Chapter 1:Reborn

Mia Villafuerte lay crumpled on the asphalt, her vision blurring as the world spun out of control. The deafening screech of brakes and the throaty roar of the jeepney were the last sounds she heard before darkness began to close in. Pain surged through her, sharp and unrelenting. Her body was a twisted heap, and every breath came in ragged gasps.

Her mind, however, was a tumult of memories. Harsh voices and unforgiving hands flashed before her eyes, mingling with the blinding headlights of the oncoming vehicle. The cruel faces of her parents loomed in her thoughts, their words piercing through her like icy daggers.

"You useless piece of trash!" her father's voice thundered in her mind, a memory from the countless times he had belittled her. "Why can't you be more like your siblings? You're nothing but a burden!"

Her mother's harsh words cut deeper than any physical blow. "You're just a mistake we have to deal with! Look at you, always causing trouble. We never wanted you!"

The phantom hands of her past gripped her with their imaginary strikes, the painful echoes of their physical abuse replaying in her fading consciousness. The sting of slaps, the bruise of kicks each memory was a jagged knife twisting in her heart.

Is this how it ends? Mia thought, her mind desperately clinging to the fragments of her shattered reality. All these years of pain, only to die alone on the street?

As the darkness deepened, a robotic voice echoed in her consciousness, sharp and impersonal.

Scanning... Analyzing... Processing...

Subject: Mia Flores

Condition: Critical

Impact imminent...

System status: Reincarnation sequence initializing..

The words cut through the fog of her pain, but Mia couldn't grasp their meaning. Her life was slipping away, and the last vestiges of her consciousness clung to the fading whispers of her tormentors.

"You're nothing but a burden!" her father's voice thundered once more, distorted by the haze of her impending death.

"Why did you have to be born?" her mother's voice seemed to grow louder, drowning out the sounds of the world.

I was always a burden, Mia thought, tears streaming down her face ..No one ever loved me. I was just… nothing

Gaining skills...

Sage Queen Seraphina lineage... Acquired

Light Magic... Acquired

Lightning Magic... Acquired

Rapid Learning Ability... Acquired

Physical Strength Boost (30%)... Acquired

Void Magic... Acquired

Syncing progress:

12%... 63%... 78%... 92%... Complete

I wish… I wish things could have been different, Mia's final thoughts lamented, as the darkness claimed her entirely. I wish someone had loved me…

Scanning for suitable host...

Host compatibility: 1%... 9%... 50%... 96%... Acquired

Reincarnation complete.

The robotic voice was the last thing she heard before the world faded away.

The world swirled into view as a new life began. Regina Draconia was reborn into a soft cradle of warmth and light, her senses overwhelmed by the foreign yet soothing environment. Her tiny, newly-formed body felt strangely secure, yet the gravity of her arrival was immediate.

She could hear muffled voices around her, their tones tinged with desperation. Her mother, Isabelle Draconia, lay on a bed, her face pale and strained. Beside her, a man Regina's father held her hand tightly, his eyes red with unshed tears.

"Hold on, Isabelle," he pleaded, his voice cracking with raw anguish. "Just a little longer. Fight for her. Fight for us."

Isabelle's labored breaths were punctuated by a final, shuddering gasp. Her hand slipped from her husband's grasp, and a heartbreaking silence fell over the room. The man's cries filled the space with unrestrained sorrow, a sound of pure, visceral pain.

As Isabelle's life faded, Regina's tiny heart pounded with fear. She had been born into a world of grief, and a cold, pervasive dread settled over her. Would I be hated again?she thought, feeling the weight of her mother's death like a crushing burden. Will my father despise me for causing this pain?

The robotic voice, now muted and softened, echoed gently in her consciousness.

System Status:

Operating as Wisdom Queen Seraphina…

Integrating with Host: Regina Draconia

Recalibrating Emotional and Cognitive Functions…

Activating Protective and Enhancement Protocols…

Welcome, Regina Draconia.

