《English is the Language of Magic》


 The Beginning

    The air was still, carrying a faint breeze across the vast grassland. The blades of grass were so short and delicate that they seemed no taller than a man''s fingers, fluttering gently under the caress of the wind. The sprawling field stretched endlessly in every direction, devoid of life or movement, except for a single tree standing atop the highest point of the meadow. It was a magnificent tree¡ªmassive and commanding, its thick trunk rooted firmly into the earth as though it had been there since the beginning of time. Its branches spread outward like the arms of a giant, creating an umbrella of shadow over the ground beneath it. The sunlight poured down unrelentingly from the clear blue sky, high above¡ªthe sun''s position marking the heart of midday. Yet, under the tree''s canopy, the ground was cool, serene, and untouched by the harsh rays of the sun. And there, lying directly beneath the sprawling tree, was a boy. He appeared to be about fifteen years old. His black hair was thick and slightly disheveled, as though it had been tousled by the wind itself. His eyes¡ªcompletely black¡ªwere closed, as if he were deep in slumber, unaware of the world around him. For a moment, the meadow was perfectly silent, save for the rustling of grass and the occasional whisper of leaves from the solitary tree. The perspective began to shift, closing in on the boy as his consciousness stirred. Slowly, he opened his eyes. At first, his vision was filled with the sight of the tree''s intricate branches, twisting and reaching towards the sky like the fingers of an unseen artist. He stared for a moment, his expression etched with confusion, trying to comprehend where he was and what he was seeing. His gaze dropped from the branches to his surroundings. He realized that he was lying in the soft grass, with the earth firm yet oddly comforting beneath him. He turned his head slightly, only to see the enormous trunk of the tree looming behind him. Its bark was rugged and ancient, lined with cracks and crevices that spoke of countless years weathering the elements. The boy''s face contorted in surprise. How is this tree so enormous? he wondered to himself, blinking rapidly. Trees of such size were rare, almost unreal. As the thought lingered, he slowly pushed himself up into a sitting position, looking down at his own body. The sight of his clothes brought another wave of confusion. "Why am I wearing leather clothes?" he said aloud, his voice soft but edged with disbelief. His eyes dropped to his pants¡ªbrown and made of thick leather, stopping just at his knees. The material looked rough, durable, and completely unlike anything he remembered wearing. His shirt was no less strange: a loose, black tunic that hung off his frame, the fabric flowing slightly with every movement. "What is this?" he murmured, his brows furrowing as he stared at himself. His voice seemed to vanish into the open air, swallowed by the quiet stillness of the meadow. With a sigh, he shifted his weight and sat fully upright. The moment his gaze lifted, his eyes widened in shock. Before him lay an endless expanse of green. The field sloped gently downward, creating a vast incline that led into the horizon. There were no rocks, no obstructions¡ªjust an unbroken sea of vibrant grass. There was a whole grassland here which was spread far and wide. Seeing this even Adam got very surprised and he was not able to take his eyes off it. The wind swept through the meadow, and the grass swayed like waves on a calm ocean, their green hues shimmering beneath the sunlight. The boy stared in silence, mesmerized. The sound of the wind rushing through the blades was strangely soothing, like a soft hum resonating through the earth itself. For a long time, he simply watched, unable to tear his gaze away. Finally, a thought escaped his lips, a hushed whisper carried on his breath: "How beautiful..." He didn''t know why he said it, but the words felt right. This place¡ªthis endless field¡ªwas unlike anything he had seen before. It was tranquil, untouched, and pure, as if it had been carved out of a dream. As his eyes followed the downward slope, they caught sight of something even more breathtaking. At the far edge of the meadow, where the incline seemed to meet the horizon, there was a river. Adam had never seen such a clear river in his life and he saw the water of the river as clear through it as if it were a glass. Wide and gleaming, its waters reflected the sunlight like liquid silver, flowing lazily through the landscape. The river''s presence was calming yet imposing, a reminder of nature''s quiet strength. Beyond the river, the meadow gave way to a forest. At first glance, the trees seemed sparse and evenly spread apart, their trunks rising like sentinels in a perfect rhythm. But as the boy looked further into the distance, the forest grew denser. The trees huddled closer together, their branches intertwining to form a shadowy canopy that obscured the view of whatever lay beyond. The boy''s gaze lingered on the forest, his heart pounding faintly in his chest. There was something about the scene before him that felt both inviting and foreboding. It was as though the meadow, the river, and the forest were calling to him, asking him to step forward and discover their secrets. "This is incredible," he thought to himself, his mind racing with questions. Where was he? How had he come to be here? And why did everything around him feel so¡­ alive? He squinted into the distance, trying to see further, but the forest grew darker and more impenetrable the longer he stared. The wind continued to hum, carrying the faint smell of grass and earth, as if the world itself was urging him to explore. And yet, for now, he remained still¡ªlost in the beauty of the scene before him, uncertain of what lay ahead. Adam''s gaze remained fixed on the vast meadow before him, its rolling green expanse stretching out endlessly. It was as though he had been swallowed by an entirely different world¡ªone so serene and untouched that it almost felt unreal. Beyond the meadow, his eyes traced the line where the grassy slopes dipped into a shimmering river, and further still, the shadowy outline of the dense forest loomed on the horizon. For a long moment, Adam simply stared, his dark eyes unblinking as his mind tried to catch up with the bizarre reality around him. Slowly, his lips moved as he muttered to himself, his voice shaky and uncertain. "What¡­ what am I even doing?" His voice, soft and disoriented, echoed faintly in the empty space. Adam blinked rapidly, shaking his head as if trying to rid himself of a fog. He looked around, his gaze sweeping over the endless meadow in every direction. There was nothing¡ªno buildings, no people, not even a hint of familiarity. It was only grass, the tree, and the sound of the wind. Confusion turned to unease, and Adam frowned deeply. He hesitated before speaking again, his voice louder now, laced with suspicion and frustration. "Did someone kidnap me? Is this some kind of joke?" The words left his mouth, sharp and accusing, though he had no one to direct them at. The thought unsettled him further¡ªwas this all part of some cruel game? Had someone abandoned him here, in the middle of nowhere? Adam pushed his hands against the ground, preparing to stand. The grass felt soft beneath his palms, but just as he began to rise, a searing pain shot through his skull. "Ahhh!" The cry of pain tore from his lips as his hands instinctively flew to his head, gripping it tightly. The agony was unbearable, like someone had struck him with a hammer. He fell back immediately, collapsing onto the grass with a dull thud. Lying flat on his back, Adam clenched his teeth, his jaw locked as he tried to endure the excruciating pain. The world seemed to blur around him, and then¡ª Images. Memories. They flooded his mind like a broken dam. Adam saw flashes of a small, simple village surrounded by dense forests. There was a house¡ªa modest, humble home where a family lived. He saw himself there, a young boy, the youngest in his family. He had an older brother and sister, twins who were both seventeen. The two of them stood together, their faces familiar yet distant. Their voices echoed faintly, as if reaching him through a veil. His father appeared in the vision next, a sturdy man with hands calloused from years of hard work in the fields. He was a farmer, toiling daily under the sun to provide for the family. Beside him stood Adam''s mother, her expression gentle and warm as she bustled about their home. She was the heart of the household¡ªa housewife who held everything together. The memories felt so real, so vivid, as though they had been his all along. Adam saw the village¡ªhis village¡ªsurrounded by towering trees that seemed to stretch endlessly toward the sky. He realized he had never left that village, not once. His entire life had been spent within its bounds, and he had only ever heard stories¡ªlegends¡ªabout a place called the Magus Tower, and the great deeds performed there by powerful heroes. The images began to fade, and with them, the pain in his head started to subside. The throbbing dulled to a faint ache until, finally, it was gone. Slowly, Adam released his grip on his head and let his arms fall to his sides. He lay there for a moment, his chest rising and falling as he caught his breath. When he finally opened his eyes again, he whispered, half in disbelief: "What kind of joke is this? I''ve transmigrated¡­ into a fantasy world?" The realization hit him hard. He stared up at the sky, his mind reeling as he processed the truth. He wasn''t just dreaming¡ªthis was real. Somehow, someway, he had ended up in this strange world. Adam sat up again, more slowly this time, and sighed heavily. His thoughts drifted to his old life, his real life. There, he had been happy. A simple life, yes, but a good one. He had been a college student, balancing his studies with a part-time job that gave him enough money to meet his extra needs. His parents had supported him, paying his tuition fees and giving him the freedom to live without constant worry. His voice broke slightly as he whispered to himself, "I wonder how worried my parents must be¡­ when they realize I''m not there anymore." The thought weighed on him like a stone. What would his parents do? Would they search for him? Would they ever understand what had happened to him? Adam let out a small, humorless laugh, pressing a hand to his forehead as he continued to sit in the grass. "I''m such a fool¡­" he muttered bitterly. For as long as he could remember, he had fantasized about something like this¡ªabout escaping his normal life and finding himself in a world full of magic, adventure, and endless possibilities. It had been a silly dream, one that he had clung to on difficult days. But now that it had actually happened, now that he was here, he felt a pang of sadness and regret. "This is exactly what I always wanted," he said softly, shaking his head. "And now I''m upset?" Adam took a deep breath, forcing the thoughts from his mind. With a determined grunt, he pushed himself onto his feet. The meadow stretched around him as far as the eye could see, but now it looked different. Instead of fear or confusion, there was something else¡ªsomething like hope. Clenching his fists tightly, Adam raised both arms to the sky, his fingers curled into triumphant fists. His black tunic flapped slightly in the wind, and his voice rang out with newfound determination: "I''ll live this life to the fullest! I''ll fulfill all my dreams¡ªno one will tell me what to do!" The resolve in his voice was unmistakable, and it burned in his chest like a fire. He threw his head back and let out a loud, exuberant shout that echoed across the meadow: "Hurray!" The sound carried on the breeze, as though the world itself acknowledged his declaration. Adam stood there, his fists still raised, his heart pounding with excitement. In that moment, the confusion and regret were gone. This was a new beginning, and Adam intended to make the most of it. --- End of Chapter OneYou could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

 See if I have the system or not.

    Adam stood there, the wind brushing against his face as he tried to steady his racing thoughts.


    A fire burned in his chest¡ªa mix of excitement and determination.


    His fists were clenched tightly at his sides, his eyes shining with a newfound resolve.


    "I''ll live this life to the fullest," he had promised himself only moments ago. But now, something else¡ªa thought, a memory¡ªwas clawing its way into his consciousness.


    Magus Tower.


    The words surfaced suddenly, and Adam''s eyes lit up with wonder. He whispered to himself, almost breathlessly, "So¡­ there''s a Magus Tower here? That''s so cool!"


    The idea of a place where magicians trained and performed great feats ignited his imagination.


    Stories of mages wielding power beyond comprehension, of sorcery that could bend reality itself, flooded his mind.


    A grin spread across Adam''s face, and his heart pounded with excitement.


    "I''ll become a magician too¡ªjust like them!" he declared, his voice brimming with conviction.


    But before Adam could lose himself in his fantasies, something strange happened.


    A wave of unfamiliar memories¡ªsharp, sudden, and vivid¡ªcrashed into his mind. It was as though his brain was force-feeding him fragments of knowledge that didn''t belong to him.


    These were the memories of the body he now inhabited.


    Adam saw a small village surrounded by vast forests, much like the one he had glimpsed earlier.


    The villagers'' lives were simple, untouched by grandeur or ambition. He saw snippets of conversations, older villagers talking about the Magus Tower with both awe and despair.


    From these memories, one thing became painfully clear: very few people in this land ever became magicians.


    The path to the Magus Tower was treacherous, and even among those who attempted it, only the rarest and most gifted individuals succeeded.


    Adam exhaled deeply, his excitement dimming slightly as reality set in. The odds were against him. Still, he refused to let it discourage him.


    "No," he shouted, the word bursting from his mouth as though he were arguing with fate itself. "It can''t be like this!"


    He took a moment to breathe, trying to calm his nerves. His emotions were all over the place¡ªexcitement, frustration, determination.


    It was as if he were teetering on the edge of something monumental, but he couldn''t quite see what it was.


    "I just decided I would live my life to the fullest," Adam muttered, his voice filled with irritation. "And now¡­ the challenges are already piling up?"


    He fell silent, biting his lip as he thought. His mind buzzed with possibilities¡ªideas drawn straight from the fantasy novels he had read in his previous life.


    In those stories, whenever someone from Earth transmigrated into a fantasy world, they would receive some kind of system or cheat ability.


    A magical guide, a special power, something to help them survive and thrive in their new world.


    That''s it, Adam thought, his eyes widening with sudden hope.


    "What if I have a system too?"


    With that thought, Adam squeezed his eyes shut, concentrating as hard as he could. His heart raced with anticipation, and he whispered under his breath:


    "Status window."


    Adam opened his eyes quickly, staring into the space in front of him as though expecting something to appear.


    The air was still, the meadow silent. Seconds passed, and nothing happened. No glowing window appeared. No magical prompts filled the air.


    Adam frowned, his brows furrowing deeply.


    "Nothing?" he murmured, his voice laced with growing concern. He looked around, scanning the empty meadow as though searching for answers.


    Maybe I''m doing it wrong, he thought. What if there''s another activation command?


    Determined not to give up, Adam shut his eyes again, this time speaking more confidently.


    "Magician system."


    His voice carried a tone of command, like someone issuing an order.


    Adam opened his eyes again, hopeful, but the result was the same. The empty meadow stretched out before him, undisturbed.


    Disappointment weighed heavily on his chest. "Come on¡­ this isn''t right."


    He tried again, desperation creeping into his voice.


    "System window, activate!"


    The wind whistled softly in response, but nothing else happened. The silence felt deafening now, mocking him.


    Adam''s shoulders slumped, and he sat down in the grass, running a hand through his hair. A knot of worry tightened in his stomach. "No system. No cheat code. Then why was I even brought here?"


    His voice trembled slightly, and for the first time, doubt began to creep into his mind. Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    If he didn''t have any special abilities or powers, how was he supposed to survive, let alone achieve anything grand?


    He clenched his fists, his thoughts racing as he tried to make sense of it all.


    "I''ll just end up living an ordinary life here too," he muttered bitterly, lying back down on the grass. The sky stretched endlessly above him, blue and empty. "Maybe this is just some cruel joke."


    The thought of his previous life came rushing back¡ªhis quiet, peaceful days as a college student, the part-time job that gave him independence, and the family that supported him.


    He remembered feeling content, even happy. But now? Now he was here, in a world that promised so much yet seemed ready to take it all away.


    Adam sighed deeply, pressing a hand to his forehead. "I''m such an idiot. I always wished for something like this to happen¡­ and now I''m miserable."


    But then, something shifted inside him. A small ember of determination reignited, cutting through the fog of doubt. Adam''s eyes snapped open, and he sat up suddenly.


    "No," he said aloud, his voice steady and strong. "I''m not giving up that easily."


    He pushed himself to his feet, brushing the grass from his clothes. His hands curled into fists, and he raised one arm high into the air, his knuckles white with resolve.


    "Who cares if I don''t have a system?" he shouted, his voice echoing across the meadow. "There has to be something¡ªanything¡ªthat''ll help me! I''ll find it. I''ll figure it out. I''m not giving up!"


    The fire in his chest blazed brighter than ever, fueled by the very challenges that had tried to pull him down. Adam gritted his teeth, his voice rising in a triumphant roar:


    "I''ll live this life my way!"


    The wind howled around him as though the world itself had heard his declaration. Adam stood tall, his arm raised and his face filled with determination.


    He would not back down. No matter what this world threw at him, no matter how impossible the odds seemed, he would keep moving forward.


    dam stood up, his body straightening as he brushed the dust and stray blades of grass off his clothes.


    A sharp breeze passed over the endless meadow, rustling the green carpet that stretched far and wide around him.


    His dark eyes narrowed thoughtfully as he looked out into the horizon.


    "Every web novel I''ve read¡­" he began to think, his thoughts flowing as he tried to make sense of his situation. "¡­never lets a transmigrator be completely helpless.


    They always get some sort of advantage¡ªsome extra cheat code or a hidden power. This has to be the same."


    His gaze dropped to his hands, and he turned them over, palms up, examining them as though they held the answer to his questions.


    He flexed his fingers experimentally, watching the faint movement of muscles beneath his skin.


    The idea hit him suddenly, a spark of excitement igniting in his chest.


    "What if¡­" he muttered, his lips curling into a smile, "¡­I''m already super strong? What if I''m like Saitama?"


