I Became a Grim Reaper and Regressed to Correct my Mistakes

Elise slowly opened her eyes and found herself in a dimly lit room. The faint glow of a small lamp wasn't enough to illuminate the entire space, but it allowed her to make out the essentials.

A simple sofa rested against one wall, its fabric worn but well-maintained. Bookshelves lined the corners, packed with old tomes and scrolls, lending the room an air of quiet importance. A wooden table sat nearby, cluttered with small trinkets and ornaments, their purpose unclear.

The air was still, carrying a faint scent of aged wood and something metallic. Her gaze settled on a large mirror leaning against the far wall, its foggy, unreflective surface unsettling her.

Where am I? she thought.

This place didn't feel like one of Jasper's illusions. She remembered the spell breaking just before she passed out.

Wait—speaking of Jasper...

She shuffled through the bedsheets and peered over the side of the bed, but the swords were nowhere to be found.

Shit.

The door creaked open, and a boy entered carrying a tray of food. He placed it gently on the bedside table before turning toward her. Their eyes met, and his face lit up with surprise.

"You're awake? Who are you? Where are you from? Are you a reaper like me?" he blurted, the questions tumbling out one after another.

Elise smiled at his enthusiasm. "My name is Elise Gutierrez, from Davao. And yes, I'm a reaper like you."

The boy's eyes widened even further. "A new recruit? I haven't seen one in, like, a century!" He paused, then offered his hand with a bright grin. "Oops, where are my manners? I'm Fritz Gerald Enrique, but you can call me Pepe. Nice to meet you!"

"Nice to meet you too, Pepe." Elise said and they shook hands with each other. "But may I ask something?"

"Certainly, ask away!"

"Have you seen two black swor—"

The door creaked open, revealing a tall man holding a silver chain. His face was obscured by a jester mask, but an unsettling aura radiated from him, making Elise's skin crawl.

Who is he? Is he another of Si-Dapa's reapers, like the boy from earlier? she wondered, her grip tightening on the bedsheets as fear coiled inside her.

"Come here, Melancholy!" the man barked, yanking the chain sharply.

Elise's heart sank when a familiar figure stumbled into the room. It was her son—Jasper. His lips were swollen, his cheeks bruised, and his eyes hollow, as though he'd already accepted the pain etched across his body.

"Jasper!" Elise cried, forcing herself to her feet despite her weakened state. She rushed to him, pulling him into a protective embrace.

Her voice trembled with rage as she glared at the masked man. "What have you done to him? Can't you see he's injured?"

The man tilted his head, unfazed. "He's injured because he was training to control his powers. Or would you prefer he runs berserk again?"

"But still—"

"I'm fine, my Liege," Melancholy interrupted, his tone cold and detached. "It's my duty to protect you. To do that, I must train with Mr. Wrath and improve my skills for combat."

Elise's voice wavered, her hands trembling as she clutched his shoulders. "J-Jasper, what happened to you?"

His empty gaze met hers, void of warmth. "I'm no longer your son—Jasper Gutierrez. I am your familiar, Melancholy." His words struck her with cold finality, a blow she wasn't prepared for. Before she could respond, he looked away, his voice turning bitter. "I hope you'll find Dad again... and save his family from 'his' disciples."

"His? What do you mean by—"

"Now... Now, with all due respect, Auntie Elise." Pepe intervened and smiled. "The higher ups will explain the details of your mission once you've woken up. The gods are waiting for you in the conference room, I will guide you there." He explained.

"Oh... right," she glanced back to Melancholy and she gave him a worried glance. " Whatever bothering you right now, don't let it get to you. Okay?"

Elise smiled sweetly and gave her son a peck on his forehead. "I love you, Dear. Whether you are Melancholy or Jasper, the fact that you were born from my womb never changes— you're still my sweet little boy." She said gently.

"Take him away Wrath." Pepe commanded the man wearing the Jester mask before his attention went to Elise. "Now shall we?"

Elise was about to follow Pepe when Melancholy called.

"My Leige— I mean... Mom!"

Elise looked back and she saw her son's smiling face.

"I'll train hard so I can reunite with you soon. Please... wait for me."

She smiled "I will, I'll make sure Kanlaon and Si-Dapa fulfills the end of our deal."

Pepe guided Elise towards a huge door, Elise stared at it warily but Pepe just gave her a reassuring nod.

