I've lived my life never believing in strange phenomena especially something like reincarnation. But here I am, reborn as a baby in another world. Still, before we get to that... how did I even die?
The last memory I had was a fight. I was brawling with a student in class. But why were we fighting? Think, Kael... oh, right. I was defending a girl from being bullied. They caught me off guard. One of them swung a plank or maybe it was a bat I can't even say. All I remember is the blinding pain and the bitter taste of blood flooding my mouth as I hit the floor. I should've seen it coming. Should've dodged. Should've done a lot of things. But after that... everything just faded to black.
"Uuuh... how could I die when I'm still a virgin? This world is so damn unfair."
There was so much I hadn't done so much I hadn't seen. I was the heir to House Damian, and now my younger brother will have to take my place.
"Ahhhhhhhh!"
After that darkness, I heard a woman screaming like she was in labor. My vision was a blur, and then WHAM a sharp pain stabbed into my head.
"Waaah... waaah... WAAAHHH!"
I was crying but the voice... it wasn't mine. Not the voice I knew. It was the tiny wail of a newborn. Wait was I... a baby?
"Awwwn, honey look... he's so cute."
I've actually been reborn. That must be my mother. Just hearing her voice made me imagine how beautiful and kind she must be. And the man beside her he must be my father.
"Hey there, little Rynn. I'm your daddy. You can call me Dada."
They looked like a humble couple not wealthy, not even average just hardworking people trying to survive. It sucked. Everyone hopes to be born into riches, into fame... not poverty. Life really is cruel sometimes.
It's been three months since my rebirth, and I've learned a few things. This place isn't Japan or Earth at all. The world is completely different, yet somehow familiar like the fantasy web novels I used to binge. But still, something's missing. I haven't seen any signs of magic yet. Maybe I'm rushing things. I should chill.
Wait... something stinks.
"Oh, Rynn, you've messed up your body again. Let me get you cleaned up."
This baby body really sucks. I can't even hold in a poop.
"Sylvia, I'm stepping out for a walk. Keep an eye on Rynn while I'm gone."
"You don't need to worry, Grayard. He's our son I won't let anything happen to him."
"Alright. Be a good boy, Rynn."
After Sylvia finished cleaning and her other chores, she tied me to her back and headed into the forest. She usually went there to gather herbs and leaves to make medicine. My father, Grayard, was an adventurer. I wished I could go with him and see his magic firsthand. Maybe in five years...
While she leaned over to gather herbs, we heard a sound
Drip... drip... drip...
Sylvia froze. Fear crept into her. She turned to see a shadow dart past. It moved too fast for the eye to track. Then it struck.
The creature came at us from the blind spot. Sylvia managed to dodge in time, but its sharp claws grazed her. I wasn't so lucky a scratch tore through my infant skin. It wasn't fatal, but gods, it hurt like hell. How could something so small hurt so badly? This fragile body really was a prison.
"Waaah... waaah... WAAAHHH!"
"Sniffle... sniffle... Rynn, my son, don't worry. Mama's here. I'll protect you."
The creature charged again. Sylvia stretched out her hand I thought I was finally about to witness magic. And I did... though not what I expected.
A glowing hexagon-shaped barrier formed around us. Magic. Real magic. Her magic was beautiful. I noticed my wound healing slowly. Her barrier didn't just protect it healed. Defense and restoration all in one.
The creature rammed into the barrier again and again, but it couldn't break through. Then it spoke in a tongue none of us understood.
"Krah'thul naros'dra! Krash'ra, brakar."
Sylvia narrowed her eyes. "What is it saying? I can't understand... and I can't use fire or earth magic either. I'm only good with barriers and healing."
She glanced down at me. "At least the wound on Rynn is healing. But we have to get out of here."
"I said, hand over that child and you will be spared," the creature repeated, now speaking our tongue.
"There's no way I'm handing over my child!" Sylvia barked.
"Then I'll take him by force."
Sylvia's breath grew shaky. Her barrier was weakening. Panic flared in her eyes.
Panting... panting... "If only Grayard were here. He'd finish this thing in seconds."
The creature raised its arm. A swirling red energy, laced with black dots, formed in its palm. The sky darkened. It struck the barrier crack. Again crack. One more time and it shattered.
Just as it lunged, wind surged through the forest. A tornado of force threw the creature back. A man burst onto the scene, wielding both wind and fire magic.
