Chapter 8: Dream and Family

It had only been a day since Sanny arrived in this unfamiliar world, but already it felt like weeks. The inn was quiet now, save for the occasional crackle of the dying fire. Sanny lay on the rough bed, staring at the ceiling, letting the weight of the day settle over him. His body was tired from the labor he'd done in exchange for food, but his mind wouldn't quiet. Thoughts of his family drifted into focus, vivid as if they were with him in the room.

Though it had only been a day since he'd found himself in this world, his memories of home—of Earth, of the Philippines—had not dulled. If anything, they were sharper, more alive. He could almost feel the warm breeze of His house, the sound of his siblings' voices cutting through the air as they worked together. His brothers, his sister, and their shared lessons were as much a part of him as the blood in his veins.

Sanny sighed, turning over on the mattress and pulling the thin blanket tighter around himself. It wasn't that he hadn't been through rough days before. No, hard work had been a constant companion back on Earth. He remembered those long days under the harsh sun, working with his father and brothers, their hands raw from labor. But it wasn't just the labor that stayed with him; it was what he had learned from them.

He could almost hear Sam's voice, urging him forward. His competitive brother had always been the one to push Sanny beyond his limits. "Don't settle, kuya," Sam would say, eyes bright with the thrill of a challenge. "You can always do better." Sam was relentless, constantly setting higher standards, always chasing improvement. That drive had rubbed off on Sanny. Even here, far from home, he felt it pushing him onward. It wasn't enough just to survive. He had to thrive, to be the best he could be.

But Sam wasn't the only one whose teachings stayed with him. Sanny's thoughts drifted to Sid, his calm, quiet brother who balanced out Sam's intensity. Sid always had a way of stepping back, of seeing things from a distance that gave him perspective. "It's not always about speed, kuya Sanny. Sometimes, waiting is the smartest thing you can do." Sid's words echoed in his mind, reminding him that power didn't always come from immediate action but from knowing when to act. In a world where magic ruled, and everyone seemed to be in a hurry to prove themselves, Sid's patience would be his guiding star.

Then there was Sal, the youngest brother, whose laughter could lift even the heaviest mood. Sal had been a light in their family, always cracking jokes and pulling pranks when things got too serious. Sanny smiled faintly at the memory of Sal making them all laugh, even when they were bone-tired from work. "Don't take life too seriously, kuya. What's the point of life if you're always frowning?" Sal's lightheartedness had been a saving grace for them all, and even now, in this foreign land, Sanny found comfort in the thought of his brother's infectious laughter.

And then there was Sky—his youngest sibling and only sister. Sky's unwavering belief in people had always been a source of strength for their family. Her optimism was something Sanny had never fully understood, but he admired her for it. Sky had a way of seeing the good in everyone, no matter how buried it might be. "Just because someone has power doesn't mean they'll use it badly, kuya," she'd say with that hopeful smile of hers. Sky had this incredible belief that people could change, could be better, and that faith had carried her through even the darkest of times. Sanny didn't always share her view of the world, but there was no denying the strength in her kindness.

The fire in the hearth crackled softly, pulling Sanny back to the present. It was only his first day in this new world, and already he felt the weight of it pressing down on him. The magic that flowed through everything here was different from anything he'd ever experienced. Yet, even with all the power at his fingertips, it was the lessons from his family that anchored him.

He thought back to their last night together before he found himself here, remembering the warmth of their home, the sound of his father's deep voice mixing with the laughter of his siblings. He had always been the eldest, the one to shoulder responsibility, but he had never been alone. His family had always been his foundation. Now, even though he was in a world far removed from everything he knew, their teachings still held him steady.

As he lay there, Sanny wondered what his family would think of this place—of a world where grimoires and magic ruled, where people were judged by their ability to wield power. Sam would probably be itching for the challenge, eager to test himself against the best mages this world had to offer. Sid would watch from the shadows, analyzing, waiting for the right moment to make his move. Sal would probably crack a joke about magical chickens or something ridiculous, making everyone laugh. And Sky… Sky would believe, as always, that even in a world where power seemed to corrupt, there was still good to be found.

Sanny smiled to himself, the warmth of his memories washing over him like a blanket. He missed them—missed their voices, their laughter, their presence. But he knew that everything they had taught him would carry him through whatever came next. He was the eldest of five, and that came with its own responsibilities. He couldn't afford to let them down, even if they weren't here to see him.

The fire began to die down, casting long shadows across the room. Sanny's eyes grew heavy, his mind finally quieting. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but for now, he let himself rest, surrounded by the memories of his family—their lessons, their strength, and their love.

As sleep took him, Sanny dreamed of home. Of the ocean breeze in Dagupan, the sound of his siblings' laughter, and the unshakable bond that tied them all together, no matter how far apart they were.

Question: Should abuse his power, like going all out