Reincarnation?

A second life, I guess.

Well, that doesn’t sound so bad.

Whether this world is a game or my new reality, it’s a chance for me to redeem myself.

This world has a structure similar to real life. The color abilities you had before is carry over. But as expected, they return to stage one. You have to train all over again to reach where you once were. A complete reset.

Not a problem for me though. This reset just means I can reach my previous level faster and push beyond it.

By the age of three in this world, I’ve already regained all my colors. It wasn’t hard since my mind remembers everything.

But this world has its own unique system, like the class transformation. Normally, you’d inherit your class from the family you were born into, typically. But it’s not always the case, I guess.

From what I’ve researched, there are nine main classes: Villager, Bandit, Hero, Knight, Mercenary, Noble, Royalty, Seer, and Evil. Classic fantasy game types, but fewer than I would expected. Still, at some point, everyone awakens to their class.

Interestingly, just as I instinctively know my own color abilities, I also know what my class is as soon as I awoken them. But, as with colors, I won’t know anyone else’s class unless they reveal it.

Everything feels real and natural… just like a real world.

* * *

“You really did it. Zero.” Called a red-haired boy leaning against a tree as Zero walked through the forest.

“Gah! You scared me, Tommy. What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be with the others? You must’ve heard by now, I’ve betrayed everyone.” Zero flinched, his face twisted with conflict as he spoke.

“I know. I’ve been waiting for you.” Tommy replied with a small smile.

“Waiting? Don’t you hate me for it? If we’d raided that village, we’d be living a better life.” Zero questioned.

“And then what? The cycle repeats? It wouldn’t take long before the noble’s soldiers come hunting us down, or mercenaries chasing our bounty. We’d just end up back in the ruins, running with our tails between our legs.” Tommy shrugged.

“That… makes sense.” Zero murmured, picturing it. “But it doesn’t change the fact that I betrayed everyone. I let them down, and I crushed their hopes.” Zero clenched his chest in pain.

“About that… you weren’t the only one sent to the village, Zero.” Tommy placed a hand on Zero’s shoulder. “While you were tasked with infiltrating the noble’s manor, I was supposed to scout the whole village acting like a beggars.”

“But I’m the one who failed them. I told the lord of the manor everything I knew about the raid, and warned him to get everyone to safety.” Zero said, cutting Tommy off.

“Still, doesn’t it seem strange? The village should’ve been an easy target for us, they didn’t have enough manpower to stop a bandit raid. So how did they end up ambushing us?” Tommy raised an eyebrow.

“Hmmm…” Zero pondered, frowning.

“They probably guessed we’d use the usual bandit tactics, like sending a starved, desperate kid as a scout, but that’s just a textbook move. They’d never let just any kid into their manor for food, they aren’t that dumb.” Tommy explained.

“You’re right, the kindness I felt were genuine but it wasn’t normal.” Zero’s face softened at the memory. “Back when we begged on the streets, nobles won’t even bother to spare a glance at us.” He recalled. “But… doesn’t that mean they’re just good people?”

“Everyone’s ‘good’ but it depends.” Tommy riddles.

“That… doesn’t make any sense, bro.” Zero looked at him, confused.

“Back when you were starving in that cage, I was roaming around the village and I ended up meeting the lord of the manor, and well… I told them everything about today’s plan. Like, everything!” Tommy said with a mischievous grin.

“What? There’s no way that happened!” Zero looked incredulous. “We knew the raid was going to happen, but we didn’t know how the raid will happen. They planned everything in secret as soon as I made my report, what you said doesn’t make sense.” Zero’s confusion deepened.

Tommy snapped his fingers, and in an instant, his clothes transformed into a flowing white robe, a wooden cane appearing in his hand.

“Tommy!” Zero looked at Tommy with a disbelieved. “No way! Are you… actually… Tommy the White?!” Zero exclaimed, pressing both hands to his head in shock.

“Indeed! I am Tommy the White!” Tommy smirked, clearly amused.

