Infinite Returns : The More I Give, The Stronger I Become

Chapter 1: Ethan

Earth — Yagami Household

The morning sunlight streamed through the tall glass windows, casting golden streaks over the lavishly decorated chamber. Exquisite vases stood proudly on shelves, their intricate carvings shimmering under the warm glow. Velvet drapes, embroidered with gold threads, swayed gently with the breeze from the slightly open balcony door. The air carried a faint, crisp scent of fresh morning dew.

Nestled in the heart of this opulence was a large, canopy bed draped in silken sheets. And on that bed, sprawled like a carefree cat, lay a boy no older than ten.

His black hair, sleek and soft, fanned out over his pillow like the night sky against snow. His delicate features were framed by long lashes, his serene expression undisturbed, his breaths even. The morning chill did nothing to rouse him, nor did the gentle rustling of the curtains.

Tok tok—

"Young Master, are you awake?"

A soft, feminine voice echoed from beyond the grand oak doors. A moment of silence followed.

No response.

A sigh. The door creaked open.

A small figure stepped inside, her polished leather shoes tapping lightly against the marble floor. She had a petite frame, with neatly braided brown hair and sharp, inquisitive black eyes that sparkled with mischief. Her maid uniform was crisp, perfectly arranged, a reflection of her diligence.

Ellie folded her arms and observed the boy, who remained dead to the world, his chest rising and falling steadily.

She wasn't surprised.

Her young master was the laziest person she had ever met. If there was an award for sleeping through important events, he would be the undisputed champion.

She walked to the bedside, hands on her hips.

Today was a big day. His big day. And here he was—sleeping as if the world itself didn't exist.

A slow smile crept onto her lips.

Bending down, she leaned in close, her breath brushing against his ear. In a voice dripping with honeyed playfulness, she whispered,

"Young Master Ethan, the Lord is waiting for you in the Awakening Room~"

The effect was immediate.

Ethan's eyes snapped open, revealing irises so vividly green they seemed to glow. Confusion flickered through them before understanding dawned.

He groaned.

"Ellie…" he muttered, rubbing his eyes. His voice thick with sleep. "How many times do I have to tell you? You can't wake me up like that anymore. I'm a grown man."

She tilted her head innocently. "Oh? But you wouldn't wake up otherwise, Young Master."

He shot her a glare, but it held no real malice.

Then, as if struck by lightning, he froze.

His head snapped toward the large clock by the wall. His breath hitched.

"Ellie." His voice was suddenly shaky. "What time is it?"

She clasped her hands behind her back, rocking slightly on her heels. "The Lord has been waiting for you since early this morning, Young Master."

A heavy silence filled the air.

Then—

"WHAT?!"

Ethan shot out of bed, his limbs tangling with the sheets, nearly sending him crashing to the floor. He fought against the fabric like a trapped animal before finally freeing himself. His hair was disheveled, his nightwear rumpled, but none of that mattered.

"Ellie, why didn't you wake me up earlier?!"

She simply smiled, watching him scramble.

"Young Master, I did try. Every morning, in fact."

Ethan gritted his teeth. No time for arguments. He bolted toward the bathroom, flinging open the door.

"Go tell my father I'll be there in five minutes—no scratch that —two minutes! I'll just splash water on my face!" he called out before disappearing inside.

Elie chuckled, shaking her head. She turned on her heels, heading for the door.

"I'll inform the Lord," she said, amusement lacing her tone.

As she walked down the hall, she could still hear Ethan's panicked muttering from inside the bathroom.

"Damn it, even on a day like this… I can't believe I overslept!"

"Ugh… Father's gonna give me another speech, isn't he?"

That was his real fear.

Not the Awakening Ceremony. Not the outcome.

His father's lectures.

He could already imagine it—his father seated in his grand chair, speaking with an air of absolute authority, droning on for hours about discipline and responsibility.

It was torture.

He'd rather spend his day in the servants' quarters, playing games. Or watching the knights train while enjoying some snacks.

But it couldn't be helped.

This was his Awakening Day.

Ethan sighed, staring at his reflection in the mirror. Droplets of water clung to his pale skin, trickling down his sharp jawline. His damp black hair clung to his forehead. He wiped his face with a towel and exhaled slowly.

This was it.

The day every child in the Yagami Household looked forward to.

The day they discovered their talents—their paths in this world.

A slow smirk played on his lips.

"Heh… I've done everything I could to awaken a golden finger, but nothing worked."

He ran a hand through his hair.

"But I can feel it. This time, I'll definitely awaken something good."

After all as a reincarnated being from a certain blue planet it's a must to have a cheat. 

His excitement flickered for a moment. Then—

"…I just hope it's nothing combat-related. That would be way too troublesome."

A life of fighting? Training every day? Getting dragged into battles?

No, thank you.

Ethan was a man of simple dreams.

All he wanted was to be strong enough to not get nagged by his father. Just enough to secure his lazy, peaceful lifestyle.

'That's all I need.'

Still, despite his reluctance… he couldn't deny the thrill curling in his chest.

Magic. Power. The unknown.

As an avid novel reader in his past life, it was impossible not to be excited.

He threw the towel aside and straightened his clothes.

"Alright, let's do this."

With renewed energy, Ethan stormed out of his room, making a beeline for the Awakening Room.

Today…

He would awaken.

—End of Chapter 1—