My Second Chance In Life In Another World

CHAPTER 5: CHILDHOOD FRIEND

It had been two years since I first learned magic, and in that time, I had managed to master three beginner-level water spells: Water Ball, Water Shield, and Water Arrow. These were the only spells I could use so far, but I was proud of the progress I had made, especially since it had taken me two years to learn them. My father, who was my instructor, had been away on the battlefield for a year and had only just returned this year. With him back, our training had resumed in earnest.

“Will, breakfast is ready! Come down!” my mother called out from the kitchen, her voice echoing through the house.

I was five years old now, and I had my own room on the second floor of our house, right next to my father's study. It was a small, cozy space with a single bed, a wooden desk, and a small bookshelf filled with the few books I owned. The morning sunlight streamed in through the window, casting a warm glow across the room. I hurried down the creaky wooden stairs, eager to join my parents at the dining table.

As I entered the dining room, the smell of freshly baked bread and roasted boar filled the air, making my stomach growl in anticipation. My father was already seated at the table, his grizzled face softened by a warm smile as he looked up from his plate.

“Good morning, Will,” he greeted me, his deep voice carrying the weight of experience and authority.

“Good morning, Father,” I replied, taking my seat across from him.

My mother, a kind and gentle woman with soft brown hair and warm eyes, set a plate of food in front of me before taking her own seat. We shared a simple yet hearty breakfast of bread and boar meat, the latter having been hunted just the day before. The villagers often gathered for communal hunts, especially those men who were former soldiers or currently on leave, like my father. The nearby Corone Forest, a half-day's walk from the village, was rich with wildlife, and boars were a common target during these hunts.

As we ate, there was a knock at the door. My mother began to rise to answer it, but I quickly offered to go instead.

“I’ll get it, Mother,” I said, already halfway to the door.

When I opened the door, I was met with the sight of a beautiful red-haired woman in her late twenties. Her name was Lyshia, our neighbor and a close friend of my mother's. Her hair cascaded down her back in fiery waves, and her emerald green eyes sparkled with warmth as she smiled at me.

“Oh, Will, good morning,” she greeted me warmly, her voice as sweet as honey.

“Good morning, Aunt Lyshia. Please, come in,” I said, stepping aside to allow her entry.

“You’re as respectful as always, Will. I can’t imagine where you get it from,” she teased with a gentle laugh, a twinkle of amusement in her eyes. “I brought Chris with me. Could you play with her for a while?”

“Of course,” I replied, my face lighting up at the thought.

No sooner had I agreed than a little blonde-haired girl came bounding toward me. Her brown eyes sparkled with excitement, and her cheeks were flushed with the rosy glow of youthful energy.

“Will! Let’s play!” she exclaimed, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm.

“Yeah!” I replied, smiling back at her.

Chris was the daughter of Aunt Lyshia and Uncle Philip, a tall, kind-hearted man who often joined us for meals when they visited. Chris had inherited her father’s blonde hair and brown eyes, which contrasted beautifully with her mother’s fiery red locks. Aunt Lyshia visited once a week, always bringing Chris along, and it had become something of a routine for me to entertain her during their visits.