Unauthorized Reincarnation

  Chapter 5: Am I Truly the Chosen One?

  Lily spoke with unwavering determination.

  "My name is Lily Miller. I'm fifteen years old. Before I came here, I lived through a harsh and exhausting life. In this new world, I won’t let anyone else suffer the way I did."

  Aurelia stepped forward, continuing after Lily.

  "People of Luminas, let us witness the burdens the Seven Gods have placed upon her."

  Lily turned to Aurelia with a blank stare, her voice tinged with confusion.

  "Burdens? What do you mean..."

  Aurelia responded gently, her words warm and steady.

  "The strong carry the weight of protecting the weak. Now we’ll see how strong you truly are. Say the words: 'Open status bar.'"

  Lily’s eyes widened as a memory surfaced.

  "Ah... I remember what Irene told me... Status bar, open."

  A glowing blue screen materialized in front of her, shimmering with ethereal light. The people of Luminas watched in silence, their eyes fixed on the unfolding revelation

  Some of the Attendants in indigo robes whispered just loud enough to be heard:

  "How could the Gods send someone less than normal? Tch..."

  Aurelia cast a cold glance toward them—sharp, dismissive, and enough to silence the murmurs.

  Then she turned to Lily, her voice low but firm:

  "Let’s see what kind of special skills you possess."

  Lily hesitated, then tapped the glowing Special Skills section.

  A soft chime echoed.

  A new screen popped up.

  The screen pulsed to life, casting a soft glow across Lily’s face.

  A stunned silence fell over the chamber.

  Not just the mages in the Magic Tower, but the people of Luminas whose watching her beyond—seemed to hold their breath.

  Then the whispers began.

  Then the disbelief.

  Then the awe.

  “Two blessings?”

  “This is the first one for someone to possess 2 blessings…”

  “…and not just any gods—Dyrk and Liora?”

  The crowd erupted into a chant, voices overlapping in reverent shock:

  “Dyrk and Liora… Dyrk and Liora… Dyrk and Liora…”

  Aurelia didn’t speak, Her eyes narrowed, not in suspicion—but in calculation.

  Something ancient had shifted.

  And Lily stood at the center of it.

  "Aurelia... Aurelia, hey!"

  Lily called out to the Saintess, but Aurelia seemed momentarily lost in thought. Then, as if snapping back to reality, she turned to face Lily.

  "The announcement is complete. Mages, cease your recitations."

  The glowing display in front of people faded. Aurelia raised her hand and snapped her fingers. From a nearby door, three female figures in white robes stepped forward, each carrying something in their hands.

  Aurelia approached Lily, her voice gentle but formal.

  "It is our tradition to provide summoned souls with the resources they need to begin their journey."

  She handed Lily a small bag of coins, a magically enchanted backpack, and a book containing essential knowledge for newcomers.

  "Normally, the role of the Cathedral ends here. People like you set off to begin their adventures. But you... you're different. Why don’t you stay with us at the Cathedral, at least for a while?"

  Lily paused, her gaze steady. She had her own plans—she wanted to grow stronger, to protect herself and others if she could.

  Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  "Thank you for your offer," she said with quiet resolve.

  "But I want to explore my own path and see what I’m capable of. If I ever need guidance... I know where to find you.

  Lily stepped out of the Magic Tower, the sunlight casting soft reflections off the marble steps. As her eyes adjusted, she spotted a trio standing nearby—dressed like they’d just walked out of a Comicon.

  One wore a gleaming bronze armor set, unmistakably styled after Achilles, complete with a mock spear strapped to his back.

  Another had the layered robes and twin blades of Miyamoto Musashi, his posture calm and unreadable.

  The third looked like a gothic Lara Croft—black lipstick, combat boots, and a shadowy aura that clashed beautifully with her tactical gear.

  The one dressed as Achilles stepped forward with a grin that could light up a battlefield.

  "Nice performance back there. Too bad you’re only fifteen—haha! Name’s Achilles."

  He reached out, casually aiming to fix a strand of Lily’s hair.

  But Lily’s hand shot up, blocking his with practiced precision.

  "Wild one, I see," he chuckled, clearly amused.

  Lily kept her tone polite but firm.

  "Nice to meet you. Are you guys also from Earth?"

  The two behind Achilles remained silent, their expressions unreadable.

  Only Achilles replied, his voice still buzzing with energy.

  "Yep. Just like you. You looking for something?"

  Lily glanced around, scanning the unfamiliar streets for a sign, a scent, anything.

  Nothing stood out.

  "I’m kind of hungry," she admitted.

  "Could you tell me where I can get lunch?"

  Achilles’s grin widened.

  "Today’s your lucky day. We’re heading to a tavern famous for its dishes. It’s right next to the Adventurers’ Guild. We’ll take you there."

  They arrived at the tavern—a warm, bustling place filled with the scent of roasted meats and spiced bread. they took a table near the window.

  A pair of waiters approached swiftly.

  The silent ones—from the trio spoke in unison, their voices low but clear:

  "Give us the usual."

  Achilles and Lily scanned the menu, its parchment glowing faintly with enchanted ink.

  Lily furrowed her brow.

  "I can read the words of this world... but these dishes? I’ve never heard of them."

