The morning sun filtered between the gray city buildings. Dry leaves swirled softly beneath the feet of a 17-year-old boy walking toward school, earphones silent, gaze lost. The world seemed to move on without him.
"Late again..." he thought, though he didn’t quicken his step.
It didn’t really matter. No one waited for him. No one asked for him. As he walked along the cracked sidewalk, he began to reflect quietly on his life.
"I lost my parents in an accident when I was three. I didn’t understand death—just that they wouldn’t come back. My aunt took me in with warm arms… she was young, just thirty, and tried to fill the void they left. But two years later, she was gone too. Cancer took her slowly, cruelly..."
His steps halted in front of a café that hadn’t yet opened. He stared without really seeing.
"After that, the orphanage became my home. If being bullied, kicked, and mocked counts as 'home.' They stole my food, shoved me in the halls, knocked down my books. When the caretakers weren’t around, I was easy prey. School wasn’t much different—a prestigious institution full of kids who knew they’d never need scholarships. I was the odd one… the weird guy who smiled even when pushed."
"‘Always smile. Be grateful to everyone—even to those who hurt you. Protect those weaker than yourself.’ Those were my parents’ last words before heading to work that morning."
The honk of a car snapped him out of his thoughts. He picked up his pace. After school, he had a part-time job at a small convenience store next to a gas station. It was 5:00 p.m., and the sky was starting to turn orange.
He was crossing the street, lost in thought, when he saw a girl—crossing alone.
Suddenly, a truck turned the corner at full speed.
“Watch out!”—he shouted, without thinking.
He ran, shoved her out of harm’s way… and then he felt it.
Impact. An eternal instant. Pain. Then, nothing.
☁️ Through the White Veil
Everything was white. A soft glow without shape. A breeze without wind. Seated on what felt like a floor of light, his vision slowly began to return.
In front of him, within that infinite space, stood a throne—imposing. Carved of crystal and gold, floating ever so slightly above the floor. Seated upon it, relaxed, with a mocking smile, was a radiant woman.
Hair long and golden, almost white. Skin as luminous as the moon. A crown of light hovered above her head, and in her right hand, she held a scepter topped with a swirling orb. One leg dangled casually over the armrest.
—"Well, well… so you died after all. How ironic," she said with soft laughter. "It wasn’t supposed to be your time yet—but you get points for saving that girl."
The boy’s eyes widened. He tried to move, but his body didn’t respond like before.
—"I died...? No way… I was just heading to work! What’s going on?"
—"A truck hit you, genius," the woman replied without losing her teasing tone. "But thanks to you, that little girl will live. Years from now, she’ll become a great doctor—saving many lives—all because a stranger gave her a second chance."
The boy lowered his gaze. His chest felt hollow.
—"So... is this heaven?"
—"No, this is what's between what was... and what will be. I’m a goddess. And you… well, you did something noble, so I’ll grant you a gift."
He slowly looked up.
—"A gift?"
—"Yes. You’ll reincarnate into another world. A place brimming with magic, strange races, mystical creatures, beastkin, angels, demons, elves, dwarves, humans, and more. You'll be reborn… with a new life."
—"Reincarnate...? Does that… hurt?"
The goddess burst into laughter.
—"Ha! No idea, never done it myself. But for making me laugh, I’ll give you some bonus gifts."
She stood. The surroundings began to swirl in golden and violet tones. Her scepter stretched outward.
—"One: Ultra-fast learning. You’ll master anything in seconds. Two: Universal Language. You’ll speak and understand all tongues. Three: Double Growth. Your abilities will grow twice as fast. Four: Rainbow Magic. Full access to all elemental magics and their branches."
She leaned in slightly.
—"Before you go… don’t forget the most important thing: Always smile. Be thankful—even to those who hurt you. Protect the weak. Farewell, little hero."
The boy raised his hand, confused.
—"Wait! What else do I need to—"
Everything went dark.
👶 Rebirth
Light returned. This time, warm. He felt soft. Light. Small. The scent of lavender filled the air. He opened his eyes and saw a beautiful woman: black hair like night, dark eyes, and a gentle smile. She cradled him in her arms.
Elegant voices surrounded him. He looked at his arms and thought:
_"Why are my arms... so small?"_
The room was enormous—curtains of deep blue velvet, marble floors, and a balcony that welcomed the daylight. In the distance, birds sang. A golden banner hung by the door.
_"Where am I...?"_
A year passed. He could walk now, though he still couldn’t speak. His mind, however, was sharp—thanks to the goddess’s gifts. He soon discovered he was the second prince of a great nation: the Kingdom Noir.
_"I heard all the kingdoms are named after colors... and this one—Noir—is the most powerful. Even magic is sorted by color..."_
He had an older sister, the first princess. Beautiful and sharp-minded. Protective. She treated him like treasure.
He couldn't explore yet, but one thing was clear:
_"This life is just beginning. And this time... I’ll protect what matters to me. I’ll be happy—even if I have to smile through the pain."_
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