Frieren: Reincarnated into the Hero’s body

The sound of screeching tires. The flash of headlights.

Pain—sharp and sudden—before everything faded to black.

Then, light.

Warm sunlight spilled through a nearby window, bathing the room in a soft golden hue. The scent of aged wood, dried flowers, and something faintly nostalgic tickled my nose.

I blinked. My head throbbed like I'd downed an entire bottle of cheap whiskey. My thoughts felt sluggish, tangled, as if I had just surfaced from the depths of a murky dream.

I was walking home just moments ago, wasn't I?

My body moved before my brain caught up, and as I sat up abruptly, the unfamiliar weight of a cloak slipped from my shoulders.

Wait… what?

I looked down. Instead of my usual t-shirt and jeans, I was draped in a beige cloak, a deep blue tunic, and a white belt. The fabric felt… real. Too real. My fingers curled into the cloth instinctively.

A slow, creeping unease crawled up my spine.

This… isn't mine.

Heart pounding, I forced my legs over the side of the bed and stood—only to stumble slightly. My body felt off.

My legs were a bit longer. My stance, naturally steady. My hands—larger, calloused in a way I didn't remember.

A bad feeling coiled in my gut. My gaze shot toward the mirror standing atop a dresser across the room.

I took a step forward. Then another.

And then—I saw him.

Blue hair. Light blue eyes. A sharp, defined jawline with a faint mole under the left eye.

A man stood in the reflection.

I raised my hand.

So did he.

I clenched my jaw.

So did he.

…No.

Nononono—

I staggered back, hitting the edge of the dresser. My breath came short and fast, panic clawing at my ribs.

That's not me.

That's Himmel.

Himmel the Hero. The legendary warrior. The one who had fought alongside Frieren and—

Died.

A shiver ran through me. My mind screamed at me to deny it, to rationalize it, but the undeniable truth stood right in front of me.

I wasn't in my body anymore.

I was in Himmel's.

"…What the hell is going on?" I muttered under my breath.

And then, like a floodgate bursting open, the memories came.

Himmel's memories.

His adventures. His battles. His laughter, his victories, his regrets. I could feel them, slipping seamlessly into my consciousness, as if they had always been there.

For a brief, terrifying moment, I wasn't sure where he ended and I began.

But one thing was certain—I wasn't just Alen anymore.

I was Himmel.

I gripped the edge of the dresser, taking slow, deep breaths.

Alright. Calm down. Think.

Panic wasn't going to help me. I needed to understand the situation, and fast.

If I was in Himmel's body, then… when was I?

My gaze flickered to the room—the familiar wooden furniture, the sword propped neatly against the wall. The small, worn-down inn room was simple, but well-maintained.

The Demon King had already been defeated.

This was after the war.

A soft knock at the door made me freeze.

"Himmel?"

My breath hitched.

That voice—calm, measured, and unmistakable.

Frieren.

The door creaked open, and there she stood.

Frieren the Mage. The elven legend. The one who had outlived them all.

Her long, white hair fell in two high pigtails, draping over her back. Her sharp green eyes, framed by thick brows, studied me with quiet curiosity.

She was exactly as I remembered from the anime. And yet—seeing her in person made it feel real in a way I never expected.

Her gaze lingered for a moment longer before she spoke.

"You're usually up first."

I swallowed hard, forcing my voice to stay steady. "Guess I… overslept."

A slight frown crossed her face.

"That's rare."

Her eyes swept over me, scanning for anything unusual. I knew Frieren—she noticed things.

I have to act like Himmel.

I am Himmel now.

"We're leaving after breakfast," she said, turning her gaze toward the window. "Eisen and Heiter are waiting downstairs."

My fingers curled slightly.

Eisen. Heiter.

More names that felt familiar yet distant, like echoes of a past that wasn't fully mine.

"Got it," I said smoothly.

Frieren studied me for a second longer, then nodded slightly.

"I'll let them know you're coming."

She turned and left, the soft click of the door grounding me back into the silence.

I exhaled sharply, rubbing my temples.

Okay. This is real.

Whatever happened to me—reincarnation, possession, divine prank—I was here now. And I had to keep up the act.

I straightened, squared my shoulders, and gave the mirror one last look.

"Alright, Himmel," I muttered to myself. "Let's see if I can pull this off."

—

The wooden stairs creaked softly as I made my way down to the inn's main hall. The scent of roasted meat and fresh bread hit me first, followed by the low murmur of voices.

Two figures sat near the hearth, exactly as I remembered.

Eisen—the battle-hardened dwarf. Broad shoulders, thick brown hair flowing past his back, a long beard hiding most of his face. His horned helmet sat on the table beside him, and his massive double-headed axe leaned against his chair.

Then Heiter—casual, relaxed, swirling a tankard in his hand. His slicked-back green hair gleamed in the morning light, two loose strands falling over his forehead. His long black robe, trimmed with gold, gave him the air of a priest who had seen way too much.

Both of them turned as I approached.

"Himmel!" Heiter grinned. "You're finally awake. I thought Frieren would have to drag you down."

I let out an easy chuckle. "Guess I needed a little more sleep."

Eisen, however, watched me more closely. His sharp eyes narrowed slightly.

"You look different."

My heart skipped.

"Different how?"

Eisen frowned. "Can't explain it. Just a feeling."

Shit.

I forced a smile. "Must be the sleep."

Heiter smirked, tilting his chair back. "Eisen suspects his own reflection sometimes. Don't take it personally."

Eisen huffed but didn't press further.

I relaxed slightly. But before I could think further—

A soft chime echoed in my mind.

[Congratulations, Host, for Awakening the Mage System.]

I froze.

A sultry, honeyed voice purred directly into my ear—smooth as silk, dripping with sinful allure.

Mmm~ I've been waiting for you, Master~

Goosebumps shot down my spine.

The hell kind of system is this?!

—

End of Chapter 1

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Enjoying the chapter, send some ps on my way, stone stone stone