A few uneventful days passed as Bryan settled into the monotony of hospital life. Most of his time was spent recovering, with the occasional nurse or doctor checking in on him. On this particular morning, Bryan had just finished his breakfast, the empty plates and cutlery neatly placed on the table beside his bed.
When the door to his room creaked open, he glanced over casually. "It must be the nurse," he thought. "She's probably here to pick up the dishes."
In these quiet days, Bryan's curiosity about his new world had grown insatiable. He had spent much of his time peppering the nurses and doctors with questions about magi and mana. They humored him, explaining what they could. He learned that mana was often referred to as "magic" by some, and magi were called "mages" when they had yet to attain professional status. However, when he pressed them about what becoming a "professional" meant, their answers grew vague, leaving him more curious than ever.
What intrigued Bryan most was the mystery surrounding mana's origins. Not even the medical staff could give him a definitive answer. Mana—or magic, as some called it—had simply appeared in the world one day, turning everything upside down. Scientists had only begun to study its properties after wild animals started mutating into ferocious, otherworldly beasts.
His interest led him to watch the news whenever the hospital TV was on. The broadcasts were a strange blend of modern society's tranquility and the chaos that mana had brought to the world. One moment, there would be coverage of magi and mages competing in grand arena battles, showcasing their mastery over mana. The next, the headlines would shift to dire stories of mutant beasts attacking cities.
In one report, Bryan learned how governments deployed powerful magi to defend citizens and suppress the relentless assaults of these creatures. He was amazed by the sheer scale of the battles and the raw power the magi wielded. Yet, amid the chaos, life in the city seemed to carry on—people commuting to work, children playing in parks, and businesses thriving.
"This world is something else," Bryan thought, leaning back against his pillow. "It's a strange mix of chaos and the peacefulness of modern life. It's almost hard to believe how people balance it all."
As Bryan sat lost in thought, the door to his room swung open, and a man and a woman stepped inside. Turning his head, he recognized them instantly—his parents, Eric and Emma. A grin spread across his face as he realized what their presence meant. Finally, it's time to leave this place.
"Hello, Mom! Hi, Dad! I've been doing well. Can I come with you today?" he asked eagerly, his voice carrying a hopeful lilt.
Emma chuckled warmly, stepping closer to her son. "Little Bryan, why are you so desperate to leave? Are the doctor and nurses not treating you well?"
"No, Mom, they've been great. It's just that you guys promised to take me to the amusement park. I've been dreaming about it these past few days," Bryan confessed with a sheepish grin.
Eric laughed, ruffling Bryan's hair. "Oh, we'll definitely take you, but not today. You're just getting discharged, so tomorrow will be a better day for that. For now, let's get you home and settled."
Bryan nodded in understanding. "That's fine with me, Dad. Honestly, I miss home too. It feels like I've been here forever."
Eric smiled. "Good. The doctor said we could leave now. Your mom brought you some clothes, so you don't have to wear that hospital gown anymore."
"Thanks, Mom!" Bryan said, hopping off the bed. He grabbed the bag of clothes Emma handed him and headed into the private bathroom connected to his room.
A few minutes later, he stepped out wearing black shorts and a snug, full-sleeved red shirt. His black hair, slightly longer than usual, hung just below his neck, framing his bright blue eyes that seemed to glimmer like the ocean. "How do I look?" he asked, flashing a wide smile.
Emma and Eric exchanged a look before Emma playfully teased, "You've grown so cheeky, Bryan. You look great, as always. You've got your father's blue eyes and my black hair—you're the perfect mix of us."
Eric chimed in with a proud smile. "That's right. Our family genes are top-notch! You've inherited the best of both of us."
Bryan beamed but didn't reply, the warmth of his parents' words settling in his chest. With everything packed and ready, they finally left the hospital.
As they walked out into the bustling world, Bryan felt the sunlight on his face and breathed in the fresh air. For the first time in days, he felt free. And with his parents by his side.
perfect blend of cutting-edge technology and impeccable craftsmanship. As Bryan laid his eyes on the car, he couldn't help but marvel. The sheer quality of the materials and the meticulous attention to detail were unlike anything he had ever seen in his past life.
