3 years later…
It was a normal sunny day in Bellwood, nothing out of the ordinary happening, just the usual things you see on the news. In a neighborhood, the people there carry out their activities as usual in their houses. Except for one house there was a small light shining in the bushes behind the house back yard. An faint green lights floating gently around a brown-haired child. He wore a simple white shirt with green Suspender pants that had the number 10 printed on the front for toddler. That child... was none other than Benjamin Kirby Tennyson—our reincarnated MC.
———
MC POV:
After I figured out how to stabilize my Anodite energy three years ago , I've been training it non-stop quietly and carefully. Secretly. My parents don't know the half of it, especially my mom—though thankfully, she chilled out a bit after I turned two. Still protective, of course, but no longer helicopter- levels of overprotective anymore. Might've been the aura manipulation I used to comfort her. I'll explain that little trick later.
Now, when I say I've been training… I mean I grinded. From a mana spark the size of a rice grain, I expanded it into a mana pool the size of a kiddie pool. No joke. I created a method where I channel the energy into my body's muscle fibers, then guide it into my bloodstream slowly. Weird feeling, like pouring warm soda through your veins. But once you get past the mental "ew," it becomes natural. I also made my heart the center of my mana core—it pulses with each beat, controlling flow like a rhythm. Tickles like hell at first, but hey, better than that soul-splitting agony from my first awakening.... Heh yup never again try it forcefull way.
"This stuff feels like ki… or qi? Whatever the Murim manhwa called it," I muttered one day while lying face-first in the backyard grass. "But way cooler 'cause it glows and doesn't involve old men smacking me with canes." Honestly? Mana now feels smooth and calming. Like sitting in a forest on a breezy day. My mana used to be thin and barely visible. Now it's a visible, thick green aura surrounding me like a light fog. I'm proud. Like, seriously proud. You know how hard it is to manage internal mana circuits when your biggest challenge last year was learning how to use a spoon? Or how to lifted your heavy head up.
And I discovered more. I could sense energy in everything. The trees,the bugs,The squirrels outside our backyard (suspiciously buff squirrels, by the way like wtf). Curiosity got the better of me,So, of course, I did what any power-hungry baby would do: experiments. I experimented with two core skills: Aura and Absorption.
Let's talk Absorption first. Basically, I can siphon energy around me to refuel or grow stronger can be said it like a buff effect that gives you a boost start in video games by 1.5 sort like that . I don't abuse it—I'm not gonna start draining people or squirrels unless things get life-threatening. But in a pinch? It's a tactical nuke in my back pocket. As for Aura, hooo boy, that one's amazing. In the shows if my memory didn't troll me, Gwen used it to track me down, right?i mean track original Ben down where ever he go missing.
But here… I learned it could do so much more. I use it to calm people—worked wonders on my mom and even Dad after a rough workday. I can sense emotions, presence, even nudge people's moods if I concentrate. Persuasive aura, baby. I even managed to use it to gently manipulate a tired Gwen into napping when she got too hyper. "Nap time now," I'd whisper like a Jedi. Boom. Instant lights out. I swear I'm not using it for evil,...probably I just… wanna survive.
And hey, the side effect? It's helping me learn faster. Like, a lot faster. My brain's developing at twice the normal rate thanks to the mana boost. I can already speak fluently—fluent toddler English, not babble nonsense. "Mom, I request oatmeal, not mush paste," I once said. The stunned silence was delicious to see my parents ekpression, and hey—even read some books—at just three years old of course i read it in secret,and act innocent and clueless when trying to read a book when my mother taught me to read and write, I had to act so as not to arouse suspicion from my parents.
I may be in a baby body, but my mental clock is ticking like I'm still twenty. That'll help big-time when I finally get the Omnitrix and need to master Grey Matter's processing power—or maybe even the Ultimate forms later, like Albedo's twisted version of me. Yeah… future-proofing myself.
————
Aside from mana training, I've been secretly doing physical training too. Nothing crazy, just baby push-ups, resistance crawling, and trying not to fall over like a drunk penguin. My body's growing slightly faster, probably thanks to the energy enhancement. I'm not Hulked out or anything—I'm still toddler-sized—but I've got more stamina than your average three-year-old.
Now, let's talk Gwen. She's been a huge part of my life for the last three years. Every day I praise her when she does good things—"Good job, Gwen! Headpats for you!"—and give her the silent treatment when she acts bratty. "Ben not looking at you," I'd pout dramatically. It works every time. My emotional manipulation plan is flawless. I feel like Lloyd from World's Best Engineer, minus the weird facial expressions and overpowered builder system.
