The evening sky draped the village of Lysium in a golden hue. The setting sun painted the clouds in warm shades of orange and red, casting a soft glow through the large window of the Nara family's manor. The warm light washed over the spacious dining room, built with natural stone walls and sturdy wooden furniture. The scent of hot soup, roasted bread, and simmering meat filled the air, wrapping the room in a calm, inviting atmosphere.
At the head of the long table sat their father—a middle-aged man with a firm face, sharp eyes that softened when addressing his family. His broad shoulders and neatly trimmed beard gave him an air of authority, fitting for the village's respected landowner. Beside him sat their mother, a beautiful woman with a gentle expression. Her long brown hair flowed softly over her shoulders, and her warm eyes and serene smile seemed to bring peace to the entire room.
On the left side sat Ayame, the eldest sibling at fifteen. Her posture was upright, exuding a sense of determination. Her dark-brown hair was tied in a high ponytail, matching her image as a young fighter. Her clear gaze often betrayed her occasional shyness when speaking too honestly.
Beside Akira sat Rena, the second sibling, aged fourteen. Her beautiful face remained mostly turned toward Akira, as if making sure her little brother wouldn't disappear. Her long black hair flowed down to her hips, and her slender body leaned slightly toward him, showing her overprotectiveness.
Akira, thirteen, sat calmly yet observantly. He wore simple clothing, no flashy accessories or visible weapons. His black hair was neatly combed, and while his handsome face didn't stand out much, he appeared as a typical noble's child. His eyes were slightly sleepy, yet sharp—like a samurai waiting for the right moment to draw his sword.
"So, Ayame," their father's deep voice broke the dinner silence, "you'll be entering Solian Academy soon. Are you ready?"
Ayame put down her spoon and nodded confidently. "Of course, Father. I've been training every day for this."
He nodded with pride, then turned to the other two. "Rena, it'll be your turn next year. And Akira, you'll follow the year after. All students spend four years in the academy before graduating. I expect all three of you to uphold the Nara name."
Rena immediately pouted. "I... don't want to go to the academy."
Father frowned slightly. "Why not?"
"If I go there, I'll be far from Akira." Her words came out fast, emotional, making the room fall awkwardly silent.
Ayame sighed. "Ugh, chronic brocon..."
"Shut up, Ayame!" Rena glared at her older sister, who chuckled softly.
Akira glanced at Rena, his voice calm and expression neutral. "Relax. When you're in your second year, I'll be joining as a first-year. We'll see each other again."
"A year is too long…" Rena muttered, turning away to hide her blushing cheeks.
Their mother smiled warmly and placed a hand on Rena's shoulder. "You can write letters to each other, dear. And you'll always have holidays. Don't worry."
Her gentle tone brought calm to the whole room. Even Akira glanced at her with quiet admiration. In his previous life as Takazaki Eiji, he had never experienced this kind of affection.
After dinner, their father straightened his posture, voice turning more serious. "There's something else. Recently, the guards spotted monsters getting close to the fields. Possibly goblins."
Ayame frowned. "That close already?"
"Yes. So please, don't wander too far from the mansion. Especially not into the deep forest."
Rena grew visibly anxious. "Goblins?! They could enter the village?!"
Father nodded. "We're not sure yet, but we need to be cautious."
While the others looked concerned, Akira remained silent. But his mind was already racing:
Goblins? In games, they're weak creatures. But this isn't a game.
The power system in this world is a mess. Even weak monsters could pose real threats depending on the tier.
This… might be a good opportunity.
He turned his eyes toward the window, watching the treetops darken as night fell. Memories of his secret training played through his mind—training he'd done since he was five. There wasn't a single day he didn't spend testing his limits, refining his skills, understanding his new body.
It's been eight years since I started training silently. From age five to now, I've never let a day pass without revisiting every piece of knowledge I had.
I've adjusted my powers day by day, memorized every skill again, and learned to control the shadow aura fused with me after defeating Erebos. This small body... is finally strong enough to test something real.
Rena leaned closer, watching his quiet face. "Akira, aren't you scared?"
Akira gave a faint smile. "That depends. Fear is all about perspective."
Rena huffed, then hugged his arm tightly. "I'll protect you."
"I'll protect myself," Akira whispered so softly it was almost inaudible, before turning his eyes back to the window.
If monsters really are entering the settlement... then maybe, just maybe, the fun is about to begin.
Outside, night descended. A cool breeze swept through the garden, and the distant sounds of forest insects echoed faintly.
Akira stood quietly, excused himself, and stepped out into the yard.
As his feet touched the dew-covered grass, he paused to look up at the stars. Then, slowly, he walked toward the back hill—his usual quiet place.
And as he moved through the darkness, a faint aura of shadow began to shimmer around his body. A swirling mist of dark violet energy coiled around him like smoke, blending with the night.
No one saw him that evening. No one knew...
That the legend had returned.
"Let's see… how much this world has changed. And whether you truly died, Erebos…"