I never thought my life would change so suddenly.
For sixteen years, I lived in a world where adventure was just a story, where heroes only existed in books. I spent my days dreaming of something greater, hoping that one day, I'd find a purpose beyond this dull, ordinary life.
But on the night of my sixteenth birthday, everything changed.
The celebration was simple if you could even call it that. Just me, my parents, and a small meal. No gifts, no cake, no excitement. My mother smiled at me, telling me I was growing up fast, while my father barely acknowledged the occasion.
I wasn't surprised. He was never the type to entertain my dreams.
"Sixteen already," he muttered, barely looking up from his drink. "It's time to start thinking about your future, Waine."
My future. The words felt heavy, like chains wrapped around my body.
"I know," I replied, forcing a small smile. But in truth, I didn't know. Not at all.
After dinner, I stepped outside for some fresh air. The night was calm, the village silent. A full moon hung in the sky, casting a silver glow over the rooftops. I took a deep breath, staring at the stars, wondering if there was something more out there.
That's when I saw it.
A red light, flickering in the distance, deep within the forest.
It was unlike anything I had ever seen. A swirling mass of crimson energy, pulsing like a heartbeat. My chest tightened, my instincts screaming at me to turn back.
But I couldn't.
Something about that light called to me, pulling me forward. My feet moved before my mind could catch up, carrying me toward the forest.
The trees loomed overhead, their branches stretching like twisted fingers. The deeper I went, the stronger the glow became. It was beautiful, yet terrifying. A power beyond anything I could comprehend.
Then, the ground beneath me trembled.
A gust of wind exploded from the light, slamming into me like a wave. My body lifted off the ground, weightless, as if the very air had swallowed me whole. The world around me blurred, twisting and shattering into fragments of light.
I tried to scream, but no sound escaped my lips.
And then everything went black.
When I opened my eyes, I was lying on the ground. But it wasn't the forest anymore. The air smelled different, the sky was no longer dark, but painted in strange hues of purple and gold. The trees around me were massive, their leaves glowing faintly.
I wasn't home.
Panic surged through me as I pushed myself up. My heart pounded against my ribs, my breaths came in sharp gasps.
Where am I?
I scanned my surroundings, my mind racing. This wasn't my world. I had been transported somewhere else somewhere completely unknown.
As fear crept in, I heard footsteps approaching. My body tensed as I turned to see an old woman standing nearby. Her silver hair cascaded down her back, her deep blue eyes filled with wisdom. She wore simple robes, carrying a wooden staff that radiated warmth.
She smiled.
"You must be lost, child."
I didn't know who she was, but in that moment, her voice felt like a lifeline.
I stared at the old woman, my mind still struggling to process everything. My heart pounded in my chest, and my body felt strangely heavy. I had no idea where I was, how I got here, or if I would ever return home.
The woman took a step forward, her kind eyes studying me. "You're not from this land, are you?"
I opened my mouth to speak, but no words came out. My throat was dry, my thoughts tangled.
She sighed, shaking her head. "Come, child. You look exhausted. Let's get you some food and shelter before you collapse."
I hesitated. Could I trust her? I had no choice. My stomach growled, and my legs felt like they would give out at any moment.
"…Alright," I said, my voice hoarse.
She smiled. "Good. My name is Granny Clora. What's yours?"
"…Waine."
"Waine," she repeated, nodding. "A strong name."
With that, she turned and began walking down a narrow dirt path. I followed, my mind racing with questions. Where was I? What was this place? And most importantly… how did I get here?
As we walked, I took in my surroundings. The trees were massive, their leaves glowing faintly with blue and green light. Strange creatures scurried through the underbrush—some looking like small, winged rabbits, others resembling foxes with multiple tails.
This was nothing like my world.
After a few minutes, we arrived at a small wooden cottage nestled between two giant trees. Smoke curled from the chimney, and the scent of something warm and delicious filled the air.
"Come inside," Granny Clora said, pushing open the wooden door.
The inside of the house was cozy. A fireplace crackled in the corner, casting a soft glow over the wooden walls. Shelves lined with books and glass jars filled with strange herbs and powders covered one side of the room. A large wooden table sat in the center, and in the far corner was a simple bed.
