The forest was quiet once again.
The only sounds were birds singing overhead and the rhythmic clopping of a horse pulling a wooden carriage along the forest road.
Alen sat inside the carriage, stealing glances through the window every few seconds.
Everything looked...
Impossible.
Towering silver-barked trees stretched toward the heavens.
Glowing flowers lined the road.
Strange birds with sapphire feathers flew overhead, leaving tiny sparks of light in their wake.
"So..." Alen finally asked.
"Is all of Namidia like this?"
Kael smiled from the opposite seat.
"You've really lost your memory, haven't you?"
Alen hesitated.
The truth—that he had come from another world—would be difficult to explain.
"I... don't remember much."
Kael nodded sympathetically.
"I've heard severe magical trauma can do that."
Alen silently thanked whatever luck had given him such a convenient excuse.
Hours passed as Kael described the world around them.
"The Kingdom of Asteria is the largest human kingdom."
"There are six great races recognized by the World Council."
"Humans."
"Elves."
"Dwarves."
"Beastkin."
"Dragons."
"And Spirits."
"Do they all get along?" Alen asked.
Kael laughed.
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"Not even close."
By sunset, the trees began to thin.
Beyond them stood a beautiful city surrounded by towering stone walls.
White buildings reflected the evening light.
Crystal lamps floated above the streets.
In the distance stood a magnificent castle atop a hill.
Alen could only stare.
"This..."
"...is incredible."
Kael grinned.
"Welcome to Asteria."
Instead of heading toward the castle, the carriage continued into a quieter district.
Eventually, it stopped before an elegant estate surrounded by flowering gardens.
A polished iron gate slowly opened.
Above it hung a family crest.
An open book.
A silver sword.
Twelve stars.
Kael climbed down first.
"We're here."
Before Alen could ask another question, the front door burst open.
A woman with long auburn hair rushed outside.
"ALEN!"
Before he knew what was happening...
She wrapped him in the tightest hug he had ever experienced.
Tears streamed down her face.
"You idiot!"
"Do you have any idea how worried we were?"
Alen froze.
He didn't know this woman.
Yet...
His heart ached.
A flood of unfamiliar memories flashed through his mind.
Cooking together.
Reading before the fireplace.
A warm smile.
Birthday celebrations.
"Mom..."
The word escaped his lips before he realized it.
The woman smiled through her tears.
"Welcome home."
A tall man stepped outside moments later.
Unlike the woman, he remained calm.
He adjusted his glasses before speaking.
"I trust you gave Sir Kael quite the scare."
"I..."
Alen didn't know what to say.
The man simply smiled.
"I'm glad you're safe."
No hug.
No tears.
Just relief.
Somehow...
That almost made Alen cry.
That evening, they gathered around the dinner table.
The food was unlike anything Alen had ever seen.
Fresh bread.
Roasted meat.
Vegetables glowing faintly with magical energy.
A soup that somehow tasted like both chicken and herbs he couldn't name.
He had intended to eat politely.
Instead...
He emptied three bowls.
His mother laughed.
"Looks like your appetite survived."
Kael nearly choked on his drink.
"I've seen ogres eat less."
Alen rubbed the back of his neck.
"Sorry..."
His father chuckled.
"No need to apologize."
"Growing boys eat well."
After dinner, Cedric Beta led Alen into a massive library.
Shelves stretched from floor to ceiling.
Thousands of books filled the room.
"This library has been in the Beta family for generations."
"Most people think our family is known for scholars."
He smiled.
"They're correct."
He handed Alen a worn leather journal.
"Our family has always believed one thing."
He opened the first page.
Written in elegant script were the words:
Understanding precedes mastery.
Mastery demands responsibility.
For reasons he couldn't explain...
Those words resonated deep within Alen's soul.
The System appeared silently before him.
[Hidden Condition Observed.]
[Compatibility with House Beta Philosophy: 100%]
The notification vanished before anyone else could notice.
Late that night...
Unable to sleep...
Alen stepped onto the balcony outside his room.
The cool night air carried the scent of blooming flowers.
Above him...
Three moons illuminated the world.
Silver.
Violet.
Gold.
"So..."
He whispered.
"This is really my life now."
The System answered.
[Affirmative.]
Alen smiled faintly.
"I don't know why I was chosen."
"I don't know what a World Law Host really is."
"But..."
He looked toward the distant mountains.
"...if this world gave me a second chance..."
"I'll protect it."
Far away...
Beneath the oldest mountain in Namidia...
The ancient golden eyes opened once more.
"He has made his first promise."
"The Laws are already listening."
End of Chapter 3