The house fell into silence after my announcement.
I waited—for a retort, a strong refusal, maybe even outrage. Or, perhaps, for the opposite: unwavering support, encouragement, and hope for the future of the boy they believed was their son.
But after what felt like an eternity, they remained still.
Mother crossed her arms, eyes unreadable, while my father rested his chin on his clasped hands, deep in thought.
Beside me, my little sister stared at the floor, gently fiddling with her twin-tails, She wasn't saying anything, but I could tell—she was trying to hold back her nerves, trying to process the idea of her big brother leaving. Looking at their faces, I knew one thing for certain:
I'd have to convince them. Reassure them.
Even if it meant lying a little. Even if it meant hiding the real reason I had to go.
"Are you sure? You know it's dangerous," my father finally broke the silence.
"I know, but I still want to go."
"You could die."
"We can die any day," I met his eyes. "At least this time, I know the risk I'm taking."
The silence returned, heavy and thick, wrapping itself around us once more. I could see the doubt in his gaze, the fear, the conflict. I waited for his next words.
"You're not even experienced. You've never even held a blade before."
That was true—for their real son. But not for me. Still, I needed to convince them. That's where the information from the book "My Experience as an Adventurer" came in handy.
"After the war against the demonkind," I said, "the Adventurer's Guild implemented training sessions for beginners."
"What? I've never heard of that," my father replied, narrowing his eyes. "I thought you could just become an adventurer by signing up."
"You're right. You can just register. You're confusing it with entrance exams, Dad, It's not mandatory to pass a trial. But most guilds offer training sessions for newcomers now. I plan to take part in those."
Of course, that was a lie. Attending to those training would be a waste of time for me.
Unless those "training sessions" involved stepping into a zone overflowing with dense mana… then sure, maybe, if they offer a way to develop Mana Sensing quickly. Only in that case, I'd be volunteering.
"Why do you want to be an adventurer? You could live a peaceful life here on the farm," my mother said this time.
That... was actually a pretty good question.
In my previous life, I knew all too well the weight of responsibility that came with being an adventurer—worse, a hero. Peace and tranquility were things I used to dream of, long ago, after defeating the Demon King.
But now… all I want is to close the book of my story.
Not finding any good reason right away, I simply said what was true—why I became an adventurer in my previous life.
"I could, yes. Live a peaceful life here. Grow old. Start a family. Have a wife… kids."
That was true. That's what I had hoped for this boy. But now… this is about me. About the reason I was given a second chance. So I continued.
"But… I crave adventure. The thrill of saving people. The rush of my blood boiling as I face a worthy foe. I want to be someone who can change the world— even if it's just a small shift in the grand scheme of things."
My parents looked at me, speechless.
Did I pour too much into it?
Was it maybe too different from the boy they used to know?
Or… had I finally convinced them?
"You really want to be an adventurer, huh?" my father said at last.
"Yes. Like I said—I want to, and I won't change my mind." I replied firmly.
Another long silence stretched between us, only broken by their sighs.
"I guess that's really it, then…" my father muttered.
"My boy has finally made his decision," my mother whispered with a bittersweet smile, though I could hear her voice tremble just a little.
I looked down and took a deep breath.
"I know it's difficult to understand but… it's a dream of mine."
"No… No, we understand," my father said, his voice calm, almost resigned.
"Youngsters like you prefer to explore the world. Not live their whole lives in a dull, quiet village like this one..."
That would've been true—for the old me. Or maybe for the boy whose life I've taken.
If only it was that noble.
But my reason… became far less glorious.
It's not to chase a dream.
It's to get revenge.
"But I don't want you to leave," a soft, fragile voice broke the conversation.
I turned my head and saw the little bubble of light at the table, her hands trembling and her eyes beginning to mist. Mariella.
She kept her gaze down, playing with her fingers. "I don't want you to go, big brother."
Aah… I should've seen this coming.
She's still a child. Hearing that someone she loves is leaving—especially someone she looks up to—it must be terrifying. Worrying. Painful.
And at her age, being selfish isn't wrong. It's just… innocent.
But so what I do too... I am being selfish too.
"Mariella… I'm sorry. But big brother wants to explore the world."
"But I want big brother to stay here… I don't want you to go."
"I know."
"Don't you like your life here?"
"I do. I really do. But I also know that if I don't at least try—if I don't go—I'll regret it for the rest of my life. I'll always wonder what if."
