Part 1

  School… A nightmare for every students. A place of stress where some even gave up and just quit, however in this school, the reason why most people find it hard is because of bullies… In some cases students would even end their lives after succumbing to stress and depression. I’m… not one of those people. You thought this story is one of those depressing genres? Or maybe an action themed school life? No! In fact, me and all my classmates get along with each other well, although the existence of cliques can’t be helped, we are still, united in a way… Though I may prefer to seclude myself, still I can’t help but laugh along to my monkey looking classmates.

  Calm weather with trees dancing from the small blows of the winds, students peacefully walking their way to their classes if you ignore the bullying ongoing in the school alley, birds chirping as they land on the wires of electrical posts, truly a peaceful and boring day. My life has been monotonous for as long as I can remember, it couldn’t even be called a story, it’s more like a loop, slowly leading me to my death, It’s inevitable, but if something interesting were to happen, be it bad or good, I wouldn’t mind.

  Suddenly, a loud voice breaks the peace as he calls out to my name from behind. “Oi Seiji! Why are you early today?”

  I turn around after hearing my name and saw a familiar guy same as my age, wearing our school uniform and a white facemask. He carries a brown Nike bag with an acrylic keychain of a videogame character hanging by the zipper. His iconic thick, curly, and messy hair screams that he isn’t from this country. His height which is only a few inches taller than me, still triggers my mild superiority complex. But speaking of monkeys, one of them is here.

  “Is it so strange? You’re awfully early too, Marth.” I replied, my mouth curving into a slight smile.

  This guy is Marth Diamond, a half American fellow and the second best friend that I ever had being alive in this world for 17 years, we met last year and quickly became close friends, we think similarly and understand each other easily, although he’s a downgrade version of me— Shy, physically weak, and with a lot of capabilities but too lazy to develop it. Not to brag but unlike him, I managed my way to reach top 1 last year, although not many people know me, I’m satisfied with my achievements

  “Awful? I guess so... It’s been weird these days, I just had a feeling and energy to get to school early for some reason.”

  “Having a mood to go to school? That’s rare, you’re usually the lazy type, did you eat something you’re not supposed to?”

  “No, why would I do that?” Marth chuckles from my response.

  On our way to class, I can’t help but feel a little odd. What Marth felt is similar to how I felt earlier when I woke up this morning. I usually sleep around 3-4 A.M. hence I have dark circles around my eyes, but for some reason, I don’t feel tired. Personally, this doesn’t sound like a coincidence, but logically speaking it could be, yet little did I know I’d get my answer after entering the classroom. Inside, all 18 others are present, with Marth and I being the last 2 to arrive, our class is finally complete at exactly 30 minutes before class starts.

  “Marth…”

  Marth glance towards me, “What?”

  “Somehow, this day is strange.” I stare round the room, with a tense look on my face.

  Feeling a little confused, Marth decided to shake it off with a bland response, “Well… I guess so.”

  Seeing him so oblivious of these strange coincidences made me feel like a fool for thinking too much, with that in mind, I decided to shake this off and take my seat. Just when I had convinced myself, voices filled with confusion fills the atmosphere.

  “Hey, what is this!?”

  “What’s going on!?”

  “What’s happening!?”

  Everyone one’s on edge while looking at the floor, that’s when I saw strange glowing symbols and lines that forms into a circle enveloping the entire floor of our class room.

  What in the world is going on!? I glance towards Marth his eyes filled with confusion and fear. But although what everyone feels right now are in common, me on the other hand, find this situation differently.

  I pat his shoulder with a huge grin on my face, “Marth, isn’t this interesting!?”

  He looked at me in disbelief, everyone was confused and scared, yet I’m the only one who had a huge grin on my face, I wished for something like this to happen. None of us knows what’s about to happen, that’s why they started to fear the odd, but as for me, it was already clear that none of us will escape whatever happens, whether we’ll die after this or end up gaining something, this and of itself is already strange, it’s existence is supernatural, a very interesting event that is unfolding before my eyes. The glowing circle flashed and everyone was blinded, who knew that would be the last day I’ll ever get to see my family.

