Somewhere in the endless universe, beyond countless stars, moons, galaxies, and silent worlds drifting through the darkness of space, there was a small blue planet called Earth.
It was a planet filled with oceans, cities, lights, noise, dreams, and people who lived their lives without ever knowing how small they truly were compared to the vast universe around them.
On that planet, in the year 2026, one city was being swallowed by a thunderstorm.
Rain poured from the black sky like the heavens had cracked open.
The streets below were drowned beneath rushing water. Cars crawled through the flooded roads with their headlights glowing weakly through the gray curtain of rain. Wind screamed between tall buildings, shaking traffic lights, snapping umbrellas backward, and sending trash cans rolling across sidewalks.
Thunder roared so loudly that windows trembled.
Lightning flashed again and again across the sky, massive bolts splitting the clouds apart like divine blades. White-blue light covered the entire city for brief seconds before darkness returned even heavier than before.
People hurried through the storm with their coats pulled over their heads.
A woman screamed as a powerful gust of wind nearly ripped her umbrella from her hands.
"Seriously?! This storm came out of nowhere!"
A man ran past her, holding a briefcase over his head.
"Just get inside! The weather warning said it might get worse!"
Another bolt of lightning struck somewhere nearby.
BOOOOOOM!
The sound shook the streets.
Car alarms began crying out in the distance. Rain hammered against glass windows. The entire city looked like it was being attacked by the sky itself.
In the middle of that storm stood a tall office building, its many windows glowing against the dark night.
Inside, on one of the higher floors, the storm felt distant but impossible to ignore.
The windows rattled.
The lights flickered.
The sound of rain tapped endlessly against the glass like thousands of tiny fingers.
In a nearly empty office, surrounded by desks, paperwork, cold coffee cups, and the dull hum of computers, one worker remained at his desk.
His name was Max Carter.
He was twenty-four years old.
He had black raven hair, tired brown eyes, and wore simple office attire: a white button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled up, a loosened dark tie, black dress pants, and shoes that had long since stopped feeling comfortable.
His laptop screen glowed in front of him.
Documents were open.
Spreadsheets were unfinished.
Emails kept appearing.
Max's fingers moved across the keyboard, but they were slower than they had been hours ago.
He blinked.
Then blinked again.
His eyes burned.
His shoulders felt heavy.
His back ached from sitting too long.
Beside his laptop sat a half-empty cup of coffee that had gone cold almost an hour ago. He still reached for it, lifted it to his mouth, and drank anyway.
The bitter taste made him grimace.
"Ugh… cold coffee again."
Thunder growled outside.
Max glanced toward the window.
A huge flash of lightning lit up the office, reflecting across the glass walls and metal desks.
For a second, the entire room looked white.
Then darkness returned.
Max exhaled through his nose and looked back at his laptop.
"Come on, Max," he mumbled to himself. "Just finish the report. Send the files. Reply to the client. Then you can go home."
He stared at the screen.
The words blurred.
He rubbed his eyes with both hands and leaned back in his chair.
"Man… I need sleep."
He had been working every day with barely any rest. Late nights. Early mornings. More work. More pressure. More deadlines. More fake smiles. More coffee.
It had become a routine.
Wake up tired.
Work tired.
Go home tired.
Sleep too little.
Repeat.
Max looked at the tiny fantasy keychain attached to his laptop bag. It was shaped like a little sword and shield, something he had bought from an anime convention years ago.
He smiled faintly.
"Fantasy worlds always look so much better than this."
His voice was quiet.
Almost embarrassed.
Even though nobody was around to hear him, he still lowered his voice like he was admitting a secret.
"Magic… adventurer guilds… monsters… dungeons… status screens… beautiful landscapes… freedom…"
Another long yawn escaped him.
He covered his mouth.
"I swear, if I ever got reincarnated into another world, I wouldn't waste it. No office. No overtime. No pretending I'm fine when I'm half-dead."
He tapped a few more keys.
The report moved down the screen.
His hand reached for the coffee again.
Empty.
Max stared into the cup.
"…Great."
The wind outside slammed against the building.
The office lights flickered once.
Then twice.
Max looked up.
"Don't you dare shut off before I save this."
He quickly pressed the keys to save his work.
