Estimated read time: 10 min
[This story is entirely fictional. Any resemblance to reality is purely coincidental.]
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Deep within a vast forest, a couple had built a peaceful life for themselves. For nearly ten years, they had lived in isolation within the mountains, far from the pressures of their families. Unable to have children, their families had often urged them to return and fulfill their duties, but the couple had chosen seclusion, hoping to live a quiet and happy life. Many years of prayers and wishes for a son had gone unanswered long ago, and memories of those desperate appeals had faded.
They had created a beautiful sanctuary in the mountains. No one from their families knew where they lived, and many had assumed they were dead. Over the years, the forest had become theirs entirely.
So, when a falling object appeared in the sky one day, fear gripped them. They assumed it would destroy their carefully nurtured home. But their fear turned to shock and compassion when they saw it was not a rock or meteor—but a ten-year-old boy. At first, they feared he was dead from the fall. But when they realized he was alive, joy flooded their hearts.
They had no interest in where the boy had come from or why he had fallen from the sky. All that mattered was giving him a home. They had been alone for so long, save for a few pets, that they longed for a child to care for.
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The boy's voice trembled as he stretched out his hand.
"Alex…? My name is Alex? But… I can't remember anything."
It had been a month since he had regained consciousness. Though the language was unfamiliar, he understood every word his new parents spoke—and they understood him in return.
"Alex, I am your father, and this is your mother. Do you remember anything?"
The middle-aged man's voice carried urgency, while the woman's eyes glistened with tears. At first, Alex could not comprehend the situation. But gradually, guided by the gentle patience of his new parents, he realized they were telling the truth: they had found him seriously injured in the deep forest after a Demon Beast attack, his memory shattered from the trauma and blood loss. By chance, his mother's blood magic had saved him from the brink of death.
At first, Alex was confused. He had no choice but to accept his new reality. Over the course of a year, he grew strong and healthy. Walking was difficult initially, and while he could understand the language, forming words took time. Slowly, he bonded deeply with his adoptive parents, Elmord and Maria, learning everything they could teach him about this world. They assumed his past memories were lost, so every lesson about the land and its customs was vital for his survival.
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Alex's perspective:
A full year had passed since I arrived in this strange world. The events leading here were unbelievable: the Tower, the monsters, my wife's betrayal, the magical ring on my left hand, being teleported to an unknown place, and finally transforming from a twenty-five-year-old man into a ten-year-old boy. Perhaps no one had been this unlucky—or lucky.
I now live as Alex, a boy with loving adoptive parents who see me as their own. Despite my body's youthful appearance, I carry knowledge and experiences far beyond my years. My skin, once slightly tanned, is now pale. My hair, once black, is now blonde like Maria's. My eyes, once brown, are now blue like Elmord's. The ring I wear has been silent for a year—its energy spent—but I still feel its latent power. Perhaps, through some mechanism of the ring, I have entered the body of their lost child.
Through Elmord and Maria, I've learned about this world, Agnolenia. Democracy does not exist here—power resides solely with royals and nobles. Agnolenia is divided into four great empires, each with many kingdoms. Currently, we reside in a small kingdom of the Fire Empire called Mefas.
The Mefas Kingdom is renowned for the Demon Forest, a deadly forest inhabited by creatures that were once ordinary animals but have mutated into Demon Beasts, infused with demonic energy. We are deep within the forest, protected by a magical barrier that prevents these beasts from entering our immediate vicinity.
I also discovered the tower here, which is over a thousand years old, unlike the one I experienced on Earth. Towers in both worlds operate differently: the Earth tower forces millions of humans inside, while anyone may enter the tower here at will.
Magic is common in this world, and magical items are not strictly necessary. Maria can heal almost any wound without potions or magical items, using only powerful spells. Here, people fall into three categories: those who use magic, those who enter towers and use magical items, and those who can do both. The latter group is the largest.
I have learned much, but today marks a new adventure—I am leaving the Demon Forest for the first time in a year. My body has mostly recovered, though I cannot run yet, and my speech is still slow. Elmord assures me that renowned healers in the royal capital of Mefas can fully restore me.
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Journey to the Capital:
Elmord had prepared a horse-drawn carriage for supplies. In the ten years he had lived near the forest, he rarely left except for essentials from a nearby town. Today, they would finally travel to the royal capital—a nerve-wracking but joyous step. The couple dreamed of presenting their child to the world while ensuring his safety in the deadly forest. Alex's legs still bore a minor abnormality, preventing him from running—forcing him to rely on the carriage if necessary.
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Fire Kingdom, Mefas Royal Capital:
In a grand mansion, Duke Everest Von Weyxcool stood on the balcony overlooking a vast garden. His wife and daughter enjoyed tea while the duke sipped thoughtfully.
"I spoke with the Second Prince again today. He still requests your daughter's hand," Duke Everest said, his tone serious. His daughter, Elin, remained silent.
His wife, Haiba, smiled sweetly.
"Dear, I know the Second Prince is powerful, more so than the First Prince, but he is… obsessed with women. I don't want our only daughter marrying a boy like that."
Elin finally spoke:
"I am Elin Von Weyxcool, your only daughter. I do not wish to marry someone who receives everything without effort. If Father finds someone worthy, I will not object, but I do not approve of the Second Prince."
Elin left, and Haiba continued, smiling:
"Your daughter is becoming just like you, day by day. If this continues, I doubt we will be able to arrange her marriage."
Duke Everest gazed at the sky, a grim smile spreading across his face.
"We may not have to worry long… the skies over Mefas will change very soon. The entire kingdom will turn red."
Haiba's expression darkened.
"A civil war… again?"
"We cannot say for certain yet, but the capital will be very busy soon."
The air fell silent as Duke Everest took another sip of tea, a foreboding sense of change lingering over the city.
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To Be Continued…