PRE-SCHOOL
MC'S POV
You know what's embarrassing? Being mentally in your twenties, but physically back in preschool. Yeah... welcome to my cursed second life.
I never thought I'd end up like this—reincarnated as Ben Tennyson from Ben 10 Classic. Sounds cool at first, right? Wrong. Let me remind you, I literally got sent reincarnated right in the middle of my mom giving birth. Yeah. Labor room. Front row seat center stage,getting Pain plus and early trauma deluxe in this second life of mine.
Anyway, long story short as you guys know—I've already told you how painful it was activating my Anodite DNA. My mana? Size of a damn rice grain. I started training when I was just three months old,and in age of Ten month old i keep training it increase my mana size and three years later I'm using my own heart as a pseudo-mana core. Smart, huh? Of course it is ,even though at first time i open my anodite DNA and Harvest the mana by force (Again, I regret it ) It hurt as hell more than getting squeezed out of my mom's womb.
Three years have passed since then. I'm three now. A toddler on the outside, but my soul is a twenty-something dude. I've been living a second childhood—literally—and now I'm being sent to preschool again. Freaking preschool. Surrounded by kids who still eat glue and think farts are peak comedy.
It's funny and ironic at the same time. I've survived something a horroble thing that almost happened , and that was a literal almost near-death event during Joel and Camille's wedding—yeah, that big fat alien wedding episode from Season 4, Episode 4 of the original Ben 10. Only this time, the timeline went completely sideways. Something that should've happened eight years from now? Already exploded into reality just a few months ago.
Whoever the bastard is that reincarnated me into this Ben 10 world... I hope your fridge is always empty and your charger only works at 2%. Seriously. They didn't even give me a starter pack or a system. No cheat codes. Just a wiped memory of who I was—no name, no family, no girlfriend (if I ever had one), no cause of death....like i say i don't feel sad just...mild annoyed because all I have left are pieces—useless memories of internet culture tiktok,Reddit,memes, isekai tropes, manhwa clichés, anime logic, and, oh yeah, deep knowledge of Ben 10. Thanks, I guess?
I swear this sadistic psycho is probably watching me like:
"Oh look, he unlocked his Anodite DNA at three months! Wow, he's been secretly training since he was ten months old! Let's give him trauma and more character development! He'll love that!"
You sick, twisted piece of—ughhhhh!
Anyway, now I'm in the car. My mom—yeah, that Sandra Tennyson—is taking me to preschool here in Bellwood. She looks really happy. Keeps glancing at me through the rearview mirror, smiling like one of those moms in drama movies, all emotional over their kid's "first step into the world." I mean, sure, it's just preschool, not college or anything, but still.
Preschool, if I remember right, is mostly about learning basic social skills and playing around with colors and blocks. Which is great for me, because while everyone else is learning shapes and finger painting, I can just sit in the corner meditating, focusing my mana flow, and doing my cultivation. (Ugh. Even now, I still cringe saying that. Never thought I'd actually end up doing something that feels straight out of a cheesy Chinese manhua. I'm talkin' the bad ones, not Reverse Insanity—that one's fire.)
And if I'm remembering correctly, after this preschool thing, I'll move on to kindergarten at age five, then elementary, and—if I follow my personal plan—I should be able to speedrun straight to college. Thanks to my anodite DNA constantly pumping mana through my bloodstream and supercharging my brain, I can process things way faster than normal kids. (You remember I mentioned that earlier, right?)
Oh, and I'm not alone here.
Gwen: "Bwen, Bwen... why are ywou so silwent, Bwen?"
She asks with those big, shiny green eyes.
Yep. Gwen Tennyson. You know her. The one and only cousin of the original Ben 10. My cousin now. You remember how she and Ben were like oil and water in the original series? Yeah, that's not the case here. Ever since my second week in this world, I've been slowly—gently—manipulating her to get close to me. Not in a creepy way, okay? I raised her like a little sister. Like a sword and shield in one package. I mean, she's technically seven seconds older than me, but she loves to throw that in my face just to act smug. Still, she behaves more like an obedient puppy when we're together.
Honestly? I'm proud of her. Like, really proud.
Ben: "Nothing, Gwenny. Are two you nervous?"
I ask with a warm smile. Yeah, I might be a manipulator, but I'm not Lee Kiyoung from Regressor Instruction Manual, alright? I'm not that level of scumbag. I'm not trying to scam people for fun. Not yet, anyway. (Just joking... maybe)
Thank God for mana. It keeps my head clean, helps me stay calm. Without it, who knows? Maybe I would turn into him. But no, I want to survive without sacrificing everyone else. I'd rather be someone like Lloyd Frontera.
Anyway, back on track. Yeah—me and Gwen are going to the same preschool. Why? Because she threw a huge tantrum at my Aunt Natali (you know, Lili), saying she wouldn't go unless I went too. Aww. How cute is my little sister?
Gwen (nodding): "I am... bwut Bwen is dere, so it's fine!"
She says, eyes shining like a puppy seeing snacks.
???: "Me too! Bwen's there, so it's gonna be super duper fun!"
(Author:I'm so sick write these baby speak bro :') )
Ah, right. Almost forgot. There's another person riding in this car with us. Sitting beside Gwen is none other than… Lucy Mann! Yep. After that wedding, not only did Joel and Camille move to Bellwood, but Lucy's parents also decided to settle down here. Same neighborhood as me, no less.
And yes—I got her on my side too.
But how, you ask?well, let me tell you exactly what happened during the wedding, right after Joel and Camille exchanged their vows...
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Flashback
The invited guests came in waves—families of the bride and groom, friends, colleagues. I'm still pretty sure all of Joel's "friends" are Plumbers in disguise, and half of Camille's friends? Probably Lenopan shapeshifters posing as humans.
They all flooded into the grand wedding hall, filled with laughter, music, food, and dancing.
And me?
I wasn't there for any of that. I was scanning the crowd, eyes darting every which way, looking for someone—Lucy Mann.
I was sure she was here. Just like in the original episode.
My mom and dad were busy chatting with Joel and Camille. Uncle Frank and Aunt Lili were talking with Grandpa Max and Aunt Vera. Gordon and his wife Betty Jean were smiling and making small talk with their in-laws, Mr. and Mrs. Mann.
That left me at the kids' table—with Gwen (three years old), her older brother Kenny (eight), and me (also three). I was trying to eat the food disheh served at the wedding, but I couldn't stop glancing around the room in every direction. Still no sign of her.
Then Gwen grabbed my attention by trying to feed me herself by shoving a spoonful of food straight into my mouth something sweet and mushy?
Gwen: "Bwen, twy this! This good, right? Right?!" she said in her usual high-pitched, cheerful toddler voice.
Ben (chewing): "Y-yeah, Gwen, it's really good. Thanks. But maybe don't shove it right into my mouth next time," I said, gently patting her ginger hair.
Gwen (blushing): "But Gwen wanna give it to Bwen... by fweding to him herself."
She still talked in that classic third-person toddler-speak like a normal three-year-old should—unlike me. Her cheeks turned just a little pink after I patted her.
Ben: "Aww, how thoughtful of you. Thanks, Gwen. But just give me a heads-up next time before launching food missiles into my face, okay?"
Gwen (beaming): "'Kay!!" she said, nodding like it was the most important promise she ever made, then went back to munching from her enormous plate of food.
I smiled. She's adorable. But I had to refocus,I looked around again, scanning the guests. Still no Lucy,was she really not here? Did the story change that much?
I sighed—and then, as a last resort, activated my aura sense, scanning the entire wedding hall.
And then… I found her.
A small child in human disguise, unmistakably Lenopan. Sitting off to the side. Not alone exactly—someone was nearby—but her aura... something was wrong,her emotions pulsed like faint static: isolation, doubt... anxiety,I needed to investigate,i quickly finished what was left on my plate and slipped off my chair. I turned to Kenny, who was still stuffing his face.
Ben: "Big bro, I'm gonna go play with the kids over there. If Mom or Dad asks, I'm with that girl." I pointed toward Lucy's direction.
Kenny (still chewing): "Alright, Benny. Have fun," he said with a mouthful, smiling absently.
Gwen: "I wawna gwo too! Wif Bwen!" She tried getting down, but Kenny stopped her.
