, but they tried their best to make me feel special. I forced a smile, but the ache in my chest was unbearable. I missed my family so much that even the faintest memory of them brought tears to my eyes.
The candlelight danced on the walls, casting a soft glow that tried to brighten the moment. I blew out the candle, wishing for something impossible: for my family to return. But the dream ended like all dreams do—fading into nothingness.
I woke up feeling drained, the sadness of the dream lingering like a heavy weight. Dragging myself out of bed, I headed downstairs to greet Grandpa before he left.
What I found, however, was chaos.
Johnny stood frozen at the bottom of the stairs, his eyes wide with shock. "Who are you?! How did you get into the house?!"
I blinked, confused. "What do you mean, Johnny? It's me!"
Alysia peeked out from the kitchen, her eyes lighting up with excitement. "Good morning, little brother! Wow, you've grown bigger!"
"What are you talking about?!" I asked, bewildered.
Then I saw my reflection in the hallway mirror—and my jaw dropped.
"What the—?! How… how did I become my 10-year-old self?!"
I stared at the mirror, panicked. "First, I dreamt I was 5, and then I turned 5. Now I dreamt I was 10, and here I am, 10! Is this some kind of cursed growth spurt?!"
A heavy hand landed on my shoulder, making me jump. I turned to see Grandpa, who looked entirely unfazed by my predicament.
"You sure do grow fast, don't you?" he said with a chuckle. Then, with a mischievous grin, he added, "So, how's your little dragon down there? Keeping up with the growth spurt?"
"GRANDPA!" I shouted, my face burning with embarrassment.
He laughed, clearly enjoying my discomfort. "Relax, kiddo. It's just a phase. Or something. Now, let's get ready. You've got a big day ahead."
During the carriage ride, Alysia couldn't stop staring at me, her face glowing with curiosity and amazement.
"You're so cool, big brother!" she said, leaning closer. "You grow so fast! It's like magic!"
"C-can you stop staring?" I muttered, turning away. "It's embarrassing…"
We finally arrived at Harvey Royal Magic School, and my jaw dropped again—this time in awe. Towering spires reached into the clouds, their peaks crowned with intricate designs that shimmered faintly with magic. Cherry blossom trees lined the pathways, their pink petals swirling in the air like a delicate snowfall. The walls of the school were covered in glowing runes, radiating an aura of power and mystery.
Students roamed the grounds, their robes flowing behind them as they practiced spells and chatted animatedly. Some conjured orbs of light, others summoned floating books or playful animals made of fire and water. The air buzzed with energy, and it was clear this was no ordinary school.
We were led to a vast field called the Beginner Camp, where new students gathered. The school didn't group students by age but by how long they had been enrolled. The camp was alive with activity, as students practiced their magic and chatted with newfound friends.
Alysia wasted no time diving into the crowd. Within minutes, she had made friends with nearly everyone, her bubbly personality drawing people in like a magnet.
Meanwhile, I sat alone at the edge of the camp, trying to avoid attention. Some students glanced at me as they walked by, but I couldn't muster the courage to say hello.
The lively chatter of the camp was interrupted by the arrival of a regal-looking woman. Her flowing robes shimmered like starlight, and her staff sparkled with embedded crystals. She exuded an air of authority and power.
"I am Rank 3 Supreme Archmage of Elemental Convergence, Mistress of the Celestial Arcana, High Chancellor of Ethereal Studies—*Lady* Anastasia Featherstone von Eldrin," she announced, her voice commanding yet elegant.
Her name was so long that a few students visibly struggled to keep up. She smiled as she surveyed the group. "Now, it's your turn to introduce yourselves."
One by one, the students stepped forward.
Kairos Steelhart introduced himself as a brave warrior-to-be, striking a dramatic pose as he declared his determination to protect everyone. His confidence earned him some chuckles and a smattering of applause.
Elena Moonwhisper, a shy but clearly powerful mage, barely managed to introduce herself before retreating into the crowd. Her small display of magic—a softly glowing orb—earned her admiring glances.
Tsubaki Hinomura, a fiery tsundere, practically shouted her introduction. "D-don't think I'm here because I like magic or anything! I'm going to surpass you all! Just watch!" Her boldness was matched only by the intensity of her fiery aura.
Rika Summers, a cheerful gal with nature magic, beamed as she introduced herself. "This place is, like, sooo pretty! I'm totally gonna make it bloom with my flower magic!" she said, tossing a handful of glowing petals into the air.
Lucian Blackthorn, a calm and collected strategist, spoke with quiet confidence. "This is just the first step in my plan. Mastery of all magic is within my reach." His aloof tone made him instantly intriguing to some and intimidating to others.
When it was Alysia's turn, she practically bounced to the front of the group. "Hi, everyone! I'm Alysia, and I'm super excited to be here! One time, I tried making a magic circle and accidentally set a whole field on fire! But don't worry, I'm way better now. Let's all be friends!"
Her infectious energy earned her a round of applause, and she beamed with pride.
Then it was my turn.
I shuffled forward, my palms sweaty and my heart pounding. "Uh… hi. I'm…" My voice cracked, and I froze.
The silence was unbearable, and panic set in. Words tumbled out of my mouth without thinking. "Am I doomed? Why did I even get isekai'd? Why am I born with no rizz?!"
The room fell silent. No one laughed. They just stared at me, their expressions ranging from confusion to pity.
My face burned hotter than a fire spell. I slunk back to my seat, muttering under my breath, **"How could I survive this?!?!"**