The first thing I felt was warmth—gentle, enveloping warmth. It was unlike anything I remembered from… before. A faint, rhythmic sound reached my ears, soothing and steady.

What… happened to me?

The question lingered as my mind scrambled for answers. Memories of my past life floated to the surface like fragments of a dream: my small, dimly lit room, stacks of books and games, the hum of my computer. I had been Joshua—a shut-in, disconnected from the world, with no grand ambitions or meaningful relationships.

But now, everything felt… different.

When I opened my eyes, the world around me was hazy and bright, as if filtered through a veil. A woman's face appeared above me, framed by golden hair and tear-filled green eyes. She smiled, and the sight of her filled me with an unfamiliar sense of peace.

"My sweet Charles," she whispered, her voice trembling with love. "You've been such a quiet baby, but you're finally awake. My precious boy…"

Charles? The name sounded foreign, yet it felt right. That's me now, isn't it?

I tried to move, but my limbs felt weak and uncoordinated. I glanced down and froze. Tiny, chubby hands peeked out from beneath a blanket.

I had been reborn.

---

Adjusting to a New Life

In the days that followed, I slowly came to understand my situation. I was no longer Joshua, the isolated shut-in. I was Charles Arvelyn, the second son of a noble family in a world of magic and grandeur.

My new family consisted of four members. First, there was my mother, Lady Eliza, whose affection bordered on obsession. She was a stunning woman with golden hair and a warm, gentle demeanor, though I quickly realized her doting could be overwhelming.

Then there was my father, Archduke Elias Arvelyn, a towering figure of authority with sharp features and an intimidating presence. He was a man of few words, but his gaze softened whenever he looked at me.

And then, there was Rachel—my elder sister.

Rachel was ten years old, with dark brown hair and piercing blue eyes. She was sharp-tongued and fiercely protective, but her attachment to me was… intense. From the moment I became aware of my surroundings, Rachel hovered around me like a guardian angel, constantly fussing over my every move.

"Charles," she'd say, her tone both proud and possessive, "you're so lucky to have me as your big sister. Don't worry—no one will ever hurt you while I'm around."

At first, I thought her behavior was just the typical affection of an older sibling. But as the days turned into weeks, it became clear that Rachel's love for me was far from ordinary.

---

Discovering the World

By the time I was three years old, my memories of my past life had fully settled. Though I had accepted my reincarnation, the differences between my old life and this one still startled me.

The Arvelyn estate was a sprawling mansion surrounded by lush gardens and ancient trees. Servants bustled about, always bowing respectfully when they passed me. My family was wealthy and powerful—members of the Archduchy of Arvelyn, one of the most influential noble houses in the Literra Empire.

But what truly fascinated me was the magic.

From an early age, I noticed strange sensations in the air—a tingling warmth that seemed to flow through everything. My mother would occasionally conjure small spells, making flowers bloom or lighting candles with a flick of her wrist. Rachel, too, displayed an impressive aptitude for magic, often practicing in the garden while I watched in awe.

"Magic is the lifeblood of the Literra Empire," Rachel explained one day as she summoned a glowing orb of light in her palm. "Everyone has some level of magic, but only nobles like us can truly master it. And one day, Charles, you'll be just as amazing as me!"

I smiled at her enthusiasm, but deep down, I couldn't help but feel a growing curiosity. Could I, too, wield this mysterious power?

---

First Signs of Power

It wasn't until a quiet afternoon in the garden that I got my answer.

Rachel had been showing me her latest spell—a gentle breeze that made the flowers sway. I sat nearby, watching intently as she explained the principles of wind magic.

"Magic comes from within," she said, her voice full of pride. "You just have to feel it—like a river flowing through your body. Want to try?"

I hesitated. At three years old, my small body didn't feel capable of anything extraordinary. But something about her words resonated with me. I closed my eyes and focused, searching for the "river" she described.

At first, there was nothing. But then, a faint warmth stirred in my chest, spreading through my limbs like a gentle current. Without thinking, I reached out toward a wilting flower nearby.

To my surprise, the flower began to bloom. Its petals straightened, vibrant and full of life once more.

Rachel gasped. "Charles! You… you did it!"

Her excitement was infectious, but I couldn't shake the strange feeling in my chest. Magic wasn't just a tool here—it was alive, an extension of the world itself. And for the first time, I realized that I had the potential to master it.

---

Reflections of the Past

That evening, as I lay in bed, I found myself thinking about my old life.

I had been Joshua—a lonely shut-in who avoided the world. My days had been filled with monotony, my only solace found in books and games. I had never imagined a future for myself, let alone one as grand as this.

Now, I was Charles Arvelyn—a boy with a loving family, a promising future, and a connection to magic that I barely understood.

For the first time in what felt like forever, I felt hope.

---

Back to the Present

The weeks that followed were a blur of lessons and discoveries. My mother began teaching me basic magic, while my father observed my progress with quiet pride. Rachel, of course, continued to dote on me, constantly reminding me that I was "the most talented little brother in the world."

Life in the Arvelyn estate was peaceful, but I couldn't shake the feeling that it wouldn't stay that way forever. This world was vast and full of unknowns, and as much as I enjoyed the simplicity of my early years, I knew that challenges awaited me.

For now, though, I was content to embrace my new life—to grow stronger, to explore the magic of this world, and to cherish the family that had welcomed me with open arms.

Little did I know, my journey had only just begun.