First Person POV (Hiro)
Four months. That's all the time I had before the academy doors would open to new students, before I could set my plan into motion. But for me, these months weren't for rest. Every sunrise brought me closer to the mission that now consumed every thought—a mission that demanded vengeance and survival. My path was clear, and my resolve was unyielding.
From the break of dawn to the fall of dusk, I pushed my young body to its limits. I ran through the dense forests that bordered Althoria, our village hidden deep within the Cyrandel Dominion. The air was thick with the scent of pine, and the ground was littered with fallen needles that crunched underfoot. I leaped over fallen logs, my feet pounding against the earth, as if trying to outrun the ghosts of my past. Each run, each step, became a battle against the memories that threatened to drag me down.
Mornings were dedicated to combat. I practiced the techniques I could remember from my past life as Yuta—the sniper. My small frame was a hindrance, but I knew that speed and precision would always outweigh brute strength. With every movement, I mimicked the stances and techniques of soldiers I once knew, adjusting them to fit my younger, less experienced body. The mana-forged gun at my side was a constant reminder of the power I now wielded—a power that came with the weight of responsibility.
"Again!" I muttered through clenched teeth, sweat dripping down my brow as I reset my stance. The memory of my parents' lifeless bodies fueled me, driving me to push beyond my limits. "I can't afford to be weak."
Each day, I trained until my muscles screamed in protest, and my hands were raw from the repeated grip on the mana-forged gun. My aim, already sharp from my past life, was honed further by relentless practice. The gun responded to my will as if it were an extension of my body, its glowing form a testament to the energy and focus I poured into it.
Narrator POV:
The small village of Althoria nestled in the shadow of the Cyrandel Mountains, surrounded by ancient forests that seemed untouched by time. The villagers lived simple lives, tending to their crops and livestock, unaware of the dark purpose that had driven Hiro to push himself beyond his limits. The only clue to his intentions was the determined look in his eyes, a look that betrayed the intensity of his inner struggle.
Hiro's daily training was not just about building strength or refining his skills—it was about preparing for the inevitable confrontation with Lord Cedric Vellore. This nobleman, who lived in a grand estate on the other side of the kingdom, was more than just a target. He was the man responsible for the deaths of Hiro's parents, and that fact was never far from his mind.
As Hiro honed his abilities, he also gathered information about his target. The system, a mysterious force that had become Hiro's guide in this new world, provided him with basic details about Lord Cedric's household. But Hiro knew that this wouldn't be enough. He needed to understand his enemy, to know every weakness and every strength.
In the evenings, Hiro would venture into the village, slipping unnoticed through the narrow streets and listening to the idle gossip of the townsfolk. Althoria was small, but its taverns and markets were frequented by travelers from all corners of the kingdom, and Hiro knew that information could be found in the most unexpected places.
Lord Cedric Vellore had two children: Julian and Elara. Julian was as ruthless as his father, a young man with a sharp mind and a talent for manipulation. Hiro heard whispers of Julian's cunning nature, how he was feared by many and respected by few.
"He's just like his father," one merchant muttered to another, glancing around as if afraid Julian might overhear. "If not worse."
Elara, on the other hand, was known for her beauty and kindness, often seen helping the less fortunate in the city. But Hiro wasn't fooled by her gentle demeanor. Both siblings were fiercely loyal to their father, making them potential threats in his eyes.
"She's too kind for her own good," a tavern keeper muttered as he polished a glass. "But don't let that fool you. She's a Vellore through and through."
First Person POV (Hiro):
As the days passed, I began to formulate a plan. I knew that infiltrating the Vellore household would be no easy task, but the academy offered a perfect cover. I could gain the trust of Julian and Elara while secretly gathering the information I needed. But to do that, I needed to be stronger. Much stronger.
To avoid drawing unnecessary attention, I decided to purchase a cloak and mask from the system's Item Shop. The cloak was made of dark, sturdy fabric, long enough to cover my entire body, concealing my identity. The mask was simple yet effective, covering the upper half of my face and leaving only my eyes visible. Wearing these, I could pass as an older, more seasoned warrior, disguising the fact that I was only thirteen years old.