She looked down again, fidgeting with her fingers like she always did when nervous, trying to understand something too big for her little heart.
"Would you be sad?"
"Yes. Surely."
"I don't want you to be sad."
"That's because you're a kind girl."
"But… I don't want to never see you again."
I smiled at her words—at that innocent fear. So pure. So human.
She was still untouched by the cruelty of the world. Still living in a peaceful bubble, where family means safety, where goodbyes aren't permanent. That innocence… it reminded me of a time long gone. A time before blood and steel, before betrayal and war. Before I carried the title of "hero."
This… this is what being a hero was about.
Not slaying demons.
But protecting the fragile beauty of this innocence.
And so, I decided to pat her head, trying to comfort her.
"It's not like I'll be gone forever. I can always come back and tell you stories. And who knows? Maybe I'll bring you some souvenirs from my adventures."
I said with a soft smile, gently rubbing her head.
"Really?"
"Yes. I'll never leave you forever."
She smiled at my words, her sadness easing.
"You promise?"
"Yes. I promise."
My father and mother smiled as I reassured my little sister.
"That settles it then," they said.
"We won't stop you from becoming an adventurer," my father added.
"Yes… We truly support you and your dream," my mother said warmly.
"I'm sure you'll be the best big brother!" Mariella chimed in.
I couldn't help but smile with relief. I never really knew how to talk to parents. After all, my childhood memories were mostly spent inside the orphanage. I never had parents—only a few masters who cared and teached me.
And even then, some of them died in battle, sacrificing themselves for the greater good.
"Are you alright, Teiko?" my mother asked. I hadn't even noticed I was wearing a sad expression, so I quickly came up with an excuse.
"Yeah, it's just… realizing that in a few days, I'll be gone."
"A few days?!" They all exploded in shock.
"Wait! I thought you'd wait a few weeks, or at least a month before leaving! Not just a few days!"
"That's way too soon!" My mother cradled my cheeks, eyes wide. "Reconsider! You're not giving me enough time to prepare!"
"I thought you said you supported me," I managed to say as she pressed my cheeks with both hands.
"I do, but I never expected you to leave so—soooon!"
"Please, big brother, stay longer!" My little sister clung to me, her misty eyes locked on mine.
I grunted as they both held on like I was leaving tomorrow. Their whimpers and tears embarrassed me a little, but I gave in.
"Okay, okay! I said a few days, but… how about two weeks? Is that okay?"
"Three," my mother said firmly.
"Fine… three weeks, but not a day more. Then I'll leave on my adventure, alright?"
They both cheered as my father laughed. I couldn't help but let out a small sigh—part embarrassment, and maybe part of joy.
The feelings of a family too scared to let you go are warm but also scary. Knowing I would make them a little sad filled me with some guilt. Maybe that's why so many people don't decide to become adventurers, despite longing for it.
I find it both sad and honorable. Giving up your dream is easy, but not regretting it? Wondering about the "what if"? That's the real challenge.
But let's focus on the present, the dinner ended in a calm and loving atmosphere. Maybe because of my decision, we stayed up late that night, talking about what I would do and reminiscing about the past.
Of course, it meant learning stories I never knew—about this body I now have, and the person whose body I borrowed.
After a long talk, we parted ways to our rooms. My sister lay on the other bed, looking deeply at me as I wished her goodnight, then finally I rested.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The day after, I decided to pay a visit to Thomen to discuss my starting gear. Greeting him, he led me back inside his shop.
"So, your parents said yes? That's reassuring. Now I know I can help you without feeling guilty about going against their wishes."
"Yes, it is. And speaking of which, since I'll be gone in three weeks, I was wondering if you could introduce me to forging."
To be honest, I already knew basic forging — like repairing armor or weapons and sharpening blades. Those skills were necessary in battle; you couldn't always count on returning to base to have a blacksmith fix your gear.
Still, I thought it would be better to play the part. It would be tiring to come up with excuses for why I already knew those basics. I preferred to let him think I was just naturally talented.
"Oh sure! But in three weeks? It's gonna be tough!"
"No problem! Just the basics, or a few little tricks, you know?"
"Alright, alright! Come on, let me teach you."
I nodded gently and stepped beside him as we began going through the basics.
And thus, start my daily life before my departure. Going trough the farm helping with chores and then "learning" forge next to Thomen.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the blink of an eye, two weeks had already passed.
