Marcus opened his eyes to find himself staring at charred wooden beams. This was decidedly not the hospital ceiling he'd been staring at moments ago as his family sobbed around his deathbed.
"System activated," a mechanical voice echoed in his mind. "Welcome to your new life."
Marcus tried to pump his fist in excitement, but discovered his arm was now pudgy and uncoordinated. Right. Baby body.
"Sweet!" Marcus attempted to say, but it came out as "Gaaah!"
A blue window materialized in front of him.
[System Interface Activated][Name: Marcus][Status: Newborn][Level: 1][HP: 10/10][MP: 20/20][Strength: 1][Dexterity: 1][Constitution: 2][Intelligence: 15][Wisdom: 8][Charisma: 5][Skills: None][Special Ability: System Interface][Location: Unknown Burnt Building]
Wait. Burnt building?
Marcus's baby eyes finally focused on his surroundings. He wasn't in a castle. Not a magical academy. Not even a humble farmer's cottage. He was lying on the sooty floor of what appeared to be the remains of someone's kitchen.
"System," he thought, "where exactly am I?"
[Location: Burnt Chicken Shack Restaurant, West District, Emberfall City]
A fast food restaurant? Marcus's fantasies of being adopted by royal elves or discovered by a wise old wizard were rapidly dissolving.
[Quest Alert!][Title: Don't Die Immediately][Description: Survive your first 24 hours][Reward: 5 XP, Basic Survival Skill][Failure: Return to death]
"System," Marcus thought frantically, "I can't move! I'm a baby! How am I supposed to survive?"
[Analyzing...][Solution: Cry loudly to attract attention]
So much for his heroic entrance into a fantasy world. Marcus took a deep breath and let out the most pathetic wail a reincarnated seventeen-year-old trapped in a newborn's body could muster.
[Skill Created!][Pitiful Crying (Active): Level 1][Effect: Small chance to attract non-hostile attention]
"You've got to be kidding me," Marcus thought.
Ten minutes of crying later, Marcus heard footsteps crunching through the debris. A face appeared above him – a middle-aged woman with soot-stained cheeks and a look of utter disbelief.
"By the Eternal Flame! A baby? Here?" The woman scooped him up carefully.
[Quest Completed!][Title: Didn't Die Immediately][Reward: 5 XP, Basic Survival Skill Acquired]
[Level Up!][You are now Level 2][New Skill Unlocked: Basic Survival][New Quest Available!]
"Who would leave a baby in a burnt-down chicken restaurant?" the woman muttered, examining Marcus for injuries.
"I'm Elara," she told him, wrapping him in her shawl. "I'm the city's firefighter. Well, one of them. We don't have many. Budget cuts, you know how it is."
Marcus blinked. Firefighter? Budget cuts? What kind of fantasy world was this?
[New Quest Alert!][Title: Figure Out What Kind of World This Actually Is][Description: Gather information about this world][Reward: 20 XP, World Knowledge Skill][Failure: Continued confusion]
Elara carried Marcus through the ruins of the restaurant and out into what appeared to be... a modern street? With cars? And electric streetlights?
[World Analysis Complete][World Type: Urban Fantasy][Magic Level: Moderate][Technology Level: Equivalent to Earth 2010s][Special Note: This world has both magic and technology]
"Oh come on!" Marcus thought. "I was expecting swords and sorcery, not smartphones and sorcery!"
Elara brought him to a large stone building with a sign that read "Emberfall Fire Department & Orphanage."
"Budget cuts," she explained to the baby who couldn't possibly understand her. "Had to combine services."
[New Quest Alert!][Title: Grow Up Fast][Description: Reach physical age 10][Reward: 500 XP, Freedom of Movement, Basic Education][Estimated Completion Time: 10 years]
"TEN YEARS?!" Marcus's thoughts screamed.
[Special Ability Unlocked!][Time Acceleration (Limited): Can accelerate personal time when nothing significant is happening][Cost: 50 MP per year skipped][Current MP: 20/20][MP Regeneration: 5 per day]
Marcus could have wept with relief if he hadn't already exhausted his tear ducts with his earlier crying session.
Elara set him down in a crib in a room with three other babies. "Welcome to your new home, little one. I'll find you a proper name tomorrow."
[System Notice: Time Acceleration will become available after MP reaches 50][Estimated time: 6 days]
Marcus resigned himself to six days of baby life. As Elara left the room, he noticed something on the ceiling above his crib that made his tiny heart skip a beat.
