The warm sun baked the road of Parañaque as Eman weaved through the congested streets on his trusty scooter. He carefully navigated the sea of vehicles, avoiding colliding with a dawdling pedestrian or a sudden turn of the Jeepneys into a line of waiting passengers. The sun was scorching hot, and sweat covered his skin as he swerved left and right, trying to reach his destination on time. He glanced at his scooter's time: 11:23 am, an hour more before his shift.

He parked in the open parking lot a few blocks from their office. A deep sigh of relief escaped from his dry lips as he completed securing his ride. He grabbed his towel as he walked out of the place. When he reached the edge of the street he wiped out the sweat from his face, neck, and arms. He crossed the street when the pedestrian light turned green and headed towards a mini-mart.

Eman bought the usual chicken sandwich, a bottle of water, and a can of milk. One of the staff curiously looked at him as he went outside the store and saw him turn into a corner down the street. The staff continued stocking the shelf, but after a minute, she saw him walk out from the corner and enter the building just across the street. The store owner saw her and asked if she wanted to check what it was. She enthusiastically nodded and rushed to the place. She saw a pathway right after she turned; it was wide enough for three people to walk side-by-side. She tilted her head as her forehead slightly curled.

She was about to go back to the store when she heard a muffled "meow." Carefully scanning the area, she saw a plastic box with a makeshift curtain. Upon closer inspection, it seemed that the box was well-kept due to the neatness of the curtains. There was another soft meow, and she pulled the curtains aside and saw two small white kittens. Beside them was a bowl filled with fresh milk. A smile lingered on her face as she returned the curtains, she stood up, looked at the building where Eman went, and then returned to the store.

It was 12:30 pm when Eman entered the building's cafeteria. He was about to sit when another sat in front of him. It was Sheila, his colleague and the one who guided him when he was just starting at the company. They were eating their lunch and chatting as usual. Sheila was asking him the usual questions about his plans in life. He answered her the usual answers about making money and buying a house for his future family.

"You already own a house, right?" She asked as she mixed her curry rice.

"Why not adopt the kittens then?" She added, before eating another spoonful of rice.

"You already know..."

She swallowed the food in her mouth and cut Eman's answer.

"But that's a long time from now! You have a house now, and caring for them will be much simpler if they are with you anyway."

"I don't want to risk it, you know, my situation," he replied.

Sheila was about to continue the conversation when someone called her. She scooped all the remaining curry rice from the box and tidied her side of the table. After taking the food box to the trash, she waved to her colleague and ran back towards their table. She leaned towards him and whispered, "You will regret it if something happens to those kittens. Get them while you can."

She then tapped the table and walked towards her waiting colleague. Eman looked outside the glass wall beside him, and a wave of thoughts surged upon him, but he decided to avoid any new commitments. He opened his food box and finished his lunch. Once his food was completely gone, he crumpled the bag, stood up, and walked to the office elevator.

Back at his desk, Eman settled in for the afternoon. His colleague, Alex, who worked in the next cubicle, leaned over.

"Hey, Eman," Alex began, "how's it going with your investments and life insurances?"

Eman glanced at him, a slight smile on his face. "I don't check them that frequently, but it seems they've been quite profitable these past years. It's all part of the plan, you know?"

"That's good to hear," Alex nodded. "You always seem to have everything figured out. It must be nice to have that safety net."

"It is," Eman admitted, turning back to his computer. "But it's still a lot of work to keep everything in balance."

The two continued working in companionable silence. Eman occasionally glanced at the clock, mentally counting down the hours until he could head home. An hour later, as he was engrossed in testing a particularly tricky piece of code, he saw Sheila walking past the hallway. Her words about regretting not taking care of the kittens echoed in his mind.

When the clock finally struck 5:30 pm, Eman packed up his things and clocked out. He decided to stop by the mini-mart again to buy more food and milk for the kittens. The staff from earlier gave him a knowing look but said nothing as he paid for his items.

Eman retraced his steps to the alley where the kittens were. They were still there, nestled in the box. He refilled their food bowl and added more milk, watching them for a few moments as they eagerly ate.

"Stay safe, you two," he murmured again before heading back to the parking lot.

As he walked, his phone vibrated. He pulled it out and saw a notification from his game, reminding him to claim his offline VIP rewards. He smiled, briefly relishing the small victory in his virtual world, then locked his phone as he reached the parking place and mounted his scooter.