The system provided me with quests—simple tasks that rewarded me with reputation points. These quests varied from hunting small beasts in the forest to assisting villagers with minor tasks. The rewards were modest, just 200 reputation points per quest, but they added up over time.
One day, after successfully completing a quest to rid a nearby farm of a troublesome wolf, I stood atop a hill, looking down at the academy in the distance. Its towering spires and grand architecture were a stark contrast to the humble life I had known. The Luminaris Academy of the Arcane was renowned throughout the kingdom, a place where only the most talented were accepted. For many, it was a beacon of hope, a path to greatness. But for me, it was the next step in my mission.
After four months of relentless work, I had saved up 2,400 reputation points. I wasted no time in spending them, purchasing two skills from the system:
*Sharp Eyes:* This skill enhanced my vision, allowing me to see up to 500 meters away with perfect clarity. It provided me with an unparalleled advantage in both combat and reconnaissance. No detail, no matter how small, escaped my notice.
*Flicker.* This skill granted me the ability to teleport short distances in an instant. It was perfect for evasion and rapid movement, allowing me to escape danger or close in on a target with surprising speed. The skill required no mana but had a cooldown of 2 seconds before it could be used again.
With these new abilities and my new attire, I felt my confidence grow. I was becoming a formidable opponent, but I knew there was still much to learn. The system had provided me with tools, but it was up to me to master them.
Narrator POV:
The forests surrounding Althoria were vast and filled with hidden dangers. For most, these woods were a place to be avoided after dark, but for Hiro, they were a training ground. Each day, he pushed himself further, testing the limits of his new skills. The dense underbrush and towering trees became familiar as he mapped out every trail and clearing, knowing that this knowledge could one day mean the difference between life and death.
One afternoon, while honing his skills, Hiro stumbled upon a scene that demanded immediate action. He had been tracking a group of small beasts when he heard the unmistakable sound of struggle—a horse's frantic whinny, followed by angry shouts. Moving silently through the underbrush, Hiro came upon the source of the commotion.
A group of bandits had surrounded a horse-drawn cart, their weapons drawn as they threatened the occupants. The cart bore the markings of a wealthy merchant, its contents likely filled with valuable goods. Hiro could see the merchant, a middle-aged man with desperation in his eyes, trying to reason with the bandits. Beside him, a younger woman clutched a small child to her chest, her face pale with fear.
First Person POV (Hiro):
My grip tightened around the mana-forged gun as I assessed the situation. Five bandits—two with swords, one with a bow, and the other two with clubs. They were spread out, their confidence evident in the way they jeered at the merchant. I knew I had to act fast.
Just as I considered my options, the system's window appeared before me:
*System:* New Quest Available
*Objective: Save the merchant and his family from the bandits.
*Reward: 900 Reputation Points.
I didn't hesitate. This was more than just another quest—it was a chance to test my new skills in a real-life scenario. My heart pounded with a mix of adrenaline and anticipation as I prepared to strike.
Pulling up the hood of my cloak, I ensured that my face was hidden in its shadow. I activated *Flicker*, and in an instant, I was behind the first bandit, my mana-forged gun pressed against the back of his head. Before he could react, I pulled the trigger. The gun, glowing with a faint blue light, discharged a silent shot of pure mana, sending the bandit crumpling to the ground.
The others turned in shock, but I was already on the move. I flickered across the clearing, taking down the second and third bandits in quick succession. My movements were fluid, controlled—a deadly dance that left no room for error.
"Who's there?" one of the bandits shouted, panic creeping into his voice as he saw his comrades fall one by one.
"I'm your worst nightmare," I replied, my voice low and cold, muffled by the mask. I could see the fear in their eyes now, the realization that they were outmatched sinking in.
The archer fumbled to draw his bow, but it was too late. I used *Flicker* again, closing the distance between us in the blink of an eye. With a swift strike, I disarmed him, the bow clattering to the ground. A second later, he joined his fallen comrades, knocked unconscious by a well-placed blow to the head.
Only one bandit remained now, and he was backing away, his club shaking in his hand. I didn't give him a chance to flee. A days and months of practicing my small amount of mana I can now manage to channel a little amount of mana through my legs, I dashed forward, faster than his eyes could track. I struck him hard in the chest, sending him sprawling onto the dirt. He groaned in pain, clutching his ribs.
