Darkness filled my vision. All I remember was the arrow striking my back.
I fluttered open my eyes, blinded by a piercing white light. A tall, dark figure loomed over me.
"Where am I?" I mumbled.
"You failed. You died," the figure said.
"But since you were a fair ruler, the system has decided to give you another chance. This time, make the most of it. And don't die." The voice added, eyes glowing a deep crimson.
My vision started to darken again.
**Beep Beep Beep**
The loud alarm clock jolted me awake. I looked around, disoriented, and realized I was in a bedroom decorated with flower-patterned curtains. A soft pink blanket wrapped around me.
"Himari! Wake up or you'll be late for school!" a woman's voice called as someone cracked open the door.
"Yes, Mom," I said, the words slipping out in a feminine voice.
Ding! Ding! Ding!
[System Activated!][Prestige System Online.][Current Prestige Points: 0][First Quest: Establish Influence in Your New Life. Reward: 100 Prestige Points.]
The faint vision pulsed in front of me.
"What are you waiting for, then? Come downstairs for breakfast," the woman called as she left.
I nodded, eyes drifting to my hands. They were softer, smaller. I touched my face, feeling the smooth, delicate skin.
I dashed to the bathroom. Staring into the mirror, I froze. A young teenage girl looked back at me,cherry-red hair cascading to my waist, glowing pink eyes, and skin as pale as snow.
I couldn't believe it. It can't be… I'm a teenage girl?
I patted down from my face to my torso. My mind refused to register. Just yesterday, I was the young King of a vast empire. And now… this?
I swallowed the lump in my throat and splashed water on my face. It's alright. I can do this.
Slowly, I walked downstairs. The smell of eggs and boiled rice filled the air, mixed with the beat of a hip-hop song blasting from the kitchen.
"Here you are! I've been waiting. Come on, take a seat and dine in," the woman said, placing a glass of orange juice on the table.
"Yes, Mom," I said again. This time, the words felt conscious.
So… this woman is my mother?
"Change into your uniform quickly, and don't use your quirk too much or you'll get dead tired, okay? I packed some sandwiches for you," she said, carefully placing them in a box.
"Uh.. yes, Mom..." I answered, swallowing my shock.
[Quirk Detected: Pie Manifestation][Function: Can produce baked goods at will. Prestige +5 for impressing allies.]
Pie Manifestation? As in… pies? Apple pie?
"Quirk?" I mumbled, puzzled.
"Huh? Yes, quirk," the woman muttered, brow cocked. "Are you feeling alright, Himari? Why do you look like that?" She placed a gentle hand on my forehead as if to measure my temperature.
"I- I'm fine! Of course I am! Yes, Mom, I won't use my quirk for no reason!" I said with a grin, grabbing the chopsticks and starting my meal.