Chapter 1: A Man Who Died Protecting His Comrades is Reborn Anew

I thought I was dead, but apparently, I’d been reincarnated.

What happened to make me die again? I couldn’t piece it together, no matter how hard I tried. But one thing was clear: I’d been reborn.

And in this new world, I was already teetering on the edge of death… No, scratch that—I knew my time was running out.

“Guh!?”

“No… No way… Don’t do this, Towa-san!!”

“You die on us, and I swear I’ll never forgive you!”

“You idiot! Don’t you dare kick the bucket!”

“Please… hang in there, I’m begging you!”

My body had gone numb. I coughed up blood—way too much, like something out of a melodrama—but it didn’t even hurt.

My vision was starting to blur, but the faces of my comrades, crying their hearts out for me, were crystal clear.

Heh… ain’t that something… having people cry for me like this.

I felt a pang of guilt for making them so upset, but honestly? Knowing they cared this much warmed my heart.

Pain? Suffering? Those didn’t matter anymore—not when I felt like this.

Sure, I couldn’t feel much of anything anymore, but to have my final moments watched over by my comrades… to have met such incredible people… I savored that happiness with every fiber of my being.

“I… I was damn happy, you know.”

“What’re you giving up for!?”

“The blood… it won’t stop…!”

Their anguished cries echoed in my ears as I thought back on everything.

This world I’d been reborn into was straight-up fantasy—an isekai, as they call it. A place of swords and sorcery, nothing like modern Japan. But it wasn’t some medieval Europe knockoff either. The tech here was surprisingly advanced, which was a godsend for a guy like me who’d grown up in Japan.

Never thought I’d end up in a spot like this…

This world had it all: a Hero, a Demon King, and not just humans, either—there were all sorts of non-human races. Even among my comrades crying over me now, some weren’t human.

Man, I’ve come a long way…

I was born the third son of a baron’s family—nobody expected much from me. But whether it was a reincarnation perk or not, I had a powerful skill inside me. A skill strong enough to brush off any tragedy.

[The Power to Work Miracles]

Yeah, that’s what it was called. No frills, no fuss, just straight to the point.

From the time I was a kid, that skill saved my hide, brought me together with these amazing comrades, and… well, like now, it helped me save them time and time again. It was the best damn skill I could’ve asked for.

It worked countless miracles.

“…Ugh.”

But maybe because it was so powerful, it came with a price. And now, at the very end, that price was catching up to me… in the form of my death.

I reached a hand toward the sky.

I thought I’d lost all feeling, but I could sense someone gripping my hand tightly.

“Heh… warm, huh?”

“Don’t give up! Please… I’m begging you!”

“What’s with that face? You look like you’re about to die any second…!”

The two holding my hand weren’t human. One was a succubus, a creature of the night who’d never ally with humans. The other was a high elf, shrouded in the mysteries of her kind.

They should’ve been at odds with humans, but we got along great. We’d joke around, laugh, and built a bond stronger than steel.

“Towa… don’t screw with me. You said you wouldn’t die!”

“Yeah! You promised you’d always watch over us!”

The two crying out now were human. The guy? None other than the Hero, humanity’s hope. The girl by his side? A princess, her kingdom’s pride and joy. We didn’t exactly hit it off at first, but we grew to trust each other with our lives.

“…I—”

With the last of my strength, I forced my lips to move, weaving words together.

My life flashed before my eyes like a montage, but I wanted my final words to be something worth saying.

“Meeting you all… that made me happy. I can tell from your faces how much it hurts you to see me go like this… but let me say this, alright? I’m glad I could protect you all.”

My words only deepened the grief on their faces.

I thought I’d leave nothing behind… that I couldn’t do anything worthwhile… that even with this power, I was just some nobody. But I was wrong. I did protect them.

A regular guy from modern Japan, dying to protect someone else? Who’d believe that? But honestly, I didn’t want to die.

…Man, I wanted to enjoy this world a bit more.

It’s an isekai, after all! The tech here’s only gonna get better, and the world’s gonna become an easier place to live in. Sure, that’ll probably bring more conflicts and squabbles, but I’d grown to love this place.

