Reincarnated as a failed hero?! Watch me Defy Fate!

[Goddess Points: -100]

[You may now visit Earth for 6 hours.]

The teleportation gate shimmered into existence in the middle of my room. Without hesitation, I stepped through.

When I arrived on Earth, it was already around 1 p.m.

Bright and sunny. The air smelled different. Familiar. Real.

I made my way toward the family apartment. It felt odd walking the same streets I used to walk every day, now with the weight of a whole other world on my shoulders.

But when I arrived, the apartment was empty.

"Looks like no one's home..." I murmured.

"Maybe they are doing activities outside.." Envi said in my head. "It's a weekday after all..Not everyone is unemployed like you HAHAHA."

"I don't....ah that's right in this world I'm unemployed. Damn you right.."

I decided to head to the convenience store where my older brother, Naki, worked. It was the same store I used to work at before all of this began.

Sure enough, I spotted him behind the counter, moving as fast as he could to handle the flood of customers. The store was packed.

When his break finally came, he rushed over to me, panting but grinning ear to ear.

"Uncle Natsuki! You're back!" he beamed. "You seriously came all the way here again? You look like a celebrity or something."

I gave him a once-over and raised an eyebrow. "Yeah... and you look like you're about to explode from running five steps."

He chuckled, but I could tell he was struggling to catch his breath.

"How much do you weigh now?" I asked, half-joking.

He scratched his head sheepishly. "Uh... 160 kilos..."

"160?! Damn! your belly's a boss-level enemy at this point."

He laughed awkwardly.

"You really need to diet Naki."

"I'll try my best uncle.."

"Let's eating lunch together. And you're eating healthy food!"

At the food stalls near his minimarket, we are eating together. He stared sadly at his grilled chicken salad while I enjoyed a light miso soup.

"No more karaage and mayo mountains?" he asked with tears in his eyes.

"Nope."

"...You're cruel."

"I'm doing this because I care."

"I know..."

I gave him a pat on the shoulder. "And starting tomorrow, you're going to the gym."

He choked on his water. "Wait, what?"

After that, I took him to the gym where I used to train in junior high. The place also had boxing training, taught by a former boxer.

I remember him as a really strict trainer. He was a great trainer for this fat Naki.

"Ok, done...I already signed you up. Boxing gym. The same one I went to in middle school."

"No way.."

I grinned. "I know that's place have a good coach..he'll shape you up. Not just to slim down... but to defend yourself. You need to be strong enough to protect Mom and Nana too."

He looked down, eyes misty. "You really think I can do it?"

"You have to."

He wiped his eyes, clearly moved, though he tried to hide it.

Envi suddenly chimed in.

"Hey Nao! Why not give him some motivation? Like, introduce him to a cute girl? I'm sure there are women who'd go on a date with a chubby guy—if you pay them enough."

I facepalmed. "That's a dumb idea, you idiot! That's a misguided motivation!"

"Hey! I was just trying to help!"

I turned back to Naki. "Alright, here's the deal. If you can lose 60 kilos in three months, I'll buy you anything you want."

His eyes lit up. "Anything?! Even... the new ASIS ROD PC?! The one streamers are going crazy for?"

He hesitated for a moment, then shook his head.

"Actually... never mind. I changed my mind."

"Oh?"

"I want to get Mom a new fridge. The one at home's been breaking down a lot. Her birthday is coming in 4 months.... I'd rather get her something useful."

I stared at him, stunned.

Oh right, Mom's birthday is December 18th. Turns out it's in four months... I need to remember this.

I asked Envi to remember that and give me a reminder.

He understood.

For a moment, I thought Naki hadn't changed at all. But I was wrong.

He had become a thoughtful older brother and a mature son. Maybe he had always been, in his own way.

I smiled and nodded. "Alright then. That's a promise."

He looked proud, genuinely proud. Not of himself, but of doing something for Mom.

Later, I walked him back to the store so he could finish his shift. Before he went in, I asked:

"By the way, where are Mom and Nana today?"

"Nana's with Kai, handling her resignation papers. They said it should be finalized today. After that, they're going to look at locations for the café."

Hearing that made me smile. "So they're really trying my business idea, huh? That's great."

He nodded. "And Mom... I think she's out meeting her old friends. I'm not really sure what for, but she seemed excited. You know how rare that is—she barely leaves the house, especially after her hospitalization."

I frowned slightly. "You think she's okay?"

"She looked happy, Uncle. Maybe it's just a reunion. She deserves that, after everything."

I felt some of the worry lift from my chest. "Yeah. Yeah, you're right."

Once he returned to work, I made my way back to the apartment, my mind already shifting to the next part of my plan.

Inside my head, Envi's voice popped up again.

"So, what's next?"

Before I could answer, another voice joined in—Runa.

"Don't forget Master! You promised me a fluffy pancake if we came here!"

Envi huffed. "Tch, like I'd let her be the only one getting a treat. I want to try food here too! and maybe the girls HAHAHA!"

The two of them were bickering again, almost like kids.

"Alright, alright. Calm down," I said aloud. "Runa, you'll get your sweets after I finish my business."

"And Envi..damn system! please don't make any trouble here damn it!

"Business?" Runa asked, sounding curious.

"I'm going to make official identities for me..and a bank account." I said.

"What is that?! Is that food?!" Runa yelped.

"Never mind, you'll find out later."

...

..

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