"Be good at school, okay?" Celine's voice is tender as she leans forward to kiss my forehead, her gesture filled with love and concern.

"You no longer dream of becoming a Magitist, but that doesn't mean you should slack off with your studies." André joins in, ruffling my hair.

Their affection makes my heart swell. Dominic's parents—no, my parents in this new world—shower me with the same warmth and care as my parents in my previous life.

-"Be careful on your way to school, okay?"

-"Your mother's right. And remember, do well in school, okay?"

Their words, similar to what my parents used to say before I left for school, bridge two worlds. Despite the hardships we faced, my parents in my past life always ensured I felt loved and looked after, urging me to excel so we might rise above our challenges.

Yet, I can't fulfill that promise. My life ends abruptly, my dreams unachieved, my commitments unmet. How do they cope with my death? The thought of their pain, their possible despair at my loss, pierces me deeply.

As these reflections overwhelm me, tears begin to blur my vision, an involuntary tribute to the memories of a once-lived life.

"Dominic, why are you crying?!"

Celine grasps my shoulders, her sudden movement jolting me back to the present. Realizing my tears are visible, I hurriedly wipe them away, attempting to shield my vulnerability.

"Don't worry, I'm fine," I manage, forcing a smile through the remnants of my sorrow.

"Dominic, I can accompany you to school if you feel unwell." André offers, and his hand once again ruffles my hair.

That offer suddenly makes me realize an important detail I had overlooked amidst the whirlwind of emotions. I don't know the way to school. In this new life as Dominic, there are still things to learn, paths to navigate, and routines to establish.

"Sure, Dad."

The words come out almost reflexively, welcoming the idea of his company. Not only does this solve the immediate problem of finding my way, but it also presents an opportunity to bond and learn more about this world from someone who has already shown me kindness and understanding.

════ ⋆★⋆ ════

-Creak!

As the door swings open, I am immediately struck by a breathtaking sight. Stretching out before me are endless fields of Lavender, their beauty almost ethereal in the soft morning light. The gentle breeze caresses my skin, carrying with it the soothing scent of Lavender. It dawns on me then that the familiar fragrance that greets me upon awakening in this world originates from these very fields.

No wonder why I smelled Lavender when I first woke up in this world.

Taking in the expansive view, I must be in the Golden Fields Region of Verdant Haven.

Verdant Haven is divided into five distinct regions:

Verdant Haven City is the bustling capital located in the heart of Verdant Haven, where the confluence of cultures and magic breathes life into the city's streets.

Greenwood Region, to the north, is a lush expanse of dense forests teeming with wildlife and ancient secrets, a haven for adventurers and nature lovers alike.

Golden Fields Region, to the south, where I now stand, captivates me with fertile lands that stretch to the horizon, a testament to the region's agricultural prosperity.

To the west, Emerald Coastline boasts a picturesque coastline with sandy beaches, hidden coves, and a vibrant underwater world just waiting to be explored.

To the north, Misty Peaks, with towering mountains veiled in mist, holds the secrets of ancient ruins and mystical temples, calling to those daring enough to discover them.

Each region, with its unique charm and challenges, contributes to the tapestry of Verdant Haven, making it a place of endless possibilities and adventures.

"It looks like harvest season for the lavenders is near," André remarks as he passes by me, taking a moment to soak in the vibrant purple hues blanketing the fields. He pauses, glancing back with a gentle nod. "Let's go."

I align myself beside him, ready to embark on the journey to school.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

"Have a great day at school, Dominic!"

Celine's warm and encouraging voice reaches me from the doorway. Turning, I see her waving, a gesture I mirror with a smile before we continue on our way.

Our steps echo on the cobblestone path, leading us through the breathtaking landscape of Verdant Haven. The beauty of my surroundings is overwhelming, a stark contrast to the world I once knew. Lavender fields stretch as far as the eye can see, their scent filling the air and calming my spirit.

As we walk, something extraordinary catches my eye. A farmer stands amid his field, his hands raised as he performs a delicate dance of magic. I watch, mesmerized, as he effortlessly manipulates water, guiding it from the air into a nearby bucket.

After a leisurely walk, we enter a quaint village that seems to be lifted straight from a French countryside postcard, albeit with a distinctive twist. The stone cottages and winding streets are adorned with vibrant flowers in full bloom, their charm accentuated by modern solar panels glistening atop the roofs. This blend of traditional aesthetics and advanced technology is a hallmark of Sylvestria's commitment to harmonizing with nature while embracing progress.

