After finding out about my grandfather's history, I already knew there was magic in this other world.
The first example? Salie. She had horns and a tail. I mean, come on—horns and a tail? That's not a fashion statement you can buy in a mall. That alone was enough for me to confirm this world wasn't exactly what you'd call normal. If this was "normal" here, then I was the weird one.
Then there was Roderick—appearing and disappearing like he was auditioning for a magic show. How can an old man move like that? Teleportation? Ninja skills? Or maybe his joints were lubricated with some divine oil? Either way, Grandpa definitely didn't have neighbors like that back home. The most magical thing my old neighbors could do was yell at kids for stepping on their lawn.
After we finished talking about the academy and other things, Salie guided me to my room.
"Thank you, Salie," I said with a smile.
"Not at all, Sir Cale. You've helped us a lot—you even gave us medicine. That's nothing compared to what you've done," she replied warmly.
"Is that so? Then… Salie, I have a favor."
Her cheeks turned a shade of red that could compete with ripe tomatoes. "! What is it, Sir Cale?" she asked quickly.
"Could you please make sure no one enters my room after I go in? Especially if no one responds when they knock."
"Oh, if it's that, I can do it. At least I'll inform the others," she said. Her tone dropped just a little, almost like she was disappointed.
I didn't notice her expression at all—not even when Aisha and Camille, nearby, both blushed slightly while talking to me. What can I say? I'm a master at being oblivious. If being clueless was a skill, I'd already be max level.
"Then thank you again, Salie," I said sincerely.
Once inside my room, I remembered something important: the 300 instant ramen packs I promised to prepare.
I closed my eyes and pictured the golden door in my mind. In an instant, it appeared right before me, glowing faintly like it knew it was special. Stepping through, I was greeted by the same familiar room—my store storage, smelling faintly of cardboard, soy sauce packets, and convenience store dreams.
Arriving inside, I started packing all 300 instant ramen packs into a large box. It wasn't exactly light work, but it felt strangely satisfying.
As I worked, my mind wandered.
Should I bring my bike here next time? Once I settle down in the city, maybe it wouldn't be a bad idea. I mean, who wouldn't want to be the first guy riding a mountain bike past confused villagers? Horses are cool, sure, but they don't come with gear shifts. Plus, if I raced a horse, I could say, "Yeah, I lost… but did he have shock absorbers?"
I still didn't know exactly what I should do next. The academy seemed like a good option. I'd been dreaming of learning magic since I was a kid—back when I thought superpowers were only possible in comics and video games.
Back then, Grandpa was the only one who believed me. He'd tell me, "Someday, it'll come true." He always had that glint in his eye like he knew something I didn't.
Even at eighteen, I never gave up on the idea. Reading fantasy novels kept that dream alive. And now… now that dream wasn't just possible—it was standing right in front of me.
For the first time in years, I felt excited. Truly alive.
The last time I'd felt like this was when Grandpa was teaching me swordsmanship and martial arts. I still remember those mornings—me, trying to swing a wooden sword, and him smacking my legs with his own whenever I messed up my stance. "Pain is the best teacher," he'd say. He wasn't wrong. My bruises graduated with honors.
After he and Dad passed away, that fire inside me had dimmed. Life became… quieter. Not bad, but not alive either. But now? Now it was burning again.
Thanks, Grandpa, for giving me this opportunity to make my dreams real.
So, my goals? Simple:
Become strong.
Become rich.
Find people I can trust.
After that, maybe create my own organization. I wanted to be like that guy in the novel Eminence in Shadow—the mastermind behind the scenes, pulling strings, laughing maniacally in a dark room. I could finally experience the academy life and be the ultimate OP background character.
…But wait. Could I even pull that off? My face wasn't exactly "average." Handsome—if I say so myself. Maybe I could go with a "charming playboy" persona instead.
Waaaahhh! What the hell am I thinking? My third-grade syndrome is making a comeback!
I imagined myself standing on top of a tower, cape flapping dramatically in the wind, whispering mysterious lines to no one in particular. Yep… I was definitely losing it.
After wasting time on all sorts of ideas—both useless and maybe useful—I returned to my room and decided to sleep.
When I woke up, the first thing I did was stretch until my back made that satisfying crack. Ah, the sound of a body still holding together. I took a quick shower, scrubbing away yesterday's dust.
After that, I switched into a t-shirt and jogging pants—way more comfortable than the hiking clothes I'd been wearing. Boots on, done.
Grabbing the box of 300 instant ramen, I walked to my grandfather's room and stepped through the golden door again.
The room on the other side was starting to feel more and more familiar—like a second home, except this one didn't have Wi-Fi. I set the box down in the corner.
Knock knock.
A knock on the door interrupted me.
"Sir Cale, it's Salie. Lady Camille invites you for breakfast," came her voice from the other side.
"I'm coming," I replied, opening the door to see her beautiful face framed by those cool, elegant horns.
"Good morning, Ms. Salie," I greeted her with a smile.
"Good morning to you too, Sir Cale. I'll guide you to the dining room," she said.
When we arrived at the dining table, I saw Camille already seated, waiting for me. She gestured for me to sit.
As soon as I sat down, the maids served me eggs and bacon. The smell alone could make a vegetarian reconsider their life choices. My stomach growled like it was auditioning for a monster role.
After a few bites, Camille spoke. "Sir Cale, are the ramen packs you mentioned already prepared?"
"Yes," I said, swallowing my food. "They're inside my room. I can bring them over myself, or you can have someone pick them up."