Death and Regret

Leo felt like he was going to die—he really wanted to sleep.

This was one of the symptoms of radiation sickness: his brain couldn't think, his eyelids felt as heavy as if filled with lead, impossible to open, and his mind was like mush, unable to form a single thought.

But perhaps, this was the least fatal and most comfortable symptom.

He had worked in the nuclear industry for decades, always at the frontline, because he firmly believed that atomic energy was the future.

However, now it was regrettable that atomic energy was about to take away his future—after taking his mother's, it was his turn.

Did he regret it?

He didn't regret his work. On the contrary, he was proud of the strides he made ahead of others, even though that feeling of almost grasping the glory of the sun would forever leave him with regrets.

He did, however, regret going back home for meals with his mother from time to time. Maybe if he hadn't, she could've lived a little longer, even if it was just for one more meal.

But even with that extra time, he might not have cherished it.

If people knew how to cherish what they already had, how could there be any regrets?

He also regretted not taking on certain responsibilities at the right moments. Perhaps there were things he should've made decisions about, but maybe he wasn't capable of making the best choices, and he would've regretted making the wrong ones anyway.

He regretted not marrying—though if he had, his wife and children might have been dragged into this.

He also regretted—

The carousel of life suddenly paused, and Leo smiled bitterly—

Maybe he did have a few regrets.

Then he closed his eyes.

Screeeech—

The sharp sound of brakes pierced Leo's eardrums, followed by a thunderous crash, like a car flipping over.

Bang—bang—bang—bang—

Then came the sound of metal barrels hitting the ground, followed by screams, shouting, and a familiar voice—

It sounded like his mother's voice.

"Leo, the weather's nice today, the sun is shining in. I've taken your blanket out to air it. When you wake up, you can go back to sleep in it. Do you remember the smell of sunlight?"

Next to the hospital bed, a middle-aged woman with white hair was gently massaging Leo's body, speaking softly.

"Thankfully, the sun is good here, so you won't mold and turn into a little coal ball—just like Luna. When you wake up, you'll see how beautiful she's grown. And your good friends, they're all about to go to college, playing on their skateboards every day. They look so happy. You'll definitely get along with them."

As she spoke, the woman's smile began to tremble, and tears welled up in her eyes.

Knock, knock!

Someone knocked on the door. It was a nurse: "Mrs. Lee, you need to transfer your son. Someone else needs this room."

"Oh, I know, I know—can you give me two more minutes? Just two minutes."

The nurse looked at the woman, hesitated, then glanced at her watch: "Alright, two minutes, but this isn't allowed, ma'am—and you've forgotten again, you can't get too close to him, it's bad for your health."

"I know," the woman turned her head, struggling to maintain her smile, covering her face as she continued, "You can go play with your friends. I won't ruin your fun anymore, but—"

Leo's heart trembled. The woman's voice sounded just like his mother's—

He used all his strength to open his eyes, eyes that hadn't opened in years, and forced air through his parched throat, making a hoarse and strange sound in response to the unfinished sentence.

"Was I really that... playful, Mom?"

How strange. Seeing the woman before him, Leo realized she didn't exactly match the mother in his memory, but she was indeed his mother.

He had been reborn—that had to be it.

His mother's sobs abruptly stopped when she saw his open eyes, as if seeing them for the first time—

"Leo—you've woken up!"

Leo had been reborn. This was his mother, Mrs. Maya Morgan, a Latina immigrant who had taken her husband's surname, Lee, after marriage.

Three years ago, while playing on the street, a truck loaded with waste had spilled its contents. The hazardous waste had been dumped everywhere.

And Leo hadn't woken up since.

For three years, his vital signs had steadily declined, until yesterday—Leo believed the old Leo had died.

Looking at his frail body, Leo remembered the doctor's recent examination, during which his mother had spoken with the doctor.

Yet Leo could feel his body growing weaker, much like when he had been close to death in his previous life.

But guessing wasn't going to help. Leo quietly got out of bed, and his body, unused for years, collapsed to the floor. Luckily, it didn't make too much noise.

He crawled to the door and overheard the conversation between the doctor and his mother—

"Leo's body is too weak—Mrs. Lee, I'm very sorry. We don't know why he suddenly woke up, but I really don't recommend continuing treatment."

"What do you mean?! Are you suggesting my child should die? Is that a doctor's advice?!"

"Please calm down, Mrs. Lee."

"Your child has not only been chemically injured but is also showing symptoms of radiation sickness. It's not just us—even the Osborne Corporation can't treat him. His body has absorbed harmful waste, and radioactive elements have become part of him."

"You…"

Click.

Leo pushed the door open, interrupting the argument.

Seeing this, his mother rushed to him and gently supported him.

"Mom, let's go home for now."

His mother, her eyes red, was momentarily stunned, but in the end, she simply wiped away her tears and forced a smile.

"Alright, let's go home."

Leo's home in this world was in Queens, a classic slum—though the good news was, it was a small standalone house.

Once home, his mother told him many things, but Leo seemed distracted.

Rebirth had given him much information—first, he was dying, with multiple incurable diseases likely afflicting him.

Secondly, he had heard a name: "Osborne Corporation."

This was the iconic high-tech company that only existed in superhero worlds—like Marvel.

That meant his illness might not be entirely untreatable.

Finally, Maya Lee, his mother, was indeed his mother—he didn't want to break her heart.

Touching the soft blanket with the scent of sunshine, the two mothers in Leo's memory overlapped.

"I've been reborn, so nothing is impossible. If I can unlock the mysteries of the atom, I can also solve the challenges of biology.

I will absorb all the knowledge of this world like a sponge. I know all the people here, their stories and achievements, so I can seize the advantage.

With advantage and effort, I can do it—science changes lives, and it starts with changing my own fate."

Lying in bed, Leo encouraged himself, reflecting on the incredible events of the day.

As an engineer who had solved countless problems in the past, he quickly adjusted his mindset—if there's a problem, solve it.

Suddenly, a window popped up in front of him.

[Yes, you can save yourself.]

[Personal panel is now online. Your determination will finally be rewarded.]

[Special Trait: Heart of Evolution has been activated.]

[Name: Leo Lee]

[Special Trait: Heart of Evolution]

[Heart of Evolution: You are ready to master everything. Your learning ability is greatly enhanced, and you won't be influenced by technological constructs.]

[Note: Great scientists are pioneers of creation, not weak-willed individuals swayed by inventions—you won't even get addicted to your smartphone.]

Leo was stunned for a moment, then eagerly pumped his fist—

Just as his mother opened the door.

"Leo?" she whispered gently, "I…"

"Mom," Leo tried to make his voice sound calm and full of energy, "Tomorrow will be better."

His mother was taken aback. She had intended to comfort Leo, but it was her son who was comforting her instead.

This might have been the biggest turning point in her life.

Leo's voice was still weak, but to Maya, it felt warm, as if Leo had been there all these years.

"Yes, tomorrow will be better. I... I have an early shift tomorrow."

"Just leave breakfast on the table. Trust me."

"Alright, Leo," Maya wanted to cry again, but she didn't, "Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Mom."

The door closed, and the panel in front of Leo continued to display new information.

[Unstable energy may erupt at any time. Prepare for a new world.]

Lying in bed, Leo closed his eyes—

So, it's a new world again. Let's see what can help me here.