The forge blazed hot as our hammers struck the anvil in rhythm. I wiped the sweat from my brow and took a moment to rest while Thomen focused on finishing the final part of the piece.
"Phew, that's the last line," he said, setting his hammer down. "You did well, you know? Never had someone pick up forging this quickly."
"Thank you. But who knows? Maybe it's because I had the perfect teacher?"
"Ahah! You flatter me! But hey—maybe I am!"
I smile as I look at the various piece of copper that I have in hand. The shape that I made with them to assemble in final structure.
"Since the beginning you worked on that... thing. But no matter how I look at it I don't recognize the shape"
"Well, it's because I haven't assemble it yet."
"Assemble it ? You meant you were only build part of it ?"
"Yes I do. It is a gift."
"A gift ? For whom"
I simply smile at him and put a finger on my lips in a shush
"That's a secret but... It is an apologizing gift."
"Apologies huh ? I see..."
He smile
"Anyway that ain't my business so... Do whatever you want ? But are you sure that gift will please them ?"
"Surely... I hope."
I said, and Thomen tilted his head slightly in encouragement. I glanced down at the piece of copper in my hands, hoping it will suffice as an apology.
Whatever. I stood up and went back to helping Thomen. Today, we were finishing the sword. Since the start of my "apprenticeship," we had both been working on it together.
We were finally at the last steps. Just a few more hours, and it would be complete.
And then, it was.
The forge had grown quiet, save for the faint crackle of the dying embers. Thomen and I stood side by side, drenched in sweat from the heat and the effort. He reached for the blade, inspected it for a second, and gave it a few testing swings.
Then, he handed it to me.
The moment I wrapped my fingers around the hilt, a flood of memories and nostalgia surged through me. It had only been a few weeks since I came back, yes—but for a swordsman, it felt like a lifetime. I wrestled with the overwhelming urge to test it properly, to move like I used to… but knowing Thomen was watching, I forced myself to swing it awkwardly, like a complete beginner.
The blade was heavy, but not unbalanced—surprisingly well-crafted, especially considering it came from a humble village forge. For a blacksmith like Thomen, it was solid work. Of course, it was nowhere near the Hero's Blade I once wielded, but… that wouldn't be a fair comparison.
Ordinary, but not bad. The customer should be happy.
"It is… good."
"Yup. The best I can do," Thomen said with a proud grin. "But I think for a beginner, it'll be great."
"Yes… I guess the client would be pleased."
"Well, you tell me!"
I blinked, surprised, looking at him with widened eyes.
"Wait… You mean—?"
"Of course it's yours," he said, putting his hand on my shoulder and admiring his work. "The best I could make. A goodbye gift. Though don't hesitate to toss it when you find a better one. No hard feelings."
I looked down at the sword, smiling. So that was the reason he insisted on forging it with me—not just to teach me the basics, but to make something together. A keepsake. A memory forged in steel and sweat. Every time I'd hold it, I'd remember these quiet, honest days we spent side by side.
"Thank you, Thomen. It's… a wonderful gift."
"Aww, now you're gonna make me blush!" he laughed. "But really—I'm glad you like it. And hey, it's not all."
"…What do you mean?"
I asked as I watched him leave the room, and followed behind. Then, I saw him lay some gear out on the table—a set of leather armor, a travel bag, and several pouches meant for potions or other consumables.
"Thomen… this is…" I looked at him, nearly moved by his kindness. "I don't even know how to thank you…"
"Well, you can try it on," he said with a grin. "I've been dying to see how it looks on you."
Smiling, I nodded and quickly started putting on the gear. Once everything was in place, I looked at myself—arms, legs, chest. It felt light. And as I stretched and moved around, I could tell it didn't restrict my movements. He'd placed iron reinforcements in all the right spots—shoulders that still allowed full arm mobility, and forearms protected by solid gauntlets.
He'd even added a hood. Thoughtful—for stealth. The whole set was dark, mostly black, with only the iron parts breaking the color scheme. But I couldn't blame him—a full recolor would've been expensive and time-consuming.
Still… I felt good. Comfortable. I had almost forgotten how secure a proper set of armor could make you feel.
Looking at Thomen, I chuckled with delight.
"Thomen… this is amazing. It's light, protective, and even works for stealth. To think this is a gift… I swear I'll repay you for this someday."
"There's no need," he replied with a wave of his hand. "It's a gift."
