"So, this is what the afterlife resembles, an absolute void of darkness," Seku exclaimed in a realm so devoid of light that even sunlight could not breach it.
It had been a year since Seku met his demise due to a speeding truck.
"I suppose this is the result of my lack of wisdom; I continually remind myself that I should not have gambled, and I was correct because it cost me my life," Seku contemplated internally.
Suddenly, he perceived a voice within his mind that felt ominous, stinging as if he had been burned in a fiery abyss.
"You will not remain in this condition; you will persist and evolve beyond merely being a broke fool with a gambling addiction," the voice declared.
"Wow, even God seeks to wound my feelings, splendid. But hold on, what is this about a new life?" Seku mused as he floated through the emptiness.
The same voice resonated once more, but this time it was less agonizing, resembling the sensation of relaxing in a hot tub.
"You will be reincarnated into the world I have selected for you, a place known as Planet Terra, a magical domain where individuals from all backgrounds can aspire to greatness," the voice proclaimed with an air of grandeur, as if infused with enchantment.
"Wonderful, this sounds just like all those isekai narratives; I suppose I'll attempt to distinguish myself," Seku commented with a touch of sarcasm, recalling the clichés he had encountered in the anime he cherished.
"This won't be like the shows you have seen, my boy; you won't be battling the demon king or being born as scum or anything of that nature," the voice explained with a tone of joy.
Seku then appeared astonished and bewildered. "Did he just refer to broke individuals as scum? Now that is a new low," he murmured with anger in his voice.
"To the gods, the distinction between wealthy individuals and impoverished ones holds no significance for us; one is not destined to be born into wealth or poverty," the voice declared, now laced with anger.
The agony in Seku's head abruptly resurfaced as the voice let out a chuckle within his mind, the malice in that laughter unmistakable, intended for Seku to perceive it.
"Alright, I understand. So, who will I be reincarnated as?" Seku inquired of the voice, still bewildered by the situation.
"You will retain your name, Seku Nanomi, as your parents belong to the Nanomi clan in this realm. Your mother is Angelita Nanomi, and your father is Isaias Nanomi. They will be your parents in your new existence, Seku," the voice clarified, now exhibiting a calmer demeanour.
Seku then began to experience a resurgence of pain in his head, which continued to intensify.
"What is happening to me?" Seku questioned, but the voice remained silent, seemingly aware of the unfolding events yet choosing not to disclose them.
Finally, the voice spoke once more. "It is time for us to part ways; you will soon undergo rebirth," the voice proclaimed before disappearing for good.
***
Seku's eyes opened to light for the very first time in this unfamiliar world. He then gazed at the two individuals who were holding him and realized that they were the new parents the voice had mentioned.
Seku then turned his attention to the woman who was cradling him and examined her head.
"Is that my mother? She has a horn; is she like a demon or something?" Seku wondered silently.
He came to understand that the Nanomi family had been demons all along and that the voice had reincarnated him into a realm inhabited by demons.
As a baby, Seku's emotions were more intense and distinct compared to others in this world.
"Honey, this is wonderful! Our little baby boy is moving again," Angelita exclaimed to Isaias, her voice brimming with excitement.
"What should we name this boy? He already has a sister who is a high rank Aristocracy demon; perhaps we could name him after her," Isaias suggested, appearing puzzled.
"You are terrible at names; he's a boy, not a girl. How about we name him Seku? Yes, that's perfect, Seku Nanomi," Angelita replied joyfully.
Suddenly, a loud female voice echoed from downstairs. "Is my baby brother a wake yet? Please don't tell me Dad chose the name again!"
"No, sweetie, I named him. Meet your baby brother, Seku," Angelita said softly, attempting to surprise her.
"Hello, little one! I'm your big sister, Avari Nanomi. It's finally a pleasure to meet you," the girl said as she introduced herself to him.
Avari then observed a detail on Seku's face that their parents had missed; Seku possessed a green right eye and a blue left eye.
"Mom, Dad, you must come and see this! There's something distinctly unusual about my baby brother," Avari exclaimed across the room, filled with both excitement and concern.
Angelita and Isaias approached their daughter and examined Seku's eyes.
"One is green and the other is blue; is it a mutation or a gift?" Isaias pondered as he looked at their son once more.
"Wait, there is a mark on his green eye," Angelita remarked, gasping at this revelation.
Avari then paused for a moment, as she had clearly encountered this pattern before in her textbooks a few years ago at the academy she attended.
"Wait, I have seen this pattern before; it's the pattern of the demonic eye that belonged to the shadow king, one of the 7 gods. The shadow king was also known as the embodiment of the sin of wrath, who annihilated everyone in his path," Avari explained, her voice tinged with worry.
"This could be serious; this automatically categorizes him as a celestial or even one of the 7 ancient knights," Isaias remarked, concern evident in his tone.
"Indeed, but I will assist Seku in developing strength so that he may manage this power when he matures," Avari remarked, gazing at her younger brother with a sense of bewilderment, as she is uncertain about his true nature.
As Avari observed Seku's eye more closely, he came to the realization that training should commence by the age of three.
"Mother, when he reaches the age of three, please contact me using your telepathic abilities, and I will promptly return to train him," she expressed to her mother, exhibiting more confidence than she had ever possessed in her life.
As Avari left the house again shortly after her arrival, she went to train, making sure that her brother develops into a strong and capable individual with her help. Meanwhile, Angelita and Isaias were left to care for the confused Seku.