He climbed into the back seat with his mother while Eric took the driver's position. The interior was just as impressive, with soft, luxurious seating and an array of glowing, mana-infused panels that emitted a gentle hum of energy.
"The car has an autopilot function," Bryan observed, running his hand across the dashboard. He could feel the faint pulse of mana coursing through the vehicle. "It's powered by advanced AI and integrated mana tech. It must be incredibly resilient to attacks or damage."
Eric smirked at his son's growing enthusiasm. "You're spot on, Bryan. It's designed to withstand almost anything. This baby is one of Cybertrix Co.'s limited-edition models. They're the top manufacturers of mana-powered vehicles and gadgets in the world."
As Eric engaged the autopilot, the car began to hover, lifting effortlessly off the ground. With a soft whoosh, it joined the flow of flying traffic above. Bryan pressed his face to the window, watching the city shrink below them as the car ascended.
"Wow, this is amazing!" he exclaimed, his eyes wide with excitement. It was his first time riding in a flying car, and the experience was beyond anything he could have imagined.
Emma chuckled, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "You've always loved going for a ride in your dad's car, even when you were smaller."
Eric grinned proudly. "And who wouldn't? This car is a masterpiece. Not only does it look stunning, but it's also packed with features that make it one of a kind. I waited a long time to get my hands on it, and it's worth every bit of the hype."
Bryan smiled, leaning back into his seat, the hum of the car soothing him. This world, with its fusion of magic and technology, felt like a dream come true. For the first time, he felt a surge of excitement for the endless possibilities this life held.
After a smooth 30-minute drive, the car gently descended and came to a stop in front of a massive mansion. The estate exuded grandeur, with towering gates, manicured gardens, and an architectural design that seemed plucked straight from a dream. As the car settled, a servant dressed impeccably in a black tuxedo approached and opened the door with practiced grace.
"Welcome home, Master Eric, Mistress Emma," the servant greeted, bowing respectfully before turning to Bryan. His demeanor shifted, a mix of guilt and sorrow clouding his expression. "Young Master Bryan, my sincerest apologies for not being able to watch over you properly. I failed in my duty, and for that, I take full responsibility. To ensure your safety, Mary will be taking over your care from now on. I hope you can remain happy and free from any accidents in the future."
Bryan studied the servant's expression, noting the heaviness in his voice and the look of defeat in his eyes. Though he didn't fully understand the intricacies of the situation, he could tell this man felt deeply remorseful.
Eric stepped forward, his tone curt. "Bryan, you can go ahead inside with your mother. I have some matters to address here."
Sensing the underlying tension, Bryan simply nodded. This isn't my place to interfere. Adults handle their own issues, he thought. Taking his mother's hand, he walked with her toward the towering entrance of the mansion.
Stepping inside, Bryan was immediately struck by the sheer scale of the place. The high ceilings, adorned with elaborate moldings, gave the space an open, airy feel. Massive chandeliers sparkled overhead, casting a warm glow that reflected off the polished floors. The walls were lined with intricate tapestries and large, regal portraits of what he assumed were his ancestors.
Damn, this place is huge, Bryan thought, his eyes wide as he took it all in. Even though I remember every detail from the memories I received, seeing it in person is a completely different experience.
He removed his shoes and wandered through the main hall, marveling at the sheer opulence of the place. From the grand entrance, he moved toward the kitchen and the main living area. Both spaces matched his memories perfectly, from the sleek countertops to the cozy, lavish furniture.
After a while, curiosity nudged him. "Let me go check out my room," he muttered to himself.
Bryan climbed the grand staircase to the second floor, his small feet echoing softly against the polished steps. At the top, he spotted two rooms to his left and one to his right. He instinctively turned right, a smile spreading across his face as he realized this was his room. This is it. My new space.
As Bryan turned the door handle and stepped into his room, he was greeted by a sight that instantly brought a smile to his face. Posters of his favorite magi and mages adorned the walls, each one showcasing incredible feats of magic or legendary battles. His bed, a queen-size masterpiece with luxurious blue blankets and neatly arranged pillows, stood at the center of the room. The floor was immaculate, covered with a beautifully patterned brown carpet that felt soft underfoot.
