The sound of an ambulance siren deafens the streets. Medics rush to the scene, trying to rescue a young man who has been shot in the middle of the street. That's me. It's a mugging gone wrong. I should have just let him take the wallet. On my way to a dead-end job in my dead-end life, and now I lie in a pool of my own blood, gasping for air as the world around me darkens and fades.

"Oh my, he is a beautiful boy, isn't he?"

"You are right, look at that hair."

I hear voices, but what is going on? I gradually open my eyes, blinded by a bright light above my head. I try to shield my eyes, and that's when I see it—my small, chubby hands. Am I… a baby? How is this possible? My eyes gradually adjust to the light, and I am greeted by the face of my new mother. She is a beautiful woman in her early thirties, with silvery-blue hair and blue eyes. I don't know how I know she is my mother, but maybe it's the loving look in her eyes or the touch that warms my heart.

"Where is he? Where is my son?" A deep voice startles me, and I turn towards the door to see a tall man with white, flowing hair, dressed in—what is that? Medieval armor? He hurries over to my mother, giving her a kiss on her head, clearly ecstatic, before raising me up in his arms. "Welcome, little man. We have been waiting for you for quite some time now." He says, unable to hide his joy. As he holds me in his arms, I see for the first time my new look through the reflection on his armor. I am really a baby again. I have white hair with blue frost tips and blue eyes just like my mother. I've heard reincarnation exists, but I never thought I would experience it myself.

Ten Years Later

I stand at the balcony of my parents' mansion. It turns out I was born into a noble family, the Valorin. We reside in the kingdom of Orai, a nation feared for its military might and prowess. My father commands his own unit, and they are one of the most elite of Orai. There is also magic in this world, it seems. I can see it everywhere, but for some reason, I cannot use it. My parents, and pretty much every other person, can. It's rather weird that I can't, but my parents believe I am a late bloomer and will pick it up in the next year or two. I hope so, because you are an outcast here without magic. They also say my ability to see mana is unique; they say they can only feel it, which is rather interesting.

Aside from that, a war is ongoing between us and the Kingdom of Khudon, the land of the savages. A kingdom that excels in beast summoning and control. They are considered a great threat and are in constant battle with Orai. Although living inside the kingdom, you forget about the war because of our military. It is surprisingly peaceful.

"Kairos." I hear my name being called, and that pulls me from my thoughts. Sounds like my mother. I look down to see her waving at me and gesturing for my presence. A short, old man stands beside her in glistening blue armor. Who could that be? I hurry down the steps to answer my mother's call.

"Yes, mother, you called?"

"Kairos," she says. "This is Sir Evander. Evander, this is my son, Kairos."

"Nice to meet you, sir," I say with a bow, as I was taught.

"The pleasure is all mine… I've heard so many good things about you." He says with a huge, hearty smile on his face, which puts me off. Something is not right about him. I can see it, but I keep it to myself.

"From today, Sir Evander will be your tutor in both magic and combat." My mother's announcement comes out of nowhere, but I know better than to argue with her. I've picked up an interest in the art of swordsmanship, and I do need to learn how to use magic. However, the choice of my tutor worries me. Once again, I keep this to myself and decide to observe further. I give a bow as my mother dismisses me and leave.

Six Years Later

I've trained every day with Sir Evander, and despite my worries about him, he is a great teacher. I now have an affinity for lightning magic, one of the rarest magic types there is, and my swordsmanship has greatly improved. I am also finally of age to officially join the knight recruitment program. My father told me about this when he found out about my interest in his job. I am really excited to join it. My time here so far has been rather sluggish despite my training. I've been itching to see the rest of the kingdom. Anyway, today is my last day of training, and it will determine if I get into the recruitment program. My father is watching for my performance from the balcony today.

I stand a few feet away from Sir Evander, who shoots me one of his hearty smiles. I am still not trusting of him. We are using real swords today.

"Begin!" my father orders.

In the blink of an eye, Evander closes the distance, swiftly swinging his blade at my face. My training comes in handy as my reflexes kick in, and I dodge just in time, the blade grazing my cheek. I kick his midsection, using it to push my weight back. As my feet touch the ground, I plant them and propel myself with great force, unleashing a flurry of combinations, which he deflects with ease. What was I expecting? He taught me these moves. I glance at my father and see the disapproval on his face.

"Wind bane!" Evander yells. A large blade of wind forms and moves towards me with great speed. I manage to sidestep it, but by doing so, I am off balance. Evander immediately follows up with a quick thrust straight to my head. I manage to put my blade in its path, deflecting it upwards as I am pushed back by the force.

I need to figure out a way to win. I cannot use any of the moves he taught me. Just then, an idea invades my mind. In my old world, humans could not see light travel. It was the fastest thing to exist, but in this world, humans can keep up with light, given the right preparation. I know he has made that preparation, considering my affinity, but that is why I know my idea will work.

I stand up, grabbing my sword. "Lightning thrust!" I yell out, a command that envelops me in lightning and propels me forward. Evander lets out a low smile and blocks my sword with ease.

"You will need to be faster, boy," he says.

"I know," I reply with a smile on my face. "Mirage!"

The image of me in front of him gradually fades as I appear behind him, completely coated in lightning. I release a heavy blast on him, which stuns him for a moment, putting him on the ground long enough for me to pin him with my blade at his throat.

"Bravo, kid," he says, a huge smile on his face again. That smile always feels wrong.

I hear the sound of clapping from my father. "That was amazing, Kairos," he says with a proud look on his face. "You can join the recruitment program. You have my permission."

My eyes light up, and my heart rate elevates, joy filling me for some reason. I do not think I have ever felt this way before in my past life. I feel like I have a purpose, a goal to achieve.