Tatsuya wandered through the silent streets, the chill of the night wind gnawing at him as he contemplated his decision. Though he knew the path ahead would be fraught with difficulty, he couldn't shake the feeling of anticipation and unease that gripped him.
As the faint light of dawn began to appear, Tatsuya stopped in front of an old shop. The glass window of the shop, with its antique charm, revealed a quaint and warm interior filled with finely crafted toys, seemingly frozen in time. This was Mori's shop, a place Tatsuya had frequented in his youth. The shop exuded a sense of nostalgia, its charm a stark contrast to the harsh reality Tatsuya faced now. Mori, an elderly man with a frail frame and silver hair, was a familiar figure from Tatsuya's childhood.
Tatsuya pushed open the door, the soft chime of the bell ringing out and breaking the silence. Mori, standing behind the counter, greeted him with a warm smile.
"Tatsuya! Long time no see," Mori said, his voice warm and welcoming. "What brings you here at this hour?"
Tatsuya returned the smile, "I just wanted to visit you. It's been a while since I last came by."
Mori nodded and gestured for Tatsuya to follow him into a small sitting room at the back of the shop. "Come on in; we can have a chat."
They sat down at an old wooden table, surrounded by antiques and mementos. The room was cozy yet carried an air of mystery. Mori began to reminisce about the old days, his voice growing contemplative.
"Do you remember when you were a child and used to come here to play?" Mori's voice softened, drawing Tatsuya back into a more innocent time, allowing him to momentarily forget his current struggles and the scorn he faced for his so-called A-rank ability, which, despite its name, merely granted physical development. As he spoke with Mori, the harshness of his present reality seemed to dissolve, replaced by a warm, comforting nostalgia.
Suddenly, Mori's tone shifted to one of deeper reflection. "Years ago, when you were still young, I met someone very special—a girl who was truly remarkable."
Tatsuya's curiosity was piqued. "What made her so special, Mori? Why do you speak of her with such reverence?"
Mori's expression grew serious, as if he were delving into a distant memory. "She was not like anyone else. She was a legendary swordswoman. You must know one of the three legendary heroes, Hayato. I remember how much you admired them."
Tatsuya responded, "Yes, I know of Hayato. Was this girl really her disciple? She must have been incredibly skilled."
Mori cleared his throat and continued, "What few people know is that Hayato was actually a woman. The girl I mentioned was Hayato herself."
Tatsuya was taken aback, unable to believe that Hayato, one of the legendary heroes, was a woman. "She was a female swordswoman? How did you two know each other?"
Mori closed his eyes, as if reliving painful memories. "Once, when I was younger, Hayato was gravely injured and unconscious outside this very shop. I saved her and took care of her during her recovery. During those days, I learned a lot about her and the battles she had fought."
Mori continued, "Hayato spoke to me of her battles against villains, of sacrifices and pain she endured. She fought not only to protect the world but also to safeguard those she loved. Yet, her stories were always shrouded in mystery and sorrow. She kept many things hidden, even when I tried to help her."
Tatsuya listened intently, feeling the depth of Mori's narrative. "So why was Hayato injured? I've never heard of this before."
"She was betrayed," Mori said. "There was a traitor within their group."
A powerful emotion stirred within Tatsuya. He recognized that Mori's revelations might be crucial to unraveling the mysteries he sought. "Thank you, Mori. I will investigate this further."
Mori smiled, his eyes full of encouragement. "Be careful, Tatsuya. You're stepping into a path filled with challenges. But if you have the courage, you will find what you are seeking."
Mori then led Tatsuya to a small room at the back of the shop, decorated with more antiques and artifacts. The room was lit by oil lamps, casting a warm yet enigmatic glow. The walls were adorned with old maps, and a table in the center held neatly stacked books and documents.
"Why do you think I'm preparing to do something?" Tatsuya asked.
"You don't have to do anything in particular," Mori said, shaking his head. "I can see a weariness in your eyes, a reflection of my own past after life's trials." Mori nodded thoughtfully before retrieving an ornate wooden box from a hidden drawer. "This box only opens with a special code. To find the code, you need to explore the clues on this map."
Mori placed the box on the table, pointing out the intricate details on its surface—strange symbols and markings. "I hope you can uncover the truth about the disappearance of the three heroes and the secrets that remain hidden."
The small room was filled with old objects and mementos, each carrying its own story. The paintings and maps on the walls created an atmosphere of both mystery and familiarity. The oil lamps' light highlighted the elaborate details of the wooden box.
Tatsuya examined the box, understanding its significance. He knew that uncovering the secrets within would be an essential part of his journey. Mori's knowledge and experience had provided him with a critical step toward finding the truth.
"Thank you, Mori," Tatsuya said with renewed determination. "I will do everything I can to discover the truth and unravel this mystery."
Mori's smile was filled with approval. "Be cautious. You are embarking on a challenging journey, but with bravery, you will find what you seek."
With the box and the map in hand, Tatsuya left Mori's shop with a new sense of purpose. The road ahead might be perilous, but he now had a clear goal: to uncover the truth behind the disappearance of the three legendary heroes and to find the light amidst the darkness.
Tatsuya's silhouette faded away as the old man turned back into the shop and whispered, "The truth will be revealed soon, and I bet that girl won't die so easily." He then sat down on the reclining wooden chair and continued to wait for customers.