Hiro
I awoke with the gentle caress of sunlight upon my visage, its golden warmth permeating my room. The scent of aged wood filled the air, enveloping me in a sense of nostalgia and contemplation. As I slowly opened my eyes, my mind began to stir.
Following that unexpected awakening, I felt the dormant depths of my Soul Forces spring to life once more, like an ancient force rekindled by the dawn's first light.
its inexorable warmth unfurling the currents within my body like a tidal wave. Emotions surged through my being, infusing my soul with newfound power.
My mother's cheerful voice interrupted my reverie as she entered the room, "Oh, Sweet-Heart, are you awake? Did you have a good sleep?" Her smile radiated happiness.
I stretched my body leisurely, mimicking the languid grace of a cat. My gaze wandered upward to the towering ceiling above my bed, a sight as familiar as the passage of time itself. A graceful wooden chandelier hung from its center, casting a soft, comforting glow over the room. It had been a backdrop to countless fond memories, a silent witness to my life.
A delightful aroma wafted through the air, teasing my senses with the promise of a delectable breakfast. Breakfast was the highlight of our day, an eagerly awaited ritual no matter where we were.
Today, Mother had prepared pancakes. However, there was a curious shortage of tableware, and my father couldn't help but chuckle. "Hey, Hiro, what kind of jest is this? Is this truly my well-mannered son's doing?" His lips quivered with amusement.
In reality, the tableware shortage wasn't Mother's doing; it was Father's behind-the-scenes mischief. I couldn't help but be perplexed by their actions. Why were they so cheerful today? I soon realized the occasion—it was my birthday.
My birthday had arrived, a fact that had been overshadowed by my parents' busy schedules over the past seven or eight months. The feeling of loved ones missing important days in my life was something I could never quite shake, no matter how often it happened.
Mother cast a somewhat reproachful glance at Father when she discerned his mischievous behavior. His face promptly lost a shade of its color. They exchanged a warm glance before offering an apology. "Sorry, Hiro. We didn't expect our well-mannered child to react like this."
I couldn't help but chuckle at their changing expressions. No matter how many times they were put in such situations, they always seemed flustered.
However, the last word belonged to a certain person seated. "Father, I'm rather displeased. Even after a full eight months, reaction hasn't changed much upon seeing me in the morning," I declared theatrically, intending to tease my mother, who was often a dampener on fun.
With a radiant smile, my father laughed and said, "Such is the life of a parent," as if he had imparted profound wisdom.
I pushed my plate away, declining to read, even though it was my daily habit. My parents chuckled at my antics as if it were a delightful joke.
Leaving the dining room, I headed towards our family's library, where tens of thousands of books stood neatly on the shelves. I had always admired this library but didn't confine myself to its shelves; I also enjoyed the outdoors.
Selecting a book titled "How the Mana of Soul Forces Work," I found it quite intriguing. As I flipped through its pages, I realized it contained valuable knowledge and theories suitable for children.
One page caught my attention, explaining how to elevate Soul Forces from Common to Holy. It emphasized the importance of understanding and harnessing one's soul force, which was described as an "energy flow through the channels."
My understanding was limited, and the author's explanation was somewhat vague. As I delved deeper, I encountered a plethora of terms and comprehensive information.
This book offered intricate insights into the utilization, control, and enhancement of Soul Forces, shedding light on how Soul Force of Energy could "Energize" and its relation to Vital Force and Stamina. I was engrossed in deciphering these complexities when a housekeeper entered the room.
"Young Master Hiro, are you reading that book again? You don't need a lecture," the maid chided. Ignoring her, I continued my reading.
Suddenly, a knock at the door disrupted my concentration. My response to the housekeeper's intrusion was less than polite. She opened the door, revealing our family butler. It was my fifth birthday, a significant step toward becoming a Mage.
I was hurriedly instructed to prepare, as my mother mentioned that I had a task at hand. My father, with a proud smile, remarked, "What an intelligent and skilled child we have."
As I left my room and ventured downstairs, the grandeur of our house was evident. The enormous, polished wooden staircase led to an opulent hallway adorned with paintings and trophies.
Maid " Nanny Lame", who had been our caretaker for years, approached me with tears of joy in their eyes. "Happy Birthday, Master Hiro. Thank you for being born, such a great child. The esteemed House Servants sing your praises."
While her enthusiasm was admirable, it was a bit too loud for my liking. Nevertheless, I couldn't deny that I felt a bit more excited about my birthday. I needed to present myself gracefully.
In the living room, I saw a collection of beautifully wrapped gifts on the coffee table. Despite their magnificence and value, I couldn't help but feel a sense of detachment toward them. Would this attitude lead me down a path where I only cared about accumulating wealth? Or would I choose a simpler, more fulfilling lifestyle?
My primary goal was to find a way to become an adventurer or a Mage, a dream I'd harbored since birth. The book I had picked up earlier had taught me valuable lessons in compassion, emotional control, how Mana functioned, understanding the body's mechanics, and strategic thinking.
In the end, I decided to forego the presents from my family and instead cherish the moments spent with them, basking in the amber glow of the setting sun. My parents wore expressions of both happiness and seriousness.
"Hiro, there's something important we need to discuss," my mother began, her tone grave. My father attempted to lighten the mood, saying that I probably knew the reason behind this gathering.
"Hiro, you've turned five so quickly, and this year, you entered a new stage by awakening your Soul Forces," he said, his pride evident in his words.