chapter 1 : transmigration

Luc Cane had always lived a life full of secrets. A brilliant scientist in his past life, he had never imagined that death would come for him so suddenly, and yet, it did. One moment, he was conducting his latest experiment, trying to crack the code to immortality using advanced bioengineering techniques. The next moment, everything went black.

When he awoke, the first thing that hit him was the sharp scent of the ocean. The cool sea breeze brushed against his face, and the rhythmic sound of the waves crashing against the shore filled the air. He blinked, struggling to comprehend where he was. The sky above was a deep shade of violet, the clouds swirling in unnatural patterns, almost as if they were alive.

His memories were hazy, fragments of a past life that no longer felt like his own. Luc couldn't quite place what had happened, but the realization soon struck him: He was no longer in his world.

His hands trembled as he sat up, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings. He was lying on soft sand, not far from a forest that seemed to stretch endlessly into the distance. The air itself had an otherworldly quality, tingling with a subtle, almost magical energy. This was no ordinary place.

As he stood and dusted himself off, Luc noticed the intricate patterns etched into the sand around him. Strange symbols, symbols that resembled ancient runes from the old books he used to study in his previous life. The symbols glowed faintly under his touch, and for a brief moment, he felt a rush of power surge through him.

His mind was racing, trying to make sense of it all. Where was he? Why was he here? And most importantly, who—or what—had brought him to this strange new world?

Before he could delve deeper into his thoughts, a voice broke through the silence.

"Ah, you're awake," said a young man, standing a few feet away. Luc's heart skipped a beat. The stranger was dressed in a fine tunic with the insignia of a noble family sewn into the fabric. His hair was a rich shade of brown, and his eyes glowed with an unusual intensity, a sharpness that immediately alerted Luc to his unusual nature.

"Who… who are you?" Luc stammered, struggling to keep his composure.

The man smiled. "My name is Roderick Volte, and I am a servant of the House of Volte. It seems you've had quite the fall, my lord. But you're lucky. Not many survive a drop from the higher planes."

"The higher planes?" Luc repeated, confusion still clouding his thoughts. He tried to recall the details of his previous life, but his memories felt distant, as if they belonged to someone else.

"Ah, yes, that's right," Roderick continued, his tone calm and patient. "You were sent from the Upper World, a realm above ours. You've transmigrated to this place, the surface world, which is where all the lesser beings reside. But don't worry, my lord, you are now part of our family, and we'll make sure you're properly taken care of."

Luc's mind was reeling. Transmigration? Upper World? Lesser beings? Nothing made sense. Yet, somehow, it did. The world he had woken up in wasn't like his own, and it certainly wasn't like anything he had ever seen before. There was magic here—power, ancient and untapped, running through the very fabric of the air.

"I'm… not from here," Luc muttered, trying to process the strange man's words. "How did I get here? What is this place?"

Roderick gave a soft chuckle, as though he had expected this response. "You're in the House of Volte, my lord. One of the noble families of this region. It's a place of power, wealth, and influence. I was tasked with bringing you here after your arrival. You must have had quite an experience, judging by your… condition."

Luc's mind was in turmoil. His past life, his identity, and the strange new world he found himself in—they all felt like a jumbled mess. He had died, yes, but now he had been reborn into a new body, in a world where magic and power were the driving forces. Was this some kind of afterlife, or was he really in a different dimension altogether?

"Why me?" Luc asked, his voice cracking slightly. "Why did this happen to me? And who did this?"

Roderick's expression softened. "It's not something I can explain easily, my lord. There are powers beyond my understanding. But one thing is certain—you were chosen. For what purpose, I do not know. But the fact remains—you have been brought here for a reason. And you, too, will find your path."

Luc's eyes narrowed. "Chosen? What are you talking about?"

Roderick bowed slightly. "Forgive me, my lord. I must take you to your new quarters. There are many things you must learn, and I am not the one to teach them to you."

With that, the servant turned, leading Luc through a lush forest path that seemed to stretch on for miles. As they walked, Luc took in his surroundings. The air hummed with strange energy, the trees towering overhead like ancient sentinels. The very ground seemed alive, pulsing with power. This was no ordinary place, and Luc could feel it deep in his bones.

Despite the confusion, a small part of him couldn't help but feel a strange sense of excitement. This world, with its magic and mysteries, was calling to him. Maybe this wasn't the end of his journey, but the beginning of something far greater.

The House of Volte was a sprawling estate, its towers reaching high into the sky, surrounded by high walls that seemed to shimmer with protective wards. It was here that Luc would start his new life—a life full of uncertainties, but also full of possibilities.

"Welcome, my lord," Roderick said, bowing deeply as they reached the entrance. "You are now part of the Volte family. Here, you will begin your journey."

Luc stood there, staring at the grand estate before him, his mind racing. He had no idea what lay ahead, but one thing was clear: This was no ordinary world. And Luc Cane was no ordinary man.