Chapter 1: Girlfriendless hero! last mission

Chapter 1: Girlfriendless hero! Last mission

Rowan Elian Grey sat in his small, cluttered room, staring at the walls adorned with memories of his past missions. He let out a deep sigh, his eyes wandering to the clock on his nightstand. It was 10 PM, and he was feeling a little restless.

"Man, I'm almost 40," he muttered to himself. "And I still don't have a wife, not even a girlfriend. Tsk. I can't get a girl even with this face."

He stood up and walked over to the mirror, admiring his reflection. His chiseled features, sharp jawline, and piercing blue eyes made him look like a Hollywood action star. His dark hair was cut short, and his broad shoulders and chiseled physique made him look like a bodybuilder.

Rowan couldn't help but feel a little smug about his looks. He had always been told he was handsome, and he had to admit, he liked the attention. But despite his rugged good looks, he had never been able to find someone special.

As he gazed at his reflection, his phone rang, shrill and insistent. Rowan picked it up, his voice low and even. "Grey."

"Rowan, it's Rachel. We have a situation," his team leader said, her voice tight with urgency.

Rowan's instincts kicked in, and he sat up straight. "What's the situation?"

"We've got a hostage crisis in a high-rise building in downtown Manila. The Katipunan Liberation Front has taken over the building, demanding independence for the southern islands. They're holding multiple hostages, and we have reason to believe they might be planning to use explosives."

Rowan's mind began to race with the possibilities. He had worked with Rachel on several high-risk missions, and he trusted her judgment. "What's the plan?"

"We're assembling a team to extract the hostages. We need you to join us for a briefing. Can you get to the safe house in 30 minutes?"

Rowan was already moving, grabbing his gear and heading out the door. "I'm on my way."

The drive to the safe house was a blur, Rowan's mind focused on the mission ahead. When he arrived, Rachel and the rest of the team were already there, poring over blueprints of the building and discussing strategy.

Rowan joined the briefing, his eyes scanning the layout of the building. He listened intently as Rachel outlined the plan, his mind racing with possibilities.

As the briefing concluded, the team walked towards their van, their gear and equipment at the ready. Rowan turned to Mike, a smirk on his face. "Man, after this mission, how about you treat us to a drink? I hear you're getting married?"

Mike's face turned bright red as he chuckled nervously. "Well, I want to surprise you guys. But well, I can't hide things from you guys. Hehehe, so sure, after this, I'll treat you a drink hehehe."

Tom, who was walking alongside Mike, threw his arms over Mike's neck. "Come on, brother! You should be proud! You're getting married! Finally, you'll conquer the lands of unvirginness!"

The team burst out laughing, and Alex chimed in, "So who's the best man?"

Mike scratched his neck, looking sheepish. "It's Rowan hehehe."

Rowan's face lit up with a warm smile as he looked at Mike. "Aww, man, thanks, Mike! I'm honored!" He walked over to Mike and gave him a hearty clap on the back. "I'm happy for you, buddy. You deserve it."

The team's banter and laughter filled the air as they loaded into the van. As they drove to the building, the mood was light, despite the danger that lay ahead.

But as they arrived at the scene, the team's demeanor changed. They were focused, their eyes scanning the building for any sign of the terrorists.

"Alright, team, let's move out," Rachel said, her voice firm.

The team nodded, their faces set with determination. They moved out, their footsteps quiet as they approached the building. Rowan took point, his eyes locked onto the entrance. He knew that this was it – the moment of truth.

The team's training and experience kicked in as they moved into position. They were ready for whatever lay ahead.

But little did they know, this mission would be their last. A bomb was waiting, and it would change everything.

The team moved stealthily towards the building, their eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of danger. Rowan took point, his gun at the ready, as he approached the entrance.

As they entered the building, the team's training and experience kicked in. They moved swiftly and quietly, their footsteps echoing off the walls.

Suddenly, Rowan's earpiece crackled to life. "Rowan, we've got movement on the third floor," Rachel's voice whispered.

Rowan nodded, his eyes locked onto the stairs. "Roger that, I'm on my way."

He moved swiftly up the stairs, his gun at the ready. The rest of the team followed close behind, their eyes scanning the area for any sign of danger.

As they reached the third floor, Rowan saw a group of terrorists huddled together, their guns pointed at a group of hostages.

Rowan's training kicked in, and he moved swiftly, taking out the terrorists one by one. The rest of the team followed his lead, their guns firing in unison.

As he cleared the room, Rowan's eyes scanned the hostages, and his heart skipped a beat as he saw one familiar face. It was her! The girl he had slept with two years ago! They had promised to meet someday when he wasn't so busy, but the promise had slipped his mind. And now, maybe this was fate.

Rowan's eyes lingered on her face for a brief moment, and he felt a spark of excitement. He had always meant to ask her out officially, but life had gotten in the way. Now, as he looked at her, he made a mental note to do just that, after this mission.

He briefly looked down into the window, catching a glimpse of her terrified face. She was still alive, and Rowan felt a sense of relief wash over him.

