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Chapter 1 – Rebirth of a Fool
I had a peaceful life. In my final days, my small family gathered around me. They cried—not for my wealth, but because the father who had loved them so dearly was about to leave this world.
My eldest son held my frail arm, tears streaming down his face, no different from when I was sick years ago.
"Dad… if there's a next life… could you be my child…? hic"
He sobbed uncontrollably. I rapped his head lightly.
"If there is, I'd rather stay with her…"
My wife… she had died years ago while gathering herbs. I could feel her waiting for me, and perhaps it was finally time to go.
A figure with red hair and a strange cloak stood before me, smiling:
"Time to go…"
He grabbed my hand. I closed my eyes, my heart pounding. My family wailed as my body emptied, my soul slowly detaching. A glowing portal appeared before me. I glanced back at my small family, then stepped through.
"Damn it… this isn't—"
But he didn't stop. Instead of heaven or hell, he… sent me back to the past.
I jolted awake, staring at my tiny body, examining every finger and toe. My heart raced.
"You bastard… I hate you!!"
Back then, I had been a homeless orphan, powerless and alone. With some cunning and luck, I had once tricked a young heiress, building a small, happy, wealthy family. Now… it's all gone. I'm empty-handed, homeless, still without a home.
But… I'm still full of hate. Hate at the Reaper who messed up, forcing me to start over from nothing. Hate because I haven't seen her again. Hate because I'll have to rebuild everything myself.
Part of me chuckled bitterly: "Br… empty-handed, no home, back at five… I'll do it all over again. And this time… I won't let that stupid Reaper mess with me ever again!"
And so, my cycle began… truly infinite.
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