The wind stunned the creature, and then a fiery spear shot from the stranger's hand piercing it. The monster began to dissolve, but before fading, it growled:
"I'll return for the child. Mark my words."
Panting... panting...
"Ma'am, are you alright? I have a camp nearby. You should rest before heading home."
"Thank you," Sylvia said, breathing heavily. "If you hadn't come, I don't know what would've happened."
"It's my duty," he said simply. "But... are you sure you want to travel now? Your child looks tired and hungry. Let him rest and feed. I've got food and water at the camp."
"Alright... if you insist."
We followed him. He offered food, water, and a place to rest. He was kind genuinely kind.
"Here's some tea, ma'am."
"Thank you for your hospitality."
"Don't mention it. By the way, you haven't asked for my name yet. I'm Knoxville. You can call me Knox. I'm an adventurer from the capital city Noctera. I was out hunting when I noticed the sky turn black. I followed the magical surge and well, I found you."
"Thank you again, truly."
"No thanks needed. Anyway, is that your baby? What's his name?"
"Rynn. Rynn Grayard. He's three months old."
Knox raised a brow. "Three months? He's just a little one."
"Why'd you bring him into the forest? It's dangerous here."
"I had no choice. There was no one else to watch him, and his father was out adventuring."
Sylvia studied Knox. His armor, sword, demeanor he was clearly from the capital. She'd heard stories of B-rank adventurers from there, clad in elite gear.
"Sir, I saw you using wind and fire magic. Are those your elements?"
"Yeah. I've mastered those two. Most adventurers can use two, or maybe three elements. Those who master three are A-rank. But the ones who control all four? They're S-rank. We call them the Mythic Ten second only to the king of Noctera."
"I've never heard of them."
"They only awakened three months ago. Ten adventurers, each gaining the power to bend all four elements. They're the strongest force in Noctera now."
"Wow... how do you get to Noctera from here?"
"I have a chariot hidden in the woods. It takes about three hours by chariot."
"What was that creature? It moved like a blur."
"That was a Blood Fiend. Vampire-like monsters that drink blood. They're fast, strong, and heal insanely fast. If I hadn't come, it would've knocked you out, drained you, and left you to die."
We rested in Knox's camp for three hours.
"Mr. Knoxville, we'll be going now."
He stood. "Please, just call me Knoxville I don't even have a family yet."
"Haha. Alright. We'll be on our way."
"Wait."
He dashed into his tent and returned with a glowing object.
"A monster core," Sylvia gasped.
"Monsters won't attack if you carry this. It's yours."
"But this must be expensive are you sure?"
"I'm sure. And take this too my address. Visit me if you're ever in Noctera."
"Thank you. Truly."
"If your son awakens... let me train him. I'm pretty good with swords and magic."
"I'll remember that."
We returned home. Sylvia sighed in relief. She was safe. I was safe.
"Rynn, thank the stars you're alright."
Dad soon came home, dragging a massive beast behind him.
"Honey! You got a big one today!"
The meat looked delicious. But alas, I could only drink milk.
Four years passed. I learned much. The continent was divided into four kingdoms: Noctera (human), Vamps (elves), Dawns (demi-humans), and Langs (dwarves). They lived in peace, meeting once a year in a grand council.
Barrier magic was rare. Mom didn't use hers often, instead focusing on medicine. But I had awakened. My elements? Fire and earth. I wanted all four... but two was already rare.
Dad trained me hard. He was an S-rank earth mage. His magic could split mountains.
After two years, I grew strong, too strong for Dad to keep training me.
"Rynn, you've become a fine young man... and quite the looker too."
"Greyard, stop that. He's still young!"
"Mom, I'm not that young. Even six-year-olds know right from wrong. I may not be ready for romance, but I'm ready for growth."
"I'm sorry, Rynn. You're right."
"Maybe it's time we get him a teacher," Dad said.
"A teacher?"
"Yeah. I've taught him all I can with earth. We need someone skilled in fire magic".
"I have someone in mind. Remember that man? Knoxville. He gave me his address."
"Perfect. We'll leave for Noctera tomorrow."
I was finally going to the capital. A real adventure.
That night... it all changed.
A knock. Then a blast. Wind magic slammed Sylvia into the wall. She couldn't move. Dad tried to fight using earth magic, but it had no effect. I threw fire at it nothing.
"I told you I'd return... and now, I've come for the child."