    The very thought sent a thrill of hope through him, and his smile widened into an excited grin. Saitama¡ªOne Punch Man.


    The man who could obliterate anything with a single punch. If Adam had strength like that, then his worries would vanish in an instant.


    Unable to hold back his excitement, Adam balled his hand into a fist.


    He could feel the tension in his fingers, as though power might surge forth at any moment.


    He raised his hand into the air, his body buzzing with anticipation as he looked up at the clear blue sky above.


    With all the enthusiasm he could muster, he shouted, "Normal Series¡­ Normal Punch!"


    He threw his fist toward the sky with all his strength, expecting a thunderous explosion, a shockwave to ripple through the air, or at least some crackling energy to burst forth.


    His eyes were wide, shimmering with eagerness. He felt like a kid unwrapping a present on Christmas morning, ready for the miracle he was sure awaited him.


    But nothing happened.


    The meadow remained still, undisturbed except for the breeze that seemed to whisper mockingly through the grass.


    His fist had sliced through empty air, achieving nothing. Adam''s face fell, his expression shifting from hope to confusion and then disappointment.


    "What? That''s it?" he muttered, lowering his arm. He looked down at his hand as though it had betrayed him. "So¡­ I don''t have Saitama''s strength."


    The realization weighed on him heavily, and for a moment, the excitement drained from his body. His shoulders slumped, and he let out a deep sigh of frustration.


    "But," Adam murmured to himself, straightening up again, "so what? If I don''t have super strength, then I must have something else."


    He clenched his fists again, shaking off his disappointment as determination sparked in his eyes. He wouldn''t give up¡ªnot yet.


    "Think, Adam. Think!" he urged himself. The memory of another anime surfaced in his mind, one that had captivated him back on Earth. He snapped his fingers as realization struck.


    "Of course! Rudeus!" he exclaimed, the name of the anime bursting from his lips.


    The memory was clear¡ªmagicians in that world didn''t need to chant spells or memorize complex incantations.


    All they needed was to visualize their magic, and it would take shape.


    Adam''s heart raced as the idea sank in. "What if¡­ what if I don''t need to chant spells either? What if I just imagine it, and it happens?"


    The excitement returned, spreading like wildfire through his veins.


    He took a deep breath and extended his hand in front of him, palm open and fingers slightly curled.


    His expression hardened as he focused, shutting his eyes to block out the world around him.


    "Imagine it," he told himself firmly. "A ball of water¡ªa perfect sphere. Big enough to cover my entire body. I can do this. I just have to see it in my mind."


    In the silence, Adam''s breathing slowed, his focus narrowing to a single point.


    In his imagination, he could see it clearly¡ªa sphere of water forming before him, rippling and shimmering like a jewel in the sunlight.


    He smiled faintly, confident that he could feel its presence even now.


    With a surge of excitement, Adam opened his eyes. His smile froze.


    There was nothing.


    The space before him was empty. His hand was still outstretched, but no magical sphere hovered before it.


    The disappointment hit him like a stone to the chest, and Adam''s face crumpled with frustration.


    "No¡­ come on," he muttered, his voice rising in pitch as disbelief set in.


    He threw both arms up toward the sky and shouted, his voice ringing out across the empty field: "This can''t be happening! I don''t have any cheat code at all?"


    The words echoed into the distance, swallowed by the wind.


    Adam''s shoulders sagged as despair began to settle over him like a heavy blanket.


    He dropped to his knees, his fists pounding the ground as he groaned, "At this point, I might as well just get struck by lightning and be done with it!"


    And then it happened.


    A spark.


    Adam froze as a strange tingling sensation rippled through his hands, starting at his fingertips and spreading like a jolt of electricity.


    He lifted his hands slowly, staring at them with wide, disbelieving eyes.


    The tips of his fingers were glowing¡ªfaint at first, but growing brighter by the second.


    Sparks began to crackle, jumping between his fingers like miniature bolts of lightning.


    "What¡­ what is this?" Adam whispered, his voice trembling.


    Before he could process what was happening, the sparks intensified.


    A blinding light erupted from his hands, forcing him to squint against the glare.


    The air around him seemed to hum with energy, a deep thrumming sound that grew louder and louder.


    Adam''s gaze shot upward just in time to see the sparks leap from his fingers in a violent, jagged arc.


    The bolt of lightning surged into the sky with a roar, illuminating the meadow in a flash of white-hot light.


    Far above, dark clouds materialized out of nowhere, blotting out the sun like an ominous curtain.


    The bolt of lightning collided with the clouds, sending ripples of energy pulsing through them. The clouds churned and twisted, glowing faintly with the aftershocks of the powerful strike.


    Adam stared up at the sky, his face a mix of awe and terror. The sheer force of what had just happened left him breathless.


    The meadow fell silent once more, the wind dying down to a faint whisper. Adam''s hands trembled as he lowered them, his fingers still tingling from the energy that had just coursed through them.


    "What¡­ was that?" he whispered, his voice barely audible.


    And with that, the chapter ended, leaving the sky still dark and the air heavy with the lingering charge of Adam''s impossible power.


    ---


    End of Chapter Two.

 The power of English

    The sky had been calm just moments ago, the sun shining brightly over the vast meadow, but now it was cloaked in darkness.


    Thick black clouds churned and spread across the heavens, casting an ominous shadow over the land below.


    The air was charged, crackling with an energy that felt almost alive.


    And at the center of it all stood Adam.


    From his outstretched hand, a blinding white light erupted, a brilliant streak of lightning surging upward with a deafening roar.


    The raw power was overwhelming, and the sound reverberated through the air like the earth itself was groaning in protest.


    The lightning bolt tore into the sky, shattering the calm and igniting the clouds.


    Jagged streaks of electricity danced wildly through the darkness, illuminating the stormy expanse with bursts of intense light.


    The once tranquil meadow was now transformed into a spectacle of nature''s fury.


    Adam stood frozen, his eyes wide with shock as he watched the chaos unfold above him.


    His heart pounded in his chest, the adrenaline surging through his veins as he struggled to comprehend what had just happened.


    The magnitude of the lightning was far beyond anything he had imagined.


    "What¡­ what is this power?" Adam whispered to himself, his voice barely audible over the crackling of the storm.


    He glanced down at his hand, the same hand that had unleashed the unimaginable force.


    His fingers trembled slightly, a faint tingling sensation still lingering in them.


    Adam feels that seeing this power, he can do anything in this world, he is the king of this whole world, if he can perform so much destructive magic by just saying one thing.


    But before he could make sense of it, his body betrayed him.


    Suddenly, a wave of exhaustion swept over Adam, stealing the strength from his legs.


    His vision blurred, and his limbs felt like lead. He barely had time to register what was happening before his knees buckled, and he collapsed backward on to the soft grass.


    He landed with a dull thud, just a few feet away from the massive tree that had been his anchor earlier.


    The impact forced the air from his lungs, and he gasped, his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath.


    "What¡­ what''s happening to me?" Adam thought, panic rising in his mind. He tried to move, to lift his arms, but they refused to obey him.


    It was as though his body had been completely drained of energy, leaving him paralyzed.


    "What''s going on?" he muttered aloud, his voice shaking. "Why won''t my body listen to me?"


    This has never happened to Adam before. He is very confused. He feels as if he has done too much workout and now all his muscles have become stiff and none of his body parts are supporting him.


    A deep sense of fear settled over Adam as he lay there, helpless.


    He stared at his hands, willing them to move, but they remained limp at his sides.


    It was as though his own body had turned against him, ignoring every command he tried to give.


    His thoughts spiraled as he lay there, staring up at the swirling clouds above.


    The lightning still arced through the storm, faint flashes of light dancing in the shadows.


    He couldn''t take his eyes off the scene¡ªit was both terrifying and mesmerizing.


    "This can''t be normal," Adam thought, his mind racing. "I only cast one spell¡­ could that have drained me completely?"


    Adam is extremely shocked to think that he has done just one spell on him, this spell has drained all his energy and has left him in this state.


    The idea struck him like another bolt of lightning. He blinked rapidly as realization dawned, his thoughts piecing together the events.


    "Could it be¡­ that my mana is completely depleted?" he muttered. The possibility seemed both logical and devastating.


    Adam''s lips curled into a wry smile as a bitter laugh escaped him. "So, my mana reserve is that small? That''s¡­ ridiculous."


    Adam knows that his age is still young but he does not know the standards of this world yet, so he cannot say anything right now that he has an average mana reserve.If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    The thought frustrated him, but as he looked back up at the sky, a flicker of pride warmed his chest.


    The storm he had created still loomed overhead, the lightning weaving through the clouds and casting eerie shadows over the meadow.


    It was proof of the power he had unleashed, however brief it had been.


    Despite his helpless state, a faint smile spread across Adam''s face. "At least I know one thing now¡­ I do have a cheat code. My voice¡ªit''s the key."


    The realization filled him with a renewed sense of hope, but it was a hollow victory. His body remained motionless, and the exhaustion was unrelenting.


    His gaze shifted from the storm to the ground around him, his mind clouded with uncertainty.


    "How long am I going to be stuck like this?" Adam wondered, his smile fading. The vulnerability of his situation was sinking in.


    The meadow was vast and open, but that also meant he was exposed.


    "What if something finds me here?" he thought, a shiver running through him. The idea of a wild animal or some other creature stumbling upon him in this defenseless state was terrifying.


    The tension gnawed at him as he lay there, unable to move, his mind racing with worst-case scenarios. But then, cutting through the silence of the meadow, came a sound.


    It was faint at first, barely audible over the distant rumble of the storm, but Adam''s ears caught it. It was a voice¡ªa girl''s voice, soft and distant, but unmistakable.


    Adam''s heart skipped a beat as his mind clung to the sound. Was it real, or was his exhaustion playing tricks on him? He strained to focus, his body still unresponsive, but his thoughts now fixated on that faint voice in the distance.


    And with that, the scene came to an end, leaving Adam staring at the sky, waiting for whatever¡ªor whoever¡ªwas coming his way.


    The world around Adam was quiet, save for the occasional whisper of the wind brushing through the grass.


    His body remained paralyzed, his limbs lifeless against the soft earth.


    The sky above was still cloaked in stormy clouds, their edges glowing faintly with residual lightning.


    Despite the eerie stillness, Adam''s mind raced with thoughts of the bizarre turn his life had taken.


    And then, breaking through the silence, he heard it¡ªa voice.


    It was faint at first, distant and unclear. But as it grew closer, the sound became distinct. It was a girl''s voice, light and full of urgency.


    Adam''s heart leaped, and he instinctively tried to turn his head toward the sound.


    To his surprise, his neck obeyed, albeit sluggishly. For the first time since his body had given out, he could move¡ªif only slightly.


    He shifted his head to the left, his eyes scanning the meadow.


    There, in the distance, a figure was running toward him. As she drew closer, Adam could make out the details.


    She was a young girl with shoulder-length blond hair that fluttered behind her as she ran. Her clothes were simple, the kind commonly worn by villagers.


    Her pale skin glowed faintly under the muted light of the stormy sky, and her green eyes were wide with concern as they locked onto Adam.


    She was calling his name.


    "Adam!" she cried, her voice sharp and filled with worry.


    Adam''s breath hitched at the sound, and his brow furrowed in confusion. She knows my name?


    Before he could dwell on the thought, his mind was flooded with memories¡ªnot his own, but those of the body he now inhabited.


    Images and feelings surfaced unbidden, painting a vivid picture of the girl who was now approaching him.


    Her name was Sophia.


    She was the same age as Adam¡ªfifteen¡ªand had been his childhood friend for as long as he could remember.


    Her father was the village chief, a respected leader and skilled hunter.


    Her mother was one of the most talented medics in the village, known for her ability to heal even the gravest injuries.


    The memories continued to play out in Adam''s mind like a slideshow. He saw moments of their shared childhood¡ªlaughing, playing, and growing up together.


    Their bond had been unshakable, forged through years of friendship. Their families were close as well, with Sophia''s father and Adam''s father being childhood friends.


    Sophia even had an older brother, George, who is a friend of Adam''s elder brother.


    As the memories settled, Adam whispered her name, almost as though testing its weight on his tongue.


    "Sophia¡­"


    The sound of her name felt strange yet familiar, a blending of his old self and the life he had now inherited.


    Sophia reached him, her breath coming in quick gasps from running. Her green eyes scanned him anxiously as he lay on the grass, motionless.


    She frowned, a mix of worry and exasperation crossing her face.


    "Adam," she began, her tone sharp yet concerned, "what happened? There was this huge noise from this side to the village, like thunder. Did you see anything? Did a wild animal attack you?"


    Her words tumbled out in a rush as she knelt beside him, looking him over for injuries.


    She circled him, her hands hovering as though she expected to find some hidden wound.


    "If a wild animal attacked me I wouldn''t lie down. Is this girl stupid?" thought Adam.


    Adam sighed inwardly, watching her move with such care. She looked almost comical, flitting around him like a worried bird.


    He couldn''t help but notice the way her presence felt both new and strangely comforting.


    "I''m meeting her for the first time¡­ but it feels like I''ve known her forever," Adam thought.


    He chuckled softly, breaking the silence. "No, Sophia. I didn''t hear anything. I was sleeping here peacefully¡ªat least until you decided to ruin my nap."


    Adam decides that he will not tell Sophia anything about his paralyzed state and will only have a normal conversation with her, so that she does not get stressed and Sophia will never tell this to her parents.


    Sophia stopped in her tracks, her frown deepening as she crossed her arms over her chest.


    "Adam, you''re impossible," she huffed, sitting down at the edge of the grass beside him. "You know Uncle¡ªyour father¡ªis going to be furious when he finds out you''ve been lazing around here again."


    Adam smirked, turning his head to glance at her. "How will he find out? It''s not like you''re going to tell him, right?"


    Sophia puffed her cheeks in mock indignation, her green eyes narrowing. "Do you think I need to? Everyone knows you come here to sleep most of the time. Your siblings and our friends know exactly where to find you."


    Adam let out a resigned sigh, turning his gaze upward to the stormy sky. The clouds above had darkened further, the faint crackle of lightning still present.


    Sophia''s voice softened slightly as she broke the silence. "Adam¡­ my father''s going hunting tonight."


    Adam blinked, surprised by the shift in her tone. He turned his head toward her again, his curiosity piqued. "Hunting?"


    Sophia nodded, her expression growing more serious. "Yes. My mother''s going with him too¡ªto help in case anyone gets hurt." She hesitated, biting her lip before continuing. "They''ve asked me and George to stay at your house tonight."


    Adam''s eyes widened, the surprise evident on his face. "You''re staying at my house?"


    Sophia nodded again, her cheeks turning slightly pink. "Yes. They said it would be safer¡­ since we''ll be alone."


    Adam stared at her for a moment, his mind reeling from the sudden news. A mixture of emotions flickered across his face¡ªsurprise, curiosity, and a hint of awkwardness.


    The storm above rumbled faintly, as if punctuating the conversation. Sophia looked away, her green eyes fixed on the horizon, while Adam lay there, processing her words.


    And with that, the chapter came to an end, leaving Adam with more questions than answers as the storm loomed overhead.


    ---


    End of Chapter Three

 Feku village

    Adam''s breath hitched as Sophia''s words echoed in his ears. He stared at her, disbelief clear on his face. For a moment, the world around him seemed to stand still.


    Then, almost instinctively, he pushed himself upright, standing so quickly that even he was startled.


    "I can move again?" Adam muttered under his breath, his voice tinged with astonishment. His gaze dropped to his hands, flexing his fingers experimentally.


    The strength that had drained from his body earlier now seemed to have returned fully.


    As if mirroring his inner state, the dark storm clouds overhead began to dissipate, retreating from the sky like smoke blown away by an unseen wind.


    Within seconds, the sun''s rays pierced through, casting warm light over the meadow once again.


    Adam glanced upward, watching the black clouds vanish. He wasn''t the only one who noticed.


    "Oh!" Sophia exclaimed, shading her eyes with one hand as she looked up. "They''re completely gone. How strange¡­ the weather''s been so odd today."


    Her voice drew Adam''s attention back to her, and he blinked before focusing again. Her words from earlier still lingered in his mind. He tilted his head slightly, narrowing his eyes. "Wait¡­ what did you say?"


    Sophia hesitated, her cheeks flushing a deep red as she looked down at the grass. "I said¡­ that my parents told me to stay at your house tonight," she mumbled, her voice barely above a whisper.


