Welcome To Sylvestria [3]
“Be good at school, okay?” Celine says gently, leaning in to kiss my forehead. Her eyes are soft, full of love and worry. The moment feels both familiar and strange.
“You might not want to be a Magitist anymore, but that doesn’t mean you can stop studying,” André adds with a grin, ruffling my hair. His voice is teasing but warm—fatherly in a way I didn’t know I missed.
Their kindness makes my chest feel tight. Dominic’s parents—my parents now—show me the same love and concern my parents did in my old life.
“Be careful on your way to school, okay?”
“She’s right. Don’t forget—do well in school.”
Their words sound just like the ones my parents used to say every morning before I left. Even though we didn’t have much, they always made sure I felt loved. They believed that if I worked hard, maybe we could escape our hardships one day.
But I failed them.
My life ended too soon—dreams left behind, promises broken. The thought of my parents back on Earth cuts deep. Are they blaming themselves? Or each other?
The questions hurt. I blink fast, but the tears still come. They blur my vision—a silent goodbye to the life and love I lost.
“Dominic, you’re crying again!” Celine says, her hands landing gently on my shoulders. Her touch pulls me out of my spiral, and I quickly wipe my face.
“I’m fine,” I say, forcing a smile that doesn’t quite feel real.
She studies my face but doesn’t push.
“If you’re not feeling well, I can go with you,” André offers, his voice calm and steady. He ruffles my hair again, and somehow, that simple act makes me feel a little better.
That’s when I realize something important: I don’t even know how to get to school. In this life as Dominic, there’s still so much I don’t know—places, routines, even who I’m supposed to be.
“Sure, Dad,” I say automatically.
Letting him come with me solves the problem for now. It also gives me a chance to learn more about him—and this world. His kindness makes me feel like maybe I can start to belong here.
Celine smiles a little as she watches us. “That’s a good idea. André, make sure he gets to school safely.”
“Of course,” André replies with a chuckle, grabbing his coat. “Let’s go, Dominic.”
I nod and open the door—and stop.
The view takes my breath away.
Fields of lavender stretch out as far as I can see, glowing in the soft morning sun. The breeze carries their scent, warm and soothing. So this is where that smell came from when I first woke up here.
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Looking around, I realize where I am—the Golden Fields Region of Verdant Haven.
Verdant Haven is split into five regions:
- The central capital, Verdant Haven City.
- To the north, Greenwood Region, a wild forest full of secrets.
- To the south, Golden Fields, where I stand now—fertile farmland with endless lavender.
- To the west, Emerald Coastline, with beaches and magical seas.
- To the east, Misty Peaks, mountains wrapped in fog and mystery.
Each part adds something unique to this beautiful world.
“Looks like the lavender harvest is coming soon,” André says, standing beside me. He gazes at the fields with a calm smile, then looks at me. “Let’s go.”
I walk beside him, still in awe, but ready.
“Have a great day at school, Dominic!” Celine calls from the door, waving. I wave back with a smile, her voice warming my heart.
The fields are calming—a sharp contrast to the rough streets of my past life. The lavender stretches endlessly, its scent clearing my mind.
As we walk, something amazing happens. A farmer at the distance lifts his arms, and water gathers from the air. He guides it into a bucket with smooth, magical control. I watch, stunned by how naturally magic is used here.
Soon, we reach a charming village that feels like something out of a storybook but with a twist. Stone cottages line the streets, each with flowers on the balconies. And on the roofs? Solar panels gleaming in the sun.
The village is alive. Shops display floating objects. Bakeries smell like heaven. Fountains glow with magic. Everywhere I look, magic blends with daily life.
“Bonjour, Monsieur André, and Monsieur Dominic!” a cheerful villager calls as we pass.
“Bonjour!” we reply together.
Their friendly greetings make me wonder—was Dominic well-liked in this village? Did people know him? Like him?
André waves back naturally, his smile warm and easy. I copy him, trying to act the same way and fit into this new life.
As we leave the village, I spot the middle school in the distance. It’s a beautiful mix of old French design and new technology. The stone walls and grand gate give it a fancy look, while solar panels add a modern touch.
Students fill the area, chatting and laughing as they head to class. Some fly down on brooms like it’s no big deal. Others arrive in sleek cars powered by Aether. It’s a strange but cool mix of magic and science.
“Dominic.”
André’s voice makes me stop. I turn and see him looking at me seriously.
“Da—”
“Dominic, why don’t you want to be a Magitist anymore? What’s the real reason?”
His gentle tone catches me off guard. My heart skips. Does he know something? In this world, magic is normal, but coming from another world? That would sound insane. I have to be careful.
“You saw right through me, Dad,” I say with a sigh. “Honestly… I’m just tired of studying. I don’t want the pressure of being some genius.”
It’s not the full truth, but it’s close enough. The medals in Dominic’s room show how high people’s expectations were. Maybe wanting a break is a believable reason.
André’s face softens. “I see… I’m sorry I didn’t notice sooner.”
Hearing the guilt in his voice stings. I didn’t mean to make him worry.
“It’s okay, Dad. You didn’t do anything wrong,” I say, trying to comfort him.
But he still looks upset. He puts his hands on my shoulders, voice shaking a bit. “Did we pressure you too much? If we did… I’m sorry!”
Before I can say anything, he hugs me tightly. It’s his way of saying sorry without words.
I’m surprised. I knew Celine and André cared, but this… this shows just how deeply. They’re ready to take the blame even when they don’t have to—just to make me feel better.
“Really, Dad, it’s okay,” I say quietly.
He steps back but keeps his hands on my shoulders. “Then who did? Was it your teachers? Friends?”
I try to keep things simple. “No, Dad. It’s just… pressure I put on myself.”
He looks at me for a moment, then nods slowly. “Alright. Just remember, your mother and I are always here. You don’t have to do everything alone.”
His words calm something in me. “I know. Thanks, Dad.”
He smiles again, warm and kind. He ruffles my hair, then steps aside. “Well, I don’t want to make you late. Have a great first day!”
Then he slaps my back—hard.
“Gah!” I gasp, almost losing my breath.
“Oops, sorry! You okay?” he asks quickly.
“Y-Yeah,” I reply with a shaky thumbs-up. Even though it surprised me, I can’t help smiling.
“Good. Now get going!”
With one last wave, I head toward the school gates. My heart pounds with a mix of nerves and excitement. This is my first day in Dominic’s world—and the beginning of something new.