Zero struggled to process this revelation. He’d thought he was destined to be nothing more than a bandit, but now, seeing Tommy like this, he felt a glimmer of hope. The game he’d thought only as a grim struggle suddenly seemed full of possibilities.

“How did you become a Seer, Tommy? That’s incredible!” Zero said, awestruck.

“Well, if you think the way everyone else in this world thinks, you’ll end up just like them.” Tommy replied with a cocky smile.

Zero pressed his fingers to his temple, straining to understand.

Amused by Zero’s reaction, Tommy said, “I’m a player in this game, just like you.”

Zero, who’d felt lonely in this world for nine years, questioning the truth of this world between reality or game, had a hard time fitting into this world. Now knowing he’s not alone, he felt tears tearing unexpectedly. Like a heavy weight lifted from his heart and the fog around him is clearing.

“How did you know that I’m a player?” Zero asked, his curiosity growing, “And wait! How did you know about today’s raid plans? Is that your class abilities? And why did you betray the others too? There’s so much happening!” His questions tumbled out.

“I won’t tell you how I know you’re a player.” Tommy chuckles as he replied.

“Not fair!” Zero pouted, clearly frustrated.

“The Seer class has special abilities, including clairvoyance. I can see glimpses of the future. It’s limited, though, I can only see certain events.” Tommy explained.

“Isn’t that similar to color abilities?” Zero asked, tilting his head thoughtfully.

“Not quite. My main color is red, so I won’t be awakening clairvoyance since that is skill known to be exclusive to white.” Tommy clarified.

“Wow, you know a lot about color abilities. Were you some kind of Vanguard or Helper in real life?” Zero asked still struggling to grasp everything Tommy was saying.

“Well… something like that, ha ha ha.” Tommy replied awkwardly.

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“So, how old are you?” Zero asked, curious.

“I think I was around 38 before entering this game. So if we add these nine years… technically, I’m 47 now.” Tommy replied.

“Wow, so you’re Grandpa Tommy the White.” Zero said bluntly.

Tommy winced at the words. He couldn’t deny it, but somehow, hearing it felt like a pierce, thrusting his chest.

Trying to recover, Tommy tossed the question back. “And you? How old were you when you entered?” He feel hopeful that they’re not too far apart in age, maybe just a decade or two…

“I was 12 when I entered.” Zero replied.

“Guh!” Tommy groaned, feeling the sting of reality. If he’d had a kid, Zero could easily be his child’s age.

“Wait a second, the age restriction for this game is 17+, isn’t it?” Tommy asked, frowning.

“Oh that… I think I accidentally entered when I tried a malfunctioning VR gear.” Zero explained, a hint of sadness flickering across his face. “I’m not even sure how it happened.”

“I see.” Tommy said, thoughtful.

“Must’ve been hard, huh?” Tommy added gently. “But don’t worry. This is just a a game, we’ll find a way out of this game.” He gave Zero a reassuring smile.

Zero’s face brightened at Tommy’s words.

“So… should I call you Grandpa? I don’t want to be rude.” Zero teased.

“No, no, no! Anything but that!” Tommy said quickly.

“Well, since this game has that realistic age system, we’re basically the same age here. Just call me Tommy as usual. Don’t worry about it, bro.” Tommy held his fist up for a fist bump.

“Sure thing!” Zero said, grinning as he bumped fists with Tommy.

“Let me introduce myself properly.” Tommy said, looking Zero in the eye. “I’m Thomas DeAngelo.”

“I’m Zerono Zeroz.” Zero replied, returning the gesture as he shared his real name.

Tommy and Zero walked through the forest, heading in the opposite direction of the bandit’s ruins they’d left behind, discussing their next steps. For regular nine-year-old boys, surviving a night alone in the would not just be difficult, but impossible.

“Shouldn’t we go back to the village? Do you think they’d take us in now that we’ve left the bandit group?” Zero suggested.

