Reincarnation that does not meet expectations

When I first opened my eyes, all I could see was a blinding white light, forcing me to squint against its intensity. Blinking, I hoped to see something better.

What I had imagined was a life filled with warmth. A beautiful young woman, with a gentle smile, holding me in her arms. Beside her, my father— a powerful conglomerate— watching over me. I envisioned a life of luxury, growing up with everything I could ever want. A sweet childhood friend by my side, someone I'd walk to school with, share innocent laughter, fall in love with, and eventually marry. We'd live out a peaceful, happy life, growing old together.

But those were just dreams. 

Reality doesn't work like that. The higher you dream, the harder you fall when truth slaps you in the face. So here's my advice: Don't pin your hopes on anyone else's work. If you want something, build it yourself. Ah, and that concludes this little lecture from a newborn baby.

In truth, I was unwanted from the very start. My mother abandoned me the moment I was born. I had prepared myself for that possibility, but still… wasn't this a bit too cruel? Being thrown away as a newborn… I'm pretty sure this violates some human rights law somewhere!

The cold air wrapped around my fragile baby body, and all I could do was lie there, helpless. Thankfully, my parents had at least left me a blanket and a small basket. I suppose they didn't have the heart to completely leave me bare in the elements. Not that it's much of a consolation, but I'm not expecting anything from the woman who gave me life, not in this second chance I've been granted. 

Honestly, I'm just grateful to be alive.

I don't regret anything, not in the slightest. Who would, given the chance to be reborn? Especially with memories of their previous life intact? And besides, there's no way that busty angel I saw wouldn't have some grand plan for me. Yet, here I am, unable to move or do anything.

"Mooom! There's something outside our door!" a voice suddenly shouted, pulling me from my thoughts.

The door creaked open, and a little girl's eyes widened as she spotted me. 

"What is it, dear? ...Oh my goodness, it's a baby!" her mother exclaimed, rushing to my side.

Well, Mom, you're not the only one surprised here. I'm a baby now. A helpless baby. 

Please take good care of me. I'll be the best child you've ever had, I promise. Even if I'm just adopted.

And that's how I met my new family. I was abandoned on someone's doorstep, and by some miracle, they decided to take me in. They raised me with kindness and love, treating me as if I were their own. 

There wasn't anything extraordinary about them—they were an ordinary family, the kind you'd pass by without a second thought. Yet, they gave me everything I needed.

In this house, I'm the second child. I have an older sister, Ellora Evernoir, who always seems half-asleep. Our mother, Grace Evernoir, was once a noble from the kingdom of Aurelius, but she ran away to marry my father, Ornbeth Evernoir. Her decision might have been seen as foolish by some, but love works in mysterious ways, and as they say, love is blind. 

And so, my new life begins—unexpected and far from the dreams I once had, but filled with the warmth I had longed for.

***

Long story short, I'm five years old now. My life is peaceful, quiet, and filled with love. Even though I'm adopted, my parents' affection feels as genuine as if I were their own. They never treat me any differently.

"Archeee, come play with your big sister!"

That's my sister, Ellora. My full name is Archemidas Evernoir—pretty hard to spell, right? Honestly, I have no idea why they picked that name. My parents told me they found a piece of paper tucked into the blanket I was wrapped in. It simply said "Arche Midas." Since then, everyone just calls me Arche.

"Coming, Sis El!" I shout, running to meet her.

We often play together in the backyard. The first time I saw the colorful neon lights, they made my eyes hurt, but over time, I've grown used to them.

Oh, I forgot to mention—it's the year 4077 now. Yeah, kind of important. About 2,060 years ago, I died, and then I was reincarnated in this time. A lot has changed. The world rebuilt itself from scratch after being destroyed, and everything feels so... different.

Robots are everywhere, lining the streets alongside holograms and digital displays. Paper has pretty much vanished, and books? They're relics of the past, replaced by digital archives and automated systems. It's a world where everything is controlled by technology, where life feels both exciting and a little unsettling.

Though artificial intelligence has made life easier for humans, it comes with its own set of problems. Robots have taken over most jobs, working tirelessly without pay. As a result, there are fewer opportunities for people. And the worst part? Crime is rampant. But hey, that's not my problem—I'm just a kid, after all. Haha.

"Arche is so clever! He's only five, but he talks so well," my sister Ellora said, beaming with pride.

"Ehehehe," I giggled shyly.

It's funny—despite 2,000 years passing since my last life, the language hasn't changed much. Reading and speaking still come pretty easily to me.

"Mommy's little genius," my mother said, smiling warmly. "We're going to put you in school soon."