The laptop responded.
Saved.
Max sighed in relief.
"Good. At least the machine listens better than my manager."
He gave a tired laugh, but it faded quickly.
His eyelids grew heavier.
His fingers rested on the keyboard.
He tried to keep typing, but his hands slowed down more and more.
Tap.
Tap.
Tap.
Then nothing.
Max's head dipped forward slightly before he caught himself.
"No. No, no, no…"
He slapped his cheeks lightly.
"Stay awake. Just a little longer."
His eyes focused on the screen again.
The words were still blurry.
Thunder rumbled.
Rain poured.
The clock on his laptop showed it was already past midnight.
Max swallowed.
His chest felt tight.
His body felt cold.
He ignored it.
"I just need to finish this…"
His fingers moved again.
But each movement felt heavier than the last.
He blinked slowly.
The office around him stretched into silence.
The sound of rain became distant.
The glow of the laptop softened.
His breathing slowed.
His head lowered.
"Just… five minutes…"
His eyes closed.
The storm outside roared.
Lightning flashed.
The world disappeared.
For a while, there was nothing.
No keyboard.
No office.
No rain.
No pain.
Only darkness.
Then…
A voice echoed.
"Bell…"
Max's thoughts stirred weakly.
Bell?
The voice came again, softer but clearer.
"Bell…"
Max frowned in his sleep.
Who is that?
The name sounded unfamiliar.
And yet…
Somehow…
It also felt like he had heard it before.
"Bell…"
Max's thoughts became more confused.
Why am I hearing that name?
The darkness shifted.
The voice suddenly grew louder.
"Young Master Bell."
Max's mind jolted.
Young master?
Another pause.
Then the voice shouted right beside him.
"Master Bell, wake up!"
Max gasped.
His eyes shot open.
He sat up so fast that the blanket covering him slid down to his waist.
"WHOA!"
He looked around in panic.
But he was not in the office.
There was no laptop.
No desk.
No cold coffee.
No city storm outside the window.
Instead, he was sitting in a large soft bed inside a luxurious room.
The ceiling was high and decorated with elegant patterns. Warm golden light came from crystal lamps along the wall. Thick curtains hung beside tall windows. A polished wooden wardrobe stood near one side of the room. Shelves filled with books, small toys, and decorative items lined the walls.
The bed itself was enormous.
Too enormous.
Max looked down at the blanket.
Silk.
His heart pounded.
"What…?"
His voice came out strange.
Small.
Young.
He froze.
A calm voice spoke from beside the bed.
"Good. You are awake."
Max slowly turned his head.
Standing near him was a beautiful older maid woman with a neat black-and-white uniform, silver-gray hair tied into a bun, calm eyes, and perfect posture. She held herself like someone who had spent years serving a noble household.
Max stared at her.
His mouth opened.
Nothing came out.
The maid looked at him without changing her expression.
"Young Master Bell, it is time for dinner. Your family is waiting."
Max blinked.
Then blinked again.
"W-Who are you?"
The maid tilted her head slightly.
For the first time, a tiny bit of concern appeared in her eyes.
"Young master?"
Max gripped the blanket.
His thoughts raced.
Where am I?
Why am I in this room?
Who is this woman?
Why did she call me Bell?
What family?
What is going on?
Then his gaze shifted to the side.
There was a mirror.
A tall polished mirror with a silver frame.
Max slowly climbed out of bed.
His legs felt weak.
Not because he was sick.
Because they were too short.
He looked down at himself.
Small hands.
Small arms.
Pajamas.
A child's body.
"No…"
He walked toward the mirror step by step.
The person reflected back at him was not Max Carter.
It was a five-year-old boy.
The boy had warm caramel skin with a healthy, sun-kissed tone. Even though he was clearly young, he did not look like a fragile noble child who spent all day hiding inside a mansion. There were a few tiny scratches on his skin, like he had already played too roughly, trained too hard, or wandered somewhere he should not have.
His hair was deep raven-black with silver highlights mainly on his bangs. A few thin silver strands were mixed near the top, shining faintly like moonlight touching black sand. The top of his hair was longer and tied into a messy little man bun, while the sides were shaved short. Loose black-and-silver bangs fell near his eyes, giving him a wild, unusual look.
