In a dimly lit room, the relentless sound of keys tapping echoed softly as the hands of the clock crept past midnight. A man, deeply engrossed in his work, sat hunched over a computer at a cluttered study table strewn with an assortment of files and crumpled notes. When observed closely, the deep, dark circles etched beneath his weary eyes hinted at nights spent in relentless pursuit of deadlines. His face was unusually pale, contrasting sharply with the warm glow of the screen illuminating his features.
After several more minutes of fervent typing, Noah reluctantly rose from his chair, stretching his aching limbs as he cast a glance at the untouched bowl of porridge that sat forlornly beside the keyboard, its surface untouched and growing cold.
"Ah, I completely forgot to eat. Well, I'm too exhausted now; I'll eat tomorrow," he mumbled to himself, already drifting towards the bed opposite the study table, his body yearning for rest.
He flopped down onto the mattress, and as soon as his head hit the pillow, he succumbed to the heaviness of sleep, slipping into a world far removed from his worries.
In this dreamscape, Noah found himself adrift in an infinite void, surrounded by a thick, velvety darkness that seemed to stretch on indefinitely. Suddenly, a brilliant white ball of light burst toward him with astonishing speed, enveloping him in its radiance before merging with his very essence. As the warmth enveloped him, he felt his consciousness fade once more into a deep abyss.
When Noah finally awakened, a wave of confusion washed over him as he took in his surroundings. He lay in a vastly larger room than his modest apartment, filled with luxurious furnishings that spoke of opulence and grandeur. The walls, adorned with intricate tapestries depicting scenes of history and mythology, added an air of elegance, while soft moonlight streamed through an arched window, casting silvery patterns on the wooden floor.
As he shifted his gaze, Noah's eyes fell upon a woman seated beside him. In that moment, he was struck by her ethereal beauty—she possessed long, silver hair that cascaded gracefully to her shoulders and piercing golden eyes that seemed to hold the weight of centuries. Despite her breathtaking features, her expression was devoid of emotion, although a hint of exhaustion lingered around her.
What captured Noah's attention most, however, were the two magnificent golden horns that elegantly curled from her head, evoking within him a rush of bittersweet emotions—an inexplicable mixture of sorrow and exhilaration as he realized he had been reborn into a fantasy realm. Just as he began to process the absurdity of his situation, the woman's voice interrupted the stillness.
"Human..." she murmured, her gaze drifting away from him as she pressed a bell situated beside the bed. A moment later, another woman entered—a maid, dressed impeccably in a black uniform, her hair pulled back in a neat bun.
"Your Highness," the maid greeted, bowing deeply to the silver-haired woman.
"Take him away; something like this cannot survive here," the woman stated coolly, her eyes still averted from Noah.
For reasons unknown, he could comprehend her words, but perhaps the exhaustion was too much as he drifted back into slumber, the world fading away once more.
**[Four Years Later]**
A young boy with short silver hair and striking amethyst eyes strode confidently down the bustling streets of a vibrant city. His eyes sparkled with excitement as he absorbed the sights around him—the towering buildings, the colorful market stalls, and the throngs of people engaging in animated conversation.
This boy was Noah. After being abandoned by his birth mother, he had been taken in by a compassionate director and her husband, who had devoted themselves to raising him in a warm, welcoming orphanage. They were a kind-hearted couple, unable to have children of their own, and had found joy in nurturing orphans, providing them with a home filled with love.
Today marked his fourth birthday, and with a courageous heart, he had requested permission from the director to explore the vibrant city alone. Typically, such a request would have been met with hesitation, but Noah was special—having rarely asked for anything his entire life, the director felt confident in his ability to navigate the city safely.
Although only four years old, Noah displayed remarkable intelligence, having excelled academically from a young age. His sharp mind and physical prowess set him apart from his peers, earning him a reputation as a prodigy within the local community.
As he ambled along the cobblestone streets, he overheard snippets of conversation regarding a new product launched by the esteemed Wilson Family. Renowned for their magical prowess, the Wilsons were one of the five most influential families in the nation, known for their creation of various enchanting magical tools. The mention of the Five Families sparked a flicker of recognition in Noah's mind, as if he had encountered their names before, yet the memory eluded him.
Engrossed in thoughts of grand magic and powerful families, he barely registered the distant sound of a scream. But as it grew closer, he turned sharply, startled, to discover the source of the commotion unfolding behind him.