She always calls my name first, y'know. "Ben! Ben!" and for the record, her first word was my name. Not "mama," not "dada." Nope. "Ben." Tell me that's not heart-melting i feel bad for uncle Frank and aunt lili,they daughter say my name as her first word. I almost forgot that she was part of my original plan as both shield and sword. I haven't taught her about her Anodite powers yet. I'm holding that off until she learns proper magic later on series. No need to blow up the living room before we're five.
Honestly?" I really care about her huh?". She feels like my real little sister,I chuckled once after Gwen tackled me with a hug for the fifth time that day.—even if she's technically seven seconds older. And thanks to my mentally adult mind, I'm immune to her antics. Her clinginess? Kinda adorable. Her attitude? More funny than annoying. But man, thank god I'm also three years old. If I were in my adult body praising Gwen and patting her head like this, I swear the FBI would be breaking down the door. Good thing I'm in chibi-mode.
The bond we've built in these three years is real. I don't mind it—kinda cute, really. My Mom, Dad, uncle Frank,aunt lili even Grandpa Max think it's the most wholesome thing ever. Lots of family photos, lots of "Awwww" moments. But while they see an adorable sibling duo (i feel bad for Ken,his sister clingy to me more then him), I'm just trying to plan my long-term survival strategy. Because if the Omnitrix is coming? Then danger's coming too.
So far, everything's going according to plan.
...Crap. I hope i didn't jinxed it, didn't I?
I shook my head and continued my training and experiments behind these bushes.
—————
While Ben was secretly training his mana behind the bushes in the backyard, inside the house, his parents were enjoying a quiet morning.
Carl Tennyson — a fair-skinned man with brown eyes and neatly combed brown hair — sat at the kitchen table reading the newspaper. He wore his usual green polo shirt tucked into khaki pants, a brown leather belt with a gold buckle, and a pair of polished brown shoes. Despite being a businessman, he carried a youthful energy and a soft, gentle aura that made him a dependable father and loving husband.
Sandra, tall and slender with fair skin, blonde hair tied in a loose ponytail, and pale green eyes, moved gracefully around the kitchen in her lavender-themed outfit. She was just finishing preparing Carl's morning coffee after the family had finished breakfast.
Carl glanced away from the paper as Sandra handed him the mug. He smiled.
Carl: "Ah, my morning coffee. Thank you, dear."
He blew gently on the surface and took a slow sip, savoring the warmth.
Carl: "Mmm... your homemade coffee's always perfect."
The compliment made Sandra blush, her lips curling into a warm smile.
Sandra (blushing): "Oh, you—such a devil, always know how to make me blush."
They were a lovely couple, the kind that made even an ordinary morning feel like a small blessing. Even if their son was a bit of a handful—or as they liked to say, "weird in the most lovable way"—they loved him and each other deeply.
Carl: "What? Heheh, can't a man be honest about his wife's amazing coffee? Breakfast was fantastic too! Even Ben asked for seconds, didn't he?"
Sandra (giggling): "Hush now, can't you let me be? You're just full of compliments today~"
Carl chuckled and took another sip of his coffee while Sandra poured herself a cup.
Sandra: "Oh, by the way, we got a wedding invitation from one of your relatives. The event's in two months."
Carl: "Really? Sounds nice. I could use a few days off."
Sandra: "Wonderful. I was hoping Ben could meet some of the extended family too—make a few friends."
Carl: "Yeah, poor kid doesn't have many friends around here. Only Gwen's around his age, and she's... pretty glued to him. It's sweet, but still. A wedding might be a great chance for him to socialize."
Sandra (smiling as she looked out the glass door): "Exactly. I want to prepare Benny so he doesn't have any trouble making friends. He starts preschool in three months anyway—same with Gwen, Lili told me. I'm not too worried... but I do wonder if he'll have a hard time talking to other kids. Gwen'll probably be stuck to him like glue the whole time, heheh."
Carl (laughing): "Hahah, yeah. But at least they get along."
Carl paused mid-sip, glanced at Sandra, and asked curiously:
Carl: "So… where will the wedding be held? California? New York? Ohio?"
Sandra: "Hmm, let me see."
She reached for the envelope and re-read the invitation. Her expression shifted to mild surprise, followed by a smile.
Carl: "Sooo? Where's it at?"
Sandra: "Turns out… it's here. The wedding will be held in Bellwood. Looks like they're moving and settling down here."
Carl: "Huh. I figured it'd be out of town. We could've booked plane tickets, and I could've scored a few days off work, hehe."
