A soft, muffled sound broke through Mitsu's awareness as he slowly stirred. Everything felt... strange—like he was floating, yet pinned down at the same time.

  Blinking groggily, he squinted up at blurry shapes moving above him, faces shadowed and indistinct. A warm, blanket-like sensation wrapped around his small body.

  Wait... why does everything feel... so huge? he thought, alarm creeping in as he realized he couldn't even lift his head. As his surroundings began to sharpen just a little, his thoughts scrambled to catch up.

  Okay, okay... last thing I remember, I was... exploring that creepy old place with the guys. And then...

  A weight dropped in his chest. Oh. I... I died.

  The realization landed with a strange stillness—heavy, yet not exactly shocking. Somewhere deep down, he'd already started to accept it.

  And now, here I am. Alive? Somehow? This has to be...

  His eyes lit up, his thoughts suddenly electrified. THIS IS ISEKAI, ISN'T IT!?

  Curiosity surged as he took in his surroundings. So, if I've been isekai'd, does that mean... I get powers?

  The idea sparked something hopeful in him. He focused hard, willing any kind of energy to respond.

  Come on, powers, reveal yourselves! Fire magic? Super strength? Please let me get something cool...

  Nothing happened. No fiery surge, no runes, no sudden burst of destiny.

  Just... silence.

  Figures, he sighed internally. Well, at least I've still got my memories. Maybe I can figure out how to get stronger the hard way.

  He blinked again, scanning the room more carefully. It was dim, cold, and filled with people in matching uniforms.

  They moved with a harsh precision, like soldiers operating on muscle memory. The air had a metallic scent, tinged with oil and discipline.

  Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

  So, I'm in a military environment. Interesting. Maybe this place trains young recruits or something.

  Looking down at his limbs wrapped in coarse cloth, he confirmed a growing suspicion. He was, unmistakably, a baby.

  A flicker of memory returned to him—his last joke with the guys, something about starting from zero. Of all the things to happen, I get reborn as a baby?

  The irony hit him hard enough to make him laugh internally. Guess it's a fitting start for "Wasteful Beginning," huh.

  He sank back into the warmth of the blanket, letting himself absorb every detail. Despite the surreal calm, a quiet ache tugged at his chest.

  He missed his world already—his friends, his mother, even the dumb arguments. I didn't get to say goodbye.

  As he stared up, watching the soldiers pass, something tickled the top of his head. Curious, he tried moving his hand, but it flopped uselessly.

  He wiggled his head instead and felt something... twitch. Something soft.

  Wait... what is this?

  He strained harder, trying to identify the sensation. His tiny skull brushed against what felt like... long, fuzzy ears.

  Hold on. Are these... bunny ears?!

  A wild mix of panic and intrigue flared in him. Alright, maybe I did get something after all!

  His mind spun through every isekai he'd ever watched. This has to mean powers, right? Some kind of beast-kin speed? Agility boost? Let's go!

  He tensed, waiting for something to activate. A surge. A flash. A notification.

  Still nothing.

  Only a vague sensation of... slightly sharper awareness. Wait... is this it?

  His excitement deflated as understanding crept in. In most games, the "Mink" race was barely above cosmetic—minor agility, if that.

  No elemental powers. No legendary strength. Just... bunny ears and a mild speed buff? Seriously?

  He sighed inwardly. Great. My big isekai transformation, and I get the fluff class.

  Still, as he stared up at the ceiling, the absurdity made him smile. Guess it could be worse. At least I've got a second chance—even if it comes with fur.

  He gave a mental shrug and let the warmth of the blanket settle over him again. Fine. I'll take what I can get.

  There's got to be more to this world than just a weak starting point.

  "Come to think of it," he mused internally, I hadn't really done much with my past life. I guess this is my second shot.

  He took in the cold room, the steady rhythm of boots on metal. He watched. He listened. He waited.

  Alright, whatever kind of world this is... let's play along and find out what's possible.

  Mitsu Fojitaru, the speed-buffed furry, reporting for duty. Just great.