His eyes were the most shocking part.
They were colorful gold.
Deep golden irises.
Amber inner glow.
A pale sand-gold outer ring.
Tiny bronze and silver flecks around the pupils.
They looked calm, sharp, and strangely magical.
The boy in the mirror stared back at Max with a quiet expression that seemed too focused for a child.
Max raised a small hand.
The reflection raised its hand too.
His mouth trembled.
"…What?"
Suddenly, pain struck his head.
Max grabbed his temples.
Images flashed through his mind.
His office.
The storm.
The laptop.
The cold coffee.
His tired hands.
His chest tightening.
His eyes closing.
The darkness after that.
Then another set of memories rushed in.
A baby crying in a noble mansion.
A woman with gentle blue eyes holding him.
A strict man with golden eyes looking down at him.
Children laughing in a garden.
Servants bowing.
A large estate.
A family name.
A kingdom.
Magic.
The memories were blurry, broken, and scattered, but one thing became clear.
He had not simply moved somewhere else.
He had died.
Max Carter had worked himself beyond his limits, pushing through exhaustion, stress, sleepless nights, and endless pressure until his body could no longer continue.
His old life had ended quietly at a desk during a thunderstorm.
And now…
He had awakened in another world.
Not as Max Carter.
But as Bell Sirocco.
The youngest son of a prestigious noble family famous for producing legendary elemental mages.
Max stood frozen before the mirror, breathing hard.
"Reincarnation…"
His small voice shook.
"Are you serious?"
Behind him, the maid stepped closer.
"Young Master Bell, are you feeling unwell?"
Max turned slowly.
For a moment, he forgot how to respond.
Then the memories in his head moved on their own.
The maid's name came to him.
Lucy.
She had served the Sirocco household for years.
She was strict, calm, and loyal.
Max forced himself to breathe.
He could not panic.
Not now.
Not in front of someone who thought he was Bell.
He shook his head quickly.
"S-Sorry, Lucy. What did you need again?"
Lucy watched him carefully.
"Your family and your father requested that you join them for dinner."
"My… family…"
"Yes, young master."
Max swallowed.
Right.
Family.
Bell Sirocco had a family.
A noble family.
A magical family.
He nodded slowly.
"Give me a minute. Let me get dressed."
Lucy gave a polite bow.
"Of course."
She turned and walked toward the door.
Before leaving, she looked back once.
"Young master… please do not make Lord Viktor wait too long."
Max nodded.
"I won't."
The door closed.
Silence filled the room.
Max turned back toward the mirror.
He stared at the five-year-old boy reflected in front of him.
Bell Sirocco.
The youngest son of House Sirocco.
A prestigious noble family in the kingdom of Ravelle.
A family famous for elemental mages.
Wind.
Water.
Ice.
Earth.
Lightning.
Fire.
Plant magic.
Magic was real in this world.
Monsters were real.
Nobles were real.
Royal families were real.
Adventurer guilds were real.
Status screens might be real.
Dungeons might be real.
Everything he had dreamed about while trapped in an office chair might actually exist here.
Max placed his small hand against the mirror.
A strange laugh escaped him.
It was quiet at first.
Then a little stronger.
"No way…"
His golden eyes widened.
"No way. I actually got isekai'd."
His old otaku heart nearly exploded from excitement.
Then reality hit him again.
He was five years old.
A noble child.
In an unknown world.
With memories that were still blurry.
And he had to eat dinner with a family he barely understood.
Max lowered his hand from the mirror.
"No panicking," he whispered. "Think. Observe. Act normal. Use Bell's memories. Figure things out slowly."
He looked into his own golden eyes.
"This is my new life now."
A knock came from the door.
Lucy's voice followed.
"Young Master Bell?"
Max flinched.
"One minute, please!"
He looked around the room and noticed clothes had already been prepared on a chair.
A child-sized noble outfit.
Dark blue tunic.
Soft black trousers.
A small silver-trimmed jacket.
Simple boots.
Not too fancy, but clearly expensive.
Max walked over and started getting dressed.
It took longer than expected.
His new body was small, and every movement felt strange. Buttoning his jacket with tiny fingers annoyed him more than he wanted to admit.