"No, I insist. I also plan to send some money back to the village anyway. So don't feel bad about accepting it."
Thomen looked genuinely touched. He smiled softly and turned his back, maybe to hide the emotion building up in his eyes.
I chuckled and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Thank you, Thomen. For everything. I hope you'll be there when I leave."
He turned back to me with a soft, warm smile.
"Of course I will."
Then he pulled me into a hug. Surprised, I smiled and returned it, wrapping my arms around him.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I stood still… taking a deep breath.
In front of me stood the entrance to the library.
I looked down at the wrapped box in my hands—steadying myself. Another deep breath. Long. Focused.
Then, I stepped inside.
Wandering between the shelves, it didn't take long to find the person I was looking for.
As I approached her, a wave of guilt surged in my chest. Maybe it was mine… or maybe it's feeling who belonged to the former owner of this body. Either way, I felt anxious—nervous—as I made my way toward the brunette standing near the window.
"Hey."
"Oh. Teiko?" she said, surprised. "What are you doing here? And why are you dressed like that?"
Sophia—the librarian. The childhood friend. Look up and down at me, assesing my new outfit but doesn't put much tought into it. Her voice was calm, but I could hear something beneath it. A tinge of resentment.
"Well… I wanted to see you," I replied, hesitant.
"Oh? Really?"
She raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms as she gently set her book down.
"Yes... And I wanted to give you this"
I gently set the gift on the table between us.
Sophia raised an eyebrow, her arms still crossed.
"A gift ? You think that's gonna make up for it ?"
"No. But adding it with a sincere apology." I met her eyes. "I think so yeah."
She stared at me for a moment, caught off guard. Then a sly smile tugged at the corner of her lips.
"Oh? Then tell me, oh great Teiko, what do you have to say in your defense?"
"Well…"
I began as I rested my hand on the gift box. I needed to be as sincere as possible. The truth was—I didn't fully understand what the previous Teiko felt, but I could feel the weight of his emotions. His regrets. His mistakes. And now they were mine to carry.
"First of all… I'm sorry."
She tilted her head slightly, arms still crossed."That's a start."
"Of course. But… really, I made a mistake. And I know I hurt you. For that… I truly apologize. Deeply."
She nodded—reluctantly, maybe—but at least it wasn't rejection. I took a breath and tried to imagine… what would he have said? The Teiko who grew up here. The one who used to smile next to her. The one who probably didn't mean to disappear because of a forgotten legend.
"Listen," I began, cautiously. "You're someone I care about. Deeply. And I feel incredibly dumb for what I said… it came out of nowhere, and I know it must've hurt."
"It did," she said simply. No bitterness, just honesty.
"I know…" I lowered my gaze for a second, then looked her in the eyes. "But I also know that I don't want to leave this village on bad terms with you. Not like this. It's been two weeks since we last spoke and… I've regretted it every day."
I finished speaking, and she looked at me—her expression still guarded, but something in her eyes had softened.
"You have a good way with words…" she said quietly.
"Yeah, but…" I scratched the back of my head, a little nervous. "I didn't want to come with just empty promises, so… I brought you this."
I held out the small wrapped box, encouraging her with a nod. She hesitated for a second, then opened it. As the wrapping fell away, her cautious expression melted into surprise, then awe. Gently, she lifted the gift—a delicate copper flower, its petals shaped with care and craftsmanship.
She stared at it, mesmerized.
"Teiko… it's beautiful. And this flower… it's…"
"I wasn't sure which one was your favorite, but I tried to make it look like a—"
"Lily," she finished, her voice soft.
"Yeah!" I smiled, relieved.
She chuckled, still admiring the piece, her fingers brushing lightly across the cool, shaped metal.
"My favorite," she murmured again.
"Oh really?" I raised an eyebrow. "Well, I guess I have good instincts after all."
"Bet you do," she said with a smirk.
Then, without warning, she stepped forward and planted a gentle kiss on my cheek. I blinked, surprised.
"Thank you, Teiko… It's lovely."
I couldn't help but smile at her tender gesture, a soft flutter stirring in my chest. Whatever this was… I understood one thing clearly now: that girl had truly loved the boy who once owned this body.
And that… that made it worse somehow.
The guilt gnawed at me again. Every time I met someone who cared about him, who smiled at me like I hadn't just replaced someone they loved... it clawed at my heart. I didn't deserve their warmth. I hadn't earned it.
