Chapter 1: The Phone and Reincarnation
My name is Zaky Ikito.
I used to live in Japan with my parents… but that was a long time ago.
Now I live in America and have been working here for about five years.
I'm currently 29 years old and still single—don't judge me. I'm not ugly; in fact, plenty of women like me. But—
"Having a wife is troublesome," I muttered while waiting for a taxi.
I usually return to Japan when New Year comes, and that happens to be today… something that rarely occurs. Because of that, I'm now waiting for a taxi to go to the airport.
After waiting quite a while, the taxi finally arrived. I didn't waste any time and got in immediately.
The driver asked,
"Destination?"
"Kyoto Airport."
He simply nodded and sped off. During the ride, I spent the time reading a novel on my device.
Maybe it sounds childish, but ever since that incident, reading has become my hobby.
We arrived at the airport thirty minutes later. After paying, I stepped out and headed inside to prepare for departure.
.
.
.
An hour later, I was seated by the right window of the plane. A woman sat next to me, but I ignored her.
She seemed to be playing a game. I turned my device back on and continued reading. Two hours passed quickly, but neither of us said a word.
I glanced at the woman beside me—she was still gaming. She looked to be in her mid-twenties.
Still playing games at that age...? I thought without meaning to.
I cleared my throat, feeling awkward, and decided to break the silence. Turning off my device, I spoke.
"Hello."
"May I get to know you?" I asked a bit formally.
The "game woman"—that's what I decided to call her—turned to me, her expression flat… slightly annoyed.
"What do you want?"
My eyebrow twitched. How rude, I cursed inside.
"You heard me," I said quickly.
"No," she replied.
Then she continued playing. I was stunned at how blunt she was. A vein in my forehead throbbed.
What's with her? You think you're that pretty? I sulked.
"Tch, rude," I muttered quietly, hoping she wouldn't hear.
But she did hear. She glared sharply at me.
"What did you say?"
"…What?" I replied innocently, though sweat trickled down my cheek.
Seeing my fake innocence, she glared even harder. As if she wanted to toss me out the plane window if possible.
She sighed harshly. "You want to get to know me?"
No, this is just because it's awkward!
Forcing a polite smile, I said, "Yes, miss."
She raised an eyebrow, as if realizing something. "For someone who's fairly handsome, you're polite…"
She leaned back in her seat. "But no, I'm not interested in getting involved with anyone right now."
Who said I wanted to get involved with you!?
"H-ha! I know. So what's your name, miss?"
"My name is Lia Mysari. Does that satisfy you?"
She gave me one final look. "Be grateful I even told you my name. Now shut up." Her tone was arrogant.
My face instantly heated—not from embarrassment, but from anger. I really want to smack that smug mouth!
I held myself back, taking slow breaths so I wouldn't look irritated.
"Alright then, Miss Lia Mysari," I said quietly while turning to the window, pushing away the annoyance. "Have a pleasant flight."
She didn't answer, only huffed before returning to her phone screen. I glanced at her from the corner of my eye.
What kind of woman is she? I just wanted to make introductions—that doesn't mean I like you!
I forced myself to calm down and reopened the novel on my device. But for some reason, I couldn't focus. The words slipped past my mind like water.
Minutes later, the flight attendant's voice echoed from the speakers.
[Dear passengers, we are experiencing mild weather disturbances. Please keep your seatbelts fastened.]
"Hm?" I looked toward the window.
The once clear sky had turned dark, thunder flashing in the clouds.
The plane began to shake lightly. Some passengers whispered nervously. I glanced at Lia—she was gripping the seat in front of her tightly. Her once sharp face had slightly paled.
Seeing her like that, I smirked a bit mockingly.
"Scared?" I asked, half amused.
She shot me a sharp look. "No, I just… don't like turbulence."
Classic excuse, I thought, but didn't say anything.
Suddenly, a thunderous crack erupted.
Lightning struck the left wing of the plane.
Alarms blared loudly. The lights flickered wildly.
"What's happening!?"
Passengers began to scream. The plane shook violently.
"Aahh! No!"
"I don't want to die!"
"Damn it! Why now of all times?" I muttered. I didn't feel scared—
Well… maybe a little.
No… I was VERY scared—terrified!
"No, no, no!! I don't want to die like this!!"
Now I was panicking just like Lia.
If I got hit by Truck-kun maybe I'd accept it—but this is an airplane! The chances of dying are high!
A flight attendant shouted, "Heads down! Hold the seat in front of you!"
I bowed immediately, following instructions. My body shook uncontrollably—partly from the falling plane, partly from fear crushing my chest.
"This is bad! Seriously bad!"
Through the window, I could see flames sparking from the left wing. Several passengers cried and prayed loudly.
I turned to Lia—the woman I initially thought was arrogant now stared at me wide-eyed, trembling.
She suddenly grabbed my hand.
"Hey!" I yelped.
"Don't let go!" she cried.
I was speechless. Our hands trembled together.
Damn… is this the end for me? I haven't even gone home yet… I haven't even married!
The plane tilted sharply to the right, causing items overhead to fall. Screams, cries, and prayers mixed chaotically.
Lia and I shut our eyes tight, somehow ending up hugging—no idea when that happened, but neither of us cared.
Mom… goodbye.
Then, with an earth-shattering crash,
the plane hit the ground and exploded.
BOOM!!
.
.
.
Moments after the explosion, something appeared—a phone.
Lia's phone.
It floated in the air.
The crash site was nothing but ruins and twisted metal.
But strangely, the phone didn't have a single scratch.
It glowed brightly, and text appeared on the screen:
[Player and anomaly confirmed. Reincarnation process beginning.]
[10%]
[40%]
[78%]
[100%]
[Process complete! Initiating reincarnation.]