The village is alive with activity. Magic shops with enchanting displays, bakeries emitting the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread and pastries, and various other storefronts invite exploration and promise wonders. The integration of magic into daily life is evident everywhere, from floating lanterns that lit the streets to enchanted fountains that sparkle with ethereal light.

As we make our way through the village, the locals go about their day, their greetings warm and familiar.

"Bonjour, Monsieur André, and Monsieur Dominic!" a passing villager calls out, his voice carrying a cheerful note.

"Bonjour!" we respond in unison.

The villagers' recognition and greetings hint at Dominic's—now my—place within this community. Was I, as Dominic, perhaps well-known or even popular here?

Observing my dad wave back at the villagers with a genuine smile, I follow suit, attempting to mirror his ease and warmth.

Our journey through the village eventually leads us towards the outskirts, where the distinctive silhouette of the middle school emerges against the countryside backdrop. The school is a charming blend of traditional French architecture and modern innovations. Its stone façade is complemented by solar panels gleaming on the roof. A grand gate marks the entrance, welcoming students from various walks of life.

Approaching the school, I notice a lively scene. Students walk to the entrance, some walking in groups, chatting animatedly. In contrast, others descend from the sky on brooms, a display of casual magic that fascinates me. A few even arrive in sleek, Aether-powered cars, their designs futuristic against the rustic backdrop of the school.

"Dominic."

André's voice brings me to a halt. I stop beside him, puzzled by the sudden pause. Why does he stop?

"Da-"

"Dominic, what's the deeper reason why you no longer want to become a Magitist?"

André's gentle gaze holds a weight that speaks volumes, catching me entirely off guard.

Oh no, does he suspect something about my true origin? Though magic is a part of everyday life here, transmigration seems far-fetched even in this world. I need to tread carefully. André's intuition is sharp, but I doubt he'd jump to the conclusion of transmigration.

"It seems I can't get past you with a lie, Dad." I sigh, deciding on a semblance of truth. "The truth is, I'm tired of studying. I no longer want to deal with the pressure of…being a genius or something."

This isn't entirely untrue. I notice the gold medals earlier on the desk. Presumably, Dominic's hinted at high academic expectations. While crafted for the moment, my excuse mirrors genuine feelings I have experienced, blending Dominic's achievements with my desires for a different path.

André's expression softens. "I see... I'm sorry for not knowing about your internal struggles."

The realization that I have swayed him with my words weighs on me. In my effort to protect my new identity, I have inadvertently misled him.

Sorry, André. But this is for the sake of preserving my secret.

"It's okay—"

Before I can finish, André's hands are on my shoulders, his gaze deepens with concern.

"Dominic, did we pressure you?! I'm sorry!"

The sincerity in his voice is palpable, and then, enveloping me in a hug, he conveys an apology that is felt more than it is heard.

His emotional response takes me aback. While I have quickly come to understand that my new parents are caring, the depth of their empathy is unexpected. They are willing to shoulder part of the blame, even when none is theirs to bear.

"Calm down, Dad. You didn't do anything."

My words are meant to reassure him, to ease the burden of guilt he'd taken upon himself.

André gently pulls away from the hug, his eyes searching mine for answers. "Then, who pressured you? Is it the teachers? Your classmates?"

Caught in the complexity of my situation, I need to navigate this conversation carefully. Revealing too much could raise further suspicions, yet I also don't want to cast blame on anyone at school, especially since I haven't even attended yet in this new life.

"No, Dad, it's not like that. It's just internal pressure, I guess, the expectations I set for myself." I try to offer a plausible explanation that could ease his worry without further complicating my story.

André studies me momentarily as if weighing my words, then nods slowly.

"Alright, Dominic. Remember, your mother and I are here for you, no matter what. You don't have to carry everything on your shoulders."

I nod, the weight of his words settling comfortably in my heart. "Yes, Dad. I'm aware."

His smile returns, a gentle reassurance amid our serious conversation. Once again, his hand finds its way to my hair, ruffling it affectionately...again.

"Well, I don't want to stall you, so...have a great day at school!"

Then, unexpectedly, he gives me a hearty slap on my back.

"Gah!"

The force catches me off guard, starkly contrasting to the gentleness he'd shown moments before.

"Oops, sorry about that. Are you okay?"

His immediate concern is evident, his eyes searching mine for any sign of discomfort.

"Y-Yes."

My response comes out shaky, but I give him a thumbs up, albeit with a slight tremble. Despite the surprise, I appreciate the gesture for what it is—a father's playful way of wishing his son well, even if it is a bit more forceful than intended.

"Nice, now go to school." André gives me a gentle nudge forward.

"See you later."

I call back, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness at the prospect of facing my first day at school in this new world. With one last wave, I turn and start towards the school gates.