Reincarnation is a belief that many people believe could potentially be true. To transfer your soul to another body. Forgetting everything to start anew. Many people say that they have remembered their past lives and so on.

  But what if the strength from your past remains even in your new life?

  —

  Toki's POV.

  "Hey! Toki!"

  "Wake up! Wake up!"

  I heard a familiar voice calling out to me. I slowly open my eyelids to see that it was Cash. His hands were on my shoulders, shaking me to wake me up. After he saw my eyes open, he backed away with a sigh of relief. Sitting down right beside me as he chuckled.

  "I thought you were a goner! I cannot believe that happened!" He said being cheerful as always. But I can see the injuries he had after being injured by the Mantisickle from earlier...

  Hold on. What actually happened?

  I thought to myself as I sat up, taking a look around the area to see that some of the boulders were ruined and demolished. The Mantisickle was nowhere to be found at all. Growing confused, I turned around to look at Cash, asking, "What... Happened exactly? I don't remember what happened after I saw that bug monster..." I said, being unsure and nervous about what the cause may have been for the destruction.

  "Oh... You do not remember?" Cash responded back, laying his body against the tree while sitting down relaxed. His question caught me off guard since I don't really recall anything...

  "Yeah, I don't. All I remember was the Mantisickle had caught you in its mouth, and everything is blurry after that." I answered, rubbing my head as if I got struck by something earlier, but it didn't hurt as much.

  "Hmm... I'm surprised you didn't! What happened is that a random person had passed by, he saw you passed out, and I was about to get eaten, but he saved us both before I was devoured! I will say, we did get lucky. And the person did not tell me their name or identify himself, they just left afterwards." Cash responded so casually as if our lives weren't on the line at all, a sigh and a chuckle came out of my lips before speaking.

  "Seriously? That's pretty awesome that someone that strong managed to save us both. It must have been tedious."

  "Indeed, my friend. Now, let us go home! It's already five pm, and it would be trouble if both of us stayed out too late, wouldn't you agree?" Cash said before standing up and stretching his body. Yet he held his head gently, as if he were in pain.

  I stood up after him, asking him worriedly, "Are you alright? You shouldn't move if you feel hurt, Cash."

  "Don't fret..." Cash answered. Despite what we went through, he still had the same smile and expression as always. He then continued to speak, "Besides, I got us into that situation in the first place. So me experiencing this is well deserved, don't you think so?"

  I was unsure if him being responsible was the case for us getting hurt, but nonetheless, I sighed with a small chuckle, responding back, "Even so, you didn't know that monster would be here, so it's not entirely your fault."

  "Fair enough. Now let us go forth back home!" Cash immediately began running back to where we had gone to enter the forest. Which made me run after him, trying to catch up to him, but for some reason, he was rather fast.

  —

  I felt my entire body exhausted, sweaty, and dirty after what we just went through. Running back home to my house nonstop did not help at all. I was standing up while bent down slightly, my hands on my knees as I kept panting. I turned to look at Cash, who didn't even look exhausted at all.

  "Seriously... Do you jog a lot?" I asked, curious as to why he has so much stamina.

  "Not at all! Now, I shall take my leave Toki, it was fun!" Cash said, waving goodbye and walking towards their own house, which was just right beside mine. I still can't believe the first friend I have lives just next to me.

  "I should start washing myself up..." I said to myself with a sigh, tired of today's events. I entered the front yard and walked towards the front door, taking out the spare key and unlocking it. It seems like mother isn't home yet.

  I entered the house with a long sigh, both relieved and tired about what just happened. I do wonder, who was that person Cash said saved us both? I couldn't help but just wonder about that over and over.

  I shouldn't think about it too much. All I know is that I should be grateful for them saving us both, if not... Then we would have probably died.

  "I'm hungry... But I should take a bath first."

  —

  After a refreshing bath, as well as clothes to wear that are perfectly fit for sleeping. I was in the living room currently eating some leftovers that my mother had left for me in the fridge. These tasted amazing!

  "Mother's cooking never disappoints! But where is she?" I asked myself, looking at the clock to see that it was nearing six already. I just hoped, whatever or wherever mother is. She returns safe no matter what.

  I haven't thought much about it, but I should start practicing my magic more... If another incident like earlier happens again, I'll be powerless against it.

  "No... I can't let that happen."

  Feeling determined and energetic. I quickly finish my meal before going upstairs to my room and grabbing all the books that I haven't read yet. Placing them in horizontal order to see if I can learn anything regarding magic skills or spells.