It was like a second home to me.

And, well…

The succubus and elf gripping my hands? Drop-dead gorgeous, and let’s just say they had a certain… charm. Only in an isekai would you meet women like that. Part of me couldn’t help but think about getting closer to them, maybe even… well, you know. But I never got the chance.

Heh. Is that really what I’m thinking about at the end?

“Guess this is it… See ya, everyone.”

My eyelids were too heavy to keep open.

But wrapped in a strange sense of satisfaction, I let them close… and slipped away, like I was falling asleep.

▼▽

The long war against the Demon King ended with his defeat.

Victory came thanks to a party of five, led by the Hero, who restored peace to the world. Their tale became legend, passed down through the ages.

But alongside their glory, one sacrifice was remembered just as vividly.

They called him the linchpin of the Hero’s party.

The mood-maker who kept them going.

The beloved of demons and elves alike.

The unsung hero who brought miracles.

The Hero’s first and final friend.

That’s how they spoke of the one who fell. But there were darker whispers too—jealous nobles, bitter over a lowly baron’s son outshining them. The Hero and the princess who traveled with him didn’t take kindly to that. Rumor has it they unleashed a fury so fierce, “punishment” doesn’t even begin to cover it.

And so, an era came to a close.

But ten years after the Hero’s victory, after peace had settled over the world… a new era began to stir.

“Waaa! Waaa!”

It started with the cry of a newborn.

▼▽

Dear… whoever’s out there,

I’m supposed to be dead, so why the hell am I here?

“Dump it already.”

“Yeah, yeah, I got it. If you’re gonna curse anyone, kid, curse yourself for being born to us.”

The two spitting those words looked like bad news. I’m not saying they’ve killed anyone… but their faces screamed “villain” so loud, it was hard not to assume.

What the—!? What’s going on!? I died, didn’t I…!? And why’s it so damn cold!?

Talk about the peak of confusion.

I’d just died, surrounded by my comrades, content with my end. I’d closed my eyes and put a period on my second life. So why was I lying on wet ground now!?

“Waaa! Waaa!”

What the—!? I can’t talk!? Wait, I am talking, but why’s it coming out like a baby’s cry!? A baby voice!? No way, no way, no way!

I wanted to speak, but all that came out were wails. Still, the feeling was familiar… like the moment I first reincarnated and realized I was a baby.

“Waaa…”

Could it be… I’ve reincarnated again?

Once I pieced that together, my thoughts settled, and the crying tapered off. But those two from before—probably my parents this time around—were gone. And with that, the worst possibility hit me.

“…WAAAAA!”

They totally abandoned me, didn’t they!? Is this even allowed!?

Tragic news: reincarnated and ditched by my parents in one fell swoop. This has to be a joke, right!?

I couldn’t move my infant body properly, and rain kept pouring down from the sky. What was I supposed to do but wait to die?

“WAAAA! WAAAA!”

Yeah… all I can do is cry, huh…

If I had my old body, maybe a miracle would’ve saved me. But as despair started to creep in, something happened.

“I thought I heard crying… but a baby, of all things?”

“!!”

A stunning woman appeared. Silver hair, eyes red as blood, and a face so striking it was almost princely.

My baby instincts took over, and despite my wailing, I reached out desperately. She scooped me up gently.

“There, there… looks like someone abandoned you, huh? I’ve got no experience raising kids, but I can’t just leave you here.”

“…Babu.”

Baboo? Ugh, I’m a baby, so what else can I do?

But… I felt calm. Safe.

“Heh, you’re kinda cute, aren’t you? Don’t worry, I’ve got you.”

She stroked my head, holding me tightly, and I felt like everything was gonna be okay. My tense little body relaxed.

The rain stopped, and a sliver of light broke through the clouds.

“Baboo!”

“Feeling better, huh? You’re one adorable kid.”

She chuckled, her smile so warm it lulled me to sleep. It was like she’d cast a spell to pull me under… and before I knew it, I was at her home.

My body had been wiped clean, dressed in warm clothes, and she was still holding me.

“I thought you’d start crying again when you woke up, but looks like I worried for nothing.”

