Awakening in The World of Gods

[LIKE THAT 3 YEARS AND FEW MONTHS PASSED]

Poll's eyes fluttered open as the first rays of sunlight peeked through the window. The warmth of the morning light bathed the room in a golden hue, but Poll's attention was elsewhere. Beside him, Elowen slept peacefully, her breathing soft and rhythmic.

He smiled, his thoughts wandering as he took in the sight of her. She looks so beautiful when she sleeps. Like an angel bathed in sunlight. His gaze softened further. And don't even think I'm about to say she's like a sister—nope. Not happening. I think I'm in love with her. Actually, it kinda feels like we're already married.

Poll let out a small, wistful sigh. But… what if she only sees me as a little brother? That would be... soul-crushing.

Before he could spiral further, Elowen stirred. Her golden eyes slowly opened, meeting his. She blinked a few times, a soft, sleepy smile spreading across her face.

"Good morning, Poll," she murmured, her voice warm and gentle.

"Good morning, Elowen," Poll replied, his voice catching slightly.

Elowen stretched her arms with a content sigh, then hopped out of bed. "Get up, Poll. Breakfast won't wait for you."

"Yeah, yeah… I'm coming," Poll said, his voice groggy as he stretched.

As Elowen left the room, Poll flopped back onto the bed for a moment. Today's the day I finally go to school, he thought, staring at the ceiling. Ugh… I'm not sure how I feel about this.

He sighed, sitting up. I already know more than most kids my age. Honestly, I could probably skip straight to high school if I wanted to. But… Mom would definitely freak out. Maybe I'll wait a few more years before I drop that bombshell.

Poll got dressed and made his way downstairs, his thoughts still swirling. As he entered the kitchen, he plastered on his brightest smile. "Good morning, Father! Good morning, Mother!"

Seraphina glanced up from where she was setting the table. "Well, someone's cheerful today. Are you ready for your first day of school?"

Poll's smile faltered. "Actually… I've been thinking about that." He crossed his arms, his tone confident. "I'm not going."

Eryndor looked up from his cup of coffee, one eyebrow raised. "Oh? And why's that?"

Poll leaned against the doorway, looking as self-assured as a nearly-seven-year-old could. "Because I already know what they're going to teach. It's a waste of time."

Seraphina sighed, placing her hands on her hips. "Poll, this isn't just about learning facts. It's about socializing. Making friends."

"I've got friends!" Poll shot back, puffing out his chest.

"Really? Name them."

Poll's bravado cracked slightly. "Uh… well, there's Lira, Elowen— Aaa.....!"

"Exactly. The same Two people you've known for years. You need to expand your circle, Poll."

Poll huffed. "I don't need a bigger circle. I'm fine."

Seraphina sighed, clearly not satisfied but choosing not to push further. "You need to think beyond that, Poll. It's important to learn how to interact with different people."

Poll didn't respond directly, instead turning to Eryndor. "What's your plan for today, Father?" Poll asked,

Eryndor glanced up from his desk, his expression tinged with mild annoyance. "I'm meeting with an envoy from the demon kingdom. They want to discuss strategies for managing mana corruption in their lands."

Poll's eyes immediately lit up like fireworks. "Perfect! I'm coming with you!"

Eryndor arched a brow, his tone firm. "No, Poll. This is official business, not some tourist places."

Poll leaned forward, deploying his ultimate weapon—the dreaded puppy-dog eyes, complete with an exaggerated pout. "But, Father… Pleeeease?"

Eryndor groaned, rubbing his temples like he could physically block Poll's antics from seeping into his brain. "That's not going to work on me."

"Haaah… Fine," Poll sighed dramatically, throwing his head back like the weight of the world had just crushed his spirit.

Elowen, who had been quietly observing from the side, smiled gently. "Why don't you come with me instead, Poll?"

Poll blinked, suspicious. "Where?"

"To my academy," she said casually.

Poll's face twisted into a grimace. "What am I supposed to do there? Stare at books all day?"

Elowen tilted her head, feigning thought. "Hmm, maybe you're right. It's an all-girls academy, after all. No boys your age. You'd probably feel out of place."

For a moment, Poll's expression froze. Then, like a switch flipped, his eyes widened, his jaw dropped, and his entire demeanor shifted to unbridled shock. "Wait, what? Did you just say… only girls? Like, an entire academy of girls?!"

Elowen nodded, clearly bemused.

Poll's inner monologue erupted like a dramatic orchestra. This is it. My calling. The will of the universe! I must go—not for myself, but for the betterment of mankind! To not go would be a crime against destiny itself!

He straightened, thrusting a determined thumbs-up toward Elowen. "I'm coming with you."

Elowen blinked. "But I thought you weren't interested?"

"Don't worry," Poll declared, his voice brimming with false bravado. "I'm always interested when it comes to supporting you!"

From across the room, Eryndor's eyes widened in disbelief, instantly piecing together Poll's entirely transparent intentions. His expression darkened with exasperation. "Oh, no you don't."

Poll flinched, caught mid-smirk. "W-What?"

"You're coming with me," Eryndor announced firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"But… but you just said—!" Poll spluttered, his voice rising in desperation.

Eryndor cut him off with a dismissive wave, his eyes half-lidded with a dangerous calm. "I know what I said. But I've changed my mind. Now, shut up and say thank you."

Poll's shoulders slumped in defeat. He forced a grin, though it looked more like a grimace. "Thanks, Father."

His thoughts screamed louder than his words. Nooo! My golden opportunity! It's gone! My destiny! My sacrifice for humanity—wasted!

Meanwhile, Eryndor sighed, shaking his head as he turned back to his desk. One day, this boy will be the death of me.

Elowen, who had been watching the exchange with mild amusement, chimed in. "Poll, go brush your teeth and wash up. Breakfast is almost ready."

"Yeah, yeah, I'll be back in a sec!" Poll said, dashing out of the room.

Seraphina took a moment to savor the aroma wafting from the kitchen. "Elowen, you've really outdone yourself. The omelet rice smells amazing."

Elowen's cheeks turned a faint pink. "Thanks, Mo—" She caught herself, her expression faltering slightly. "I mean, Auntie."

Seraphina gave her a small, knowing smile but didn't comment, letting the moment pass naturally.

When Poll returned, he plopped into his chair and took a bite of the omelet rice. His eyes lit up immediately. "Whoa! Elowen, this is awesome! Thanks for making it!"

Elowen beamed. "I'm glad you like it."

In his mind, Poll thought, Her cooking is amazing… I could eat this every day for the rest of my life. Yep, definitely in love.

After a moment, Poll tilted his head. "Hey, Elowen, shouldn't you be heading home soon? Don't your parents worry about you staying here so much?"

The room fell into a brief, awkward silence. Seraphina, Eryndor, and Elowen exchanged subtle glances, their expressions unreadable.

Elowen finally spoke, her tone light but slightly hesitant. "Oh, don't worry. They know I'm here."

Poll's curiosity was piqued, but he decided not to press further. Instead, he grinned. "I'd like to meet them someday. I bet they're really cool."

Elowen nodded, her smile soft. "Yeah… maybe someday."

After breakfast, Poll dashed upstairs, took a quick bath, and got dressed. Bounding back down, he called out, "Father, I'm ready! Let's go!"

Eryndor stood by the door, his coat slung over one shoulder. "Remember, Poll. You're just observing. No interruptions."

Poll saluted. "Got it!"

With that, the two headed out, leaving behind a peaceful morning in the Nightvale household.