Magic Lies

How ironic… The only thing I can remember as the walls collapse—the words he said that day.

“Listen Victor, as long as you win in the end it doesn’t matter the methods used, nor the lies told.”

Using them I reached the top, my company is the #1 in weapon sales, and funnily enough, the mansion I spent over a decade building—my empire—is being bombarded with the very objects which granted me success, success?

I thought my death would be pleasant, regardless of how painful or not. I thought I would be able to be satisfied with what I had built, with the family I had raised, and yet, they are all gone, Stuart, ran ignited, Emily, cut in half, and yet… I’m still here, watching how everything crumbles, left with nothing but dust.

I thought I would be devastated if they were to pass away before me, so why? Why don’t I feel anything for them? Why does it feel so empty? Why does the wall trapping Claudia... feel more important than her?

I grab my sword, and charge towards the tanks, trying to feel at least desire for revenge, killing as much infantry as possible, but no matter how many heads fly off, the only thing I feel is… that my life was just a complete waste of time… and that I have no idea where I went wrong.

I did everything I believed to be worth it, I lived every man’s dream, from luxury to beautiful women, I even supported my community financially. I was loved by everyone, and yet… It seems I never loved, no tears will come out, they won’t even act a little confounded for the loss it’s supposed to be.

At least now… I’ll finally be free, from my ambition, from my desire to be something I never was. From this stupid, un-transcendental existence.

So why… Why do I hear a baby crying???

Is this what hell is like? Just Darkness and being forced to hear a baby cry for the rest of eternity? Oh… wait… there’s light on the other side!

Eh?

Who are these people? Why are they carrying me?

Don’t tell me…

Am I the baby???

Indeed, after ten diaper changes, forty-one “Who’s the cutest creature in the world?” and twelve breast-fed meals, I can in fact confirm, I have been reincarnated as a baby in what apparently is a somewhat wealthy household.

I must admit, it’s not a bad place by any means, although it doesn’t come close to my four-story mannor… I could teach this man a lesson on how to build a proper home, first of all—why do all of your portraits look like a comedy shoot… Also, where is your harem? Don’t tell me you don’t have one! That’s beyond unacceptable! My dad shall not be a loser!

Whatever, if I’m the only child I guess I’ll inherit all the wealth. It’s not that big of a deal… Actually, it’s better.

“We’re home! Mom! Dad! look what we caught on the river!”

And there it goes—my free power ticket…

“How many times should I tell you… a proper lady should not engage in such activities… *sigh* Don’t drag Sara into your games Eliot.”

“If anything she’s the one dragging me mother.”

“Oh! Is Rey finally born? Look! Isn’t your sister amazing?”

Hey! Get that thing out of my face! Why would you even think a baby would be amazed by a fish in the first place… it’s not even that big you weirdo!

“Sara! You made him cry! Go wash your clothes immediately!

Yeah, put her in her place! Baby—Mama combo!

“Going” she said, stretching the -ing part, running past mother.

“Not with that thing in hand!”

“Tch, got it, got it, I’ll leave it in the kitchen... You're no fun tho.”

“*Sigh* Listen Rey, don’t learn the bad about your sister, you should learn the positive about everyone you come across with. Ok?”

I cooed in response.

“Oh my! What an intelligent baby you are Rey! I’m sure your future will be bright!”

Well, after observing this world through the arms of this apprehensive mother of mine, and the maids who don’t leave me alone even while asleep—turns out I’m the third son of a duke’s family in a world with not much technology.

Me? A Noble? How funny, I spent my previous life hating on them, stealing their wives, ruining their reputation, whatever necessary to pave the road to the top.

Is life guaranteeing I continue to shape it to my wishes? Is it telling me that what I felt and didn’t feel on my death is not important? That life is the only thing that matters? And I should again do as I please? Now with even more resources to my disposal?

Of course! Death doesn’t matter! Why would it? The only thing I should focus on is to be able to create a paradise here on earth!

Just you wait, new regressed world! I’ll rise to the top again, and this time it will be worth it! I’ll use my knowledge to recreate technology and raise an empire with it, crushing anyone who may interfere, and then, even in my death, I’ll be free!

“Eliot! Can you bring me the book from the library? I’m sure if Rey hears me read it he will learn twice as fast as kids his age!”

“What are you talking about mother? The book is already here.”

“Oh! My bad, sorry”

She started to read some children’s fables about honesty and what not, but if my eyes don’t deceive, what I saw is unmistakably—Magic!

The book was clearly not there before… I saw it appear out of thin air, together with some kind of glitter, how can it be? She didn’t see it? Can someone miss something this obvious? No… this is different…

Was the lie he told turned into reality?

Without her even noticing what happened?

This magic…

Can it…?

Yes…

It can carry me to the top!