Part 1

  “Such a simple guy you really are, Seiji. I am Celestia! I’m surprised you didn’t bombard me with questions… unlike the others.”

  “I’ll assume you’re some Goddess since you’re able to transfer souls and even know of my past life.”

  “I guess that much is clear for you.”

  “It’s common trope for isekai genres, I’ve watched too much of it. Well? You went out of your way to appear in front of me, there must be something you want to tell me right?”

  “….Ahem.” She clasps both her hands on her chest, “What’s your name oh young hero?”

  “Cut the crap, you know it already…”

  “Ara~, I was just lighting up the mood.”

  “A cliché plot makes it cringe.”

  “Really? I thought people like you want to be called a hero.” She chuckles before her expression transitions into somewhat serious. “Seiji, please… will you destroy the “peace” in this world?”

  That caught me off guard, what kind of Goddess wants her world to be destroyed? Is she an enemy of humanity then?

  “…W-why? I thought you want me to save this world, your creation.”

  “Well, this world was created by me, but I’m not the one ruling over it. This world used to be a wasteland full of curses and corruption, until I used part of my life force to bring and maintain life here, but without my throne I won’t be able to continue maintaining the energy in this world, by 300 years everything here will revert to the once uninhabitable land… if that happens, everything that exists here will suffer the curses and corruption for eternity.

  “But to destroy peace, I don’t get the point.”

  She lowers her head, looking at the reflection on the floor. “To accomplish my goal, you will have to destroy the peace in this world.”

  “Goal?”

  “Revered as a savior, praised as the symbol of peace, a God of Light and Hope, he must be killed.”

  Woah, that’s a tall order…

  “Well…” I glance away, unable to think of a reply.

  “Once again, I ask of you… will you destroy the peace in this world?”

  “…From what I can tell, my classmates are here right?”

  “Correct, although some of you are scattered in different continents.”

  And by “others”, she probably meant them. Which means there are other heroes, not just me.

  “I see… then I don’t have to do it.”

  “What?” She was taken aback by my words, unsure how to react.

  “I’m saying I don’t want to, it sounds like a big work with my life on the line, I have no intention of saving nor destroying another world.”

  “I see… then is that your final decision?”

  I feel like I’ll regret it if I leave things as it is… but I’m merely just some guy, to destroy the world is an ambition of the same level as saving it. I’ll be fighting off the hero, both our lives on the line if that’s the case, I’d rather just become an adventurer and enjoy this life while I get the chance.

  “Yes…”

  “Is that so… It’s a shame, thank you for your time Seiji, I hope we’ll meet again.”

  “Probably after my death, yeah.”

  Just like every other human, it pains me to reject a cry for help from a maiden in distress, but thinking objectively, it’s the Hero’s responsibility to preserve life while the Demons– destroy. Besides, it’s 300 years from now, I’ll be dead before it could happen, the one who’ll deal with that problem are the people in the future, not me. It may be selfish, but I’m not responsible for other people’s lives. Sorry about this Goddess, but I’m not so delusional as to think that fantasy stories from animes can be applied in any reality.

  With that thought, I woke up on my bed laying beside Reiya. The birds’ songs can be heard outside the window the sun has already risen, the day is young and I woke up early. With nothing to do, I stare at Reiya’s sleeping face deciding whether I should wake her up or let her sleep further.

  Well it is also not my job to wake her up, and she did went through a lot yesterday… I’ll let her sleep further.

  I crawl my way down the bed and up the desk to grab the magic book before sneaking out of the room and into the same empty guest room where I tested my magic.

  Hmm, so if I deplete my mana, those symptoms could occur, it’s troublesome since it feels like shit but if I want to be stronger, I gotta do what I can, besides, this is magic we’re talking about, who wouldn’t wanna learn magic? Now then, to test my theory whether my mana increases or not.

  With the same position as I did before, I created another wind magic on my palm. Just as I predicted, it lasted a little longer than the last time before I started feeling nausea and feel like vomiting, but with a newfound achievement, I felt a burst of joy while on the verge of vomiting.