Kenny: "Nope. You're not going anywhere with Ben this time, Gwen. You gotta finish your food—or Mom's gonna flip."
He pointed at the towering pile on her plate. Seriously, she ate like a vacuum cleaner.
Gwen: "Nuuu! I wanna go with Bwen! I WANNA GO WITH BEN!"she cried, flailing into full toddler tantrum mode.
Kenny (serious now): "Nu-uh. Don't care. Eat your food."
While Gwen kept whining and Kenny held the line, I made my move—quietly slipping away, heading toward Lucy Mann.
I'm not gonna lie—I was nervous. Really nervous.
This was Lucy. One of my favorite characters in the franchise. And yeah, okay, don't get me wrong—some people on the Conner of internet definitely really simp for her grown-up version in Omniverse. But for me, it was always her personality. That playful, mischievous energy. The prankster spirit. The girl who used to torment Gwen just for fun,i mean she loved pulling pranks—especially on Gwen.
But the girl I sensed through her aura now?
She felt nothing like that.
She felt... lonely.
I got closer. And finally—I saw her.
Lucy Mann.
She looked the same as in the original, just way, way younger..with long blonde hair, blue eyes. Two small, distinct whisker-like marks on either side of her face. Her skin was fair, and she wore a green dress with a pink rose pinned in her hair.—just like in the original episode but her face?... her expression?
She looked like someone lost in the crowd. Quiet, unsure,out of place. Like someone who wanted to belong—but didn't know how.
And then it hit me,of course. She's only three years old. Still figuring out the world. And if I remember right, Lucy was born on Earth—but she probably visited Lenopan at some point. Maybe the other Lenopans didn't accept her because she seemed act too human and now that she's back here on Earth? She still doesn't fit in, too alien for the humans. Too human for the aliens.
No wonder she clings to her mom. No wonder she's having trouble making friends. A little girl trapped between two worlds,Scared of being left out. Scared of being alone this version of Lucy? She isn't the mischievous prankster I remember yet.
Poor kid..Right now...she's just a lonely little girl one who really needs a friend.
And that's what I was going to do—gain her trust. Not just because of my future survival plans or the help she could give, but because… I wanted to be her friend.
I mean, come on—it's not every day you get to be childhood friends with one of your favorite side characters from the franchise, right?
I took a deep breath and stepped forward until I was close enough for Lucy and her mom to see me.
Sure, I was still three years old… but thanks to the daily physical training I do, I'm a bit taller than your average toddler. I was nervous, yeah—but I kept walking.
Ben: "Hi there!" I greeted cheerfully.
Wow, she's cute—wait, whoa, calm down FBI! I mean like, cute in a "tiny anime kid" way. Everything's realistic here now—not cartoon—but she seriously looked like she came out of a manga panel.
Lucy flinched at my sudden greeting, clearly startled. Her big blue eyes opened wide like this was the first time another child had ever approached her.
Lucy: "H-hi," she whispered shyly, gripping her mom's hand tightly.
Ben (smiling warmly): "I'm Benjamin Kirby Tennyson—but you can just call me Ben! What's your name?"
I think she blushed a little when I smiled.
Lucy: "M-mew… nawme Lucy." she replied, her little-kid speech kicking in as she peeked up at her mom.
Her mom gently encouraged her with a smile. Lucy hesitated, then let go of her mom's hand, climbed down from her chair, and walked toward me.
I reached out and offered my hand. She took it, and we shook—gently. Her cheeks went even redder.
Ben: "Nice to meet you, Lucy!" I grinned.
She blinked at me. Her eyes looked a little glassy, but no tears—she was smiling. Was that her first smile today?
Ben: "Hey, why were you just sitting here? Why not come play with the other kids?"
I pointed to the little crowd of children playing not far off—same kids who were earlier trying to get me and Gwen to join in after Camille obliterated her ex off-screen.
I made sure to speak in a tone matching a three-year-old—at least outwardly. But I let a little of my natural maturity show, just enough to seem friendly and safe.
I looked at Lucy warmly. I already guessed she might have trouble socializing. Her mom, watching from nearby, seemed surprised… then smiled gently as she looked at Lucy.
Lucy: "I… I f-feel awkwerd," she mumbled, stumbling over the words like any shy toddler.
Ben: "Hmm? Why's that?" I asked gently.
Her face dimmed again, and I could feel it—she really needed a friend.
Lucy: "I-I don't have fwiends… th-there's no kid that knows me here…"
She shifted her little hands nervously.
Lucy: "Me afwaid… th-they don't wanna be fwiends with me."
I crouched a bit and looked her in the eyes.
Ben: "Then… I wanna be your friend."
Her eyes widened like saucers.
Lucy: "R-really? Y-you… wanna be my f-fwiend?" she asked, voice shaking, eyes watering.
Ben: "Yup! Why not?" I laughed softly. "I'd love to be your friend, Lucy."
And just like that—she broke.
Tears welled up in her eyes as she started to cry—but not out of sadness. Her mom teared up too, like she was witnessing her child make a friend for the first time ever.
Then Lucy surprised me—by hugging me.
I wasn't ready for that, seriously.
With our height difference, she just wrapped her little arms around my waist, pressing her cheek against my shirt.
Lucy (crying softly): "Really…? Really!?"
She kept saying it over and over like she thought it was a dream.
And yeah—she was adorable.
After a minute, her mom approached and knelt down to talk to me gently.
She'd overheard me say "Tennyson"—which meant she knew I was part of Joel's side of the family. When I confirmed it, her smile lit up.
She asked me where I lived and what neighborhood I was from.
Ben: "I live in Bellwood! On XXXXXX Street."
Lucy looked at her mom as if asking something silently. Her mom leaned down and whispered to her… then turned back to me.
Lucy's Mom: "Well then, from now on, I guess that makes you cousins. We're moving into your neighborhood soon."
I blinked.
Wait, what?!
Ben (internally):" Okay, that caught me off guard… again."
She explained that it was Lucy's first time making a real friend, and she wanted them to spend more time together.
Then she asked me how old I was.
She thought I was four—maybe even five.
When I told her I was three years old
Both Lucy and her mom looked at me in shock.
Ben (smiling sheepishly): "Yeah… I'm three. I just, uh, eat well and exercise a lot."well—I can't say I have anodite DNA in my body — like"oh I'm half anodite so I chose a fairly fast growth rate thanks where did I come from" nope, there's no way I could say that—which is to another alien out loud ,oh no sir.
from my answer earlier made Lucy giggled for the first time ,Her mom looked even more impressed, She looked so happy—her daughter was laughing and smiling.
And just like that…
Lucy Mann had her first friend.
And just like that, I took the first step toward making sure she never had to feel that kind of loneliness again.
I reached for Lucy's hand and led her over to play with the other kids.
You could say it was a lot of fun—for both of us. Well, maybe more for her. Lucy looked happier than I'd ever seen her, laughing and playing with the other kids at the wedding. Remember those children who were always nice to me—Gwen and Kenny? Yeah, it was mostly just those two, but they were just as kind to Lucy.
They had wanted to invite her to play for a while, but Lucy seemed hesitant and shy, so they waited patiently. Kids like that are rare—I'm serious. They're the definition of being raised right by their parents.
And now… now I finally saw Lucy's smile—the one I really wanted to see. That alone made me happy.
And then, just like in the original timeline, came the part where Ben was taught how to dance by Lucy… except this time, it was the other way around.
We were only three years old (Even though I'm a bit taller than a typical three year old), but I was the one who taught her how to dance.
All those hours watching TV and learning dance moves finally paid off.
Thanks to my anodite bloodline pumping mana into my brain, I managed to pull it off.
It hurt when the power first awakened, yeah—but now, I'm just grateful I unlocked it.
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PRESENT
That was fun... because I finally got her—again, calm down FBI, not in that way! I mean as an ally an ALLY, someone who can help me seven years from now, okay? I'm planning to convince Lucy's parents to join us on a summer road trip with me, Grandpa Max, and Gwen later.
Right now, I'm just focused on being there for Lucy. Though, she's... a little too attached to me now. Yeah, I really need to strengthen this relationship even more—but then my thoughts got interrupted by...