  Achilles chuckled, a laugh half-swallowed by his grin.

  "That’s the system at work. It lets us understand the language, but not the culture. For your main, trust me—go with the Grakth Boar Spine Roast. It’s the best. And since it’s your first time, I’ll cover your meal."

  He tapped the menu again.

  "Also try Thunril Frostwater. Don’t worry—it’s non-alcoholic. Keeps you cool, and it tastes like winter in a glass. You’ll love it."

  Lily nodded, accepting the offer with a quiet smile.

  As they waited, Achilles leaned back, his voice softening.

  "I had a family once. Back on Earth. My son and daughter adored Achilles from the Troy movie. When I was summoned here... I changed my look and name to match. Thought it’d help me cope. Maybe even honor them."

  Lily’s eyes met his.

  "What happened to your family?"

  Achilles went silent. His gaze drifted to the tavern’s hearth, where a low flame flickered.

  Lily didn’t press.

  "I’m sorry if I reopened a wound. I had a family too. But my brother... he destroyed them. And my life along with it. Still..."

  She straightened her shoulders.

  "I’m here now. Ready to start again."

  The food arrived—rich, fragrant, and steaming. They ate in silence, the kind that speaks of mutual understanding.

  When the plates were cleared, Achilles reached into his satchel and handed Lily a worn leather-bound book.

  "This is for you. I wrote it myself. It’s a guide to the creatures of this world—habits, weaknesses, lore. It’ll help you survive out there."

  Lily took it with reverence.

  "Thank you. I’ll make good use of it."

  With a final nod to the trio, she stepped out of the tavern and walked toward the Adventurers’ Guild.

  The guild hall was alive with energy—adventurers talking to each other, scanning quest boards, and forming teams with practiced ease. The air buzzed with excitement and the scent of parchment, steel, and ambition.

  Lily stepped forward, her heart steady but hopeful, and approached the receptionist. With a few formalities and a signature, she was officially registered as an adventurer.

  She turned to the quest board, eyes scanning the listings. But every mission required a team—there were no solo quests available. Determined, she began asking around, hoping to join an existing group. Yet the responses were all variations of the same rejection:

  "There are many special skills out there, but 'Blessing' as a skill is rare... and there is no information about them. We can’t entrust you with a role."

  One by one, she was turned away. The hall that had once felt vibrant now seemed cold and indifferent.

  Disheartened, Lily stepped outside into the fading light. That’s when she saw them—a group of four emerging from the tavern nearby. Their laughter was warm, their posture relaxed. Something about them felt approachable.

  She walked toward them, gathering her courage.

  "My name is—" she began.

  But they interrupted with playful smiles.

  "We saw you earlier. You’re Lily Miller, right? Fifteen years old?"

  They chuckled together, not mockingly, but with familiarity.

  The tallest among them stepped forward and offered his hand.

  "I’m Kaelen Veyrith. Mage and leader of this group. I’m also a summoned one, just like you."

  Lily shook his hand, surprised by the warmth in his grip.

  Two women followed with confident smiles.

  "I’m Serenya Darkov," said the first, her voice strong.

  "Spear-user and heavy damage dealer of the team."

  "Lyrean Ashveil," said the second, her tone more playful.

  "Archer and dual-wielder. I like precision... and chaos."

  The last member, a broad-shouldered man with a grin that stretched ear to ear, chimed in:

  "Name’s Dorran Ironcald. I’ve got tough skin—literally. So I had no choice but to be the team’s shield. Lucky me, huh?"

  Lily smiled, the weight on her chest lifting slightly. For the first time since entering the guild, she felt seen.

  Lily stood with her gaze lowered, voice barely above a whisper.

  "I asked everyone to accept me into their team... but I was rejected by all. Would you accept me?"

  Kaelen stepped closer and gently placed a hand on her shoulder.

  "When you speak to someone, look them in the eyes."

  His tone softened.

  "We’d love to help you, Lily. But not right now—we’ve already accepted a quest. We’re heading west. Several towns have reported demon sightings."

  He paused, then added with quiet conviction:

  "Why don’t you grow stronger until we meet again? I believe you’re special. Destined to become someone great."

  Lily lifted her head, her expression steady with newfound resolve.

  "I promise... I’ll become strong."

  Kaelen smiled, but his face quickly shifted to something more serious.

  "One more thing. That trio you met earlier—if I were you, I’d never approach them again."

  Lily blinked, surprised.

  "Why? Is there a reason you’re warning me?"

  Kaelen placed his other hand on her opposite shoulder, his voice low and firm.

  "They have a black record. They've lost their fourth member three times in a row. And they don’t take quests from the guild—they accept missions from anonymous sources. That’s dangerous."

  Lily nodded slowly, the weight of his words sinking in.

  She turned away and reentered the tavern, her steps heavy.

  At the counter, she booked a room and climbed the stairs in silence.

  Inside, she dropped her bag, walked to the bed, and collapsed onto it.

  She grabbed the pillow, pressed it against her face, and screamed into it—muffled, raw, aching.

  Then, with a trembling voice, she whispered to herself:

  "Am I truly the chosen one?"

  She clutched the pillow tighter, burying her face again.

  And cried.