"Manlukat ka!" Chast's father exclaimed, thrusting his hand forward.
A sharp crackle of energy filled the room. Objects vibrated, the air hummed, and a glowing ring of blue light spiraled into existence in the center of the kitchen. It pulsed softly, as if alive, expanding until the edges flickered like liquid starlight.
Chast staggered back, eyes wide. "What the—WHAT was that?!" His voice cracked. "A... a portal? You just... did magic! Or—or whatever that was supposed to be!"
His father smirked, calm as if conjuring portals was an afternoon hobby. "This is the only way to reach the Labrynthia Dimension. Once you awaken your magic, I'll teach you how to open one yourself. For now, we need to leave. My friends are waiting at the mansion."
He gestured toward the swirling vortex, his expression unreadable.
"You... you go first," Chast said, voice low. Fear pricked at his chest.
His father arched an eyebrow.
"I'm not scared," Chast added quickly. "I just... you know... want to make sure it doesn't vaporize us or drop us into a black hole."
His father chuckled and stepped through without a second thought.
"Shall we?" his mother asked, offering her hand with a gentle smile.
Chast swallowed. He took a deep breath and gripped her hand tightly. "Alright... here goes nothing."
Together, they stepped through.
When Chast opened his eyes, the world had changed entirely. Smooth white stone stretched beneath his feet, reflecting a sky that shimmered like liquid auroras. Stars sparkled brighter and closer than he had ever imagined, casting rainbow reflections on the courtyard's fountains. A cool, sweet breeze carried a faint floral scent, almost intoxicating in its otherworldly perfection.
And then he saw it—the mansion his father had mentioned.
It wasn't a mansion. It was a palace of silverstone, its towering spires crowned with glowing orbs that floated like miniature suns. Stained-glass windows shifted subtly, depicting moving constellations. Courtyard fountains glittered with streams of light, and even the lanterns hovering along the paths seemed to hum with life.
Chast's jaw dropped. "Whoa... this... this isn't a mansion. It's like a royal castle from a fantasy novel."
"Leanne! Long time no see!"
A tall, broad-shouldered man strode toward them with a confident grin, sharp features, and an easy charm.
"Johann!" Leanne called, rushing forward to embrace him.
"Still as beautiful as ever, my dear friend," Johann said with a wink.
Leanne swatted his arm. "Still the arrogant jerk I remember."
Johann's gaze shifted to Chast. "Ah, I almost forgot. This is...?"
"Johann, meet my son, Chast Vaughn," Leanne said. "Chast, this is your uncle Johann—one of our closest friends."
Johann sized him up and whistled. "You've grown into a fine young man. Practically a mirror image of your mother."
Chast smirked. "Thanks. Being this good-looking? Pure natural talent. Didn't inherit it from anyone—not even Dad."
Johann laughed heartily. "I like this kid."
Chast glanced around. "Where's Dad?"
"In the lounge with the others. Come."
Walking through the grand courtyard, Chast could barely take it all in. Floating lanterns, marble floors reflecting the sky, and fountains that sparkled with magic. Every step deeper into this world made him feel smaller, insignificant—out of place.
Inside, the palace was even more enchanting. Chandeliers of glowing crystal hovered above, portraits shifted subtly when he wasn't looking, and staircases spiraled into clouds of mist.
In the grand lounge, his father sat among a group of Celestials, their presence radiating power. They looked up as Chast entered.
"Chast Vaughn Burthry!" a tall old man exclaimed warmly, rising from his seat. His long gray beard nearly brushed the floor. "You've grown so much!"
Chast raised an eyebrow. "Uh... thanks. But... how do you know my name?"
"You were barely two when you last visited," the old man said with a chuckle.
Chast blinked. "Right... so I have been here before."
"Of course," his father said, patting the seat beside him. "Come, sit."
Chast sat, his mother beside him. Hours passed in easy conversation, laughter, and stories—though most of the memories were ones Chast couldn't recall. Eventually, the guests excused themselves, and quiet returned to the palace.
Later that night, Chast lay in a massive bed, the ceiling above a shifting star map. Constellations drifted slowly, seemingly alive, and a faint glow bathed the room in soft colors.
At dinner, he learned two startling truths:
His parents weren't just rich—they were astronomically wealthy.
This palace wasn't a vacation home. It was theirs.
But his excitement faltered when his mother delivered the final news.
"Don't bother unpacking," she said gently. "Tomorrow, you leave for Valvrynth Academy. You'll stay there full-time, in your dormitory. Students can only return home during vacation."
Chast groaned. "We just got here! Can't I explore for, like, a week? Test the floating chandeliers? Familiarize myself with... everything?"
"I'm sorry, son," his mother said. "But you need to start right away."
As he lay in bed, staring at the glowing constellations, his stomach churned. The palace was incredible. But the thought of being shipped off to a mysterious academy tomorrow gnawed at him.
A faint tingling brushed his fingertips. He flexed his hands experimentally. The sensation pulsed again, subtle but undeniable. Something was awake inside him. Something... powerful.
Chast Vaughn drew a deep breath. The ordinary world was gone.
Tomorrow, he would enter Valvrynth Academy.
And judging by what his parents said, there would be no turning back.