The Aurelion Empire
An empire standing at the center of the continent, founded two thousand years ago.
Two millennia in the past, the First Hero—also the founder of Aurelion—prevented the descent of the Evil God alongside four other races. After halting the Evil God's arrival, he chose to establish the Aurelion Empire, believing that in the future, humanity would inherit and continue his struggle.
Before his death, he left a will to his descendants:
The Evil God would rise again two thousand years in the future.
And now, in the present era…
Imperial Training Grounds
Within the imperial palace's training grounds, a blond-haired boy around ten years old repeatedly swung his sword.
"Hah! Hahhh!"
His face was handsome, and his eyes shone with a golden-yellow hue. After several swings, he finally stopped and took a break, steadying his breathing.
The doors to the training hall opened, and a young maid entered.
"Young Master Leon."
The boy—Leon—responded with a gentle smile.
"What is it, Margaretta?"
"His Majesty the Emperor is calling for you," Margaretta replied.
"Father? Did something happen?"
"I don't know. I was only ordered to summon you."
"I understand. Please inform Father that I will be there shortly."
"Yes."
The maid bowed once before leaving the room.
After a short while—
Knock, knock.
"Excuse me."
"Enter."
The door opened, and Leon stepped forward with the graceful movements befitting a noble. He knelt and lowered his head.
"Leon von Aurelion greets His Majesty the Emperor."
"Rise, my son."
The voice was filled with authority and pressure.
"Yes," Leon replied and immediately stood.
Seated upon the throne was a man in his forties, with the same hair and eye color as Leon. Even while sitting, the pressure he radiated was overwhelming.
He was the Emperor of the Aurelion Empire—
Lucien von Aurelion.
"Leon, do you know why you were summoned?"
Leon answered with confusion.
"No, I do not."
"Follow me."
"Yes."
They left the throne room. As they walked through the corridor, Leon wondered why he had been summoned. What troubled him even more was that the Emperor—his father—remained silent the entire time.
Just as Leon was about to speak—
"Fa—"
"We've arrived."
His father cut him off.
Before them lay a narrow path leading to the underground Forbidden Library. Even the Crown Prince required the Emperor's personal permission to enter.
"Open the door."
"Yes."
The Emperor ordered the guards to open it.
Creeeak—!
The door slowly opened, and the Emperor stepped inside without hesitation. Leon followed behind him, awestruck by the countless books neatly arranged on the shelves.
When they reached the far end of the room, Leon noticed an old, weathered parchment.
"Leon, read it."
The Emperor ordered him.
Leon obeyed and began reading. His eyes widened in shock, and he turned toward his father.
"Is this… true, Father?!"
"Yes. Everything written there is true."
Leon swallowed hard, unable to think of anything. Even after they returned, his thoughts remained fixated on the prophecy written on that parchment.
"…The chosen child…"
Clatter—
Clatter—
"Ah, thank you very much, sir. I'm truly grateful you were there."
"No, I should be the one thanking you for allowing me to accompany you."
While walking along a forest path, I encountered a merchant who was being attacked by monsters. Since I also needed some information, I ended up saving him.
"But why didn't you hire guards, sir?" I asked.
"Well, I'm still a novice merchant, so I don't have enough money to hire anyone."
"But isn't it dangerous to travel alone?"
"Well… there's nothing I can do about it," he replied sadly.
His destination was the capital, Aurelis. Thankfully, that was also my destination, so as we rode together, I decided to act as his guard.
"Really, sir!? I'm extremely grateful!"
At least be a little suspicious, I thought.
For a merchant, he was far too honest. I wondered how he had survived this long.
After four hours of travel, the sun began to set.
"Let's rest here. I'll look for food and firewood. You stay here."
"Will you be alright by yourself?"
I was surprised. How could he worry about someone he had just met?
He's too kind.
"I'll be fine. Just set up the tent."
I entered the forest to hunt and gather firewood. If I took too long, he might be in danger, so I had to move quickly.