While driving, Sheila's words kept replaying in his mind. He thought of turning back and picking up the kittens, but memories of his family's struggles and his own fears of not being ready for such responsibility clouded his thoughts. The argument in his mind was intense, but ultimately, the fear of failure won out.

He continued driving, lost in his thoughts. Suddenly, a bright light shone on his side mirror, catching his attention. He turned, only to see a white van speeding towards him. The impact was immediate and brutal. His scooter smashed into the center aisle, and he was thrown several meters away.

The force of the crash was so intense that despite wearing his helmet, his neck twisted gruesomely. Eman lay motionless on the ground, his last thoughts a swirl of regrets and unfinished dreams. He died on the spot, the noise of the bustling city around him fading into silence.

Eman's consciousness flickered as he slowly began to open his eyes. A bright light flooded his vision, and he blinked several times, trying to make sense of his surroundings. As his vision cleared, he stared at a wooden ceiling constructed from neatly placed logs interlocked perfectly to form a rustic yet sturdy cover.

Confusion washed over him. The last thing he remembered was the white van crashing into him. His mind raced with possibilities. Was he in a hospital? He attempted to sit up, but his body felt strange and uncoordinated. He looked around and realized he was inside a wooden cage. Panic set in as he wondered if he had been arrested or worse.

Trying to call out, Eman found that he couldn't form any words. All that came out were incoherent sounds. He realized he couldn't speak properly and started to hyperventilate. Before he could dwell on his situation further, he saw movement from the corner of his eye. A woman walked by, and Eman's breath caught in his throat.

She was stunning, with long, flowing white hair that shimmered like moonlight cascading down her back. Her skin was flawless alabaster, smooth and glowing with an otherworldly radiance. She wore a simple camisole, an old-fashioned garment that clung to her form, its loose side revealing a significant portion of her left breast. Her figure was voluptuous yet graceful, with curves that seemed to be sculpted by the gods themselves.

As she noticed him, she smiled warmly, and Eman felt a strange sense of calm wash over him. Her eyes, a deep, mesmerizing red, sparkled with kindness and curiosity. She placed the tray she was carrying, which held bread and milk, on a table across the room and then approached him.

"Good morning, little one," she greeted him, her voice both seductive and filled with empathy. The melodious tone of her voice radiated warmth and love, making Eman feel strangely at ease despite his confusion and fear.

She bent down and carefully picked him up, holding him close to her chest. His face almost touched her exposed skin, and he felt a flush of embarrassment mixed with awe. The scent of morning flowers enveloped him, calming his racing heart. He could feel the softness of her skin and was captivated by the gentle rise and fall of her breath.

She carried him to the table and sat down, holding him in her lap as she began to eat. Eman was mesmerized. Everything about her screamed goddess—her voice, her radiant red eyes, her soft skin. He felt an overwhelming sense of happiness and wondered if he had somehow ended up in heaven. His consciousness began to fade, and just before he drifted back to sleep, he caught a glimpse of her pointed ears. "Elf?" he thought, a smile forming on his lips as he succumbed to sleep.

Hours passed, and Eman woke up again. This time, the woman seems to be changing clothes. She had her back to him, and he watched as she slipped out of her camisole and into a dress. When she finally donned her dress, he saw that it was adorned with patches, a clear sign of age and constant repairs. The dress was visibly smaller than her frame, barely reaching her knees and revealing much of her legs.

She pulled her hair back into a loose ponytail and walked over to him. "I need to work," she said softly, "but I'll be back before evening." She hung two bottles of milk inside his crib and apologized for not being able to stay with him. Eman noticed her nipples pressing against the fabric of her dress and felt a pang of concern for her going outside dressed like that. She stood up, adjusted her dress, and picked up a pike, shovel, and a pair of gloves by the door. Waving at him with a smile, she stepped outside, closing the door gently behind her.

Eman now understood why his body felt a bit thin. It wasn't that she wasn't taking care of him; it was more that she didn't know how to do it properly. The image of the milk bottles hanging in his crib made him chuckle. As he thought about it, the reality of his situation hit him. He had died and been reincarnated into this new world.

Feeling a gnawing hunger, Eman reached for one of the milk bottles. It took several tries, but he eventually managed to grab it. He propped himself up with a pillow against the wall of the crib and started to drink, his mind racing with thoughts about his new life and the mysterious elf woman who cared for him.