A crack in the ceiling. A crack that was slowly widening. A crack that seemed to be letting in what looked suspiciously like... fire.
[Emergency Quest Alert!][Title: Seriously? ANOTHER Fire?][Description: Alert adults to fire danger][Reward: 50 XP, Reputation with Orphanage][Failure: Probable death (again)]
Marcus took a deep breath and activated his only skill.
[Pitiful Crying activated!]
"WAAAAAAAAAAH!"
The system flashed a message before him.
[Critical Success!][Skill Level Up: Pitiful Crying is now Level 2][New Effect: Medium chance to attract non-hostile attention][New Effect: Small chance to cause irritation]
Marcus had a feeling his new life was going to be both nothing like he expected and exactly as chaotic as the universe thought he deserved.
[System Message: Welcome to your new life. It's going to be... interesting.]
Six Months Later
Marcus sat in his oversized crib, watching the other babies drool and cry over nothing. Thanks to his accelerated time ability, he'd managed to skip through most of the painful early months, only experiencing the highlights—which mainly consisted of diaper changes, feedings, and the occasional fire drill.
[Status Update][Name: Marcus][Age: 6 months][Level: 5][HP: 15/15][MP: 60/60][Strength: 2][Dexterity: 2][Constitution: 3][Intelligence: 16][Wisdom: 9][Charisma: A surprisingly high 7][Skills:]- [Pitiful Crying: Level 4]- [Basic Survival: Level 2]- [Crawling: Level 3]- [Babbling: Level 2]- [Adorable Head Tilt: Level 1][Titles: Fire Survivor x2, Orphanage Favorite]
"Maaaa-ba-ba," Marcus babbled at Elara as she entered the nursery. His "Babbling" skill was his newest acquisition, and he was determined to speak actual words as soon as possible.
Elara smiled and picked him up. "Good morning, little Phoenix."
That was what they called him now—Phoenix—because he'd been found in the ashes of the restaurant fire. Marcus didn't mind. It was certainly better than "Crispy" or "Smokey," which one of the other firefighters had suggested.
"Today's a big day," Elara told him, carrying him to the changing table. "The Mage Inspector is coming to test all the babies for magical aptitude."
[New Quest Alert!][Title: Magical Aptitude Test][Description: Display magical potential during inspection][Reward: 100 XP, Potential magical training in the future][Failure: Delayed magical education]
Marcus's tiny heart raced with excitement. This was his chance! In most reincarnation stories, the protagonist had some sort of cheat ability. His system was already one, but maybe he had latent magical powers too?
An elderly man in flowing robes entered the nursery an hour later. He carried a staff topped with a glowing crystal and wore half-moon spectacles that made him look like a wizard from one of those fantasy movies Marcus had watched in his previous life.
"Greetings, Madame Firefighter," the old man said to Elara. "I am Archmage Zephyrian, here for the annual testing."
[Detected: High-Level Entity][Name: Archmage Zephyrian][Level: ???][Threat Level: Unknown][Note: Do not antagonize]
The Archmage moved from crib to crib, holding his crystal staff near each baby. Some crystals glowed brighter, some dimmer. He made notes on a floating tablet that hovered beside him.
When he reached Marcus, the old man peered down with interest. "Ah, the fire baby I've heard about."
He lowered his staff, and the crystal... did absolutely nothing. Not even a flicker.
The Archmage frowned, tapped his staff, and tried again. Still nothing.
"Strange," Zephyrian muttered. "The crystal detects even the faintest magical potential." He adjusted his spectacles and peered more closely at Marcus. "Yet you seem to have... none at all."
[System Alert!][Magical Testing in Progress][Diagnosis: Mana Circuits Malfunction][Despite high MP reserves, your connection to this world's magic system is non-functional][Option Available: Channel MP into Crystal?][Cost: 50 MP][Current MP: 60/60][Warning: Unknown consequences]
Marcus panicked. No magic? That couldn't be right! Every proper isekai protagonist had extraordinary magical powers! He mentally selected "Yes" to channel his MP.
[MP Channeling... 50 MP Used][ERROR: Transfer Unsuccessful][Your mana circuits are damaged or incompatible with this world's magical system][Alternative energy detected: Analyzing...]
The Archmage sighed and made a note on his floating tablet. "Another non-magical child. Nothing to worry about, Madame Elara. Not everyone has the gift."