But he didn't have time to dwell on that now. The terrorists were still a threat, and he had to focus on the mission.

Just as they were about to leave, Rachel's voice crackled through his earpiece again. "Rowan, we've got another hostage on the second floor. Can you check it out?"

Rowan nodded, his eyes locking onto Mike's. "I'm on my way."

Mike stepped forward, his gun at the ready. "I'm coming with you, Rowan."

Rowan hesitated for a moment, but then nodded. "Alright, let's go."

They moved swiftly down the stairs, their guns at the ready. As they reached the second floor, Rowan saw a door slightly ajar. He pushed it open, his gun leading the way.

Inside, he saw a young girl, no more than 10 years old, tied to a chair. A bomb was strapped to her waist, the timer counting down from 2 minutes.

Rowan's heart sank, and he moved swiftly to untie the girl. Mike helped him, and together they quickly freed her.

As they turned to leave, Rowan saw the bomb's timer ticking away. He knew they had to get out of there, fast.

He grabbed the girl and handed her to Mike. "Take her to the window," he shouted.

Mike nodded, and they moved swiftly to the window. Rowan pushed Mike out the window, and he landed safely in the big swimming pool below.

As Rowan turned to follow, everything went black.

The last thing he remembered was the sound of the bomb exploding, and the feeling of being lifted off the ground. And then, nothing.

The explosion rocked the building, sending debris flying everywhere. The sound was deafening, and the heat was intense.

As the dust settled, Mike looked up from the swimming pool, his eyes scanning the area for any sign of Rowan. He had seen him push him out the window, but he hadn't seen him follow.

"Rowan!" Mike shouted, his voice hoarse from the smoke.

There was no response.

Mike's heart sank, and he scrambled out of the pool. He ran towards the building, his eyes scanning the rubble for any sign of his friend.

As he reached the entrance, he saw Rachel and the rest of the team rushing towards him. "Mike, we need to get out of here!" Rachel shouted.

Mike nodded, his eyes still scanning the area for Rowan. "I need to find him," he said, his voice firm.

Rachel nodded, and together they began to search the rubble. They called out Rowan's name, but there was no response.

As they searched, Mike couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. He had seen Rowan push him out the window, but he hadn't seen him follow. It was as if he had vanished into thin air.

Suddenly, Mike heard a faint noise coming from the rubble. He rushed towards it, his heart pounding in his chest.

As he reached the spot, he saw a figure buried under the debris. It was Rowan.

Mike's heart sank, and he rushed to his friend's side. He began to dig through the rubble, his hands shaking with fear.

As he finally uncovered Rowan's face, he saw that his friend was lifeless. Mike's heart skipped a beat as he felt for a pulse.

There was none.

Rowan's eyes were frozen, staring up at the sky. Mike's vision blurred as tears filled his eyes.

"Rowan, no," Mike whispered, his voice shaking with grief.

The team gathered around, their faces somber. Rachel placed a hand on Mike's shoulder. "I'm sorry, Mike. He was a good man."

Mike nodded, his eyes still fixed on Rowan's lifeless body. He felt a sense of emptiness wash over him. They had been through so much together, and now Rowan was gone.

As they stood there, frozen in grief, Mike couldn't help but think about the memories they had shared. The laughter, the adventures, the quiet moments when it was just the two of them.

Rowan was more than just a friend; he was a brother.

Mike's eyes dropped, and he let out a deep breath. He knew that he would never forget Rowan, and that their friendship would live on in his heart.

The team stood there for a moment, paying their respects to their fallen friend. Then, slowly, they began to move away, leaving Rowan's body behind.

As they walked, Mike felt a sense of sadness wash over him. He knew that things would never be the same without Rowan by his side.

But as he looked up at the sky, he saw something that made his heart skip a beat. A strange, glowing light seemed to be hovering above the building.

Mike's eyes narrowed, and he felt a sense of unease. What was that light? And why did it seem to be watching him?

Suddenly, the light vanished, leaving Mike feeling confused and disoriented.

He looked around, but the others seemed oblivious to what he had just seen.

Mike's eyes dropped, and he let out a deep breath. He knew that he would never forget Rowan, and that their friendship would live on in his heart.

But as he walked away from the building, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Something that would change everything.

Rowan's eyes fluttered open, and he was met with a blurry, unfamiliar world. He blinked several times, trying to clear his vision. As his eyes focused, he saw a woman's face hovering above him. She had a kind smile and piercing green eyes.

"I'm alive?" he muttered to himself, a mix of excitement and relief flooding his mind. "Man, I'm alive! I hope that idiot is ok. And also the kid? I hope she's ok too. And of course, to my future girlfriend! Heh! I'm alive and kicking! I'll have our first official date..."

But before he could finish his thought, the woman picked him up, cradling him in her arms. Rowan's eyes widened in shock as he realized he was being held like a baby.

"Woah, woah, wait wait woman, easy easi-eh? Wait a minute?! Am I that so lightweight so she can pick up a grown ass man?" he murmured to himself, confusion and disbelief written all over his face.

