Winterstuart High.
Renowned as the finest academic institution in all of Irilis, Winterstuart High boasts a staggering 0.2% acceptance rate, producing some of the greatest minds of the century. Year after year, its graduates go on to reshape industries, sciences, and philosophies. But even within this pool of brilliance, one particular generation stood out, shining brighter than all the rest. That was Generation 07—an unparalleled class that changed the very definition of excellence.
|Ayano Poirot|
"What is a genius?"
Ayano pondered the question countless times.
"Is it merely the ability to grasp things faster than others? Or perhaps, the power to innovate where others see only the ordinary? Maybe genius is nothing more than the ability to think in ways that defy convention. But is that really all?"
|Dion Sothuru|
"Surpassing others? Is that all there is?" Dion often mused, staring into the vast sky as if the answers lay somewhere between the clouds.
"Perhaps it's not about being better than someone else. Perhaps true genius lies in the relentless pursuit of reaching higher—far beyond the expectations and limitations that others have set. To see the impossible, and then make it a reality."
|Wian|
"I find myself questioning it again..."
Wian's thoughts echoed in the quiet corridors of Winterstuart, where every corner whispered tales of brilliance.
"Am I one? A genius, I mean... Or is it just that I'm different? No... The better question is, what truly makes a genius?"
He paused, glancing at the notes that lined his desk, filled with ideas far ahead of their time. "Is it raw intellect? Or is it something more... something deeper, that no one quite understands?"
---
|Shin Hiiro|
Ten years ago, 26 heroes were summoned from a world unknown to save us from the impending doom—the Demon Lord's Reign. The summoning was a desperate act by Isia, the goddess of this world, to bring salvation from the darkness that threatened to consume everything. Each hero came with their own unique magic and knowledge from their world, far beyond anything we could have imagined. Their contributions didn't just help defeat the armies of the Demon Lord—they revolutionized the world itself.
Through their innovations, new systems of magic were born, society evolved, and what once was a world trapped in ancient tradition became a beacon of modern development. They shattered norms, erased stereotypes, and reshaped the world's structure. The heroes were praised as gods, saviors, and visionaries.
But after their final victory against the Demon Lord, everyone expected that the heroes would be returned to their own world. However, Isia did not answer their prayers. Something was wrong. Whispers began circulating that their battle was not yet over, that a deeper evil lay in wait. The heroes remained, unable to return, tethered to a prophecy that spoke of further darkness.
Then the unthinkable happened. One of the most revered heroes, Elainor, was found murdered—mutilated and hanged at the gates of the Holy Church. Her death was a violent symbol, an omen that shattered the fragile peace the heroes had created. The killer was never found. The world was thrown into chaos, and the once-united band of heroes fractured. Instead of coming together to seek justice for their fallen comrade, they scattered, vanishing from the public eye. The people whispered about betrayal, about secrets hidden in the shadows of their victory.
Shortly after Elainor's death, the Holy Church delivered another prophecy. The details were shrouded in mystery, but it foretold a great darkness rising once more—greater even than the Demon Lord. And yet, the heroes were gone.
Now, years later, Shin Hiiro walked alone toward the quiet village of Kusin. It seemed peaceful enough, tucked away at the edge of the world, near the border of the dangerous D. Forest. Monsters plagued the area—D-class creatures that terrorized travelers. But Shin wasn't here to fight monsters.
He was searching for Ayano Poirot. One of the heroes.
Kusin was far from the grand cities where the heroes had once gathered. The village was small and unassuming, but Shin knew better than to judge by appearances. The proximity to the D. Forest made it a dangerous place, and yet... something else lingered here. Something deeper.
Shin had heard rumors that Ayano, the brilliant mind who once redefined magic with his unique understanding of the arcane, was here. Isolated, forgotten by the world, just like many of the other heroes who had faded into obscurity after Elainor's death. But Shin needed to find him. The prophecy weighed on him heavily, and if the darkness truly was rising again, they needed to be ready.
As Shin entered the village, his eyes scanned the area, wary of potential dangers. The peaceful atmosphere was a facade. Something about this place felt... off. The villagers moved quietly, avoiding eye contact, their expressions drawn with weariness.
He moved further in, deeper into the village, his thoughts focused on Ayano. Once hailed as a genius, Ayano had been pivotal in the war against the Demon Lord. His magical theories had reshaped how the world understood the arcane arts, but since the death of Elainor, he had disappeared without a trace.
Now, Shin was close. Very close.
In the distance, beyond the rooftops of the village, the dark silhouette of the D. Forest loomed. If Ayano was truly here, Shin would find him. And if the new prophecy was true, they would have to face whatever came next—together.
For better or worse, the world still needed its heroes. And this time, Shin wouldn't let them fall apart.
...