"Do we really need to?" my dad chimed in. "I'll make it happen, even if it means working extra hours."

I shook my head, feeling a swell of gratitude. "I don't want to be a burden. I'm just so thankful to be here, thanks to you all. Please, don't worry about school, Pa! Ma!"

"Uuuuuh, Arche, you're so cute!" Ellora squealed, pulling me into a tight hug.

Her affection wrapped around me like warmth, and I couldn't help but smile. Even in this strange, futuristic world, moments like these made everything feel just right.

My sister hugged me tightly, well, even though she was eight years old and her chest was flat but I still felt the passion of that hug, would I be in prison if I slightly rubbed her little body? I'm even younger than her, too. she wouldn't think it weird, wouldn't she?

"Then let's go play out now, come on, Arche!"

I nodded back when my sister invited me to go out and play, I saw my mom just smiling at us while resting her head on dad.

Ah, I wish I could experience something like that too, but what can I do? In my previous life, I was just a NEET who shut myself in my room until that old man sent me off to military school where I was trained in military hell and then sent to fight against those damn demons!

Just remembering it makes my blood boil, but I'm not going to waste this second chance, I'm going to be successful!

***

Today, my sister Ellora Evernoir started school. She's finally off to elementary school, just a few blocks away from our house. Kids usually start school around the age of eight, so at five, I still have a few more years to wait.

"I'm off now, Mom," Ellora said, adjusting her school bag.

She turned to me with a playful grin. "Arche, don't get into any trouble while I'm gone. We'll play again when I get back, okay?"

"Yeah, take care, El," my mom called from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel.

I gave Ellora a nod, watching as she waved before heading out the door with Dad. Today, he took time off from his job as a police officer to make sure Ellora's first day went smoothly. Hopefully, it won't set him back too much at work.

Once they were gone, I spent most of the day playing on my holographic phone. We've got all the latest tech at home—holographic computers, instant access to the internet, the whole deal. I can look up just about anything. 

Sometimes, though, I catch Mom peeking at me from a distance, making me a bit uncomfortable. Trust me, Mom, I'm not getting into anything weird. Been there, done that, back in my last life.

I spend a lot of my time digging into history—learning about the world 2,000 years ago, the state of things now, different languages, and the strange mix of magic and technology that's come about since. It's become part of my daily routine, filling my time with studies about different races, cultures, and sciences.

Before I knew it, three years had passed in what felt like a blink. My peaceful days at home are about to change—it's my turn to start school, the same one Ellora goes to. I can't wait to see what it's like, to experience school in this new world. 

Or rather, this new era.

What will school be like? I guess I'll find out soon enough.

***

In the dark shadows of a narrow alley, two men moved with purpose. Clad in tight, black armor, they looked like military personnel, equipped with high-tech gear—thermal goggles, night vision, and long-barreled firearms.

"Did you check?" one whispered, his voice rough through the helmet.

"We're close," the other responded.

The alley was squeezed between towering buildings, lit only by the pale moonlight and the soft glow of neon holograms. It was quiet—eerily so—until they spotted her.

"There she is," the first man whispered.

A young woman, no older than fifteen, lay slumped against the wall, her stomach torn open. She was naked, her long black hair falling down her back like a curtain as she winced in pain.

"Fire..." the second man ordered softly.

Before he could pull the trigger, the woman sensed them. She tried to jump away, but it was too late. A stun bullet struck her back, sending a violent shock through her body.

"Kraaaghh!"

Her scream echoed down the alley, and her body convulsed in agony.

"Ooi!" a voice shouted suddenly.

A boy, no more than eight years old, appeared out of nowhere, standing in front of the armed men. He looked small and confused, but brave.

"A kid?" one of the men muttered.

"Take him down! No witnesses!" the other barked.

"Yes, sir!"

The man fired a stun bullet at the boy, but to their shock, the bullet stopped mid-air, as if it had hit an invisible barrier.

"What the—!"

"Barrier magic? This kid knows magic! Capture him—use the anti-magic weapons!"

They scrambled to switch their gear, forming a line. But before they could take aim, a needle flew through the air, striking their helmets. Electric currents shot through their bodies, and they collapsed to the ground with a muffled groan.

"Whew, seems like I've caused quite a stir," the boy muttered, glancing down at the unconscious men. "Judging by their uniforms, they look like some sort of government agents."

He approached the woman, who was barely able to stand, her eyes wide in disbelief.

"Did… did you save me?" she asked, her voice trembling.

The boy gave a small smile and knelt before her like a knight. "Yeah, miss. I came to rescue you. Now, let's get you home."

"T-thank you," she whispered, her eyes filled with gratitude.

***