Choi Chronicles

𝐇𝐄𝐍𝐑𝐘 𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐎𝐍
𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫

The snow drifted gently outside the window as I sat on the bench seat, clutching the book I had brought earlier. Though I had only skimmed its pages a couple of times, uncertainty lingered within me regarding its connection to my grandfather or any possible lead to his whereabouts. All I yearned for was a glimpse of him, a reassurance of his safety.

"Henry, aren't you going to bed yet?" Professor Gwendoline's soft yet slightly weathered voice resonated in the room. I imagined her and Professor Balthazar as former classmates at the academy in their youth.

"Not just yet, Professor. Perhaps in a while," I replied, my gaze fixed on the dark expanse beyond the window pane.

"Very well then. If you require anything, I'll be in my office, or you can always visit Professor Balthazar in the town," Professor Gwendoline offered.

Professor Balthazar lived in Eldertown with his sister, who owned a famous restaurant. Even though he kindly invited me to stay with them, I preferred to stay alone in his office, where I've lived since my grandfather vanished. I didn't want to join his family because it felt like leaving my grandfather behind, which I didn't want to do.

"Thank you, Professor Gwendoline," I expressed, finally turning to offer her a small smile.

"Goodnight, Anderson."

"Goodnight, Professor."

With a soft click, the office door closed behind me. Professor Balthazar's office, situated atop the Ignis Tower, was expansive. You could get there by going up a spiral staircase from the seventh-floor hallway. It was a peaceful place, but being alone in such a large room sometimes made me feel a bit sad. I wished my grandfather was here with me. We'd be enjoying tasty snacks and solving puzzles together.

"Where are you, old geezer..." I murmured softly.

Turning to the book in my hands, "Realm-hopping Revelations," I contemplated its significance. I got this book mainly to remember my grandfather. But I wasn't sure if it was really true. My grandpa used to tell me stories about different universes, which sounded interesting. But I wasn't sure if they were real. As I read the book again, I thought about whether magic like that could actually exist. But honestly, I didn't think it was likely.

As I continued flipping through the pages of "Realm-hopping Revelations," a particular spell caught my eye. It was titled Portal Prism Spell." Intrigued, I read through the description, detailing how the spell purportedly created a temporary portal allowing the caster to traverse between different dimensions.

A spark of curiosity ignited within me.

Despite my skepticism, a part of me couldn't help but wonder if there was a chance, however slim, that this spell could hold the key to finding my grandfather.

Maybe, just maybe,

it could lead me to him.

With a mixture of excitement and apprehension swirling within me like a storm, I embarked on the task outlined in the book with meticulous care. First, I gathered the required ingredients listed on the page. Among them were rare herbs and mystical crystals, each possessing their own unique properties essential for the spell's success.

I scoured Professor Balthazar's office for the necessary components, my heart pounding with each item I collected.

Once all the ingredients were assembled, I laid them out meticulously on the desk before me, arranging them according to the instructions provided. With hands that trembled slightly from a potent blend of anticipation and nervousness, I reached for my wand, feeling its familiar weight and warmth in my grasp.

I took a deep breath to calm down, closing my eyes to concentrate. I thought about the magic inside me and tried to focus on it. With each breath, I felt more and more energy building up inside me, like tiny sparks tingling on my skin. It was both thrilling and scary, knowing I was about to do something incredible.

With newfound determination coursing through my veins, I began to chant the incantation, the words flowing from my lips with a reverent cadence. 

“Open wide, O gateway fair,
To realms beyond, I now declare.
By magic's call and wizard's hand,
I summon forth the distant land."

Each syllable felt charged with energy, resonating with the ancient magic contained within the spell. I could sense the air around me tingling with anticipation as if the very fabric of reality itself awaited my command.

As the final words of the incantation left my lips, I felt a surge of power ripple through the room, causing the air to shimmer with ethereal light. I opened my eyes to behold the results of my efforts, my heart pounding in my chest as I awaited the spell's manifestation.