Gwen and Lucy quarrelling?
Gwen: "Eeegh, why are you here?" Gwen pouted, clearly annoyed.
Lucy: "Heheh, what? Big bro Ben and I go to the same pre-school—of course I go with him!" Lucy replied with her usual upbeat, mischievous, happy-go-lucky tone.
You could say that, right now, Lucy basically replaced the original Ben's role as Gwen's usual rival. The two had that same sibling-like dynamic: always bickering, throwing sarcastic lines, and competing for attention—a classic "love/hate" vibe. How do I know? Because I've literally watched it unfold.
The first time Gwen met Lucy, I introduced her to both Gwen and Kenny. Gwen already didn't seem to like Lucy much—but Lucy didn't seem to care... because I was there. Ever since then, it's been constant mini arguments. Gwen acts annoyed, while Lucy just keeps smiling and messing with her, all to get my attention. It's... honestly kinda cute.
Gwen: "Why are you always following Bwen! And don't call him that—like he's your big bro—he's my big bro!"
Lucy (sticking out tongue): "Bleeeh! He's not yours to say that! In fact, me and Big Bro Ben have lots in common—we both like comics and games!"
(Not video games, don't worry. Parents in this world are still sane enough not to hand out consoles too early. They usually allow it when we're five.)
Gwen (angry): "Nooo! He's not! Don't take my brother, dweeb!"
And yeah, that's exactly what's happening right now, they kept bickering all the way since my mom picked tjem up in the car...and we're still not even halfway to pre-school.
Sigh... I already wanna go home.
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As my mom—Sandra Tennyson (Gwen and Lucy's aunt)—drove us to our destination, the local preschool, I had to endure the constant bickering of two three-year-olds in the back seat. It was just like the old days with the original Ben and Gwen, only this time I'm not the one arguing with Gwen this time, It's her and Lucy going on at it.
Yeah, sure, they're cute... but not when they're screaming right next to your ears. Sitting between them now, I swear my eardrums were begging for mercy. I could use a little mana trick to make myself deaf for a second or two, but then I'd look suspicious if I didn't respond why? let me remind you—I am three years old in here same like this two even I'm taller then them,but i couldn't do shit without bringing suspicion from both of them and my mother who was in the front seat driving.
Oh God… it's only been 17 minutes. Seventeen. How far is this preschool anyway? Another neighborhood? Another city? Another planet? Does it even exist!? Or this just my personal purgatory?
I glanced at the three-year-old redhead with short hair and green eyes—my cousin Gwen (at my left side). She wore a light blue shirt and white shorts. Sitting next to me (right ) was another three-year-old: long blonde hair, blue eyes, wearing a black sleeveless shirt with a star on it, and a red skirt. On each cheek were two faint, adorable whisker-like marks. That's Lucy—technically my cousin too, and secretly a Lenopan in human form.
Only I, Joel, Gordon, Betty Jean, and Grandpa Max knew the truth about Lucy, Camille and their family. But that wasn't the problem right now. The problem was the endless ARGUING.... about coloring right now.
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Lucy (holding up a green crayon): "No! Trees are supposed to be blue, Gwen!"
Gwen (rolling her eyes): "Trees are green, dummy! Grass is green too!"
Lucy: "Then where the heck do the sky trees go?! Huh? Ever heard of imagination, nerd?!"
Gwen: "This isn't 'Lucyland'! It's a coloring book! It has rules!"
Lucy: "Booooring! Your book is lame! I'm makin' rainbow trees and pink lions!"
Gwen (crossing her arms): "You can't even stay in the lines, scribble monster!"
Lucy: "Better than being a line robot! Beep beep! Color inside the lines or explode!"
Gwen: "I'd rather explode than make purple clouds!"
Lucy: "That's just because you got no STYLE!"
These drawing books and crayons were brought by my mom—the day before today, yeah I don't care... because my ears are suffering here.
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I sighed without anyone notice and leaned my head against soft car seat i been sitting with these too,god… please… someone get me out of this car anyone—a god,a goddess,or the damn author even PLEASE!!
(Author:nu-uh)
At this point, I'd take another random event like that chaos at Joel and Camille's wedding—where Camille's whole family beat the crap out of her evil ex (off screen)—for the sake of character development anything but this..you hear me anything!!
Sandra (mc/Ben's mom) laughed from the front seat, clearly entertained.
Sandra: "You girls remind me of when Frank and Carl used to bicker like that when they were kids."
Gwen: "Did they argue about coloring too?"
She asked my mother, while placing the crayon on her lap.
Miraculously Lucy and Gwen stopped in their tracks, and looked in the rearview mirror of the car inside and saw my mother's gaze at us.
Sandra (smiling): "Oh, everything. Coloring, wrestling, who got more cereal. Just like you two."
Then she glanced at Gwen and then me through the rearview mirror.
Sandra: "Although… I kinda thought it'd be you arguing with Ben, Gwen. That would've given me some serious déjà vu."
I blinked,wait… so Mom, Dad (Carl), and Uncle Frank have been close since they were kids? Like childhood friend or something? That's some sudden backstory....bruh i never knew that,why so sudden she say it?
My curiosity finally disappeared when my mom said we had arrived at preschool. Finally! My suffering from hearing Gwen and Lucy bicker was over.
My mom (Sandra) helped us out of the car one by one—first me, then Gwen, and finally Lucy. (Even though I could get out by myself... I am three years old like the rest of them, but whatever.)
She handed each of us our little bags and looked at us with the biggest smile, like she was seeing the most adorable thing in the world.
Sandra (grinning): "Awww—look at you three! Sooo cute!" she cooed with that strange voice adults use when they see adorable kids.
Sandra: "Ah! I need to take a picture!"
Wait—she brought a camera?
Out of nowhere, my mom pulled out a camera from the front seat and started snapping tons of pictures of us.
Ben (a little embarrassed): "M-Mom, come on…"
This is so embarrassing. I swear, this might be the most humiliating moment of my second life as the reincarnated Ben Tennyson.
Meanwhile, Lucy gently held my left hand and made a peace sign for the camera.
Lucy: "Heheh, cheese!"
She seemed to be enjoying it.
Gwen did too—but instead of just holding my hand, she clung to my entire arm and smiled brightly for the photo. Well, she is used to taking pictures with me. (I told you before, right? When we were toddlers, our parents used to dress us up in cute animal costumes and take wholesome photos. That was also the time I started ahem...manipulating her… heh.)
Gwen (smiling): "Aunt Sandra, Aunt Sandra! Take more pics of me with big bro Ben, please!"
Lucy: "Me too! Me too! I wanna have lots of memories with big bro Ben!"
…These three-year-olds…
It feels like I'm the only one who's embarrassed to be three years old again. (I mean, mentally, I'm over twenty remember?) All I could do was sigh.
She kept taking pictures of us—from every imaginable angle. There were other parents around too, walking their kids—some about three years old like us, others maybe four.
And those parents? Yeah, they were staring. Some smiled, some looked confused, others just shook their heads or laughed awkwardly. Thanks, Mom. Way to make it even more embarrassing... seriouslly! I'm dying here of embarassment right now over here!
Meanwhile, Gwen and Lucy were loving it—posing, smiling, being all cute like typical three-year-olds. And that only made my mom more fired up. She was snapping away like some deranged paparazzi at a toddler fashion show...I hope all this ends.
And then in the end... someone up there heard my cries.... as if some merciful god, goddess, author—or whatever asshole decided to drop me into this life without asking—finally took pity on me…
The camera film ran out.
Sandra: "Heheh… I think I overdid it. The film's already full..." Mom said with a look of mild disappointment.
I exhaled the deepest sigh of relief I've probably ever released in my life. If she had taken even one more photo, I swear I would've lost it completely.
Finally, she started leading us toward the preschool building.
Sandra: "Even though I really wanted to take more pictures of my three-year-old son's first day… along with his two adorable cousins, all entering preschool for the first time..."
She added in a whiny tone, she added with a pout, her green eyes full of dissatisfaction.
Sandra:"Ah—I should have brought more film rolls tomorrow!"She said with a happy expression on her face with her idea.