“Daa!”

I wanted to tell her I was fine, but of course, words wouldn’t come. Just these nonsense sounds. Still, every time I made a noise, she laughed, her gaze soft and kind.

“…Dau.”

I looked away, embarrassed, and my thoughts wandered.

I did die. I fought the Demon King with the Hero’s party. The Hero landed the final blow, and we thought we’d won. But then the Demon King unleashed a magical explosion, aiming to take us all with him. I stepped in front of everyone, using my miracle to change our fate. And I died.

Reincarnating… twice in a row, huh?

Does that mean if I die again, I’ll just keep reincarnating? I wasn’t exactly eager to test that theory. Dying hurt like hell, and I didn’t want to make anyone else cry. Plus, who knows if I’d ever meet comrades as great as them again?

“Baboo!”

“Hm? What’s up?”

Man, is there any way to stop making these baby noises every time I try to talk? I get that I’m an infant, but still… aren’t these “baboo” sounds a bit too perfect for a baby?

“No way—”

“?”

“No way you think I’m your mom, do you? If that’s why you’re making those sounds, I’m sorry… I’m not your mother, and I don’t even know your name.”

Oh, I’m well aware, ma’am.

She looked down, apologetic, and continued.

“I’ve never been fond of men, so I thought kids were out of the picture for me. But this must be fate. I’ll take care of you until you can stand on your own—or until something else comes along.”

“…”

What a freaking saint!

I’d already sensed it from her kind gaze, but she was genuinely good. Those blood-red eyes were a little intimidating, but her warmth and compassion overshadowed any fear.

And that soft, squishy feeling’s pretty nice…

Not only was she drop-dead gorgeous, but her figure was something else. On par with the succubus and elf from my old party, with… well, let’s just say impressive assets. But I’m a baby now, so I’ve gotta keep my mind out of the gutter!

Still… my baby instincts betrayed me. My hands reached for her chest like they had a mind of their own.

“Oooh, curious about these, huh?”

Yes! Very curious!

I wanted to laugh it off as a joke, but my hands kept moving straight for the target.

“Heh, sorry, kiddo, but there’s no milk here.”

Khh… Could that be it?

As a baby, I’m probably hardwired to crave milk. Maybe that’s why my hands keep reaching for her chest…?

I don’t remember anything like this from my last life. Then again, I don’t recall my mother ever doing anything particularly motherly either.

“Don’t worry, I’ll whip up some milk for you in no time.”

“Dau!”

“…You’re just too darn cute, you know that?”

“Daaau!”

Heh, if she thinks I’m cute, I’ll take it!

But this woman… didn’t she say she wasn’t fond of men? If she finds out I’ve got my memories intact, what’ll happen? That’s a little scary to think about, so I’d better play it safe.

“Alright, let’s get that milk… Heh, what’s this? Can’t bear to let go of me, huh?”

“…Dau!”

She didn’t seem annoyed at all as I clung to her—heck, she looked delighted, laughing warmly. So I let myself relax and go with the flow.

After a solid milk refill, I was still nestled against her chest.

“Oh, right… I haven’t introduced myself yet, have I? It might not mean much to you right now, but I’ll say it anyway. My name’s Astrefia Lynestol. Unlike you, I’m not human—I’m a vampire.”

Asterfia-san flashed her pointed fangs like she was showing off.

“…Dau~.”

Got it. No surprise there.

Even as she held me, I’d sensed something different about her. It reminded me of the non-humans I’d met in my last life, like those girls. Guess it makes sense.

A vampire, huh? They existed in my previous world too, but I never ran into one. Wait… she’s not gonna suck my blood, right?

“Heh, what’s that look? Scared of me now? I don’t expect you to understand words yet, but relax. Your blood smells tempting, sure, but I’m not so low as to prey on a baby.”

Let's call her, Fia-Mama, then. Why “Mama”? Well, she’s the only one I can rely on now, so she’s basically my mom, right?

“Fi… a… Mama?”

Ugh, I tried my best, but my baby mouth just can’t hack it.