    Adam''s brow furrowed, and his surprise deepened.


    The idea of Sophia staying at his house was enough to send his thoughts spiraling. A boy and a girl, staying under the same roof? It felt¡­ unusual, even improper.


    But before his imagination could run wild, another memory surfaced, grounding him. His mother. His sister.


    "Oh, right¡­" Adam sighed, relief washing over him. It''s not just me at home. My mom and sister will be there too. Of course, Sophia will probably stay with them.


    With that thought, he exhaled deeply, allowing the tension to leave his body. A faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips.


    Sophia, noticing his expression, tilted her head curiously but said nothing.


    Before the moment could settle, the sound of footsteps and distant shouting reached Adam''s ears.


    He turned to see three figures sprinting toward them, their voices growing louder as they approached.


    "Adam! Sophia!" one of them called out.


    The group quickly came into focus. Two boys and one girl.


    The first boy had blond hair that gleamed in the sunlight and striking golden eyes, while the second boy''s dark hair and sharp facial features bore a striking resemblance to Adam himself.


    The girl, who followed closely behind, had long black hair and equally dark eyes.


    All three of them wore simple village attire, their clothes slightly dusty from running across the meadow.


    The trio looked slightly older, likely around seventeen, and their expressions were a mix of urgency and curiosity.


    Adam''s heart skipped as he tried to piece together who they were, but before he could speak, a flood of memories consumed him.


    He recognized them instantly.


    The blond-haired boy was George¡ªSophia''s older brother. He was brave and energetic, often acting as a protective figure for both Sophia and Adam.


    The dark-haired boy was Eric, Adam''s older brother. Eric was dependable and had always looked out for Adam, often treating him with a mix of teasing and affection.


    And finally, the girl with the dark hair was Yami, Adam''s older sister. She was kind but firm, often scolding Adam when he got into trouble, though her love for him was undeniable.


    They''re my family, Adam thought, his heart swelling with a mix of warmth and nostalgia. In this world, Adam was the youngest child, the cherished favorite of his household.


    His siblings adored him, and his parents doted on him endlessly. The memory of their affection lingered like a comforting blanket.


    The present came rushing back as George and Eric stopped just a few feet away from Adam.


    Both of them were facing the river and the forest beyond it, their postures tense as though bracing for an attack.


    "What¡­ are you two doing?" Adam asked, his confusion evident.


    Without turning around, George replied, his voice firm. "Isn''t it obvious? We''re protecting you."


    Adam blinked. "Protecting me? From what?"


    This time, it was Eric who answered, his tone equally serious. "From the wild animals, of course. The ones hiding in the forest."


    Adam raised an eyebrow, his skepticism clear. "What animals? There''s nothing there."


    But George and Eric didn''t seem to hear him. Instead, they swung their arms dramatically through the air, as if battling invisible foes. Their movements were oddly coordinated, each punch and kick flowing seamlessly into the next.


    "Attack from the left, George!" Eric shouted, his voice filled with mock urgency.


    "Got it!" George replied, delivering a high kick into empty air.Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    Adam stared at them, dumbfounded. The sight of his brother and Sophia''s brother pretending to fight imaginary enemies left him utterly baffled.


    What in the world are they doing? Adam thought, his brow furrowing as he watched their antics.


    A soft voice behind him broke his concentration.


    "Adam," Yami said, her tone exasperated. "Please don''t grow up to be like those two idiots."


    Adam turned to see his sister standing nearby, her arms crossed as she watched George and Eric with a mixture of annoyance and amusement.


    Sophia, who had been quiet until now, chimed in, her own voice tinged with embarrassment. "I don''t know why my brother always acts like this. It''s like he thinks he''s in some kind of anime fight." (I am telling you this for clarification, there is no anime in this world )


    She glanced at Adam, shaking her head as a faint smile crept onto her face.


    Meanwhile, George and Eric continued their imaginary battle, oblivious to the others'' reactions.


    Their laughter and exaggerated movements filled the meadow, a stark contrast to the earlier tension of the storm.


    Adam couldn''t help but smile faintly as he lay back down on the grass, letting the sun warm his face. Despite everything¡ªthe strangeness of this world, the lingering questions about his powers, and the odd antics of his companions¡ªhe felt a sense of peace.


    The meadow was still, the soft rustle of leaves and distant chirping of birds providing a tranquil background to the scene.


    Adam exhaled heavily, a long sigh escaping his lips as he watched his brother Eric and George, Sophia''s older brother, continue their exaggerated battle stances.


    Their movements were dramatic, their hands slicing through empty air as if fending off invisible enemies.


    Each swing of their arms was accompanied by a loud grunt or shouted instruction. It was clear they were fully committed to their imaginary fight.


    Adam shook his head, running a hand through his disheveled black hair. His dark eyes narrowed in exasperation as he muttered to himself, "Why am I surrounded by idiots?"


    Next to him, Sophia sat cross-legged, her green eyes sparkling with a mix of amusement and embarrassment.


    She tucked a strand of her blond hair behind her ear and glanced at Adam.


    Just behind them, leaning casually against the large tree that had been Adam''s resting spot earlier, stood Yami, Adam''s older sister.


    Her arms were crossed, and a wry smile played on her lips as she watched George and Eric.


    Finally, Adam had had enough. With a huff, he pushed himself to his feet, brushing off the dust and grass clinging to his brown leather pants.


    He cast a pointed glare at the two boys, who were still engrossed in their antics.


    "You''ve officially ruined my nap," Adam declared, his voice cutting through their mock battle. "I''m going home."


    The words seemed to hang in the air for a moment as everyone turned their attention to him.


    Adam started walking toward the village, but an unsettling thought crossed his mind. He faltered slightly, his steps slowing.


    Wait¡­ do I even remember the way home?


    His brows furrowed, but before panic could set in, a series of memories surfaced in his mind.


    He saw flashes of narrow village paths, winding lanes that he instinctively recognized. The route to his house was clear, as though his feet had walked it a thousand times before.


    Adam exhaled, relieved that at least his muscle memory¡ªor the lingering memories of his new life¡ªhadn''t failed him.


    As Adam took his first steps toward the village, Eric and George finally stopped their antics, jogging to catch up with him.


    "Don''t worry, Adam!" George called out, a broad grin on his face. "One day, when I''m the greatest warrior this village has ever seen, you''ll be able to brag that you know me!"


    Adam turned his head slightly, raising an eyebrow at the statement. "Yeah, yeah," he replied dryly, his tone dripping with skepticism. "We''ll see about that."


    Sophia and Yami exchanged knowing glances before following behind, their steps quiet on the soft earth.


    Eric brought up the rear, his tall frame casting a long shadow over the group as they made their way toward the village.


    ---


    As they walked, Adam let his gaze wander. The open field around them was slowly giving way to the outskirts of the village.


    On his left, the grass stretched endlessly, a sea of green rippling in the breeze.


    But it was what lay to his right that caught his attention¡ªa small cremation ground, nestled just beyond the large tree.


    Adam''s steps faltered for a moment as a chill ran down his spine. His black eyes lingered on the site, and his thoughts turned inward.


    Was I really lying so close to a cremation ground? What kind of person does that?


    He shook his head, trying to dismiss the uneasy feeling. It doesn''t matter now. Just focus on getting home.


    Eric, noticing Adam''s distraction, picked up his pace and walked beside him. A mischievous smirk tugged at the corners of Eric''s lips as he gave Adam a sidelong glance.


    "You do remember, don''t you?" Eric asked, his tone teasing.


    Adam frowned. "Remember what?"


    Eric chuckled, the amusement clear in his voice. "Mom''s waiting for you at home. You know what that means, right?"


    Adam''s expression remained blank, his confusion deepening. "And what exactly is going to happen?"


    Eric''s grin widened, but he didn''t elaborate. Instead, he quickened his pace, leaving Adam to stew in his growing curiosity.


    The group soon reached the edge of the village. The open meadow gave way to a wide dirt path that led directly into the heart of the settlement.


    The village was bustling with activity, its residents moving about with purpose.


    Wooden houses lined the roads, each one sturdy and practical, their designs simple yet charming.


    The faint scent of fresh earth and woodsmoke filled the air, mingling with the sound of distant chatter.


    Adam''s dark eyes scanned the surroundings, taking in every detail.


    Each house had a garden in front, where rows of vibrant vegetables grew in neat rows. Some yards also had small coops, with chickens clucking and scratching at the ground.


    The entire village had a self-sufficient charm, a testament to the hard work and cooperation of its inhabitants.


    As the group walked further into the village, they were soon stopped by a middle-aged man with a wiry frame and sun-weathered skin. He looked at the group with a mix of exasperation and amusement.


    "Oi, you punk!" the man called out, his tone sharp but not unkind. "Back from playing near the fields again, are you? How many times do we have to tell you not to wander that far?"


    Before Adam could respond, Eric stepped forward, his grin sheepish but confident.


    "Uncle Krish, it''s not what it looks like. We didn''t mean to go that far. It''s just¡­ this huge beast attacked us, and we had to fight it off to protect the village!"


    Krish raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. But instead of scolding them further, he let out a hearty laugh.


    "You''ve got quite the imagination, Eric," he said, shaking his head.


    Adam observed the exchange in silence, his gaze fixed on Krish. Memories bubbled to the surface, revealing the man''s identity.


    Krish was a merchant, one of the few villagers who traveled to nearby towns and cities to trade goods.


    His work was dangerous, involving long journeys through unpredictable terrain, but he was a respected figure in the village and a close friend of both Adam''s father and Sophia''s father.


    After exchanging a few more words, Krish waved them off, allowing the group to continue their journey.


    As they walked deeper into the village, Adam let his gaze wander again. The dirt roads were wider here, accommodating carts that carried goods between houses.


    The houses themselves were surprisingly large for a village, their wooden frames sturdy and well-maintained.


    The sight of the gardens intrigued Adam. Each one was meticulously cared for, bursting with green leaves and colorful vegetables.


    The air was rich with the scent of fresh produce, and Adam could hear the faint clucking of chickens from several yards.


    "This isn''t bad at all," Adam muttered to himself, his voice tinged with admiration. "They''ve got everything figured out here."


    Despite the simplicity of the village, there was an undeniable charm to its organization and efficiency.


    The slower, steadier pace of life felt like a stark contrast to the chaos of the modern world Adam had left behind.


    As the group continued walking, Adam couldn''t help but feel a sense of belonging, even as he wrestled with the strangeness of his new life.


    The warmth of the sun overhead, the laughter of his companions, and the bustling energy of the village all combined to create a sense of peace that Adam hadn''t felt in a long time.


    And with that, the chapter came to an end, leaving Adam with a newfound appreciation for the world he now called home.


    ---


    End of Chapter Four

 Mothers Love

    The group moved steadily through the bustling dirt roads of the village, the earlier chaos of the field left behind. Adam walked at the front, his gaze fixed ahead, while Sophia, Yami, Eric, and George followed close behind.


    The faint murmur of village life surrounded them¡ªthe clatter of wooden wheels on uneven paths, the distant laughter of children, and the occasional calls of traders hawking their wares.


    Adam''s thoughts, however, were elsewhere. His steps were steady, but his mind churned with questions. He could feel it¡ªthe faint tingle in his body, the inexplicable surge of energy from earlier. How did I recover so quickly? he wondered.


    His mana, which had been completely depleted, now seemed to have returned, if only partially. A daring thought crossed his mind, one that sent a thrill of anticipation through him. Why not test it?


    Adam''s dark eyes flicked ahead, narrowing as he spotted a small crowd gathered near the village''s marketplace.


    It was a modest area, but lively. Traders had set up simple wooden stalls, displaying everything from freshly harvested vegetables to handmade tools.


    Villagers moved between the stalls, bartering and chatting animatedly.


    He slowed his pace, allowing his companions to catch up, but his focus remained on the idea forming in his mind. If my mana has returned¡­ what else can I do with it?


    Taking a deep breath, Adam closed his eyes. The chatter of the marketplace faded into the background as he centered himself. Slowly, in a voice barely above a whisper, he uttered a single word:


    "Detection."


    The moment the word left his lips, a subtle hum of energy coursed through his body. From the soles of his feet, a soft, white light began to radiate outward in all directions.


    The light was invisible to those around him, but Adam could feel its presence¡ªa warm, pulsating energy spreading like ripples across the ground.The light moved swiftly, weaving its way through the marketplace.


    It flowed beneath the wooden stalls, wrapped around the villagers, and brushed against the walls of nearby houses. Every object, every person, every structure was touched by the light before it began to return to its source.


    Adam felt the energy collect back at his feet, then surge upward, rushing into his mind like a flood. His closed eyes were suddenly filled with images¡ªan intricate web of glowing outlines that mapped the world around him. He could see everything.


    Every house, every stall, every villager was outlined in faint white light, as if sketched with a glowing pen.


    The structures appeared three-dimensional, their contours precise and detailed. Even with his eyes closed, Adam could see as if through a heightened sense, his awareness extending far beyond his physical vision.


    A surge of exhilaration coursed through him. This is incredible¡­ he thought. Unable to resist, Adam tried again. He whispered "Detection" once more, and the white light burst forth again.


    This time, he walked forward as the energy spread, the outlines shifting and changing with his movements.It was as if he were painting the world anew with each step, every object and person illuminated in his mind''s eye.


    The beauty of the glowing structures captivated him, and a smile tugged at his lips. Magic is truly amazing, he thought, marveling at the possibilities it held.


    Sophia, walking beside him, noticed his unusual expression. Adam''s eyes were still closed, but the faint smile on his face and his oddly calm demeanor caught her attention. Concern flickered in her green eyes as she reached out, gently placing a hand on his shoulder.


    "Adam," she said softly, her voice laced with worry. "Are you okay?"


    Her touch snapped Adam out of his trance. He opened his eyes, startled, and looked at her. He had expected the images to fade, but they didn''t.


    Even with his eyes open, he could still see the glowing outlines of the world around him, layered over reality like a second sight.


    Adam''s heart raced. He was seeing the world in an entirely new way, as if a third eye had been opened within him. The glowing structures, the energy, the heightened awareness¡ªit was overwhelming and exhilarating all at once.


    What is this¡­?


    Sophia frowned, her concern deepening as she studied his wide-eyed expression. "Adam, are you sure you''re all right? You''re acting strange¡­"Before Adam could respond, Yami''s voice cut through the moment.


    "Did something hit you on the head while you were sleeping?" she asked dryly, her arms still crossed as she walked behind him.


    The teasing tone snapped Adam out of his daze. He turned to face his companions, schooling his expression into one of annoyance.


    "I''m fine," he said quickly, waving a dismissive hand. "But if you keep talking, I''ll fall asleep while walking. That''s how boring you all are."


    Yami rolled her eyes, stepping forward to playfully smack the back of Adam''s head. "You''re getting too cheeky for your age," she said, shaking her head in mock exasperation.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    Adam froze for a moment, a jolt of fear shooting through him. Did they figure it out? he wondered. Do they know I''m not the Adam they think I am? That I''m from modern Earth?


    The thought was fleeting, but it left a heavy weight in his chest.Before he could dwell on it, Sophia stepped forward, her brother George trailing just behind her.


    "We''re heading home now," Sophia said, her gaze lingering on Adam as if trying to read his thoughts.


    Adam simply nodded, choosing not to respond. Beside him, Yami stretched her arms above her head and turned toward Sophia.


    "Fine," Yami said. "We''ll see you later this evening."


    The sun was still high in the sky, its golden rays casting long shadows across the village. Despite the vibrant activity around them, a sense of calm settled over the group as they prepared to part ways.


    Eric, Yami, and Adam began walking toward their family home, the soft crunch of dirt underfoot punctuating the quiet. Adam glanced over his shoulder one last time, watching as Sophia and George headed in the opposite direction.


    The marketplace behind them bustled with life, but Adam''s mind was elsewhere.He couldn''t stop thinking about the power he had just discovered¡ªthe glowing structures, the expanded awareness, the potential of magic.


    It was as if a door had been opened, one that he had only begun to step through.And yet, the questions lingered. How far could he push his abilities? What were the limits of his mana?As the group approached the familiar outline of their home, Adam exhaled deeply. One step at a time, he thought.


    Adam''s steps slowed as he approached the familiar sight of his home, his mind buzzing with a mixture of curiosity and anticipation.The house was large, its wooden structure sturdy and well-crafted, with an air of simplicity that belied its charm.


    A wide, lush garden sprawled within the boundary, vibrant green plants stretching out in neatly tended rows.