I was surprised to see a faint shimmering light appear in front of me.

It grew bigger and turned into a swirling vortex. 

I had never truly believed it could actually work, but somehow, it did.

It was utterly incredible!

Yet, I couldn't shake the uncertainty.

What if my grandfather wasn't on the other side of that portal?

Moreover, I hadn't yet gathered everything important I needed to bring along...

With a sudden burst of energy, I sprang into action, hastily packing my backpack. I grabbed it with urgency, ensuring to include food, the book—especially that book—water, papers, pens, and, of course, my money. Still, doubts gnawed at me; I couldn't be certain my grandfather awaited me beyond the portal. However, as long as I had the book in my possession, I reasoned, I could always return whenever I needed.

With a final exhale, I released all my doubts and hesitations before taking the decisive step forward.

As I stepped inside, my eyes closed I opened them to see the Aero dormitory, I scanned the area and it is adorned with elegant tapestries depicting strategic battles and mythical creatures against a backdrop of white and silver hues, providing a serene ambiance for intellectual pursuits. 

I sighed as I looked at the cozy book nooks furnished with plush armchairs and reading lamps, I must have only just jumped on time as the sunlight is bathed in soft, ambient lighting from the sun from the tall window pane.

Looks like I have failed.

"Hey, Henry."

I turned around and saw a tall boy, older than me, dressed in the Aero uniform, but his outfit looked more stylish than mine. He seemed to exude an air of wealth and prestige, like a rich and esteemed wizard.

"Why are you staring? Got a problem?" He asked, raising an eyebrow.

I don’t know him. "Um, I..."

"Come on, let's head to the Great Hall. Everyone's already there," he said with a sigh, walking away from the door and leaving me in the room. I glanced out the window and saw the morning sun. Wasn't it just night? And wasn't it snowing? But now, it looked like a summer sky with blue skies and a hot sun.

Did I really do it? Or did I mess up and just time travel instead of entering an alternate universe?

"Henry!" The wizard called my name, interrupting my thoughts.

"I'm coming!"

-------------

As we strolled through the castle corridors, everything appeared familiar – the stone-bricked walls, the animated portraits exchanging pleasantries as we nodded and smiled in return, and the cheerful chirping of birds outside the windows basking in the sunlight. Silence enveloped us until we neared the Great Hall, where the bustling chatter of students grew louder, reminiscent of the excitement on the first day of school.

"Ah, I can't believe it. My sister is growing up so fast. It feels like just yesterday she was seven years old," the wizard remarked, his voice tinged with awe as he spoke of his sister. "Hey, Henry, which house do you think she'll be in?" He turned to me, his gaze almost scrutinizing.

"Oh... um..."

"Dude, are you alright? You seem... hesitant," he interrupted, crossing his arms and halting in his tracks. "That's not like you."

I averted my gaze, nervously adjusting my collar. "Just had a strange dream, that's all."

"You slept? I thought you said you were just going to grab something?"

"Uh... Well, I took a quick nap," I replied with an awkward smile, feeling his continued scrutiny like a weight on my shoulders.

"Anyway, about the house... Maybe she'll be in Aero House, like you. I mean, she is your sister, after all," I suggested, stating the obvious to alleviate any further suspicion. However, his frown deepened, and he turned away from me.

"I suppose... But you know, I'm concerned about her sorting," he continued walking towards the Great Hall, and I released a sigh of relief.

But his words lingered, reminding me that today was indeed the sorting ceremony for new students. While existing students watched, newcomers would be sorted into their respective houses. Had I inadvertently time-traveled instead of traveling to another universe, as I had intended? And who was this guy in front of me? I had never seen him before.

Was he a student here, and I just hadn't noticed?

I hadn't exactly been sociable, but why did he act so casually around me?

Were we friends?

"Concerned? Why?" I inquired, trailing behind him.

"Never mind, we'll just have to wait and see," he replied, his words hanging in the air as we proceeded.