"Sit," she said, gesturing to the table.
I obeyed, still too overwhelmed to speak. She walked over to the fireplace and stirred a pot that bubbled with thick stew. After a moment, she poured some into a wooden bowl and set it in front of me.
"Eat."
I didn't hesitate. I grabbed the wooden spoon and took a bite. The moment the warm, savory stew touched my tongue, I realized how hungry I was. I devoured it, barely stopping to breathe.
Granny Clora chuckled. "You must have been starving."
I swallowed and nodded. "Thank you."
She sat across from me, watching me carefully. "Now, Waine… would you like to tell me how you ended up in the middle of the forest?"
I hesitated. Should I tell her the truth? Would she even believe me?
"…I don't know," I admitted. "One moment, I was in my village, and the next… I saw a red light in the forest. When I got close, everything went white, and then… I woke up here."
Granny Clora's expression darkened. "A red light, you say?"
I nodded.
She leaned back, tapping her fingers against the table. "This is troubling…"
I frowned. "Do you know what happened to me?"
She exhaled slowly. "I have a theory. But first, tell me have you ever heard of Liverland?"
I shook my head. "No."
She sighed. "Then I suppose I should start from the beginning."
She leaned forward, her gaze serious. "Waine, you are no longer in your world. You have been transported to a place known as Eldoria a world of magic, war, and destiny."
I felt my stomach drop. I had suspected it, but hearing it out loud made it real.
A new world. A place where magic existed.
"…Why am I here?" I asked quietly.
Granny Clora's eyes darkened. "That, my dear child, is a question only fate can answer."
That night, I couldn't sleep. I lay in the small bed Granny Clora had prepared for me, staring at the wooden ceiling, my mind spinning.
This wasn't a dream. This wasn't some story.
I was in another world.
And for the first time in my life… I had the chance to become something more.
A hero.
I clenched my fist, determination burning in my chest.
No matter what, I would find out why I was here.
And I would become stronger.
The night passed slowly.
I lay awake, staring at the wooden ceiling, my mind a whirlwind of questions. Eldoria. A world of magic, war, and destiny. None of it felt real, yet the warmth of the blanket around me, the distant hoots of an owl outside, and the quiet crackling of the dying fireplace were proof enough.
I wasn't home anymore.
I turned to the side, watching the flickering shadows dance along the walls. Granny Clora had already gone to bed, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I had asked her so many questions, but I still didn't have the answers I wanted.
Why was I here? Was there a way back? Did I even want to go back?
A part of me screamed that this was dangerous, that I had to find a way home as soon as possible. But another part the part that had spent years dreaming of something more told me that this was my chance.
A world where heroes existed. A world where magic was real.
I clenched my fists under the blanket.
I had always wanted to be a hero.
Maybe this was fate's way of giving me that chance.
Morning Comes
I must have fallen asleep at some point because the next thing I knew, I was waking up to the smell of freshly baked bread.
Groggily, I sat up, rubbing my eyes. The morning sunlight streamed through the small window, casting a golden glow over the room. I could hear Granny Clora moving around outside, humming softly to herself.
Swinging my legs off the bed, I stood up and stretched. My body ached from yesterday's events, but other than that, I felt fine.
Stepping out of the bedroom, I found Granny Clora placing a loaf of warm bread on the table. She glanced up and smiled.
"Good morning, Waine."
"Morning…" I mumbled, still feeling the remnants of sleep.
"Come, eat. You'll need your strength."
I sat down and grabbed a piece of bread, taking a bite. It was soft and warm, with a hint of sweetness. After eating the stew last night, I realized just how much I had taken simple things like food for granted.
As I ate, Granny Clora sat across from me, watching me carefully.
"I've been thinking about your situation," she said.
I swallowed my bite of bread and looked at her. "And?"
She folded her hands together. "If you wish to survive in this world, you must grow stronger. You said you wished to become a hero, correct?"
I hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah. I've always wanted to be one… even in my old world."
