Two years later:

Marc had been focusing and observing the past two years since he was born again. He started to slowly forget details of his past life. More specifically the names of his bullies or his high score in his favourite game. Maybe it was because of how enjoyable this new life was. He found out a few months ago that the reason his father left so early wearing armour and carried a sword was because he was a monster hunter. It was sort of like a title in this world that earned you money and free ingredients from the monster. Besides the job of monster hunter, Marc was very interested in whether this world had a magic system. Sort of like the usual in the casual isekai genre that he knew of. No one in the family had shown any signs that magic existed so he didn’t know what to think. But luckily, today he was going to the market with his mother so he could see if there was any hint of magic there.

“Come on Marc, let’s go.” His mom said.

She picked him up and put him in a push chair and they left the house. Marc looked around and the scenery was absolutely incredible. They followed a path down the forest and Marc looked as green glowing particles flowed around. He was interested in them until they reached the bridge, many people were crossing to and from the main town square. Underneath them was a lovely flowing river.

In his previous life, Marc lived nowhere near places that had sights like these. Maybe, dying in his sleep was a blessing.

Besides the spectacular scenery, Marc noticed how open and social his mother Katherine was around others. It was like she knew every single person that they passed on that bridge. Soon they reached the town square and to Marc it was incredible.

The bustling crowds, the stalls and shops, the children running and playing, the vibe alone was enough to make Marc smile. Eventually they were done getting important things until Kathrine remembered something important. Marc wondered what she meant and they eventually entered a potions shop. Here they sold potions of many kinds. Some boosted stamina, hearing and some cured people of werewolf bites or jellyswamp stings. Whatever those were. Marc noticed a pile of books in the corner on potions that really attracted his attention. After all he was a book nerd in his past life. Luckily, there was a local library in the town square where Marc would be able to educate himself once he was allowed to leave the house alone.

Now that Kathrine was done shopping they decided to leave the town square and return home. The trip was surely fun for Marc but what made it better was his theory of magic existing in this world being completely proven. It was practically everywhere and was used by everyone. Sort of like electricity from his past life. Now satisfied they made their way home.

Three years later:

It was a long time coming. Marc was now five years of age and was now able to go to the library on his own. The past few years were gruelling, having to live in a pathetic baby body, unable to see or do anything. The only interesting thing for Marc the past few years was seeing the kids outside play with their magic, going shopping or go on yearly family trips to the beach. Besides that, it was a casual and long wait to gain some knowledge.

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Marc picked up an old ragged bag pack on the floor that his brother used to own and took a pencil he found on the table and a few rolls of parchment. He stepped outside and ran into his brother and his gang of friends. His brother Archibald, Archie for short, was now nine years of age and a complete brat in Marc’s eyes. The thing with Archie, was that when Marc was born, he was starved of attention from his parents, so he developed some sort of jealousy towards Marc during their much younger years. Obviously it died down since they’re brothers but he was still a tad bit rude to Marc.

“Don’t follow us Marc. We don’t wanna have to look after someone babyish like you. You’d probably pee your pants trying to do what we do.” Archie said in a snobbish tone.

The group laughed and walked towards the forest leaving Marc behind.

“What a group of brats. If I was still sixteen, I’d wipe the floor with the- oh wait they’re kids.” Marc thought annoyingly.

As he left the gate and walked along the path near the glistening river he got a very nostalgic feeling. Mostly because he would go to the town square with his mother whenever, but also because he was on his own. He could never get enough of the flowing mix of green and blue glowing particles in the air and the refreshing smell of the river mixed with the wildlife. It was nothing like the polluted Earth he had come from. He now knew that those glowing bits were linked to magic in the air and that it caused a very small amount of flying dust particles to glow from its mana inhabited surroundings.

“If this is a dream. I never wanna wake up.” Marc said to himself.

“ Should I pinch you to make sure.” A voice said.

Marc jumped and looked behind him. There stood his brothers childhood crush, Alyssa. She still had her wonderful dark green hair and silver eyes. She towered over Marc. Marc wondered how she got such odd genes to make her eyes so nice looking. Alyssa was also four years older than Marc and this was the first time they were interacting with each other.

“Hey. You must be Alyssa. I’ve seen you with my brother a few times. It’s nice to finally meet you.” Marc sort of bowed politely.

Over the time of seeing his parents interact with people, Marc was able to learn proper etiquette over the years.

Alyssa was a little impressed. She didn’t know how to process a five year old being so kind and appropriate whilst all the other boys in her class, including Archie were complete snobs.

“Yes, I know your brother. We’re classmates.” She responded.

Marc scoffed internally. I guess she only sees you as a classmate Archie.

Marc suddenly remembered his plans for the day so he decided he would leave to go to the library.

“I should get going now miss Alyssa. I’m on my way to the library so if you’ll excuse me.”

Marc tried to walk away until she spoke.

“I’m going to the library too. I have to return these books. I’ll come with you.” She showed the books she held under her arms.

Marc accepted and they crossed the bridge towards the town square. What an odd occurrence.