  So it is true! I just need to keep… this… up–.

  The magic disappears and I fell down on the ground, passed out from mana loss. Once again, my taste buds will go through hell and will be violated by the bitter taste of the medicine, and to do this for who knows how long, I’ll just have to brace myself for this self-torture.

  Part 2

  The chattering noises filling the air, songs from bards on the side streets, and even the scent of roasted meat from the vendors, the town welcomes my first visitation in open arms! As Reiya walks on the street holding my hand and a list, my head keeps turning to every corner I see.

  As expected of a fantasy town, everything really has those medieval vibes! There’re even those people with swords and light armor, are they adventurers? Mercenaries perhaps?

  “Eurus street, it should be… ah here we are!”

  I look at the hanging sign by the doorframe, of course there are words that I barely understand, I already know what this place is from the moment I saw that cross symbol. We entered the building and as I’ve guessed, it was a clinic. Reiya went to the counter and spoke with the nurse, meanwhile I look around the area, there are a couple of people sitting on the bench waiting for their turn, a few potions in display on top of the shelves, and some paintings of weird leaves hanged on the walls.

  “Ophir.” Reiya calls for me, I went to her who’s by the doorframe of another room before entering.

  Inside, we were told to sit down on the chairs in front of this person in a black robe who’s probably the doctor.

  “Alright, let’s begin this check-up shall we? May I know what’s wrong with the child?” The doctor asked.

  “Ophir seems to be puking up and passing out a lot this past couple of days, I worry something’s wrong with him at his age, could he have gotten a disease?!” Reiya responds, looking worried sick.

  “Anything he ate recently? Or perhaps something new to the environment that involves magic?”

  “No, so far I only fed him baby cereals and milk, and we live in a village east from here, I know toddlers are sensitive to mana, that’s why I made sure not to use magic that requires dense mana.”

  Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

  “From what I could tell, the symptoms are similar to Mana Exhaustion. But I find it hard for a child at that age to be using magic, how old is he?”

  “Two years old, he does have a habit of reading a magic manual we have at home, but for this child to understand the concept of magic should be impossible… right?” Reiya turns to me, considering the possibility.

  Woah, she has that ‘Could you be practicing magic at this age?!’ look on her face. It’s hard to tell if she’s worried or excited…

  “Well, I find that hard to believe, he could just be looking at the pictures, and spells also requires a cast, can that child understand much less speak common language?”

  “You’re right, Ophir doesn’t even make a sound much less utter a word, he’s a really quiet kid.”

  “In that case, since we don’t have a solid answer to that problem, I’ll give you a few herbs to relieve nausea and reduce vomiting. Give it a week or two, if the issue persists, please visit again.”

  “Thank you, doc.”

  “Oh please, I barely did anything this time.”

  The doctor handed me a candy before we left the clinic. Reiya looks at her list before walking towards her new destination, which is a fancy-dress shop, she hesitated for a bit before proceeding to enter the building. After buying a dress, she went to the market. By this time my feet are already on the verge of collapsing, but it will become more of a burden to her if she carries me along with her bags. She continues to browse for some groceries, while I glance around the area.

  The market is huge, a toddler like me could get lost once I get separated from Reiya.

  While looking around, I grab onto the nearby cloth beside me thinking it was Reiya, when I heard a different voice in that direction.

  “Aww, what a little cutie you are!”

  I look up to the person I grab onto only to be surprised by a woman whom I don’t know.

  “Are you lost kid?” She continues.

  I frantically look around to find where Reiya is, but no matter where I look, even her white hair that’s supposed to stands out like a sore thumb, could never be seen. The strange woman patiently waited for my reply, but out of panic, I immediately ran away from her as fast as a 2-year-old could.

  “W-wait!” Worried, the woman tried to chase after me, but while doing so, the groceries she’s carrying fell, scattered on the ground, while she’s busy picking it up, I was already out of her sight.

  Shit shit shit, I could get kidnapped here! What would happen if my organs were sold to the black market! REIYA WHERE ARE YOU!!!