I glanced at her expression and felt a twitch in my left eye. My pupils shrank into little green pinpricks. I can't believe my own mother is acting like this... half of me wants to cold her— other half wants to scream as loud as I can to her eardrum!. Now I know what I have to endure—besides this Pre-school for a year.
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When we entered, the place was packed with children around our age. There were parents everywhere—mothers, fathers, even a few grandparents—each watching their little ones.
The whole room was lively and noisy. Three-year-olds were screaming, running around, chatting, and playing like their lives depended on it.
Wow… this is my hell for the next year or so, isn't it? My second life as Ben Tennyson before he turns five… Sigh.
I channeled a bit of green mana into my brain to calm my nerves. Phewww… okay, I'm good. I can do this.
Lucy: "Ummm… there are lots of kids here…"
Lucy's voice was soft and a little nervous as her blue eyes darted around the room. She'd probably made a lot of friends in the housing complex near our neighborhood—thanks to my help, of course—but she still got anxious around completely new kids.
She wasn't the same Lucy from the original series yet… and I was patient with her.
Ben: "Lucy…" I reached out and held her hand with my left hand, letting a warm and comforting aura flow through her. It worked, as always—she looked up at me.
Ben: "It's okay, Luce. Don't be scared. Just be yourself and go make as many friends as you want, 'kay?" I said softly.
I didn't realize that one of the parents nearby was staring at me like I'd just recited a TED Talk. Guess they weren't expecting a three-year-old to sound this mature.
Lucy blinked up at me with wide blue eyes and smiled.
Lucy: "Mmp! Yeah, okay, Big Bro Ben!"
She hugged me tightly, then bounced off toward the other kids, ready to make new friends like the optimistic girl I knew she could be.
I smiled warmly, watching her go. Hah, raising her is going to be a long journey.
Then—pinch.
Ben:"Ouch! What was that for, Gwen?" I turned to my right to find my redheaded cousin pouting like she'd been left out of the world's greatest secret.
Gwen: "Big bro, it's not fair! You're only paying attention to that blonde dweeb!" she huffed, cheeks puffed up.
…Oh, God. She's so cute. And I still can't believe the original Gwen was basically a tiny tsundere.
I smiled softly at her and patted her ginger-red hair, gently ruffling it. From the corner of my eye, I could sense Mom (Sandra) smiling, probably melting at how adorable this must look—one three-year-old head-patting another.
Ben: "Gwen, you should make lots of friends here too, you know. By having lots of friends, you'll never be alone, and there will always be someone to play with you."
She looked up at me with those big green eyes.
Gwen: "But… Gwen has Big Bro Ben, so Gwen's not scared of being alone."
Oh. My. God. Those words were so sweet they could kill me. I smiled even wider.
Ben: "Gwen, if you only have me as your friend, it won't be enough. We're social creatures—we need other people in our lives to keep growing. So, you have to make lots of friends, both here and in the future."
…Wait. Did I just say that to a three-year-old? That's way too deep! What am I doing?!
Gwen looked at me confused about what I said. Oh crap...i need to think
Ben: "Ahem—how about this? If you make new friends, I promise I'll play with you as long as you want, just the two of us. Sound good?"
Her eyes lit up like I'd just offered her free candy for life.
Gwen: "Mhm! Okay!"
And with that, she scampered off to join the other kids, just like Lucy.
I smiled as I watched my two cousins making friends with the other kids.
So this is what it feels like to be a proud parent, huh? Even though I'm technically just three years old again... well, mentally, I'm way older.
Sandra chuckled proudly beside me.
Sandra: "My son is such a gentleman—he calmed down those two girls just because they were too shy to make new friends. What a good boy."
That caught me off guard. I had almost forgotten I was supposed to be three. Luckily, my mom didn't suspect a thing. She just smiled and said it like any proud mother would.
Feeling a little awkward, I turned and gave her a big hug around her legs.
The other parents around us went "Awwww~" in unison, like they were watching the most heartwarming scene ever—after that, I adjusted my small backpack and walked toward the group of kids.
Ben: "Love you, Mom," I said with a calm smile as I walked away.
I could still hear the grown-ups chatting behind me.
Parent A: "Is that your son? He's so mature for his age! How old is he?"
Sandra (with a proud smile): "He's three. I know he looks four or five, but he's just three. He always acts mature around his cousins."
Parent A: "Ohh, so those two girls are his cousins? I see."
Parent B: "They're all so adorable. Your son even looks like their big brother."
Sandra: "Hehe, yeah. Even though they're all the same age."
Parent C: "They look like siblings—so sweet."
I could hear everything, thanks to the mana flowing steadily through me. With my heart acting as the mana core, my senses were lightly enchanted—even my hearing was sharper than normal.
And because of that… I could clearly hear everything they were saying.
It made my face heat up. My cheeks were red as tomatoes—other kids noticed and giggled at me,tch...curse this sensitive mana-boosted hearing...
...
...
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2 YEARS LATER
It's a beautiful day in Bellwood, with a slight chill in the air—but it's balanced by the warmth radiating from a lively backyard filled with laughter and happy smiles. At the end of December, one particular house is buzzing with excitement. A festive party is underway, celebrating the birthday of two special children who have just turned five years old.
"HAPPY FIFTH BIRTHDAY, BENJAMIN AND GWENDOLYN!!"
It's the fifth birthday of our main cast: Benjamin Kirby Tennyson (a.k.a. Ben) and Gwendolyn Tennyson (a.k.a. Gwen). These two cousins share the same birthday—December 27th—because they were born on the exact same day, month, and year. And now, they're officially five years old.
( Author noted I searched on Google and some said they were born in 1996, 1994 or 1995, but I chose 1995 so it wouldn't be too complicated for myself,time line very confusing.)
The yard is decorated with balloons green and pink balloons, streamers, and two large cakes sitting side by side on a Portable table—one with a green and white splashes like alien blood design for Ben (his ekpression look nonchlantly seeing this foreshadow,he already knew), and the other with pink and violet stars for Gwen. Family and friends fill the space, chatting and laughing while kids run around with party hats and goodie bags.
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MC's POV
I didn't realize how fast time had passed until it hit me—I'm five years old now. I've been living in this world for five whole years. A world I used to think was just a cartoon… but here I am, breathing its air, growing up in it, and realizing more and more that this is nothing like a cartoon. It's real.
It still feels like everything happened just a few days ago. I was reincarnated into this unknown world, right in the middle of my mother's labor. I still remember the panic and the pain of being squeezed out of the womb—my first real experience in this life. And then the shock hit me: I had been reborn as Ben. Ben Tennyson. In a world I thought was fiction. No memories of who I was before, no idea how I died. Just fragments of knowledge left behind.
There were nights I just lay there, silently panicking, trying to figure out how to survive while trapped in a newborn's body. I still remember the pain when I forced open the rice-grain-sized Anodite mana inside me when I was barely three months old. It felt like I was tearing myself apart.
And then the fear—the real kind—when I realized I had to do something at Joel and Camille's wedding. I was just three years old, but I knew if I didn't write and send that anonymous letter, something bad was going to happen. That was the first time I felt like this life truly depended on me.
Before I knew it, another year had passed. I'd already graduated from preschool. But there were also some pretty weird changes that happened during these two years. For one, Lucy and Gwen still fought like wild cats and dogs. Originally, it was supposed to be Ben and Gwen always at each other's throats—but now that I am Ben in this timeline or whatever, Lucy has totally taken over the role of the original Ben—bickering with Gwen every chance she gets.
Lucy keeps dragging me into her little "missions" (aka: pranking Gwen), and my mom and the rest of the family? Yeah... they never stop acting like a bunch of walking photo albums with legs—super loving, always snapping pictures, and now totally supportive of not just me, but Gwen and Lucy too.
And now, here we are… at the party.
In front of me are two cakes—one for Gwen and one for me. Gwen looks really happy sitting next to me, wearing a sparkly birthday crown Aunt Lily made for her. She even made one for me too.
Some people here give me some stare, not in bad ways,well its because I probably look more like a seven-year-old than a five-year-old, and some guests still seem surprised by how fast I'm growing. But my mom and dad (Sandra and Carl) always look proud of it, like it's no big deal.
On both cakes, the candles are shaped like the number 5.
Grandpa Max: "Ahaha! What are you two waiting for, kiddos? Come on, blow out your candles!"
