Chapter 7: The First Lifetime in Altheria
Chapter 6: Birth of a New Life
Darkness.
Kaito floated in a void, his consciousness drifting without form or direction. Then, like the flickering of a distant light, awareness returned.
"It's starting," Simmy's voice rang out, echoing through the void. "Enjoy being reborn, Kaito. Try not to cry too much as a baby."
"Wait—what?" Kaito's mind snapped into full alertness. Before he could process the system's words, a sudden, overwhelming force pulled him into existence.
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The sensation of being reborn was as disorienting as ever. Darkness enveloped Kaito before light and sound surged all around him. He felt the weight of a new body, smaller and weaker than before.
"Welcome to Altheria, Kaito," Simmy's teasing voice chimed. "Your new life begins now!"
The first thing Kaito heard was his new mother's voice. It was soft and warm, filled with love.
"Our little miracle," she whispered.
Kaito felt a surge of conflicting emotions. This world, like all the others, had its dangers—but for now, he was just a baby. He had time to strategize.
--- Year 1 to Year 5: Early Childhood
Kaito's childhood in Altheria began peacefully. His parents, Lord Alaric and Lady Elira, were nobles in a quiet, picturesque region. They adored him beyond reason, doting on him constantly.
By the time he was three, Kaito had already become the subject of admiration among the household staff.
"Master Kaito is so clever!" one maid would gush.
"And so handsome," another would add, eyes sparkling with affection.
Simmy's voice echoed in his mind. "You're off to a great start. They're already enchanted."
"Please don't say it like that," Kaito groaned internally. Despite his best efforts, the Eros Curse had begun weaving its influence.
When Kaito was five, the first major incident happened. Lady Isabella, a visiting noblewoman, brought her five-year-old daughter, Lilia. Lilia had fiery red hair and piercing green eyes that sparkled with mischief. She was already known as a prodigy in magical studies.
During a garden stroll, Kaito helped Lilia up after she tripped on a root.
"Are you okay?" he asked.
Lilia's eyes widened, and her cheeks flushed.
"I'm fine," she stammered, brushing herself off.
After that, Lilia wouldn't leave his side for the remainder of the visit.
"The first seeds of obsession," Simmy teased.
Kaito sighed. "It's just a coincidence."
--- Year 6 to Year 10: Bonds Deepen
By the age of seven, Kaito's life in Altheria had become more complicated. Lilia began visiting the estate frequently. She often challenged Kaito to duels, determined to prove herself stronger than him.
"I won't lose to you!" she declared during one sparring session.
Kaito's wooden sword clashed with hers. Despite his efforts to hold back, he accidentally disarmed her with a swift parry.
Lilia's face turned red, but instead of anger, there was admiration in her eyes.
"You're amazing," she whispered.
From that day forward, Lilia's obsession began to take shape. She started memorizing his schedule, finding excuses to spend time with him, and even bringing him gifts.
Meanwhile, other girls began taking notice of Kaito as well. Emilia, the daughter of a merchant family, became a regular visitor. Unlike Lilia, Emilia was soft-spoken and sweet, but there was an intensity in her gaze that made Kaito uneasy.
"She's watching you," Simmy remarked one evening.
"I noticed," Kaito muttered. "I'm doomed, aren't I?"
"Most likely."
--- Year 11 to Year 15: The Rivalries Begin
By the time Kaito reached eleven, the rivalries among the girls became more apparent.
During a grand banquet held at the estate, Lilia and Emilia both attended. Lilia, now a skilled mage-in-training, couldn't hide her jealousy whenever Emilia spoke to Kaito.
"Why are you always around him?" Lilia confronted Emilia in the gardens.
"Because he's kind," Emilia replied. "And because I care about him."
The tension was palpable. Kaito, standing awkwardly nearby, wanted nothing more than to vanish.
Simmy's voice chimed in. "This is just the beginning."
The rivalry escalated over the next few years. Lilia's duels with Kaito became more intense, and Emilia's quiet devotion grew stronger. Both girls began making bold declarations of their feelings, though Kaito tried to remain as distant as possible.
"I have to stay focused on training," he told them repeatedly.
But neither Lilia nor Emilia seemed willing to give up.
--- Year 16 to Year 20: Obsession Takes Root
At sixteen, Kaito's life took another dramatic turn. The kingdom held its annual Magical Tournament, and Kaito was selected to represent his region. Lilia and Emilia both entered as well.
The tournament was fierce. Kaito won several duels, but Lilia's determination pushed her to the finals alongside him. Their match was intense, with spells and sword strikes flying across the arena.
In the end, Kaito narrowly emerged victorious. As he helped Lilia up, her eyes locked onto his.
"I'll never let anyone take you from me," she whispered.
Simmy's voice echoed in his mind. "Yup. Full-blown yandere mode activated."
The aftermath of the tournament only deepened the girls' obsessions. Emilia began visiting him at all hours, often bringing homemade meals or gifts.
"You're everything to me," she confessed one night.
Kaito felt a cold sweat. "Emilia, you shouldn't—"
"I mean it," she interrupted, her eyes shining with intensity.
--- Year 21: The Breaking Point
By the age of twenty-one, Kaito could no longer ignore the consequences of the Eros Curse. Lilia and Emilia's rivalry reached its peak during a grand festival.
While Kaito was watching the fireworks display, Lilia appeared at his side.
"Let's watch together," she said softly.
Moments later, Emilia approached from the other side. "Kaito, I've been looking for you."
The two girls glared at each other, and the tension exploded into a full-blown confrontation.
"He's mine!" Lilia shouted.
"No, he belongs with me!" Emilia shot back.
Kaito felt trapped. He wanted to escape, but their obsessions had spiraled out of control.
"This is it," Simmy said. "You're officially the center of a yandere storm."
"Great," Kaito muttered. "Just what I needed."
As the fireworks lit up the night sky, Kaito realized one thing: there was no escaping the chaos that his life had become.