He wanted to check the outside world, but his tiny body made it impossible. He even struggled to pick up the bottle near him. As he lay there, he began to hear muffled voices outside. People were talking, birds were chirping, and he heard the rhythmic sound of something hitting the soil. "Ah, farming, huh?" he thought, gently nodding.

His eyes widened when he recalled that he was reincarnated in another world. Excitement bubbled within him. What if he could do magic? His heart pounded as he raised his tiny arms upward and thought, "Fireblol!" He waited, his arm still raised. Nothing happened. Undeterred, he continued to name skills from games and anime he had played and watched. "Iticle Lants!" "Wind Guts!" "Ert Bidiver!" Nothing happened.

Slowly, he lowered his arm, the excitement giving way to disappointment. He realized he was just as ordinary here as he had been in his previous life. His thoughts drifted back to the woman's pointed ears. Maybe his powers would awaken as he grew older. He tried to reach his ears, but upon feeling them, he realized they were normal. So he wasn't an elf either.

Puzzled, he wondered why the woman was taking care of him. He remembered the kittens and what Shiela had told him about regret. A mix of emotions stirred within him—regret for not taking the kittens and relief that they hadn't died with him. He decided that he would repay the kindness of the woman caring for him by looking after her in return, once he was able to.

He felt a sense of resolve as he laid back, pondering his new life. He would grow up, become strong, and repay the woman for her kindness. In this new world, he had another chance, and he intended to make the most of it.

Determined, Eman tried to mimic a grown-up's determination. He took a big gulp from the bottle of milk, feeling a bit more powerful with each swallow. Then, with newfound resolve, he raised his tiny fists in the air. "Awaw!"

As he did, the bottle of milk tipped over and rolled away inside his crib. Leo's eyes followed the bottle, widening in surprise and confusion. He tried to reach for it but ended up toppling over onto his side instead.

The days passed with Eman gradually adjusting to his new life. The woman, whose name he learned was Amanda, continued to care for him with the same warmth and affection. Her daily routine fascinated him. She would wake up early, let him bottles of milk, and then head out to the farm. Eman spent his days exploring the limited confines of his crib, listening to the sounds of farm life, and watching Amanda whenever she was around.

He observed that Amanda was not just beautiful but incredibly hardworking. Despite her modest attire and the visible wear and tear of her clothes, she always had a smile on her face. Eman admired her resilience and felt a growing desire to protect and support her in the future.

One day, while Amanda was outside, Eman managed to pull himself up to a standing position by holding onto the side of his crib. The effort was exhausting, but it gave him a better view of the room. It was simple yet cozy, with wooden furniture and handmade decorations. There was a fireplace in one corner, and shelves filled with various jars and trinkets lined the walls. The scent of herbs and freshly baked bread lingered in the air.

Eman's attention was drawn to a window gap through which he could see a portion of the outside world. Fields of green stretched out, dotted with patches of cultivated land and grazing animals. He saw other people working in the fields, their laughter and conversations carrying on in the breeze.

His curiosity grew stronger each day. He longed to be outside, to explore this new world and learn more about it. But for now, he is confined to his crib, his body too weak to venture out on its own.

That evening, as Amanda returned from the fields, she brought with her a small, glowing orb. He remembered the first time he saw it. It was magical. It's a magic tool that lights up whenever the area is getting dark. There were no batteries and no intricate mechanisms. It just lights up.

Magic was real in this world, and he could see it firsthand. His determination to learn and grow stronger intensified. If magic was possible, then there was a chance he could learn it too. He just needed to be patient.

That night, as he lay in his crib, Eman dreamed of the future. He imagined himself growing up, learning to use magic. The path ahead was uncertain, but for the first time in a long while, he felt hopeful. He was given a second chance, and he was determined to make it count.

A year had passed since Eman had been reborn into this new world. His body, though still that of a child, had grown stronger. He could now easily pull himself up and stand inside his crib, a far cry from his initial helplessness. His curiosity had also grown, reaching a point where he could no longer contain it. He needed to see the world outside his small wooden prison.

One morning, driven by this insatiable curiosity, he decided to escape his confines. He managed to place his right leg on top of the crib and, with considerable effort, forced his body up and over the edge. However, in his excitement, he miscalculated the height and fell to the ground with a thud. The impact was jarring, and he winced in pain as bruises formed on his tender skin.

"Damn, that hurts," he mumbled softly to himself. But his determination outweighed the pain. He began to baby-crawl towards the door, his heart pounding as if he had drunk several cups of coffee. This was his first real adventure since his reincarnation, and he felt a mix of excitement and fear.