[Analysis Complete][Alternative Energy Source Identified: Aura][Color: Crimson Red][Classification: Combat-Type][Associated Path: Swordsman/Warrior][Accessibility: Available immediately through system interface]
Marcus felt like crying—and not just because that was his primary skill. No magic? After all his fantasies about becoming a powerful wizard, hurling fireballs and summoning lightning? And instead, he got... a swordsman's path? How was he supposed to swing a sword as a baby?
"Are you certain?" Elara asked, looking concerned. "He survived that fire without a scratch. I thought surely it meant something."
"Luck, perhaps," Zephyrian said, already turning to the next baby. "Or simply good timing. Not everything is magical, my dear."
[New Quest Alert!][Title: The Path Less Glittery][Description: Unlock your aura abilities][Reward: 100 XP, Basic Aura Manipulation][Note: This is your alternative to magical training]
Marcus was fuming internally. Of all the rotten luck! He had tons of mana, according to his stats, but broken circuits to use it? What kind of half-baked reincarnation was this?
[System Message: Would you like to activate your Aura?][Warning: Visible manifestation may attract attention]
"Well, if I can't be a wizard..." Marcus thought bitterly, mentally selecting "Yes."
Suddenly, a faint crimson glow surrounded his tiny body, visible only as a slight reddish outline.
The Archmage, who had been examining the next baby, froze. Slowly, he turned back toward Marcus.
"By the Eternal Flame," he whispered, eyes wide. "An Aura user manifesting so young? Most children don't show aura until at least age five or six."
[Aura Activated: Level 1][Effects: Enhanced physical capabilities, energy projection at higher levels][Energy Consumption: 1 MP per minute][New Skill Acquired: Aura Sense][System Message: Haha, guess who's stuck with the sweaty melee build? Have fun with those training montages, "chosen one"!]
"What?" Marcus thought indignantly at his system.
[System Message: Just saying, most protagonists get cool elemental magic or rare abilities. You got... exercise.]
Zephyrian rushed back to Marcus's crib, nearly knocking over an assistant in his haste.
"This is quite unusual timing," the Archmage said, his earlier dismissal transformed into professional interest. "Normally children develop either magical aptitude or aura control, two sides of the same energy coin. But they rarely manifest either before they can walk."
[Quest Completed!][Title: The Path Less Glittery][Reward: 100 XP, Basic Aura Manipulation unlocked][System Message: Congrats on your great achievement of... glowing. Very impressive.]
[Level Up!][You are now Level 6][All stats increased by 1][Skill Point Available: 1][System Message: Maybe spend it on something useful, like "Holding a Spoon 101"?]
"What does it mean?" Elara asked, clearly confused by the sudden development.
"It means," Zephyrian said with growing interest, "that young Phoenix has chosen the physical path rather than the magical one. Aura users channel the same energy as mages, but through their bodies rather than through external formulae or incantations. They become warriors, swordsmen, and physical adepts. Still quite respectable."
"Still quite respectable?" Marcus thought indignantly. "Way to make it sound like I chose the community college of fantasy powers."
[System Message: You did choose the community college of fantasy powers. Magic users get to sit in comfortable chairs studying books. You get to do push-ups. In the rain. Enjoy!]
"Great," Marcus thought sarcastically. "I get reincarnated with a cheat system, and instead of becoming a powerful wizard raining destruction on my enemies from a safe distance, I have to get up close and personal with swords. So much for an easy life."
[New Skill Available!][Aura Enhancement: Strengthen your physical abilities using aura][Cost: 1 Skill Point][Recommended for your combat path][System Message: Maybe this will help you crawl faster when you inevitably have to chase the mages for protection.]
Marcus reluctantly allocated his skill point. If this was his path, he might as well embrace it.
[Skill Acquired!][Aura Enhancement: Level 1][Effect: +10% to all physical abilities when active][MP Cost: 2 MP per minute][System Message: Wow, a whole 10%! That means you can now... checks notes... still do absolutely nothing because you're a baby.]
Elara wrapped him in a blanket and picked him up. "Don't worry, Phoenix. I'll make sure they treat you right."
As they left the orphanage, Marcus caught a glimpse of himself in a mirror in the hallway. A chubby-cheeked baby with bright eyes and a tuft of auburn hair stared back at him. Was it his imagination, or did his eyes have a faint crimson tint now?
[Achievement Unlocked!][Title: The Beginning of a Legend][Description: Your journey as the youngest Aura user in history begins][Reward: Legendary Growth Potential unlocked]
The Archmage led them to a sleek, floating carriage outside—another reminder that this world was not the medieval fantasy setting Marcus had expected. The vehicle hummed with magical energy but also had what looked suspiciously like a digital dashboard.
