Six years had passed.
In that time, Jean had grown — not just in height, but in warmth. Raised in the arms of loving parents, he experienced a kind of peace he never had in his previous life. It felt unreal, like a dream that, for once, didn't fade away.
Morning sunlight spilled across the land, chasing the shadows from a grand estate hidden deep within the woods. The mansion stood quiet and proud, its stone walls blending into the forest like they'd been carved by nature itself. Large windows caught the morning rays like open arms, breathing warmth into the home.
Inside, in a lavish bedroom far too big for someone his size, a boy stirred beneath velvet covers. His blue eyes fluttered open — crystal clear, almost glowing.
YAWN~
"Ahhh… now that's what I call a good night's sleep," Jean muttered, sitting up and stretching like a cat in the sun.
He sat in silence for a moment, scanning the room as if expecting something.
"…Sigh. Still nothing. Six damn years, and no golden finger, no cheat skill, nothing." He groaned. "I reincarnated! Where's my OP system? Did I miss the memo?"
Jean slumped, throwing the covers off.
No point sulking. Fate always finds a way to screw me over.
At least his parents had still named him Jean — Jean Holland. Some cosmic mercy, he guessed.
He shuffled toward the bathroom. No maids rushed in to help him — he'd made sure of that.
Been a child comes with it's own perks, puppy eyes, and a lot please. Shame. Nah! Who cares. Use what you have—to get what you want.
"And besides a man should know how to take care of himself," he said aloud, smirking. "A man who can't do this much doesn't deserve to call himself one."
He climbed onto the stool, met his reflection, and chuckled.
"Damn, I look good."
Pose. Pose. Duck face. Peace sign. Laugh.
He got down to business. Picked up his toothbrush, added toothpaste, and began brushing.
"Up and down… left and right… again and again…" he muttered, rhythmically scrubbing away.
SPIT.
PSHHH~
He rinsed.
GARGLE~ SPIT.
Checked his teeth in the mirror. All clean. A weird habit from his past life — couldn't shake it of.
*Some things stick with you, even across lifetimes.*
He hopped down, stripped off his pajamas, and strolled into the shower. Scrubbed every necessary — and unnecessary areas with diligence. Then strolled to the wardrobe.
"Let's go with you today," he said, selecting an outfit.
Two minutes later, he emerged dressed like a little noble. Black hair, blue eyes, chubby cheeks, sharp brows, and a perfect nose.
"Okay, day. Let's see what the day got for me," he said with shining eyes, stepping towards the door…
Then he froze.
His eyes widened.
A voice.
Not a sound. A voice. Deep. Ancient. Thrumming with power.
"HMMM~ I THINK YOU'RE READY."
Jean spun around. Nothing.
"What the hell?"
"HOW CUTE~"
HUH?!
What the hell is going on?!
And why does it sound kinda... gay?!
SHIVER~
Damn. He can read minds.
"Erm… Hello? Are you God by any chance? Just wondering. Curious if I'm, y'know, one of the special ones? Chosen by the 'big guy' upstairs?"
"HAHAHAHAHAHA!"
"...."
What's so funny?
"HAHAHAHAHA!"
Okay, now this is seriously pissing me off.
Whoever it was, they are clearly enjoying themselves.
"YOU'RE FUNNY. REALLY FUNNY.
BIG GUY FROM ABOVE? SPECIAL ONE? HAHAHAHA!"
Jean had the sudden urge to slap this being, rip off its ears, and laugh maniacally while doing it.
"NOW, NOW, THAT'S DISRESPECTFUL."
"Like you deserve any. Hmph."
"OKAY, LET'S GET SERIOUS."
"Thought you keep making fun of me." Jean clearly unhappy replied. " Jerk." He muttered.
"DO YOU WANT TO BE STRONG?"
Jean gave a look that clearly said: Are you dumb?
Who doesn't want to be strong?
"THE POWER I OFFER ISN'T SOMETHING TO TAKE FOR GRANTED."
Still wearing that unimpressed expression, Jean sighed.
"I don't care about all that crap. Just give me the power — I'll handle the rest. Simple."
...Silence.
Then:
"...OKAY THEN. HOPE YOU CAN KEEP THAT CONFIDENCE."
A tingling sensation rippled across Jean's entire body.
And then—a sound that he wishes to hear for years.
DING~
"FREAKING FINALLY!!!"