The World of Luna

“So… it’s already been four years since I came to this world, huh?”

Once again, I was Rentarou Kawashima—or at least, I used to be. A former high school nobody, killed in my old world, now reborn in another. An isekai, plain and simple.

I had dreamed about this happening more times than I could count. Of course, I didn’t expect dying would be part of the ticket. Still, when I opened my eyes here, in this brand-new world, one hope burned brighter than all others:

Please let this world have magic. Please, let me study it. Let me wield it. Let me finally be good at something.

From the moment I could talk, I wouldn’t stop pestering my parents—Becca and Robert Redcliffe—for every scrap of knowledge about this place.

“Father, Father! Teach me about this world. I want to know everything you know!”

My father chuckled, setting aside his pipe as though he’d been waiting for me to ask. “Alright then, Alex,” he said, calling me by my new name. “Listen carefully.”

“This is Luna,” he began. “A world of mysteries, fantasy, and yes… magic. The land here is all connected—one vast continent. But the people? The people are divided.”

He leaned closer, his tone half-serious, half-dramatic, as though telling a bedtime story that carried the weight of history.

“The continent is split into three realms: the Human Realm, the Beast Realm, and the Demon Realm. We live in the Human Realm, on the eastern edge of the continent, where five kingdoms share the land.”

I sat cross-legged, eyes wide. “Five kingdoms?”

Father nodded.

“To the south, in the Desperada Mountain Range, lies the Khazdrim Dwarven Kingdom. Dwarves famed for their craftsmanship—carpentry, smithing, anything forged by hand.”

“Wow…” I whispered.

“Westward, deep within the Forest of Mystique, is Sylphia, the Elvendom. Elves live there, attuned to nature, producing herbs, spices, fruits, medicines… anything the forest yields. They are traders of life itself.”

“Next, in the north, the Kingdom of Silva. Smallest of the three human kingdoms, but their mines and jewelry—gold, silver, platinum—bring wealth enough to topple kings. Underestimate them, and it’s at your own peril.”

I swallowed, hanging on every word.

“To the east, along the coastline, lies the Erelith Empire. Naval warfare, fishing, and beaches that bring tourists from across the realm. Their ships rule the waves.”

Finally, Father’s gaze turned solemn. “And here, at the very heart of the Human Realm, lies our home—the Candoria Empire. The largest of all, the keeper of peace among the five kingdoms.”

“Then… what about the others? The Beast Realm and Demon Realm?” I blurted, unable to hold back my curiosity.

Father chuckled. “Impatient, aren’t you?” Then, with a sigh, he went on.

“The Beast Realm is home to beastkin—people with animal traits. Tribal by nature, scattered across the land. But in recent times, two kingdoms have emerged. First, the Kingdom of Beastalia, founded eighty years ago as a bulwark against the Demon Realm’s invasions. They fight together out of necessity. Neutral, but not exactly friendly.”

“Why not?”

“One word, Alex. Slavers.” Father’s voice darkened. “Human and demon traffickers steal beastkin children, selling them into slavery. Beastalia tolerates us for peace, but never forgets. And then there is Feralith.” His tone dropped lower still. “Hostile. Extremists. They see no difference between the slavers and the rest of humanity. If you ever meet someone from Feralith, either run or be strong enough to fight.”

My chest tightened. This isn’t the kind of fluffy beastkin isekai I read back in Japan…

“And finally, the Demon Realm.” His eyes hardened. “At the westernmost edge of the continent lies their dominion. Hostile, ruthless, united under a single ruler they call the Overlord. Their desire is singular: conquest of the entire continent. So far, Beastalia holds them back. But make no mistake—war could come again.”

I hesitated before asking, “Then… what about us? We live in a mansion in a small town. Are we… important?”

Father’s expression softened. “We used to be. Our house was once of Count rank, but your grandfather relinquished most of our lands after the last war between the five kingdoms. He gave it to the townsfolk, so they could rebuild their lives.”

My jaw dropped. “He just… gave it away?”

Father smiled sadly. “Yes. That’s why we live in a grand house within a modest town. Don’t feel ashamed if people mock you for it. Remember his words: ‘A lord is only ever a true lord when he earns the trust and respect of his people.’”

My chest warmed. “So he gave up his title for his people’s sake… That’s admirable. I don’t care if I get teased. I’ll respect him for it.”

Father blinked at me, almost startled. “Sometimes, Alex, you speak like someone far older than you are.”

If only you knew, Father…

“Then… one last question!” I leaned forward, eyes gleaming. “Is there magic in this world? And when can I learn it?”

Father laughed under his breath, shaking his head. “You never change. Always so impatient. Yes, there is magic. Every child receives their first textbook at five. You’ll practice at home until you’re ten, when you’ll enroll in the Candorian Magical Institute. That’s where low-ranking nobles and commoners study.”

My excitement exploded. “Magic textbooks? Magic school?! This is amazing!”

He chuckled. “If we were still Counts, you’d have gone to the Royal Magical College. But well, life is what it is.”

“I don’t care if it’s the Royal College or a back-alley cram school!” I shouted, fists clenched in childish determination. “As long as I can learn magic, that’s enough for me!”

At that moment, Mother entered, smiling warmly. “That’s enough excitement for one day, little mage. Time for bed.”

“Alright, Mother…” I pouted, but couldn’t hide my grin. “Good night, Mother, Father.”

They tucked me in, kissed my forehead, and left me to rest.

But sleep never came.

How could it? The very thing I had longed for all my life—magic—was real. And in just a few weeks, I would finally touch it.