    The sight made Adam pause for a moment. His gaze swept over the spacious yard, the well-maintained exterior, and the general sense of care that had gone into its upkeep.


    If this house existed back on Earth, he mused, my parents would have been considered rich. Very rich.The thought lingered as he pushed open the gate and stepped inside.


    The scent of freshly tilled soil from the garden mingled with the faint aroma of something cooking, wafting from within the house. Adam let out a small sigh of appreciation.


    For all the strangeness of this new world, there was a comforting warmth to this home.But that warmth was short-lived.As soon as Adam entered, his eyes caught sight of his mother standing in the kitchen. She turned toward him, and her expression shifted instantly.


    Her dark eyes narrowed, her lips pressed into a thin line, and her face flushed with anger.


    "Adam!" she yelled, her voice cutting through the air like a whip.Adam flinched, taken completely off guard.


    "How many times have I told you not to go out there?" she continued, her voice rising with every word.


    "Do you have any idea how dangerous it is near the outskirts of our village?"


    Adam froze in place, his hands raised defensively. He hadn''t been expecting this sudden onslaught.


    His modern life on Earth had left him unaccustomed to such scolding¡ªespecially from parents.


    Back there, he had been a college student living away from home, free from the constant supervision of his family. It had been years since anyone had yelled at him like this.


    "But, Mom¡ª" Adam started, his voice faltering under the weight of her glare.


    "Quiet!" she snapped, cutting him off. She grabbed a small, cloth-wrapped package from the counter and thrust it toward him. "Take this to your father. Now."


    Adam blinked, staring at the bundle in her hands. It was a lunchbox, the faint aroma of freshly cooked food wafting from within the fabric wrap.


    Realizing he had no room to argue, Adam sighed and took the lunchbox from her outstretched hands.


    His mother turned away without another word, resuming her work in the kitchen. Adam shifted uncomfortably, his mind drifting back to his life on Earth.


    The sharpness of her tone and the unyielding authority in her words reminded him of his own mother, and a pang of nostalgia tugged at his chest.


    She even sounds like her, Adam thought, shaking his head as he tried to dismiss the comparison.


    Turning on his heel, Adam began to leave the house, but the tension in the air lingered. Just as he reached the door, his sister Yami''s voice rang out behind him.


    "Mom," Yami said hesitantly, "I''ll go with Adam."


    Adam glanced over his shoulder, relief flickering in his expression. But his mother''s response dashed his hopes.


    "No one is going with him," she said firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument. "If either of you want to help, you can start by finishing your chores."


    Yami''s shoulders slumped, and she exchanged a helpless glance with Eric, who stood nearby.


    Both siblings looked at Adam, their guilt evident in their apologetic eyes.


    Adam let out a resigned sigh, his grip tightening on the lunchbox. "It''s fine," he muttered, turning toward the door.


    Without another word, he stepped outside, leaving the house and its lingering tension behind.


    Adam''s steps were slow and deliberate as he walked through the village streets. The sun hung high in the sky, casting long shadows over the dirt paths and wooden houses.


    Villagers bustled around him, their conversations and laughter filling the air, but Adam''s thoughts were elsewhere.


    Where do I even find my father? he wondered, his brow furrowing. The memories of his new life were still incomplete, leaving him uncertain about the details of his surroundings.


    He continued walking, allowing his feet to guide him.


    Subconsciously, he found himself heading toward the edge of the village, moving farther from the familiar sights of the central square.


    Eventually, Adam reached the village''s border. Beyond it, the land opened up into sprawling fields that stretched as far as the eye could see.


    Crops of all kinds swayed gently in the breeze¡ªwheat, rice, and vegetables Adam could barely recognize.


    The sight stopped him in his tracks.


    This¡­ is incredible, Adam thought, his eyes widening as he took in the vibrant greenery. The fields were alive with activity, dotted with villagers hard at work, their hands moving skillfully as they tended to the crops.


    Adam''s gaze swept over the scene, marveling at the beauty of the land. The roads flanking the fields were lower than the elevated farmland, creating a layered effect that made the view even more striking.


    Who says villages are inferior to cities? Adam mused, a small smile tugging at his lips. There was a charm here, a quiet strength in the simplicity and hard work that sustained this place.


    He continued walking, his footsteps crunching softly against the dirt path. The further he went, the more he began to appreciate the quiet rhythm of village life.


    And then, in the distance, he saw a figure.


    It was a man, bent over in one of the fields, his hands moving deftly as he worked the soil. Even from afar, Adam recognized him. A memory surfaced, clear and vivid, confirming what he already suspected.


    That''s him, Adam thought. My father.


    The man stood tall, his broad shoulders and weathered hands evidence of years spent working in the fields. There was an air of quiet dignity about him, a steadfastness that Adam couldn''t help but admire.


    Taking a deep breath, Adam cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted, "Father! I brought your lunch!"


    The man straightened at the sound of Adam''s voice, turning to face him. A faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he raised a hand in acknowledgment.


    And with that, the chapter came to an end, the golden fields swaying gently in the breeze as father and son prepared to reunite.


    ---


    End of Chapter Five

 Future sight

    The golden sunlight bathed the expansive fields as Adam''s voice echoed across the open landscape. "Father! I brought your lunch!" he called out, his hands cupped around his mouth to amplify the sound.


    In the distance, Adam''s father, Ricky, straightened up from where he had been working in the soil.


    A wide-brimmed hat shielded his face from the sun, though his warm smile was clearly visible even from afar.


    He raised a hand in acknowledgment, his other hand gripping a spade caked with dirt. His loose clothing¡ªa simple, light-colored tunic and trousers typical of the villagers¡ªwas streaked with mud from his work.


    Despite the sweat on his brow and the dust clinging to his clothes, his demeanor was relaxed, almost cheerful.


    Adam approached, the crunch of his footsteps muted by the soft earth beneath him. As he drew closer, Ricky''s smile widened.


    It was clear from the fondness in his eyes that he adored his youngest son. Like the rest of the family, Ricky had a soft spot for Adam, often indulging his whims and rarely scolding him.


    But Ricky wasn''t oblivious to the situation. Even before Adam reached him, Ricky could guess why his son had been sent out to deliver lunch today.


    "Let me guess," Ricky said, his voice light with amusement. "You were at the cremation ground again, weren''t you?"


    Adam froze mid-step, momentarily startled. He quickly recovered, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "I like it there," he admitted, shrugging. "It''s peaceful."


    Ricky chuckled, shaking his head as he leaned his spade against a nearby tree. "You''re lucky your mother loves you as much as she does. Anyone else would have gotten an earful worse than what you got."


    Adam couldn''t help but smile at his father''s teasing tone. It was a relief after the scolding he had endured earlier.


    Ricky motioned toward the shade of the tree, and both father and son made their way over. Ricky lowered himself onto the ground, sitting cross-legged as he untied the cloth bundle Adam had brought. The rich aroma of cooked vegetables and warm bread filled the air as he opened the lunchbox.


    Adam lingered a short distance away, leaning his back against the sturdy trunk of the tree. He watched as his father ate, his mind churning with thoughts.


    They still eat on the ground? Adam wondered, his modern sensibilities kicking in. He glanced around the field, taking in the simple tools, the rudimentary irrigation system, and the lack of any advanced machinery. It''s so different from Earth. Civilization here feels so far behind.


    But another thought quickly pushed that observation aside, one that sent a spark of excitement through him. His eyes darted to the horizon, where the fields stretched endlessly under the warm sun.


    What else can I do with my powers?


    The discovery of his magical ability was still fresh, and Adam was itching to test its limits. A part of him hesitated. What if I overdo it and drain all my mana again? The memory of his earlier collapse sent a shiver down his spine.


    But the thrill of exploration was too tempting to ignore.


    Adam''s gaze shifted to his father, who was quietly enjoying his meal. Ricky seemed entirely unaware of the storm of thoughts brewing in Adam''s mind.


    Maybe I should test something small¡­ something simple, Adam thought. His fingers twitched slightly as he considered the possibilities.


    That''s when a realization struck him¡ªsomething that made him pause.


    Wait¡­ my magic doesn''t activate when I talk to other people. Why is that?


    He replayed the moments in his mind, analyzing every instance when he had spoken normally without triggering any magical effects. The pattern was clear. It only happens when I use English.


    The realization hit him like a bolt of lightning. It''s not my voice¡ªit''s the words I''m using. My magic is tied to the English language.


    Adam''s heart raced as the implications sank in. This was a breakthrough, a crucial piece of the puzzle that could help him understand and control his powers.


    Eager to test his theory, Adam glanced around for a suitable target. His eyes landed on a small rock lying a short distance behind his father.


    Keeping his movements subtle, Adam raised his hand slightly, pointing toward the rock. In the local language, he muttered, "Telekinesis."


    Nothing happened.


    His father continued eating, completely unbothered, as Adam frowned at the lack of results. He lowered his hand, his brow furrowing in thought.


    So it really doesn''t work in their language, he concluded.


    Taking a deep breath, Adam raised his hand again. This time, he spoke in English, his voice steady but soft. "Telekinesis."


    The effect was immediate.


    The small rock behind Ricky began to tremble, then slowly lifted off the ground. It hovered in the air, spinning slightly as if caught in an invisible current. Adam''s eyes widened, his breath hitching as he watched the phenomenon unfold.The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    It''s true, he thought, a sense of awe washing over him. My magic is tied to English words.


    The rock hovered for a few moments before gently lowering itself back to the ground. Adam let out a shaky exhale, his heart pounding with excitement.


    This changes everything, he thought, his mind racing with possibilities. The advantage this gave him was immense. If no one else in this world could use English the way he did, then his magic was unique¡ªsomething no one could predict or counter.


    But his excitement was short-lived as his father''s voice broke through his thoughts.


    "What''s going on?" Ricky asked, turning to look at Adam. His sharp eyes scanned his son''s face, noting the faint flush on his cheeks and the way he seemed lost in thought.


    Adam quickly schooled his expression into one of nonchalance, offering a small smile. "Nothing," he said, shrugging. "Just¡­ thinking."


    Ricky raised an eyebrow but didn''t press further. Instead, he returned to his meal, shaking his head lightly. "You''re quieter than usual today," he remarked. "That''s not like you."


    Adam chuckled nervously, leaning back against the tree. "Maybe I''m just tired," he replied, trying to sound casual.


    Ricky didn''t respond, his attention back on his food. Adam, however, couldn''t stop the thoughts swirling in his mind.


    This power¡­ it''s so much more than I expected. But how far can I push it? How much can I do?


    As the midday sun continued to shine overhead, Adam sat in silence, his mind brimming with questions and possibilities. For now, he would keep his discovery to himself. But he knew that this was only the beginning.


    The sun''s rays filtered softly through the leaves of the large tree under which Adam sat, his back pressed against its sturdy trunk.


    A cool breeze rustled the grass, offering a fleeting respite from the midday warmth. A short distance away, Ricky, Adam''s father, sat cross-legged, enjoying his meal in quiet satisfaction.


    But Adam was anything but calm.


    His thoughts swirled like a storm, brimming with excitement and curiosity.


    The realization he had stumbled upon earlier¡ªhis magic was tied to the English language, not just his voice¡ªwas groundbreaking. Ideas raced through his mind, each more fantastical than the last.


    What else can I do? he thought, his heart pounding.


    Images from his favorite anime surfaced, particularly one where the main character could see the future and anticipate an enemy''s every move.


    A mischievous grin spread across Adam''s face. Why not give it a try?


    Without thinking further, Adam clapped his hands together with a sharp sound that echoed through the quiet field.


    Startled, Ricky glanced up from his meal, his brows furrowed in confusion. "Are you okay?" he asked, his tone tinged with concern.


    Adam blinked, momentarily flustered. He quickly flashed a reassuring smile. "Uh, yeah¡­ just a fly," he said, waving his hand dismissively.


    Ricky tilted his head, his skeptical expression lingering for a moment before he shrugged and returned to his meal.


    Adam let out a quiet sigh of relief, his thoughts returning to his experiment. He took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. Excitement bubbled in his chest, but so did apprehension.


    What if it goes wrong?


    The memory of his earlier collapse flashed in his mind¡ªthe drained mana, the helplessness. A part of him hesitated. But the thrill of discovery drowned out his doubts.


    "I have to know," he whispered to himself. Closing his eyes, he inhaled deeply and spoke the words with steady determination:


    "Future Sight."


    The moment the words left his lips, the world around him shifted.


    His vision blurred, and a deep darkness enveloped him, swallowing the familiar sights of the field and the tree. The air grew heavy, pressing against him like an invisible weight.


    Then, abruptly, the darkness shattered.


    Adam found himself standing in the middle of a village street¡ªhis village.


    But it wasn''t the same as he had left it. The sun was gone, replaced by the cold glow of the moon hanging in a starless sky.


    Shadows stretched unnaturally long across the cobblestone paths, flickering with the dim light of lanterns swaying in the wind.


    His breath caught in his throat as he looked around.


    Nearby, he saw his mother, Rachel, her face pale with worry. She held his hand tightly, her grip almost painful.


    Beside her stood his siblings, Yami and Eric, their expressions equally grim. Sophia and her brother George were there too, their normally cheerful faces now marked with fear.


    At the head of the group was Ricky, his father. His shoulders were tense, his gaze fixed ahead with an intensity that Adam had never seen before.


    His father''s voice rang out, firm and commanding, cutting through the eerie silence.


    "We need to get to the village center," Ricky said, urgency lacing his tone. "The bunker is the safest place." Adam''s confusion deepened. Bunker? What''s going on?


    He tried to speak, to ask a question, but the words wouldn''t come. His body felt disconnected, as if he were a ghost merely observing the scene.


    He noticed his mother''s hand clutching his tightly, her knuckles white.


    On his other side, he realized he was holding Sophia''s hand. Her green eyes darted around nervously, her breaths coming in shallow gasps.


    The group moved as one, their steps hurried and uneven. The air was thick with tension, every shadow seeming to loom with unseen threats. And then it happened.


    A sharp whistle cut through the air, followed by a sickening thud.


    Adam froze, his heart dropping into his stomach as his mother let out a strangled cry. Her hand slipped from his grasp as she stumbled forward, collapsing onto the cold ground.


    "Mom!" Adam shouted, his voice breaking with panic.


    His gaze snapped downward, and his blood ran cold. An arrow was embedded deep into her back, its shaft glistening with dark crimson under the pale moonlight.


    Rachel''s breathing was shallow, her body trembling as the pain overtook her.The world seemed to slow as Adam''s mind raced, horror gripping him. He couldn''t move, couldn''t think.


    "Rachel!" Ricky''s anguished voice shattered the stillness.


    Adam''s father dropped to his knees beside his wife, his hands trembling as he tried to assess her wound.


    Yami and Sophia knelt beside Rachel as well, their faces pale with fear. Tears streamed down Sophia''s cheeks as she whispered Rachel''s name over and over, her voice trembling.


    Eric stood frozen, his fists clenched tightly at his sides. The shock in his eyes mirrored Adam''s own.


    Then, something shifted in Eric''s expression. The fear was replaced by rage, burning fiercely as he turned toward the direction from which the arrow had come.


    Without hesitation, he broke into a sprint, his tall frame moving with reckless determination.


    "Eric, no!" Ricky called out, his voice filled with desperation.


    But Eric didn''t stop. His focus was locked on a figure that had emerged from the shadows.


    The man was tall, his height imposing at nearly six feet. His movements were unnaturally fast, a blur as he stepped into the dim light of the night.


    His clothing was an unsettling mix of colors, a patchwork of dark fabrics that gave him a ghostly appearance.


    In his hand, he held a gleaming sword, the blade catching the faint light ominously.


    Adam''s breath hitched as he stared at the figure. A cold dread seeped into his chest, gripping him tightly.This¡­ this is real danger, he thought, his mind racing.


    For the first time since arriving in this world, Adam felt true fear.


    The man''s gaze flicked toward Eric, and a twisted smile spread across his face. He raised his sword, the motion fluid and deliberate.


    Adam wanted to move, to scream, to do anything to stop what was about to happen. But he couldn''t. His body remained frozen, his heart pounding wildly as the scene unfolded before him.


    His chest heaved as he struggled to process what he had just seen. His hands trembled, and his heart raced.


    And with that, the chapter came to a close, leaving Adam grappling with the weight of what he is witnessing.


    ---


    End of Chapter Six

 Reality or dream

    The chilling scene unfolded before Adam''s eyes like a nightmare he could neither escape nor control.


