Do You Think You Can Run After Reincarnating, Nii-san? - Chapter 2 Family, Talent, Determination—

Chapter 2

Family, Talent, Determination—

Before I knew it, I was being called Jack.

Jack. Jack Lieber.

That was my name.

It seems I was born as the first child of an earl’s family with territory in the countryside. My parents were a young couple, around the same age as I was in my previous life, maybe even younger, and both were incredibly attractive. I could expect good looks for myself, having inherited their genes.

As I took in my new self, I remembered what the god had said.

‘Survive. Hide. Endure. Never be found.’

That was… surely encouraging. She was telling me to escape from my sister’s grasp this time and live a happy life.

I had been given an incredible second chance. I wouldn’t let that sister take this opportunity from me. I would make sure, absolutely sure, that she would never find me.

Considering everything, it shouldn’t be that difficult. After all, I had been reincarnated. My name and face were different. The only thing that could identify me was my memory. As long as I didn’t slip up—

For instance, displaying extraordinary talents from a young age—using modern knowledge to bring prosperity to my land—saving the world and becoming a hero—

As long as I didn’t do anything that screamed “I’m a reincarnator,” my sister shouldn’t be able to find me.

However, there was one concern. My sister was exceptionally talented. She might find a way to locate me that I couldn’t even imagine.

If that happened—

“Oh, Jack! You’re such a good boy, you don’t cry much. I look forward to your future!”

“Honey, a healthy baby should cry a lot, shouldn’t they?”

“Hmm, perhaps. But there’s no need to worry. Look at this determined face! This child will surely achieve something great!”

Saying that, my father lifted me high. My father and mother looked up at me with smiles full of love and kindness—

—I can’t let them be broken. Not like my previous family.

I need means of self-defense. Something to protect myself against that demon-like sister.

Then, I remembered. That timid god had also said, besides being reincarnated into a wealthy family, I would be granted a talent—

That talent manifested when I was nine months old.

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The ceiling seemed closer than usual. That was my first perception. Gradually, I began to understand the situation.

I didn’t feel the bed beneath my back. When I moved, my body spun around.

What’s happening?

Am I… floating?

I was floating in the air, like a balloon.

“Ah… ah…!”

A maid, around fourteen years old with twin-tails, looked up at me in surprise. Her name was Anelie, and she was my caretaker. When she tried to change my diaper, I started floating. So now, I was floating in the air, half-naked.

Uh… could you please put the diaper on quickly?

It seemed my thoughts didn’t reach Anelie, who was like a second mother to me.

“Master! Mistress!”

Shouting, Anelie ran out of the room.

Uh… what was it again? I shouldn’t display extraordinary talents from a young age, right?

Sweating nervously, I waited for my parents to arrive.

“Oh… amazing! Our child is amazing!”

“Yes! To manifest spirit magic at such a young age…!”

My parents, who rushed in, praised me as soon as they saw me floating. Spirit magic… they said? What’s that?

“I didn’t manage to use it until I was four…”

“I’ve heard that some children can use it right after birth, but… this child is loved by the spirits.”

If it’s rare, then I’m not the only one? Then it’s okay? It’s okay, right?

Anyway, I still didn’t fully understand. I reached out to my parents, trying to ask for an explanation, babbling “Ah, ah.”

“I know, it’s scary, isn’t it? Come here.”

My mother caught me and held me warmly against her chest. Then my father looked into my face and spoke.

“Listen, Jack. We all have a spirit fragment—a kind of child of the spirits within us. Of course, you have one too. The power that made you float comes from the spirit within you.”

Ah, I see. Spirit magic is the magic from the spirits’ power.

“The power of the spirits resides in everyone and can be used as naturally as moving your limbs. But you are undoubtedly special. I have decided, Jack. I will do everything to hone your power and use it for the good of the world.”

“He can’t understand that yet, dear. He’s just a baby.”

“No, he understands! After all, he’s my child!”

Yes, I understand, Father. I will use this power for the good of the world.

To protect the world and its people from that terrifying sister.

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There are 72 spirits in total, and a fragment of one of them resides in every human, including elves and other races. The type of spirit magic manifested depends on the spirit that resides within.

According to the introductory book on spirit magic read to me by the twin-tailed maid, Anelie, the spirit residing in me is Andrealphus. My spirit magic is “Wings of Light Departure”—the ability to erase the weight of oneself and anything touched. The detailed effects vary by person and skill level, but that was the power I currently had.

Once I could crawl, gaining some freedom of movement, I began training my spirit magic with building blocks. My father intended to provide me with a tutor for spirit magic, but not until I was a bit older. I didn’t have time to wait for a tutor, not knowing when my sister might find me. I had to train on my own.

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“Oh!”

My father exclaimed as soon as he found me. I was floating ten blocks simultaneously.

“To master such magic at this age… you truly are a genius!”

My father joyfully lifted me, causing the floating blocks to fall. There were limits to how long and how many I could float. I needed to understand and control these limits. Training with blocks could only take me so far; I needed to try things outside.

While I pondered this, my father began nuzzling my cheek. It hurt! Shave your beard! When I patted his cheek in protest, he pulled back with a sad face.

Don’t look so sad…

Spending such ordinary, happy family moments, memories of those terrible days flickered

through my mind like chains.

When I was eighteen. Those nightmare days began almost immediately after graduating high school.