Aelric felt a rush of adrenaline as the truck sped toward them, its horn blaring like a warning siren. In a split second, he knew what he had to do. "Shiko! Akito!" he shouted, adrenaline surging through his veins as he pushed his friends out of harm's way. The impact was brutal. He felt the weight of the truck collide with him, pain shooting through his body like fire.
Aelric lay sprawled on the pavement, blood pooling beneath him as his friends rushed to his side. Their faces were pale with shock.
"Aelric, you idiot!" Akito choked out, his voice shaking. Tears streamed down his face. "Why would you do that? Why push us away?"
Nearby, Shiko fumbled with his phone, his hands trembling as he called for an ambulance. "Aelric, hang on! Help is coming! Just—just don't close your eyes, okay?" His voice was laced with panic, desperate.
Aelric coughed, tasting iron. He forced a weak grin. "Dramatic as always, Akito…" His vision wavered, but he pressed on. "That truck… If I didn't push you both, we'd all be dead. One life… better than three."
Akito clenched his fists. "That's not for you to decide! We're friends—we stick together!"
Shiko's voice cracked. "Just stay awake, idiot!"
Aelric exhaled softly, his strength fading. "Tell Mom… I'm sorry. And look after my sister.
Don't let anyone mess with her."
Aelric's consciousness floated in an endless void, weightless and detached from time itself. The emptiness surrounded him, silent yet heavy—until a voice, omnipresent and clear, shattered the stillness.
[Unknown Voice]: "Analyzing soul… Compatibility confirmed. Conditions for reincarnation met."
Aelric's thoughts flickered between confusion and realization. (Who's speaking?)
[Unknown Voice]: "Affirmative. Your physical body has expired in your original world.
However, due to your exceptional potential, your soul has been selected for reincarnation."
(Reincarnation? Like in the stories?) Aelric's mind reeled, trying to grasp the enormity of what was happening. (Then what kind of world am I going to?)
[Unknown Voice]: "Your new world mirrors aspects of your old one but is inhabited by various powerful races and bound by a structured magical hierarchy. The major races include Humans, Elves, Vampires, Fairies, and Dragons. Some beings transcend mortal limitations, ascending into Celestial or even Godly existences. Additionally, magic users form factions, operating in secrecy while maintaining the balance of power."
Visions flooded Aelric's mind—ancient, towering cities, beings radiating overwhelming power, and hidden conflicts lurking beneath the surface. He took a mental breath. (Alright… So is there's a hierarchy of power?)
[Unknown Voice]: "Correct. The strongest wield Supreme Abilities, which defy the very laws of reality. Few beings ever attain them, but those who do are nearly unrivaled. Beyond this, there are Unique and Ultimate Abilities—powerful but not absolute—followed by advanced combat techniques and elemental magic. Your abilities will determine your place in this world."
Aelric pondered the implications. (Then… What abilities will I have?)
[Unknown Voice]: "You may describe what you desire, and I shall grant what is compatible with your soul."
Aelric hesitated, then focused. (I want a mind that can process information at incredible speeds making me visualize things in slow motion and also perceive everything around me.)
[Unknown Voice]: "Acknowledged. Granting Ability: Mind Acceleration and Universal Detection."
A rush of clarity surged through him, his thoughts expanding as if the very concept of time had slowed in his mind.
(I also need to be able to withstand powerful forces—both magical and physical.)
[Unknown Voice]: "Acknowledged. Granting Ability: Resistance."
Aelric felt an unshakable force settle within him, a newfound resilience that would shield him from harm.
(I will also need to recover from any injuries—quickly and efficiently.)
[Unknown Voice]: "Acknowledged. Granting Ability: Regeneration."
Warmth spread through him as the essence of renewal fused with his being, ensuring his body could mend itself effortlessly.
(Now, for the most important part—I want to learn and adapt quickly. To understand any ability I witness and make it my own.)
[Unknown Voice]: "Acknowledged. Granting Ability: Analysis Copy. This allows permanent replication of observed abilities, including all fighting styles, martial arts, and techniques. This ability also has the potential to evolve further."
A surge of energy pulsed through Aelric, his very essence resonating with newfound power.
(What else… I want guidance. A way to grow beyond my limits.)
[Unknown Voice]: "Granting Ability: Ultimate Guide. A sentient support system will assist in skill mastery, modification, and development."
A second voice, calm yet firm, echoed in his mind.
[Ultimate Guide]: "Greetings, Aelric. I am here to assist you in mastering your abilities and understanding your new world. Additionally, I can assume control when you feel necessary, enter an Auto Battle Mode for maximum efficiency, and modify abilities— including merging them to create new or enhanced techniques. If I am ever granted a name, I will evolve, gaining true consciousness."
Aelric nodded internally. (Good. And I want to grow stronger, faster than normal.)
[Unknown Voice]: "Acknowledged. Your magical pool is effectively infinite. You will never run out of magical energy, though control and precision remain crucial."
The void trembled as if acknowledging the completion of the process. Aelric felt an unseen force pulling him forward.
[Unknown Voice]: "Your reincarnation begins now. Awaken, Aelric, and carve your own destiny."
Before he could react, his consciousness was thrust forward—plunging into the unknown as the new world embraced him in its grasp.
Light crept into the void, pulling Aelric from the darkness. His body felt small, fragile—an unfamiliar sensation. The air around him was different, crisp yet carrying something else. "This air… it's different." He thought, his tiny body shivering slightly. "No… it's alive."
Something flowed through the space around him, subtle yet constant. It didn't take long for him to understand—magic. It was everywhere, part of the world itself, woven into the very air he breathed.
But before he could dwell on it further, something else caught his attention.
A warmth.
Soft, steady, and close.
He turned his tiny head, his eyes landing on the woman beside him. Her long hair framed a peaceful face, her breathing slow and even. But what stood out the most wasn't her appearance—it was the feeling she gave off.
A presence so warm and welcoming, it felt almost unreal.
"She's… different." He mused. "She isn't expecting anything. She isn't waiting for me to prove myself. She's just… here."
It was comforting. No silent pressure, no weight of responsibility. Just a quiet, unwavering warmth.
His chest tightened at the unfamiliarity of it. In his past life, there had always been expectations—ones he placed on himself and ones that came naturally after his father passed. At ten years old, he had understood what it meant to shoulder responsibility. His mother had worked hard to support him and his baby sister, and he had done what he could in return.
Long hours of studying to stay at the top of his class. Pushing himself to meet every expectation. Even making comic review videos online—just to contribute in some way, even if it wasn't much. It had been exhausting, but he never complained. It was just how things were.
And now…
Now, they were gone. Or rather, he was.
A part of him wondered—how were they doing? His friends, his family… Had they managed without him? Had his friends kept their promise?
"Are they taking care of her?" He thought. "Making sure no one messes with her?"
Though he never asked them to, he hoped they were looking after his family too.
His tiny body relaxed as the warmth beside him pulled him back to the present. He had been given a second chance.
For now, that was enough.
He was welcomed