After giving her the gift, we chatted a little longer before I made my way back home. But that unpleasant, lingering weight refused to leave me. Even as I stood at the top of the hill, admiring the sunset that bathed the world in gold, it clung to me like a shadow.
Eventually, I returned home.
Like every night, I joined my family for dinner. I showed them my new gear and the sword Thomen and I had forged together. Their eyes sparkled with pride and excitement. We talked, laughed, shared stories.
But even surrounded by love, something in me stayed distant. Bitter.
Later, in my room, I stripped out of the armor, exchanging it for something simpler and more comfortable. I lay down in bed, but sleep didn't come easily. My thoughts raced.
Restless, I sat up, gazing out the window into the quiet night. The stars blinked above the sleeping village, silent witnesses to my turmoil. I took a long breath and slowly let it out, trying to find peace in the stillness.
Eventually, I lay back down. Eyes heavy. Mind spinning.
And at last… the land of dreams welcomed me into its quiet warmth.
Or... So I tought.
"Do thee feel troubled, dear hero?"
The voice echoed from the shadows—calm, deep, and unmistakable.
"I didn't think we would speak again so soon," I muttered, opening my eyes to find myself once more in that vast, empty void. Death stood before me, his hollow gaze fixed upon mine.
"I can feel thee, oh noble hero. The guilt that clings to thy soul like a shadow that never fades."
I sighed, looking away.
"So… that's why you brought me here?"
"Indeed. I wondered—dost thou regret thy decision?"
I couldn't answer. My lips tightened, my eyes lowered. I couldn't bring myself to meet his gaze.
"Thou feel guilt… for what thou hast done."
"How could I not?" I finally whispered. "Seeing the people who loved that boy… who still love him… I feel like an imposter. Like I stole something sacred."
Death was silent for a moment, then slowly raised his skeletal arms.
"Yet this was thy choice. A pact made in blood and soul. It cannot be undone."
His words settled heavily on my chest.
"But," he added, voice firmer now, "thou must not forget the terms of our pact."
He spread his arms wide, as if to summon the weight of divine judgment.
"The gates of the Pantheon remain closed. Thy revenge must be fulfilled. Only then shall the boy reclaim his body."
That reminder brought a strange comfort. I lifted my head.
"Yes… that's right."
Death nodded slowly.
"Oh hero, be wary. Let not thy sorrow lead to reckless folly. Remember—this body thou inhabit... it holds not one soul, but two."
I blinked, stunned. My breath caught.
"W-what do you mean? Two?"
He pointed his bony finger at me.
"Thy soul—the fallen hero. And the soul of the boy—the young farmer whose life thou hast borrowed. He is not gone. Merely… asleep."
My hands trembled as I looked down at them. The weight of that truth crushed into me like a falling mountain.
"You mean… he's still in here?"
Death gave a slow nod.
"But fear not. So long as thou livest, both souls remain unharmed. But tread carefully, hero. For this vessel is shared. If thou fall… ONE shall be lost."
The shadows began to stir, pulling him away.
"Our time ends here. Be strong, oh hero Teiko. Stay thy course. And may the gods… bless thee."
With that, Death vanished, swallowed once again by the void—leaving me alone in silence.
And then I wake up.
The sun was already up as I gaze at the landscape behind the window. I took a moment to gaze at it, silently absorbing the stillness of the morning. Then, with a quiet sigh, I stood up and made my way to the bathroom. Splashing cold water on my face, I took a deep breath. The chill helped clear my thoughts.
Returning to my room, I slowly put my armor back on. Each strap, each buckle felt heavier than usual — not because of the weight, but because of what they meant.
It was the day.
Descending to the first floor, I found my mother at the table, finishing preparations for the meal. There was a faint sadness in her eyes, though she tried to hide it with a soft smile.
Yes… it was finally the day. The day to part ways.
My father was already seated, eating in silence. My sister, too, sat across from him, unusually quiet.
"Morning," I said, my voice calm.
"Mornin'," my father answered without raising his eyes.
"Good morning, sweetheart," my mother replied gently.
"Hello, big bro," my sister added in a whisper.
I sat down without another word. The food had little taste. Or maybe it was just me. The atmosphere was heavy — not hostile, not sorrowful either, but restrained. As if everyone was holding back emotions too strong to name.
And yet… it was comforting in its own way. There were no questions. No pleas to stay longer. Just quiet support, and the unspoken weight of their love.
