Journey Through The Kingdom of Croft

Hajime woke up as usual, sunlight flooding his room as Bradly opened the curtains. The morning rays bounced off the polished white tiles, making the room feel even brighter.

Bradly walked slowly toward the bed and gently peeled back the silky white sheets, stealing away the warmth wrapped around Hajime. He reached out and placed a hand on the boy's arm, giving him a gentle shake.

"Young master, it's time for breakfast. Don't keep your father waiting."

He rocked Hajime back and forth rhythmically, gradually pulling him out of his dream.

"Dave… go away, I'm sleeping," Hajime mumbled, eyes still closed as he lazily swiped the air in Bradly's direction.

"Young master? I don't believe I know this… Dave?" Bradly asked, confused.

In an instant, Hajime shot upright, eyes wide as if he had seen a ghost.

Damn… I was dreaming about my past life and let it slip.

He blinked rapidly, staring at Bradly who now looked slightly concerned.

"Young master, are you feeling alright?" Bradly asked, puzzled by Hajime's sudden shift from calm to startled.

"I'm fine. Just a dream, nothing more," Hajime said, composing himself and returning to his usual tone.

Bradly gave him a suspicious look but chose not to press further.

"Very well. I've laid out your clothes for the day, and your bath is ready," he said, motioning toward the door across the room. "Breakfast will be served in thirty minutes."

With that, Bradly turned and exited, closing the door behind him.

Hajime stared at the door for a moment, then suddenly remembered.

"That's right… today's the Rank 4 Mage examination," he said with a small, excited grin.

I don't like standing out, and I struggle with people, but the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

He stepped out of bed, his bare feet touching the cold tile and sending a chill through his body. Making his way to the bathroom, he opened the door to find a large, circular bath already filled with warm water. His clothes were neatly laid out on the sink's countertop.

Without hesitation, he tossed his pajamas aside and slipped into the bath.

"Ahhh… nothing like a warm bath in the morning."

I wonder if I'll pass the Rank 4 exam. He let his body relax into the water.

I'd be the youngest Rank 4 mage in the world, and I hate the attention… Still, I like the way they rank magic here. Hajime recalled what Rin had explained a few days earlier.

It's smart they don't judge mages by how much mana they have. Mana grows with age. What matters is comprehension. Just because you have enough mana to cast a high-level spell doesn't mean you can actually control it.

He glanced up at the ceiling, lost in thought.

I already know how to cast Rank 4 spells. A ten-year-old shouldn't be able to comprehend that, let alone have enough mana to do it. But Rin's plan makes sense—just say I was born with an unusually large supply of mana.

Before he knew it, the water had cooled, and the warmth had faded.

"Looks like I spent too long thinking," he muttered as he stood, water dripping from his body onto the floor.

"[Rank 1 Spell – Gust]."

With a flick of magic, a gentle burst of air surrounded him, drying every drop of water from his skin.

"I love magic. Makes everything easier."

He walked to the sink where a dark tunic, black pants, clean undergarments, and new white socks were neatly arranged. He dressed carefully, then glanced at himself in the mirror.

His face was sharp, with defined features and a jawline that made him look older than ten. His buzz-cut hair framed a pair of striking, light-blue eyes that shimmered when the sunlight hit them. His frame, while youthful, was lean and athletic from daily training.

Hajime studied his reflection for a moment, then gave himself a small nod of approval.

Alright. Let's do this.

He left the bathroom and walked down the hall toward the dining room. Maids passing by offered polite greetings as he made his way downstairs.

I wonder what's for breakfast today…

He opened the large dining room door to see his parents—Rin and Kazuma—already seated and smiling as they talked.

"Good morning, Mother. Father. I hope you both slept well," Hajime said, pulling out the chair beside Rin and sitting down.

Without warning, Rin wrapped him in a warm embrace.

She's always like this—overly affectionate… but I kind of like it.

"You look so handsome today, Hajime. Are you ready for your Rank 4 exam?" Rin asked as she finally released him.

"Yes, I think so. I'm a little nervous, though," Hajime admitted.

"Then you clearly need one more hug for good luck!" she declared, pulling him into her arms once more.

"My little baby… Ten years already, and you're about to be a Rank 4 Mage…" she said, tearing up with joy.

Now she's being dramatic again…

"Thanks for the encouragement, Mother. I'll make sure to pass," Hajime mumbled, his voice muffled by her embrace.

"Honey," Kazuma chimed in from across the table, "maybe ease up a little—we don't want to suffocate the boy."

Rin turned to Kazuma with a playful, almost menacing smile. "Oh? Are you telling me not to show affection to our son on such an important day?"

Kazuma froze under her gaze.

Just then, the double doors opened, and several chefs entered, carrying trays of hot, steaming food.

Breakfast was served.