Time had flown by relatively fast.
A young boy of about five years old, with golden eyes and short black hair, lay on the floor of his room, a book open before him bearing a lightning insignia. Kael was now five years old.
The book he held was on the history of the world. It didn't cover everything, but it remained a reliable source of information in a place he had no prior knowledge of. His room wasn't extravagant—it was plain, but it held the essence of his early childhood.
In the corner rested a bed, while a holographic screen loomed darkly on one side of the room. A smaller screen and a holographic keypad stood next to the bed, accompanied by a floating chair. Above it all, a bright blue neon lamp hung, currently greyed out as morning sunlight filtered in.
He closed the book and walked to the window. Pushing it open, a cool breeze slipped in, carrying the scent of freshly cut grass and distant flowers. The rays of the sun fell on his face, and the scenery beyond was breathtaking. In the near horizon, the outline of a floating city shimmered faintly, its spires catching the golden light. He closed his eyes, letting the warmth of the sun fill him completely.
"This world is truly different," he murmured to himself. As he had grown, Kael had observed the stark contrasts between this realm and his previous one—the abundant use of mana and magic, and the undeniable presence of the gods themselves.
Through repeated readings of the history book he had borrowed from his parents' library, Kael had discovered that this world was divided into seven great nations, each under the rule of a god and governed by a great family chosen by them.
There was Aetherion, Kael's home, under Zeus and ruled by House Aegis, its citizens renowned for their mastery of structured lightning and aerial technologies.
Thalassar, beneath Poseidon, was dominated by House Nerion, where water manipulation and naval supremacy defined their culture.
Umbros, under Hades, commanded by House Mortayne, was shrouded in mystery and shadows, its people adept in necromantic arts.
Strategos, ruled by Athena through House Valerian, prized strategy, discipline, and scholarship, producing warriors and tacticians unmatched across the lands.
Helior, governed by Apollo and House Solenne, radiated sunlight and artistic brilliance, its citizens scholars, artists, and healers.
Heraia, under Hera and House Aurelia, thrived on order, loyalty, and familial strength,
while Hephaestus, overseen by Hephaestus himself and House Ferron, specialized in craftsmanship, forging powerful artifacts that harmonized mana and machinery.
"Does this mean I'll have to go against all seven nations—and the great families—if I am to defeat the gods?" Kael asked himself, a frown creasing his delicate features. It would be difficult, unbearably so, but he had already accepted the challenge. There was no rush; he would plan carefully and prepare meticulously.
Clenching his tiny fists, he said, "You will fall, you damned gods. Just wait," his eyes glinting with resolve as they turned skyward.
"Kael!" a woman's voice called, pulling him from his reverie. It was his mother, Elara, a woman of breathtaking beauty with smooth, clear skin and flowing black hair—traits that Kael had clearly inherited.
"Yes, mom," he answered.
"Come here for a second, honey," she said, her melodic voice echoing softly.
"Okay, mom," he replied, hurriedly making his bed, though he had woken late again after reading the book.
As he approached the metallic door, it slid open automatically. His mother sat in a floating chair, a holographic screen projecting from her wrist as she seemed absorbed in her work. She glanced at him, smiling.
"Woke up late again," she teased.
"I was tired yesterday, mom. Sorry," he muttered, looking down shyly.
"No problem, dear. Go take breakfast, then see what your father is up to—maybe you can help him."
"Okay, mom," he said joyfully, heading to the dining room. He poured a glass of juice and took a piece of cake, eating hurriedly before making his way outside.
The familiar, breathtaking scenery greeted him once more: lush, neatly trimmed grass stretched to the horizon, dappled in sunlight, and the soothing sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves filled the air. Beyond the horizon, the floating city glimmered faintly, a reminder of the civilization above, and to the left, a dense forest stood, ancient and serene.
Kael approached the smaller building next to their house. A large metallic door opened to reveal a sleek, black floating car, its front panel lifted. A broad-shouldered man stood before it, wiping sweat from his forehead as he examined the vehicle.
"Good morning, son," the man said with a smile.
"Good morning, dad. What are you doing?" Kael asked.
"Fixing the car—it broke again. I think the mana core is damaged," his father explained. Kael tiptoed to look inside, marveling at the countless blue lines running across the core, converging into a faintly glowing heart of energy.
"Are you going to get another one?" Kael asked.
"Yeah, but that'll have to wait until I return to the city," his father said.
"When will you take me there?" Kael asked, curiosity sparkling in his eyes.
"You'll see it yourself when you're older. And when you come of age, you'll attend the academy in the city. Then you can explore to your heart's content," his father replied.
"Okay, dad. I can't wait," Kael said, smiling.
Tired from the morning, Kael returned to the house. His mother, preparing lunch, smiled at him.
"Mom, dad said to put some juice in the fridge—it's really hot out here," he said.
"Okay, dear. And what will you do now?"
"I'll just read in my room," Kael replied happily.
He returned to his room, book in hand, but paused at the window. The forest to the left called to him, ancient and strangely serene, whispering secrets he had yet to uncover.
"What a strange feeling… I'll explore it later," Kael said, returning to the floor to continue reading, the sunlight spilling warmly across him.