"Useless trash, you disgrace our family name!"
"Get out of here!"
"Hehe, as expected of you, big bro. Well done! If Father had just listened to me, this wouldn't have happened. Congratulations—you've dragged our family's honor through the mud."
"You don't deserve to sit with us."
"You are the shame of this family."
"Don't waste our time, talentless fool."
"Even a random kid is more useful than you."
"The dog holds more value than a pig like you."
"I'm ashamed that filth like you was even born into this family."
"You are not my son."
"I'm not your mother."
"Disgusting."
"Useless pig."
"Ugly child."
"Worthless."
"Useless."
"Just die already."
"Who are you?
"Oh, right, I forgot to feed the pig."
"You're still alive, huh?"
"You're a good punching bag, big brother."
"I, Edward G. Zedek, head of the Zedek family, hereby declare that Wilhelm G. Zedek, my son, is no longer a member of this family."
"Haha, that bastard finally got kicked out."
"Did you hear the news? That useless waste was disowned!"
"Take this—you're as good a punching bag as the rumors say."
Under the gentle glow of the moonlight and the soft shimmer of the stars, on the empty rooftop of a towering skyscraper, stood a boy whose face betrayed nothing but sorrow. His black hair clung to his chubby face, and his plump body was wrapped in a plain white shirt, black pants, and worn shoes.
The boy took a deep breath, letting out a bitter laugh, his voice trembling with pain. His hands covered his tear-streaked black eyes as rivers of sadness spilled over his cheeks.
"Hahaha… I had nothing from the moment I was born. My mother died giving birth to me. My father? He was ice-cold. My stepmothers? They saw me as nothing but a nuisance. My siblings? They tormented me because I was weak."
He sniffed, his lips trembling.
"My life has been nothing but suffering. Why was I even born? What purpose does my existence serve? It would be better if it all just ended here… Mother, I'm sorry."
Wilhelm shuffled toward the edge of the rooftop and closed his eyes.
"Just one step… and everything ends here."
Seconds stretched into minutes, then into hours. Yet, despite the heavy weight in his heart, Wilhelm couldn't take that final step.
Finally, he backed away from the edge and collapsed to his knees.
"They're right," he muttered bitterly. "I am a coward. I can't even end it."
Tears poured down his cheeks as sorrow carved itself into his expression. His cries were silent, his only comfort the warmth of his already dried tears.
He wept for what felt like forever before finally mustering the will to rise and leave the rooftop.
The city below bustled with life. Towering skyscrapers loomed in every direction. Magic-powered cars zipped through the streets, holographic displays lit up the skyline, and traces of magic lingered in every corner.
Wilhelm trudged through the crowded streets, his face blank save for an undercurrent of sadness. His lifeless eyes focused only on the path ahead, ignoring the vibrant chaos around him.
Hours passed before he arrived at his small, unremarkable apartment.
He flopped onto his bed, staring up at the ceiling with an empty expression.
"Another painful day… finally over," he murmured, his voice barely audible.
As silence enveloped the room, his weary eyes fluttered closed, and his mind slipped into the fragile peace of sleep.