After ten minutes, I managed to catch a wild boar.
"Time to head back."
"Ah, you're back!"
"Can you cook?"
"I can't."
"…"
"Then, do you have any seasoning?"
"Ah, there's a little in the back of the wagon."
I took the seasoning and began cooking. Well, "cooking" might be an exaggeration—I skinned the boar, sprinkled seasoning on it, and roasted it.
"Oh, it's done."
Chew.
Hmm, not bad.
While I was eating—
"What business do you have in the capital?" the merchant asked.
I glanced at him and replied.
"I'm registering with the Adventurers' Guild."
"Really!?"
"Why are you so surprised?"
"Ever since I was a child, I wanted to become an adventurer. But I have no talent, and my parents want me to inherit the family business. I envy you, sir."
I fell silent as I listened to him. His expression…
"Ah, sorry! I spoke too carelessly!"
"Don't worry about it."
For some reason, he reminded me of my past self. Back then, I only envied others and never truly tried—until misfortune struck me.
"S—Sir?"
"Ah, sorry. I was lost in thought. What is it?"
"No, you just looked sad, so…"
Damn it. My emotions must have shown on my face. I really need to learn to control my expressions.
I shook my head.
"You should rest. I'll keep watch."
"Eh? But—"
"Can you fight?"
"…"
I cut him off. I didn't mean to hurt his feelings, but I had already sensed several presences lurking nearby.
"Alright then, I'll sleep first. Make sure we switch later!"
I nodded.
The night grew quiet, with only the crackling of the fire.
I walked toward the tent to check if the merchant was asleep.
Oh right, I still don't know his name.
I'll ask tomorrow.
Whooosh—!
Good. He's asleep.
I checked my status.
Name: Shion
Condition: Healthy
HP: 100
Level: 11
Strength: 31
Agility: 28
Luck: 100
MP: 25
Skills
Unyielding Will
Absolute Overdrive Effect
: Increases all stats up to 10×.
Duration: Depends on physical condition.
Mana Cost: None.
Mana Manifestation (C)
Items
— (No active items)
After checking my status, I moved.
Judging by their movements, they were humans.
The worst-case scenario I had feared had arrived sooner than expected. I always assumed that one day, I might have to fight—and even kill—other humans. I just never thought it would happen this soon.
Can I really do this…?
In my previous peaceful world, the word "kill" never crossed my mind. But in this world, if you don't kill, you'll be killed. The strong survive; the weak perish.
Gulp.
I swallowed hard and took a deep breath before stopping.
"Come out."
Dark figures emerged from between the trees.
Three of them.
I used the system to view their information.
John
Level: 14
Fortunately, they were just ordinary bandits.
But they were stronger than me.
Even so, I could still win.
The bandit leader spoke.
"Hey, kid. Hand over the merchant with you, and I'll spare your life."
"Sorry, uncles, but I'll have to refuse."
"Huh?"
The leader frowned, clearly not expecting that response.
"Kid, do you think this situation is funny? Your life is on the line. I'll let you go once—just hand him over. We've got business with that merchant."
"Heh."
I chuckled softly, provoking them.
"I thought you were just stupid, but I didn't expect your ears to be broken too."
"You little brat!!"
The leader attacked first. I stepped back and raised my sword.
Activate Absolute Overdrive.
[Absolute Overdrive Activated!]
[All stats and level temporarily increased by 10×]
Name: Shion
Condition: Exhausted
HP: 100
Level: 110
Strength: 310
Agility: 280
Luck: 100
MP: 250
With my current stats, I could maintain this ability for eight seconds.
I stepped forward and attacked the leader first. He tried to block with his sword, but it shattered under my strike, and my blade cleaved through his body.
Slash—!!
"Guhhh!!"
"Boss!!"
"Boss!"
As he staggered, I immediately beheaded him.
Shink—!!
His head rolled across the ground.
