Chapter 0: Awakening in Lunaria
A throbbing pain spread through Nova's head as he stirred awake, his vision a blurry haze. His body felt unfamiliar—like it wasn't truly his own. The scent of old parchment and faint traces of lavender lingered in the air, and as his senses sharpened, he found himself in a small yet cozy room.
Wooden beams lined the ceiling, and sunlight peeked through a slightly latched window, casting a ray of sunlight on the rough furniture. He struggled to sit up, his fingers brushing against the rough fabric of the blanket draped over him. The room was modest—not extravagant, but well-kept. A wooden desk stood in the corner, cluttered with books, ink bottles, and a single unsealed envelope.
His mind was a fog of scattered fragments, memories slipping between his fingers like grains of sand. One moment, he was navigating the mundane struggles of his previous life—his name was Daisuke, wasn't it? The next, he found himself waking up in a foreign body, in a world that was not his own.
He winced as a sharp pain lanced through his skull. Clutching his forehead, he forced himself to sit up. The creaky wooden bed beneath him groaned in protest. His hands trembled as he examined them—pale, slender fingers, unfamiliar yet eerily familiar.
A mirror.
His gaze darted around the modest room, eyes landing on an old, rusted mirror leaning against the far wall. He stumbled out of bed, his legs barely supporting his weight. Each step was unsteady, but he made it. And when he finally looked at his reflection, his breath hitched.
Jet-black hair, tousled and unkempt, framed a face that looked no older than fifteen. Dark, piercing eyes stared back at him, filled with an intensity that felt out of place for someone so young. His features were sharp yet delicate, a mix of youth and the traces of hardship.
'This… is me now?'
His heart pounded. He pressed his fingers against the mirror's cold surface, half-expecting it to shatter and reveal the truth—that this was some elaborate dream. But no such thing happened. He was here. This was real.
A strange weight settled in his chest as his eyes fell upon the letter. He didn't know why, but something about it felt... final.
With a deep breath, he reached for it, unfolding the parchment with slightly trembling fingers.
---
To Nova Alistair,
We regret to inform you that your parents, Arthur and Elira Alistair, perished during their expedition beyond the northern borders. Their sacrifice will not be forgotten. As their son, you are entitled to their remaining assets, including the small residence in the third district.
Furthermore, you have been admitted to Grand Aetherium Academy under special circumstances. Your parents' contributions to the field of magic have granted you a place among the academy's esteemed students. We expect your arrival by the start of the new term.
May the stars guide you.
Administrator – Grand Aetherium Academy
---
Nova's grip tightened around the letter as he read and re-read the words. His chest ached, though the memories of these people—his parents—felt distant, like echoes he couldn't fully grasp. Were they good people? Were they strict? Loving? All he had were these words on a fragile piece of parchment.
'An academy…?'He ran his fingers over the parchment, lost in thought. This world had magic, that much was clear. And now, he was being thrust into an institution meant to cultivate those with potential.
His stomach twisted with a mixture of apprehension and excitement. He needed to survive. He needed to understand this world. And Grand Aetherium Academy might just be the place to start.
A sharp breath escaped him as he pressed his thumb against his temple. What kind of cruel joke is this? He couldn't remember them. Couldn't remember anything beyond waking up in this unfamiliar world.
His gaze fell toward the desk drawer mentioned in the letter. With measured movements, he reached out and pulled it open. Inside, he found a small pouch, another's and a single pendant—its silver surface cool against his fingertips. There were no immediate answers, no sudden rush of memories, only the heavy weight of the unknown.
He clenched his jaw and exhaled sharply. "I need to get out of here."
---
Lunaria was unlike anything he had ever seen before.
The streets stretched wide, paved with smooth stone that shimmered faintly under the morning sun. Towering buildings with intricate carvings lined the avenues, their architecture blending old-world grandeur with modern refinement. Merchants called out from bustling stalls, the scent of freshly baked bread and exotic spices weaving through the air. Magic-infused lanterns hovered above, glowing softly even in daylight, and carriages drawn by elegant, horned beasts rolled past, their wheels barely making a sound.
Nova pulled his cloak tighter around him as he walked through the city, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts. The letter had given him nothing but more questions. Who were my parents? Why did they leave me this pendant? And most importantly—what the hell am I supposed to do now?
His stomach twisted, a reminder that he hadn't eaten. He glanced at the pouch from the drawer, opening it slightly to find a handful of silver and gold coins inside. At least I won't starve… for now.
Wandering through the market district, he listened, observed. Conversations drifted past—mentions of noble houses, academy enrollments, guild postings. The name Grand Aetherium Academy came up more than once, and judging by the awed tones people spoke in, it wasn't just any school.
Nova pulled his hood lower, blending into the crowd. His mind buzzed with thoughts, questions swirling like a storm. He had no family, no real connections—only a name and an academy waiting for him.
He exhaled, pushing forward through the throng of people. If he was going to survive in this world, he needed a plan. And the first step? Figuring out exactly who Nova Alistair was supposed to be.
This was a new life. A new beginning.
And he would make the most of it.
---
(To be continued...)