Luke's head throbbed as he blinked up at the dim canopy above. For a moment, he lay still, disoriented. The last thing he remembered was Elisabell's cruel smile as she pushed him over the edge, her voice cold and unwavering. Do you really think you deserve me? The memory sliced through him like a knife, her betrayal—and Faris's mocking laughter—still fresh and raw. But now, instead of the crushing embrace of gravity and darkness, he found himself lying on soft, damp earth.
The ground beneath him felt strangely alive, a subtle pulse thrumming beneath his fingertips. It was warm, almost comforting, and glowed faintly with veins of light that reminded him of starlight scattered across mossy stone. Above him, the branches swayed, although the air was unnervingly still. Patterns of silver and emerald rippled across the forest floor, dancing like moonlight on water. The whispers—soft, haunting, melodic—were like a song the forest sang just for him. Tiny motes of light drifted through the air, leaving shimmering trails that disappeared into the shadows.
Luke pushed himself upright, his head still spinning. "Where am I?" he muttered, scanning his surroundings. The forest looked unreal, like a realm straight out of his VR games—specifically the one he'd mastered after countless hours of play. He shook his head. No way. This can't be real.
On a whim, he raised his hand and muttered the incantation for a basic slicing spell. To his astonishment, it worked. The trees surrounding him were instantly sheared into fragments, their remnants dissolving into glowing particles that floated away like embers. This isn't LIKE the VR game, this is inside the game! Luke stared at his hand, a thrill of excitement racing through him. This really is like the game. But how? There is no way I time traveled into another world, is there? Luke was fascinated.
His moment of wonder was short-lived. A savage snarl shattered the serene atmosphere. Luke's head snapped toward the sound. Just ahead, a young woman stood cornered by three spectral wolves. Their translucent forms shimmered with an otherworldly light, their molten gold eyes locked on her. She clutched a staff tightly, firing weak blasts of magic that barely held them back.
Luke didn't hesitate. He recognized the wolves—they were guardians of magic, territorial and ruthless. If she fell, she wouldn't stand a chance.
He sprinted toward the scene, calling out an incantation as he ran. A radiant beam of energy shot from his palm, striking one wolf mid-leap. It disintegrated with a mournful howl, its fragments scattering like shattered glass. The remaining wolves turned toward him, growling low. Luke raised his hand again, weaving a protective barrier around himself and the girl as the wolves lunged. The shield flared bright, holding them back. Then, with a flick of his wrist, he unleashed another spell—a crackling orb of light that burst into a brilliant flash. When the glow faded, the wolves were gone.
The girl stared at him, her chest heaving. "You… you destroyed them," she said, her voice laced with disbelief.
Luke lowered his hands as the magic faded, offering a small smile. "You're welcome. What were you thinking, wandering around alone? Those things don't play nice."
She straightened, brushing leaves from her robes. "I'm Cosima," she said, her voice steady now. "I was on my way to Crystal College. The wolves must've been drawn to my magic. And you?"
"Luke," he replied simply. "Guess I just happened to be in the right place at the right time."
Cosima's eyes narrowed slightly, her gaze sharp. "That wasn't beginner's magic. You're more skilled than you're letting on."
Luke shrugged, his lips twitching into a faint smirk. "I know a few tricks."
Her suspicion melted into a small smile. "Well, you might be exactly what Crystal College needs. Come on — I'll take you there."
She turned, leading him through the forest. As they walked, the trees seemed to part for them, their shimmering leaves whispering secrets. The air grew warmer, more alive, and the faint hum of magic intensified with every step. Finally, they reached a towering gate etched with glowing runes. Beyond it lay a breathtaking campus—spiraling towers reached toward the sky, their surfaces shimmering with light; floating bridges connected gleaming platforms; and pathways glowed faintly, alive with magic.
Luke paused, taking it all in. Oh well, I didn't like my life on Earth anyway, so why not start a new one? It was stunning, yet his heart remained heavy. I was betrayed before. I trusted the wrong people. Never again. This time, I'll play smarter. I won't be all too generous whatsoever. I'll survive—and thrive.
Cosima glanced back at him, her expression curious. "Welcome to Crystal College," she said. "Something tells me you're meant to be here."
Luke's eyes glinted with quiet resolve as he stepped through the gates. "We'll see," he said, his voice calm but edged with determination. Inside, he was already calculating his next move. This time, no one will take me by surprise.
The gates closed behind him with a soft hum, sealing his path forward. Luke was ready for whatever this new world had in store.