Gran-Aunt Vera: "Oh, oh! Don't forget to make a wish first!"
Gwen closes her eyes, a soft blush on her cheeks like she's wishing for something really special. I stare at the candles for a second. Honestly, I don't really believe in wishes—whether they come from shooting stars or birthday cakes. But still, I close my eyes anyway and think:
"I hope everything will be fine in my future."
We both open our eyes. Gwen looks at me—kinda weird, like maybe her wish was about me? I smile. We both lean forward, take a deep breath, and blow out the candles together.
The moment the candles went out, Gwen and I were met with cheers and a burst of warm applause, followed by a chorus of "Yaaaaaaay!" and "Happy birthday!" filled with cheerful laughter from our family and those closest to us.
My mom, Sandra—a woman with fair skin, long blonde hair now tied in a bun, and bright green eyes—looked at me with tearful joy.
Sandra (happy and touched): "Awwww, my little boy is already five now. Sniff... sniff... You grow up so quickly... I'm so happy."
She said it with such sincerity. Then she kissed my cheek. I could only laugh a little in amusement.
My dad knelt down like my mom and stroked my head. Carl, the man with brown hair and brown eyes, smiled warmly at me—his only son. He ruffled my hair with a proud grin.
Carl: "You did great, sport. Happy birthday. I swear you're already taller than last week!"
He said it proudly. Well, I am taller than most five-year-olds... though I still have a bit of baby fat.
Just beside me, my cute cousin Gwen was being hugged by her parents—my uncle and aunt. Uncle Frank, who had brown hair like my dad (they're brothers), wore glasses. Aunt Natalie—though everyone calls her Lily or Lili—was a red-haired woman with dark blue eyes. She hugged Gwen gently and lovingly.
Natalie: "Happy birthday, sweetie. Hehehe... My sweet little sunshine is growing up so fast—well, not as fast as her cousin Ben, but look at you! You look just like me."
Aunt Lili smiled happily and planted a few kisses on Gwen's cheeks.
Gwen (giggling): "Hehe—Moooom, not in front of big bro Ben! Hehehe, that tickles!"
She said while squirming between giggles.
Frank: "Happy birthday, Gwen. Be a happy and smart kid, like always, okay?"
He said it in a calmer tone than my dad's, with that soft warmth in his voice. Gwen smiled at her parents and hugged them.
Gwen: "Thank you, Mom and Dad."
Aww... my ginger cousin is as cute as ever.
As Gwen and I stepped away from our parents' arms, Kenneth—her older brother, already a teenager—pulled the two of us into a big, tight hug.
(Author:sooo...his name is Kenneth,i just google that again for 34th Times,my bad hommie,but let's stick with Kenny as his nickname (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*.✧)
Kenneth: "Hahaha! Happy birthday, Benny, Gwen!"
He said it in his usual energetic tone. Maybe I've said this before, but I already think of him as my own big brother. Even if he was just a side character in the original timeline, here in this world—like the real world—he's the family I've truly grown up with.
Kenneth: "My little sister and little brother, already five years old... feels like just yesterday we were all playing together."
His words were so warm, both of us hugged him back tightly.
Gwen: "Thanks, Ken."
Ben: "Thank you, bro."
Kenneth: "Oh man... sniff... you two are gonna make me cry."
He let us go, then walked over to the food table and grabbed a tissue, wiping his eyes while sniffling. Aunt Lily (his mom and Gwen's) followed him, laughing gently at her oldest son's teary behavior—Now she is calming her son.
The entire Tennyson family was present—from Grandpa Max and Great Aunt Vera, to others I barely knew, like Great Uncle Gordon and Betty Jean, Joel's parents (whom I only met once at Joel and Camille's wedding).
Even the Manns (the alien Lenopans—also called sludgepuppies—disguised as humans) showed up. From Lucy's parents to Camille's, all of them came and wished Gwen and me a happy birthday.
Gordon Tennyson, with his signature cowboy hat and long white mustache, gave us both a cheerful greeting.
Gordon: "Huhuhu, aren't you a cute lil' fella? Turnin' five, huh?"
He really sounded like someone straight out of the Wild West.
Betty Jean knelt down and pulled Gwen and me into a warm hug. She was a friendly woman who liked pinching cheeks, though thankfully not as aggressively as Great Aunt Vera.
Betty Jean: "Oh, look at these cute little cubs! They sure grow up fast, huh? Such a shame we only met for the first time at Joel's wedding. If I'd seen you two as newborns, I would've just eaten you up with love!"
See? Her personality is like Vera's—she loves kids, but she doesn't go full cheek-pinching monster.
Both Gordon and Betty Jean gave us gifts. Gwen received a second handmade doll from Betty Jean—"oh my gosh, it's high quality! How does she even make these?" I said in my mind. Gwen loved it, of course. As for me she even thrust the doll and rubbed it against my body for no reason, Gordon gave me a black-and-white striped cowboy hat. It's way too big right now, but he said, "You'll grow into it, kid." this guy give me Chuck Norris vibe for real.
That's when I found out these two were seriously rich. I thought maybe it was plumber agent retirement pay, but nope—they own a massive cattle ranch in Texas along with several other assets. Apparently, that how they even paid for that super luxurious venue where Joel and Camille had their wedding reception,Finally my curiosity finally gone.
Speaking of Joel and Camille, they were here too, looking happy as always. They gave Gwen and me birthday wishes, and—get this—Camille's pregnant now. Don't ask me how that works between a human and a Lenopan. I don't know, and I don't want to know.... seriouslly i don't.
They gave Gwen and me a really nice coloring set. Not sure I'll use it much (hello, mentally over twenty here ,remember?), but Gwen loved it. My cousin actually has some real talent when it comes to drawing (she sure hella smart just like original Gwen in series). We both smiled and said thank you to them both.
Then came the Manns' turn. I'll be real with you—I watched Ben 10 religiously in my previous life, from Classic to Omniverse (and a bit of the reboot too). But never—never—did the show tell us the names of these background characters. Not even the wiki helped. But now? Boom—I finally know their names. It's kinda surreal.
Camille's parents are Mr. Liam Mann and Mrs. Olivia Mann. Lucy's mom? Blythe Mann. Yeah, I was just as shocked. After over twenty years (in my past life—not as Ben), I finally know what to call them.
(Author:just give them named, because calling them Mr and mrs manns couple Times make me confused)
And unlike the bad-tempered, full of hate and,cold face versions we saw in the Ben 10 wedding episode—y'know, the ones trying to sabotage their daughter's happy day—Camille's parents here were super nice. Sure, they still struggle a little with pretending to be human (they are aliens, after all), so sometimes weird stuff slips out of their mouths when no one's looking. But hey—at least they're trying.
They greeted us warmly and gave us gifts. (Although, yeah, a little weird because the the wrapping paper has a skull sticker )
Gwen got a book about space and history—classic Gwen. She loved it, of course. She's still just like her canon self—loves to study, super smart, total nerd in the best way...minus her bossy attitude and tsundere not quite there yet.
And me? I got a set of Sumo Slammers figurines. Yup—that franchise from the original series. The same one the original Ben was obsessed with (second only to chili fries).
Yes, I've watched the show here too. But honestly? I still don't get the hype. Like… why did the original Ben like this? Sumo Slammers just seems weird and not that fun to me. But hey, maybe my taste is just different.
Right now, I was holding a box of Sumo Slammers action figures in my hands. I stared at it a bit longer. Yeeeeeeah, I really—really—don't like this thing. I kept questioning the original Ben's taste in fiction. Seriously, why were things like this so popular with kids in the early 2000s in this world? Eugh.
Mrs. Olivia Mann leaned down toward me, her eyes meeting mine.
Mrs. Olivia (with a warm smile):"Soo? You two like it?"
Her and her husband's disguises were so perfect that no one could even sense their true forms—Lenopan mud-like creatures. But me? I knew. Oh, I knew.
I gave her a big, polite smile. It was fake, of course—I didn't want to hurt their feelings.
Ben (with forced cheer):"Y-yeah! Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Mann! This present is re-really awesome, yeah!"
