am I still a hero

The world around him was nothing but darkness. The hero floated in the void, his senses numb. *Where am I?* he wondered. Suddenly, pain surged through his body, an overwhelming, unbearable ache. With no vision and no sense of smell, he struggled to make sense of his surroundings, fighting against the torment. After what felt like an eternity, his eyes finally opened. A man held him tightly, and a gentle voice reached his ears.

“Welcome to the world, Allen Kaelis, my son.”

*Huh?* the hero thought, confusion washing over him. *What do you mean, son? Who am I?* He tried to raise his hand, only to see the tiny, helpless limb of a newborn. His eyes widened as realization struck. *Wait... am I a newborn? How did I get here?* Memories of his past life flashed before him. *Oh, I remember... I died.*

The man carefully handed him to a woman. “Hold him, Ariana.”

In her arms, Allen felt a warmth he hadn’t known for ages. It was a sense of comfort, a feeling of safety. *These people... they don’t seem bad. It’d be nice to have them as my parents,* he mused.

“I think I’ll train him to be a swordsman,” the man said thoughtfully.

“A swordsman? No, he’ll be a mage, just like me,” the woman countered with a smile.

Allen felt a flicker of amusement. *This life should be fun...*

---

Twelve years later, a young boy with bright yellow hair and azure eyes sat by the edge of a tranquil lake. The water shimmered, reflecting the light of the midday sun. From behind him, a girl called out, “Allen, your father is calling you.”

He turned to see her Airi, his childhood friend. She had yellow hair and emerald eyes I’ll be there in a minute,” he replied, his eyes lingering on the lake.

*Wow, it really has been twelve years,* he thought, lost in nostalgia. *It feels like yesterday I was the hero, but now... I’ve lost all my powers. I don’t know if I’ll ever get them back, but at least I’m stronger than the average man. Living as a commoner is so much better than as a noble. No stress, no false identities; people know me for who I am.* He paused, gazing into the water. *Or maybe it’s just this world... I still don’t know much about it. Is it even the same world?* His thoughts drifted. *I’ll go ask Father. And one thing’s for sure no matter what, I’ll search for you, Alice. Even if you’re on the other side of the world, I’ll find you, my love. he whispered his voice laced with worry,

Back at their modest home, Airi waited for him, sitting at the table. Allen approached her. “Where’s Dad?” he asked.

“I think he went outside. He’ll be back soon,” Airi replied.

From behind them, Sophie Allen’s mother entered the room. “What are you two doing?”

“We’re waiting for Sir Veltrys,” Airi answered.

Just then, Veltrys, Allen’s father, appeared, holding a red envelope tied by a black string,

“What’s that envelope for?” Allen asked, curious.

“It’s a school enrollment letter!” Airi chimed in, excitement in her voice.

Veltrys nodded. “Yes, this is for your admission to Saintsbury Academy allen.”

Allen’s expression turned serious. “I don’t want to go to school.”

But Veltrys wouldn’t hear it. “It’s final and You *will* go to school, and that’s that.”

Allen glanced at Airi, ready to argue further, but he noticed the faint blush on her cheeks. He sighed. “Okay, I’ll go... When do classes start?”

“in two days.”

“in two days?” Allen exclaimed. “That’s way too soon!”

Veltrys chuckled. “It’s getting late. I’ll escort you back home, Airi.”

“Thanks, Uncle,” Airi said while holding in laughter,

That night, Allen lay on his bed, his arm draped over his face as he stared up at the ceiling. *there is only one reason I dont want to go to the acedemy because this like I want to lay low have a slow life and enjoy it to the fullest, but now that life is gonna be harder to get, or my be I can acquire knowledge about where I am,

ill see for my self,

The first light of dawn crept through the window. Allen lifted his arm, watching the morning mist drift in. *It’s morning already. I need to get ready for practice.*

Just as he thought that, the door swung open. Veltrys stood there, his eyes alight with enthusiasm. “Are you ready for practice?”

Allen’s voice was laced with exhaustion. “Barely.”

In the garden, Veltrys tossed a wooden sword to him. “This will be your last practice with me. After today, you’ll be off to school. So, give it everything you’ve got.”

They took their stances, and Allen charged forward, meeting Veltrys blow for blow. Their wooden swords clashed in a swift exchange, but Allen was quick using magic, he flashed behind Veltrys, landing a decisive strike.

Veltrys stepped back, raising a hand. “You did it. You win.”

Allen dropped to the grass, sighing in relief. Veltrys ruffled his hair. “You used your moms magic. Good job.”

From the porch, Sophie waved Allen over, calling him back to their house. Allen glanced at Veltrys, who remained standing near the gate.

“Aren’t you coming with me?” Allen asked.

Veltrys shook his head. “No, I’ve got some work to take care of. You go on ahead.”

With a nod, Allen headed toward the house, catching up with his mother. “Did you need something?”

Sophie smiled warmly. “Yes, I was thinking of testing your magic one last time.”

Allen’s eyes lit up with curiosity. “Sure, why not?”

In the attic, tucked away beneath dust-covered relics, rested an old magic staff. At its top, a blue crystal glimmered beneath a golden casing, faintly catching the dim light.

Sophie retrieved the staff and handed it to him. “Go on, try channeling your magic into it.”

Holding the staff, Allen focused, imagining a stream of purple mist flowing from his arm into the crystal. Slowly, a vibrant, dazzling purple glow spread through the staff, illuminating the room.

Sophie’s eyes softened as she grasped the glowing staff. “That’s my boy,” she said with pride. “You’re a gifted magician. But don’t let it go to your head,” she added with a teasing grin.

Allen sighed, exasperated. “Alright, enough of that. I’m going to bed.”

“But your breakfast is waiting for you,” Sophie replied with a knowing smile.

Allen’s expression shifted, his face turning a bit shy. “Where is it?”

“Oh, it’s somewhere,” Sophie teased. “I’m sure you’ll find it.”

Allen rolled his eyes and started climbing down the ladder. “I’ll find it, don’t worry.”

As he descended, Sophie whispered, “Look how much you’ve grown, yet you still act like a child.”

From below, Allen called up, “I heard that!”

She laughed softly. “Maybe I should’ve said it louder, then.”

Allen scratched his head, smiling as he mumbled, “That doesn’t even make sense how saying it loude" never mind I'm gonna go get my food…”

Sophie watched him go, the staff still glowing faintly in her hand