Third Person Point of View
For years, Daniel’s life had been a smooth, uneventful routine. He woke up early, worked long hours at the mechanic's workshop, and came home so tired he barely had the strength to eat dinner. He didn’t complain, as with that he could help his mother.
He was used to living like this. His only outlet was anime, fanfics, and conversations with Marcos, his childhood friend, with whom he usually met for a drink after work.
One day, on an ordinary afternoon, Daniel bought a lottery ticket on impulse. He didn't even think much about it. He put it in his wallet and forgot about the matter.
A week later, while having lunch, he saw the results on his phone and almost choked on his food.
"Unbelievable, I've won," he said in his mind. "Well, it's not a huge fortune, but this can change my life."
He called Marcos immediately.
—Hey, will you come with me to claim the prize? —he asked excitedly.
—Sure, brother —Marcos replied with a slight laugh—. That's what I'm here for...
Daniel did not notice the subsequent silence in his friend’s voice, nor did he notice his gaze. They went to the lottery office together, talking as always... although Marcos barely spoke.
Upon leaving, Daniel was holding the envelope with all the documents and the prize confirmation. He was so excited that he didn't see the truck coming down the avenue. Marcos did see it. And yet, he took a step behind him, getting too close.
—Hey, and what are you going to do now with all that? —Marcos asked with a tone that sounded fake, almost nervous...
—I don't know... maybe I'll start something to be my own boss, to rest once in a while —Daniel replied, laughing, not suspecting anything.
He didn’t manage to turn around when he felt a sudden push on his back. The world moved too fast. A screeching of brakes, a blow that knocked the air out of him, the pavement scraping his arms as he rolled. The envelope went flying. People screamed, and he lay on the ground.
Daniel could barely think. Pain hammered his bones. Blood was running down his neck as he looked around, trying to find Marcos.
—Why...? —he whispered, his voice broken.
With effort, he turned his head, but his friend was no longer there.
—I don't understand... —he spat blood—. My... friend... pushed me... His vision flickered. The sound of people's steps around him sounded like his own heartbeat, beating less and less with each one.
—This sucks... —he stammered—. I didn't think I'd die like this... I didn't even have a girlfriend, all because I wasn't funny or handsome... I wish... I had been more attractive...
Then he heard something strange.
A robotic voice came back into his head:
"Confirmed. Creating attractive body according to user's memories."
—What...? Am I delirious?...
He tried to laugh, but his body hurt more.
—I wish I had been good at something...
"Confirmed. Talent development."
"Processing..."
Daniel closed his eyes, exhausted.
—It doesn't matter anymore... I should have listened to my father's advice... that old man was wise...
There was a metallic sound, like gears adjusting:
"Confirmed. Skill: Sage." click, clack "
"Evolved Skill: Great Sage."
Daniel let out a slow exhale.
—It seems... I'm at my last breath... I even hear voices... he said that last part, completely closing his eyes.
Everything went dark.
...........
In a lush forest, a young woman ran desperately through the trees. She wore a torn dress and tightly held a baby wrapped in rags. Her steps were clumsy as she tried to dodge obstacles. She was panting.
—Please... —she murmured between sobs—. Just a little further...
Rough voices were heard behind her:
—She ran that way!
—That woman couldn't have gone far.
The girl pressed the baby against her chest and tried to run faster, but a stone made her trip. She fell to her knees, protecting the baby with her body. A sharp pain shot through her leg.
—Ah... —she moaned.
She tried to get up, but her leg didn't respond well. She looked around, breathing heavily, and made a decision that broke her soul. She found a hollow tree, wide and dark.
—Don't worry, my baby... —she whispered, caressing his cheek—. I won't let them hurt you. You are going to live... even if I don't make it...
She placed him inside the hollow, wrapping him better. She gave him a final kiss on the forehead. Her smile was full of love... and sadness.
—Forgive me... —she said with her warm voice.
She limped away, attracting attention to herself. The bandits passed close to the tree without noticing the baby and followed the young woman's trail.
—There she is!
—Don't let her escape!
Then, silence.
MC Point of View
What... what is this feeling?
Did... did I save myself?
I slowly opened my eyes. Everything was moving abruptly, as if I were being swung from side to side. I felt the warmth of someone holding me tightly. I looked up and saw a girl’s face. Pale skin. Blonde hair falling over her face. Blue eyes full of fear...
A... girl?
I tried to move my hands and only saw tiny, chubby little arms. I was wrapped in a cloth. My heart skipped a beat.
It can’t be... Is this...? Reincarnation?
Just like in those novels and mangas I used to read...
But I couldn't think much. The girl hugged me tighter and I felt her fall with all her weight. I heard a crash, a scream from her, and then the crack of something that I didn't know if it was a branch... or her leg.
She said something, but I didn't understand. It sounded like a strange language, although her tone was warm, almost with a tone that reminded me of my mother.
Then she carefully lifted me and placed me in a dark space. A hollow tree. She looked at me, smiling warmly but also with sadness.
I only watched her, I tried to say something but only a baby's babble came out...
She didn't hesitate further and left, limping with great effort. I only heard her footsteps moving away... and then the footsteps of other men running after her.
Then nothing more was heard, just the sound of the wind moving the leaves of the trees, and some animal sounds.
I was processing everything that had happened, so I have reincarnated, but where and, most importantly, what do I do now, I am completely alone, I whispered...
Minutes and a few hours passed. After thinking so much about what to do, I suddenly felt sleepy. Without realizing it, I fell asleep...
End of Chapter