  The first book, which was the red one, is called; Magic and Technology. It sounded and looked interesting, but I don't think I'm prepared for that yet... Especially since I haven't learned a lot about this era's technology.

  The second book, which was colored white, is called; Magic's Elements / Types. It seems like this is a book regarding the elements of magic. But I remember back in my previous life that there were only four elements, not including demon magic. Fire, Water, Earth, and Wind. To hear that there are more elements is interesting...

  But it's not what I'm trying to learn, for now at least. I have been more of a Fire user rather than other elements. I will learn it once I master how to use a skill.

  The next book, which is the third book, with the color blue, was called; Iconiques. Not knowing what this was, I decided I shouldn't take a look at it for now, even if I'm curious, I prefer learning the basics.

  And lastly, the purple book, with the name; Magic Casting. Despite the name, it seems like it's smaller and doesn't have many pages inside of it. I turned it to the side to take a look at the pages, only to find a total amount of ten pages in this book.

  "Is it really that easy?" I asked myself. Unsure if it's still the same as it was before in my previous life. But there's only one way to find out. I began stacking the remaining three books and left them on my desk right beside the black book. Heading outside my room with the purple book and deciding to read it in the living room. Since I wanted to wait for mother.

  I opened the book. Only to see the first page telling me;

  In order for you to continue. You must see what the naked eye does not.

  "...Father, what is this nonsense?" Not knowing what it means. I decided to move onto the next page only to see that it was blank. Growing even more confused. I flipped through every page to see nothing at all.

  "What does this mean... I can't believe he's testing me even after he died." I said with an irritated tone. Although, I couldn't help but find it funny, as I chuckled a bit before saying, "Seriously, it's like you're still here."

  He never disappoints. But I have to learn what this means exactly. See what a naked eye does not... This might take me a while.

  After five minutes.

  I stood in front of the mirror outside the hallways that was hanging on the wall. Opening the book and facing the pages towards it. Only to find that nothing is working. "Seriously?!"

  After ten minutes.

  I walked to the light switch of the living room, turning it off so it was only pitch black in this specific area. I then opened the book once again to see if the book would show off any letters in the dark.

  Only to find none at all. "Father. This is not helping me at all." I said rather annoyed at this point, walking to try and find the light switch only to feel the coffee table stub my toe. "Ow! Son of a—"

  After twenty minutes.

  I ran out of ideas.

  I was currently lying down on the couch, currently lazing around while the book was left open on the coffee table. I couldn't think of any more ideas or hints other than father just leaving it at that.

  Then I heard the front door opening. I stood up slowly while holding the book at my weakest state yet. I went outside the living room and waited at the entrance to see that my mother had returned home while wearing weird clothing that was all black. But I couldn't care less at all because of this book.

  She noticed me being unhappy. She crouched down in front of me while lifting my chin up to make me look at her as she asked, "What's wrong, hun? Why are you upset?" This is what I needed, a mother's comfort.

  I immediately gave her the purple book as she took it gently, opening it and seeing the first page as I told her with an irritated tone, "Father is not helping me at all. Look at the hint he left! How am I supposed to figure this out?!"

  She couldn't help but start laughing, giggling maybe. She looked rather happy after hearing me complain about my struggles. I don't know what's funny about my problem at all. She then handed me the book back as I held it. She then said, "Your father expects you to surpass him, Toki. This is your first challenge, so don't disappoint him, alright? And have you eaten?"

  "I have... And alright. I'll try my best to figure this out." I said with a nod, looking directly at her eye to show that I haven't given up yet. She smiled happily before giving me a kiss on the cheek and patting my head as she spoke, "That's my boy! Now mommy's going to take a bath and then eat, alright? So do your best!" Hearing that, I felt more determined to figure out this hint my father left me.

  My mother then left to go upstairs to take a bath. While I went back in the living room, sitting down on the couch as I opened the purple book. Beginning to brainstorm and figure out what the blank pages have...

  I laid the book down on the coffee table, opening it to show both the second and third blank pages. I began repeating what the hint said, "See what the naked eye does not... See what the naked eye does not..." This sounded rather confusing at first, but I did notice a key detail. It said "naked eye," meaning that you can't see it as a regular human. So what if...

  I decided to try this for the first time ever, if I'm not careful, then I may get permanently blinded. I gulped nervously, beginning to close my eyes and focus my M-Cells to my eyes. Gathering enough magic energy so that I'd be able to maintain this state without overdoing it.