As he looked around, he caught a glimpse of a mirror on his side. He turned his head to face the mirror, and his eyes widened in horror. Instead of his familiar face, he saw a baby staring back at him. His eyes were wide with shock, and his mouth was open in a silent scream.

"The fuck happen to me!!" he screamed inside, his mind reeling with confusion and panic. But his outside self, the baby him, was crying, wailing in distress.

The woman tried to calm him down, rocking him gently in her arms. "Shh, little one, it's okay. You're safe now."

Rowan's cries slowly subsided, replaced by sniffling and gasping for air. He looked up at the woman, his eyes still wide with fear and confusion.

The woman smiled, her eyes filled with warmth and kindness. She began to gently rock him, singing a soft lullaby.

As Rowan listened to her soothing voice, he felt his eyelids growing heavy. Despite his confusion and fear, he couldn't fight the exhaustion. His eyes slowly closed, and he drifted off to sleep.

One year had passed since Rowan's rebirth into this new world. He had grown into a chubby, adorable toddler, with a mop of curly brown hair and bright green eyes. As he crawled around the lush garden, he thought to himself.

"You know, I've heard of some crazy stories about people getting transported to other worlds," he thought. "Like that one guy who got transported to a world with swords and magic, or that other guy who became a hero in a world with monsters and mythical creatures. And then there's the one where the main character is a powerful overlord, ruling over a kingdom with an iron fist."

"Well, of course, mine is unique," he continued, a mischievous glint in his eye. "As a special operative, handpicked by the President himself for top-secret missions, I've got skills in infiltration, sabotage, and extraction. I've worked with the best of the best, and I've got a reputation for getting the job done, no matter what it takes. So, anyways, I'm currently 1 year old. And my name is accidentally almost the same as my real name. The difference is my first and second name is kinda mixed together. Now, I'm Rolien Grey."

As he crawled around the garden, his family watched him with adoration. His father, Lord Edric Grey, and his mother, Lady Lirien Grey, exchanged a loving glance.

"Aww, our little Rolien is crawling so fast," Lady Lirien cooed, her voice filled with delight.

Lord Edric chuckled. "And he's already trying to steal the spotlight, just like his big brother and sister."

Rolien's big brother, Elian Grey, a handsome young boy with a mischievous grin, chimed in. "Yeah, and he's already trying to boss us around."

His big sister, Elara Grey, a sweet and gentle soul with a kind smile, added, "But we love him for it, don't we, Papa?"

As Rolien continued to crawl around the garden, he thought to himself.

"From what I've heard, magic is a big deal here. There are different attributes, like fire, water, earth, and air. And then there are mythical creatures and monsters, like dragons and goblins. The nobles, like my family, have a lot of power and influence. We're one of the highest-ranking noble families, and we're rich, very rich."

He paused, taking a deep breath.

"As the 3rd son of Lord Edric and Lady Lirien, I'm not exactly in line for the throne, but I'm still a noble, and I'll have to learn how to navigate this world and its complexities."

As Rolien continued to think to himself, his family smiled and cooed over his adorable antics.

"And what about magic, little Rolien?" Lord Edric asked, his eyes twinkling with curiosity.

Rolien's face lit up as he thought about magic. He babbled excitedly, making sounds that his family couldn't quite understand.

Lady Lirien smiled, impressed by her son's enthusiasm. "That's right, little one. Magic is a powerful force in this world, and it's essential to learn how to control it."

As the family continued to chat, Rolien suddenly stopped crawling and looked up at his family with a mischievous grin.

"And now, it's time for me to show you my magic," he thought to himself, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

As Rolien continued to think to himself, his mother, Lady Lirien, stood up and walked over to a nearby flowerbed. She gently touched a wilting flower, and closed her eyes.

Rolien watched in fascination as his mother's eyes glowed with a soft, white light. The light enveloped the flower, and to Rolien's amazement, the flower began to bloom and flourish before his very eyes.

"Wow," Rolien thought to himself, his eyes wide with wonder. "That's magic!"

Lady Lirien opened her eyes and smiled at Rolien. "This is just a small example of what magic can do, little one," she said. "With magic, we can heal, protect, and bring life to the world around us."

Rolien's face lit up with excitement as he watched his mother. He felt a deep sense of longing, a desire to learn this magic and use it to make a difference in the world.

"I want to learn how to do that," Rolien thought to himself, his mind racing with possibilities. "I want to be a powerful mage, just like Mother. I want to use magic to help people and make the world a better place."

As Lady Lirien walked back to the family, Rolien looked up at her with a determined gaze.

"I'll learn magic someday," he vowed to himself. "I'll practice every day, and I'll become the greatest mage this world has ever seen."

With a newfound sense of purpose, Rolien continued to crawl around the garden, his mind buzzing with excitement and anticipation.

And with that, the chapter came to a close, with Rolien's journey as a young noble and aspiring mage just beginning. Or is he?

To be continued..