The stench of gunpowder lingered in the air, thick enough to burn the lungs. A lone man stood atop a mountain of corpses silent, unwavering, victorious. "A king."
That was all anyone could call him after witnessing the destruction he carved.
"You win!"
A smug grin stretched across his face.
Noland a bum-streamer who survived on donations and late-night games of World Wars leaned back in his gaming chair as the victory screen flashed.
"Man… I need food," he sighed, waving goodbye to his viewers before ending the stream.
Yesterday's dinner had been instant noodles.
Today? Pork cutlets sounded like heaven.
"That'll be 3.99," the cashier said flatly.
"Really?! Can't I get a discount?" Noland shot her a playful smirk.
"No. Pay up, or I'm putting everything back."
"Alright, alright. But one of these days, you better go on a date with me."
"No."
Immediate. Cold. Brutal.
Noland laughed it off. "Okay bye. See you tomorrow."
As he stepped away, he muttered, I wonder what would've happened if I kept pushing?
Nah… she'd probably reject me like always—
His chest tightened.
"Ugh cough cough!" Blood splattered onto his palm.
His sight blurred.
Darkness swallowed him.
---
When he opened his eyes, blinding white light flooded his vision.
A… hospital?
"WAAAHHH! WAAAAHHH!"
A woman beside him panicked as his cries echoed across the room.
Except his own voice sounded shrill. High-pitched. Infant-like.
"WAAAAHHH?!"
He screamed in confusion.
A man in regal clothing raised him high for all to see.
"As the baron of Mosaic, I hereby declare the heir to the throne has been born!"
Cheers erupted through the kingdom.
"WOOOOOO!!!"
Holy crap, Noland thought, I just won the family lottery. I love this new life already.
The barom beamed at him. "Look, Romulus. They're all cheering for you."
Romulus…? Guess that's my new name.
---
Three Months Later
It had been three peaceful, luxurious months since his rebirth. His life consisted of being pampered, adored, and rocked gently in his mother's arms.
"So this is how nobles live…" Noland mused internally.
"Waaah~~ Waaaah~~" he cried half-heartedly.
"Oh, you're such a cutie," his mother cooed.
Yes… yes, praise me.
This was the life.
A mountain of gifts surrounded him. He reached mentally for the biggest one.
Now, what should I open first? That big one looks perfect—
"RUN!!!"
The door slammed open.
---
"My prince, there have been suspicious movements at the rear of the castle!"
Louis, the captain of the royal guard, snapped around. "Show me. When were they detected?"
"Just minutes ago, sir!"
"Good. Warn the vanguard. I expect the terrorists to strike there."
"Yes, sir!" The guard dashed off.
But Louis's expression darkened.
Where are the guards I stationed there…?
A shadow emerged from behind the pillars.
"This is easier than I thought," a demon-like creature sneered. "I expected more from the kingdom's greatest general. How disappointing."
Louis smirked despite the danger. "Heh… I was wondering when you'd show yourself."
---
Meanwhile
Romulus reached for the large present again.
Now then, this big one first such a lovely gi—
"RUN!!! THAT GEM COULD EXPLODE ANYTIME!"
Nobles panicked and scrambled out of the room.
"Huh?" Romulus muttered
And the world vanished in a flash.
---
Darkness. Cold. Silence.
He floated in a void with no end.
"Where… am I?"
His voice echoed endlessly.
He tried to move. Nothing.
Why can't I feel my legs? Why are my hands chained? Okay… think. I opened the gift… someone shouted… everyone panicked… then BOOM and now I'm here.
A faint murmur drifted through the darkness.
"Mumbling… mumbling…"
"Who's there!?" he shouted into the abyss.
Light cracked open in front of him, revealing several figures tall, elegant, and strangely ethereal.
"It seems you've stumbled upon our sacred gem," one of them said. "Tell us who are you?"
Romulus forced a grin.
"Sure. If you unchain me first, I'll happily tell you. And judging by the ears and the robes… you guys are elves, right?"
The elves exchanged surprised looks.
"It is rare for a human to recognize our kind," another said. "Are you connected to Elder Rokan?"
Who? Romulus thought, keeping his face serious.
Then, with zero hesitation, he bluffed,
"I'm Loki the god of mischief."
The elves gasped, dropping to one knee.
"A deity…! Then the time has come. We pledge our loyalty to you, my lord."
Phew. Okay, good they actually believe in Norse mythology. If that exists here, then myths and religions from my world really do overlap. In that case… maybe I CAN become a god here.
Romulus started laughing like a hyena.
"Hahahahahahaha! You may all call me Loki."
He raised his voice, filled with confidence.
"I will appear before you every Friday. Create a religion in my name. Gather all who wish to follow me, and welcome them with open arms. That is my command."
"Yes, my lord!" the elves shouted in unison, voices filled with unwavering devotion.
---
"Romulus! Romulus!"
His eyes snapped open.
"Waaaahh! Waaaaahhh!" he cried automatically as his mother scooped him up, trembling.
"Oh thank goodness… I'm so sorry I left your side," she said, hugging him close.
Welp, at least I'm alive.
And now that I'm getting a better look around this castle… this castle does resemble a church.
I thought this world was just a medieval like world,guess I was wrong and CAN I learn magic???
crap...am I going to be an overpowered protagonist!?
his mother blinked at him
"waaahhh?"
He cried louder to stay undercover.