Still, when you add up my life in Japan and my first reincarnation, I’ve been around a while. But having my mind dragged along by this infant body? That’s kinda terrifying. I mean, calling her “Mama” didn’t feel embarrassing at all—not even for a second.

“Could you… say that one more time?”

“?”

Fia-Mama leaned in close, her eyes wide, breathing a little heavily. The princely air she had was gone. Honestly, it was a bit intimidating.

“M-Mama…?”

“…HAAAH! Oh, you are just the cutest thing! ♡”

She exploded—not literally, but with a grin that lit up her whole face.

“…Mama.”

“OHHHH!”

Fia-Mama thrust a fist skyward, looking way more entertaining than I’d expected.

“So this is what it’s like to have a kid and turn into a doting parent, huh? Never dated a guy, still a virgin, never felt the pain of childbirth… but I get it now. This is the real deal.”

“…”

Yeesh, that’s some TMI I didn’t need to hear.

T/N: "TMI" is a casual expression meaning the information shared or the emotional display feels too private or intense for the narrator to handle comfortably.

Oblivious to my thoughts, Fia-Mama’s face went all soft and mushy as she nuzzled my cheek.

“…Dau~.”

You know… this isn’t half bad.

Her warmth reminded me of my last life, and I couldn’t help but compare the two. Oh no—my tear ducts were about to give out!

“…Au.”

“What’s wrong?”

I couldn’t hold it in anymore!

“BWAAAAAAAH!”

“Whoa, whoa, what’s going on!?”

Overwhelmed by Fia-Mama’s love, I let out a wail loud enough to shake the heavens—way louder than when I was out in the rain. Fia-Mama panicked, rocking me back and forth, her clumsy but earnest attempts to soothe me only making her kindness clearer. I did my best to stop crying, flashing her the biggest smile I could manage.

“S-so cute! Is my son too cute or what!? Alright, I don’t care what anyone says—you’re my son now, and that’s final! No arguments!”

“Dau!”

She peppered my cheeks with kisses, and I clenched my tiny fists in response, matching her energy.

Sure, there’s plenty to nitpick here, but my second—no, third—life was looking pretty safe so far.

Still… what kind of world is this? What powers do I have now? Is my miracle ability gone for good…?

There was a lot I wanted to figure out, but that’d have to wait.

My strongest memories are from my second life, after my first reincarnation… Sorry for leaving you all like that, guys. I’ll make the most of this new start.

This reborn world is my new home. I want to live longer this time, but more than that, I want to repay Fia-Mama for saving me. Too soon for that, maybe?

“Meeting a kid like you feels like a miracle. Speaking of miracles, it reminds me of that ‘Miracle Towa’ from the Hero’s party.”

“…Dau!?”

…What?

What did Fia-Mama just say?

Miracle Towa? That was me. My name in my last life was Towa, and they called me that because of my miracle power. Not exactly a nickname I loved.

Why… why is she saying that name?

Could this world—

Before I could finish the thought, Fia-Mama leapt back, still holding me tight.

What the heck? A split second later, a beam of light pierced the spot where we’d just been, scorching the ground.

“Tch…”

Fia-Mama clicked her tongue, her eyes narrowing sharply—nothing like the gentle gaze she’d given me.

“Found you at last, Asterfia.”

A sleazy-looking guy stepped forward. In a word: sketchy. He had grand wings sprouting from his back, clearly not human. What caught my attention most was the raw desire swirling in his eyes as he stared at Fia-Mama.

“What do you want, Vigal?”

“Only one thing, babe. I’m here to take you home—time to be mine.”

Fia-Mama’s face twisted in obvious disgust at Vigal’s words.

“Vigal, enough. I’ve told you, I hate men. I’m definitely not going to be yours.”

“Come on, I’m here in person, and you’re still playing hard to get? Just give it up and be my mate already.”

Even as a bystander, this guy gave me the creeps. Sure, he was annoyingly good-looking, which somehow made his cocky attitude fit, but still.

“…Auu.”

Fia-Mama, who saved me, was being targeted, and I couldn’t do a thing. This baby body was useless, and I couldn’t count on my miracle power anymore. Still, I racked my brain for something I could do, instinctively clutching her clothes tightly.