I layered my smile with a bit of aura to make it look more genuine to them. Meanwhile, Gwen had already opened both of her books and was completely absorbed. Of course she was—it was Gwen. The titles were "Untouched Zones in the Universe" and "Unrecorded Histories Across the Americas." (Weird birthday presents for a five-year-old, I know... but not for Gwen.)
Gwen (beaming):"Wooooaah! Ben, Ben! Looki, looki—books!"
I smiled at her.
Ben:"Wooow, those look like really good books, Gwen."
I glanced down again at the plastic sumo guy in my hand.(Definitely better than this sweaty, fat dude. Seriously, what was original Ben thinking?) I thought to myself.
Gwen (hugging the books to her chest):"Hmmph! Yeah, this is awesome!"
She turned to the Manns and grinned.
Gwen:"Thank you!!"
Mr. Liam Mann (grinning warmly):"Hahaha! I'm glad you both like it—especially you, little Gwendolyn. We worked very hard to find some... fitting presents for you two... for your birth... birtddes—incubat—?"
Gwen (blinking innocently):"What's incubat?"
Mrs. Olivia flinched slightly.
She quickly nudged her husband. Unlike Liam, she had actually studied human culture, language, and all the relevant vocabulary.
Mrs. Olivia (smiling tightly, whispering):"It's birthday, honey. Biiirth-daaay. You've been practicing this—remember?"
Mr. Liam (stammering):"A-aah, right! Nothing, little Gwendolyn. I just meant... happy b-birthday! Yes! It's a wonderful day to commemorate when human chil—I mean, the day you two were born."
Mrs. Olivia silently facepalmed. No one else noticed the slip-up... except me, of course. The awkward moment passed—until Gwen asked again.
Gwen (tilting her head):"hey you still didn't answer my question yet, what's incubat? Is that, like, Latin or something?"
This time, she asked Mrs. Olivia. And it caught her off guard—again.(That five year old for you)
Mrs. Olivia (quickly, gently deflecting):"Oh! Just an old word Mr. Mann picked up from one of those sci-fi books he reads. And his coworkers... well, they joke around a lot. Those young guys are way too into sci-fi—it's rubbed off on him a little too much, clearly. You two can see how silly he is, right?"
She shot another side-glare at her husband. He nodded nervously.
Ben (grinning knowingly):"Uh-huh. Yeah, I can see that. Mr. Mann is always kinda weird—but the funny kind of weird. Right, Gwen?"
Gwen (smiling brightly):"Yeah!"
Mr. Liam Mann (nodding seriously):"Hehe, yeah! Sorry I act weird—still trying to get the hang of these... human word—i mean these youngster word their say these day. My young coworkers say the strangest things! Haha! Yes!"
He was sweating. Still smiling, but sweating.
Mrs. Olivia (with a too-tight smile):"W-why don't you two enjoy your presents while I go help with the cupcakes?"
She looked toward my mom, Sandra, and Gwen's mom, Aunt Lily—who were calling her over from inside the house to help carry the food out to the yard, placing it on a portable table next to the rest of the party snacks.
Gwen (gasping excitedly):"Cupcakes?! I want the strawberry one!"
Distraction level: successful.
Ben (muttering under his breath):"As long as it doesn't come with more sumo guys..." Mr Liam mann hear my muttering.
Mr. Liam Mann (awkward but proud):"heheh why that little Benjamin,its Sumo Slammers are a valuable cultural arti—i mean trending among younglings these days? Its very... smashy."Dai said in a very proud tone, I also can't turn it on, this sumo slammer is very popular in a strange way.
Mrs. Olivia (gently dragging him away):"Okay, okay. Let's leave the kids to it before you say anything else these two birthday kiddos don't understand."
Mr. Liam (nodding quickly):"Ye-yes, honey."
They walked off, whisper-arguing in low voices as I watched them with a smirk.
Ben (thinking to himself):"Man, I forgot how much of a mess undercover Lenopans are... but at least they're trying."
When I tossed the box containing the Sumo Slammers action figures (which I still think are lame) onto the table where Gwen's and my birthday presents were stacked, I did it like I was handling radioactive waste. And then… a big arm wrapped around me in a warm embrace.
Gwen, who had been focused on her book, looked up and saw me being lifted by a tall woman. Don't worry—it's not a stranger. I know this woman. Her face was fair, dotted with freckles like whiskers on her cheeks, her bright blue eyes sparkling, and her styled blonde hair giving her a refined look. At first glance, she looked like a MILF version of Lucy. Well, she is Lucy's mother—Mrs. Blythe Mann.
She hugged me gently—did I mention this woman is massive? I still remember seeing her for the first time at Joel and Camille's wedding. She was towering, gorgeous, and looked like someone who could crush a bear with a hug.
Mrs. Blythe: "Huhu, happy fifth birthday, little Benny." she cooed while hugging me and patting my head softly.
Why does she show so much affection toward me? Maybe it's because I became her daughter's first friend during that wedding. Lucy had been shy, hiding her true self. I was the one who helped her open up, and since then, Mrs. Blythe's always been warm and grateful toward me.
Ben: "Heheh, thank you, Mrs. Blythe!" I chuckled warmly. I may look like a five-year-old, but mentally I'm over twenty. So yeah… I had to fight real hard not to blush while being held like that.
She finally put me down and turned to hug and congratulate Gwen. Gwen actually liked her a lot. Funny thing, considering Lucy—her daughter—always bickered and pranked Gwen every chance she got.
Mrs. Blythe handed us our gifts. For me, a sleek new gaming console. For Gwen, a high-end walkie-music player. These were brand-new models... Geez, the Lenopans are seriously loaded.
And then, just as I was admiring the packaging, Lucy tackled me.
Long blonde hair, light blue eyes, and those same whisker-like freckles on her cheeks—Lucy, the alien girl disguised as a human. She had grown up with Gwen and me these past few years and had now become a key piece in my survival strategy for the next five years.
She used to be afraid of making friends because she was "different." Now? She's the social butterfly of Bellwood, thanks to my help.
She also took the place of the original Ben when it came to fighting and arguing with Gwen nonstop.
Lucy: "Ben! Ben! Happy birthday, big bro Ben!!"
And... tackle. Again.
I just realized—Lucy tackles me a lot, kind of like how Gwen used to when we were younger. Ouch.
I quickly used mana to numb and heal my back. Sure, I landed on soft grass in the backyard, but it still hurt.
She gave me her version of a bone-crushing hug (though honestly, it felt more like being tackled by a puppy), completely ignoring the concept of personal space. I chuckled and patted her head. From the corner of my eye, I could already see Gwen glaring. Meanwhile, Lucy's mom just chuckled.
Ben: "Awww, thank you, Lucy! But you know it's not just my birthday today, right?"
I looked at the five-year-old blonde girl. She smirked.
Lucy: "Oh right! I forgooooot~ heheh. Happy birthday to you too, doofus!" she said, turning to Gwen with her usual teasing grin,than instant trigger Gwen.
Gwen:"HEY!"
Oh boy. Here we go again.
This birthday party... is gonna be a long one.
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Time flew by quickly, and before I knew it, the birthday party that Gwen and I held in the backyard had come to an end. The guests had long gone, the decorations had been cleaned up thanks to help from our family and friends, and Gwen had already gone back to her place with her parents. Now, I was lying flat on my back in my room, completely exhausted.
My room looked like it had been hit by a toy store explosion. Gifts were scattered everywhere—boxes wrapped in colorful paper, action figures, puzzle games, new clothes, even a few card games. There were so many things that I wasn't even sure where to begin sorting them. But I have a feeling, I'm not the only one in this situation i bet gwen ,at her house seem her room had the same fate—overflowing with presents. I chuckled at the thought. The Tennysons were such a warm, supportive family... the original Ben was really lucky to be born here.
But then again, now I was Ben—this timeline's Ben. Ever since the day I was born from Sandra's womb same day as Gwen, I had replaced the original. And with each passing day, I felt the weight and responsibility and fear of this second life I was given.
I scanned my room again, smiling faintly at the mountain of gifts. One in particular caught my attention—a shirt with a hoodie that Gran Aunt Vera gave me. At first glance, I thought it was a jacket, but nope, it was more like a stylish long-sleeved shirt. The sleeves were white, the hood was black, the body of the shirt a bright green, with two black stripes running down each shoulder to the sleeves. There was even a bold number 10 printed on the left side of my chest. Way too big for a five-year-old like me, but I had a feeling I'd be wearing this when I turned ten. A strange thought, but somehow, it felt… right.
