Chapter 3: The First Spark
"It's been six years since I came to this world; the only things that have changed so far are my name and appearance. My new name is Sylvas. No matter how much time passes, I still haven't gotten used to this new family or my name, and it's the same for my appearance," Sylvas muttered to himself as he thought quietly.
He realized it was time for the meal and slowly got up from the lush green grass, glancing ahead at the vast green fields. In the distance, he saw a small, cozy house made of brown wood, standing out in the tranquil surroundings.
With a peaceful smile on his face, he set off toward the house, walking slowly but steadily.
After about a fifteen-minute walk, he arrived at the house.
As he opened the door, a light scent of wood filled the air. The inside of the house exuded a warmth that was in harmony with the calmness of the outside world. While the exterior looked modest, the interior seemed to have been lovingly crafted in every corner.
The floor was covered with polished wooden boards that creaked slightly with each step Sylvas took. Above, thick beams carved with intricate designs stretched across the ceiling. In the middle of the modest living room, a red and cream-colored rug was spread out. At the center of the rug, the flames of a burning fireplace danced and flickered. On the mantel above the fireplace, a few family heirlooms rested: an old sword, a pair of gloves darkened by time, and a carefully placed framed photograph.
In the right corner of the room, a simple yet sturdy wooden table and four chairs surrounded it. On the table, a vase full of freshly picked flowers sat, the purple and white blossoms reflecting the vigor of spring. On the left side, there was a small but functional kitchen area. The faint scent of bread from the stove filled the room, enveloping Sylvas in a comforting sense of security he had known since childhood.
Light from the windows poured into the room, casting a golden glow on the wooden walls. Each window was covered with a simple, delicately patterned curtain made of fine fabric. In front of the window stood a small table with an open book resting on it. The pages fluttered lightly in the breeze, adding to the peaceful atmosphere.
The house was clean and tidy, but there was an air of life, as though it carried the traces of many moments lived within it. Near the door, Sylvas's new family's shoes were neatly arranged in a row. Nearby, a few simple cloaks belonging to his parents hung on a rack, along with an old hat Sylvas used when working outdoors.
The home, with its simplicity, radiated a captivating warmth, and every detail made it feel like "home." However, despite finding peace here, Sylvas couldn't shake the feeling that he hadn't fully adapted to this life. It was difficult for him to blend the lush world outside with the warmth inside this house.
He walked toward a corner of the house. Upon reaching it, he opened a door and saw a traditional stone-built toilet and, to his left, a mirror mounted on the wall along with a stone sink.
Sylvas gazed at his reflection in the mirror. Instead of the worn and faded face of Aryoso from his old world, a fresh and youthful face stared back at him, reshaped by this new world.
His dark black hair, slightly wavy, fell messily across his forehead. The shine in his hair reflected the natural beauty of this world. His eyes were emerald green; this color carried a wisdom and mystery beyond his years. Though his eyes sparkled like a child's, there was a deep darkness and melancholy that lingered within them.
His skin was smooth and had a healthy glow. With a slight golden undertone, it made him feel like he truly belonged to this world. His facial features were still childlike; his round cheeks and soft chin added an innocent air to his appearance.
His height was typical for his age—short. His shoulders were narrow, and his arms slender, but there was still a sense of agility and endurance in his frame. This youthful body, carrying the innocence of his childhood, was vastly different from the tired and weary Aryoso from his previous life.
He looked at his hands. His fingers were small and delicate, but on his palm, a faint green mark caught his eye. The mark resembled the branches of a tree.
"Hahaha, a new beginning," Sylvas laughed softly.
As he was lost in thought, suddenly, he heard the sound of a door opening from inside. His mother entered the room. She was in her mid-30s, with green eyes and blonde hair that shone like gold in the sunlight. Her eyes were sharp and lively, radiating love and tranquility with every glance. Her face, softened by the years, still held traces of her youthful freshness. She smiled warmly and walked toward Sylvas, offering him a bouquet of freshly picked flowers.
"Hello, Sylvas," she said, holding out the flowers. "It feels like spring has arrived. The weather is beautiful today; perhaps we could spend some time outside."
Sylvas returned her smile faintly, but his smile faltered for a moment. "Yes, the weather is indeed nice," he replied, then added, "If you'd like to do something... maybe later," with uncertainty in his eyes.
At that moment, the door opened again, and his father walked in. His father, about 38 years old, had short brown hair and a strong, muscular build. His eyes always carried a smile, one that brought a sense of calm and reassurance to those around him. He was holding a large bag in his hands. He approached Sylvas with a smile and said, "Today's going to be a busy day, but let's have dinner together tonight, okay?"
Sylvas nodded gently. "Okay, Dad," he responded. Being with his father always gave him a sense of security.
Then, the door knocked again, and his older sister walked in. She was about 18 years old, with blonde hair that was also wavy and shiny, similar to their mother's. Her eyes were a slightly lighter shade of green than their mother's, but still carried the same liveliness and energy. Her facial features reflected both their mother's youth and her own strong character. As she entered, she smiled at the family and asked, "Shall we start preparing lunch?"
Upon hearing this, their mother smiled and replied, "Yes, let's prepare lunch together," and headed toward the kitchen. Their father, "Alright, I'll go outside for a bit to get some fresh air," said as he took a step toward the door.
Sylvas silently watched them for a while. Being with his family was still something he had to get used to. But with every moment he spent with them, he felt a little more at peace. Each of them was trying to teach him the meaning of what it truly meant to be a family. When Sylvas saw the flowers in his mother's hands, he suddenly felt a sense of happiness. This world was so different from the one he had come from, but somehow, this place—this place was his home.