The two subordinates froze, stunned by the sight of their leader being killed—by a mere boy.
A whistling sound!
I closed the distance instantly. Before they could react, my sword moved faster than their eyes could follow.
Slash—!
Two heads flew simultaneously.
As I stared at the corpses, a warning echoed in my mind.
[Warning!]
[Your body has reached its limit. Skill will be forcibly deactivated.]
Pain and nausea surged through my entire body.
"Ugh—!"
"Gahhkk—!"
My organs felt twisted. I had exceeded the time limit without realizing it.
Hahh… Hahh…
I had to return before the merchant woke up.
Dragging my heavy body, I managed to make it back to the camp.
I rested for a moment, calming my breathing. The sensation of killing humans still lingered in my hands—but I had to get used to it.
"Yawn."
It seemed the merchant had woken up.
"Sir, it's my turn to keep watch."
I nodded and entered the tent. The moment I lay down, sleep overtook me.
"Sir, we're almost at the capital."
"I know."
Time to check the reward from last night's mission.
[Ding!]
[Mission Complete: Defeat the lurking enemies!]
[Rewards Granted]
Random Skill Card (Rank A) ×1
Mana +3
I opened the skill card.
[Congratulations! You have obtained Mental Steel (Rank A)!]
It seemed the system truly intended to make me stronger.
Mental Fortitude (A)
Effect: Grants unshakable calm in any situation and immunity to mental attacks of Rank A or lower.
At last, my fragile mind was protected.
Creeet—thok!
"Halt! State your identity!"
"Ah, wait a moment."
The merchant—Halan—went to the back of the wagon and then approached me.
"Shion, do you have an identification card?"
"I don't."
"Then you'll need to make one."
"But I don't have any money."
"…"
Halan looked at me strangely.
"How can you travel without money? That's very odd."
He went to negotiate with the guards on my behalf.
"Shion, come here!"
I got off the wagon.
"Are you entering the capital?" a guard asked.
"Yes. Do I need to make an identification card first?"
"Your friend said you're registering as an adventurer. Is that true?"
Friend? Ah, Halan… are we really friends?
"Yes. I plan to register as an adventurer."
"Very well. You may enter. Your friend will act as your guarantor."
"Thank you."
We entered the capital. The lively scenery left me speechless—it was truly incredible.
"Halan, I'll get off here."
"But the Adventurers' Guild is still ahead!"
"I want to stop by somewhere first."
"I see. In that case, take this."
He tossed a pouch to me. Inside was money.
"That's your payment for acting as my guard."
I couldn't believe how kind he was.
"And since I'm your guarantor, don't cause any trouble—or I'll end up in prison because of you."
"Thank you, Halan. You can trust me."
"Alright then, goodbye. Thank you for your help."
"I should be the one thanking you."
We parted ways.
I went to a mask shop across the street and found one that caught my eye—a mask with horns on both sides and a marking beneath the nose.
"How much is this?"
"Three copper coins."
I bought it and put it on immediately. This would hide my identity as an adventurer.
Next, I visited an equipment shop to buy new clothes, then a weapon shop to purchase a new sword.
"Thank you for your patronage!"
At last, new gear.
I headed toward the Adventurers' Guild, located near the city park.
Clink, clink—!
I opened the door. The moment I stepped inside, a loud buzz filled the hall.
Just as I had imagined.
Veteran adventurers, novices, drinking, recruiting party members, selecting missions—everything was there.
I approached the reception desk, where a beautiful red-haired woman with a ponytail stood.
"Excuse me."
"Yes? How may I help you?"
She looked surprised—perhaps because of my strange mask and young appearance. I looked like a boy of around ten years old, though slightly taller, about 155 cm.
Fortunately, adventurers could register starting at age ten.
In a world destined for destruction, this was the only way for me to grow stronger.
"I want to register."
And so began the journey of a future legend—
An adventurer who would one day stand shoulder to shoulder with the four strongest beings in the world and shake the very foundations of history.