  Suddenly, pain started to surge throughout my body, it’s hard to breathe, I can mildly hear screams wreathing in pain, I can’t focus at all, my body is excruciating, it hurts! But I can handle it at best. Finally, I can feel the cold air and hear the screams louder, a woman’s scream, as if she’s giving birth…

  I can feel warmth wrapping my entire body, it feels so… safe. I open my eyes to be met by a young woman, white hair and those ruby colored eyes, she was sweating and breathing heavily as she held me gently in her arms, she looks so tired yet she still forced a smile.

  This woman was wreathing in pain because of bringing my existence, so why… why is she forcing herself to have that gentle smile? Why does her presence feels like… home?

  In this candle lit room, I can hear 2 other people conversing using a language that I’ve never heard of. Seems like they’re asking this woman some question since I can hear her voice replying to them, it’s hard to tell because of their language that sounds so gibberish. But either way, the happiness in this young woman’s eyes, it’s pure, I felt a strong need to protect it.

  “[My son, welcome to this world!]”

  The woman spoke as she turns to look me in the eyes, but unfortunately I couldn’t understand a single thing… I feel tired for some reason, I want to sleep. My eyes slowly closes before drifting away to sleep. I feel like this is just a dream, but I wish it isn’t.

  Part 2

  It’s been a few months since I was born, I have long confirmed that this isn’t a dream either. It feels weird being conscious while in a body of an infant. I keep looking at my chubby hands trying to adjust to this fragile-like sensation, it’s also hard for me to sit up much less stand. This is uncomfortable, but I’ve been adjusting slowly this past few months. Sometimes the maid looks at me with a concern look, I’m already familiar with that expression. Is it because I’ve done something weird? I’m still an infant though, what did I do!?

  The woman with white hair picks me up and carries me in her arms with a bright smile on her face, “[Ah, there you are my little Ophir~! You’re hungry right~!? Hehehe~!]”

  This pretty young woman who speaks gibberish is my mother. She looks very young for a mother, probably around her 20s, but I’m curious who’s the lucky guy, he hasn’t shown himself in this past few months… Seeing as she doesn’t have a wedding ring convinces me that she ditched her, she does have a really cool four pointed star silver necklace, she had been wearing it as far as I’m aware of.

  She then unbuttons a few buttons on her bodice and pulls out her breast.

  Oh, BOOBIE TIME! LET’S GOOO!!!

  I then swiftly accept this woman’s offering and was nursed happily. There’s a guilty feeling inside me since I’m consciously a 17 year old high school guy, but being a virgin, it gave me a little sense of accomplishment having to touch boobs.

  This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

  But isn’t she my supposed to be my mother? To feel lustful towards your own mom, wouldn’t that make me the worst? Well, who cares, it’s not like there will be anyone who’ll judge.

  After a while, being full, I let go of the booby and was patted at the back before burping. “[Ara~, bless you. Ophir is finally full. Let’s go out for some sunlight shall we?]” She fixes her clothes and buttons her bodice before heading out. “[Clarrie, I’m going to head out for a walk a little.]” She calls before closing the door.

  “[I will pray for your safety Ms. Reiya. I will watch over the house in your absence.]” The maid bows as Reiya closes the door.

  Reiya then starts walking on the dirt paved path, the sun gently touching our skin as the fresh breeze of air passes through us like a gentle greeting as we set foot outside. The sun isn’t as hot as the one in my past life, this world still has a healthy planet, free from humanity’s modern industrial architectures and factories, definitely a fantasy world.

  Reiya walks across the field of grass as she approaches a tree in the distance, she went under it’s shade before she turns her head up to look at the sky, curious as to what she’s looking at, I follow her gaze and look at the direction to where she’s looking.

  It’s just clouds under the vast blue skies, she looked so refreshed, I’m more curious as to what she’s thinking. In animes, at times like this she’s definitely having an inner monologue session.

  Suddenly she opens her mouth, “[It’s such a peaceful day isn’t it, Ophir… But, it’s too bad that soon after, this country will be in war with the demons. We’re at the border of the kingdom, the demons could invade this beautiful land anytime.]”

  I still don’t understand what she’s yapping about, but I’ll guess it’s something sentimental… She’s probably talking about my dad or about her family. Heh, it’s as clear as glass to me.