    He was still trapped in the future vision, unable to move, unable to act. His breathing was shallow, and his heartbeat thundered in his ears as Eric charged forward, fury radiating from every step.


    The dark-cloaked man, his figure towering and ominous, stood still, his sword gleaming coldly in the moonlight. His eyes seemed to glint with cruel amusement as Eric sprinted toward him. "Eric, stop!" Adam screamed internally, his desperation mounting.


    But no sound left his lips. His body remained frozen, a helpless observer to the horrifying events.Eric swung his weapon, aiming to strike the man down. But the cloaked figure moved with lightning speed, sidestepping Eric''s attack effortlessly.


    With a single, brutal motion, the man swung his sword in retaliation. Aeam''s heart stopped.The blade cut through Eric''s body with terrifying precision, slicing him cleanly in two.


    Blood sprayed across the ground as Eric''s lifeless form collapsed, his torso and legs falling in separate directions.


    "Eric!"


    The anguished scream tore through the night, coming from Ricky, Adam''s father.Ricky''s eyes widened in horror as he saw his son''s body crumple to the ground. The raw pain in his voice sent shivers down Adam''s spine.


    "No!" Adam shouted in his mind, his frustration and grief mounting.He struggled against the invisible chains that bound him, willing his body to move, to act. But it was futile. He could only watch.


    Ricky''s grief quickly turned to rage. Dropping his tools, he bolted toward the cloaked man, his eyes blazing with determination.


    "Father, don''t!" Adam wanted to scream, but the words remained trapped inside him.


    As Ricky charged, two more cloaked figures emerged from the shadows behind the first man. Both carried bows, their movements smooth and calculated.


    They nocked arrows onto their strings and pulled back, their aim precise and deadly.The arrows flew, slicing through the air with a sharp whistle. Adam''s breath caught in his throat as the projectiles found their mark.


    Both arrows embedded themselves deep into Ricky''s chest, their impact forcing him backward.He stumbled, his eyes wide with shock, before collapsing onto the blood-soaked ground.


    "Father!"


    Adam''s entire body trembled as he watched Ricky struggle to breathe, his chest heaving as blood poured from his wounds.  A strangled cry escaped from Sophia, who stood nearby, tears streaming down her face.


    "No¡­ this can''t be happening," Adam thought, his vision blurring with unshed tears. George, Sophia''s older brother, broke into a desperate sprint, rushing to Ricky''s side. "Stay with me!" he shouted, his voice cracking.


    Adam remained frozen, his legs refusing to move. Beside him, Rachel¡ªhis mother¡ªlay sprawled on the ground, still clutching her own wound. She reached out with trembling hands, gripping Adam''s arm weakly. Her face was pale, her breathing labored.


    "Adam," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "You need to go. Take Sophia and run. Leave this place. Now." Adam''s heart clenched at her words. "No! I can''t leave you!" he wanted to say.


    Sophia knelt beside Rachel, sobbing uncontrollably. "We can save you! Don''t give up! Please, don''t give up!"


    Rachel''s trembling hand moved to clasp Sophia''s. Her voice grew firmer, though the pain was evident in her eyes. "You can''t save me. Take Adam and leave. Do as I say!"


    Sophia hesitated, her body trembling with indecision. Before anyone could act, a sickening sound cut through the air¡ªa blade slicing through flesh. Adam''s head snapped toward the source of the noise. George''s body crumpled to the ground, his head severed cleanly from his neck.


    The cloaked figure who had killed him stood nearby, his bloodied sword still in hand. The eerie smile on his face sent a chill down Adam''s spine. "George!" Sophia''s scream was piercing, filled with anguish and fury.


    She tried to rush toward her brother''s fallen body, but Rachel grabbed her wrist, holding her back with surprising strength.


    "You have to leave now!" Rachel yelled, her voice filled with desperation. She pushed both Adam and Sophia away, using every ounce of her remaining strength.


    The force of the push jolted Adam out of his stupor.


    Grabbing Sophia''s hand, he began to run, his legs moving on pure instinct. Sophia stumbled beside him, her sobs choking her breath, but she didn''t resist.


    Behind them, Rachel staggered to her feet, turning toward the cloaked figures. Her movements were slow, her body weakened by blood loss, but her resolve was unshakable.


    "Come on!" Adam shouted, his voice cracking as he pulled Sophia along.


    The sounds of Rachel''s screams and the men''s sinister laughter echoed behind them, but Adam didn''t dare look back. His mind was a blur of panic and grief, his only thought being to keep running.


    As they fled, the village around them descended into chaos. Flames consumed the wooden houses, their fiery glow illuminating the night. The air was thick with smoke and the metallic stench of blood.


    Bodies littered the ground¡ªvillagers who had fallen in the attack. Their lifeless forms lay scattered across the streets, their faces frozen in expressions of terror.


    The cloaked figures moved among the carnage, their smiles twisted and unnatural as they surveyed their handiwork. Adam''s chest tightened as he took in the devastation. "Why is this happening? What is this nightmare?"


    The burning houses cast long shadows, and the cries of the dying filled the air. Adam''s grip on Sophia''s hand tightened as he forced his legs to keep moving, his vision swimming with tears.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    Suddenly, the world around him began to shift.


    The flames flickered and dimmed, the cries growing fainter. The buildings, the bodies, even Sophia¡ªall of it began to fade, as though someone were wiping a canvas clean.


    Darkness consumed everything, leaving Adam floating in an endless void. And then, just as abruptly, the sunlight returned.


    Adam gasped, his eyes snapping open to find himself back in the present. The warm glow of the sun bathed the fields, and the gentle rustle of the wind filled the air.


    He was sitting under the tree, his father still eating a short distance away, unaware of the horrors Adam had just witnessed.


    Adam''s heart raced, his chest rising and falling rapidly as he struggled to make sense of what had just happened. His hands trembled, and his body felt weak, as though he had just run a marathon.


    "What¡­ was that?" he whispered to himself, his voice barely audible. "Adam?" Ricky''s concerned voice broke through his thoughts.


    Adam turned to face his father, only to realize something was wrong. His vision blurred, and a sharp pain shot through his head. Warm liquid dripped from his nose, and he touched it instinctively.


    "Adam!" Ricky''s voice was filled with panic as he rushed toward his son.


    Adam''s surroundings spun, the colors blending together as his strength left him. His body slumped backward, his head hitting the tree trunk with a dull thud.


    "Adam, stay with me!" Ricky shouted, shaking his son gently. But Adam''s eyes fluttered shut, and the world faded to black.


    Ricky caught Adam before he fell to the ground completely, cradling him in his arms. Panic and fear filled his eyes as he called out again. "Adam! Wake up! Please, wake up!"


    But Adam didn''t respond. Blood trickled from his nose, staining his father''s hands as Ricky lifted him and began running toward the village, his voice breaking as he yelled for help.


    And with that, the scene came to a close, leaving Ricky''s desperate cries echoing in the sunlit fields. The night had settled over the village, casting a blanket of silence that was broken only by the rustling leaves and the occasional chirp of crickets.


    Outside Adam''s house, Ricky stood under the faint moonlight. His broad frame, draped in simple but sturdy clothing, cast a shadow against the wooden fence.


    His dark hair ruffled slightly in the breeze, but his eyes were fixed on the two figures standing before him.


    The man standing opposite Ricky was tall and muscular, his blonde hair shining even in the dim light. His rugged face bore numerous scars¡ªsilent testaments to the countless battles he had endured.


    This was Sam, father to Sophia and George, and an experienced hunter. Beside him stood Komal, his wife, whose fiery orange hair seemed to glow in the dark.


    Her sharp eyes carried a mix of concern and determination.Sam was the first to speak, his deep voice cutting through the quiet. "Is your boy alright?"


    Ricky hesitated, a hint of worry clouding his expression. "I don''t know," he admitted. "He suddenly fainted this afternoon. He''s resting now."Sam nodded solemnly, sensing Ricky''s unease but refraining from prying further. Meanwhile, the scene shifted indoors, revealing Adam''s room.


    Inside the modest wooden house, Adam lay motionless on his bed. His face was pale, his breathing steady but shallow.


    Beside him sat Rachel, his mother, her hand resting lightly on his arm as though her touch alone could shield him from harm.


    She wore a forced smile, her eyes betraying the fear she refused to show.


    Nearby, Adam''s siblings, Yami and Eric, hovered anxiously. Yami, ever the optimist, tried to lighten the mood. "Mom, don''t worry. Adam will be fine," she said softly, her voice filled with conviction.


    Rachel turned to her daughter, her lips curving into a faint smile. "I know, dear," she replied, though the tightness in her voice was hard to miss.


    In the corner of the room stood Sophia, her arms crossed and her face clouded with worry. She had been unusually quiet since Adam''s fainting spell, replaying the events of the day in her mind. He''s been acting strange all day. What''s going on with him? she wondered.


    Beside her, George leaned against the wall, his expression serious as he watched over his sister and Adam. The atmosphere was thick with tension, the quiet broken only by the occasional creak of the wooden floorboards.


    Outside, the conversation continued.


    Komal addressed Rachel, who had stepped out to join them. "Rachel, I think you''re overthinking this," Komal said gently, placing a reassuring hand on her friend''s shoulder. "I may not be an expert, but I''ve seen cases like this before. Sometimes it just happens¡ªnothing to worry about."


    Rachel sighed, her worry easing slightly at Komal''s words.


    Sam, standing a few paces away, smiled faintly. "Ricky, I''m leaving Sophia and George here tonight. Komal and I will be out hunting until morning," he said, nodding toward the group of hunters waiting in the shadows beyond the gate.


    Ricky returned the smile, his gratitude evident. "I''ll watch over them. Stay safe out there."


    With a final farewell, Sam and Komal joined their companions, disappearing into the night. Ricky and Rachel lingered for a moment, their thoughts heavy, before stepping back inside.


    The stillness of the night was shattered as Adam''s eyes flew open. He sat up abruptly, his breathing labored, his heart pounding in his chest.


    His room was empty now, the comforting presence of his family gone. The silence was oppressive, amplifying the unsettling feeling that gripped him. Suddenly, a sharp scream pierced the night.


    Adam''s blood ran cold. The voice was unmistakable¡ªit was his mother.i Without a second thought, Adam threw off the covers and bolted from his bed.


    His feet carried him through the house, his movements driven by pure instinct. He burst through the front door and into the garden, the chill of the night air biting at his skin.


    The village street lay before him, shrouded in darkness. The faint light of the moon illuminated a gruesome scene.


    The ground was slick with blood, dark stains pooling across the cobblestones. Adam''s breath hitched as he tried to comprehend the horror before him. Then, he saw her. Rachel was staggering toward him, her steps uneven, her body trembling.


    Her dress was soaked with blood, and multiple arrows protruded from her back, their shafts glinting in the dim light. "Mom!" Adam cried, his voice breaking.


    His legs felt like lead as he tried to move toward her, his body frozen with fear. Behind Rachel, three figures emerged from the shadows, their twisted smiles sending shivers down Adam''s spine.


    The first man carried a bow, casually notching another arrow as though he were hunting game. The second held a sword, its blade gleaming ominously. The third wielded a spear, its tip stained with blood. Their laughter echoed through the street, cold and cruel.


    Adam''s heart pounded as he struggled to move, to shout a warning to his mother. But his body refused to obey. His limbs felt paralyzed, his voice caught in his throat.


    The swordsman stepped forward, his movements predatory and deliberate. With a single, fluid motion, he leaped toward Rachel, his blade slicing through the air.


    "No!" Adam screamed internally, tears streaming down his face.


    The sword struck, its sharp edge cutting through Rachel''s neck. Her head fell to the ground, her body collapsing lifelessly beside it. Adam''s world shattered. "No!" he screamed, his voice raw and desperate. The sound of his own voice jolted him awake.


    ---


    Adam''s eyes snapped open, his chest heaving as he gasped for air. Sweat drenched his body, and his heart raced as though he had just run a marathon. The familiar surroundings of his room came into focus, the nightmare fading like a cruel shadow.


    "Adam!"


    Sophia was at his side, her hand gripping his tightly. "It''s okay. You''re safe. It was just a bad dream," she said, her voice soothing but edged with worry.Rachel burst into the room, her face pale with fear. "Adam, are you alright?" she asked, rushing to his side.


    Adam looked around, his gaze lingering on the concerned faces of his family and friends. He took a deep breath, the weight of the nightmare still heavy on his chest.


    "It¡­ it was just a dream," he whispered, trying to convince himself as much as them.


    Rachel pulled him into a tight embrace, her relief palpable. Adam closed his eyes, leaning into her warmth, but his mind was far from calm.


    It felt so real, he thought, his hands trembling.


    As Rachel released him, Adam''s gaze drifted toward the window.


    The moon hung high in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the village. His heart skipped a beat as he noticed something¡ªa faint shadow moving in the distance.


    And with that, the chapter came to a close, leaving Adam with the unsettling realization that his nightmare might have been more than just a dream.


    ---


    End of Chapter Seven

 The scene changed

    The room was dimly lit, shadows stretching across the wooden walls as Adam sat on his bed, his thoughts racing.


    The nightmare he had just endured still clung to him, vivid and suffocating. He stared out of the window, noting the inky blackness of the night outside.


    The silence was almost oppressive, broken only by the faint rustle of the wind. The scenes from his future sight spell flashed in his mind, each memory more horrifying than the last.


    His heart raced as he recalled the chaos, the blood, and the devastating losses. But as he turned his gaze back into the room, his fear momentarily subsided.


    His family surrounded him¡ªhis mother Rachel sat close by, her worried eyes never leaving him.


    His father Ricky leaned against the wall, his face lined with concern. Sophia sat beside him, holding his hand tightly, her presence a comforting anchor.


    "Adam, are you okay?" Sophia asks worriedly. She doesn''t understand why Adam has been behaving strangely since morning and now he has fainted and was unconscious since afternoon and has just opened his eyes.


    His siblings, Eric and Yami, stood nearby, their expressions filled with anxiety. Even George, Sophia''s brother, hovered protectively in the corner.


    Adam took a deep breath, his chest tightening. Why am I so afraid? he thought, his mind racing. I have a cheat code. I can become the greatest person in this world. And here I am, cowering because of one vision.


    He closed his eyes, exhaling slowly to steady himself. When he opened them again, a faint smile appeared on his face. "It was just a meaningless nightmare," he said, forcing a lightness into his voice.


    Rachel leaned closer, her hand brushing against his forehead. "I''m right here, Adam," she said softly. "You have nothing to fear."


    Adam turned to her, his smile growing more genuine. "Thanks, Mom," he replied. But then, with a sheepish grin, he added, "My head hurts a lot. Can you all¡­ leave me alone for a bit?"


    His request brought a wave of confusion. Rachel hesitated, glancing at Ricky for guidance. But Adam''s father, ever perceptive, stepped in to defuse the tension.


    "Come on, everyone," Ricky said, his tone light. "Let''s give Adam some space. He needs to rest."


    He turned to Sophia and George with a mischievous grin. "Hey, do you two want to see my best trick? It''s the one I used to beat your father¡ªmore than once!"


    George''s eyes lit up with excitement. "Really? Show me!" he exclaimed, his curiosity overtaking his worry.


    Eric chimed in, his enthusiasm matching George''s. "You have to show us, Dad!" Sophia, though reluctant, followed the group as they filed out of the room. She glanced back at Adam, her grip tightening on his hand before she let go.


    Rachel lingered by the door, her gaze fixed on Adam. "If you need anything, call me," she said firmly.


    Adam nodded, watching as she stepped out and closed the wooden door behind her. The click of the latch echoed in the silence, and for the first time that night, Adam was alone.


    ---


    Adam sat motionless for a moment, the stillness of the room wrapping around him like a cocoon. Slowly, he opened his eyes and exhaled, his expression hardening with resolve.


    "Alright," he muttered under his breath. "If I''ve accepted this world as my new home¡­ if I''ve accepted these people as my family¡­ I won''t let anything happen to them."


    He pushed himself off the bed, standing tall despite the faint ache in his head. "Let''s see just how far my mana can take me."


    Closing his eyes, Adam began to focus. A thought crossed his mind¡ªhow much mana did he actually have? Was his reserve large enough to sustain prolonged spells?


    He decided to test it. "Check my mana reserves," he said clearly, his voice steady.


    A faint blue glow appeared in the air before him, forming into a translucent number: 1008/1008.


    Adam''s eyes widened in surprise. "So that''s my limit," he muttered, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Not bad."


