Northern Continent, Frostholm
Year 9872 of the Prosperity
A vast snow plain stretched across the land. Thick snow covered everything, leaving only endless whiteness as far as the eye could see.
Amid the frozen landscape stood a conspicuous orphanage, home to many orphans across Frostholm. For those unfortunate children, it could be called a small sanctuary.
In the courtyard, giggles and laughter rang through the air.
Children from the age of five to twelve ran around freely.
Some chased a ball across the yard while others hid behind snow piles in a game of hide and seek.
Yet even among the lively atmosphere, one figure seemed out of place.
Under the eaves sat a young lad, quietly reading a book.
Blue hair fell in messy strands that caught the light, and pale white eyes glued at the pages before him.
"Law, aren't you tired of reading? Why don't you take some rest and go play with the others?"
A gentle voice called from behind.
Law stiffened slightly before turning around. Standing there was a woman in her middle years.
Her hair was streaked with silver at the temples, and her eyes filled with warmth.
"You've been at it for hours," she said, stepping closer. Her footsteps were soft against the wooden floor.
"I'm fine, Aunt Maria," Law replied as he closed the book.
The worn cover read History of Eriria.
Aunt Maria sighed softly and rested a hand on his shoulder.
"Knowledge is good but you also need a rest," she shook her head gently.
Law's mind wandered for a bit.
Because this was not the world he was born in.
Lawliet was not originally from Eriria.
He was a transmigrator.
In his previous life, he had lived on a world called Earth.
He died at the age of seventeen, just after finishing high school.
Being hit by a truck, and then transmigrated into another world? Isn't this too cliché?
In his previous life, Law was also an orphan.
As if fate was playing with him, he was also
transferred into an orphan's body!
Not that he minded, though. As long as he got a second chance, that was all that truly mattered.
After arriving in this body, what he noticed from the original owner's memories was his name, also Lawliet.
He was a 10-year-old child from a village that had been attacked by monsters.
After his parents were killed and his village burned amidst the snow. He could only run as far as he could, until he arrived here.
Just as hope began to shine, his strength gave out and he collapsed, dying in front of the gate.
That was the moment when Lawliet took over the body…
After that, six years passed by.
....
"Law? Law?"
A worried voice pulled him back.
"Ah… sorry," Law said, standing up and brushing the dust from his pants. "I just spaced out thinking about something."
Aunt Maria looked at him for a moment before smiling.
"You should prepare well. Tomorrow is your awakening day. Oh, and don't forget to cook today!"
With that, she turned and walked back into the orphanage.
Awakening Day
This is the moment where Law had been waiting forever.
Having lived in this place is great! But for 6 years?
He can't really do much here except interacting with other children. It's too boring.
Law remained standing under the eaves.
He took a slow breath.
In Eriria, every child can awaken once they reach the age of 16. Only one chance in their lifetime.
Talent and Affinity.
The two things that determine a person's future.
He also wants to carve out his own path, find the joy in life and defy all the odds!
Uhh, maybe that is too ambitious.
Law looked down at his hands quietly.
With that he moved towards the kitchen. It can't be helped, after all his cooking is too great.
Even Aunt Maria herself approved of this!
...
It was a small, simple place—wooden counters, a few old pots, and the faint smell of spices.
There is a young girl, similar in age to him, stood beside the sink preparing the ingredients.
Her small hands carefully cut the vegetables, her hand movements are a bit shaky.
Lily is a girl of the same age as Law, with soft purple hair that fell neatly around her shoulders and matching purple eyes.
She is a diligent girl, always trying to help others. Though... In the aspect of cooking she is a bit lacking.
There was one time when she tried to cook by herself and almost burned the whole orphanage down.
In the end, Law manages to come just in time to save the day.
Unfortunately for the food, left charred, unrecognizable what its original appearance is.
"Lily, why are you here? Didn't I tell you that cooking can be left to me?" Staring at her back, Law asked.
"I just want to help you, Brother Law." She looks back and meets Law's eyes.
Although the same age, she still calls him a brother. What a sweet girl.
"Don't waste your time doing this. You should prepare yourself for tomorrow.", Law replied back.
While talking he takes a quick look at the available ingredients and quickly decides what to cook for today's meal.
"Hmph, don't you also need to prepare? Then, why can you be here and not me?" Lily puffed while putting the cut vegetable beside the stove.
"Forget it, you can help cut the meat. Make sure not come near the stove," Law knelt by the old firewood stove, stacking dry logs and striking a small flame.
Soon enough, the meals are complete in huge portions enough for several families of four to eat.
Law carefully lifted one of the pots while Lily carried a bowl of vegetables behind him.
The moment they pushed the door open, the noise of many children filled the room.
Rows of long wooden tables were already packed with eager faces. Some children sat properly, while others leaned forward impatiently, their eyes fixed on the food.
"They're here!" one boy shouted.
Immediately, several children began cheering.
"Brother Law brought the food!"
"Hurry, I'm starving!"
Law placed the pot on the serving table with a small sigh while Lily giggled softly at the
children's excitement.
"Line up," Law said calmly.
Soon the hall filled with the sounds of eating, laughter, and happy chatter.
Then a small boy with a runny nose tugged at Law's sleeve.
"Brother Law, can you read to us later?" the boy asked, eyes bright with innocent curiosity.
Law looked down at him, then at the other children watching with hopeful expressions.
For a moment, he hesitated—but then he nodded. "Alright. I'll read after this."
The boy's face lit up. "Promise?"
Law gave a small smile. "Promise."
Night arrived and all the children went to the living room, a spacious space enough to fit them all.
"Brother Law! Hurry up and read us a story!" One child urged him.
Law sat on a chair while the children gathered on the tiled floor around him.
"Be patient! If not, the demons are going to eat you…" Law said in a hushed tone, trying to quiet the children down.