Chapter 2 - New Beginnings

"Ahh, where am I?" I felt warm and squeezed, as if I were floating. "What's happening? Ahh, pain!"

Suddenly, I heard a voice in the background, "It's a boy, madam."

Inside a hospital room, a nurse handed a baby to a charming woman who looked exhausted from giving birth. With the last of her strength, she gazed at the baby crying loudly and gave a sweet smile.

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Main Character's POV

What is going on? Everything is a blur, and why does it hurt so much? My mind raced, trying to make sense of the sensations. I felt a strange mix of confusion and curiosity. The pain was intense, but there was also an odd warmth surrounding me. The voice I heard seemed distant, yet comforting.

After some thought and a lot of screaming, I felt exhausted and slept. Sleep came quickly, pulling me into a deep, dreamless void.

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Some time later, a man entered the room and spoke to the healer, "Is everything okay?"

The woman replied, "Everything is fine. Both mother and son are in good health. They are asleep now. You can meet them after some time."

The man, looking relieved, took a deep breath and said, "Thank you, ma'am."

"It's our job, sir," the healer replied.

The man looked at the exhausted woman and the newborn child, a warm smile spreading across his face as he sat near them both.

After a few hours, the woman woke up and saw the man. "Isn't he cute?" she said.

"Yes, he is, just like you," the man replied.

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Main Character's POV

I woke up again, still unable to see clearly but better than before. My surroundings were still blurry, but shapes and colors began to form more distinctly. The pain had subsided, replaced by a dull ache. I could hear the soft murmur of voices nearby, and I felt a sense of calm wash over me.

After some realization, I understood I was born as a baby. All the choices and the hologram were true. The overwhelming clarity of my new reality hit me like a tidal wave. I had actually been reincarnated.

I vaguely saw the images of two people, a man and a woman. It's logical to conclude they are my parents in this life. They seemed to be discussing something. My senses were still developing, but I could make out the warmth and gentleness in their voices. There was an undeniable bond forming, even if I couldn't fully comprehend it yet.

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From a General P.O.V.

"Look, honey, he's looking at us," the woman said.

"Yes, dear, he is," the man replied.

"Maybe he recognizes us, like a mother-child bond," said the woman.

"So, should we give him a name? I have created a good list," the man suggested.

"When we go home, we will," the woman replied.

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After 2 Months

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Main Character's POV

After two months, my vision improved significantly, though not perfect. I could see the faces of my parents clearly now. My mother had kind, caring eyes that seemed to sparkle with warmth. My father had a gentle yet strong presence, always there to support my mother.

I came to know I was in a wizard's house. Although I knew from my choice I would have magic, seeing my parents perform magic was a whole new experience. It was incredible to witness simple household tasks done with a wave of a wand—an automatic kitchen where utensils danced and robes that cleaned themselves. It was like living in a fairy tale.

I think I am somewhere in England because my parents speak with a distinct British accent. As for the time period, it seems to be the mid-17th or 18th century, I guess. The dialect and the style of clothing gave me clues, but it was still hard to pin down an exact year.

From what I can understand, my father is a magical herbologist and zoologist. He spent hours in a greenhouse, tending to exotic plants that shimmered with magical energy. My mother is a healer and potion master. She often smelled of herbs and concoctions, her hands always busy with vials and ingredients. When I learned my mother was a potion master, I imagined an old, ugly witch making dreadful sleeping potions. Thank God my mother is nothing like that; she is kind, caring, and attentive. She always had a soothing touch and a gentle smile.

The next thing I learned was my name: Ash Rowanwood. It still trips me out that my father is a zoologist and I am named Ash. Maybe in the future, "gotta catch them all" will be my goal. The name felt right, though. It was unique, and it carried a sense of belonging and identity.

Every day, I discovered something new about magical culture and the magical world around me. The realization that I was living in a world filled with magic was exhilarating. It was a new beginning, a fresh start, and I was ready to embrace it with open arms