Chapter 1
Dying from a heart attack after drinking several energy drinks while playing War Thunder and consumed by rage after a terrible losing streak... I don't know if I should call it a dignified death, but if it was a stupid way to go, yes, it was. In the end, there's nothing I can do but laugh at the irony of the situation.
To think that bastard with a premium tank would be so hard to kill and still camp the spawn... damn bastard with nothing better to do...
Well, whatever.
Moments after a strange darkness, I open my eyes and look at the ceiling.
Erik: "Oh, it seems I was hospitalized... so I didn't really die?"
I look at my hands to confirm that I can move my body, but then I'm shocked to notice that my hands are very small, and I feel the rest of my body smaller than I remember.
Erik: "Eh? What's this? Did I reincarnate like in those cliché light novels I used to read so much?"
I decide to look around and notice that not only did I reincarnate, but the interior decoration seems very luxurious, with parts of it appearing to be gold... Is that gold?!
Well, whatever. It's not like I can verify it, but this gives me a good vibe. I mean, it seems this time I was lucky at birth since my financial situation in my previous life was mediocre. Being born into a wealthy family is a good thing.
Erik: "At least I'm not a slime or a vending machine."
I say in my mind with an ironic tone, as isekai novels usually have those kinds of plots that cross the line into the absurd (like the second one). At least whoever reincarnated me had some consideration and didn't run out of imagination to turn me into something ridiculous like that.
Leaving all those silly thoughts aside, I'm glad I was born into a well-off family.
3 years later
Let's summarize things: my mother seems to be the leader or head of the household, whether because I barely see my father or because she gives orders to both the servants and my father. But also because in her office, there are certain things that make me think she was in the military—her uniform, as well as some photos of her wearing it.
When she enters a room, the servants stop what they're doing to greet her with a discreet bow, as if they were in the presence of a superior officer and not just a wealthy lady.
As such, I was born into a good family, although I'm not used to having a father. It's a strange feeling to have a paternal figure in my life since in my previous life, my parents divorced because my father was abusive.
When I arrived here, I thought everything would be fine, but apparently, I was born in another country. Based on the dialect and pronunciation, I guessed it was a Nordic language, but I didn't know exactly which one. After some time listening to those around me and reading some books, I realized it was Swedish. At least that makes it easier since it's a Germanic language, and in my previous life, I knew at least four languages (Spanish, Russian, English, and German). By making connections between the languages, I could finally read it. However, speaking it took me some time since my mouth wasn't adapted to it due to my lack of teeth.
After learning the language, I went straight to explore the mansion as soon as I learned to walk. During my exploration, I found the house's library and started reading what was there, but I noticed that most books mentioned tanks as if the library was intended to collect books about tanks and tank battle strategies.
Creak
?: "Ara, I see you're interested in that."
I turn to the door and see a woman with ash-blonde hair and sharp blue eyes that give her a mature and dominant air. It's my mother, Monica.
Monica: "So, are you interested? In tanks, I mean."
Erik: "Yes, I like them. They're an interesting invention of human engineering, with complex systems that make them wonderful—like the Tiger I and II, the Panthers, the Strv 103, the 155mm cannon of the Bandkanon 1C, and the hydropneumatic suspension system of the Strv 103, which allowed it to adjust the gun's elevation with the chassis instead of the turret..."
Suddenly, I realize I got too excited and shut my mouth, interrupting my monologue.
My mother glances at the books I have on the floor and the one that's open, then pauses while looking up as if remembering something.
Monica: "I see you really like tanks... just like I did in high school."
She sits in a nearby chair and begins to tell her story of when she was in high school, joining a sports club where they operated tanks from certain eras and engaged in fierce battles. However, thanks to their commander back then, they retired with an impeccable record of victories.
Monica: "Those were good times... I wonder if Commander Nishizumi has done well since we graduated."
Wait... Commander Nishizumi? Could she be referring to Kuromorimine Academy from Girls und Panzer? Have I reincarnated into the Girls und Panzer world?! I wish I knew the name of her commander—whether it's Shiho or Miho.
As if reading my mind, my mother mentions her commander's full name.
Monica: "Shiho... I wonder how she's doing..."
She says that with a nostalgic look in her eyes, as if fondly recalling the past. It seems she really enjoyed those high school days and handling tanks.
Erik: "Mom, who's Shiho? Can I meet her? Also, why don't we go see her?"
I know my childish tone might sound weird coming from someone with the mind of an almost 30-year-old adult, but I must take advantage of my appearance to see if I can get what I want—which right now is to confirm whether this is the Girls und Panzer world or just a coincidence.
As if a lightbulb went off above her head, my mother's face brightens, and then she lifts me up and hugs me, pressing her cheek against mine.
Monica: "You're right! How didn't I think of that? As soon as I finish the last paperwork, we'll go to Japan to visit her. I'm so glad you mentioned that."
After saying that, she rushed to complete the paperwork and made some calls. A few weeks later, she bought plane tickets to Japan, and by the third week, we were already at Japan's airport. I have to say, when you have money, it shows. In my previous life, traveling to another country was quite laborious with passports, visas, and all that. Though maybe it's because I had never traveled abroad that this seems so fast to me.
Once in Japan, I couldn't read anything except for a few kanji since I only knew how to speak Japanese, not read or write it.
Monica: "I think we'll need to call for transport. Shiho's house is far away."
A taxi passes by, and we take it directly to her old friend Shiho's house. I must say, Japan looks very beautiful, although the image I have of Japan is... how to say it? Not hatred—because they're the minority (I hope)—but the fact that they sell perfumes that smell like their favorite idol's urine... ew.
Leaving that aside, I'm finally in the birthplace of anime, manga, and several popular video games from my previous world.
After several minutes, we arrive at the destination, where I see a huge mansion with a very traditional Japanese style, even with some bamboo growing in the garden.
My mother rings the doorbell, and a woman with straight black hair and sharp eyes that seem to despise you comes out.
Shiho: "Welcome, Monica... it's been a while."
Monica: "Too long, Shiho. I see you're still as strict as ever."
Shiho barely showed a slight smile before turning her gaze toward me. Despite her cold expression, I could tell she was evaluating every inch of my appearance with almost military precision.
Shiho: "Is this your son?"
Monica: "Yes. His name is Erik."
I bow slightly, remembering Japanese etiquette.
Erik: "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Nishizumi."
For an instant, I thought I saw the corner of her lips lift just a millimeter... but it disappeared so quickly that it could have been my imagination.
Shiho: "A very polite young man. You have good manners for your age... too good."
Erik: "My mother taught me to behave properly."
Shiho: "Hmph... I suppose children always inherit something from their mothers."
At that moment, two small figures appeared behind Shiho. One was a girl with light brown hair and a shy expression, while the other was a girl with black hair and a serious look, though with a curious spark in her eyes.
In that moment, I knew for sure... if I had been reborn in this Girls und Panzer world, my destiny was written on steel tracks and 88mm cannons.