Regina's tiny fingers twitched, and she felt a strange but comforting warmth spreading through her body, a whisper of the power and abilities she had gained from her past life. The confusion of her rebirth mingled with the new sensations, and the robotic voice, now a calming presence, helped to soothe her fears.

Her father, still engulfed in his grief, took a tentative step towards the cradle, his eyes red and filled with a deep, sorrowful resolve. He looked down at Regina, his expression a mix of mourning and a fierce, protective love.

"I'll be here for you," he murmured, though his voice was barely more than a whisper. "I promise. I'll love you, no matter what."

Regina Draconia's new life began with the soft glow of dawn filtering through the windows of her father's modest home. Days turned into weeks as she slowly adapted to her surroundings, the constant hum of activity providing a strange sense of comfort. Her father, Ethan Draconia, a dedicated healer, never left her side, always ensuring she was safe and cared for.

Despite his unwavering affection, Regina remained wary. Memories of her previous life as Mia Villafuerte haunted her dreams, reminding her of the betrayal that followed her parents' initial displays of love. Affection only leads to pain, she thought, her tiny fingers curling defensively whenever Ethan tried to hold her.

One morning, Ethan gently lifted Regina from her crib. "Good morning, my little Regina," he whispered, his voice filled with tenderness. "We're going to the healing center today."

Regina stared at him with wide eyes, her mind racing. She could feel his love, but she couldn't trust it. It's all a façade, she reminded herself, her heart aching with the weight of her past.

Ethan carried her to the healing center, a bustling place filled with the scent of herbs and the sound of quiet murmurs. He worked there tirelessly, tending to the sick and injured with a gentle touch and a kind smile. As he moved about, he kept Regina close, often cradling her in one arm while preparing remedies with the other.

"Look, Regina," he said softly, pointing to a shelf filled with colorful vials. "These potions help people feel better. One day, I'll teach you how to make them."

Regina's eyes followed his finger, but she remained silent, her small body tense. Why is he so kind? she wondered, suspicion gnawing at her. It's only a matter of time before he changes.

Despite her wariness, Ethan continued to shower her with affection. Every evening, he would read to her, his voice soothing as he told stories of brave knights and wise sages. He would often kiss her forehead, whispering, "You are my little miracle, Regina."

But Regina could not bring herself to respond. Affection makes you weak, she thought, withdrawing into herself. I won't let him hurt me.

Days turned into months, and Ethan's love never wavered. He took Regina with him to the healing center every day, letting her watch as he worked. The staff there adored her, often cooing at her and making silly faces to make her laugh. But Regina remained distant, her trust hard to earn.

One day, Ethan took her to a small restaurant where he worked part-time to support them. The aroma of freshly baked bread and simmering soups filled the air. The owner, a kind woman named Eliza, greeted them warmly.

"Ethan, it's good to see you! And who is this beautiful little lady?" Eliza asked, smiling at Regina.

"This is my daughter, Regina," Ethan replied proudly. "She's a bit shy."

Regina clung to Ethan, her heart pounding. Why is he introducing me to people? she wondered. Does he want them to like me so they can hurt me too?

Eliza knelt down to Regina's level. "Hello, Regina," she said softly. "You're very lucky to have such a wonderful father."

Regina didn't respond, her eyes darting around nervously. Ethan stroked her hair, trying to soothe her. "It's okay, Regina. Eliza is a friend."

Friends turn into enemies, she thought, but remained silent.

That night, as Ethan rocked her to sleep, he whispered, "I love you, Regina. I will always love you, no matter what."

Regina's eyes filled with tears, but she quickly blinked them away. He says that now, she thought, but how long before he changes?

In her mind, the robotic voice continued to provide a calm presence, helping her navigate this confusing new life.

Regina's small body relaxed slightly, the robotic voice a reminder that she was not alone. But the fear of betrayal still loomed large, and she resolved to keep her guard up, no matter how much love her father showed.

I can't let my guard down, she thought as sleep finally claimed her. I won't be hurt again.

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