Why is it dark in here?

  Did I die… again?

  This is the second time I’ve died, huh?

  Who was that man who stabbed me from behind?

  I hear a baby crying and a woman screaming. Oh—it’s bright. What’s this? A ceiling?

  Huh? Who is this woman? Why is she carrying me?

  Hey, put me down!

  “Congrats, milady! It’s another healthy baby boy!” Mel said with a bright smile in here face.

  A baby boy? Another? Wait, what?! I got reincarnated again?!

  Owen spoke, “It seems odd that this one isn’t crying.”

  I’m still shocked from what happened. What is this guy muttering about? Is he referring to me?

  “I will check on him, Lord Owen,” Mel said.

  What is this woman doing to me?! Is she a doctor? Or my maid? She looks like one, though. Why does everything look so familiar?

  “Milord, the young master is healthy and does not have any problems,” said the maid.

  “It’s still strange. He didn’t even cry once. Is he mute or something?” Owen asked, concerned.

  Excuse me? Mute?!

  “Don’t say such things, Owen,” your mother suddenly spoke.

  What the hell? Why would that guy think I’m mute? Maybe I should cry now.

  Wahh, Wahh, Wahh, WAHH.

  “Oh, he cried,” Owen said, relieved.

  “It’s because you hurt his feelings. Shush, little one,” your mother replied softly.

  “I’m so sorry, Gideon.” Owen carried Gideon and smothered him with kisses.

  Oh gross. Don’t kiss me, old man.

  Gideon cried even louder.

  WAHH, WAHH, WAHH, WAHH.

  Owen handed you over to your mother and said, “Well, this is enough. You guys should rest now. I’m going back to work.”

  “Take care,” your mother replied.

  Phew—they’re all gone, and my mother is asleep now.

  But that thing keeps bugging me. Am I hallucinating or something?

  What is that thing on the ceiling? It’s been staring at me since the moment I saw it.

  The shadowy entity spoke, “I can read your mind, and I am not a ‘thing.’ I’m a wise sage from ancient times.”

  Please don’t eat me… hehehe. Gideon sounded anxious.

  “I’m not going to eat you,” Wise said, clearly offended.

  So why are you here? Gideon curiously asked.

  “Well, I am somehow connected to your reincarnation,” Wise replied.

  How so?

  “The moment your mother gave birth to you, I was suddenly transported here. My soul was bound to yours,” Wise said.

  What does that mean?

  “I can only think of one thing: if you die, I will also perish from this world. Meaning… our lives are connected,” Wise said, uneasy.

  What?!

  “No worries! This wise sage will train you so that you won’t die. Try saying ‘open system,’” Wise said confidently.

  Open system?

  [System closed]

  Gideon was shocked to see what’s in front of his eyes. “What is this?”

  [You do not meet the minimum age requirement]

  It says that I do not meet the age requirement.

  Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

  “Maybe in a few years you can open it. My only guess is that your body can’t handle the quest that will be given,” Wise said.

  Yeah, no shit. I am still a baby, Gideon said flatly.

  “You know that I can hear you, right?” Wise said.

  It’s not like I have privacy, though.

  * * *  A few years later…  * * *

  “So, you’re already 10 years old. You should try opening the system again,” Wise said.

  I’ve been trying for years. Maybe it’s broken? Gideon muttered in frustration.

  Open System.

  [System Open]

  See? It’s broken, Wise.

  [Name: Gideon Valentine]

  [Title: None]

  [Job: None]

  [Level: 1]

  [EXP: 0/100]

  [Skills: None]

  [Status]

  [Strength: 3]

  [Stamina: 8]

  [Endurance: 18]

  [Speed: 5]

  [Wisdom: 6]

  “What do you mean by broken?” Wise said, giving Gideon a smug look.

  Hehehe, my bad, my bad.

  “Let me take a peek. Hm… your stats are so bad considering you are born from a noble family, and you don’t even have a special skill. It’s kinda shocking. Maybe you’re adopted,” Wise said.

  Gideon, annoyed, replied, “Are you here to help me or roast me? You were there the moment I was born. Why’d you think that I’m adopted?”

  “Don’t tell me?” Wise said, making a shocked look.

  Don’t tell me what?! Gideon said, worried.

  “He was not your father!”

  You goddamn shadow ball! Once I lay my hands on you, I’m going to squeeze you!

