When I opened my eyes, the first thing that greeted me was not the white concrete I was used to, but a coarse and dusty wooden ceiling. I looked around with a momentary sense of void; this was definitely not my room. Right then, I saw a mirror near the door, standing as if suspended in mid-air. In terror, I rushed toward the mirror, but the reflection standing before me was not mine. There stood a foreign child, not even five years old. As I tried to understand what was happening, I felt a sudden pain in my mind; foreign memories belonging to someone I never knew began to fill my mind. The pain in my mind gave way to images. The name of this world was Pentegos. This was the Aethelgard Empire, the mightiest fortress of humanity. Giant rune ships floating in the air, rune golems patrolling on the ground, and rune towers rising to the sky were everywhere. The Empire was like a paradise for humans; every child born here would go to the academy at the age of ten and receive magic and rune training.
Just then, he heard his mother calling from the other room:— Ren, wake up now! Breakfast is ready.— I'm coming, mother!
As I walked toward the door, I prepared myself to face this new 'family' inside. When I reached the kitchen, the atmosphere inside was much warmer and more intimate than that magnificent world outside. At the head of the table sat my father, whose battle scars on his arms screamed that he had survived thousands of wars, yet his gaze shone only with affection. Opposite him, my mother was serving food. When they saw me, the same peaceful smile appeared on both their faces.
— You're finally here, honey. We need to go to the Guild, so sit down now.Nodding my head, I pulled out a chair and sat down. My father looked at me and said:— Ren, we have a very important meeting at the guild today. That's why your aunt will be looking after you today. After you finish your breakfast, go straight to her house.
With my mother's words, the image of my aunt appeared in my mind. She was a senior teacher at that great academy in the city center; she was known for her discipline and her authority over runes.
— Okay father, mother... Don't worry, I said in a reassuring voice. "Besides, I have Lilya with me." I looked at Lilya, who was waiting silently as usual just a bit further from the kitchen. Lilya was an elf slave and she had been by my side since I was born. As she looked at us with those blank, expressionless eyes, the cruelty of this world came to my mind once more. My father smiled with satisfaction, while my mother turned to Lilya and gave instructions in a stern voice:— Keep an eye on Ren.Lilya only bowed slightly in greeting; she didn't say a single word.
Finishing my breakfast, I began to get ready.
CharacterMother: Elera (Sky Storm)Specialization: Lightning and Wind spells, Intermediate Rune Knowledge.
Father: Ronan (Rune Master)Specialization: Advanced Rune Expertise, Weapon Summoning Magic.