Lucien's eyes narrowed as the man in the tailored coat ascended the stairs, his footsteps echoing in the quiet. There was something oddly deliberate about his movements, and Lucien couldn't help but stare. The man, no, his older brother, apparently, glanced back briefly, his sharp features giving away no hint of warmth or familiarity.
"Are you coming, or are you going to stand there all day?" His voice was cool, detached, and carried a tone that demanded no nonsense.
Lucien opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, a sharp, searing pain erupted in his head. He staggered, clutching his temple as fragmented memories crashed into him like a tidal wave. It was as if his mind had been split open, flooded with unfamiliar sights and sounds: formal dinners, rigorous training, lectures about discipline, all from the life of the previous owner of this body.
"Ugh…" he groaned, dropping to one knee.
The man, his brother, paused on the staircase, his gaze cold but with a flicker of curiosity. "Tch. If you're going to collapse, do it somewhere less inconvenient."
Lucien forced himself upright, panting as the pain slowly subsided. The fragments didn't offer much clarity, but they left him with an undeniable truth: this wasn't his world, and this wasn't his life. Yet, it was his body now, and he'd have to figure out what that meant.
He followed the man upstairs, careful to stay steady as his head throbbed faintly. The hallway was long and lined with ornate tapestries depicting scenes of battle and grandeur, each one more imposing than the last. By the time they reached what must have been Lucien's room, he was almost too preoccupied with his thoughts to notice the door swinging open.
"Prepare yourself. The entrance exams for the Casius Imperial Magic Academy are in three days," his brother said brusquely, stepping aside to let Lucien enter the room. "If you embarrass us, don't bother returning."
Lucien turned, startled. "Entrance exams? What do you mean?"
The man raised an eyebrow, his expression growing even more distant. "Don't play dumb. Or do you plan to waste all the effort that's been spent on you?"
Before Lucien could reply, the man stepped away, clearly finished with the conversation. "Three days," he repeated, and then he was gone, the sound of his retreating footsteps echoing down the hall.
Lucien stood there for a moment, trying to process what had just happened. His brother's presence had been cold and commanding, leaving little room for questions. But what was he supposed to do now? Entrance exams? Magic academy? This wasn't exactly the kind of thing you could just wing.
With a sigh, he finally turned to take in the room. It was spacious and well-furnished, with a large bed at its center draped in rich, dark linens. A polished wooden desk sat against the wall, its surface neatly arranged with parchment and quills. The wardrobe in the corner gleamed with brass fittings, and a full-length mirror stood nearby, its frame intricately carved with swirling patterns.
As he caught his reflection in the mirror, Lucien froze. The face staring back at him was undeniably handsome, with sharp features, striking gray eyes, and tousled black hair that looked effortlessly styled. It was a far cry from the person he used to see in the mirror. He leaned in closer, studying every detail. "Well," he muttered, a wry smile tugging at his lips, "at least I've got that going for me."
His smile faded as his thoughts turned inward. Despite the overwhelming strangeness of this situation, bits and pieces of information were starting to fall into place. The name of the world—Pangea—surfaced in his mind, along with a rough understanding of its geography. This continent was called Reun, a land where humans and various other races coexisted, though humans seemed to dominate. To the west lay Pyhhris, a continent known to be the home of the elves, a race reputed for their longevity and mastery over elemental magic. Beyond that… Medylnea, shrouded in mystery, surfaced faintly in his fragmented memories. Few details about it lingered, but it carried an aura of intrigue and danger.
The city he was in, Kniev, was situated in the eastern part of Reun. It was a large, bustling hub, though not quite as grand as the kingdom's capital. Its cobbled streets, towering structures, and intertwined networks of waterways painted a picture of industrious vitality. Known for its trade and the nearby magical research facilities, Kniev was a place where tradition and innovation seemed to blend seamlessly. Lucien's memories told him it wasn't just a city but a cornerstone of commerce and education in this part of the continent.
Then there was magic, apparently, in this world, it existed because of something called mana. It was a fundamental force, present in the air, the earth, and even within living beings. Humans could harness it to cast spells, enhance their physical abilities, or even imbue their weapons with power. It wasn't merely a tool but a way of life here. He recalled snippets about mana's influence shaping society: the guilds, the academies, and even the politics of this world seemed tied to its manipulation.
Lucien moved to the desk, where a small crystal orb rested on a stand. As if guided by instinct, he reached for it, and the surface lit up with faint, glowing text:
Name: Lucien Noctis
Age: 16
Tier: 2nd
Skills: Jump Boost, Aerial Slash, Body Strengthening
[Error]
His gaze lingered on the final line. The error was unsettling, though he couldn't quite put his finger on why. What kind of skill was it supposed to be? And why was it unreadable?
He set the orb down, his mind racing. So, he was a Tier 2, apparently not bad for someone his age. But, how did it stack up against others? And more importantly, what was he supposed to do about the entrance exam?
Lucien sank into the chair by the desk, resting his head in his hands. The weight of his situation was starting to settle in. If he went to this academy, he'd have access to resources, training, and hopefully answers. But there was also the risk of exposing himself. He didn't know enough about this world or the person he was supposed to be. If he slipped up, it could lead to disaster.
The Casius Imperial Magic Academy surfaced in his memories. Known as the largest and most prestigious academy in the kingdom, it was more than just a place to learn magic. It was a crucible where the brightest and most talented individuals were shaped into future leaders, warriors, and scholars. The academy's influence stretched across the continent, with alumni often occupying high-ranking positions in the military, government, and magical guilds. To be accepted there was an honor and a challenge.
The window caught his attention, drawing his gaze to the sprawling cityscape of Kniev. The sun was setting, casting an orange glow over the rooftops. In the distance, he could see what looked like spires and domes, likely the central district. This world was unfamiliar, yet it would be his for now. There was no going back, only forward. And with three days until the entrance exams, he had no choice but to adapt and quickly.
Pushing away from the desk, Lucien moved to the wardrobe. Inside, he found a collection of finely tailored outfits, all in dark, muted tones. They were the kind of clothes that exuded wealth and status, though they felt almost alien to him. He picked a simple black coat and draped it over the chair before sitting back down. The orb still glowed faintly on the desk, its text now dimmed but still visible.
He touched it again, cycling through the options it displayed. Beyond his tier and skills, there were categories he didn't understand, stats, potential, elemental affinity. The latter caught his eye, though it showed only a question mark. Did that mean it hadn't been determined? Or was it another mystery of this body he now inhabited?
Before he could dwell on it further, a knock echoed from the door. Lucien turned, half-expecting his brother to have returned. But when he opened it, the hallway was empty. A servant had likely left something for him, as a tray of food sat on the ground outside. He brought it in, setting it on the desk.
The meal was simple but elegant, a bowl of steaming soup, fresh bread, and a small assortment of fruits. He ate in silence, his mind turning over the events of the day. Each bite grounded him slightly, reminding him of his immediate needs. For all the grandeur of this world, it seemed that even here, survival began with the basics.
After finishing, Lucien leaned back in the chair, staring at the ceiling. He needed a plan. The exams were in three days, and he didn't even know where to begin. Training might be a good start, if only he knew how to harness mana effectively. The memories of the body's previous owner were fragmented, offering frustratingly little guidance.
His eyes drifted to the bed. Rest was probably the best option for now. Tomorrow, he'd start fresh. He'd figure out a way to navigate this world, step by step. For now, though, he allowed his exhaustion to take over, sinking into the plush mattress and letting sleep claim him.