The air was thick with tension, but Fia-Mama glanced down at me, her smile reassuring.

“Worried about me, huh? Your concern’s got my heart racing—it’s sweet. Don’t worry. Seems like having a kid’s made me stronger than ever.”

“…Daa?”

Her face radiated absolute confidence, her crimson eyes blazing, a bold smirk suiting her sharp, androgynous features.

“What’s with the kid… a human?”

Vigal finally noticed me, his gaze shifting my way.

“Don’t look at my son with those filthy eyes.”

“Son…!? You’re kidding me!”

“Dah!”

That’s right—I’m her precious son now!

I raised a hand like I was announcing it, and Vigal visibly bristled, the air around him crackling with hostility. After years of fighting, I knew that feeling: killing intent.

“No way. A proud vampire—next in line to be Vampire Queen—calling a human brat her son? That’s a sick joke.”

“It’s no joke. I’m raising this boy as my own. I decided that, and even if his real parents come crawling back, I’m not giving him up.”

Fia-Mama hugged me tightly, her words ringing with conviction. I was so moved I nearly cried again, but I bit my lip and held it together.

“So that’s it… this kid’s changed you, huh? You never gave me the time of day.”

“Jealous of a baby? Pathetic. I’d pick this adorable kid over a creep like you any day. Even if he weren’t here, a small-minded guy like you? Hard pass.”

Her icy tone and expression would’ve thrilled certain types, no doubt. Vigal finally snapped, unleashing a torrent of magical energy that shook the air, but Fia-Mama didn’t even flinch. She looked damn cool.

“Fine! I’ll beat you into submission and drag you off today. And that kid? I’ll kill him right in front of you… No, I’ll make him watch while I have my way with—”

Vigal’s words cut off. His head was no longer attached to his body.

That head, which had been spewing vile desires moments ago, spun slowly in the air before thudding to the ground as his body collapsed.

“Kill my son? I couldn’t care less about your threats against me, but that I won’t forgive.”

“Ghh… Agh…!”

“Impressive vitality for a vampire, I’ll give you that. But you know as well as I do—no matter how strong, destroy the brain, and it’s over.”

In Fia-Mama’s free hand—the one not cradling me—a wicked-looking scythe had appeared, radiating a menacing aura.

A scythe! One of my top three coolest weapons ever! I was practically vibrating with excitement deep down, even if a guy’s head just got lopped off in front of me. Guess all those years on the battlefield made me numb to this kinda thing.

“Die.”

Her whisper was soft, but deadly. With that, Vigal’s head was sliced clean through.

Whatever spark of life he had left snuffed out. His body crumbled like ash, dissolving into the air.

“Phew… Sorry you had to see something so nasty.”

“Aa~u~.”

No way, Fia-Mama, you’re awesome! I wanted to thank her, but my baby mouth just wouldn’t cooperate.

And with that, the sudden attack was over.

Or so I thought. Out of nowhere, Fia-Mama dropped to one knee.

“Ngh… Haa… Haa…!”

The scythe vanished, and her face twisted in pain.

Still holding me, her ragged breaths hit my face, each one stoking my worry.

“Fi… Mama?”

“I’d love to say I’m fine… but that’d be a lie.”

She looked feverish, like a human coming down with a cold.

“It’s just… time for me to eat. I don’t need much blood, but using my power when I’m already parched? It’s making the bloodlust hit harder than usual.”

Oh, right. Vampire stuff. Makes sense.

“So I need to get to my blood stash… Oh.”

Her face froze, eyes locked on the wreckage of her house. The living room we’d been in? Totaled. And those red droplets dripping—plip, plip—were…

“Crap… my blood stock…!”

Called it! Classic setup!

I didn’t know the details of this “bloodlust,” but even someone as strong as Fia-Mama couldn’t fight it. Her breathing grew heavier, her pupils dilating, panic written all over her face. But she was forgetting something crucial.

“Dau!”

“…You.”

Yeah, I’m right here, aren’t I?

No clue how much blood she needs, but if it saves Fia-Mama from suffering, I’m all for it!

“No way! Taking blood from a kid—especially you? I’d never—”

“Aa~u~! Dah dah!!”

