《Prologue 20》

It's been a few years since we last met, so I wanted to ask: how has life been for you? Are you happy, sad, angry, or disappointed? Do you find yourself wishing every passing moment could be changed for the better? If that's the case, then it's time to get off the bed or chair and start working toward that change. There's no better time than the present to shape your future and leave the past behind. Take control and guide your tomorrow toward a brighter path.

My advice? Don't let the opinions of others hurt you. Instead, use their words as motivation to improve your life. Whether their opinions are positive or negative, let them inspire you to prove them right or wrong—whichever serves you best.

Now, onto me. I'm 5 years old now (well, sort of), and I'd love to catch you up on everything that's happened since we last talked, but that's a story for another time. For now, let's just say I'm on my way to becoming the greatest swordsman ever. Okay, maybe not *yet*—I've only just started, and all I'm doing is carrying a wooden sword everywhere. And I mean *everywhere*.

My dad (this life's dad, that is) is absolutely insistent on it. If I don't have the sword with me at all times, he'll attack me with these soft, balloon-like things—no matter where I am or what I'm doing. It got annoying *really* fast, so I gave in. Don't judge me! Imagine trying to take a shower, and suddenly your dad bursts in, pelting you with marshmallows until you go grab your sword. Or worse, imagine being on the toilet, minding your own business, and he shows up out of nowhere to do the same. And if I dare sleep without the sword on me or nearby, he'll use soft water balls to wake me up. Trust me, you'd cave in too. It was the worst week of my life—and I *love* sleeping, so you can imagine how miserable it was.

On top of all that, I've started having these weird dreams. In them, I see myself sleeping in third person, with strange things happening all around me. It's unsettling, to say the least. As for magic, it seems like all I can do for now is meditate. Apparently, I'll only be able to use magic once I "awaken." It reminds me of this Chinese novel I read (or rather, remembered from my past life) about people awakening holograms of different things behind their backs. Cool concept, but why were they all in rings? Food for thought, I guess.

Anyway, back to the present. Today's a wonderful day—or at least it was until I realized I forgot my sword in my room. As soon as I noticed, I ducked, rolled, and narrowly dodged a tennis ball flying my way. Close call! I sprinted back to my room to grab the sword while dodging… wait, are those spitballs? Eww! No, no, no! Not happening! "MOM!!! DAD'S THROWING SPITBALLS AT ME!!!"

As I I finally found my sword, I caught a glimpse of my dad's shadow darting through the house, jumping, rolling, and zigzagging his way to the woods to hide. I should probably tell him that mom discovered his hideout last week—completely by accident, of course. It had *nothing* to do with me or that whole bread-and-house incident you can find on Earth's search engines. Totally unrelated, I swear.

Just then, a pink cloud erupted from the woods, catching my attention. *That*, however, *was* my doing. Mwahahaha! Sweet revenge! I can't wait to see his face when I tell him I recorded the whole thing. I walked out of my room, heading to the dining area while pretending to use hand sanitizer (don't ask) and brainstorming my next prank. After a few minutes, I stopped because, well, it looked weird.

Speaking of looks, let me tell you something about myself: I'm handsome. Like, 20/10, absolutely flawless. I'm not being narcissistic—it's just what my mom tells me. Apparently, I've been blind this whole time. I only realized it when I was 3. I thought I could see, but it turns out I was actually perceiving people's *mana* selves, which are close enough to their physical forms that I mistook them for the real thing. So, no, I'm not like that red-leather-wearing, bat-like attorney from Earth. Don't get any ideas.

I reached the dining room and, before entering, carefully used my sword to check for traps. You can never be too careful with my dad—I think I inherited my prankster tendencies from him. Once I confirmed the coast was clear, I walked in and headed straight for my mom's chair. Why? Because dad would never prank her chair. Smart, right?

After eating (in a cute but elegant manner, because I'm a guy, damn it), I went to wash my hands and promptly tripped over a basket. "MOM! Can you please stop leaving baskets near the washing area? I keep falling into them!"

Never let your guard down around mom—she's a joker at heart too. I guess that's where I get my devious streak. *Sigh.* I do miss my Earth home sometimes. I love this place, but I can't shake the thought that my Earth parents might be devastated if they found me dead, in a coma, or with the mind of a baby. It's hard to let go of those possibilities.

Anyway, I've been rambling about unimportant things to buy myself some time, and—OW! What the hell? I can't see! NOOOO!

I woke up in a crib with a jug nearby. Yep, it's the same guy who loves splashing water on me every chance he gets. Would you give it a rest already? Surprise, motherf*cker—I'm not 5 years old. I'm actually just 2 weeks old. Bet you didn't see that twist coming!