Sandra: "Oh, you..."
She shook her head, amused by his low-key childish disappointment.
Carl: "What? Hahaha — can't a guy dream of a vacation with his wife and son?"
Sandra rolled her eyes and chuckled toward carl as he sipped his coffee again with smirk. Sandra took her seat and casually looked through the glass doors that opened to the backyard. There, little Ben could be seen "playing" behind the bushes — though the parents, of course, didn't know he was actually training his mana in secret.
—————
MC'S POV
At back yard he's crouched behind the bushes, his hands glowing faintly with green light. He gritted his teeth in concentration, holding a lump of green energy about the size of a pinecone. Sweat trickled down his forehead.
Ben (muttering): "Alright... it should be like this, right?"
He tried to shape the energy into something more complex, like a small construct — but the unstable mana flickered violently.
Ben: "Come on, come on—just a little more—"
Suddenly, the lump burst with a ridiculous wet "PFFFFFFFPOP" noise that echoed softly across the yard.
Ben (groaning): "Aaagh, dang it!"
————
Carl lowered his cup just as Sandra glanced out the window, squinting toward the bushes.
Sandra: "Hmm... what was that? Did you hear that, Carl?"
Carl looked up, amused.
Carl: "Probably Ben farting. You know how that kid is, hahah."
Sandra shook her head with a chuckle, sipping her coffee as they both continued watching their odd little son with fondness.
———————————————————
MC POV
Ugh… That was exhausting—and annoying as hell. I've been trying to form even the simplest mana structure for over two hours, and it's still not working.
I keep thinking back to the classic series and Alien Force—Gwen could casually make a floating platform, like it was nothing. Yeah, I know, Gwen's mana back then was still weak, but damn, it was stable. Mine? It's like trying to grab smoke with chopsticks. Every time I gather it, it clumps up and collapses in on itself. The instability is driving me insane.
Frustrated, I give up and head back into the house. As I slide the glass door shut behind me, I'm greeted by a familiar voice.
Sandra:"Hi, sweetie! How was your time in the backyard? Looked like you were having fun out there, heheh."
That's my mom—Sandra. She's smiling at me like I'm still a toddler chasing butterflies.
I smile back. Honestly, she used to be a pain when I first started practicing with my Anodite mana in secret. Somehow, she could sense me, even if she never figured out exactly what I was doing. But I've grown to understand her more now. Back then, she was just worried—and rightfully so.
It was kind of my fault.
When I was just six months old, I tried forcing open my mana core. Just a tiny sliver, the size of a rice grain. But I was an idiot. I pulled it out raw, no control… and the pain? Felt like my insides were being torn out. Ten times worse than being born, I swear.
I passed out. Blood from my mouth and nose, everything. Lucky me—I collapsed face-down on the floor, plastic blocks hiding the mess. When I came to, I wiped the blood before my parents saw. I was only a six-month-old baby... and I nearly gave them a heart attack.
Now, years later, I feel guilty about it. They were scared, and I get that.
I look at Mom and smile warmly, using my best "Ben charm" as I reply.
Ben:"Heheh, yeah, Mom. I was just playing with some bugs in the backyard. It was fun! But now I'm starving."
She laughs softly, giving me that motherly look.
Sandra:"Oh dear, you're hungry, sweetie? Wait just a few minutes—Mommy will make some snacks for you, okay? You can go up to your room for now."
Ben:"Alright, Mom!"
I head upstairs, and my stomach growls like it's got a mind of its own. Mana usage drains me fast—it's like burning calories at double speed.
Once I'm in my room, I close the door—click—and double-check to make sure no one can spy on me.
I kneel next to my toy box, reaching behind it to pull out a thick bundle of papers. My survival protocols. Every possible scenario I could think of, written down. Notes. Experiments. Contingency plans. Every scrap of information I could use to stay alive in this world.
I'm resourceful, if nothing else.
I grab a green crayon and start adding a few more ideas to the list. Most of the experiments I've already crossed out—some failed, some succeeded. It's all part of the process. This protocol,This used to be a list just for my own survival. But after three years here… something changed. I started to remember something important. Something I'd nearly lost.
This show—this world—it was always about heroism.
For three years, I was selfish. Just focused on survival. I don't know what's happening to me maybe it's the mana? because of that it's make me aging faster in spirit than in body. Now I don't just think about myself anymore. This isn't a cartoon. This is real. People can get hurt. People can die. I've seen enough to know that when things start going down — when the story really begins — it won't just be lasers and funny one-liners. It'll be chaos,blood,fear.
