"Do you want to be great, Isid?" I asked myself while looking at Isid's appearance, which is reflected in the mirror. In his world, where heroes are born and praised, I believe that Isid is someone who wants to be a hero. Isid is not the only one. To be great, famous, and successful, who does not want to be like that?
The exceptional characteristic or state of being distinguished, remarkable, or excellent in a specific field, effort, or facet of life is known as greatness. It entails achieving extraordinarily high levels of achievement or effect and goes beyond simple competence. Greatness is frequently linked to people or things that have significantly contributed, shown remarkable talent, or exhibited exceptional character traits. To be great, you have to be someone who accomplishes extraordinary feats, surpasses expectations, and achieves significant milestones in one's chosen field or endeavor. Great individuals or entities often demonstrate a capacity for innovative thinking, creating new ideas, and pushing the boundaries of what was previously thought possible. They are individuals that are often characterized by their ability to persevere and bounce back from setbacks. Just like the heroes in every novel and story, greatness is a word that is synonymous with the hero, and that is why these kinds of stories are always popular. People want to be someone like them; people want to be great.
I also admit that there was a time in my life when I yearned for greatness. That being said, this dream of mine was an old one. All of my aspirations for grandeur were dashed the day I encountered reality; I was left shocked and even ashamed that I had ever had such aspirations. I am not meant to be great, as my name, Beom-seok, implies. I worked hard and barely survived day after day. I am already thirty years old, and as I continue to age, I learned many things. That I am great in my own way. I may not be famous, successful, or even have had an enormous achievement, but the fact that I survived day after day, made a difference in my students' lives, and still chose to continue is also something that a great person will do.
"Isid, greatness is a journey, not a destination. Great individuals are committed to continuous growth, learning, and self-improvement. Greatness can take various forms and is not limited to specific domains or achievements. You can also be great even if you are not born as a hero in this world." I whispered hoping that Isid is listening.
I climbed into Isid's bed and stared at the ceiling. My goal is not to stand out; I will continue to live as an extra in this world. I know the ending of this story: at the end of the perilous journey of the hero and his comrade, there will be peace. They were able to defeat the demon lord even without the help of Isid, and me possessing Isid's body will continue to be someone who is not involved in the main story. Despite these, I still took some preventive measures. In order for me to live and survive in this world, I have to be someone who can defend myself and the people around me. That is someone for Isid, which is why these past few days I have locked myself inside the library to improve my knowledge. The current level of my 'knowledge' is 24.
"I also need a skill. Something that I need to protect myself and Isid's people." I stood up and rummaged through the cabinet. I took the notebook in which I had written the things I remembered in the novel and got back to bed. "I know there's something in here that will help me."
As I flipped through the pages, I stopped when I saw something. "Ha! I knew it. The Saint's necklace!" It is an artifact that creates a wall of shields when the owner casts it. It will be discovered later, after the demon lord has been defeated. The Head Priest gifted the necklace to the hero when they got back from the tower after killing the demon lord. I remember that the necklace was used to protect the people from the tower when the monsters went wild after the demon lord was defeated. The hero barely used the power of the necklace since they easily defeated the monsters.
"This is perfect!" I have decided, tomorrow I have to get that necklace.
Beom-seok woke up to the sound of someone knocking on the door. "Young Master, are you awake?" The voice is familiar to him as he was always greeted by this person every morning. "Marina, I am awake."
The maid named Marina entered the room and greeted Beom-seok, "Good morning, Young Master. Would you like to take a bath first?"
Beom-seok nodded. "I'll prepare for it." Before going to the bathroom, Marina skillfully arranges a coffee for Beom-seok. For the past few days, Marina has gotten used to serving coffee to his young master every morning. At first, Marina was suspicious of the young master's actions. He has never yelled or thrown things at him since he woke up five days ago. The way he also converses is different, and the atmosphere around him seemed mature. As someone who worked for how many years for the Haahashtari household, Marina is someone who has witnessed Isid's attitude and character as he grows older. Everyone knows that the young master does not possess any attributes; however, no one treated him indifferently in the Haahashtari household. Everyone here respects the Marquess, for they are someone someone who got help from the Marquess and Marchioness. They are greatly indebted to them.