Then, there was something else—something far more shocking than a hoodie.
A computer.
A whole PC setup just… sitting in my room.
And not just any PC—it was futuristic. It looked like something pulled straight out of a sci-fi movie, and it definitely didn't belong in the early 2000s. The sleek black casing had strange glowing lines, the monitor was thin with nice green touch of the side screen and the keyboard It looks like a normal keyboard, but the surface is smoother and more comfortable to press, without any noise either. And the tower? No fan sounds at all—it was completely silent and glowing faintly from the inside like it ran on something not from Earth. I found a small sticky note on it.
"From Grandpa Max. Use it wisely."
My eyes widened. No way. Did he actually give me PC with alien tech on it??
And not just to me. It seems like Gwen also received the same gift, she may be smart but she is only five years old just like me I bet Uncle Frank, was already giving her a crash course on how to use it at their house.
But... still. Giving computers to five-year-olds? That's wild. I mean, a game console as a birthday gift would've made sense—even expected. But an advanced PC? Grandpa Max either he has these spare parts and gave them to us because he doesn't want to throw them away, or the grandfather really loves his grandchildren.
Well, either way, I was grateful.
Because this gift could mean survival.
I quietly pulled out my small survival protocol notebook—a homemade journal I used to hide behind my toy box, but now kept inside my pillowcase. Back when I first arrived in this timeline, it was just a bunch of scribbled plans and ideas to keep myself safe, hidden, and learning. I opened the notebook, flipped to the next empty page, and picked up my pen.
In my little book, there are all the things I wrote, which I might be able to use to survive in this world for the next year when the original series event in the original episode begins....I smiled and closed my book again and hid it again.
Ben:"pheww now I'm five,i could really started the next plan." I said while playing with with small ball of green energy on my Tiny hands.
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For the next few days—and eventually, months—I carried out one of my protocol plans: training my physical body.
Every day, I forced myself through a series of exercises to build up my muscles, stamina, and bone strength. Of course, I did it within the physical limits of a five-year-old. I had already mastered my Anodite abilities, and I'd been studying the ins and outs of mana manipulation since I was three months old—back when my awakening first began—and continued up to the age of three. In that time, I had unlocked many of the powers Gwen eventually learned in the original timeline, and even discovered some new ones through experimentation.
Naturally, I was still learning spells and magical theory. I'd been trying to dig through the internet using the new PC Grandpa Max gave me last month for my birthday—though I'm pretty sure that thing has alien tech inside it. Unfortunately, most of the "magic sites" online are just early 2000s scams or fantasy roleplay forums. So, I decided to postpone deep magic study for now and instead focus on building a solid foundation. One day, I plan to teach Gwen real magic and help her awaken her Anodite powers too.
But right now, my main focus is physical strength.
Despite being five years old, my body has the height and build of a seven or even eight-year-old. That's thanks to the growth boost from my Anodite mana. This physical training is essential—especially if I'm going to get the Omnitrix.
If I remember correctly, the transformations granted by the Omnitrix are based not only on prime DNA samples but also on the user's current physical state. The original Ben was only ten, so while his alien forms were strong, they never reached their full potential. Sure, the Omnitrix gives you access to the best version of a species, but it still mirrors your own physical condition.
People tend to forget: even if you transform into a prime specimen of an alien race, your own undeveloped human body still acts like a limiter. Ben's forms always looked slightly off—like smaller versions of what they should be. More powerful than a human kid, yes—but nowhere near what a mature user could do with the same DNA.
That's why I've been pushing myself.
Because if my theory's right, the stronger my body is when I finally get the Omnitrix, the more of the alien's true power I'll be able to tap into. I don't want to be just a kid playing hero—I want to reach the full potential of those forms.
That's why I'm pushing my five-year-old body to its absolute limits.
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It started small. A few stretches in the morning, some light jogging around the backyard. Nothing too crazy. Mom and Dad thought it was adorable, really—"our little Ben is playing soldier," Dad chuckled once, coffee in hand, as he watched me do squats at sunrise. But then, the pattern didn't break. Every single morning at 5 AM sharp, I was out there. Jogging, push-ups, basic forms, even trying some self-defense routines I remembered from the show or mimicked from online clips i watch from internet with the PC granpa max give me.
At first, they thought it was just a phase i do some exercise early before go to kindergarden and breakfast,at 5AM time when day still dark and dangerous for five year old, but then the concern started creeping in.
Sandra:"Should we... be worried?" Mom asked one day, peeking out the kitchen window as I trained in the dew-soaked grass.
Carl:"He's not hurting himself," Dad replied, scratching his head. "But yeah… it's not normal for a five-year-old to have this kind of focus."
Even Lucy noticed. My little cousin "alien mud puppy," the loyal mud-girl Lenopan that been raised (manipulated) that disguised as a cute, freckled blonde human girl, always came to play before breakfast because she and me go to same kindergarden same as gwen. But lately, I didn't have time for tag or hide and seek. Still, instead of whining or getting upset, she just stared at me with wide, curious eyes—and the next day she showed up at my house at afternoon after we just back home from kindergarden,she go to her house and rush back to my house again.Not in her alien form, of course. In her human disguise, messy blonde hair, freckles like whiskers, eyes sparkling with mischief.
Lucy:"Big bro Ben! I wanna training too!" she said with her usual boundless smile, arms flailing excitedly as she bounced on her toes.
I paused mid-pushup, sweat already soaking into my shirt.
Ben:"Heh. Why do you wanna train, Lucy?" I asked, half-expecting her to say something silly.
She tilted her head and beamed.
Lucy: "Hmm… because I looked at big bro always training. You look like super, super hero!"
Her words hit something soft in me. I couldn't help but laugh—genuine and from the gut. This weird little mud-alien was trying to follow me because she that admired me,Lucy known like super Hero comics,but i never imagen she though me as one seem my manipulated working smoothly to her. I ruffled her hair.
Ben:"Haha! Alright, but try to keep up, okay? I will give you couple set,if it to hard stop ok?"
Her eyes light up,before i tell her to do warm up i ask her.
Ben:"wait live,do you already have Primision to you mom?"i ask at her
I didn't get answer straight from her word,but she point at her house —and i see Mrs Blythe waving at us through the window. Seem she give Lucy Primision to train with me.
From that day on, she trained with me. Her movements were sloppy at first, but she learned fast. Strong, too. Even in human form, she was tougher than most kids. And loyal, like a golden retriever who just wouldn't quit....that always like getting Patted by me.
Then came Gwen.
At first, she just watched us from the inside my house because we just come back from kindergarden ,and she waiting her parents to pick her up from my house,Her green eyes narrowed, pout forming on her face more and more because Lucy gasligh her by telling her she been go do training with me each day and Lucy showed up early morning when the training start,i could feel the heat of anger from her aura She didn't say much, but I could feel it—the heat of her jealousy cooking up like steam and those killed intens from five years old angry ginger was horror for me because i could see it through her aura. One afternoon, she finally cracked.
She stand up from her seat and walk to me and Lucy that still do exercise,she tug my wet shirt and called me.
Gwen:"big bro..."
Ben:"oh,yeah Gwen what's it?"i ask with confused still i smile at my ginger cousin.
Gwen:"I wanna train too," she blurted, arms crossed, her tone sharp but clearly hiding vulnerability.
Those words caught me off guard.
Ben (blinked):. "You sure? It's not gonna be easy."
Gwen(huffle): "yeah I'm sure!,I'm not weak! I wanna join big bro so I can handle it!"
Of course, I didn't give her the full routine. Gwen wasn't built like me or Lucy—not yet, at least. She was a normal human girl with no idea of the power sleeping inside her DNA. So I gave her basics: stretches, balance drills, light jogging. Just enough for her to learn discipline, not enough to break her.
She was stubborn, though. More than Lucy, even. When she fell, she got back up. When she couldn't do something, she'd glare at the ground like it personally offended her.
And now... it's become a routine.