"Seriously?" he muttered. "I died, reincarnated, and my first enemy is children's formalwear?"
After a few minutes of struggling, he finally finished.
He returned to the mirror.
The boy staring back looked completely different now.
Bell Sirocco stood there in neat noble clothes, his raven-black hair tied messily behind him, silver bangs falling near his colorful golden eyes. The dark blue jacket matched his warm caramel skin and made the gold in his eyes stand out even more.
He looked like a young noble.
But not a soft one.
There was something sharp about him.
Something calm.
Something that felt like he was already thinking three steps ahead.
Max stared at the reflection.
Then he gave himself a small confident smirk.
"Alright, Bell Sirocco."
He adjusted the collar.
"Let's survive dinner."
He walked toward the door and opened it.
Lucy was standing outside, waiting with perfect patience.
Her eyes lowered to inspect him.
Then she nodded.
"You are ready, young master."
Max nodded back.
"I'm ready, Lucy."
Lucy turned and began walking.
"Please follow me."
Max stepped into the hallway.
The mansion of House Sirocco was even more impressive outside his room.
The hallways were wide and polished, with marble floors that reflected the golden lamps along the walls. Tall windows showed the dark evening sky outside. Paintings of past Sirocco family members hung between blue banners decorated with silver wind patterns.
Armor stood on display.
Old swords rested behind glass.
Magic stones glowed softly in elegant stands.
Everything screamed wealth, history, and noble pride.
Max walked behind Lucy while trying not to look too amazed.
But inside his mind, he was losing it.
This place is huge.
Actually huge.
Like noble family mansion in a fantasy anime huge.
He looked at a painting of a stern man surrounded by swirling wind.
Bell's memories whispered something.
An ancestor.
A legendary wind mage.
Max kept walking.
Okay. So House Sirocco is the real deal. Not just rich. Famous. Powerful. Dangerous.
His small boots tapped against the floor.
The hallway seemed endless.
He passed maids, servants, and guards. Each one bowed politely as he walked by.
"Young Master Bell."
"Young master."
"Good evening, young master."
Max nodded awkwardly each time.
This is weird.
So weird.
A few minutes ago, I was an exhausted office worker nobody cared about unless a report was late.
Now people are bowing to me.
He glanced at Lucy's back.
Bell's memories were still blurry. Faces were there, names were there, feelings were there, but everything felt foggy, like trying to remember a dream after waking up.
His family.
What were they like?
Strict?
Kind?
Dangerous?
Would they notice something was different?
His stomach twisted.
Calm down. Observe first. Talk less. Listen more.
That was the kind of person he had always been.
Clever.
Careful.
Strategic.
Even if his body had changed, his mind was still Max Carter.
No.
Maybe now he was both.
Max Carter's soul.
Bell Sirocco's life.
At the end of the hallway, they reached a massive set of double doors.
The doors were dark wood, carved with elegant storm patterns.
Max stopped.
His heart beat faster.
Lucy placed her hands on the door handles.
"Young master?"
Max looked up at her.
She waited.
He took a breath.
"Open it."
Lucy pushed the doors open.
Warm light spilled into the hallway.
A grand dining room appeared beyond the doors.
The room was enormous. A long polished table stretched across the center beneath a shining chandelier. Silver plates, crystal glasses, candles, and decorated dishes were already arranged perfectly. Tall windows showed the night outside, where distant clouds moved slowly across the sky.
The scent of roasted meat, fresh bread, soup, herbs, and sweet fruit filled the air.
Several people were already seated at the table.
Max stepped inside.
The first person his eyes noticed sat close to the door.
She looked about nine years old.
She had slender features, caramel skin, long straight black hair, and silver-blue eyes. Her posture was elegant and perfect, almost too perfect for a child. Her dress was neat, refined, and spotless.
Bell's memories supplied her name.
Serenity Sirocco.
The Frost Rose.
His second sister.
She had awakened water and ice magic a few years ago. Even as a child, she disliked mistakes and held herself like a young noble lady who had already decided perfection was the only acceptable path.
Her silver-blue eyes glanced at Bell.
"Bell," she said calmly.
Her voice was reserved and serious.
Max nodded.
"Big Sister Serenity."