  “[But…]” Reiya raises me up. “[I’ll protect you… no matter what, I’ll always keep you safe!]” She then hugs me close and nuzzles with my nose. “[My love for you will never change.]”

  This warmth… How long have I forgotten this feeling… In my past life, I grew up living like I have to protect myself on my own. Even with all my friends, I couldn’t really opened up to anyone knowing that they’ll leave me once they know my true personality. I couldn’t even turn to my family for they’re also cold… it’s been like that for years to the point where I’d feel uncomfortable when I’m given love. But this woman… My mother in this world… she broke through my cold barriers and managed to give me warmth. Even if I can’t understand what she’s saying, I can feel the love that’s directed to me… It tingles my cheeks and I can’t help but smile in return. In this world, I’ll definitely protect her even if I’d have to risk my life for it. A promise that I’ll uphold even if I become someone so evil.

  Reiya then sits down on the grass and leaned back on the tree, she starts humming a song while nodding to the tune. Her voice is so beautiful, I’d never get tired even after hearing this tune for 100 years.

  “[Oh right, maybe I should tell you a story! But which story should it be… Ah, since you’re born under the Arcane Moon, maybe I should tell you a story about the first hero! Long ago....]”

  Ignoring the gibberish, since I’m in a world of swords and magic, does that mean I can use magic too? Or do I have to cultivate my inner qi like those martial arts mangas… that’d sound too cliché, if possible I’d prefer to be a mage, since physical work sounds too much for me.

  I turn my head up to look at Reiya’s face, noticing me, she paused her story to ask.

  “[What is it Ophir?]”

  As much as possible I’d like to be prepared to do anything to protect her, meaning, I must be great physically too. But being an all rounder is just greedy, no human could ever master everything.

  I turn my head back to the book, staring at the sketch of what seems to be a hero with a shining sword.

  If I was someone that special, then things could be easy, but for a nobody like me… it’s impossible. Wait... There is a chance that I could be the hero, like those reincarnation anime that I’ve seen. I mustn’t ignore the fact that I too am special in this situation!

  Reiya finally finished her story and closed the book, she looks at me and smiles. “[Blessed with white hair… doesn’t that boy sound just like you?]”

  I still don’t know what this woman is yapping all about but, that smile right there, tells me she’s saying something good…

  “[Oh! There’s also another story that I’d like to share! This one is about the Great Sage! Long ago…..]” She continues.

  For now I’m still a toddler, I should just focus on understanding this world’s language and rules first, I’ll find something useful to see if I have any abilities. Like a magic book or something.

  Under the shade of tree in this lovely day, Reiya ends up saying shits where I can’t even understand a single word, from morning to afternoon where she finally stop to head back home. To be honest, I ended up enjoying trying to figure out what she meant in every word. I have never heard of this language in any country in my past life which made things more interesting… Hopefully I can learn magic through this language too.

  Part 3

  Another few months has passed, I’m already 7 months old. I can feel my bones getting more and more sturdier. Whenever I’m alone, I always attempt to crawl, although I kept falling in the past couple months, I’ve always practiced and practiced, but as they say, practice makes perfection! Right now I am finally confident to crawl! All that’s left to do is…

  “[Yeah sure, I’ll feed Ophir right away!]” Reiya enters the room after replying to Clarrie. “[Oh, there you are my wittle Ophir~! Time to drink mama’s milk!]” She then approaches me to pick me up.

  Now! As Reiya approaches, I then roll to my stomach and then raise my body with my arms then tadaa~! I crawl towards Reiya who stopped on her tracks, having a hard time to believe at what she just saw. I crawl towards her leg, before sitting down while holding onto the end of her skirt as I look up to her.

  After blinking twice, she finally processed what’s in her mind, and all of a sudden, she shouts. “KYAAAA~!”

  Clarrie rushed over to the room, “[MS. REIYA! WHAT HAPPENED!]”

  “[CLARRIE! OPHIR JUST CRAWLED!]” Reiya replies excitedly.

  “[W-what…?]” For a moment, Clarrie was confused.

