[POV: MC]
As I floated in the vastness of the universe, an unexpected force dragged me into a black hole. In an instant, I was reborn as an unborn baby. I watched, detached yet aware, as my tiny form was gradually shaped over the course of nine months. All I could do was wait, eagerly anticipating the moment I'd finally emerge into the world.
During this time, my thoughts often drifted back to that masked figure—the one who had sent me here. I couldn't shake the feeling that he was the author of this universe, preparing to create a new world and assigning me the role of its main character.
"Fine," I thought, "I'll play with your protagonist, but make sure you compensate me in some way."
Then, one day before I was going to be born as a baby, something happened that made me angry with the author but then I found it amusing.
[DING....]
[System initializing....]
[Character System Activated]
"Oh, this is what I've been waiting for. System, can you tell me what you do?"
[Yes, Host. This system is created by the creator himself. With this system, you can become powerful. However, there is a side effect: you will not be the main character. You can choose to become a villain, a side character, or both. It's your choice.]
What the hell? So, I'm just going to be a stepping stone for the main character?
[Warning: Once the host chooses a role, it cannot be changed. If you attempt to play the hero in front of others after that, your soul will be shattered.]
[Roles:
Side-Character: Can't do heroism and is just an NPC.Villain: You can do anything you want as the villain; you need to be greedy and steal the main character's assets.Both: You can act as both.
After you choose, you will be rewarded with benefits after one month upon your birth.]
"Okay, I need to be careful here. It looks like there will be plenty of face slaps and encounters with young masters ahead. If I have to act like a side character, I might as well die. So, I'll choose both! I admired a character from an anime who operated this way, and I plan to create my organization."
The thought excited me. "Even if it's difficult not to come off as a hero, this sounds fun!"
As I began to emerge from my mother's womb, I braced myself for the world ahead, eager to embrace my new role.
As I slowly opened my eyes, I was greeted by the sight of a woman with long black hair and striking red eyes. Her beautiful face radiated warmth as she looked down at me, a gentle smile gracing her lips. She cradled me in her arms, and for a moment, I felt an overwhelming sense of safety and affection.
"Kya! He is so cute!" I heard her exclaim, and a warmth stirred within me.
'Yeah, maybe it's been a long time since I felt the warmth of my mother.'
As I lay nestled in her arms, the soothing rhythm of her heartbeat enveloped me. I instinctively reached out with my tiny hand, fingers curling around one of her fingers. The touch was both comforting and grounding, reminding me that I was truly alive in this new world.
"You are so cute my little boy" she pondered aloud, her voice soft and melodic. I could sense the excitement in her tone, and it brought a smile to my face, even if it was just an involuntary baby grin.
Suddenly, a man entered the room, his presence commanding yet gentle. He had tousled brown hair and kind blue eyes that sparkled as he approached. "Is it our little star?" he asked, kneeling beside us.
"Yes! Look at him!" she beamed, holding me up for him to see. "He's perfect."
I felt a strange sense of belonging wash over me. These two—my mother and father—would be my first allies in this new life.
As I lay nestled in her arms, the soothing rhythm of her heartbeat surrounded me. I instinctively reached out, my tiny fingers curling around one of her fingers.
"What should we name him?" she pondered aloud, her voice soft and melodic.
"How about Levi D. Tempest?" the man suggested as he entered the room. His presence felt warm and reassuring.
"Yes, Levi," my mother agreed, her smile widening.
Levi... The name echoed in my mind. I knew this name; it belonged to a character from an anime I admired—a cool character with a strong presence. And the 'D' was the most notorious letter, a symbol that could annoy the world government. It felt like a fitting name to start my new life.
I may have been reborn, but I was ready to embrace whatever lay ahead as Levi.
As days turned into weeks, I began to adapt to my new life as Levi D. Tempest. I soaked in the warmth of my surroundings. My parents showered me with affection, their laughter and whispers creating a comforting backdrop to my early memories.
Despite being an infant, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was destined for something greater. I watched as they moved about the small, cozy home, my father often returning with tales of adventure and excitement from the outside world. Each story ignited a spark within me, fueling my curiosity about what lay beyond the walls of our home.
In my quiet moments, I would gaze out the window, watching the leaves dance in the wind and the clouds roll across the sky. I felt an unexplainable connection to the elements as if they whispered secrets meant only for me.