Next to her sat an older girl who looked around twelve.
She was a beautiful young noble girl with caramel skin, long flowing black hair, emerald eyes, and a gentle smile. She wore a floral green dress that made her look warm and graceful.
Terra Sirocco.
The Plant Princess.
Bell's elder sister.
She naturally acted like his second mother. Kind, caring, cheerful, patient, and protective. Her plant magic had made her beloved among servants and commoners alike.
Terra's face brightened when she saw him.
"Bell, there you are. We were starting to worry."
Her voice was soft.
Max felt something warm in his chest.
Bell's emotions.
Not his old memories, but this body's feelings.
This boy loved his older sister.
Max smiled naturally.
"Sorry, Big Sister Terra."
Beside Terra sat a boy who looked around eight.
He had a solid build, caramel skin, neatly combed black hair, and emerald-green eyes. His calm face made him look older than he was. Even at dinner, there was a small bit of dirt near his sleeve, like he had been training or exploring before being forced to clean up.
Lucas Sirocco.
The Earth Juggernaut.
Bell's third brother.
A calm, reliable, intelligent child who loved books about ancient magic and history.
Lucas looked at Bell with quiet concern.
"You slept late."
Max scratched his cheek.
"I guess I was tired."
Lucas nodded seriously.
"Rest is important."
Max nearly laughed.
This eight-year-old sounds like an old scholar.
Across the table sat another boy, around eleven.
He had a lean athletic build, caramel skin, messy black hair, and bright electric-blue eyes. His movements were restless, and even sitting down, he looked like he wanted to jump from his chair and race someone.
Alexander Sirocco.
The Lightning Noble.
Bell's second brother.
Playful, cocky, adventurous, competitive, loud, brave, curious, and always smiling mischievously.
Alexander grinned.
"Bell! You look like you saw a ghost."
Max froze for half a second.
Technically, I kind of did.
My own.
Instead, he forced a small smile.
"I just woke up too fast."
Alexander laughed.
"Lucy scared you, didn't she?"
Lucy, standing near the door, did not react.
"That would be improper, young master Alexander."
Alexander's grin widened.
"That means yes."
Near him sat the oldest boy at the table.
He looked around fourteen.
Tall for his age, athletic, caramel-skinned, with short spiky black hair and crimson-red eyes. He wore red training clothes under a formal jacket, like he had come directly from practice and only changed halfway.
Danny Sirocco.
The Crimson Heir.
Bell's eldest brother.
He had fire magic and already dreamed of succeeding their father as Duke. Competitive, proud, confident, loud, hardworking, and protective.
Danny folded his arms.
"You should learn to wake up faster, Bell. A noble of House Sirocco cannot keep others waiting."
Terra gave him a gentle look.
"Danny, he is five."
Danny lifted his chin.
"All the more reason to start early."
Alexander snorted.
"You just like sounding like Father."
Danny looked at him.
"And you like sounding like an idiot."
Alexander pointed across the table.
"Want to say that outside?"
Lucas calmly picked up his glass.
"You two compete over everything."
Serenity sighed softly.
"Loud as usual."
Max stared at them.
This…
This felt like a real family.
Not perfect.
Not quiet.
Not fake.
A little chaotic.
A little strict.
A little warm.
Then his eyes moved to the woman seated near the head of the table.
She looked around thirty-three years old, beautiful and graceful, with warm caramel skin, long silky black hair, sapphire-blue eyes, and a gentle smile. Her elegant blue gown was decorated with silver embroidery that resembled flowing water.
Lady Natalie Sirocco.
The Gentle Tide.
Bell's mother.
A water mage.
She adored Bell and had never judged him by his magical talent, even before he had awakened anything.
Natalie's eyes softened the moment she saw him.
"Come here, my little Bell."
Max's heart squeezed.
Mother.
The word felt unfamiliar and familiar at the same time.
His old life had been lonely.
Busy.
Exhausting.
But Bell's memories were filled with warmth whenever Natalie appeared.
Max bowed his head slightly.
"Yes, Mother."
Finally, at the head of the table sat the man.
