A few weeks had passed since I witnessed something I have only seen in fiction before in my past- I mean, future life. It’s a touchy subject, reincarnation and stuff. But Ignis Minima, huh? I wasn’t good or exceptional in many languages but I had a small interest for latin. As most of my stories in the past were Latin-inspired. So, ‘Ignis Minima’, in other words, Latin for ‘small flame’. Mom casually pulled that move as if she does it everyday or when she needs to light up the barbecue. But then comes the question. What is was that… move? Was that really magic? But how, pretty sure magic was debunked and never proven to be a thing in my near future.

Then came the next thought, how did it work? Was it genetic? Kinetic? Some form of energy? Is there secretly a magic school where magic aspired students go to? I mean, pretty sure I don’t have a scar on my head and some brute comes along and says ‘You’re a wizard, Solomon!’ to me. Then came the next problem, how do I make it work? How do I cast the same spell?

I sat on the floor of my room as I closed my eyes and put my finger to my chin, thinking and acting as if I was some kind of genius trying to figure out life’s hardest questions. I mean, I technically was, at least in this world. This world wasn’t exactly historically accurate to the textbooks. Was I in London? No, that wouldn’t make sense. Automatons didn’t exist anywhere in the world at this point anyways.

Then I came to a conclusion; I am in a whole new different world but in the past. I know that didn’t make sense in the slightest, but it was my only conclusion at the moment. So this was like a isekai manga or light novel. Except I didn’t meet my end at a truck’s hands or well, wheels. Or a tractor, that would have sucked!

I sighed as I opened my eyes, then looking forward. So I am in a different world but with similar time or year system as my original world. Of course, many things didn’t make sense but maybe they will soon, I hope. Then I pointed my finger and kept my distance as I mumbled in my baby voice. ‘Ignis Minima’ or that was at least what I tried to say.

I waited for a few seconds but nothing happened. I sighed and looked at my hand. At least I didn’t accidentally burn myself. But still, I was disappointed that the spell didn’t work or I couldn’t produce the same small flame.

Okay, maybe I need more than just good vibes and baby gibberish to make this work.

I sighed as I looked up at the ceiling. Man, I could really appreciate eating a shawarma right now. On second thought nevermind. My baby teeth wouldn't cooperate.

*

A few months, maybe 6 to 8 months have passed since the incident. Truth be told, I am still in disbelief but right now, I had another goal and problem ahead of me. Walking. Yes, you heard me right. I have been reincarnated in another world and have knowledge of my past. So why was walking a problem? Well you see, I was thinking the same. But then I realized the fact babies couldn’t walk till almost 18 months due to their body still being underdeveloped, mainly limbs.

As such, I, Solomon Myriad, was having trouble getting on my feet due to my imperfect infant body. For someone who is in their 20s, I should be strutting around like a boss. And here I am, unable to even stand due to this infant body as it wasn’t cooperating. It’s all the evolution’s fault!

ONORE DECADO- I MEAN… ONORE JINRUINOSHINKA!!

It took a few turns, and by a few, I mean around hundred tries just trying to get onto my feet. I struggled to even get a hold of myself or balance, as I would immediately collapse to the ground and fall face flat. Of course, most babies would cry and seek their parent’s concern or care. But no! Not me! I am someone who was born not crying, both lifetimes! Though the doctor had to slap me awake in my previous lifetime. What was it with doctors and slapping or tapping babies after they are born anyways? Well, it wasn’t as harsh as a slap but it still counts!

After what felt like forever, I finally held onto the wall and pulled myself up. Just as I was expecting to fall down again, I maintain my balance. To my surprise, I was standing, already. However it was quite unstable and unsteady due to this body and lack of development. I then fell on my face front again, but at least I was able to accomplish something today!

It took half the day as I kept standing up and falling. It was trial and error, however, by the end, I was able to take a few steps and finally got some balance on myself. It wasn’t much but it was something! Finally, I was bipedal! Take that, life!

Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.

I slowly made my way through the house, wobbling around as I used the wall for support. It was in technicality, January, if we considered or used the calender from our world. So it was a bit cold and it was snowing outside. Only sources of heat were the heaters in the rooms and the fireplace in the living room. Thankfully, lil ol’ me was wearing some winter wear so I wasn’t expected much by it. However I still felt chills or breeze of cold air time to time.

The house was silent as I looked down the hallway. David was probably either sleeping in his room or was outside, training. And Bathy or Batsheba, was at school, teaching students. She actually took a break from school for a few months due to her pregnancy. And finally, a few moths ago, recovered and started going to teach again. I didn’t exactly have a good relationship with teachers back in my past life. I actually resented or hated them for pressuring me.

I halted for a moment, thinking to myself. Did they really pressure me? They actually encouraged me time to time and pampered me. Of course, they scolded or hit me a few times but that was really rare. Still, that wasn’t important anymore, its been way too long.

I slowly walked down the hallway as I passed David and Bathsheba’s room. Then I passed the guest room. And finally, I came to a complete stand still in front of a door. The door to a room I haven’t entered nor was I ever allowed to enter. I would sometimes spot Bathsheba entering the room and exiting after long hours. So whatever was behind this door, must have been important. I took a deep breath and pushed the door, luckily it wasn’t completely closed so I was able to push it open. Of course, I tripped and fell on my face, but when I looked up at the room, my eyes widened slightly.

The room was quite small but it wasn’t by any means too small to the point that it would only hold 2 people in it. On each side of the room’s walls were shelves, the shelves were filled with books off all sorts. And in the middle, in front of the window, was a small desk and a chair.

Then it hit me, this room, the reason it took Bathsheba hours to come out of it after entering, was because this was her study room. This must be where she spends her time studying some materials, reading books or preparing for the next classes in school.

I quickly approached the shelf on the left, looking at the books in the bottom. They were all kindergarten books. And above them by a little, or as far as I can reach or see, were 5th grade books. Textbooks and questionnaire to be precise.

“…”

There was a moment of silence. Come to think of it, I have been bored lately and have had nothing to do… Perhaps I could. I silently pulled a few books out of the shelf, almost falling on my back. Then I would stack them and then start pushing them from below.

Man… Stealing books as an infant, this has got to be one of the most absurd things I have done in two life times… And I hope Bathsheba doesn’t catch me. Don’t wanna be grounded before I even know how to run.

It took a few minutes but finally, I was able to take the books to my room. I let out a sigh of relief. Thankfully the maid was doing some other work downstairs, thank god she didn’t come upstairs. Anyways, I took out a few books and open them. Most of them were kindergarten level questions or rhymes. I grimaced and just grabbed the pencil I happened to… ‘borrow’ from the study along with the books. So I ended up clearing the first few books with little to no effort at all. I had trouble writing in this body but I was getting somewhere. Practice makes perfect.

Then I slowly made my way up, Grade 1, 2, 3, 4 and finally 5th Grade textbooks. And again, I had almost little to no problem solving the questions. But not only was I answering questions but also revising these things. Its been years since I last knew or heard of these facts… I feel so old all of a sudden.

5th grade English? Child’s play. Science? A breeze. But mathematics? Oh maths. Its like an unshakable parasite haunting me through the two lifetimes…Solving first-grade math was easy. Adding apples and oranges? Easy! Then came fifth-grade fractions… and my pencil snapped in frustration. Why did they make these numbers so complicated?

In the end, I had a productive day and happened to find a new source of entertainment and wisdom. It seems I will be busy for a while.

*