The words of the police officer pierced through my hazy state. I had always believed that I was not capable of killing, but his accusation cast doubt on my very identity.
Pain consumed me as I lay there, trembling from the loss of blood. The officer's accent added to my confusion, but I couldn't focus on it amidst the agony and chaos.
Suddenly, a gunshot rang out, and the officer took his own life. I was left with unanswered questions and an uncertain fate. Another body collapsed beside me, but my senses were numbing as death closed in. Who was this man who had intervened in my final moments? What was his connection to me?
As consciousness slipped away, I struggled to make sense of the stranger's enigmatic words. "Summon card," he had said. Who was seeking me and why? My thoughts raced in a whirlwind of fear and uncertainty.
In my last moments, I clung to one bitter truth: the world is a cruel place. I whispered it as darkness engulfed me and my existence faded into oblivion.
***
The gentle voice that called out to me felt like a soothing balm, carrying whispers of hope on its wings. As his hand rested on my shoulders, I could feel a sense of comfort wash over me, as if he understood the weight of my burdens.
His words stirred something within me, a flicker of hope amidst the darkness of my past. With every word, I could feel the shadows of doubt and fear receding, replaced by a glimmer of redemption in a world filled with cruelty.
"I have heard your plea," he continued, his unwavering gaze piercing through me. "Your will to save and your vow to never kill again. I have felt your pain. And I am placing my trust in you to stop the sinister force growing in this world."
He stared into my eyes as if searching for something deep within me. In that moment, I felt a sense of clarity and purpose wash over me. Despite the uncertainties that lay ahead, I knew that I couldn't turn away from this opportunity to make amends for my past.
With newfound determination, I nodded slowly and accepted his offer. "I will be your soldier, your champion," I declared with conviction. "I will do whatever it takes to bring hope to your world and confront the darkness within myself."
As I spoke, a surge of energy coursed through me as if the very essence of the world was responding to my vow. With the man's guidance and support, I knew I could find the strength to overcome any challenge that lay ahead.
Meeting his gaze once again, I felt an unbreakable resolve within me. His plea resonated deeply, igniting a burning sense of purpose and determination. This was my chance to protect a world in need and redeem myself for the sins of my past.
"Hato... Give me your word," he pleaded once more. "Promise to protect Ezuno from the other Gods and their schemes. In exchange for your eternal allegiance, I shall grant you the power to rival even the strongest heroes of all time. Or if you wish, I can send you back to Earth with a new body and a loving family. But please... Ezuno needs you."
Taking a steadying breath, I met his gaze and nodded firmly. "I give you my word," I declared, feeling a surge of determination coursing through every fiber of my being. "I will protect Ezuno from the other Gods and their schemes, with all of my strength and will."
The man's proposition to grant me unimaginable power or a new life on Earth filled me with uncertainty. The idea of starting fresh, free from the darkness of my past, was tempting. But deep down, I knew that my place was here, in Ezuno, where I could make a difference.
"I am committed to helping you protect this world and bring hope to those who need it most," I declared firmly, my voice resolute.
As I knelt beside the man, a sense of peace washed over me. I was ready to embrace the journey ahead and use my newfound abilities for good. But amidst the newfound resolve, a question lingered in the back of my mind.
"Wait, who are you exactly?" I asked, seeking clarity amidst uncertainty. It dawned on me that I knew little about the man who had offered me this opportunity, and I couldn't help but wonder about his true identity and intentions.
"Oh haha, right. An introduction is in order. My name is Michael Von Ezuno. The eldest Elder God, God of healing and protection, and creator of life and light. And now, you are my champion," he said as he stood.
"Yes sir..." As the champion of a god of protection, I would have the power to help those with tragic lives and be the catalyst for change in someone else's life. Perhaps even help bad people turn their lives around.
"Rise, my champion. You will now inherit the power and will of the God of Light and Creation. Do not disappoint me," Michael said before placing his finger on my forehead.
The world spun around me as if I had been thrown into a blender. My body stretched and shifted into a smaller form, brimming with excitement and anticipation. This was just the beginning of my new life in this world.
*****
The newborn's cries softened into gentle whimpers as Mary cradled him against her chest, feeling the warmth of his tiny body against her own. Despite her exhaustion, the joy of holding her son for the first time filled her heart with love and gratitude.
Tears streamed down Todd's face as he watched his wife and newborn son, unable to contain his overwhelming emotions. As a low-ranking adventurer in their small village, it was nearly impossible to make a decent living without power or exceptional skills. He had endured countless hardships and setbacks, but now all of that seemed insignificant compared to the miracle that lay before him.
Kneeling beside Mary, Todd was overcome with emotion and a profound sense of awe and wonder. In this humble home, surrounded by love and warmth, he found a renewed sense of purpose and determination.
With trembling hands, he reached out to stroke his son's soft hair, beaming with pride and love. This precious child was a testament to their unwavering faith and perseverance.
Todd's voice was barely a whisper, filled with emotion as he spoke. "Welcome, Shiro," he said. "You are the light in our dark world, our greatest blessing and hope."