felt like waking from a dream. Six years had passed since my birth, and now the memories were returning — slowly at first, then all at once. The life of Baker, the reincarnated human, and everything from my previous life fused together. For the first time in six years, I remembered everything.
I stirred awake in my room. At five, my mother had moved me to a new room, and I had cried for hours. Embarrassing as an adult to recall, I reminded myself it was natural — the first separation from my mother was always difficult.
Melody, my personal maid, quietly entered. "Good morning, young master Baker," she greeted politely.
"Good morning, Melody," I replied quickly.
"You're up earlier than usual today. I normally have to wake you," she said teasingly.
"I'm not a child, Melody!" I snapped, more forcefully than necessary.
"Yes, yes, young master Baker," she said, covering her mouth, though I could hear her soft chuckle.
Feeling frustration rise, I inhaled deeply and calmed myself before asking, "What are we doing today, Melody?"
"Today, you have lessons with Teacher Louis," she replied. "After that, your schedule is free. I imagine the madam would like your company at dinner, though."
"Very well. Let's arrange dinner with Mother for late afternoon. During free time, I'll spend a few hours in the library. Remind me an hour before dinner so I can prepare."
My words were more formal and precise than my five-year-old body would normally allow. Melody looked genuinely surprised — as if she'd glimpsed a grown man trapped in a child's body.
"Master, you speak so much more fluently and properly. It seems your lessons are taking effect," she said, pride shining in her eyes.
Thank the gods for this misunderstanding, I thought. I'm glad I don't have to explain myself.
I went about my morning routine. I washed my face, brushed my teeth, and mentally prepared for the day ahead. By mid-morning, I was seated at my small desk, waiting for Teacher Louis to arrive. My body was that of a five-year-old, but my mind was fully aware, sharp, and alert.
"Good morning, young master Baker," Teacher Louis greeted as he entered, bowing slightly. His spectacles glinted in the morning sun.
"Good morning, Teacher Louis," I replied, sitting up straighter than usual.
Louis chuckled softly. "I see you've grown attentive. That's promising. Today, we'll review your reading and arithmetic, and then I'd like to introduce a small lesson in logic puzzles."
As we went through the lessons, I found myself finishing problems far faster than expected, carefully noting patterns and shortcuts. I had to restrain myself from showing abilities beyond my body's years — after all, no one could know I was a reincarnated adult.
No powers yet, I reminded myself. Just intelligence, observation, and memory.
By midday, our lessons concluded. Teacher Louis smiled. "You've done exceptionally well today. I'll leave you to your free time, young master."
I nodded politely, making sure my demeanor remained age-appropriate. Free time meant the library — my favorite place. I wandered among the shelves, exploring books on history, science, and crafts. I absorbed the information eagerly, mentally comparing it to knowledge from my previous life.
It's fascinating how much is the same, yet different, I thought, pulling down a thick volume on herbal remedies. I could read, understand, and mentally catalog, but I could not yet use any of the powers Vespa had given me.
Hours passed quickly, and soon a servant reminded me it was time to prepare for dinner. I washed up, smoothed my hair, and went to join Mother.
Dinner was warm and quiet. Ventis asked about my studies, and I answered carefully, balancing my adult thoughts with the mannerisms of a young child. She seemed proud, even if a little bemused at my articulate speech.
After finishing our meal, I excused myself to rest, my mind still buzzing with everything I had learned. I lay down, staring at the ceiling, when sleep began to claim me.
---
In the dream, familiar golden light enveloped me.
The golden light in my dream swirled around me, warm and comforting. I sat up, aware yet calm, my mind sharper than my body suggested. Vespa's voice echoed softly, gentle but commanding:
"Baker, you have grown strong in mind, and your curiosity is keen. Tonight, you will meet those who will guide and support you. Your abilities remain sealed for now, but this encounter will plant seeds for your growth."
Before me, the eleven gods appeared, radiant and serene, each representing their domain. They did not speak directly to me, but I could feel their presence — a quiet reassurance that they were watching, wishing me well, and silently offering their guidance.
Vespa stepped forward, her posture elegant and poised. Her emerald eyes met mine, warm and curious. "Baker," she began politely, "you have endured much and grown wiser than your years. I hope you feel comforted knowing the gods watch over you, even if you cannot yet perceive their full influence."
I blinked, absorbing her words. "Goddess Vespa… this is incredible. It feels real, yet… I don't understand everything yet."
She smiled softly, the faintest gleam of pride in her eyes. "That is only natural. You are still a child in body, but your mind carries wisdom beyond it. You need only learn, observe, and grow. Do not rush what is not ready to awaken."
I nodded. "I understand. Will I… be able to do anything special?"
Vespa's expression became serene and encouraging. "Patience, Baker. Your powers are sealed, and they will remain so until the proper time. What is most important now is your learning, your understanding, and the choices you make. These will shape the person you are becoming."
Her voice softened, almost like a gentle stream. "I have arranged for you a blessing tonight, one you may notice even without your powers. The goddess Cerys, God of Skills, has lent you her favor: your ability to learn will be greater than normal. You will absorb knowledge faster, remember it longer, and apply it more efficiently. Use it wisely, Baker, for knowledge is a tool, but wisdom is what guides it."
I felt a strange warmth in my mind, a subtle acceleration in how I processed the events of my life, the lessons I had learned, and even the thoughts swirling in this dream. So this is the blessing… I thought, quietly thrilled.
Vespa inclined her head politely. "Learn well, Baker. Grow well. You have much potential, and the gods, though silent tonight, wish you a happy and blessed life."
I smiled faintly. "Thank you, Goddess Vespa. I will try my best."
"You are welcome, Baker. Rest now. When you awaken, your day will continue, and your mind will carry the first seeds of this blessing with you."
The golden light swirled again, and I felt my consciousness drifting back to the waking world. I awoke in my room, the memory of Vespa's words vivid and clear.
Learning… faster. That's… new, I thought, already aware of the subtle change in how I processed my morning lessons. My first skill had begun — granted by Cerys, Goddess of Skills — tripling my learning speed compared to a normal person.
Though my abilities were still sealed, I felt ready. The world had grown larger, more promising, and I had just taken my first step toward mastering it.