  A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  Feeling the magic energy coursing through my eyes. I knew that this was enough. I slowly opened my eyes to see the words of the blank pages. A gasp of relief as I flipped through the next pages to see that I can finally read it. "I did it!" I said, feeling proud and thrilled.

  Though I almost lost focus on the magic energy from my eyes, which made me compose myself once more as I calmed myself down, "Don't overdo it... Alright, time to read."

  Will admit, it was difficult maintaining magic energy on my eyes. It felt weird and nerve-wracking, but I made sure to maintain focus and composure.

  As I began reading, I looked at the second page as it said;

  Well done! You have learned the basics of magic identification; Peek. A skill that can show how much a person's magic energy is, as well as track the traces of magic energy! This can be used regarding how you need it. Now, before you start learning to have a skill of your own, do you have an element that you're accustomed to? If so, then you may continue reading! Regarding your skill, you must first imagine what you would like for it to be, as well as the amount needed in order for you to use it. However, you need to make sure that this skill has a simple way of understanding. If not, that skill will fail, and you will be injured.

  I see... I have been wondering what I should make as a skill. Since I'm used to Fire. I should stick to a skill that can be used a lot and not waste so much energy. Or should I use the same skill like I did in my previous life...?

  "What should I do..." Unsure of what to do, I went back to lying down on the couch with a heavy, long sigh. I want to be able to manifest something other than a sword. An arrow would be fine, but I don't have good accuracy.

  I then looked to see my mother entering the living room, a towel on her head while wearing casual clothing. I didn't have to move my feet to give her some space since our couch was three cushions long. Or big, in other words. So she sat down right next to my head while I was having a hard time deciding.

  "I see you figured out how to see the letters! But what's the matter this time, hm?" She asked, looking down at me, and some droplets of water from her hair fell on my face. I sat up, wiping it off as I sighed, responding after, "I'm not sure what I want my skill to be at all, so I'm having a hard time..."

  "Oh, I see... How about just sticking to the basics? You know, doing the simple spells!" She suggested. As much as I wanted to, I needed to learn how to at least use a skill that can be used against strong enemies.

  "I guess I'll stick to that for now..." I nodded with a sigh. Still bummed about deciding what type of skill I should do. I then move to lay my head down on my mother's lap while facing the TV. She grabbed the remote and turned it on, as a live video of people playing an unfamiliar sport I don't know about.

  While my mother watches this almost every day, I haven't found the motivation or reason to watch anything on the TV at all. Until I started watching it.

  I saw ten people in what looks like an arena or a stadium. But they were inside a box, not being able to get out at all. And they had five people on each team with different coloring. They had to shoot an orange-like ball in a basket that had a hole. This may have caught my attention as I turned my head to my mother, asking her, "Mother, what is this?" Curious about this, it makes sense that I ask her since she knows about this more than I do.

  "You mean Basketball? It's a game about two teams shooting a ball through the hoop to get a lot of points to win! A pretty fun game that I and your father used to play and watch a lot..." She said, spacing off for a little bit after talking about father. I do feel bad that mother has been raising me all by herself. So I want to repay her back by protecting her when I grow up.

  "Oh, that sounds cool..." I responded. Going back to watching the TV and seeing a player with the orange ball, dribbling it around his body and in between his legs. I watched with interest as that said player dribbled the ball past three enemy players and dunked the ball in the hoop.

  "...woah." I said, my eyes now being glued to the TV due to how amazed and hooked I currently was on the sport. I couldn't believe people can be so swift and quick just like that. I then asked my mother, "Do they use magic to make themselves faster?"

  She giggled, patting my head while watching with me as she answered, "No, dear. They don't use magic because it's a traditional sport after all! Having magic during that would make the game unfair and not balanced. So they restricted the use of magic to any sport unless it's allowed with a reason!" She explained, simply making me understand as I kept on watching.

  I then asked another question, "Who was that person that just went by three players? He looked so cool!" He was actually so cool. The way he moves, shoots, and supports his team is almost identical to adventuring back then.

  "Him? He's Blake Norbel! One of the greatest basketball players of all time! I and your father have been fans ever since we realized that the team we liked is the same!" She answered with glee.

  "He's so amazing... Look! He's about to score again!" I exclaimed as I sat up and decided to sit down on my mother's lap. My hands were resting on my knees while I leaned towards the TV as if my eyes were glued to it.