I stood over him, my gun aimed at his forehead. "Surrender, and you might live to see another day," I said, my voice devoid of emotion.
The bandit, his face pale and drenched in sweat, nodded frantically. "I-I surrender! Please, don't kill me!" he stammered, dropping his club.
I considered him for a moment, then lowered my gun. "Get out of here," I ordered. "And if I ever see you again, I won't be so merciful."
The bandit scrambled to his feet and ran, disappearing into the trees without looking back. I watched him go, ensuring he was truly gone before turning my attention to the merchant and his family.
First Person POV (Hiro):
The merchant was staring at me in awe, his mouth hanging open. The woman beside him looked relieved, though her grip on her child remained tight. I approached them slowly, lowering my hood to reveal my face—or at least, what they could see of it beneath the mask.
"Thank you," the merchant finally managed to say, his voice shaky. "I-I don't know how to repay you."
"You don't need to," I replied, shaking my head. "Just be careful next time."
The merchant nodded vigorously, clearly eager to leave the scene of the fight. He glanced at the cart, then back at me. "We were on our way to Luminaris," he said. "If you're heading that way, we could offer you a ride. It's the least we can do."
I considered the offer. I hadn't planned on traveling with others, but this could be an opportunity to gather more information before reaching the academy. Besides, the ride would save me a few days of travel on foot.
"All right," I agreed, though I kept my tone neutral. "I'll accept your offer."
The merchant seemed relieved, and after a few minutes of tending to his horse and making sure the cart was secure, we were on our way.
The journey was uneventful, the road winding through dense forests and rolling hills. The merchant was chatty, eager to share stories of his travels and the various towns and cities he had visited. I listened politely, gleaning what information I could. The woman, who introduced herself as Mariel, remained quiet, occasionally soothing her child when he grew restless.
As we traveled, I found my thoughts drifting to the academy and the challenges that awaited me there. The Luminaris Academy of the Arcane was unlike any other institution in the kingdom. It was a place where the most talented mages and warriors were trained, where the elite of the kingdom honed their skills. For most, it was a place of learning and growth. For me, it was a battleground.
Julian and Elara Vellore would be there, and I needed to be ready. I couldn't afford any missteps. My mission depended on my ability to blend in, to gather information without drawing suspicion. I had to become just another student, another face in the crowd.
By the time we reached the city of Luminaris, the sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the streets. The city was bustling with activity, merchants calling out to potential customers, and the air filled with the scent of street food and the sound of distant music.
The merchant pulled the cart to a stop near the city's central square, where a large fountain stood, its waters sparkling in the fading light. "This is where we part ways," he said, offering me a small pouch of coins. "For your troubles. It's not much, but I hope it helps."
I took the pouch, not wanting to offend him by refusing. "Thank you," I said simply. "And take care."
With a final nod, I turned and walked away, blending into the crowd. I had a few days before the academy opened its doors to new students, a few days to gather what information I could and prepare for the trials ahead.
As I walked through the bustling streets of Luminaris, I kept my eyes and ears open, listening for anything that might be useful. The city was a hub of activity, and information flowed freely here, often without people realizing it. I heard whispers of the academy, of the nobles who would be attending, and of the challenges that awaited the students.
The night was approaching, and with it, the first step of my plan. But for now, I needed a place to rest, to gather my thoughts and finalize my strategy. I found an inn near the edge of the city, its exterior worn but welcoming. The innkeeper, an elderly man with a kind smile, welcomed me without question, and I paid for a room with the coins the merchant had given me.
Once inside the small, modest room, I removed my cloak and mask, placing them on the bed. I sat by the window, looking out at the city below, the lights flickering like stars in the darkness.
I knew that the path ahead would be difficult, that the challenges I faced would test me in ways I couldn't yet imagine. But I was ready. I had trained, I had prepared, and I had a mission that drove me forward, a mission that I would see through to the end, no matter the cost.
And so, with the Kingdom of Luminaris spread out before me, I made my vow once more—to avenge my parents, to destroy the man who had taken them from me, and to carve out a future that was truly my own.