Diaman's consciousness resurfaced slowly. His eyes were still closed but he could hear an alarm ring beside his head. He opened his eyes slowly—the sunrays slipping through his window curtain blinded him temporarily. He sat up rubbing his half-lidded eyes.
He looked around the room. It looked familiar, like his room on earth.
"Is this my room?"
Without looking he snoozed the alarm. He could feel his heart pumping and he climbed out of bed and studied the room. It was just like his—the interior and layout.
'Is this a dream? Is the system playing tricks?'
He noticed a uniform hanging outside his wardrobe and it was the only thing different. It was more classic compared to his public school uniform. A wine colored suit with matching trousers and a white button-up shirt.
His finger traced the suit, admiring the tailoring.
"Diaman!" He froze at the sound of his name. A feminine voice shouted his name from downstairs. "You better be ready before I get upstairs."
The recognition was clear—it was his mom's voice. He smiled. Joy filled his heart.
"She's alive." Diaman moved toward the door, his hand frozen around the doorknob. He looked back at his uniform.
"Let me get dressed first." He found the bathroom and took a shower and wore his uniform.
He stood before his tall wall mirror. His reflection was retained—dark curly hair, brown eyes, pale skin. He adjusted his suit. He was still tall and muscular. After he winked at the mirror, he moved for the door.
Heading downstairs, he could hear his mom taking care of the dishes in the kitchen.
"Sigh. Diaman, when will you learn to wake up early?" She dried her palms on her apron then crossed her arms.
Diaman's eyes brightened immediately when he saw her. He didn't think—he ran downstairs to the kitchen and hugged her, buried his face in her chest.
She stood still, her face blank. She smiled then her arms embraced him back. "I know this world is different. But you can't keep running from what's our new reality. It's your first day at the school—you have to stay strong."
What she was saying didn't make sense to Diaman yet, but he was just happy his mom was alive.
Diaman pulled away from the hug and looked in her brown eyes, same as his.
A system window popped up in his vision.
[Meldin Twelve]
Relationship: Mother (Reincarnated)
[ Not a player.]
Diaman read the text through and felt overwhelmed. Tears gathered in his eyes and streamed down his cheeks.
His mom noticed. "Geez, Diaman, why are you crying? It's just school. There are other human students like you... And you ain't staying in the hostel."
"Come on, eat. I made your favorite." She pulled Diaman towards the dining table.
As Diaman sat down.
[MEMORY SYNCHRONIZATION COMPLETE]
[HOST NOW HAS ACCESS TO PLACEHOLDER CONSCIOUSNESS ARCHIVES]
He gripped his head as memories flooded in. "So I 've been here for two years... but also just arrived." His body had been on autopilot.
And surprisingly the autopilot version had been convincing enough. Like refusing not to go to school in an unknown world for two years.
That was something he knew he would do.
And thankfully even his mom hadn't noticed it wasn't him.
As Diaman ate his breakfast, the system briefed him on their arrival. They had transmigrated here just two years ago, where they were given accommodations and money by a mysterious man before he disappeared.
Diaman knew it had to be the system.
And knowing his mom knew they weren't from this world made him more relieved the system didn't mess with her mind.
He looked at her and she returned to washing the dishes. She had gotten used to this world. It wasn't any different from earth with the exception of different races.
Meaning he was going to be classmates with werewolves and vampires.
He took a deep breath. "Become a god," he muttered. "How is that possible in this world? At least give me an achievable task." But I know what my mom will want. For me to be a graduate even if we're in another world.
Finishing his bowl of macaroni and cheese, he walked to his mom and gave her a kiss on her cheek.
"Bye." He waved to his mom as he headed out. From the knowledge he got, he knew his way to his school. It was just a bus ride away from home.
On the bus he kept thinking—he had parasite magic but would others notice? Would they mock him? He could feel scared. He paused, realizing he was scared. 'Sys, what happened to Stoic's Resolve?'
[STOIC'S RESOLVE ACTIVATES DUE TO HOST BEING UNSTABLE.]
[SHOULD I TURN IT ON?]
'No. Fear is a human emotion. At least I feel human. Maybe I'll use it only when it's needed.'
Diaman remained in deep thought. If he was to put on a good show, he would have to be the starlight. Staying low and avoiding attention wouldn't probably work—he has to go up against a lot of students since from his memory, Toven Academy was the top choice in this world.
Not only for its education but, it was one of three schools in the world connected to the Heavens through divine altars, the only gateways for graduates to begin their true journey as Players.
Diaman smirked. "Toven, here I come."
As he came down from his bus, he stopped at the roadside before crossing to his school on the opposite side. He checked left then right and noticed a bus coming. He waited patiently but noticed a girl at his side. She wore headphones and her eyes were glued to her phone. She didn't notice the car coming and she stepped into the road.
If I call her she probably won't hear. He ran to her, grabbed her wrist, and pulled her off the road. The bus passed them so close the wind blew her blonde hair.
She was shocked. Her chest heaved. She couldn't believe she would have just died.
"Are you okay?"
She pulled her hand away from his grip and frowned. "That stupid boss—doesn't he know this is a school zone?" She adjusted her hair and crossed the road, moving towards the gate of their school.
"Not even a thank you?"
"Just because you saved me doesn't mean I should kiss your ass."
The girl said without looking back.
"Just watch where you're going." Diaman's brows arched. He kept his anger contained. So this is the type of brats in this school.
She didn't even care—just strutted away.
'System, what are her stats?'
[ISLEEN YULVA
[CLASS: ELEMENTAL MAGE ]
[RACE: HUMAN ]
[ MANA PRESSURE: A RANK ]
'Aspirant for what?''
[ ASSENCION: SHE NOT YET A PLAYER. ]
'Oh.'
He took a deep breath, squaring his shoulders, then continued towards the school gate.
[FIRST MISSION:
CREATE YOUR FIRST PARASITE.
REWARD: 5 EXP]
Diaman read it through. 'This is going to be fun.'