"The gods involved are currently waiting inside that room... but there is a new visitor. And I believe you haven't met him before." Pepe said and grabbed the doorknob before looking back at Elise. "Don't let your guard down. The books may describe the gods as beings who help mortals, but you must bear in mind that they are still dangerous entities."

"I will."

Pepe nodded and opened the door.

Inside, she immediately recognized many familiar faces, including Si Dapa, who still maintained his current form, and Diwata Laon, who now wore a different outfit—a pastel green crop top paired with a white cardigan and a long, white floral skirt.

Kanlaon was busy talking with the two newcomers. The first one was a man dressed in a blue flannel shirt and jeans, with glasses perched on his nose. He had that typical bookworm vibe—simple, cozy, and practical, like someone who spent more time with pages than people.

While the second one is a man who wore a fitted olive-green bomber jacket over a plain black t-shirt, paired with slim-fit dark jeans and white sneakers. And a brown crossbody bag that gives him a simple look. His beady ocean blue eyes reflects his gentle personality as he chatted with Kanlaon and the bookworm.

But she felt that he heard that voice before... she wanted to confirm by asking that guy but she was afraid to do so. These are gods for heaven's sake! She must mind her place as Si Dapa's servant.

But, damn. She realized now that all of them are so goddamn gorgeous. She thought that the male gods are old men who often go to wars and wreak chaos during the olden days.

But still...

Ahem!

No one could compete with her beloved husband.

She suddenly remembered the happy times they spent together as if it was just yesterday. Those dates, their first kiss, and even their first sex—.

Poof!

Elise's face flushed red and she quietly walked towards the corner of the room. Hoping that no one notices her when her face is like this.

Got it! Here's the revised version:

But alas... nothing goes as planned. Si Dapa noticed her and he glanced in her direction. He saw Elise tiptoeing, trying to avoid drawing the attention of his fellow gods.

He smiled playfully and rested his chin on his hand, sinking back into his chair with a relaxed stretch. His posture was loose, one arm draped over the armrest as he watched her, his gaze calm.

"What are you doing over there?" he asked, his voice carrying a light amusement.

The room became silent, and all of the gods turned to look at the person Si Dapa was watching.

"I-I... Uhh..." Elise stammered, caught in the spotlight.

"Ahh! The soul who wants to turn back time for love!" Pandaki's voice rang out with a knowing tone. He recognized Elise immediately and gave her a warm smile. "Congrats on passing the test! Kanlaon may be a bit deceitful at times, but he never goes back on his word."

Elise froze, her heart skipping a beat. She blinked, her eyes wide in surprise. "Pandaki?" she whispered, still in disbelief. "The god of repentance... Is that really you?"

Pandaki's smile deepened, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "It's me, yes." He gave her a once-over before his grin softened into something gentler. "Congrats on passing the test, by the way. Kanlaon can be... tricky, but he keeps his promises."

Elise was still processing. She had heard of the gods, but seeing one in the flesh—well, it was a bit overwhelming. "I... didn't expect you to look like this."

Pandaki laughed, "What can I say? Even gods change with the times. We have to keep up with the trends, don't we?" He gestured to his modern, casual outfit. "I used to wear robes, but they weren't very... practical."

Elise chuckled nervously, trying to adjust to the oddity of it all. "I thought you'd be... more, well, god-like."

Pandaki shrugged, his expression still playful but now with a touch of sincerity. "You'll get used to it."

"Enough!" Si Dapa's voice thundered, his signature scowl returning as he rose to his feet.

What's up with him? Elise thought, raising a brow at his sudden shift in tone.

"Since you passed the test given to you by Kanlaon, the God of Time," Si Dapa began, his voice steady, "it's time for him to uphold his promise regarding your regression. But," he added with a sharp look, "you must swear an oath before us. You are not to interfere with major events beyond the mission assigned to you. Do you understand?"

Elise nodded quickly. "Loud and clear!"

Kanlaon leaned back in his chair, his arms crossed. "And let me remind you," he said, his golden eyes gleaming with a dangerous light, "your status as a regressor must remain a secret. Not a word to anyone. I've already got enough chaos to handle without added problems in the timeline."

His glare lingered, and Elise met it with a determined gaze, forcing herself to remain composed. "Understood," she replied.

"Good," Si Dapa concluded, his scowl softening slightly. "Then let's proceed."