Later that morning, after souta had left for work and Miyuki began to tidying the kitchen, the hose settled into a calm hush.
Haruto sat alone on the engawa, his small leg swinging gently above the wooden floor. A slight breeze carried the scent of sun-warmed earth of the garden. In his hand, he turned over the blue anamori charm, his father had given him.
As the silence depended, something stirred again in his consciousness.
Ding!
The system had shown itself Like a whisper of truth echoed through Haruto's mind. He remembered standing in the bathroom, the faucet dripping rhythmically as he stared at the translucent window of light only visible to him. It wasn't loud or grand, it didn't shout like some fantasy system with glowing effects or jingles. No-it was very quiet and simple.
[system]
Name: Haruto Kenzou
Age: 4
Status: Healthy
Mental Strength: level 2[Slightly above average for age]
Physical Strength: Level 4[high focus and retention, emotional stable]
[Skill]
Observation: Level 3[64%]
Drawing: Level 2[46%]
Reading: Level 1[72%]
Dexterity: Level 2[18%]
-------------x--------------
There is no flashy powers or endless stat. Just simple metrics- reflection and potential.
Since that day, Haruto began structuring his life with quiet intent. Aware that he was in the body of a child, but carrying the soul of a 14 years-old named Silas grey, he approach every day with a patience. His parents, Miiyuki and Souta, noticed the shift--though to them, it was merely maturity, a little precoiouness in their son.
Morning Routine- Training the body and mind.
Mornings became scared. He would wake early, often before Miyuki came to gently stir him from sleep. He practiced stretches he recalled from physical therapy, mimicking poses he once saw athletes do. Though small and less coordinated, his movements are slow but focused. He was trying to bulk up or become a prodigy. He just wanted to control over his body.n
After washing up and dressing, he sat by the window with a book. Picture books, fairy tales, and hiragana story scrolls lined his tiny shelf. Each [age turned was a chance to hone his reading skill, to understand and memorize the symbols of this world. His mental strength grew steadily--not in laps, but in quiet, fulfilling inches.
In the quietest parts of the day, usually while his mother cooked lunch or cleaned, Haruto sat with color pencils and blank paper. What began as scribbles became focused strokes. He drew animals, clouds. and buildings. But sometimes, he found his hand sketching things he had once seen in anime or fantasy games. His system tracked every attempt, providing passive acknowledgement through rising percentages.
Drawing, he realized, was more than art. It was memories, emotion and expression fused into one. His mom would always praise his work, hanging them on the refrigerator or storing them in a little folder labeled 'Haruto masterpieces'. Her encouragement made the effort sweeter.
He also helped with minor chores, like folding towels, arranging books, watering plats. The system didn't always show percentage gains, but haruto could feel his dexterity and observation refining.
Souta, his father would return in the evenings. Haruto would eagerly ask questions to his father, like how trains worked or why leaves changed color. Souta amused and proud, took every question seriously.
One calm morning his mother brought out forms from an envelope
"Haruto," she said gently. "How about starting kindergarten?"
He blinked, trying not to react too much, then asked "Will there be other kids?"
"yes" she chuckled. "you'll get to make lots of friends."
He smiled nervously-- unsure how to interact with the brain dead children's and making friends was unfamiliar territory for him.
The process was seamless. Miyuki and Souta took him to visit the school--HASHIKAWA kindergarten, a crazy little institution with painted walls and bright garden. He observed everything, the other kids, the teachers, the room layout. There are books, toys and laughter.
The principal, a soft-spoken woman named Miss Sada, greeted him warmly."Haruto-kun, do you like stories?"
He nodded. "very much"
And that sealed it. He was ready for his hellish future.