She smiled faintly. "Then it seems fate has granted you the opportunity. But wanting to be a hero is not enough. You must have the power to protect others. And right now, you are nothing but a lost boy."
Her words stung, but I knew she was right.
"What should I do?" I asked.
Granny Clora leaned back in her chair. "There is a place called Liverland High School of Magic one of the greatest academies in the kingdom. If you are serious about becoming strong, that is where you must go."
A magic school?
I felt a spark of excitement in my chest. It was something straight out of the fantasy stories I loved.
"But…" I frowned. "I don't know anything about magic."
She chuckled. "Not yet. But I will teach you the basics before you leave."
I looked at her in surprise. "You know magic?"
She raised a hand, and suddenly, the air around her shimmered. A soft, golden glow surrounded her fingers before fading away.
My eyes widened. It was such a simple display, but to me, it was incredible.
"I may be old, but I still know a thing or two," she said with a knowing smile.
I couldn't contain my excitement.
This was it.
This was the beginning of my journey.
I had arrived in another world. I had a chance to learn magic. I had a goal to become strong, to protect those I cared about, and to find my purpose in this new world.
The idea of learning magic thrilled me.
Back in my world, I had always imagined what it would be like to cast spells, summon flames, or wield lightning like the heroes in stories. But now, it wasn't just fantasy it was real.
I looked at Granny Clora, determination burning in my chest. "When can we start?"
She chuckled. "Eager, aren't you? That's good. But before we begin, tell me what do you know about magic?"
I hesitated. "…Nothing."
"Exactly," she said, standing up and grabbing her wooden staff. "Magic is not something you can learn overnight. It is not simply waving your hand and expecting fire to appear. It requires understanding, control, and most of all affinity."
"Affinity?" I repeated.
She nodded. "Every living being has a natural connection to certain types of magic. Some are gifted in fire, others in water, wind, or earth. And then, there are those rare few… who can wield multiple elements."
Something about the way she said it sent a shiver down my spine.
"Now," she continued, walking outside. "Come, we will see where your talents lie."
I quickly followed her, stepping into the open field behind the cottage. The morning air was crisp, the sun casting long shadows across the grass.
Granny Clora turned to me. "Stand still and close your eyes."
I obeyed.
"Clear your mind," she said softly. "Focus only on your breathing. Feel the world around you. Feel the energy within."
I took a slow breath.
At first, I felt nothing. Just the gentle breeze against my skin, the warmth of the sun, the distant rustling of leaves. But as I concentrated, something changed.
A faint hum, deep inside me.
Like a heartbeat that wasn't my own.
"…I feel something," I whispered.
"Good," Granny Clora said. "Now, reach for it. Don't force it just let it flow."
I focused, reaching for that strange energy inside me.
And then a spark.
A sudden rush, like fire surging through my veins. My body tensed, heat pulsing in my chest. Then, just as quickly as it came, it vanished.
I gasped, stumbling backward.
Granny Clora's eyes widened slightly.
"…Interesting," she murmured.
I caught my breath, my heart pounding. "What… was that?"
She studied me for a moment before speaking. "It seems you are no ordinary boy, Waine."
I frowned. "What do you mean?"
She hesitated, then sighed. "Magic responds differently to everyone. Most people feel a single element fire, water, wind, or earth. But you…"
She stepped closer, placing a hand on my chest. A golden light flickered at her fingertips, and for a brief moment, I felt the energy inside me react again this time calmer, steadier.
"…You hold two opposing forces within you."
I blinked. "Two…?"
She nodded. "Light and Darkness."
My breath caught in my throat.
Light and Darkness. The power of the gods and the power of the demons.
A forbidden combination.
A power feared by all.
Granny Clora stepped back, her expression unreadable. "This… is both a blessing and a curse."
My mind reeled. Light and Darkness? What did this mean for me? Was I in danger?
I clenched my fists. No I couldn't be afraid. This was my chance. My destiny.
I met Granny Clora's gaze. "Then… teach me."
She studied me for a long moment before nodding.
"Very well," she said. "Let us begin."
That morning, my training began.
And with it, the first step toward my future.
To be Continue