He looked around thirty-seven years old, tall and imposing, easily six-foot-three, muscular and broad-shouldered. He had warm caramel skin, short jet-black hair, sharp golden eyes, and a clean-trimmed beard. His dark blue noble robes were worn beneath silver armor, giving him the appearance of both a noble and a warrior.
His calm posture controlled the entire room.
Viktor Sirocco.
The Storm Sovereign.
Head of House Sirocco.
Bell's father.
A powerful wind mage.
Proud.
Strict.
Honorable.
Disciplined.
Intelligent.
Traditional.
Protective.
And at this point in Bell's life, filled with high expectations for every child born under the Sirocco name.
Viktor looked up.
His golden eyes landed on Bell.
For a second, Max felt like he was being judged by a king.
"Bell."
Max straightened immediately.
"Yes, Father."
"Come in and sit down."
Max nodded.
"Yes, Father."
He walked to his seat and sat carefully.
The chair felt too tall.
Or maybe he was too small.
Viktor looked toward the servants.
"Lucy. Robert. Bring the food."
Lucy bowed.
"Yes, my lord."
A butler near the opposite door, Robert, bowed as well.
"At once, Lord Viktor."
The servants moved with practiced skill.
Within moments, dishes were brought to the table.
Roasted herb chicken.
Thick vegetable soup.
Fresh bread with butter.
Glazed carrots.
Steamed fish.
Slices of fruit.
Small pastries.
Warm tea.
The food smelled incredible.
Max stared down at his plate.
His old self had eaten convenience store meals, instant noodles, vending machine snacks, and late-night takeout more times than he wanted to remember.
Now he was sitting in a fantasy noble mansion eating dinner with a magical family.
Viktor picked up his utensils.
"Let us eat before it gets cold."
Everyone began eating.
The room filled with conversation.
Terra smiled as she tasted the soup.
"The kitchen did wonderfully tonight."
Natalie nodded gently.
"It is very good."
Alexander immediately grabbed bread.
"Training made me starving."
Danny glanced at him.
"You barely trained. You ran around trying to dodge your instructor."
Alexander grinned.
"That is called speed training."
Serenity cut her food into perfect pieces.
"It is called avoiding discipline."
Lucas nodded thoughtfully.
"Both interpretations are possible, but Serenity's is more accurate."
Alexander looked betrayed.
"Lucas, you too?"
Lucas took a bite of food.
"I only speak the truth."
Terra giggled softly.
Max sat quietly, listening.
He took small bites, trying to act natural, but his mind was racing.
Just a few minutes ago, I was Max Carter.
Twenty-four years old.
Office worker.
Fantasy otaku.
Dead from overwork.
Now I am Bell Sirocco.
Five years old.
Youngest son of a noble magic family.
I have siblings who can use fire, lightning, earth, plants, water, and ice.
My father looks like he could destroy a battlefield by breathing too hard.
My mother is actually kind.
And everyone thinks I am just Bell.
He looked down at his small hands.
Can I use magic?
Do I have a status screen?
What kind of power will I awaken?
Sword? Wind? Fire? Lightning?
Or something else?
Natalie noticed his silence.
"Bell?"
Max looked up quickly.
"Yes, Mother?"
She smiled gently.
"Are you okay? You have been very quiet."
Everyone's attention shifted toward him.
Max felt pressure crawl up his back.
Stay calm.
He gave Natalie a small smile.
"Yes, Mother. I am okay. I think I am still sleepy."
Natalie's face softened.
"My poor little Bell. You must not push yourself too hard."
Danny huffed.
"He needs stamina."
Terra frowned slightly.
"Danny."
Danny looked away.
"I am only saying it matters."
Viktor remained silent for a moment, watching Bell carefully.
Max felt those sharp golden eyes studying him.
Then Viktor placed his cup down.
"I have an announcement for everyone."
The table quieted.
Danny straightened.
"What is it, Father?"
Alexander leaned forward eagerly.
"Is it training? A tournament? A monster hunt?"
Serenity looked at him with disappointment.
"You are eleven. You are not going on a monster hunt."
Alexander muttered, "Not yet."
Viktor's eyes moved across the table before stopping on Bell.
"It is time for Bell to awaken his powers at the Sirocco Awakening Magic Ceremony."
Max froze.
His fork stopped halfway to his mouth.
Bell's memories stirred.
