Chapter 1: A New Discovery
Derik shut the door to his room behind him, finally alone after a long day of chores. He settled into his chair with a sigh, ready to unwind. But tonight, something felt different—a strange pull urging exploration.
While booting up his computer, Derik noticed a new application had downloaded automatically. "Fantasia," read the icon, a gleaming emerald world behind flowing script. Curiosity piqued, and he launched the program.
A portal opened before him, glowing warmth spilling out. Derik hesitantly reached within, gasping as his hand dissolved into a sparkling mist. With a breath, he stepped through.
Derik stumbled onto the cool grass, whirling to see the portal shrink away. He stood in a forest clearing, birdsong sweet on the breeze. Was this real? He pinched himself, feeling sore.
As the sun slanted gold between leaves, Derik wandered in awe. Fantasia lived up to its name—every sight enchanted. Flowers bloomed in luminescent hues, and glittering insects danced on gossamer wings.
Deep in thought, Derik almost crashed into a glittering stream. Laughing, he splashed his warm face, sighing at the water's caress. Everything felt so vivid and alive.
A snuffling sound snapped Derik from his reverie. Peering through the brush, his eyes widened. A mountain lion, its coat shimmering with all the forest's magic, gazed back calmly.
Derik held his breath, but the lion merely blinked his slow eyes and padded off into green shadows. His fear melting, Derik smiled, his heart light. This place welcomed him.
Wandering further, Derik realized night had fallen. Stars peeked through in swirling galaxies, and foxfire lit the ferny path with a mysterious glow. He should return home, but he didn't want to leave.
Something primal stirred—a wild longing for untamed places. Stay, it whispered, and roam free from cares beneath dreamlit skies. Derik faced the beckoning trees, torn. Then, with reluctance, he turned for home.
Bursting from the forest, Derik stopped short. Before him sat not his room but a sunny glade, and a hooded figure gazed up with a smile. "Greetings, friend. Stay, and let's talk awhile."