And when I get to the parts of the story where danger ramps up—people will get hurt. Maybe even because of me,i can't just think about myself when others are going to suffer, I can't let that happen.
The original Ben… yeah, he was a loudmouth, reckless, annoying kid. But he had a hero's heart. He saved people. He made the hard choices. Even in next series he still helping people.
Now I am Ben.
I don't care anymore about who I was before, how I got here, or what my old life meant. This—this life, this present—is what matters. The future I'm heading into is real. People are real their pain is real.
I'll be that hero.
Yeah, I still want to survive — of course I do. But I won't let people die because I was too scared or selfish to act. That's why this survival protocol? It's not just for me anymore. I'll use it to help others.
If I'm going to be the hero of this world (like original Ben do)… I'll do it right.
Just as I finish scribbling the last idea, I hear Mom calling from downstairs.
Sandra:"Ben, sweetie! Your Snack is ready!"
Ben:"Coming, Mom!"
I tuck the papers back into their hiding spot and head down to eat.
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OMAKE
Gwendolyn first word
The story takes place just after a wholesome playdate at the Tennyson house. Frank and his wife Lili had just returned home, all smiles, carrying bags full of baby stuff and hearts full of joy.
They plopped down on the living room couch, baby Gwen in Lili's arms, still holding onto a tiny piece of Ben's baby clothes like it was a sacred relic.
Frank let out a hearty laugh, stretching his back.
Frank: "Hahaha! Man, that was adorable, huh Lili?"
Lili: (beaming) "You're telling me! I think we took, what, two hundred photos? My heart nearly exploded when they hugged in those ridiculous little animal costumes!"
She showed off her phone, which looked like it had gone through a photo shoot for Baby Vogue: shots of Ben and Gwen in a duck and bunny outfit, holding hands like toddler soulmates.
Frank chuckled and leaned over.
Frank: "Right? You saw Gwen's face when it was time to go? She looked like someone stole her dessert. She adores Ben way too much. It's kinda concerning, you know? But hey—they'll grow up like siblings."
Lili (teasing): "She's head over heels for her own cousin, huh? Our little Gwen's already caught the love bug, haha."
Frank: "Speaking of Ben, that little guy's already walking and talking. Smart kid."
Lili: "Mhm, even if he still talks like he's chewing marshmallows. Still cute though!"
They both laughed like sitcom parents. The vibe was pure fluff and baby powder—until…
Lili: (suddenly gasping) "Frank! FRANK! Look!! I think she's trying to talk!"
Frank: (panicked dad mode engaged) "Wait, what?! Her first word?! Don't move! I NEED THE CAMERA!"
Like a man on a mission, Frank scrambled into the bedroom, tearing through drawers like he was defusing a bomb.
Frank: "WHERE'S THE DAMN CAMERA—AH! GOT IT!"
He rushed back, breathless but victorious, holding the camera like it was the holy grail. He clicked it on and aimed at Gwen like a professional wildlife documentarian.
Frank: (excited whisper) "Okay baby girl, go on. Say it. Say Dada."
Lili: "Or Mama, come on sweetie, make mommy proud~"
Gwen blinked.
Then, slowly… she opened her tiny mouth.
Gwen: "De…da…ba…be…"
The couple leaned in, eyes glimmering.
Lili: "Is it… Dada?!"
Frank: "C'mon sweetie, say Daddy!"
Gwen: (proudly) "Be…Bwen… Bwen."
…
Silence.
Frank froze.
Lili's jaw dropped.
Frank's soul visibly left his body.
Frank: "…it..its Ben.."
The camera shook slightly in Frank's trembling hands. Gwen, meanwhile, hugged Ben's green baby blanket (It seems like she took it secretly when they was about to go home) tighter, drooling and giggling like a tiny fangirl who just met her idol.
Lili: (face-palming) "Her first word… was not Mama. Not Dada. It was BEN."
Frank's head fell down dramatically like been betrayed by his own flesh and blood
Frank: (dramatic tone) "I've lost to my nephew… I wasn't prepared for this."
Lili just sighed, burying her face in her hand as Gwen proudly wiggled around with the blanket.
————
Meanwhile, at Ben's House...
Ben's POV (10 months old):
Ben: "Ha… ha… ha… ACHOO! …Ah. S'weem swomewon tawkin' behwand my bwack… heh. Whatevuw…ie nwed contiueen mah muana traening." Our Mc said to himself in a typical 10 month old child's manner as him quitelly training inside his crib.
...