I was enjoying a quiet life: drinking juice and playing video games, without too many worries, when I finished reading my last novel. Since I couldn't run out of something to read, I left the house in search of a new book.
After browsing around for a while, I found one that caught my attention: "Shadow Eminence". The cover was spectacular. Without thinking much about it, I bought it.
On my way back, I came across a disturbing scene: an old woman was about to be run over by a distracted woman talking on the phone. The people around were just beginning to react.
I didn't think about it. I ran towards her.
At the last second, I pushed her with all my might, hoping we would both get out of the truck's reach. I felt half of my body go out of the way... but the other half wasn't as lucky. The impact threw me into the air.
I felt everything: my bones, my organs... shattering one by one. It was not an instant death. To my bad luck, I remained conscious as my body collapsed.
I opened my eyes, but what I saw was neither asphalt nor a truck. In front of me was a spinning hole with impossible lights and colors, like a dimensional whirlpool tearing at my existence.
And the truck, hadn't it crushed me?
This... this is worse than being run over.
Before I could finish that thought, I had already been completely devoured by the hole.
*
Where am I?
I opened my eyes again. This time, an adult woman was holding me in her arms.
Am I being carried just like that? But... I'm an adult! I weigh a lot, don't I?
I looked at my hands. They were small. My arms were short. And the faces of the adults were incredibly close... No. It can't be...
Reincarnated?
I looked around, trying to figure out what was going on. Is this another world? If so... will there be magic? Mechas? Superheroes? The possibilities were endless.
I tried to look for some sign that would help me understand this new place.
-Look at his beautiful eyes. He was born more handsome than his daddy.... If only he were here... -said the woman holding me.
-Madam, don't be like that. You have to take care of your health. She has just given birth," answered another woman, apparently a nurse.
-Yes... but seeing my son reminds me so much of him....
While they were talking, I had already started running tests. I closed my eyes and concentrated. I tried to feel if I could move something with my mind or manipulate some internal energy.
And I felt it.
The magic.
But it wasn't like in the manga or novels I had read. This was different. More savage. More raw. If I tried to use it unchecked, I could severely damage my body. Worse: I could forever lose the ability to use magic.
What a problem. Me, who was used to easy things... Not because I was lazy, but because I was an excellent student and had a secure life.
Well, I guess I'll have to observe more. Maybe... just maybe, I've been reincarnated in one of my favorite novels.
-What name will you give it? -asked the nurse with a smile.
-Karl Anderson," the woman replied. Anderson, in memory of my late husband.
-What a nice name. Very creative.
-And where will they go? You don't have a home here in town," the nurse asked curiously.
-I'm thinking of taking my son to Migdar's Kingdom.
-How nice! I hear the first princess of the kingdom is very pretty.
-What's that got to do with it? -asked my mother, a bit confused.
-Well... maybe they'll get to know each other.
My mother remained thoughtful. Surprised at first... but then she considered it seriously.
It's not impossible.