  Gideon chased Wise around the entire mansion, making a mess, until…

  [Notice]

  Huh? What’s this?!

  [Mission]

  [Push-ups: 0/100]

  [Sit-ups: 0/100]

  [Squats: 0/100]

  [10Km run: 0km/10km]

  [Reward: Common chest]

  [Yes] or [No]

  A mission, huh?

  “Boo!”

  Gideon was shocked and suddenly swung his fist toward Wise.

  [Notice]

  [You’ve accepted the mission.]

  [Timer starts now.]

  [10:00:00]

  You bastard! Why’d you suddenly pop out on the yes button?! I’m not going to do that crazy mission!

  “It’s effective, though. Many have become strong because of that training routine,” Wise said.

  I’m going to die if I do that crazy mission!

  [Caution]

  What’s this about now?

  [Failure of mission has a punishment.]

  That mission is already a punishment.

  “If you think that mission is already a punishment, think about the punishment you’ll receive if you do not complete it.”

  Gulp! What have I done to be punished like this?

  “Stop being so dramatic, you fool. Less talking, more doing! Let’s go to the training area.”

  They headed towards the training area. Gideon was shocked that there were so many people training.

  What’s this? There are so many people around here. Back then, in my time, I hardly saw people training here.

  “What do you mean by ‘back then?’” Wise curiously asked Gideon.

  Before I got reborn, my name was Claudius Valentine. That’s why I wondered why everything I saw from the moment I was born is so familiar. Somehow, I’m lucky enough to be born again as a Valentine.

  Three hundred years have already passed by since I died, huh? Why does it feel like it was just yesterday? Even though so many years have passed, my love for her will never be gone. I miss her so much.

  “I never thought that you'd have that kind of story. I’ve known you for years now, but the thing is, all you do is eat and sleep all day. This wise sage is curious—can I ask you something? You said you were reborn twice. Perhaps... are you from another world before you got here?”

  Yes, I’m from another world. I was also a lazy bum there—all I did was eat and sleep all day. But one day, I decided to go outside for a change.

  While I was wandering around town, I saw a thief trying to steal a purse from an innocent woman. I tried to be chivalrous and help her. I didn’t even realize I was bleeding… I got shot.

  The only thing I saw before I died was the thief running, the woman crying, everything in slow motion—and then blackout.

  I woke up, as Claudius Valentine.

  “What a past,” Wise said.

  Well, it’s free to be kind. I still have regrets, though.

  “Your reincarnation proves my theory. Can I ask one more thing?”

  Sure, but what about your theory? What does my story prove about it? Gideon was intrigued.

  “I’ll tell you when I’ve completely solved it. Tell me, how’d you died as Claudius Valentine?” Wise curiously asked.

  I died protecting someone again. A girl, I think.

  “Have you seen her face?”

  “No... I couldn’t see her face because my vision was already blurry from losing too much blood.”

  “I don’t know if she’s an ally or a foe, considering that she killed you twice but reincarnated you twice too. There is only one thing that has those abilities—it’s a god. They can create life and take it away. They can make scenarios that they want to happen. Who knows? They’re omniscient,” Wise said anxiously.

  Killed me twice? And what about my enemy is a god?

  “No, no, no. I said she can be an ally or a foe. No worries. You have the System—you have the power to bend those rules. Who knows? Maybe you can even kill a god because of the System.”

  A boy came near Gideon and spoke, “Hey brother, what are you doing there? Who are you talking to?”

  Oh, Reynard. What do you mean?

  “I can see you from a mile away talking to someone. Who is it? Did you make a new friend?”

  It must be the wind, Reynard… hehehe. “This guy sure talks a lot like someone else. It’s kind of annoying sometimes.”

  “Are you talking about me, huh?!” Wise shouted.

  Reynard curiously asked, “What are you up to, brother? Are you here to train? This is my first time seeing you around here.”

  Ahh... Yes, I'm here to train.

  “Do you need some help? Your big brother can help you.”

  No, I can manage on my own, Reynard.

  “Ok, just call me if you need my help. Your big brother is here to help you,” Reynard said, giving Gideon a thumbs up with a smug look.

  Gideon gave Reynard a forced smile and spoke. Yeah, yeah. “Hell no.”

  “What a nice brother you are,” Wise said, looking disappointed at Gideon.

  Hey! Don’t give me that damn look!

  “Well, you should start your mission now.”