  “[MY LITTLE OPHIR JUST CRAWLED TO ME! HE CRAWLED LIKE A LITTLE CHUBBY KITTEN! JUST LOOK AT HIM STARING UP AT ME WITH THAT ADORABLE FACE!!!]”

  Clarrie sighs in relief with a mix of disappointment. “[Don’t just shout all of a sudden like that! You almost gave me a heart attack!]” She complained.

  “[Ah, sorry… But I can’t help it, it’s just too sudden for me too!]” Reiya picks me up from the floor as she starts to feed me.

  “[Well at least everything is fine all along, just don’t make people worry all the time.]”

  “[Haha… Sorry.] Reiya smiles with a mix of guilt.

  “[You say that but you never change.]” Clarrie crosses her arms, doubting Reiya’s words.

  “[I’ll change this time! Geez, all that nagging…]” Reiya pouts.

  Knowing that she clearly won’t change, Clarrie gives up in nagging her further and after a sigh, she left and closed the door. Reiya swiftly change back into having that happy and amazed expression as she turns her head towards me.

  “[I just look away for a second and you already grew up a little! You sly little brat. Hehe~, now I can have fun with you more~!]”

  I’m not sure why I can learn fast, but it’s probably because I’m still a little kid. Having to live in this new world, listening to my mother and her maid conversing, I learned a little bit of language and can guess a little on what they’re talking about… The same way as how I learn Spanish back on Earth. I also learned that my mother’s name is Reiya and the maid is Clarrie, but more importantly, with the ability to crawl, I can finally travel around the house on my own! Time to check out the rooms that I wasn’t able to enter!

  My life continued with Reiya playing with me by making me chase her around the room. That’s what she thinks, but as for me, I thought of this as training to stabilize my body as I crawl. We ended up playing(training) until the day ends and night arrives.

  With my newfound freedom in the middle of the night, as the moonlight shines through our window, I took this chance to explore the house. Passing through the stairs, I knew immediately that I don’t have the strength to go down yet, it’s better to play safe than endanger myself. In the hallway of the second floor, my eyes catches onto a lamp light seeping through a door ajar. Curious, I approach it and went inside like many people would probably do… Inside, I saw Reiya sleeping with her head on the table, she must’ve been busy writing something. The room is filled with books, shelves that stretches near the ceiling almost like a castle wall in my perspective, and the lamp on the table which is the only source of light besides the moonlight shining through the window in front of her. This room seems like it's her study room.

  Let’s see here… I can’t understand a single thing so I’m just relying on the pictures. One of the books have a few pictures of demons in it and another one has a picture of a hero. They all seemed like folktales and stories so it’s kinda interesting since it might help me get to know about this world better. But I wonder what Reiya’s job is? Is she an Alchemist? Or maybe a Mage?

  I crawl my way towards the books on the floor near Reiya’s table to find out what she’s studying all about but it’s all books with symbols on it, it’s hard to identify. I keep changing books after another until my eyes caught onto a book with what seems like a magic circle design on the cover. As expected, I can’t understand the letters, but there’s one thing that I’m familiar with, which is the roman numerals that indicates “one” after the letters. I flip a few pages to confirm my thoughts about this book and sure enough, there are various magic circles with different complicating designs.

  This must be a book about magic! I hit the jackpot! I need to study this fast if I wanna get ahead… But if Reiya was studying about magic, does this mean she’s a mage? Maybe she could teach me a few spells when the time comes. For now, I’ll just try to understand things based on the picture, I’ll have to learn more about this world’s common language if I wanna read.

  The next day, as the sun shines on Reiya while she sleeps, she was then woken up by Clarrie calling out for her after knocking outside the room. She sits up and stretches her arms as she yawns before taking some time to look at the fresh view outside of her window. Her foot then bumps onto a book on the floor, she was about to pick up the book when she notice a little toddler sleeping on the floor with the “Book of Magic I” as a pillow and many other books scattered around.

  She blinks twice before the information finally process in her mind. “O-OPHIR!?!?” She screams in surprise, unexpectedly finding Ophir sleeping like an angel in her study room. “Geez what are you doing sleeping on the floor… You’ll catch a cold! I hope this doesn’t become a habit…” She picks up the unbothered child before exiting the room.