  I searched all over the market to what seems like a labyrinth, I crossed every corners and every paths, I kept going around in circles, again and again until my legs finally gave up.

  “Kiddo, are you lost?” A man crouched down to me, he’s bald and has a few scars on his shoulder.

  DANGER HAS ARRIVED!!! OF ALL PEOPLE, IT HAS TO BE SOMEONE WHO LOOKS LIKE A THUG!!!

  “Oh, you must be the kid that the white-haired woman was looking!” He picks me up and carries me. “Your mother has been looking for you all frantic and worried, haha! Who knew this brat would be having his own little adventure at his age!”

  HELP, I JUST GOT BORN 2 YEARS AGO AND I’LL DIE ALREADY!?

  I frantically glance around looking for Reiya.

  Wait, he mentioned seeing Reiya, both me and Reiya’s hair do stand out so surely, he must’ve seen her! Maybe I shouldn’t have judged based on how he looks…

  I started to calm down as he walks down the main street, when suddenly he took a turn at an alleyway, humming as if he’s just on a walk.

  …….HEEEEELP!!! HE’S KIDNAPPING ME!!! GODDESS, I’LL DO ANYTHING, JUST STRIKE DOWN A THUNDER ON THIS PERSON! JUDGING MY ASS! I SHOULDN’T TRUST STRANGERS IN THE FIRST PLACE!!!

  “What a cutie ya’ got there young man.” An old man with long ears and pointy hat carrying groceries and a staff, spoke just as we walk by him.

  “Huh?” The thug looking guy look back to the old man.

  Part 3

  “Are you his father?” The old man continues.

  “Get lost hag.” He ignores him and proceeds to walk away.

  “I ain’t sayin’ this twice, drop the kid.” The old man glares.

  “Listen here, there’s nothing you’ll gain but pain and injuries from playing hero, I’m an Adept you know, 2-star at that, save your bones and rest.” The thug laughs mockingly.

  “2-star aura eh? Well ain’t ya arrogant for something so small.”

  “Huh!?” Provoked, the thug turns to glare at the old man but just then, his vision blurred his ears rang loudly and he feels dizzy. “W-what!?”

  Little did he know, the old man has casted “[Stun]” on him.

  He stumbles on his feet and almost dropped me, but the old man snatches me away before I could fall.

  “Whoops here ya go, where’s ya parents kid? Did they ditch ya? Perhaps they’re tryna to start anew without cha?”

  Fascinated by his looks, it took me a moment before snapping out of it, he looks like someone straight out from the movies, the ones in a fantasy genre. He then proceed to place his hand over my head and close his eyes, there I saw a magenta glow above me and felt a little sensation above my head.

  While on my guard, my body stiffens, the old man then chuckles. “Haha! No need to be on edge! I found where ya mother’ll be!” The old man then continues to carry me before walking, my head is already filled with thoughts about plans on how I can escape when the worst scenario arrives.

  Maybe I could pull his ears, or poke his eyes? Maybe swing by his beard, I’ll make him eat his own magic if it comes to it…

  “Let’s have a walk around town, yeah?” The old man puts me down on my feet. “We’ll intercept yer mom at the town square, but we ain’t gonna be seein’ her there right now, so why not have a lil fun around town.” The old man then proceeds to walk down the mainstreet.

  I stared at his back, unsure of whether I should trust him or not, I was almost kidnapped by a thug if it weren’t for this guy… of course I’m not taking another chance, he might also be pretending to save me first before leading me somewhere secluded. I should leave while I get the chance…

  “Goin’ that way would only put ya further in danger ya know.” The old man look at me as he stops on his tracks.

  True, if I go that way, I could get in danger by other strangers, than going with this old man which is less likely to kidnap me since he save me from a thug…

  After pausing for a moment, I decided to follow the old man.

  “Ohh, can ya actually understand me? Ya look like a 2-year-old! What a smart brat ya are!” The old man laughs before proceeding to walk.

  Shit, was I too obvious…? Maybe I should act dumb more often.

