(14 years before the main story)
Surrounded once again by books about heroes in my family's library, I immersed myself in stories of various kinds of heroes. I read about those who failed as well as those who succeeded in their goals. I explored heroes who were weak or strong, those who sacrificed themselves for the greater good, and even heroes who were seen as villains. I encountered regressor heroes, isekai heroes, and reincarnated heroes. I adored all these stories, reading them early before school and late into the night until it was time for bed. I dreamed of becoming a hero and a savior for all, not just the weak and innocent.
Before I was born, a huge disaster happened all across the world that caused multiple towers to sprout across the globe; within these towers were calamity beings who were monsters that yearned for destruction and death. With the appearance of these towers, almost everyone was given a system known as "The Command System." With the system also came "Skills" which are unique powers of an individual that allowed humanity to survive. Almost everybody has one; people who climb these towers and protect humanity are known as "Saviors." This story I've read almost a hundred times is my favorite story; I idolize these saviors, and I wanted to be one of them to make my dream of becoming a hero come true. Yet, unlike everybody else, I lacked the command system and skills, even though everyone said I couldn't be a savior; I refused to give up on my dream, even though I was hurt by the truth.
After reading these books again and again, I slowly drifted into a deep sleep. When I opened my eyes, I was lying on top of a grassy field that had clear skies, where ivory blossoms were slowly drifting down from a massive golden tree filled with the same ivory blossoms above me. Confused, I quickly stood up and looked around at the endless fields and clear skies. The air was filled with a sweet scent around the entire area, with this golden tree I was standing in front of being the only thing different. I walked up to the tree out of curiosity and touched its bark, which felt oddly smooth.
Suddenly, I heard a voice call out to me from above the tree, "Child, do you still wish to become a hero?"
I looked upwards and saw a man lying against the big branches of the tree. His long, whitish sky-blue hair flowed down from his pale face. He had piercing red eyes that were locked on me, and his white kimono with a dark blue design drooped down onto the branches he was lying against. Intimidated slightly, I took a step back.
The man spoke once again in a softer and calmer tone, "Child, it's alright. Do not be afraid... I am someone who will make you a savior, so you can achieve your dream.."
'This has to be a dream..'
I would take a deep breath before looking back at the man, "Please... help me become a hero.."
The man smiled gently, "I am Kojiro... The 7th █████ ███████, ████████ of ████ will grant you your wish, Kim Taejune.."
Kojiro paused for a moment after introducing himself, "It seems I cannot tell you my title yet... Oh well.." Kojiro would sigh before gently dropping a golden flower at me.
Still confused about what he said, suddenly the golden flower landed on my head, and then immediately I felt my body become heavy; my eyes slowly closed as I felt something land next to me and catch me as I fell. I slowly drifted once again into a deep sleep.