Third Person Point of View
For years, Daniel's life had followed a simple, uneventful routine. He woke up early, worked long hours at the mechanic's workshop, and returned home so exhausted he barely had the strength to eat dinner. He never complained; thanks to that job, he could at least help his mother.
He was used to living like this.
His only escapes were anime, fanfics, and his conversations with Marcos, his childhood friend, with whom he usually shared a drink after work.
One ordinary afternoon, acting on impulse, Daniel bought a lottery ticket. He didn't give it much thought. He slipped it into his wallet and quickly forgot about it. A week later, while having lunch, he checked the results on his phone. He almost choked.
"Unbelievable… I've won," he thought. "It's not a huge fortune, but… this could change my life."
Without hesitation, he called Marcos.
"Hey, can you come with me to claim the prize?" he asked, barely able to contain his excitement.
"Sure, brother," Marcos replied with a light laugh. "That's what friends are for…"
Daniel didn't notice the brief silence that followed, nor the strange look in his friend's eyes.
They went together to the lottery office, chatting as usual… though Marcos spoke far less than normal. When they left, Daniel clutched an envelope containing all the documents and confirmation of the prize. His mind was overflowing with plans for the future. So much so that he never noticed the truck speeding down the avenue.
Marcos did.
And yet, instead of warning him, he stepped closer… too close.
"So… what are you going to do now with all that money?" Marcos asked, his tone strained, unnatural.
"I don't know… maybe start my own business. Take things slower for once," Daniel laughed, completely unaware.
He never got the chance to turn around. A sudden push struck his back. The world spun violently. A screech of brakes. A crushing impact. The ground scraping his arms as he rolled across the pavement. The envelope flew from his hands.
People screamed.
Daniel lay still, gasping for air as pain exploded through his body. Blood slid down his neck as he desperately searched for a familiar face.
"Why…?" he whispered.
With great effort, he turned his head. Marcos was gone.
"I don't understand…" he coughed, blood staining his lips. "My… friend… pushed me…"
His vision flickered. The surrounding footsteps echoed like a heartbeat—slower… weaker… fading.
"This sucks…" he muttered. "I didn't think I'd die like this… no girlfriend… all because I wasn't funny… or handsome…"
A bitter smile crossed his face.
"I wish… I had been more attractive…"
Then—
A cold, mechanical voice echoed inside his head.
"Confirmed. Creating attractive body according to user's memories."
"What…? Am I hallucinating…?"
He tried to laugh, but the pain overwhelmed him.
"I wish… I had been good at something…"
"Confirmed. Talent development."
"Processing…"
His eyelids grew heavy.
"It doesn't matter anymore… I should've listened to my father… that old man really was wise…"
A metallic sound followed, like gears clicking into place.
"Confirmed. Skill acquired: Sage."
"Evolving skill… Great Sage."
Daniel exhaled slowly.
"Guess… this is it… I'm really hearing voices at the end…"
Darkness consumed him.
...
In a dense forest, a young woman ran desperately between the trees. Her dress was torn, her breathing uneven. She clutched a baby wrapped in rags, holding him tightly against her chest.
"Please…" she whispered through tears. "Just a little further…"
Rough voices echoed behind her.
"She went this way!"
"She can't have gone far!"
She tried to run faster—but tripped over a stone. She fell hard, shielding the baby with her body. A sharp pain shot through her leg.
"Ah…!"
Her leg wouldn't respond. Panting, she looked around… then noticed a hollow tree. Wide. Dark. Her heart clenched.
"Don't worry, my baby…" she whispered, caressing his cheek. "You'll live… even if I don't…"
She gently placed him inside, wrapping him more securely. She kissed his forehead, smiling with love… and despair.
"Forgive me…"
Limping away, she drew attention to herself. The bandits passed near the tree, unaware of the baby hidden within, and chased after her.
"There she is!"
"Don't let her escape!"
Then… silence.
....
MC POV
"What… is this feeling? Am I… alive?"
I slowly opened my eyes. Everything swayed, as if I were being carried. Warmth surrounded me. I looked up.
A girl. Pale skin. Blonde hair. Blue eyes filled with fear. I tried to move my arms. They were tiny. Chubby. Wrapped in cloth.
My heart skipped.
"This can't be… Reincarnation? Just like the novels and manga I used to read?"
Before I could think further, the girl hugged me tighter—and fell. I heard a crash. A scream. The sound of something snapping—wood… or bone.
She spoke, but I didn't understand the words. The language was unfamiliar, yet her voice felt warm… comforting… like my mother's. She gently placed me inside a dark space. A hollow tree. She smiled at me—softly, painfully.
I tried to speak, but only baby-like sounds came out. She hesitated… then turned away, limping with effort. I heard her footsteps fade. Then other footsteps. Men running.
And then… nothing. Only wind. Leaves. Distant animals.
"So… I've been reincarnated. But where…? And more importantly… what am I supposed to do now? I'm completely alone…"
Exhaustion overtook me. Before I realized it, I fell asleep.
End of chapter