"The bath is ready, young master." Beom-seok finished his coffee and nodded in Marina's direction.
"The coffee was great. Thank you, Marina."
"My pleasure, young master." Marina bowed and left the room.
This is the sixth day Beom-seok has possessed Isid's body. The past few days, Beom-seok has worked hard to study in the library and familiarize himself with the Haahashtari household; hence, this time he declined the offer of Hans the Butler to assist him to the dining hall.
"I greet the Marquess and Marchioness." Beom-seok bowed and greeted Izhar as well.
"Why are you so formal, Son?" Cybele, the Marchioness, said.
Beom-seok smiled and took his seat beside Izhar. "You won't sit beside me again today?"
"Not today, Mother. I plan to sit beside Izhar until I leave for the academy."
As a mother, Cybele is always worried about Isid. She loves his three sons fairly, but she takes great care of Isid, as he was born without attributes. The world will be harsh on him, which is why she wanted to shower her second son with her love and affection. Hoping that she can protect him from the criticism of the world. Cybele will never forget the first time Isid realized that he does not have an attribute. Isid's face was heartbroken and full of anger. As her mother, Cybele was also heartbroken, wishing that she should be the one who was suffering and not her son. She prayed to the gods and goddesses every day and night, but the gods and goddesses did not seem to listen to her pleas. Hence, Cybele decided that she would do anything for Isid, which is why when Isid begged that he wanted to go to the academy, she persuaded his husband and supported Isid's decision. Despite all of this, Isid grew up full of hatred. He always yelled at the maid and threw things at them, but that changed one morning. Cybele knew something had changed with her son.
"What is your plan for this day, Isid? Have you prepared for the academy? You will be leaving tomorrow." Zelek the Marquess said as he bit down on his food.
"I'll be going outside today, Father."
"Where are you going, brother?" Beom-seok smiled when he heard Izhar's small voice. "I'll just go to the village. I'll try to look for something that I think I will need for the academy." Izhar nodded, and Beom-seok, unable to help himself, patted Izhar's head.
"Do you need money, Isid?" Zelek voiced out. "Come to my office after this."
"Ah, no, father! I still have money from the allowance that you gave last time."
"Nonsense, you need more." Beom-seok scratched his head. Cybele cleared her throat and restrained herself from laughing. Isid, her second son, changed, but despite this, she still loves him the same. But she cannot help but be fascinated and happy with his changes; even Zelek is confused about how to interact with Isid.
After the breakfast, Isid went to the Marquess's office. "Father." Beom-seok greeted. He wants to call him 'lord' or 'marquess' just like the servants for he's not used to calling someone 'father' but the Marquess insisted and probably Isid also wants to lessen the suspicion on him.
"Isid, my son. Here's the money. Tell me if you need more. Also, before leaving take some knights with you. I will tell Hans to prepare a carriage."
"Thank you, Father for the money but I am planning on going out alone."
Zelek's forehead knotted in disagreement. "I will not allow it. You are my son and I worry for your safety." Two things that Beom-seok learned is that the Marquess is not a cold person. He is very affectionate, but his appearance makes him look a cold person. Second is that Zelek really loves his family. He worries about them and greatly concerned with his family and people's safety.
"Father, I am also a Haahastari. I can take care of myself." Zelek sighed in defeat and took his seat. "Always bring your communicator with you and if something happened, do not hesitate and immediately contact me." Beom-seok nodded. "Thank you, Father."
Zelek smiled and bid his farewell to his second son. Before leaving the Haahastari household Cybele reminded his second son to be careful. She is against of him leaving without a knight but did not force Isid instead she bid her son a goodbye.
"I'll bring something. What do you want, Izhar?"
"Can I go with you, brother Sid." Izhar pleaded with his brother. Beom-seok restratined himself from pulling Izhar and hug him. "Next time, let us go outside together." Izhar nodded. "I want the chocolate cake from Azmaveth." Beom-seok ruffled Izhar's hair. "One chocolate cake then."
Beom-seok left the Haahastari household wearing a hoodie and plane clothing. Today his goal is to get the Saint's necklace which is located in the dungeon near the boundary of the village.