In my previous life, I was Takashi Kurogane, the leader of the Kurogane Clan. I lived for honour, for duty, but in the end, I failed. Betrayed, branded a traitor, and slaughtered alongside my family and warriors. When I opened my eyes in this new world, I thought it was a cruel joke—a second chance I didn't deserve. I wanted to disappear, to fade away from the guilt of my past.
But then I found them—Hana, Hiro, my parents. They were nothing like the hardened soldiers or nobles I once knew. They were kind, ordinary people who smiled at me like I meant something. In this life, they gave me a reason to live, a family I could protect. This time, I vowed I would be strong enough. Stronger than before.
We live in a small village on the outskirts of Eldoria. It's a simple place, quiet and untouched by the chaos of the world beyond. Our home is modest, made of stone and wood, sitting on the edge of the forest. My father's forge is the heart of the village, where he crafts weapons and tools for the townsfolk. My mother's hands weave the finest clothes in Eldoria, though she'd never admit it.
This village, this family… they've become my reason to keep going. I will protect them with everything I have, no matter the cost.
"Hiro!" called out, interrupting my thoughts.
"Yes, brother?" Hiro, my younger brother, looked up at me, his bright eyes eager for what was to come. He's got talent—more than I had at his age. In fact, I can already sense great potential in him. One day, if I'm not here… I know Hiro will protect our family.
"Let's go train."
"Really, brother?!" His voice brimmed with excitement, and in that moment, the world seemed lighter. We trained every day, just the two of us. And almost every day, I'd catch Hana spying on us from behind a tree or hiding in the bushes. I tried teaching her how to wield a sword once, but she's too clumsy, always stumbling over her feet.
"Instead, she's been training to control her mana. She has a natural gift for it, but mages like her need mana crystals to truly grow. These crystals are the key gir a mage to griw there mana capacity by absorbing there essens,It will increasing her mana reserves, but we don't have the resources to obtain any. That's why I've decided to join the Adventurer's Guild—to collect these crystals for her and help her reach her full potential. But there's more to it than that—I want to explore this world, to uncover its history and mysteries."
The training ground was a simple clearing behind our house. Dirt, grass, and a few wooden dummies scattered about. Hiro's face lit up as he grabbed his practice sword, ready to spar. He always had that fire in him—a hunger to win, to prove himself.
"Come on, Hiro," I said, stepping forward with my own wooden sword. "Show me what you've got."
Hiro lunged at me, his strikes fast, but uncontrolled. He had strength, yes, but he lacked patience. Each swing was more reckless than the last, his frustration growing as I parried every one.
"Again," I said calmly, blocking another wild strike. "You're rushing. Don't just attack—think."
"I just want to be strong like you!" he shouted, his face flushed with frustration.
I sighed, stepping back to avoid his strike. "Strength isn't just about swinging harder. It's about control."
Hiro lashed out again, anger boiling over. "But I keep losing! I'll never be as strong as you!"
I blocked his next attack, using his momentum to disarm him. His sword flew into the dirt, and he stumbled forward, breathing hard.
"Hiro, listen," I said, placing a hand on his shoulder. "A sword is meant to protect, not to destroy. Rage clouds your judgement. Control yourself first, then control the sword."
He looked down, fists clenched, still burning with the desire to win. "But I want to be as strong as you… I hate losing."
I knelt down, meeting his eyes. "You will be, Hiro. But strength doesn't come from winning. It comes from patience and discipline. Losing now is part of the journey."
Hiro's breath steadied, though his eyes still gleamed with determination. "I won't stop trying."
"And I won't stop teaching you," I smiled. "You'll get there."
"Arthur! Hiro! Dinner's ready!" Mother called out.
"Coming! Let's go, Hiro."
As we moved into the small dining room, the air felt warm with the smell of roasted meat and fresh bread. This is home, I thought. Six years have passed since I first came into this world. Six years since I made this family mine.
"Mother, Father," I began as we sat down at the table, "I've joined the Adventurer's Guild."
The room went quiet, the warmth from moments ago fading as a cold tension settled over us.
"Son," my father's voice was firm, "we've had this conversation before. We won't allow it. The world out there is too dangerous."
"But, Father, someone has to face that danger. If we don't, who will?"
He slammed his fist down on the table. "Leave it to the knights or the so-called 'Savior.' It's not your responsibility."
"That's where you're wrong," I said, my voice steady. "I treasure you all. I have to protect you."
Father's eyes softened, but his stubbornness held. "You're only—my son… we know you're strong, but—"
"I've made my decision. I won't change my mind."
Clap.
Mother's hands came together sharply, sending shivers down my spine. "That's enough, both of you," she said, her voice calm yet commanding. She turned to me with a gentle smile. "Arthur, I'm glad you told us. We'll be counting on you to protect us. But… on one condition."
"What is it?" I asked.
"Let your father forge you a fine sword," she said. My father's expression shifted from frustration to a small, proud smile.
"All right, Father," I agreed.
That evening, as I walked back from the guild, I saw Hiro outside, practising his sword swings. His determination had grown fiercer these past few months. Every day, he trained, following my every instruction to the letter.
"Brother!" he called out, spotting me sneaking up on him.
"You sensed me, Hiro? Good job." I ruffled his hair, proud of how quickly he was learning. "Where's Hana?"
"She's in the forest again, being stupid," Hiro muttered, though there was no real malice in his voice.
"Of course she is," I chuckled, "Let me handle it."
I found Hana in the woods, curled up asleep, surrounded by small animals. She always used her mana to heal the injured ones, even if it drained her completely. A small smile tugged at my lips. She's too kind—just like someone I once knew.
I picked her up gently, brushing a hand through her hair. "You're too reckless, Hana," I whispered as I carried her home.
When I stepped into the house, my mother smiled brightly at the sight. "Arthur… and look at Hana," she laughed softly, "Asleep again."
I laid her down on the couch, placing a hand on her forehead. "Brother!" she called out cheerfully, stirring from her exhaustion.
"I'm home, Hana," I said, watching as her smile lit up her entire face.
My siblings are both so talented. Hiro, with his natural gift for the sword, and Hana, an extraordinary healer, already showed more promise than I ever could. But their talents come with flaws—Hiro's overconfidence and Hana's gentle heart—they worry me.
I smiled, ruffling Hiro's hair one more time. "Well, Hiro, your training's only going to get harder from here on out."