A ceremony.
A very important one.
A noble tradition.
A child of House Sirocco would awaken their elemental magic when they turned five.
All Sirocco children had done it.
Danny had awakened fire.
Alexander had awakened lightning.
Terra had awakened plant magic.
Serenity had awakened water and ice.
Lucas had awakened earth.
And now…
It was Bell's turn.
Max stared at Viktor.
"Wait… what? Really?"
Natalie placed a hand near her cheek.
"Is it really that time already? My little Bell is growing up too fast."
Terra smiled warmly.
"You will do fine, Bell."
Lucas nodded.
"It is a natural process. There is no need to fear."
Alexander grinned.
"Unless you awaken something boring."
Serenity gave him a sharp look.
"Alexander."
"What? I am motivating him."
Danny looked at Bell seriously.
"Do not embarrass House Sirocco."
Natalie's smile faded slightly.
"Danny."
Danny lowered his eyes.
"I mean… do your best."
Max swallowed.
The air around the table felt different now.
Viktor leaned back slightly, his commanding presence filling the room.
"In House Sirocco, every child awakens their elemental affinity at the age of five. It is not merely a family event. It is a declaration to the nobles, the knight orders, the magic academies, and the kingdom itself."
His golden eyes sharpened.
"Every noble house watches us. Every rival judges us. Even the royal family pays attention to our bloodline."
Max's small hands tightened under the table.
Viktor continued.
"The ceremony will be held in two days."
Two days.
Max's heartbeat quickened.
"In two days," Viktor said, "you will stand before the awakening crystal. You will awaken your power and show everyone that House Sirocco remains one of the greatest elemental houses in Ravelle."
The dining room was silent.
Rain tapped softly against the windows outside.
Max could almost hear his own breathing.
Viktor's voice lowered.
"You understand, Bell Sirocco?"
Max looked at his father.
The pressure was heavy.
Too heavy for a five-year-old child.
But Max was not only a five-year-old child.
He was also someone who had lived twenty-four years on Earth.
Someone who had been tired, overlooked, trapped, and exhausted.
Someone who had dreamed of magic and adventure every night.
Someone who had died without ever truly living.
Now he had a second chance.
A fantasy world.
A noble family.
Magic.
An awakening ceremony.
A future.
Max slowly lifted his head.
His colorful golden eyes met Viktor's sharp gaze.
A strange calm settled over him.
He did not know what power he would awaken.
He did not know what kind of world this truly was.
He did not know what dangers waited beyond the mansion walls.
But he knew one thing.
He was not going to waste this life.
Not this time.
He gave Viktor a determined look.
"I am ready for this, Father."
Viktor stared at him.
For a moment, nobody spoke.
Then Viktor gave a single approving nod.
"Good."
He picked up his utensils again and returned to eating as if the matter had been settled.
Slowly, the table came back to life.
Natalie smiled softly, though her eyes still looked emotional.
Terra reached over and gently patted Bell's hand.
"You really will be fine."
Lucas nodded.
"I can lend you some books about awakening theory."
Alexander grinned.
"If you get lightning, I will teach you how to move fast."
Danny crossed his arms.
"If he gets fire, I will train him properly."
Serenity calmly sipped her tea.
"If he gets water or ice, I will make sure he does not learn bad habits from any of you."
Alexander laughed.
"You mean from Danny."
Danny glared.
"You want to test that?"
Natalie sighed fondly.
"My children…"
Max looked around the table.
His new family.
The mansion.
The food.
The magic.
The storm of confusion inside him had not disappeared.
But somewhere beneath it, excitement was beginning to rise.
He looked down at his plate.
Two days.
In two days, Bell Sirocco would awaken his magic.
In two days, this world would know what kind of mage he was.
And after that…
Dungeons.
Monsters.
Adventurers.
Kingdoms.
Ancient ruins.
Magic training.
Freedom.
A whole new world waited for him.
Max Carter was gone.
From now on, he was Bell Sirocco.
The youngest son of House Sirocco.
A boy born into a family of legendary elemental mages.
Bell lowered his gaze to his food, hiding the small smile forming on his face.
Inside his mind, one thought became clear.
"I guess my new life and adventures starts now."
To be Continued.....