  A few hours later…

  Sitting on a bench, watching people in armor and robes pass by more often as we munch on a very soft bread, the old man broke off the silence between us. “So many promising young uns right?”

  “Auu…” I replied, as if saying yeah.

  This bread is a rare find though, a hidden gem in delicacies! It’s so delicious and soft, enough so that it’s easy for a toddler like me to eat! Mr. Baker, your existence is a blessing from the Goddess!

  “Ya seem like an adventurous lad, getting lost from yer mum, and making her worry.” The old man chuckles.

  “Auu…”

  You are one sharp old man, is that because you’re a wizard? It’s true that I’ll be an adventurer one day, discovering places and solving puzzles for treasures, ahh, there’s no greater job when it comes to fantasy worlds!

  “Yer a smart kid so I’m sure ya’ll be one of the best out there!” He rubs his beard. “Well break time’s over! Let’s go kid.”

  I followed the old man, clutching tightly to his robe, making sure I won’t get lost this time. We went inside a building and in it, there’s a bunch of people in armor and robes gathering around giving it a tavern like vibe.

  “Yer prolly the youngest kid to enter the Adventurer’s Guild!” The old man laughs.

  “Elrond! It’s been ages!” A huge man with built up body clad in armor approach us. “Who’s the kid? Doesn’t look like he’s your grandson.”

  “HAHAHAHA!!! It ain’t like that Richard, I’m just showin this young un what’s inside the building that he’ll be visitin more often in the future!”

  “Oh? What an adventurous kiddo you are! I bet you get lost from your parents a lot! HAHAHAHA!” His laughter was soon broken off by the old man’s reply.

  “HAHAHA! This lad is in fact separated from his mother in town!”

  “EEEEEHHH!?!? Shouldn’t you be returning him then?”

  “Yeah yeah, the town square is nearby, he and I are gonna be seein his mum there in a while. For now, why not give this kid a lil fun around the world!”

  “I see, well have fun looking around kid, I’ll be heading off to some quests!” The big guy pats my head with a bright smile, his huge hand already covering my entire skull.

  The old man then proceeds to show me around the Adventurer’s Guild, he seems popular since a lot of people approaches him and gave us attention, his name seems to be “Elrond” since it’s what I hear the most when they’re talking to him. The Adventurer’s Guild seems like a warm and good place, the people here are kind… I’m excited to be part of the guild soon!

  A few hours later, we finally arrived at the town square. I got to experience a lot of things today thanks to this old man. It was truly fun, as expected of a fantasy world… Although, it might be the last time I get to be here in town, knowing Reiya, she’ll definitely be too worried to bring me here again.

  I look at the old man and tug his robe. “Auu!” I smiled, trying to say ‘Thank you!’. To which he pats my head while smiling back.

  “OPHIRRR!!!” I hear Reiya’s call in the distance. “OPHIR THERE YOU ARE!” rushing towards me is Reiya, her face full of tears. “Thank God you’re safe! I’ve been looking for you everywhere!” Sniff sniff she wiped off the tears on her eyes while hugging me. “Where have you been, you’re making mama worry to death! What if something happens to you! God forbids, you might get kidnapped!” She checks me all over to see any injuries.

  “He’s in tip top shape missy.” Elrond spoke.

  “Oh, who are you?” Reiya replied.

  “Just a passin ol’ fella, yer kid is somethin else aight, to end up walkin his way to the Adventurer’s Guild, seems like he already has his eyes set onto something.”

  “ADVENTURER’S GUILD!?!?” Reiya’s jaw dropped.

  “HAHAHA! He’s quite popular too! Getting to meet all sorts of lads, the guild went livelier than ever! Rest assured, yer kid is safe from any harm.”

  “…Ah, you must’ve been babysitting him all this time! I’m very sorry he ended up bothering you! I’ll make sure Ophir will learn from this mistake.” Reiya bows her head before turning her head towards me with a scary expression.

  Ah, I think I’m in danger… This will be the first time Reiya will scold me. It can’t be that bad, I’m still 2 years old… Still, I’ll try to lessen her burden a bit. Ahh, this might be the last sunset I’ll see…