When he reached the door, he realized the handle was far out of his reach. He felt a wave of defeat wash over him. He tried to stand up and reach the handle, banging on the door in frustration. Just as he was about to give up, he felt the door move. His happiness surged back, but before he could react, the door slowly creaked open, and he fell forward, unable to catch himself.

As he lay on the floor, he pulled himself up into a sitting position and felt the fresh air hit his face and body. He inhaled deeply, savoring the scent of the outdoors. When he opened his eyes, he saw a vast field stretching out before him, its end nowhere in sight. Workers dotted the landscape, their laughter and shouts carried by the wind.

His eyes widened as he noticed the workers using magical powers and enhanced physical abilities. Some plowed the soil with a wave of their hands, while others planted crops with incredible speed. Some even used their super strength to handle multiple tools simultaneously, plowing several lanes of soil at once. Eman's heart pounded with excitement as he wondered what abilities he might possess when he grew up.

Without realizing it, he had started to crawl forward again, now at the edge of the wooden stairs leading down from the house. He lost his balance and tumbled forward, a cry escaping his lips as he prepared for the painful impact. Suddenly, he felt himself being lifted, suspended in mid-air.

"Feeling adventurous now, little one?" came a familiar voice. It was Amanda. She had somehow appeared just in time to catch him. He felt her wet body pressed against him, the result of her hard work in the fields. Despite the sweat, she still smelled sweet, like morning flowers.

Amanda looked down at him, her expression a mix of concern and amusement. She wasn't mad, just relieved that he was safe. Her cheeks were flushed, and she breathed heavily from the exertion.

He noticed her dress, clinging to her skin from sweat, making her silhouette more defined. He also saw the gazes of the people working in the fields. The men looked at her with vulgar interest, while the women eyed her with jealousy and disdain. A sudden realization hit him: Amanda endured this every day, working tirelessly and caring for him despite their lack of blood relations.

Anger welled up inside him. He swore to himself that he would grow strong, learn to use magic, and protect Amanda from the harshness of the world. He owed her that much, and more. This was his new purpose, and he would dedicate his life to it.

As Amanda carried him back inside, she whispered gently, "You gave me quite a scare, little one. But I'm glad you're safe." She smiled warmly, a smile that reached her eyes, and Eman felt a deep sense of gratitude and determination.

But before they even approached the door an ominous shadow crept across the wide expanse of the field, darkening the bright day momentarily. The sudden silence was thick, laden with tension, before being shattered by a massive crash. The ground trembled under the force of the impact, sending vibrations through the soles of their feet. Dirt clouds mushroomed into the air, accompanied by a spray of tools and debris flying in every direction.

One such tool, a rusty old hoe, spun dangerously towards them. Eman's tiny heart raced, his babyish instincts screaming for him to cover his face, but his limbs wouldn't cooperate quickly enough. Just when the collision seemed inevitable, a faint clang rang out, and a spark flickered right in front of them. To Eman's astonishment, the hoe was halted mid-air, inches from them. He turned his wide eyes up to Amanda, who stood calm and unflinching, her hand subtly lowered from a deflective gesture.

Amanda's gaze was intense, her beautiful hair whipped around by the gusts that followed the mysterious disturbance. "So, she's not normal!" Eman thought with a mix of awe and pride. Her powers were as real as the stories whispered by the wind.

A deafening roar then tore through the air, pulling Eman's attention back to the field. What he saw chilled his blood despite the warmth of Amanda's proximity. There, amidst the torn earth and startled workers, stood a colossal beast, its presence overwhelming. It wasn't just any animal; this creature had fiery red eyes that burned with malice, black shiny fur that seemed to absorb the sunlight, and sharp, menacing claws. If not for its multiple swishing tails, it could have been mistaken for a grizzly bear of mythical proportions.

Above, the creature floated a bizarre apparition—a label of sorts that read: "Level ???: Black Os." Eman gurgled and pointed, his baby voice unable to contain his excitement or fear. "Ooohh!" he exclaimed, drawing a glance from Amanda.

Seeing the thrill in his eyes, Amanda realized this moment was as much a revelation for him as it was a threat. "I guess he is your son after all," she murmured under her breath, her voice a mixture of wonder and resolve. Without hesitation, she scooped Eman up and sat down on the wooden stair step, positioning him on her lap so he could see the field.