Transmigration

A sharp breath filled Albert's lungs as his eyes fluttered open. His body felt oddly light, and as he sat up in bed, a dull ache ran through his head. Sunlight streamed through a grand, arched window, illuminating the lavish room around him. The ceiling was adorned with intricate gold engravings, and the bed he sat upon was far too luxurious to be his own. He wasn't in his tiny apartment. Where was he?

His gaze caught a large mirror across the room. He hesitated before standing, his feet touching the cool marble floor. His reflection was unrecognizable. The boy staring back at him had wavy silver hair, striking azure eyes, and a regal presence that sent a shiver down his spine. His breath hitched.

"What... what is this?" he murmured, his voice foreign yet familiar.

Just then, the door creaked open, and a young woman entered, balancing a silver tray in her hands. Her brown eyes widened in disbelief as she nearly dropped the tray. "M-Master Arthur!" she gasped, her voice trembling. Her hands clutched the tray tightly before she placed it on the bedside table.

Albert froze. "Arthur? Who's Arthur?" he asked, his voice hoarse.

The maid didn't answer. Instead, she spun on her heel and bolted out of the room. "Master Arthur is awake!" she cried, her voice echoing down the hallway.

Confusion settled deep within Albert as he tried to process what was happening. A few moments later, hurried footsteps approached, and the door burst open again. This time, an elegant woman entered, her golden-brown hair cascading down her back. Dressed in an opulent crimson gown, she radiated authority yet warmth. Tears welled in her deep green eyes as she rushed toward him.

"Arthur, my dear! Thank goodness you're awake! We were so worried!" she exclaimed, wrapping him in a tight embrace.

Albert stiffened under her touch. The warmth of her embrace was foreign, something he hadn't experienced in his past life. He struggled to find the words, his mind racing. "Who... who are you? Where am I?"

The woman pulled back, eyes wide with shock. "Arthur, you're my son. The firstborn of Duke Aldric Valtoria!" Her voice was filled with disbelief, as if his words had wounded her.

Duke Aldric Valtoria. The name struck something deep within him. It was fierce, a name that demanded authority and power. But he had no memory of it.

Before he could respond, another maid entered the room and bowed. "Lady Verona, the guests are waiting for you."

Verona—his supposed mother—sighed and touched Albert's cheek gently. "Rest, my love. Elizabeth will explain everything to you," she said before gliding out of the room.

As soon as the door shut, the head maid, Elizabeth Durk, stepped forward. She was older, perhaps in her fifties, with kind yet calculating eyes. "Master Arthur," she said formally, "I understand you must be confused. Please sit, and I will explain."

Albert sat on the bed, still dazed. "Start from the beginning. Where am I?"

Elizabeth nodded. "You are in the kingdom of Eldoria, within the noble realm of Acier. Our kingdom consists of three realms: the noble realm, where aristocrats and ruling families reside; the common realm, where ordinary citizens live; and the forsaken realm, a place of outcasts and criminals."

Albert listened intently, his heart racing. He had been transported—no, transmigrated—to another world. A world where he was no longer Albert, the lonely high school genius, but Arthur, the heir to a powerful noble house.

"This world values strength above all else, particularly the power of Sword Mages," Elizabeth continued. "A Sword Mage is one who can manifest a magical blade, an extension of their soul, and wield immense power to protect the kingdom."

Albert's mind reeled. "Sword Mages? And I... am supposed to be one?"

Elizabeth hesitated before nodding. "Yes, Master Arthur. At the age of fifteen, all noble children must attend the Preliminary Magic Headquarters to manifest their katana. Only those who succeed gain entry into the Academia, where they are trained to be true Sword Mages."

Albert's eyes gleamed with intrigue. "And how old am I?"

"You will turn fifteen next month."

Excitement coursed through him. A chance to gain power? To learn magic? His previous life had been filled with nothing but loneliness and the pursuit of knowledge. Here, he had an opportunity to become something more.

Yet, a nagging thought remained in his mind. He had inherited this body, but what of the original Arthur? Was he truly dead? Or was there something more sinister at play?

A soft knock interrupted his thoughts. The door creaked open, revealing a young girl with long silver hair and bright blue eyes—eerily similar to his own. She hesitated at the doorway, clutching a small book to her chest.

"Brother... are you okay?" she asked timidly, her voice soft as a feather.

Albert blinked. "Brother?"

Elizabeth smiled. "This is Lady Evelynn, your younger sister. She was very worried about you."

Evelynn shuffled closer, her expression hesitant, as if afraid he would push her away. Albert's heart clenched. In his past life, he had no siblings, no family. And now, before him, stood a little sister who seemed to genuinely care about him.

He forced a smile. "I'm fine, Evelynn. Just... a little confused."

Her eyes shimmered with relief, and without warning, she hugged him. "I missed you," she whispered.

Something warm bloomed in Albert's chest. Maybe, just maybe, this new life wasn't so bad after all.

As the door shut and he was left alone once more, he let out a slow breath. He had been reborn, given a new identity and a new fate. Should he try to find a way back to his old world? The thought crossed his mind briefly, but then he shook his head.

"No," he murmured. "In my previous life, I was alone. But now, I have a family. A future. I will live as Arthur Valtoria.