1 Prologue, He Who Atoned

One thing I've realized over the course of a few years is that, for some odd reason, everyone I've met had almost identical feel to people I've known before.

No, no, they don't look the same— well, maybe a little but their personalities don't match either. They all have a distinct feel to them.

Like that girl I loved when I was a boy and the woman I met a century after. I've long forgotten their names. Truly makes you wonder if I really loved them, huh? Anywho, they have similar personalities and similar interests.

I wonder why that is.

The unrecognizable old man coughed, sitting on a wheelchair with a kitten on his lap.

Why was he unrecognizable? I never met a man who looked like him once in my life. I have no reason to recognize him.

…

Was I alive even?

It took me a moment to see that the good-looking old man was me, looking at a mirror.

When did I get so old?

The cat on my lap purred, and instinctively, I caressed its body.

I don't remember much of my current life. Did I get dementia?

…

Is he still there? Rather, am I still watching?

—Who is watching?

"You are." A voice that was once mine spoke in my mind. "How do you do, []?"

—What did you just say?

"Worry not. It is just an ordinary title given to you. It seems to be censored on your end." The voice paused, then spoke amusedly. "Which means…"

—Means what?

The cat in my lap seemed to sense a bad presence from the voice. It stood up, its tail fluffed, darting its eyes all over.

But I would hope there is no enemy.

The voice is my mind tut.

"Never mind me. What is your kitty cat's name?"

"Oh, her!" I finally managed to find the strength to speak. I rubbed my chin. "Is it a her? I'm not sure I remember well."

"Haha. You'll remember soon enough, []."

I furrowed my lashes— or was it brows? Did I even have brows at this age? How old am I even?

"What do you mean?"

I could feel the voice's sweet grin though I cannot see it.

"Spit it out, []." I could not hear the name I said.

The voice laughed. "I have nothing to say, old friend. I am glad you remember my name. My real name."

"I don't remember whatever your real name is, you crusty-voiced motherfucker!" I bellowed and the wheelchair shook, pointing a bony finger in the air. My cat looked concerned. "I must know what is going on! Why can't I say your name?"

"Oh, but you can. In fact, you just did."

"I heard nothing."

Another pause. "Then it means it is a spoiler." The voice was cheerful. Its invisible grin irked me.

"Argh? A spoiler?" My own old man's voice annoyed me.

"Yes, []! Every story has one and hearing what happens in your future is no good! It ruins the fun for the [] when you know what happens in your life— especially in your case where you have multiple— Eh?"

"What?" I irritatingly asked.

"D-Did you hear that?"

"Stuttering like a child, aren't you? What a baby. Tell papa what's wrong." I motioned him to come closer (though I could not see him.)

"Shut it, []! I swear you haven't changed a bit! Now, did you hear that?"

"About me having multiple lives? Aye."

"Hey, you!"

"Hmm?"

I got ignored. The voice seemed to be talking to someone else.

"Aren't you a god-tier system?! Why didn't you censor it?! Father will annihilate me!"

[I am apologize.]

"Speak properly!"

"Um—"

"Shut up, []! What's with you always butting into other people's business! System! Why didn't you censor it?" The voice spoke through gritted teeth.

[Be-Be-Because its not spoiler]

"Stop stuttering!"

Interrupting, "System is right though." I talked calmly, silencing them. "I do know. What now?"

The voice hummed for a moment as it thought.

I coughed. "What now?"

The voice grunted. I felt a bit scared of what the voice was capable of for he could speak in my mind. Perhaps it's just schizophrenia but I'd rather not be negative.

"Impatient prick. What now, you ask? Easy! You will start anew this time! For the last millenia, you started as an old man. Now you will be []— Oops, it is a spoiler."

What was it talking about? Am I going to reincarnate again?

Again and again and again.

I wonder what I will be this time. Human? Bird? A stone even?

Doesn't matter. I will be the best there is.