I received one last gift from my parents a map, to help me understand the continent. I think they said something like,
-Oh, and son, we'd like to give you this too. We can't just send you off without you even knowing where you're going,(my father joked before walking away)
As I looked over the map, my suspicions became reality. This world truly was the same as in my previous life. That meant… I wasn't reborn into another world, just another continent away.
But how could that happen? I tried to find answers. How much time could have passed?
The map didn't tell me much. In my previous life, I had lived in Velmor back then there were several nations surrounding it, but now only Cyrden remained on the Elyndra continent, alongside Velmor.
The village I live in now lies on the Elysea continent, specifically within Eldora, a large southern region bordered only to the north by another country Asterin, the very place my parents want to send me to study. That country lies between us and Virell, a land mostly made up of mountains.
This realization raised many questions within me. Who brought me back to this world, and for what purpose? Why here, of all places? How much time has passed? Sadly, this continent followed a different calendar one I had never even heard of in my previous life.
Driven by this discovery, I decided to train my body more seriously. I began working out and running daily.
One day, as I was walking back to the village after a run, I heard people whispering. My curiosity grew, though I felt awkward approaching strangers. Then I saw Zey speaking to a small group of villagers.
-You're all so loud today, (he said, trying to lighten the gloomy mood) No one needs to be afraid.
-Those Velmorian rats are completely out of their minds, (one villager said anxiously) If they keep this up, they'll control all of Elyndra, and it's only a matter of time before they come for us.
-You can relax,( Zey said, trying to calm their fears) If they ever attack us, the strongest warriors on the continent will defend you personally.
-You think that alliance means anything? (another villager barked angrily.) The last thing I want is to be 'protected' by some Virellian worm. Everyone knows that alliance was just for show.
-The Vanguards will still be here to protect us. Their first duty is to keep this country and continent safe—
-It's pointless, (the man interrupted bitterly before walking away) You know we don't stand a chance against Velmor.
Zey lowered his gaze, lost in thought. I walked up to him.
-Are you alright, Mister? (I asked, seeing how deeply the villager's words had affected him)
-Yes, my boy. What do you need? (He tried to act normal in front of me, but I could tell something weighed heavily on him)
-What happened, if I may ask?
-Nothing a child should worry about, (he said reluctantly, as if he didn't want someone my age to know such things)
-But I want to know, Master. Please tell me.
After some persistence and a few pleas, he finally gave in.
-Son, do you know the countries and continents? (he asked, testing my knowledge)
-Yes, I do, (I replied quickly, desperate to understand why everyone seemed so uneasy)
-Velmor has attacked Cyrden. With their overwhelming power, victory is certain they'll unite Elyndra under their rule. (His words were slow and heavy, as if he were speaking of some inevitable tragedy)
-But why is everyone so afraid if they didn't attack us? (I asked, still hoping for some comforting explanation)
-The last time Elyndra was united was 250 years ago, and after that, their next target was Elysea. But back then, the continent united and defeated the warriors of Elyndra."
Strangely, I had never heard of that in my previous life, as if the event had been erased or hidden from us.
-Even so, if they do unite Elyndra, maybe they'll leave us alone? (I asked, hoping for him to say 'I hope so too'. But I knew Velmor — they never stop)
-If only everyone could think as positively as you, (Zey sighed, looking up) But Velmor has been sending observers to this continent for a long time.
-So you believe a future war is inevitable? (I asked, feeling my hope fade)
-I don't want to scare you, kid, (he said softly) but I promise you — you and Rei will be safe, no matter what.
After that, I said goodbye and started walking home, lost in thought.
Every part of me hoped there wouldn't be a war. I don't want to lose this life. I don't want my family to go to war, to leave me behind, or…
or to die.
Why do they have to ruin my happy futu—
(I bumped into someone.)
-I'm sorry! I was lost in thought. (I said, standing up and offering my hand)
It was a blonde-haired girl with golden eyes. When she looked at me, my heart skipped a beat, and my face turned completely red.
-No, no, it's my fault — I wasn't watching where I was going, (she said, taking my hand as I helped her up)
-Y-you're not hurt, are you? (I had never felt like this before — nervous and sweating.)
-No, I'm fine. Did you hurt yourself? (she asked, her voice full of concern)
Her eyes were so beautiful I lost myself in them. Her face felt strangely familiar, though I couldn't place why.
-I'm fine too. By the way, what's your name?"
-Nari Yun. I'm thirteen. And you?
-Narihu Mizuhara, also thirteen.
-Hey… (She started fidgeting with her hair.) Um, if you want… would you like to be friends?
(That one simple question made me so happy. It was such a small thing — yet it brightened my whole day.)
-Of course I will! (I said, holding out my hand for a handshake)
-Yes! (she said, slapping my hand with excitement) You're my first friend! I can't wait to tell my mom!
She was so full of joy — like someone who truly had just made her first friend.
-I live at the end of the village, (I said, pointing) If you ever want to talk, just head that way — ours is the last house.
-Definitely! (she nodded eagerly) But I have to go now. My mom will be mad if I stay out too long.
I understand. Take care, and I hope we'll meet again.
I waved as she walked away — she turned back and shouted,
-Take care of yourself!"
I never thought I'd fall in love at first sight with anyone. Nari Yun. I don't remember anyone by that name from my past life. Still… I have no idea how to talk to girls, and I'm afraid I'll mess it up. But she looked so happy when I said I'd be her friend — maybe she feels something too. Maybe for the first time in my life, I'll have a girlfr—*
No, there's no time for that. Damn it, I'm not even a good person. If she knew who I really was, she'd hate me. (Dark thoughts crept into my mind as I sank deeper into myself.)
I ruined and destroyed thousands of lives — how dare I live so happily? I don't even deserve to be here. People like me deserve only fear and suffering every single day.
-Narihu!!
That warm, gentle voice brought me back to reality — my mother calling my name.
-Yes, Mother? Is something wrong?
-Where have you been all day? (she said angrily)
-I was just walking around the village… sorry, I lost track of time.
-It's alright. But you have a guest who's been waiting for you for quite a while.
-A guest? (I asked, surprised) Who would want to visit me?
-They told me not to tell you — they want it to be a surprise.
I had no idea who it could be, but my curiosity pushed me toward the door.
-Wait, son! Help me first. (my mother said, gathering some clothes that I had to bring inside)