"To the Academy," Zephyrian told the carriage, which responded with a pleasant chime before rising higher into the air.
[System Message: First day of school! Don't worry, while the magic students learn how to teleport and transform matter, you'll be doing baby push-ups. Very intimidating.]
"I can still be powerful with aura," Marcus thought defensively.
[System Message: Sure, in about 15 years. The mages will be conjuring firestorms by next Tuesday.]
As they soared over Emberfall City, Marcus got his first good look at this new world. Spires of crystal and stone rose alongside modern skyscrapers. People in robes walked next to others in business suits. Some individuals glowed with colorful auras, while others had small magical constructs floating around them.
[World Knowledge Skill Unlocked!][Effect: Passive understanding of your surroundings][Current Level: 1][System Message: At least now you'll understand what you're missing out on!]
"Beautiful, isn't it?" Elara said, noticing his wide-eyed stare. "Emberfall is the jewel of the Seven Kingdoms."
"Indeed," the Archmage agreed. "Though I remember when it was much smaller. Just a few enchanted huts around a magical hot spring." He chuckled. "That was about 400 years ago, of course."
Marcus tried not to show his surprise. The old man was 400+ years old? Then again, that was pretty standard for fantasy Archmages.
"The Academy houses both magical and physical energy users," Zephyrian explained. "The East Wing is for those with magical aptitude, while the West Wing focuses on aura development. Both paths have produced legendary heroes and villains throughout our history."
[System Message: East Wing: Elegant towers, floating libraries, and ambient music. West Wing: Sweaty gymnasiums, the constant sound of grunting, and the smell of feet. Enjoy your placement!]
The carriage descended toward an enormous campus surrounded by a shimmering dome of energy. Buildings of various architectural styles sprawled across manicured grounds, connected by paths that occasionally shifted and changed direction. To the east were gleaming spires that seemed to defy gravity. To the west were more practical structures with training yards.
"Welcome to the Grand Academy of Emberfall," Zephyrian announced. "Where both disciplines of energy manipulation are taught with equal reverence."
[System Message: "Equal reverence" is code for "we need someone to guard the fancy mages."]
[Location Updated][Grand Academy of Emberfall, Emberfall City][Reputation: Neutral (0/1000)]
As they landed, Marcus noticed students of all ages. Some wielded weapons surrounded by colorful auras, while others carried staffs or wands with glowing crystals.
"First stop," the Archmage said as they entered a building with both ornate decorations and training equipment, "the assessment chamber. We need to measure exactly what we're dealing with here."
[New Quest Alert!][Title: The Assessment][Description: Successfully demonstrate your Aura capabilities][Reward: 200 XP, Appropriate physical development curriculum][Failure: Back to the orphanage][System Message: Don't worry if you fail. Being a regular baby might be less embarrassing than being the weakest aura user in history.]
Marcus wanted to cry. In his previous life, he'd played countless RPGs and read hundreds of fantasy novels. He'd always chosen to be a mage. Always. The swordsman path was for people who enjoyed grinding levels through repetitive physical combat.
"You know," he thought to himself, "I could have just chosen to die and roll the reincarnation dice again."
[System Message: Too late now! Embrace the meathead life!]
As Elara carried him into a circular room lined with both magical crystals and training equipment, Marcus could only think one thing:
"System," he thought frantically, "This is not what I signed up for. I wanted to be a wizard, not a glowing martial artist!"
[System Response: Life is full of disappointments. Like your muscles will be after training!][New Feature Unlocked: Aura Manipulation - Advanced][Effect: Your Aura can be shaped in various ways similar to but distinct from traditional magic][Note: Combat applications primary, but creative uses possible with practice][Activation: Available with significant training][System Message: On the bright side, you'll have great abs in about 15 years. Mages get flabby from sitting in libraries all day.]
Marcus perked up slightly. So he could still do cool things with his energy, just not traditional spellcasting? That was... something, at least.
"Better than nothing, I guess," he thought. "But seriously, universe? You give me a sword path in a body that can't even hold a spoon yet? This is just cruel."
[System Message: Think of it as the ultimate underdog story! Everyone loves those. Just not when they're living them.]
For the first time since his reincarnation, Marcus felt truly annoyed at his prospects. This wasn't the heroic magical journey he'd expected—it was something far more physically demanding and potentially much more painful.
He just had to survive being a baby combat prodigy first. And figure out how to train when he couldn't even walk yet.
[System Message: This is going to be hilarious. For me, not you.]