  I feel my mother's hand continuing to pat my head and chuckle from behind, maybe feeling happy about the fact that I have started watching TV now, rather than keeping my eyes glued to the book.

  As I continued watching, an idea popped up in my mind. Something that has never been done before. I looked at my mother with an excited and happy smile as I said, "I know what magic skill I want!"

  —

  Cash's POV. After they arrived home.

  "Not at all! Now, I shall take my leave Toki, it was fun!" I said, waving goodbye while having the same smile on my face as a facade.

  I walked towards my front yard and entered the room, hurrying quickly as I went in the house and closed the door. Locking it before beginning to laugh a bit delighted. I then walked upstairs. Heading in my room and closing and then locking the door as well.

  Despite my body looking injured and dirty. Everything was planned.

  The moment I invited Toki. To that Mantisickle arriving and getting me captive as a hostage. All of it was perfectly executed.

  I know that Toki was not a normal child the moment I spoke to them. Due to my skill; Indebted Greed. A person must follow whatever I order them, as long as I say the simple word, want.

  But Toki? He did not budge at all, he simply said no and refused to do what I wanted, which led me to believe that he is either the reincarnated hero or one of us. I used my magic to bring an old book to me, easily floating towards me as I grabbed it and opened it instantly. Beginning to read as it says;

  The Prophecy, regarding both the Demon Lord and The Legendary Hero.

  There will be a time when both the Demon Lord and The Hero will be reincarnated into a new era. The both of them are starting a new life despite their different bodies. It is said that the Hero will possess incredible power unlike ever before, making his past life incomparable. With that said. The Demon Lord will be reincarnated alongside him, but with a catch. The Demon Lord's Sins. Wrath, Greed, Lust, Pride, Sloth, Envy, and Gluttony. Are separated in order to maintain balance without anyone, not even the Hero figuring out where he is and when he'll return. Once all of the Incarnations of the Sins of the Demon Lord gather together. He will return and cause chaos to the world once more.

  And from what I've seen...

  During the Mantisickle incident.

  I was hiding behind one of the trees, peeking and watching the scene. The me, that was being held captive by the Mantisickle was only a human-like doll that I had made from my magic. And what I saw was nothing I've seen before.

  I saw Toki falling to his knees in front of the Mantisickle. His head was looking down to the soft dirt as he did nothing at all. I thought he was done for! But my expectations were blown away.

  The Mantisickle pulled back its right claw. I can sense a ton of dangerous magic amount that it was imbued on it. I was hesitant about whether I should step in and save Toki myself. Yet it seemed like I wasn't needed at all.

  As Mantisickle attacked Toki with its right claw. Its attack was stopped by Toki himself with only his left hand. He held that sharp edges of the claw with ease as he shattered it as if it were paper. Crumbling it into pieces before dropping it on the ground.

  I moved to get a better view of the scene, and what I saw was astounding. My assumption was now false. As Toki began floating slowly yet almost menacingly in the air, I could feel the increasing amount of magic power in his Magic Core beginning to increase over and over, it's like it's never ending!

  He began moving through the air, going towards the Mantisickle's head. Was it to save me? Even in this current state he can be reasonable!

  The Mantisickle panicked, using the only remaining claw, which was its left, to try and slice Toki in half. But to no avail. It did nothing. Instead, it looked like the Mantisickle hit a very hard object the way it just stopped right on Toki's arm.

  I saw Toki stare at the claw, then at the Mantisickle. In an instant, the claw was ripped off of the monster so easily, I thought he himself was the monster in this situation... Which I believe I was right about.

  And after a deafening screech as a last resort for the Mantisickle. Toki flew towards the head and ripped it off from its body with ease, while grabbing my body afterwards as he carried me over his shoulder. This... Was absolutely fascinating.

  The Mantisickle's lifeless and headless body fell to the ground. Toki threw the head away as he began floating down nearby a tree. And once he landed, he passed out.

  I rushed to the scene, arriving just beside his unconscious body. Not before removing the fake human-like doll of myself as I sat down. The smile on my face growing wider, I couldn't help but cover it with my hand due to what I've witnessed.

  The accusation I have for Toki being a Hero was proven false, right here, today. Instead, he is someone I can rely on. Someone powerful I can be with. He is the Incarnation of Wrath.

  (Auth Note: So about me not posting a lot for the past few days. I just had a vacation and was unable to use my phone most of the time. I'll make sure to catch up and continue on my daily posts. Of course I have to upload maybe seven to eight chapters first. Hope you guys continue to enjoy this.)