Chapter 2 – Before the Drama Begins
Ten years had passed since Rob tossed me into this modified universe.
I was ten now. Sitting on the highest branch of a tall tree, legs swinging in the air, my golden eyes scanned the forest around me. A cold breeze brushed against my face, and the setting sun painted the sky in shades of orange, pink, and violet. It was beautiful. Too beautiful, honestly.
"This view... no matter how many times I see it, it always feels magical," I murmured to myself. "Too bad it's all going to be destroyed soon…"
I let out a long sigh.
"Pale, overly dramatic vampires—straight out of a K-drama—are about to show up here any minute. Sometimes I think about opening a portal and tossing them all into an active volcano… But, as annoying as they are, they haven't done anything wrong."
A slight smirk crept onto my lips.
"And I'm not some psycho who goes around killing people just because they annoy me."
The sun dipped lower behind the trees, casting long shadows across the forest floor. It was time to go home.
"If I take too long, Mom will find me in seconds. There's no hiding from a wolf."
I remembered the first time I used my spatial powers to teleport to the top of the Egyptian pyramids. The view was breathtaking… until I got back and received the biggest scolding of my life. The moment my scent vanished from the house, my mom knew something was off. From that day on, she made me promise never to use my powers in front of anyone — and especially not to travel far without telling her first.
I opened a small portal beside me. A swirl of purple and blue energy shimmered for a moment, and then I stepped through.
In an instant, I was in the kitchen.
My mom, Sara, was stirring something on the stove. As soon as she saw me, she raised an eyebrow.
"Used your power again?"
"Just so I wouldn't be late," I said, shrugging as I sat down at the table.
She chuckled softly.
"Smart boy…"
The scent of meat simmering with herbs filled the kitchen — the kind of smell that would drive any living creature crazy with hunger, especially those with heightened senses.
"Where's Dad?"
"Charlie's running late. Had a few things to take care of at work."
Unlike my mom, my dad was just an ordinary human. No supernatural powers, no secret transformations during full moons. But somehow, he managed to keep the balance in our crazy house — especially between a wolf wife and a kid with space powers.
"So," my mom said as she turned off the stove and gave me that look, "while you were 'playing' outside… did you feel anything different?"
She leaned forward slightly, eyes focused on me, a touch of excitement in her voice.
"Like… more strength, sharper senses, maybe the urge to howl at the moon?"
I knew exactly what she meant. She was hoping I'd started awakening her werewolf side in me.
"I didn't feel any of that, Mom. I'm just... normal."
She crossed her arms, thinking.
"Hmm… I guess it's still too early."
"Too early for what?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
She gave that mysterious smile adults always seem to have — especially the ones with powers or hidden pasts.
"You'll understand when the time comes."
I rolled my eyes.
Why do all adults with special powers act like some kind of riddle master? Just say it: 'Son, you might turn into a werewolf soon and start craving raw meat.' Done! Simple!
But so far, none of that had happened. Only my portal powers had awakened. No dragon scales, no wings, no epic roars or mountain-shattering strength. My dragon form was still locked away.
"Rob probably set my powers to evolve with my body. Puberty must be the trigger… just like it is for wolves," I thought, munching on a crunchy apple.
Then a thought hit me.
"If I wanted to, I could totally rob a bank. In and out in seconds. Straight to the vault and—"
I imagined the whole scene in vivid detail.
News report: "High-security bank completely emptied overnight. No signs of forced entry. Security cameras mysteriously shut down. Police have no leads."
Then my parents staring at me in absolute silence… Mom looking from the TV to me with that 'Talk. Now' face. And Dad giving me that tired look while saying: "Dante, please… return the money."
"Yeah… maybe not. They'd know it was me instantly."
I sighed again.
"Copying books and movies from my old world sounds like a much safer plan."
I finished the apple and stood up.
"Mom, I'm going to my room, okay?"
"Don't forget to brush your teeth!"
"I won't…"
I climbed the stairs and entered my room. I flopped onto the bed, but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't sleep. Something inside me felt... restless. Like it was waiting for something.
I walked over to the window and opened it. The cool night breeze brushed my face. Stars were beginning to appear in the sky, twinkling like tiny promises of something greater.
I sat on the windowsill, legs dangling outside, and thought:
"I can't wait to grow up. I want to meet all the beautiful women from the shows and movies in this new universe, maybe buy us a mansion. But until then, I need to find a way to make money. And it won't be by stealing — it'll be with brilliant ideas. Or… semi-brilliant ones."
I looked up at the stars and smiled faintly.
That's when I heard it.
A howl.
Far off in the distance. Long… and lonely.
I raised an eyebrow, grinning.
"Looks like the K-drama vampires are arriving early."
The real drama hadn't even started yet.