There is a rule in this world.
A rule older than heaven itself, carved into reality so deeply that not even gods can defy it.
Nothing is immortal.
Not humans.
Not gods.
Not devils.
Not angels.
Everything dies eventually.
Even energy, though constant, changes form.
I know this rule better than anyone.
I made worlds. I shaped laws. I called myself eternal.
And yet, here I am.
Wandering in darkness.
I do not remember how I died.
I do not remember when.
Only that I am alone.
Just like before.
At least when I was alive, I could see humans. They were entertaining creatures. Fragile. Desperate. Absurd.
But now, wait.
Light?
I feel warmth.
Sound too—no, voices. Muffled. Chaotic.
Someone is screaming.
What is happening?
Something is pulling me.
No— NO—
The light burns.
Too bright.
Where am I?
What is this place?
A human?
A man in his mid-twenties is holding something.
Me?
He is speaking, but the language is unfamiliar—
Then suddenly, I freeze.
Realization hits like a hammer.
I became a human.
Impossible.
The man hands the infant—me—to a young woman. She is beautiful. Soft. Warm.
My mother?
Whatever.
This body feels fragile, but oddly comfortable.
Her voice is gentle.
"Noel. His name will be Noel Cromwell."
The man hesitates.
"Are you sure, Clara?"
"I am," she says calmly.
"If you say so," he replies. "Noel Cromwell it is."
So they named me.
Fine. As long as it's not something ridiculous.
She places me beside her. My vision blurs.
A yawn escapes my mouth.
"Looks like he's falling asleep," the man says.
"Shh," Clara whispers. "You'll wake him."
"Alright, alright."
They leave.
And I am alone again.
A nap sounds good.
Then—
A green screen appears before my eyes.
Blinding. Floating.
I blink slowly, staring at it.
What is this?
A window?
I've seen this before…
Memories stir.
Wait.
This is—
God's Menu.
The same interface that once made me divine.
WINDOW
Name: noel cromwell
Age: 0
Strength: 0.1
Mana: 2
Speed: 5
Skills:
Mana Absorption [E-Rank]
Appraisal [C-Rank]
Title: Newborn (UG Tier) | Former God
Job: ???
What.
The.
Hell.
Strength zero?
Not even one?
I scowl.
And why is my speed five?
And what is UG Tier?
Is this the world I created?
WINDOW
This is not the world you controlled.
You died while laughing.
What?
While laughing?
Explain.
WINDOW
You witnessed an old man being chased by a dog.
The dog bit his pants, exposing his butt.
He slipped, fell into cow dung.
You laughed.
Karma struck.
You fell off the—
BEEP, BEEP, ERROR
You're telling me…
I died laughing at an old man?
Pathetic.
Absolutely pathetic.
Whatever.
Power can be reclaimed.
I always rise.
Window. Activate Mana Absorption.
WINDOW
Starting Mana Absorption…
Loading…
ERROR
Insufficient Mana.
Required: 20
Current: 2
Useless.
Literal trash-tier skill.
Fine.
I'll absorb mana myself.
I made the rules.
I take a deep breath—
Warmth spreads through my body.
WINDOW
User appears to be—
The woman—my supposed mother—returns.
"Oh dear," she laughs softly. "You spoiled your diaper. It's alright, mama's here."
What?
Window. What is she saying?
WINDOW
Confirmed. User has defecated.
pfft.
Did you just laugh at me?
WINDOW
That is your imagination.
Liar.
This is humiliating.
I was a god.
This body is a prison.
She cleans me gently, then places me in a crib and tucks a blanket around me.
Warm.
Safe.
Strange.
I never felt this before.
Is this what being human feels like?
I don't hate it.
And just like that—
I fall asleep.
WINDOW
Name: Noel Cromwell
Age: 1 Day
Strength: 0
Mana: 2
Speed: 5
Skills:
Mana Absorption [E-Rank]
Appraisal [C-Rank]
Title: Newborn (UG Tier) | Former God
Job: ???
BEEP!!
HIDDEN TRAIT UNLOCKED
HIDDEN TRAIT
God's Memories [SSS+ Rank]
Effect:
Allows the user to learn anything without traditional hardship.
Requirements must still be met.
Penalty:
Severe exhaustion.
Overuse may cause unconsciousness.
Rewards:
Skill acquisition based on learning outcome.
Possible ranks: E → SSS
Or none.
Cooldown: 5 Days
Maximum Active Duration: 6 Hours
BEEP, BEEP—
WINDOW
Warning.
Hostility Detected.
Danger Nearby.
While I was sleeping
WINDOW
System Shutting Down.
In the darkness beyond the doorway—
Something watches.
Eyes glinting in Excitement .
Staring at my sleeping form.