“Hmm, I don’t think it’s the right time.” Tommy replied. “They’ll be on high alert after the warning.” Let’s set up camp here in the forest, get some rest, and figure our journey afterward.”

“Isn’t the forest dangerous?” Zero asked, his voice cautious.

“Don’t worry.” Tommy’s eyes glowed red, flames flickered to life in his hands. “I can just burn anything that tries to mess with us.”

“Whoa! You can control fire already?” Zero awed, as his eyes widened.

“Of course, no big deal.” Tommy shrugged. “Have you awakened your colors yet?” he asked.

“No… I was colorless in real life.” Zero admitted, looking down. “But it’s fine! I’ll grow stronger here!” he added, his voice rising with determination.

“Who knows? Maybe you’ll awaken your color in this world.” Tommy said with a reassuring smile.

As they moved deeper into the forest, eerie sounds filled the air, and soon they spotted glowing blue eyes watching them from the shadows like a predator hunting its prey. Zero shivered, sensing the danger lurking in the darkness.

Without hesitation, Tommy launched a fireball, hitting one of the creatures with precision. A loud howl echoed through the trees as the flames illuminated a wolf-like monster with sharp blue eyes. More of the predator emerged, their eyes glinting with threats as they circled closer.

Zero’s heart pounded, anxiety rising as the monsters surrounded them. Suddenly, one of the creatures leaped at him. Instinctively, he raised his arms to shield himself.

“Get down!” Tommy yanked him, pulling his cloth, positioning Zero behind him.

In the glow of the moonlight, Zero caught a glimpse of Tommy’s face. Despite the danger, Tommy was grinning, his eyes bright with excitement at the challenge ahead.

Tommy’s body began to glow a brilliant red, his hair radiating a fiery aura. Two blazing swords materialized around him, hovering like missiles. With a flick of his wrist, one of the swords shot forward, striking an attacking monster dead-on and reducing it to ashes.

“Two swords should be enough to handle these mobs.” Tommy said confidently.

Zero watched in awe. “So cool…”

Sensing the threat, the monsters around them lunged toward Tommy. But each time they approached, the fire swords flew with deadly precision, incinerating any creature they touched. The two swords moved in perfect sync, cutting down monsters from all directions. Each time one tried to make a move, it was met by the relentless blazing flames. Tommy’s excitement grew as he showcased his powers to Zero.

“Wooo! Burn them all Tommy! Yeahhh!” Zero cheered, watching Tommy dispatch the monsters effortlessly. Even those attempting to flee were quickly engulfed in flames, leaving none alive.

“That was epic!” Zero exclaimed, admiring the fiery scene around Tommy, who looked like a hero from an action movie, framed by flames and smoke.

But in their excitement, neither noticed the unintended consequences. The intense fire from Tommy’s powerful attacks had spread to the trees and branches nearby. Soon, the forest around them began to catch fire, smoke rising thickly, an unintentional beacon that could attract humans or even more monsters.

“Cough, cough!” Zero hacked as smoke filled the air, the flames creeping closer around them.

“Um, Tommy… was this part of the plan?” Zero asked, a bit nervously.

Tommy looked around, his face shifting to a guilty panicked expression. “Uh… yeah… well, actually, no.” He glanced around, realizing the fire had spread far beyond what he could control.

“Let’s run!” Tommy exclaimed, grabbing Zero’s arm as they dashed away from the encroaching flames.

“Wait, can’t you do something to stop the fire?” Zero asked, coughing through the thick smoke.

“Well… I can create fire and control it within a range, but I can’t exactly absorb it. And most of it’s already out of my control.” Tommy admitted with an awkward laugh.

“Gah…” Zero groaned, out of words as they sprinted away from the blazing forest.

The fire spread rapidly through the forest, sending nearby villages into a panic. Villagers with water abilities hurried to extinguish the flames.

“Faster, faster! The fire’s spreading wildly!” A commanding soldier shouted, his voice thick with urgency. “Cursed those damned bandits! Only they’d be vile enough to set a fire this large just to escape!” he added, his face twisting with disgust.