"This place is enormous," Bryan muttered, his eyes scanning every corner of the room. "It's almost as big as my living room in my past life. These posters are awesome, and my bed looks ridiculously expensive." He ran his hand along the intricate design of the carpet. "Even the carpet's high-end. This is next level."
His gaze shifted to the desk tucked against the far wall. A faint memory tugged at his mind. "I think I left something in the drawer before the accident," he mused as he approached it. Pulling open the first drawer, his eyes widened as he spotted a reddish, burnt core resting inside.
Holding it up, he felt a wave of nostalgia wash over him. The memories of how he came across the mysterious core came flooding back.
It had been on a family camping trip, a rare and cherished moment with his parents. They had set up camp near a serene lake, the sun glistening on the water's surface. Bryan had been playing by the lake's edge when he noticed a small, gray rabbit staring at him from a distance. Its wide eyes and twitching nose made it look irresistibly cute.
Compelled by curiosity, he gave chase, laughing as the rabbit hopped away. However, the rabbit soon disappeared into the underbrush, and Bryan realized he had ventured too far. Calling out for his parents, he wandered aimlessly when a sudden, fiery streak lit up the sky.
Bryan froze, his eyes glued to the blazing meteor as it hurtled downward. Realizing it was heading in his direction, he bolted, searching for cover. The meteor struck the ground with a deafening explosion, shaking the earth and unleashing a shockwave that leveled everything within a few miles.
Terrified, Bryan dove behind a massive tree. The impact force ripped through the forest, flattening trees and kicking up a storm of dirt and debris. The tree he hid behind shielded him from the worst of it, and a faint blue light enveloped him just as the shockwave reached him. It was the life-saving magical device his father had given him—a protective charm designed to activate in moments of extreme danger.
When the dust settled, Bryan cautiously peeked out from behind the tree. The meteor had created a massive crater, its edges glowing faintly from the heat. In the center lay a small reddish orb, pulsating softly.
Moments later, his parents arrived, their faces pale with worry. His father scolded him for running off alone, but his concern outweighed his frustration. After ensuring Bryan was unharmed, they inspected the meteor site.
Eric picked up the reddish orb, which had cooled significantly. Turning it over in his hands, he remarked, "It doesn't seem dangerous—just a piece of ordinary material. Maybe we could sell it or keep it as a souvenir."
Bryan, however, had other plans. He whined and pleaded, insisting that he wanted to keep it. His father sighed, ultimately relenting after confirming it emitted no harmful energy. He handed it to Bryan, saying, "Fine, you can keep it. But you have to promise to be more careful next time."
Bryan stared at the core in his hands, marveling at how something so small had such a profound story behind it. "I wonder if this thing is really as ordinary as Dad thought," he muttered, a flicker of curiosity and intrigue lighting up his eyes.
Bryan shook his head, a wry smile creeping onto his face as he reflected on how reckless he'd been. "What was I even thinking, running off like that?" he muttered, holding the reddish orb up to the light. The faint, burnt surface caught the sunbeams streaming through his window, casting a soft glow.
His mind wandered back to the events that had led to the accident. His father had been out that day, trying to purchase a replacement for the life-saving magical device Bryan had used up during a previous misadventure. And yet, instead of staying safe at home, Bryan had wandered off on his own, chasing a rabbit into the unknown.
He sighed, the weight of his thoughts making him feel a bit sheepish. "At least I got my memories back," he reasoned, trying to find some silver lining in the chaotic events that had unfolded. "And thank goodness my kid self didn't end up crippling himself accidentally."
As he stared at the reddish orb, a sense of wonder and curiosity began to replace his earlier frustration. Despite everything, he couldn't help but feel that the strange object in his hand was special. There was a story to it, a mystery waiting to be unraveled.
"Well, I guess I didn't come out of all this empty-handed," he mused, setting the orb gently on his desk. "Here's to making fewer dumb decisions in this life." With that, he leaned back in his chair, gazing out the window.