After finishing, I stood up. The silence cracked beneath my voice.
"It's time."
They all paused. I saw it — that moment where they all stopped breathing for just a second. Then, slowly, they nodded.
I gripped the handle of my sword, my palm steady. We stepped outside, and there they were — waiting.
Sophia and Thomen stood side by side, their expressions calm but heavy with emotion. Thomen, arms crossed, gave me a small nod, while Sophia offered a soft smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
They watched me as I stepped out of the house, my family close behind. The morning air was crisp, the sky painted in hues of orange and gold. A gentle wind rustled the grass beneath our feet, as if the world itself was whispering its farewell.
Without a word, they turned their gaze to the horizon — to the road that stretched far beyond the village, winding into the unknown.
A road that promised hardship, pain, and revelation.
A road that called to me.
I followed their gaze and took a step forward.
Toward my journey.
Toward the vengeance that burned in my heart.
Toward the future I had chosen.
"Teiko."
I turned around and faced them. It was time.
The goodbye.
First, I stepped toward Thomen. I extended a hand — firm, polite, and deeply thankful.
"Thank you for everything, Thomen. Truly."
He looked at my hand for a second before taking it with a strong grip. There was warmth in his rough palm, the kind that stays even after the touch fades.
"No need for that, boy," he said with a half-smile. "You just take care of yourself out there. That's all the thanks I need."
I hugged him, then turned to face my family.
"Mom, Dad... it's time for me to go."
"Yes... good luck, son."
My father said, holding back tears. His voice trembled slightly, and though he tried to stay composed, I could see the emotion in his eyes.
My mother, however, didn't even try to hide her feelings. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she pulled me into a tight hug.
"Oh, my baby boy... Mama will always be here for you, okay? Come back whenever you want! Please be careful, alright?"
I nodded as she gently slipped some extra supplies into my bag, her hands shaking.
Then I turned to Mariella, my little sister. I knelt down in front of her and placed a hand on her shoulder, looking into her tear-filled red eyes.
"Don't cry, Mariella. This is just goodbye, not forever."
"You promise you'll come back?"
"Yes, I promise."
"You'll never forget me?"
"I never could."
"And... and you better tell me your story! And have legendary adventures like the ones you used to read to me!"
I smiled softly.
"Of course."
I said, as I pulled her into a deep, heartfelt hug. And then, last but not least…
"Sophia..."
I stood in front of her. She wore the copper lily in her hair like a delicate hairpin, its soft gleam catching the morning light.
"You should've told me sooner that you were leaving..."
She said, her voice tinged with regret.
"I wouldn't have given you the cold shoulder..."
"You would've been even harsher."
"True."
We both chuckled lightly, the tension between us fading into something softer. She stepped closer, fussing a little as she adjusted a strap on my armor.
"Be careful out there, okay?"
"Of course."
She leaned in, and gently kissed me on the cheek. Half part of my heart skipped a beat.
That boy — the one whose life I now carried — really was lucky.
I smiled, then stepped back and looked at them all: my family, my teacher, my friend... and her.
I took a deep breath.
"Then... I'll go now. Goodbye."
I waved my hand before adjusting my bag and turning away. Taking a deep breath, I walked toward the horizon. Behind me, I heard my family, Thomen, and Sophia bidding me farewell — their voices fading, growing weaker with each step, until nothing but silence remained.
As I walked, that sudden quietness stirred thoughts of my conversation with Death the night before.
The guilt still lingered. The choice I made in selfish desperation. The hatred that led me to accept that deal. The despair of having everything I once held dear torn away from me...
It's almost consuming — in a way that I've never known before. It's terrifying how deeply rage and sorrow can root themselves in a heart.
Those days when I saved people as a hero... the days I fought for glory and honor... the values I once stood for. All of that — it belongs to the past.
But I must not forget them. The virtues that once defined me — they will now serve as the foundation for who I will become.
A new vow, forged not in pride but in pain and mistake.
Seek vengeance, but shield the innocent.
Reach out when darkness looms.
Let kindness guide you, but never be weak.
Rise against cruelty without fear.
Shield those you love with all your might.
Remember your honor, but walk humbly.
Sharpen your blade, sharpen your soul.
And don't forget to rest, after training your best
Yes... this is my new creed. The oath of a man reborn from the ashes of a fallen hero.
This is the new Teiko.