The soldiers who had just broken up the bandit’s raid were now frantically helping villagers to extinguish the wildfire.

“Curse those noble bastards! This is all part of their shrewd plan!” one bandit shouted, watching the flames creeping toward their hideout. Forced to abandon their base within the blazing forest, the bandits group fled. However, to make their life harder, they stumbled upon monsters they’d hoped to avoid, that had been roused by the chaos.

Meanwhile, the two young boys responsible for the chaos had already fled, far beyond the reach of soldiers or bandits, blissfully unaware of the consequences of their action.

Tommy, using his fire resistance, shrouded Zero with his aura to protect him from the flames and thick smoke. After running for what felt like hours, finally, they reached the edge of the forest.

“Is that… a river? Tommy asked, his ears perking up at the sound of water.

“Finally!” Zero gasped, collapsing in relief as they emerged from the trees, drenched in sweat. As he caught his breath, he thought: Maybe Tommy isn’t as reliable as I thought…

Eager to make up for his mistakes, Tommy offered to find food while Zero rested. Using his abilities, he caught fish from the river and set up a small campfire so they could warm up and eat for the night.

After dinner, Tommy started to gather materials for a makeshift shelter, but Zero stopped him.

“You’re tired too, let’s just rest.” Zero said, yawning as he lay down on the cold stone ground, gazing up at the stars. “We’ve slept on the street before, this isn’t so bad.”

“Hmm, if you said so.” Tommy replied lying down beside him.

Exhausted. The two of them drifted off under the open sky, with only the crackling campfire and distant sounds of the burning forest behind them.

“You know, I want to clear this game.” Zero said, reaching out as though trying to grasp the stars above.

“Sounds fun.” Tommy replied with a smile.

“But… I’m not even sure if I’ll have the strength for it.” Zero continued, his voice softer. “Unlike a normal game where I can just power up with stats and levels, a game where I have clear purpose and route to clear the game, this place feels more like reality than a game.”

“Is this really a game? Or perhaps…” Zero questioned himself.

Zero looked over at Tommy, admiration in his eyes. “I bet you were strong in real life. But me? I’m just a twelve-year-old kid. Talentless, colorless.”

Tommy listened, but before he could say anything, Zero’s expression shifted. “Still… if you could grow strong in real life, I feel like I can too, I will work hard for it.”

Tommy chuckled, nodding in agreement. “No one born strong.”

“Step by step, only then can we grow.” Tommy continued. “You don’t need to say it, buddy. I’ll teach you how to get strong, maybe even stronger than me.” His eyes gleamed with excitement for Zero’s future.

“In some way… it’d help me too.” Tommy muttered under his breath.

“Hm? What was that?” Zero asked, not quite catching it.

“Ah, nothing.” Tommy gave a light laugh. “Just thinking about how everyone wants to leave something behind. The proofs of their existence. Something valuable, something they’d be proud of.” Tommy riddles.

“What does that mean?” Zero asked, tilting his head in confusion.

“Don’t worry about it.” Tommy replied with a grin. “You’ll understand one day.”

“You really do sound like a grandpa.” Zero chuckling.

Tommy groaned. “Hey, we’re the same age here, remember?”

Zero yawned, his eyes already starting to close. “Let’s start training together, I’m ready…”

“Definitely! But don’t complain if the training is too hard. I don’t just take anyone as my student.” Tommy warned, already planning out the training.

But Zero was already fast asleep, his steady breathing blending with the crackling of the campfire.

Watching him, Tommy smiled, then conjured his blazing sword to keep guard while they slept. Yet as he drifted off, a distant voice echoed in his mind.

“You killed everyone! Thomas DeAngelo! You deserve to rot in hell!”

His eyes snapped open. The dark memory he thought he had left behind still burned bright, keeping him awake.

“Well… guess I’m not sleeping again tonight.” He muttered, staring into the flames a they flickered, like shadows of his past haunting him.