It was a crisp autumn evening in Tokyo. The streets were bustling with pedestrians, their hurried footsteps blending into the constant hum of the city. A salaryman in his late 30s walked home from another exhausting day at work. His tie hung loosely around his neck, and his shoulders sagged under the weight of an overstuffed briefcase.
As he neared a busy intersection, a sudden movement caught his eye. A child, no older than four, had wandered onto the road, chasing a red balloon that had slipped from their grasp. The traffic light was green. A large bus was speeding toward the child. Time seemed to slow.
Without a second thought, the salaryman threw his briefcase aside and sprinted toward the child. A mother's scream pierced the air. In the final moments, he managed to push the child out of harm's way. But there was no time for him to move. The screech of tires and the impact came instantly.
As he lay on the cold pavement, his vision blurred. He barely registered the panicked voices around him. His mind, however, was clear. He thought of his daughter. What would she do without him? Would she grow up happy? Would she remember him?
His thoughts faded into darkness.
---
World Of Magic& Swords: Astralis (Year 102, Divine Calendar)
Near Kingdom of Klyrode
Light. A warm, golden light surrounded him. He felt... strange. Lighter, smaller. A soft hand cradled him, and he became aware of hushed whispers, murmurs of excitement and reverence.
The moment he opened his eyes, he saw unfamiliar faces. Men and women dressed in ornate robes knelt before him. Their expressions were filled with awe. A beautiful woman with gentle eyes held him close, her silver hair cascading over her shoulders. Was this... his mother?
"The divine child has been born," someone whispered reverently.
He tried to speak, but only a small, incoherent sound escaped his lips. Then, realization struck him like a bolt of lightning.
He remembered.
He remembered Tokyo, his job, his daughter. He remembered his sacrifice. And yet, he was here, reborn in an unknown world.
"His eyes… they hold wisdom beyond his years," an elderly man observed.
Before he could process everything, a commanding voice filled the room. "Leave us."
The servants and nobles bowed before quickly exiting. Only the silver-haired woman remained, gazing down at him with motherly affection. Then, another figure stepped forward. A man with a regal aura, dressed in elaborate robes of gold and white. His eyes held a deep, knowing gaze.
"You are not an ordinary infant," the man said. "You have memories of another life."
The baby froze. How could this man know?
"I am Kagura Buddha, head of the Buddha clan. You are my son, and yet, I sense something beyond mere blood ties. Tell me, child, do you understand my words?"
The reincarnated man—now a baby—hesitated, then nodded. He could move his head! The woman gasped in surprise, covering her mouth.
Kagura Buddha chuckled. "It seems fate has delivered us a remarkable being. You have been chosen, child, by destiny itself."
He bent down, placing a hand on the baby's forehead. A soft, golden glow enveloped him.
"You are blessed with the power of a Dragon like me. The prophecy has spoken of you. From this day forward, you shall be known as Sakata Buddha."
As the glow faded, the baby—now Sakata—felt something stir within him. Power. A force he had never felt in his past life. And at that moment, he understood.
This was his second chance.
---
Years passed. Sakata Buddha grew into a young boy, his abilities surpassing those of ordinary children. By the age of seven, he had already mastered advanced elemental techniques. The servants and warriors of the Buddha clan spoke of his potential in hushed voices. Even Kagura Buddha watched his growth with intrigue.
One day, as he trained in the temple courtyard, Kagura Buddha stood before him, observing.
"You are progressing well," Kagura remarked. "But knowledge without wisdom is meaningless. Come with me."
Sakata followed his father into a sacred hall deep within the temple. There, an ancient scripture rested on a pedestal. Its pages shimmered with an ethereal glow.
"This is the Record of Prophecy," Kagura explained. "It speaks of a great upheaval. Of a warrior not of this world who would change the fate of Astralis."
Sakata's eyes narrowed. "And you believe I am that warrior?"
Kagura studied him. "No. You are not the one it speaks of. But you are the one who will guide him."
A flicker of understanding dawned in Sakata's mind. His role was not to be the hero but to prepare the one who would be.
"Then who is he?" he asked.
Kagura's gaze shifted toward the horizon. "In time, you will see for yourself."
---
(Near Year 500, Divine Calendar)
Time Skip – Events of Chapter 4 from the Main Story
The sound of clashing swords echoed in the training grounds. Kaito Nakamura gritted his teeth as he blocked a powerful strike from Lyrae, his mentor and partner. The impact sent a shockwave up his arms, but he held firm.
Lyrae smirked. "Not bad. You're lasting longer than before."
Kaito exhaled sharply. "You call this progress? I still feel like I'm getting my ass kicked."
"That's because you are." Lyrae stepped back, lowering her sword. "But you're learning. Faster, stronger. You don't hesitate as much."
Kaito wiped the sweat from his brow. "Still doesn't feel like enough."
Lyrae studied him for a moment before speaking. "Strength isn't just about power. It's about will. Resolve. What drives you, Kaito?"
Kaito was silent. Then, after a moment, he said, "I have to protect those I care about."
Lyrae smiled. "Then fight with that resolve. Again."
After 12 Years After the Disappearance of Kaito.
In the depths of the Buddha Temple, Kagura Buddha and Sakata Buddha stood before an ancient portal.
"The time has come," Kagura said.
Sakata gazed at the portal, his mind racing. "So, he will arrive soon?"
Kagura nodded. "Yes. And with him, a new era begins."
Sakata closed his eyes. The weight of destiny pressed upon him, but he was ready.
The world of Astralis was about to change forever.