    He knelt on the wooden floor, placing his palms flat against the cool surface. "Alright, let''s begin," he whispered. Closing his eyes, he focused his energy.


    "Survey."


    From his hands, a wave of white light pulsed outward, invisible to anyone but Adam.


    The light spread quickly, surging through the house, out into the garden, and beyond. It moved like ripples on a pond, crossing the village and reaching the surrounding borders.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    The pulse continued to spread, touching the edges of the forest before returning to Adam.


    He opened his eyes, watching the energy flow back into him. His body tensed as images began to form in his mind¡ªa detailed map of the village and its surroundings. He could see every structure, every path, and even the faint outlines of the forest beyond.


    But something caught his attention.


    At the eastern edge of the village, a cluster of figures was gathering in the forest. Their shapes were faint, but their movements were deliberate. Adam''s heart quickened as he focused on them, willing the spell to reveal more.


    The outlines of their bodies grew sharper, and he noticed their attire¡ªdark, sinister clothing that matched the ones he had seen in his vision. His breath hitched as his focus deepened.


    Each figure had a faint blue glow emanating from their chest. Most of the glows were small, barely noticeable, but one stood out. The figure at the back of the group had a fire in his chest¡ªa bright blue flame that was almost the size of Adam''s hand.


    "That''s him," Adam whispered, his fists clenching. "The one from my vision. The one who killed my father and brother."


    His jaw tightened, his resolve hardening into something unshakable. He stood, his eyes blazing with determination. "So, the time has come," he muttered. "I won''t let this happen. Not now. Not ever."


    And with that, Adam turned toward the door, his heart pounding with the weight of what lay ahead.Adam stood in his dimly lit room, a thin veil of sweat clinging to his forehead.


    His heart thudded loudly in his chest, but his resolve was stronger than the fear that gnawed at his mind.He had seen them¡ªthose dark figures in the forest, slowly advancing toward the village.


    His Survey spell had laid everything bare, revealing the exact threat his family and home faced.For a moment, Adam closed his eyes, forcing himself to breathe deeply.


    The memory of his vision lingered in his mind like a dark shadow. His father, his mother, and his brother¡ªall lying lifeless because of these attackers.


    He clenched his fists, the weight of his determination pressing against his chest.


    "No," he muttered under his breath, his voice steady but laced with anger. "I won''t let that happen. Not now. Not ever."


    Adam turned his gaze to the window, where the darkness of the night loomed over the village.


    He knew what he had to do. His powers were still untested, his offensive spells unrefined, but he couldn''t sit idly by.


    "Teleportation," he said firmly.


    Before the word had even fully escaped his lips, his body was enveloped in a blinding blue light. In the blink of an eye, the familiar surroundings of his room vanished.


    Adam reappeared in the heart of the dense forest, his boots crunching softly against the damp earth.


    The air here was cold, carrying the sharp, woody scent of pine and the faint rustle of unseen creatures.


    Towering trees surrounded him, their branches weaving a canopy that blocked out most of the moonlight.


    He glanced at the dark silhouettes in the distance¡ªthe attackers.


    They were moving steadily, their black robes blending into the shadows as they advanced toward the village.


    Adam inhaled sharply and whispered, "Check my mana reserves."Once again, the faint blue numbers appeared before him: [900/1008]


    "Teleportation costs 100 mana points," he murmured, filing the information away for later. A small smile tugged at his lips. "At least I''m learning how this works."


    But the smile quickly faded as his gaze returned to the approaching figures.There were so many of them, each step bringing them closer to his home.


    Adam crouched low behind a massive tree, its rough bark pressing against his back as he tried to steady his nerves.He closed his eyes, placing one hand firmly on the ground. The cold, damp earth sent a shiver up his arm, but he ignored it. "Survey," he said.


    A pulse of white light radiated from his hand, spreading outward in waves that only he could see.The magic moved like ripples in a pond, traveling through the forest, brushing past the attackers, and returning to him.


    Adam opened his eyes, his mind flooded with information. "Thirty-eight of them," he muttered under his breath. "Twelve archers, eight spearmen, and eighteen swordsmen. And him¡­"


    His jaw clenched as he thought of the figure he''d seen in his vision¡ªthe one who had killed his family.Adam could feel his anger bubbling to the surface, but he forced himself to stay calm.


    Adam sat back against the tree, trying to formulate a plan. His mana reserves were still at 900, which meant he had enough energy for a few more spells. But charging in recklessly wasn''t an option.


    "There has to be a better way," he thought, his mind racing through possibilities. Then, an idea struck him."If I can''t face them head-on, I''ll just have to stay hidden," he whispered. "Stealth," he said, the word rolling off his tongue with ease.


    Immediately, a strange sensation washed over him. It was as if the very essence of his presence was being erased. He glanced down at his hands, but they were still visible."Invisibility," he added, the word barely a whisper.


    This time, his body disappeared completely. Adam looked at his hands¡ªor rather, the space where his hands should have been¡ªand felt a rush of amazement.


    He was completely invisible, blending seamlessly into the shadows of the forest."Let''s begin," he said, his voice low and determined.


    Keeping low, Adam crept closer to the group. The attackers were only ten meters away now, their quiet murmurs carrying faintly through the still night air. He paused to check his mana reserves again:


    <890/1008.>


    "Ten points each for Stealth and Invisibility," he noted silently. "I''ll need to manage this carefully."


    He raised his hand, shaping it into the form of a gun. The memory of action movies he''d seen back on Earth flashed through his mind as he aimed at one of the men¡ªa swordsman walking near the back of the group.


    "Aur Bullet," he said, his voice firm but quiet.


    A small orb of air and energy formed at his fingertip, glowing faintly before shooting forward with incredible speed. It whizzed through the air, its trajectory sharp and precise.


    But Adam''s inexperience showed. Instead of hitting the man''s head, the bullet struck his shoulder, tearing through flesh and bone. The man let out a blood-curdling scream, collapsing to the ground as blood pooled beneath him.


    The group froze, their heads whipping around in confusion. Some raised their weapons, scanning the dark forest for any sign of an attacker, while others rushed to the fallen man''s side.


    "What was that?" one of them barked, his voice tinged with fear."I didn''t see anything," another replied, his bow drawn and ready to fire.


    Adam crouched lower, his heart pounding in his chest. He hadn''t meant to miss, but now wasn''t the time for regret.


    The leader of the group stepped forward, his towering figure exuding an aura of authority. The faint blue flame in his chest burned brighter than the rest, a clear indication of his power.


    "Stay alert," he commanded, his voice deep and commanding. "We''re not alone."Adam watched him closely, his mind racing. "He''s the one," he thought, his anger flaring once more.


    He considered his next move. Another bullet might give away his position, and teleporting directly into their midst could be suicide. For now, he decided to wait and observe, his invisibility keeping him hidden.


    ---


    End of the chapter 8.

 The unwritten rule

    The moon hung high in the night sky, casting pale beams through the dense canopy of the forest.


    Shadows danced between the towering trees as Adam adjusted his position. His stealth spell kept him completely invisible, and his strength-enhancing spell coursed through his body, ready to strike at a moment''s notice.


    He took a deep breath, the crisp night air cooling his lungs, as he prepared for the chaos that was to follow.Ahead of him, the remaining bandits were in complete disarray.


    Panic gripped their minds as they looked around frantically, their weapons clutched tightly in their trembling hands.Their leader, a tall man with a weathered face, crouched beside their injured comrade, inspecting the wound caused by Adam''s earlier Air Bullet.


    ---


    Adam crouched behind a nearby tree, observing the chaos he had created.The bandits were visibly shaken, their movements uncoordinated and erratic. "Good," Adam thought, a cold determination in his eyes.


    Before making his next move, Adam whispered, "Check my mana points."The familiar blue digits appeared before him: 880/1008.


    "So, each Air Bullet costs 10 mana points," he noted with satisfaction. "That''s efficient enough to get the job done."


    A small smile spread across his lips as he realized his reserves were more than sufficient for the battle ahead. Still, he knew he had to be strategic. He could not afford to waste even a single shot.


    Adam stepped out from behind the tree, moving closer to the group. His invisibility allowed him to approach undetected, but he maintained a safe distance.


    His sharp eyes locked onto the bandits gathered around their injured comrade. Raising both hands, he whispered, "Mark targets."


    Adam''s eyes glow red and then an invisible wave comes out from Adam which hits all the people and creates a change.Immediately, faint red marks appeared over the heads of three bandits. The marks glowed softly, guiding Adam''s focus like a hunter lining up his prey.


    "Perfect," he thought, taking careful aim.


    "Air Bullet."


    The word left his lips, and an invisible force shot forward, cutting through the air with deadly precision. The bandits didn''t even have time to react as the bullets pierced their skulls, leaving clean, circular holes. The three men crumpled to the ground, lifeless.


    The remaining bandits froze in place, their faces pale with fear. They had never encountered such a weapon¡ªsilent, invisible, and deadly.The leader rushed to the fallen men, his expression a mix of horror and confusion as he examined their wounds.


    "What kind of sorcery is this?" he muttered under his breath.


    Their leader has never seen such a spell before and that is why he is very surprised.


    Adam, still cloaked in invisibility, smirked at their confusion. Raising his hands again, he fired a second volley of Air Bullets.


    This time, five bullets shot forward, each one finding its target with unerring accuracy.The spearmen nearest to the leader dropped one by one, their bodies hitting the ground with dull thuds.


    The sound of their deaths was accompanied by the faint whistling of the Air Bullets tearing through the air¡ªa sound that sent chills down the spines of the remaining bandits.


    By now, the bandits were in complete disarray. Some clung to their weapons, their knuckles white with tension, while others began to back away, their instincts urging them to flee.


    The leader barked orders, trying to restore order. "Stand your ground! And look carefully at everything around you"


    But Adam wasn''t done.


    "Air Bullet, Air Bullet, Air Bullet."


    This time, twelve bullets erupted from Adam''s hands, striking the archers at the back of the group. Each one fell where they stood, their bodies collapsing into lifeless heaps.


    The leader''s eyes darted around wildly, his composure cracking as he realized the scope of the attack. His voice trembled as he shouted, "Retreat! Fall back!"


    The bandits scattered, their fear driving them in all directions. Adam frowned as he watched them split up. "If they escape, they''ll regroup. I can''t let that happen."


    His eyes narrowed, focusing on the group heading toward the village. "They''re the biggest threat right now," he thought, immediately giving chase.


    "Survey."


    The detection spell activated, sending out a wave of white light that revealed the positions of the fleeing bandits. Adam could see their glowing outlines even through the dense forest. They were over 100 meters away, moving quickly.


    Raising his hands to the sky, Adam whispered, "Air Bullet."


    The bullets shot upward, disappearing into the night sky. Guided by the red markers from Adam''s earlier targeting spell, they arced gracefully before descending upon their targets like guided missiles.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    One by one, the bandits fell. Even as they zigzagged through the forest, the bullets found their marks, striking them with unerring precision. Adam watched through his detection spell, satisfied as the glowing outlines disappeared from his vision.


    "That''s the end of them," he muttered, turning his attention back to the remaining bandits in the forest.


    Only eight bandits were left now, including their leader. Adam activated his stealth and invisibility spells again, his body vanishing completely. Moving swiftly through the forest, he closed the distance between himself and his targets.


    "Survey."


    The detection spell revealed the bandits'' positions once more. They were clustered together, moving deeper into the forest in a desperate attempt to escape. Adam raised his hand, his voice steady as he whispered, "Air Bullet."


    Seven bullets shot forward in rapid succession. The bandits didn''t stand a chance. One by one, they fell, leaving the leader alone.


    The leader stumbled forward, his breath ragged as he glanced over his shoulder. The sight of his fallen men only fueled his terror. His mind raced, searching for a way out, but the forest seemed to close in around him.


    Adam stepped closer, his movements silent as a predator stalking its prey. He raised his hand, ready to deliver the final blow.


    "Air Bullet."


    The night air hung heavy with tension, the sound of Bandit boss anguished cries piercing through the silence.


    Adam watched from the shadows as his final Air Bullet struck true, passing clean through the bandit leader''s leg. The leader fell to the ground with a howl, clutching his wound, his face twisted in pain.


    The once-dominant figure was now reduced to a writhing mess, crawling on the forest floor as he muttered incoherent curses.


    His eyes darted around in confusion, desperate to locate his attacker. It was clear from his panicked state that he couldn''t comprehend what had just happened to his men¡ªor why he was being targeted.


    Boss''s desperate cries filled the forest as he flailed helplessly. Adam, still cloaked in invisibility, took slow, deliberate steps toward him. His mind was calm, focused.


    "Let''s see what you''re hiding," Adam thought, his sharp gaze fixed on the bandit leader.


    As Adam deactivated his Stealth and Invisibility spells, his form became visible. Standing tall amidst the chaos, he revealed himself to Boss, his expression cold and calculating.


    Boss froze. His wide eyes locked onto Adam, and for a moment, his breath caught in his throat. The sight of a 15-year-old boy standing before him made his mind race.


    "You¡­ You''re a mage?" Boss stammered, his voice trembling.His reaction made Adam smirk. "So, he sees me as a mage. Interesting."


    Before Adam could respond, Boss''s face twisted further in fear. He scrambled backward, his voice rising in panic. "If I had known a mage lived in this village, I never would have attacked! Never!"


    Adam raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the man''s words. "So, mages hold a lot of power in this continent," he mused silently. Without giving away his thoughts, Adam stepped closer, his face devoid of emotion. His sharp eyes bore into boss, who now cowered beneath his gaze.


    "I only have one question for you," Adam said, his voice steady but laced with authority. "Who are you, and why did you attack my village?"


    Boss gulped, visibly trembling. Raising his hands in surrender, he muttered, "My name is Mark¡­ I¡­ I''m a former branch member of the Soku Clan."


    Adam''s mind raced. "The Soku Clan¡­ That name feels familiar. I must have read about it in the memories of this body." Mark''s voice broke through Adam''s thoughts. "Please, spare me. I was only following orders," he pleaded.


    Adam''s gaze hardened. "Orders? You''re going to need to do better than that. Why attack my village? If you don''t give me the right answer, this will be your last night alive."


    Mark''s panic intensified. His hands shot up defensively as he shook his head. "You¡­ You can''t kill me," he said, his voice quivering. Adam frowned, taking a step closer. "I just killed all of your men. Why would you think I can''t kill you?"


    Mark''s voice wavered. "Because¡­ Because you''re a mage!" Adam''s confusion deepened. "And that means¡­ what, exactly?"


    Mark hesitated, his face a mixture of fear and disbelief. "You don''t know?" Adam''s tone grew sharper. "Don''t test my patience. Explain yourself."


    Mark swallowed hard, his voice barely above a whisper. "It''s¡­ It''s a rule. A common law. Mages don''t kill members of the Sword Clans, and the Sword Clans don''t kill mages. It''s been this way for 500 years, ever since the war ended and peace was established. No one has ever broken this rule."


    Adam''s mind reeled. "A truce between mages and swordsmen? No one ever mentioned this to me. Why doesn''t this body''s memory have this information?"


    Adam''s face remained stoic, hiding his growing frustration. He extended a hand toward Mark, his fingers crackling with energy.


    "Here''s the thing," Adam said, his voice low and menacing. "I don''t care about your so-called rules. If you don''t give me the truth, you''ll be six feet under like the rest of your men."


    Mark''s eyes widened in terror. His breath came in short gasps as he realized the seriousness of Adam''s threat.


    "Wait! Wait! Don''t kill me!" Mark cried, his voice breaking. "I''ll tell you everything!" Adam''s hand remained outstretched, his expression unyielding. "Start talking."


    Mark took a shuddering breath. "It''s true, I''m no longer a branch leader. But I''m still a member of the Soku Clan. This¡­ This was a secret mission. I was ordered to destroy this village by the higher-ups in my clan."


    Adam''s eyes narrowed, his anger simmering beneath the surface. "Destroy my village? Why?" Mark shook his head frantically. "I don''t know! I swear, I don''t know! I was just following orders!"


    Adam''s fists clenched at his sides. "And how exactly would anyone know if I killed you here and now? You''re nothing but a rogue."


    Mark''s face turned pale. "No¡­ No, I''m not a rogue. This mission was sanctioned. If anything happens to me, the others will know."


    Mark lifted his hand, revealing a strange tattoo on his wrist. It depicted a half-moon beside a sword, both etched in intricate detail.