Ugh, come on, don’t be so stubborn!

I shoved my finger into her mouth, aiming for those sharp fangs. Sure enough, I felt a tiny prick and a slight trickle of blood.

“Dau!”

“…Thank you.”

Murmuring her thanks, Fia-Mama’s tongue brushed my finger.

“…Mmn… slurp.”

She lapped at the blood with intense focus… and, uh, it was kinda hot.

Her tongue tickled my finger, and for a split second—seriously, just a flash—I swore I saw something glimmer. Like the miracles I’d relied on my whole life had sparked again.

“Ah… so that’s it.”

“Au?”

She finished, looking back to normal.

“You… Yeah, I think I’ve figured it out. I might’ve found something.”

“?”

I tilted my head, clueless, as her feverish look faded.

“Ba~buu.”

No idea what’s going on, so I’ll just cling to her for now.

After that, Fia-Mama used magic to patch up the wrecked house. Seeing it come together was a stark reminder of how awesome magic is.

“It’s just a surface fix, though… Guess we’ll have to move somewhere better for you and me soon.”

Oh, a move! Nice!

She must’ve picked up on my excitement because she smiled and headed for the bedroom.

“Let’s rest for now.”

“Dau~.”

She set me down on the bed and started changing. As a gentleman, I’d never peek at a lady getting dressed, but I could barely roll over, so what choice did I have?

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

Gone was her badass outfit. Now she was in a scandalously sexy negligee. Yeah, no guy’s resisting that, I thought, straight-up honest.

She slid into bed, pulling me close to her chest. Her warmth, her scent, the softness of her skin—it hit me all at once.

“Sorry about today. Getting picked up by me out of the blue, then dragged into that mess…”

“Dau!”

No need to apologize! I wanted to say thanks, so I let out a little shout.

“You’re just too cute, you know that? ♪ I told that creep, and I told you before, but I mean it—I want to raise you as my son.”

For someone like me, with no one else to rely on, that was music to my ears.

I mustered all the strength my tiny body had, reaching out and hugging her as hard as I could. Fia-Mama thanked me, stroking my head gently.

This is a mother’s love, huh… I swear, I’ll pay you back for this.

But there was still a lot on my mind.

Now that I was calmer, I replayed her words. She’d dropped some bombshells I couldn’t ignore—“Miracle Towa,” the Hero’s party. Those weren’t just random mentions.

I couldn’t ask about it now, though. That’d take time.

Feeling a twinge of frustration, I noticed Fia-Mama’s face light up with a realization.

“Hang on… You don’t have a name, do you? I can’t keep calling you ‘you’—what kind of mom would I be?”

A name… Yeah, that’s a problem. The parents who ditched me never called me anything, so I’m basically Nameless McGee. Guess it’s up to Fia-Mama to decide.

“Alright, I’ll pick one. Something good, I promise.”

“Dau!”

She thought for a bit, then seemed to settle on something.

“How about Towa?”

“Dau!?”

Towa? My heart nearly exploded at the sound.

Why that name? She went on.

“Our meeting was a miracle. And speaking of miracles, there’s ‘Miracle Towa’ from the Hero’s party. It’s not uncommon to name a kid after a hero, and given the miracle of us finding each other, Towa feels right. What do you think?”

Her suggestion hit me like a lightning bolt.

Could it be… No, it’s gotta be. I died protecting my comrades, and now I’ve been reborn in the same world. And from the way Fia-Mama’s talking, it’s the future—after my death.

How much time has passed? Questions swirled, but when I didn’t react, Fia-Mama panicked.

“S-sorry, you don’t like it? I can pick another—”

“Dah!”

No, no, it’s not that!

I was just shocked. It’s not that I hate it—actually, keeping my old name makes things way easier. I’m all for it!

“Oh, you like it? Towa it is, then?”

“Dau!”

“Alright, from today on, you’re Towa.”

Hell yeah! I’ve got a name!

“You’re that excited, huh? Makes me happy too, Towa… ♪”

“Wap!?”

She pulled me into her soft, marshmallowy embrace, cooing my name over and over.