Every morning, just me and Lucy. Then, in the afternoon, after kindergarten, the three of us continue—me, Lucy, and Gwen. We've been doing this for the past three days straight every week, pushing through our little workouts together. Honestly? Training them—Gwen and Lucy—physically wasn't on my original protocol list at all. It wasn't supposed to be like this.
Originally, I only planned to use them as allies. Just that. My sword and shield. Tools I could rely on to survive. Nothing more. That was the deal I made with myself when I first landed here—use what you have, trust no one. Cold, efficient, and logical.
But things didn't go as planned.
At firts Gwen parents Heard Gwen request to train with me because what in sane mind let five year old started physical training? But Aunt Lily and Uncle Frank eventually agreed to let Gwen join us after she practically melted them with her puppy eyes. And from there, everything started to shift. Slowly. Quietly. It wasn't something I noticed at first. But now? Now I look at them, and I don't see weapons. I don't see tools. I see... them.
I see my family.
I remember when we were still three years old, barely out of toddlerhood. They'd argue over who got to sit next to me, who got my attention, who I smiled at first. It was exhausting—and stupidly adorable. I used to laugh quietly, watching them bicker like little kittens, both so full of energy and innocence. And I smiled. Genuinely smiled. Not the fake ones I used to practice in mirrors when I was older.
That should've been my first sign. Back then, I didn't even want to get attached. I cursed myself for caring. I cursed myself for slipping, for letting them in. I mean, mentally I was over twenty when I was reborn here. I had already lived a whole life filled with lies, manipulation, and all the necessary evils to stay alive. Honestly, I wasn't a good person. More like Lee Kiyoung—calculating, self-centered, cold when necessary. That was me.
But something changed... maybe it was the mana in my blood, the Anodite DNA. I don't know the science behind it, but I swear it messed with my emotions—made them stronger, or maybe just more real. I started to feel things,Empathy, Warmth, Regret, All these messy things that don't belong in a survivor's mind. And since I turned three up to now—five years old—I started to think more rationally... more human.
Looking back, I can't help but laugh at myself. They were just little kids. Gwen and Lucy looked up to me like I was some kind of big brother, even though we were all the same age,Gwen older by seven second and Lucy older by four month. Just three little humans fumbling our way through childhood. But to them, I was the oldest—the leader. And maybe, in some twisted way, I was.
Now we're five. Five years old. And here they are, still at my side. Still following me. Still trusting me.
They didn't have to. But they did.
So now, even though I never meant to train them, I've decided—this is fine. This is right. It's better for them to grow stronger now than suffer later. This world, this life—it's not kind. It's not soft. And maybe... maybe I can prepare them, even just a little, for what's coming.
And maybe, just maybe, I can protect them for real—not as tools, but as people I care about....they my family here.
Even after dinner, when the house had finally quieted down and the lights in the hallway dimmed, I didn't go straight to bed like other kids my age usually would. Lucy and Gwen had already dozed off at their house, probably snuggling into their blankets without a care in the world. But me? I was wide awake. I knew I couldn't waste any time. While most five-year-olds were chasing dreams of candy or cartoons, I sat in front of my desk, eyes glued to my screen, searching the internet for everything I could learn about martial arts and self-defense. Sure, I'd mentioned before that I picked up a few techniques from random YouTube clips, but let's be real—that wouldn't cut it. Not when the enemy I might face in the future is Vilgax, a galactic warlord who looks like a space-faring calamari with enough power to flatten cities. I needed more than just basic punches or flashy kicks. I needed real technique, real understanding, real strategy.
Thanks to the memories I carried from my previous life—the knowledge of comics, anime, manhwa, and fights more real than fiction—I remembered stories like Lookism, Viral Hit, The Boxer, and others. Those weren't just for entertainment anymore. They were manuals. They taught me about different styles—boxing, wrestling, taekwondo, muay thai, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, krav maga, aikido, even street fighting—and I began piecing together what could work for a body that wasn't entirely human. One of my strict personal protocols was clear: I must master as many types of self-defense as possible. Not just for my human form, but for my future alien transformations. Because let's be honest—what good is a super-strong alien if they don't know how to throw a proper punch or counter a attack?
My desk was more than just a piece of furniture—it was my command center. The custom-built PC in front of me wasn't ordinary either. Grandpa Max had gifted it to me on my fifth birthday, and while to the untrained eye it looked like a modern, high-spec desktop, hidden inside it was alien tech far beyond anything in 2000s Earth. It processed faster than anything NASA could dream of, ran multiple programs simultaneously, and even had a cloaked firewall that could block intergalactic signals. Around the desk were piles of books, notebooks, and folders. These weren't just bedtime stories or schoolbooks. They were records of my research—my protocols. I had compiled data on each of the known alien forms I remembered from the original Ben 10 series, their home planets, physical characteristics, possible weaknesses, and abilities, and I paired them with real-world martial arts that could enhance their combat efficiency. For example, I matched Four Arms with traditional sumo and power-based grappling, XLR8 with capoeira and taekwondo for agility and speed, and Wildmutt with beast-like takedowns and instinctual wrestling forms. All of the books were handwritten notes,and some were schematics I'd drawn based on memory—alien biology mixed with earthly martial theories. My room didn't look like a kid's bedroom anymore,of course i hidden them complently safe ,i ain't no way let my mom find these books
Continue...
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OMAKE!
Lucy number 1 hater!
The sun was bright, the Saturday morning birds were singing, and Lucy skipped cheerfully out of her house with a spring in her step. Her hair bounced as she walked, clutching a little pouch of snacks for her and Ben and of course Gwen—today was another training day! A tiny blush warmed her cheeks at the thought of spending time with Ben again.
"Hehe~ I wonder if today I can get him to smile more... Ben's always sooo serious! But that's what makes him cool!" she mumbled to herself, grinning wide.
As she rounded the short path to Ben's house (just three doors down), she suddenly spotted someone new—or at least someone she thought was new—out by the house to Ben's left.
An older man with a stern face, shiny glasses, a stripey yellow-pink shirt tucked neatly into brown pants, and... an apron? He was scrubbing his car like it was made of diamonds.
Lucy's curiosity flared. Her inner puppy-mode kicked in. "He looks like a grump... but maybe he's nice?" she thought.
With no hesitation, she bounded up the driveway.
---
Lucy: "Heeeyyyaa, Mr! I'm Lucy! Are you new here?!"
She waved excitedly, flashing her missing front tooth. The five-year-old beamed with all the friendliness in her tiny heart.
Mr. Baumann (without looking): "…Ah. Hello there. I'm Ignacius Baumann. And no, I'm not new here."
His tone was flat, dry, like toast without butter. He kept scrubbing the hood of his shiny old car, not giving her much attention.
Lucy: "Oohhh… that's a fancy name! Bawm-men? Boman? Baumaaaaan? Sounds like a sandwich!"
giggles at her own joke
Mr. Baumann squinted at her from behind his glasses, but said nothing. Just kept rubbing that same exact spot on the hood.
Lucy (tilting her head): "That your car? It's reaaally shiny! Can I touch it?!"
Mr. Baumann: "No."
But it was too late. Lucy was already leaning in, eyes sparkling. She tapped the hood—then, as she leaned closer for a better look at a ladybug on the car and want to catch it the bug that land to headlights—
CRACK!
The plastic lens of the right headlight split with a sharp sound..broke by Lucy Un-control strength.
Lucy's face froze.
So did Baumann's hand.
Lucy: "U-Uh-oh…"
Mr. Baumann slowly turned his head with a deadpan expression that could curdle milk after seeing the damage to his car left headlight's.
Mr. Baumann:"You...Broke....My....Headlight.....!!!!"
Lucy (backing away, stammering): "I-I didn't mean to! I just— I saw a bug! And—AAAH!"
Without waiting for another word, Lucy turned and bolted off the driveway, arms flailing, eyes wide.
Lucy: "BEEEEEEN!! BENNNN!! HELP! I BROKE THE HEADLIGHT! THE SCARY MAN'S GONNA EAT ME!!"
She ran full-speed toward Ben's front porch, tripping a little on the last step, without bumping the door.
From that day Mr. Baumann will shows an irrational hatred of lucy for any damage to his property or car that was never intentional in next future.