    "This crest," Mark said, his voice trembling. "It''s a trigger. If I die, it will activate automatically. The Sword Clans will be alerted, and they''ll send reinforcements. No one dares cross the Sword Clans¡ªnot even the royal family of this country."


    Adam studied the mark carefully, his mind analyzing the situation. Mark''s words carried weight, but Adam could sense that there was more to the story.


    Mark continued, his voice growing steadier as he sensed Adam''s hesitation. "The Sword Clans are the only force that can rival the Megas Towers. Their enmity has existed for centuries. You must know this. If you kill me, it could spark another war."


    Adam''s brow furrowed. "A war between the Sword Clans and the Megus Towers?"


    Mark nodded quickly. "Yes. That''s why this rule exists. To prevent a conflict that could destroy the entire continent."


    Adam remained silent, his thoughts racing. "Why don''t I know any of this? Is there a part of my memory that I haven''t unlocked yet?"


    Adam''s gaze shifted back to Mark, his expression unreadable. "If everything you''re saying is true, then why are you here? Why risk breaking this so-called truce?"


    Mark hesitated before answering. "I told you, it was an order. I didn''t have a choice." Adam''s eyes narrowed. "I should kill you for what you''ve done to my village."


    Mark recoiled, his voice rising in desperation. "Please! Don''t! I swear, if you let me go, I''ll never return. You have my word!"


    Adam stared at him for a long moment, weighing his options. The memory of the destruction he had seen in his vision lingered in his mind, pushing him toward a decision.


    The chapter ends here, leaving Adam''s choice hanging in suspense.


    ---


    End of the chapter Nine.

 An Unfulfilled Desire

    The forest was eerily silent, save for the faint rustle of leaves and the distant sound of insects. Adam stood tall, his piercing gaze locked onto the bandit leader, Mark, who was sprawled on the ground.


    Mark''s face was pale, his chest rising and falling rapidly as he struggled to comprehend the situation.


    Adam extended his hand, his fingers forming a gun-like shape, the focus of his energy channeling through it. His voice was calm but carried the weight of finality.


    "Air Bullet."


    The air around Adam''s hand compressed and swirled, forming an invisible projectile that burst forward with a deafening crack.


    The bullet of air pierced through Mark''s chest, clean and precise, leaving no chance for survival.Mark''s body jerked violently before collapsing lifelessly onto the ground. Adam stepped back, his sharp eyes scanning the surrounding area.


    His instincts were heightened, searching for any signs of another potential threat. But the forest remained still.Satisfied that no one else was present, Adam exhaled deeply. For the first time in what felt like hours, he allowed himself to relax.


    His gaze shifted upward, taking in the dark canopy of trees above him. The night had fully descended, the shadows stretching long and wide.A smile crept onto Adam''s face as he muttered to himself, "I''ve saved my family and my village." His words echoed softly in the stillness.


    Adam was initially terrified when he saw a future where his entire village was killed in front of him,


    And he was not able to do anything, whereas Adam is now much calmer and he is feeling proud that he has changed his feature, then Adam realizes that can a person really change the future?


    Feeling a surge of pride, Adam let out a triumphant cheer. But his moment of joy was short-lived as practicality set in.


    "Let''s see how much mana I have left," he said in English, his tone returning to a more serious note.Blue digits materialized before his eyes, glowing faintly in the darkness:


    122/1008.


    Adam frowned slightly. "That''s¡­ low," he murmured. "If this fight had dragged on any longer, I might not have made it."The weight of his near-depletion sank in, but Adam quickly pushed the thought aside. "No use dwelling on it. I need to get back home."


    Adam turned his focus inward, summoning the image of his room in his mind. Without hesitation, he said, "Teleport."


    In an instant, his body vanished, leaving the dark forest behind. Unbeknownst to Adam, hidden in the shadows, a pair of eyes had been watching him the entire time.


    Adam reappeared in his room, the transition seamless but disorienting.The wooden bed, the small table by the corner, and the faint glow of the oil lamp greeted him like familiar friends.


    The simplicity of his surroundings brought a sense of comfort, though it also reminded him of how far removed this world was from the one he had once known.


    Taking a moment to steady himself, Adam scanned the room, ensuring that no one had entered during his absence. Once satisfied, he exhaled deeply and let his guard down.


    But as the adrenaline wore off, a wave of dizziness struck him. His vision blurred, and his knees wobbled slightly.


    "This¡­ this must be because my mana is so low," Adam thought, clutching the edge of his bed for support. "Teleporting must''ve drained another 100 points."


    The faint glow of the lamp seemed almost blinding to him as his head throbbed with pain. Everything in his vision took on a bluish hue, an unsettling reminder of his depleted state.


    Deciding it was best to rest, Adam lowered himself onto the wooden bed. The old frame creaked under his weight, a sound that might have annoyed him before but now felt oddly reassuring.


    "Home, sweet home," Adam muttered, his voice tinged with exhaustion. "It''s not much, but it''ll do." As he lay back, the events of the night replayed in his mind.


    The adrenaline, the danger, the close calls¡ªall of it weighed heavily on him. Though his body hadn''t endured much physically, the mental strain left him feeling as though he''d run a marathon.


    Slowly, the tension began to fade from his muscles, and his eyelids grew heavy. Before he knew it, Adam had drifted into a deep, dreamless sleep.


    The room was quiet, save for the soft crackle of the oil lamp. Adam lay motionless on the bed, his breathing slow and steady.


    Downstairs, the faint clatter of dishes echoed as his mother and sister cleared the dining table. They had called out for Adam earlier, their voices carrying through the house, but he hadn''t responded.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    Concerned, his mother had asked Yami to take a plate of food upstairs to Adam. But Yami, ever the mischievous one, had declined with a knowing smirk


    "Why don''t you let Sophia take it?" Yami suggested, her tone teasing.


    Sophia, seated nearby, turned bright red but quickly nodded. "Of course! I''ll take it to him!" she said, a little too enthusiastically.


    Carrying the tray carefully, Sophia ascended the wooden stairs, her heart pounding in her chest. She reached Adam''s door and hesitated for a moment before pushing it open.


    Inside, the soft glow of the lamp illuminated Adam''s still form. Sophia''s eyes softened as she took in the sight of him, his face peaceful in sleep.


    "He must''ve been exhausted," she thought, stepping quietly into the room. Setting the tray down on the small table, Sophia moved closer to the bed, her gaze lingering on Adam.


    She noticed how his chest rose and fell with each steady breath and how the faint lines of stress on his face seemed to have melted away.


    For a brief moment, Sophia considered waking him, but she decided against it. Instead, she smiled gently and whispered, "Rest well, Adam."


    Turning toward the door, Sophia is about to go back down when she stops and says in a very low voice."I just want to see it once, Adam won''t know"


    The room was cloaked in silence, save for the faint crackle of the oil lamp on the small table near the bed. The warm glow illuminated the wooden walls, casting soft, flickering shadows.


    Adam lay on his bed, his chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm as he remained in a deep, dreamless sleep.


    Sophia stood near the door, hesitant. She had just placed the tray of dinner on the table, ready to leave the room, but something made her pause.


    Her gaze lingered on Adam, his face peaceful and unguarded in slumber.


    Slowly, she turned back, her footsteps light against the wooden floor, the soft creak of the planks the only sound breaking the stillness.


    Her heart raced as she approached the bed. She had never seen Adam like this before¡ªso vulnerable, so serene. For a moment, she simply stood there, drinking in the sight of him.


    "He looks so different," she thought, her eyes scanning his face, the faint shadows of exhaustion under his eyes, the calm expression that replaced his usual determination. "I''ve never seen him like this. Have I ever really looked at him this closely before?"


    Sophia''s fingers trembled as she placed her hand on the edge of the bed for support.


    Slowly, she leaned in, her face inches from Adam''s. His breaths were soft and even, a quiet rhythm that somehow steadied the turmoil in her chest.


    Sophia can feel Adam''s breath on her face and she feels very awkward and embarrassed. "Adam¡­" she whispered, her voice barely audible.


    Adam stirred slightly but did not wake, his body too worn from the night''s events. Sophia let out a shaky breath. Seeing no response, she carefully lowered herself onto the bed, lying beside him.


    She turned to face him, her head resting on her arm. Adam, still lying on his back, remained oblivious.


    Her voice was soft, almost a murmur, as though speaking too loudly might shatter the fragile moment. "You''re always so distant, Adam. You''ve never really noticed me, have you?"


    Her lips curved into a bittersweet smile as she continued, her words carrying the weight of years of unspoken feelings.


    "I''ve always wanted us to have a moment like this. Just the two of us. But you¡­ you''ve always been out of reach."


    Sophia''s breath hitched as she glanced at his face. "If you were awake, I wouldn''t have the courage to say any of this. But now¡­ now I feel like I can finally tell you what I''ve been hiding for so long."


    Her hands hovered near his face, trembling with hesitation. The warmth in her chest warred with the icy grip of fear.


    "What if he wakes up? What will he think of me?" she thought, biting her lip. But the need to express her feelings, even to an unresponsive Adam, pushed her forward.


    Finally, she placed her hand gently on his cheek, her fingers brushing against his cool skin. A jolt of worry coursed through her.


    "He''s cold¡­" she whispered, concern flickering in her eyes.


    Without thinking, she moved closer, her body instinctively seeking to warm him. She wrapped her arms around him, her head resting lightly against his chest.


    Her legs shifted, pressing against his as she tried to share her warmth.


    Adam''s heartbeat was steady, a gentle rhythm that seemed to calm her racing thoughts. Sophia''s breaths quickened, her face flushed, but she stayed close, her emotions swirling.


    As she lay beside him, the memories flooded back. Her voice quivered as she spoke softly, more to herself than to Adam.


    "I''ve always been so scared, Adam. I''ve never been brave like you. I wasn''t talented like my mother, or courageous like my father. I was just¡­ me."


    Her eyes welled with unshed tears as she recalled their first meeting. "But you¡­ you never treated me like I was less. You told me I was awesome, even when I didn''t believe it myself. Why, Adam? Why did you come to me when everyone else kept their distance?"


    Her voice broke slightly as she continued, the vulnerability in her tone raw and unfiltered. "And now, when I want to come closer, you''re the one pulling away."


    Sophia''s hand gently traced the curve of his jaw. Her touch was light, almost hesitant, as though afraid to break the moment.


    Her heart ached with the weight of her emotions, emotions she had buried for so long.


    "I''ve loved you for so long, Adam," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Since we were children. I''ve always wanted to tell you, but¡­ I never had the courage."


    Tears threatened to spill as she rested her forehead against his. "I know you don''t feel the same. But tonight, just for tonight, let me have this moment."


    Sophia closed her eyes, her breathing uneven as she clung to him. The warmth of his body, the steady beat of his heart¡ªit was all she had ever dreamed of, and yet it felt so fragile, so fleeting.


    "I love you, Adam," she murmured, her voice breaking with emotion. "I always will."


    She rested her head against his, her body finally relaxing as the tension ebbed away. Slowly, the exhaustion of the day caught up with her, and her breathing steadied. Sleep overtook her, her body nestled against Adam''s, her heart finally unburdened.


    Downstairs, Adam''s mother and sister sat at the dining table, exchanging concerned glances.


    "It''s been a while. Why hasn''t Sophia come back down?" his mother asked, her tone worried.


    Yami, ever the troublemaker, smirked mischievously. "I''ll go check. Maybe she got distracted."


    Ascending the stairs, Yami''s footsteps were light but deliberate. She reached Adam''s door and pushed it open without hesitation.


    The sight before her made her freeze. Sophia lay curled up beside Adam, her arms wrapped around him, their faces mere inches apart.


    Yami''s eyes widened in shock before a slow grin spread across her face. "Well, well¡­ this is interesting." She was expecting it but she hadn''t thought she would get to see this scene.


    ---


    End of this chapter 10.

 Chapter - 11: News

    The wooden floor creaked softly beneath Yami''s steps as she ascended the staircase.


    Her mother''s words echoed in her mind: "Go check on Sophia; she''s been gone too long. See if Adam''s alright."


    Yami had always been curious, her mischievous streak often getting the better of her. When she opened Adam''s door, the sight before her brought an amused smirk to her lips.


    There was Sophia, curled up beside Adam, her arms wrapped around him, her face peaceful in slumber.


    "Well, well, Sophia," Yami murmured under her breath, shaking her head. "I always suspected you had feelings for Adam, but this¡­ this is something else."


    The faint glow of the lamp cast a warm light on the two, highlighting the contrast between Adam''s serene face and Sophia''s slightly flushed cheeks.


    Yami quietly picked up the dinner tray from the table, careful not to disturb the scene.


    Yami has no problem if Sophia and Adam become a couple in the future, in fact Yami will support them for their future.


    As she closed the door behind her, she thought to herself, "I''ll talk to her tomorrow morning. I need to know where she got this sudden courage. But for now¡­"


    Yami chuckled softly, descending the stairs. "I''ll let her enjoy the moment."


    <b>The Mansion -</b>


    Far away from the peaceful village, a sprawling Japanese-style mansion stood under the pale light of the crescent moon.The air was filled with the soft rustle of leaves, accompanied by the distant sound of wooden swords clashing.


    The mansion was surrounded by tall, imposing walls, their surfaces painted with intricate patterns.


    Beyond the walls lay a large training ground where young boys and girls practiced swordsmanship under the watchful eyes of stern instructors.


    Each student moved with precision, their wooden swords slicing through the air.


    Near the edge of the training ground, on a wooden walkway that encircled the mansion, a man clad in traditional black robes walked with purpose.


    A long katana hung at his side, its sheath as dark as midnight. His face was weathered, marked by years of discipline and hardship, and his steps were measured, each one deliberate.


    He stopped before a sliding door made of thin wooden panels and paper. Bowing slightly, he said, "Lord, I bring news."From within, a calm voice responded, "Enter." Sliding the door open, the man stepped into a room bathed in the soft glow of candlelight.


    The floor was covered with tatami mats, and at the center sat a young man dressed in immaculate white robes.


    His silver hair gleamed in the dim light, and his piercing blue eyes carried an unsettling calm. A katana rested beside him, its hilt emanating an aura of quiet menace.


    The black-robed man knelt before him, bowing deeply. "Lord," he began, his voice steady despite the weight of the news he carried.


    The young lord took a sip from the tea cup cradled in his hands, the delicate porcelain a stark contrast to the tension in the room. "Speak," he said, his tone emotionless.


    "Lord," the man began, keeping his gaze fixed on the floor, "Mark''s crest has been activated. It appears he is dead."


    The young lord''s expression did not change, his blue eyes narrowing slightly as he set the cup down with a soft clink. "And the mission?"


    "It seems it has failed, my lord." Silence hung heavy in the air, the weight of disappointment palpable.


    Finally, the young lord spoke, his voice sharp and cutting. "Whether Mark is dead or alive is irrelevant. He was your subordinate, Sinu. If he failed, it is now your responsibility to ensure the mission''s success."


    Sinu''s shoulders stiffened. "But, my lord," he began, his voice laced with hesitation, "how can I attack a village directly? Such an action¡ª"


    The young lord''s lips curled into a faint, mocking smile.


    He lifted the tea cup again, taking another measured sip before interrupting, "I thought someone of your rank might possess a shred of intelligence. But I see now that you are little more than a dog from the branch family."


    A vein in Sinu''s temple throbbed, but he remained silent, his head bowed. "Forgive me, my lord. I have disappointed you."


    The young lord''s smile vanished, replaced by a cold, calculating stare. "I do not need your apologies, Sinu. I need results. Complete the mission."


    Sinu nodded, his mind racing as he considered his next move. "I will go myself and destroy the village with my own hands," he declared, determination hardening his voice.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    The young lord watched him for a moment before raising a hand. "Wait," he said, his tone sharp.


    "If you intend to carry out the mission, do it properly. I will give you a reason, one that will justify the village''s destruction and ensure no suspicion falls upon us."


    Sinu hesitated, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "What do you mean, my lord?"


    The young lord''s lips curved into a sinister smile. "Blame Mark''s death on someone within the village. Use his murder as a pretext to annihilate them. One by one, eliminate every last soul."


    Sinu''s eyes widened slightly before a slow smile spread across his face. "An excellent plan, my lord," he said, bowing deeply.But the young lord wasn''t finished. "And take others with you. Hunters from the branch family. Ensure you leave no loose ends."


    Sinu nodded again, the pieces of the plan falling into place in his mind. Rising to his feet, he bowed once more. "As you command, my lord."


    As Sinu left the room, the young lord watched him go, a cold glint in his blue eyes. "You have no idea, Sinu," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper, "how your actions will serve my greater purpose. You are just a pawn in my grand scheme."


    A soft chuckle escaped his lips as he took another sip of tea, his expression one of quiet triumph.


    The first rays of sunlight peeked through the dense forest canopy, casting a golden hue over the quiet wilderness.The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of damp earth and decaying leaves.


    A group of twenty-four villagers moved cautiously along a narrow dirt trail, their steps muffled by the thick carpet of fallen leaves.


    At the front of the group walked Sam and Komal, the trusted leaders of the hunting party. Their faces, shadowed by the early morning light, carried an air of quiet determination.


    Sam''s broad shoulders bore the weight of years of leadership.


    His rugged appearance¡ªunruly dark hair streaked with silver and a worn leather hunting vest¡ªtold of countless battles fought in the wild.


    Beside him, Komal''s slender frame belied her sharp instincts. Her blonde hair was tied back tightly, and her keen green eyes scanned the forest for any signs of danger.


    "The gain has been less this year," Komal said, her voice low but laced with concern. "It feels like the animals are retreating deeper into the forest, as if they''re afraid of something."


    Sam nodded, his weathered hand brushing against the hilt of the hunting knife at his belt. "I''ve noticed it too," he admitted. "But I can''t figure out what''s driving them away."


    Their conversation was interrupted by a sharp cry from the front of the group. "Sam! Komal! You need to see this!"Sam broke into a sprint, the leather soles of his boots kicking up dirt as he raced toward the source of the shout.


    Komal followed closely, her breaths quick and shallow. As they rounded a bend, the scene before them brought both to an abrupt halt.Scattered across the clearing were bodies¡ªdozens of them.


    Dark-clothed figures lay in unnatural positions, their lifeless forms eerily still against the vibrant green of the forest floor.


    The metallic tang of blood hung heavy in the air, mingling with the earthy scent of moss and decay.Sam''s jaw tightened as he surveyed the carnage. "What in the gods'' name happened here?" he muttered, more to himself than anyone else.


    Komal knelt beside one of the bodies, her hands trembling slightly as she examined the wounds.


    Deep punctures marred the chest, while scorch marks seared through the fabric. "They''re all dead," she said grimly, standing and wiping her hands on her leather gloves.


    The rest of the hunting party gathered around, their faces pale and tense. The crunch of leaves underfoot and the occasional gasp of shock broke the eerie silence.


    "What do you think did this?" Sam asked, his voice steady despite the dread creeping into his tone.


    Komal shook her head, her eyes narrowing as she studied the corpses. "Not animals. If it were, parts of their bodies would be missing¡ªeaten. This..." she gestured to the scorched clothing, "this was no animal."


    Sam ran a hand through his hair, his thoughts racing. "Their clothes... their weapons..." He crouched, picking up a broken dagger from one of the bodies. The craftsmanship was foreign, unlike anything he''d seen before.


    Sam exhaled heavily, straightening up. He turned to his team, his commanding presence drawing their attention.


    "We can''t leave them here. These are people, like us. They have families who deserve closure. We''ll bring them back to the village and give them a proper burial."


    The villagers exchanged uncertain glances. The idea of carrying so many lifeless bodies back to their home was unsettling.But Sam''s unwavering gaze left no room for argument. Slowly, they nodded their agreement.


    Komal approached Sam, her steps slow and deliberate. Her hand rested lightly on his arm as she spoke in a hushed tone."This doesn''t feel right, Sam. Whatever happened here... it''s not over. I can feel it."


    Sam placed his calloused hand over hers, a faint smile playing on his lips. "I know you''re worried. But we''ll figure this out. I promise I won''t let anything happen to you or the village."


    Komal nodded, though the furrow in her brow remained. One by one, the villagers began lifting the bodies onto their shoulders.


    The dead were surprisingly light, their emaciated frames suggesting they''d suffered long before their end. The group moved in solemn silence, the weight of their burden both physical and emotional.


    The dirt path leading back to the village felt longer than usual. The forest around them was eerily quiet, save for the occasional rustle of leaves in the breeze.


    Sam''s eyes darted to the shadows, ever alert for any signs of danger. As they emerged from the forest, the first sight of their village brought a collective sigh of relief.


    Fields of golden wheat stretched out before them, dotted with the occasional scarecrow.


    The morning light bathed the wooden houses in a warm glow, their thatched roofs glistening with dew.


    Despite the tranquility of the scene, the sight of the hunting party carrying bodies drew immediate attention.Villagers paused in their morning routines, their faces etched with confusion and concern.


    By the time Sam and his group reached the center of the village, a crowd had formed. Mothers with children in tow, elderly men leaning on walking sticks, and farmers with tools still in hand¡ªall gathered to see what had happened.


    Whispers rippled through the crowd.


    "What''s going on?"


    "Are those our people?" Someone''s ask.


    "No, look at their clothes..... They''re strangers."


    Sam raised his hand, silencing the murmurs. "Everyone, please! I know you have questions, and I''ll answer them all. But for now, gather outside my house. I''ll explain everything there."


    The villagers hesitated before nodding in agreement. Sam''s leadership had earned their trust, and they knew better than to doubt him in times of crisis.


    As the group moved toward Sam''s home, Komal lingered beside him. "Do you think the village is safe, Sam?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.


    Sam glanced at her, his expression unreadable. "I hope so. But whatever happens, we''ll face it together." Komal gave a small nod, her resolve hardening.The morning sun climbed higher as the villagers prepared for the meeting, their unease growing with each passing moment.


    ---


    End of the chapter 11.

 Chapter - 12

    The morning in the small village began quietly, with the golden rays of the sun creeping through the fog-laden fields.


    The chirping of birds outside melded with the faint rustling of the trees, creating a tranquil symphony.Sam''s house stood tall in the heart of the village, larger than most homes.


    Its wooden structure gleamed faintly under the morning light, and the road leading to it was wide enough to host the entire village if needed.


    The bodies of the deceased lay in orderly rows outside Sam''s house, covered with simple white cloths. The air around them was heavy with the murmur of curious villagers who had gathered.


    They whispered amongst themselves, eyes filled with unease as they waited for Sam to emerge and explain the grim situation.


    Meanwhile, at Adam''s house, the day began as usual. Inside the warm wooden walls, Rachel was in the kitchen, preparing breakfast. The smell of freshly baked bread mingled with the earthy aroma of boiled potatoes and fried eggs.


    A kettle of tea whistled softly on the stove. At the dining table sat Adam''s father, Ricky, lacing up his sturdy leather boots as he prepared for a day of work in the fields.


    A sudden knock at the front door broke the serene morning. Ricky looked up, his thick brows furrowed in mild confusion. The knock came again, louder this time, accompanied by hurried footsteps on the porch.


    Opening the door, Ricky found their neighbor standing outside. The man''s face was pale, his features drawn with worry. "What''s going on? Why are you here so early?" Ricky asked, his voice tinged with concern.


    The neighbor stammered, his words rushed. "Ricky, everyone''s been called to Sam''s house. Something''s happened. Hurry, you need to come."


    The urgency in the man''s tone made Ricky''s heart race. He turned back toward the kitchen, his voice steady but urgent. "Rachel, wake the children. We need to go."


    Rachel looked up from the stove, worry flashing across her face. She quickly wiped her hands on her apron and hurried toward the stairs. Ricky, grabbing his coat, stepped out into the cool morning air, heading toward Sam''s house.


    Rachel reached the bedrooms, her hurried footsteps creaking against the wooden floorboards.


    She knocked on Yami''s door first. Inside, Yami stirred, her dark hair messy and her eyes half-closed as she blinked groggily. "Mom, what''s going on? Why are you waking me so early?" Yami asked, rubbing her eyes.


    Rachel''s voice was soft but firm. "Yami, wake your brothers, Sophia and George. Something important has happened, and we all need to gather at Sam''s house."


    The sight of her mother''s tense expression snapped Yami out of her drowsiness. She quickly nodded, throwing on a simple dress and tying her unruly hair back as she hurried to the boys'' room.


    In the boys'' room, Eric and George were sprawled across their beds, their blankets tangled around their legs. Yami knocked firmly on the door, her voice laced with urgency. "Eric! George! Get up. Something''s happened!"


    A groggy Eric opened the door, his hair sticking up in all directions. George peeked over Eric shoulder, his face still half-asleep.


    "What''s going on, Yami?" George asked, yawning. "I don''t know," Yami admitted, "but Mom and Dad are worried. We need to get to Sam''s house quickly."


    The seriousness in her tone jolted both boys awake. Without a word, they grabbed their clothes and followed Yami downstairs, their faces a mixture of confusion and concern.


    As Yami descended the stairs, she paused at Adam''s room.


    She hesitated, remembering her mother''s words about Adam not feeling well. Still, she rapped gently on his door, calling out, "Adam, wake up! We need to go to Sam''s house."


    The knock and Yami''s voice stirred Adam awake. He blinked groggily, his vision blurry as he tried to piece together what was happening.


    Beside him, Sophia stirred as well, her blonde hair cascading over her face like a golden curtain. Her green eyes blinked open slowly, and for a moment, they locked eyes. The two were lying closer than either had realized.


    Adam''s face reddened slightly as he glanced down at his left arm, which had gone completely numb. "My arm... it''s asleep," he muttered under his breath, flexing his fingers awkwardly.


    Sophia, realizing their proximity, sat up quickly. Her cheeks flushed pink as she ran a hand through her tousled hair. "Good morning," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.


    Adam chuckled nervously. "Good morning," he replied, offering her a faint smile.


    Sophia noticed Adam rubbing his numb arm with his other hand, trying to restore circulation. Concern flashed across her face as she knelt beside him.


    "Let me help," she said, her tone sincere. Before Adam could protest, she gently took his arm in her hands, rubbing it carefully to stimulate blood flow. Her touch was soft and warm, and Adam found himself blushing even more.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    "You don''t have to do that," he murmured, his voice tinged with embarrassment. Sophia smiled, her gaze focused on his arm. "It''s my fault your arm went numb," she said. "I should be the one to fix it."


    As she worked, Adam watched her, his thoughts a mix of gratitude and awkwardness. He was acutely aware of how close they were, and yet, her presence was oddly comforting.


    Sophia lifted his arm slightly, massaging his wrist and fingers with care. "Does it feel better now?" she asked, looking up at him. Adam nodded, flexing his fingers experimentally. "Yeah, it''s much better. Thanks."


    Sophia''s lips curved into a shy smile, though her cheeks remained pink. "Good. I wouldn''t want you to stay uncomfortable because of me."


    As Adam moved to stand, he caught sight of Sophia''s blonde hair glinting in the morning light. For a moment, he found himself captivated by how her hair framed her face.


    Downstairs, the rest of the family was preparing to leave. Rachel stood at the door, a shawl draped over her shoulders, her brow furrowed with concern.


    Eric and George were ready, their hair hastily combed, while Yami adjusted her scarf. The smell of breakfast still lingered in the air, though none of them seemed hungry anymore.


    "Mom," Yami said as she descended the stairs, "I woke Adam. He''ll be down soon." Rachel nodded, her hands wringing nervously. "Good. We need to hurry."


    Just as Adam and Sophia joined them, the family stepped outside, the cool morning air brushing against their faces.


    Together, they made their way toward Sam''s house, unaware of the tense gathering that awaited them.


    The morning air was filled with tension as the village stirred to life. Adam''s father had already left the house, rushing toward the center of the village.


    Rachel, accompanied by her children and Sophia, followed shortly after, their hurried steps echoing along the dirt path. The group moved quickly, anxiety etched on their faces.


    Sophia, walking close to Yami, couldn''t help but voice her concern. "Why is everyone heading to my house so suddenly? Did something happen?"


    Yami glanced at Sophia, her own worry visible. "I don''t know," she replied. "But Mom told us to get there as fast as possible. Something serious must have happened."


    Sophia''s face grew pale, her unease increasing with every step. Adam, walking silently beside her, noticed her distress.He is feeling very sad.


    Seeing Sophia''s sadness, he wants to put his hand on Sophia''s shoulder and say, don''t worry, I am with you, but he stops himself from doing this and wants to see first.


    As they approached the village center, the atmosphere grew heavier. Adam noticed the crowd swelling near Sam''s house, its large wooden frame dominating the area.


    The road leading to the house was wider than most, bordered by neatly arranged homes and lined with curious villagers.


    Adam spotted his father, Ricky, pushing through the growing crowd near Sam''s front yard. Rachel, upon seeing some familiar women standing nearby, joined them to exchange hurried whispers.


    Meanwhile, Adam and the rest of the group moved toward an area where children had gathered.


    Among them, Adam spotted Robin, a boy around their age, with short auburn hair and a freckled face. Robin had been one of Adam and Sophia''s closest friends during their childhood.


    Seeing Robin triggered a flood of memories in Adam''s mind. He recalled countless days spent exploring the forest together, sharing stories, and laughing at silly jokes.


    Robin''s cheerful demeanor always seemed to brighten the group, and even now, his wide smile momentarily eased the tension in the air.


    "Sophia, you''re here!" Robin called out, jogging over. "Do you know what''s going on? Your father''s about to make an announcement."


    Sophia frowned, worry evident on her face. She pushed through the cluster of children, making her way closer to her father. Adam, along with the others, followed closely.


    When they reached the front yard, they saw Sam standing on the threshold of his house. His tall frame and commanding presence naturally drew attention.


    Lying before him on the ground, covered in white cloths, were several bodies. The sight of the corpses caused a ripple of gasps and murmurs to spread through the crowd.


    Sophia froze at the sight, her hand flying to her mouth in shock. "What... what is this?" she whispered.


    Beside her, George''s curiosity got the better of him. He turned to a nearby boy and asked, "What happened here? Who are these people?"


    The boy glanced at the bodies nervously before replying, "They were found in the forest this morning. No one knows who they are."


    Adam, who had been trailing behind the group, overheard the exchange. As he caught sight of the covered corpses, his heart sank.


    A wave of panic washed over him as he realized these were the very people he had killed the previous night. His hand instinctively went to his forehead, pressing against it as he muttered under his breath, "I should have handled this better."


    Adam''s guilt gnawed at him. He had acted out of necessity to protect the village, but seeing the consequences laid out so starkly before him filled him with regret. "No one saw me," he reassured himself silently. "They have no way of knowing it was me."


    If someone sees Adam, then he will be in a lot of trouble because he will not be able to explain to anyone why he did this and it will also be difficult for Adam to explain how he did this, that too alone.


    Beside him, Sophia and Yami were pale, their eyes glued to the bodies. Fear and unease were written across their faces, and Adam couldn''t help but feel responsible for their distress.


    Seeing Sophia and Yami in such a condition, Adam becomes very sad and closing his eyes, he says to Sophia and Yami in his mind, "Forgive me".


    As the scene in the village unfolded, another, darker presence lurked on the outskirts. Deep within the forest, just beyond the village''s edge, eight figures moved swiftly and silently among the trees.


    These were not ordinary men but members of the Soku Clan''s branch family, samurai warriors tasked with a dangerous mission.


    Their leader, Sinu, moved at the forefront, his black robes blending seamlessly with the shadows. The lower half of his face was concealed beneath a mask, leaving only his piercing eyes visible.


    Behind him, the other seven samurai followed in perfect formation. Dressed in tight blue outfits, their faces were similarly obscured, with only their eyes exposed.


    Each carried a katana strapped to their back, the blades glinting faintly under the dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy. As they approached the village''s border, Sinu raised a hand, signaling the group to halt.


    They perched gracefully on the thick branches of a towering tree, their movements so fluid and precise that not a single leaf rustled.


    Sinu descended to the ground, his boots landing silently on the forest floor. From the cover of the trees, he gazed out at the village, his sharp eyes scanning the fields and houses in the distance.


    Even from this distance, Sinu could sense it¡ªa faint but undeniable magical presence emanating from within the village. A wicked smile spread across his face as he muttered to himself, "There''s a mage here."


    The revelation only fueled his anticipation. Sinu''s hand tightened around the hilt of his katana as he turned back to his men, his voice a low, commanding whisper. "Stay hidden. Observe. We''ll make our move soon."


    The chapter ends with Sinu and his warriors poised on the edge of the forest, their intentions clear but their movements shrouded in mystery. In the village, the crowd waits anxiously for Sam to speak, unaware of the danger creeping closer.


    ---


    End of the chapter 12.