《Power of Runes》


 Chapter 1: Transmigration

    In a Rundown Apartment


    The apartment''s room consisted of a modest bedroom and a small living area. The walls were painted a simple, neutral colour. A slightly worn wooden bed with a thin mattress and basic bedding sat against one wall, accompanied by a small nightstand holding a lamp and a clock. A modest wardrobe or a few shelves provided storage for clothes. The most notable feature in the room, however, was the VR pod where Ash was lying, fully immersed in his favourite game.


    Ash had been an orphan, and when he turned eighteen, he left the orphanage to live independently. Ash had always been the target of bullying in school because of his fragile build, but his intelligence had earned him the role of the class "homework mule." That''s the reason he doesn¡¯t have any friends. Once he finished high school, he decided to stop studying and instead took on a part-time job to support himself.


    By day, he worked as a receptionist at a local supermarket, but by night, he immersed himself in the virtual world of "World Online"¡ªa game renowned for its realistic features, engaging storylines, and a vast variety of classes. Ash had spent every last cent of his savings on the VR pod, but in the end, he could only afford a cheap, low-quality version.


    After exiting the game, Ash noticed that the author of his favourite web novel had uploaded a new chapter. He immediately began reading it while lying back in the VR pod.


    To cope with his loneliness, he turned to anime, manga, manhwa, and novels, quickly becoming a full-fledged otaku. As he was reading the latest chapter of the novel ¡®Heaven¡¯s Favourite¡¯, his VR pod malfunctioned. Without warning, a surge of power coursed through the device, sending a violent jolt of electricity through his body. A blinding white light filled the room as the pod exploded with a deafening boom, shaking the apartment complex to its core.


    Ash Burn was dead.


    ---


    In the Orphanage, Landros City, Human Kingdom


    A dizzying swirl of colours and sounds flooded his senses. Ash blinked rapidly, trying to process the overwhelming sensations. His body¡ªhis new body¡ªfelt foreign and strange.


    The world around him seemed¡­ smaller.


    He looked at his hands, tiny and chubby, the fingers wiggling as he tried to make sense of it all.


    His hands were soft and much smaller than he remembered. What had happened? As he gazes into the mirror on his right side, a young boy about five years old stares back at him. His hair is a deep, inky black, dark as an abyss, framing his face with soft, glossy waves. His eyes are striking¡ªa shade of crimson that almost glows, flecked with hints of gold that catch the light, giving them an intense, otherworldly allure. His skin is fair and smooth, almost translucent, enhancing his delicate, doll-like features: a small, straight nose, rounded cheeks, and soft, parted lips. The overall effect is ethereal, like a character from a dream or a fairytale.


    Confusion clouded his thoughts, but beneath it all, there was a strange clarity. His mind¡ªhis adult mind¡ªwas still intact, locked inside the small, infantile body of a five-year-old.


    The realization hit him with a sharp jolt: He was no longer in his original body. He was trapped in the body of a child.


    The room around him was bright and unfamiliar. The walls were painted in soft pastel colours, the furniture towering over him. A bed with cartoonish bedding lay against one wall, and several other beds were scattered across the room, each with a child of roughly the same age sleeping soundly. The faint hum of a television and distant murmurs of conversation echoed through the room.


    Ash felt a strange tug in his chest as the truth settled in¡ªthis was not his life. He didn¡¯t belong here. This wasn¡¯t his body.


    He reached up and pressed his small hand to his forehead, trying to remember how he ended up here. He had been reading his favourite web novel in the VR pod, and then¡­ the explosion. He cursed himself for buying that cheap VR pod. It was a mistake he now deeply regretted.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    He had transmigrated.


    The thought hit him like a lightning bolt. It sounded absurd, but the word transmigration kept echoing in his mind, like a truth he couldn¡¯t deny. He didn¡¯t fully understand it, but something about it felt right. He was here, in this strange new life.


    His tiny hands shook as he glanced at them, desperately trying to comprehend what was happening. How had this happened? Why was it happening? Was this permanent? Was he ever going to be able to return to his old life?


    He had to think. He couldn¡¯t just sit there, helpless. He had a life, a job, memories¡ªhe had an identity. But now, all that was gone. Now, he was just a small child again, his feet barely reaching the floor.


    Think. Focus.


    Taking a deep breath, he thinks


    Step one: figure out what was going on.


    The room around him felt gigantic. The bed was too soft, the furniture too high. The doorframe loomed above him like a giant. The world had shifted, and everything was oversized and overwhelming. His legs felt like jelly as he tried to stand, but he couldn¡¯t stay focused. He needed to adapt, to survive.


    Step two: observe.


    What kind of world was this? Where was he? Had he transmigrated into a new world? Was this a different timeline? Was his old life gone for good?


    The flood of thoughts overwhelmed him. His mind raced as he tried to piece together a plan. Survival¡ªthat was the immediate goal. He needed to blend in, at least for now. He couldn¡¯t afford to act too strange, or people would suspect something was off. He had to learn as much as he could, bide his time, and wait for the right moment to make his move.


    But as he was thinking about surviving the memories of the little boy were rushing in his mind, fast and chaotic. The faint images of a small child¡¯s life began to materialize¡ªmemories of little Ash Burn. A warm smile. The rough fabric of a blanket. The sound of a children¡¯s laughter. Fragments, but real enough to give him a sense of who this new Ash was.


    He wasn¡¯t just an adult mind stuck in a child¡¯s body. These memories¡ªthey were now his. They felt real. And they told him one crucial thing:


    This Ash Burn, the one trapped in this body¡ªwas also an orphan.


    His parents died in a demon invasion. They were normal people his mother was a housewife and father a farmer. Another thing I got to know was in this world there is magic...Literally Fucking magic, it¡¯s a dream of every otaku to Transmigrate into another world now that it was happening with him it felt surreal.


    As the flood of memories began to settle, something unexpected happened. A soft chime echoed in his mind.


    Ding!


    Ash froze, his heart pounding. He hadn¡¯t imagined it. The voice in his head wasn¡¯t his own.


    [Initializing the system¡­]


    [1%... 15%... 30%... 75%... 100%]


    ¡°Congratulations Host, For Awakening Status Window¡±.


    Ash¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. A system? NO, it said Status Window. What did that even mean? Was this his cheat? Was this some kind of dream? Or¡ªworse¡ªwas he losing his mind?


    ¡°System?¡± he muttered, uncertain if the system would respond. Nothing came.


    He felt dejected thinking he was hallucinating.


    ¡°Status?¡± he said again, his voice barely a whisper.


    The chime rang again.


    Suddenly, a translucent screen materialized before his eyes, glowing faintly like something out of a sci-fi movie. It hovered in mid-air, showing the following:


    ---


    ¡°STATUS WINDOW¡±


    Name: Ash Burn


    Age: 5


    Level: 1 (0/100)


    Class: (LOCKED)


    HP: 50/50


    ---


    Attributes


    Strength: 5


    Agility: 4


    Intelligence: 8


    Vitality: 5


    Magic Power: 7


    Charm: 4


    ---


    Abilities


    [Skill Creation] (UNRANKED)


    Description: The ability to create new skills from his imagination per level. The more diverse and unique the imagination, the more powerful the skills that can be created.


    Skills (0\1)


    ---


    Ash blinked in stunned silence. Skill creation? His mind raced. This wasn¡¯t just a system for levelling up¡ªit was something far more powerful. He could create skills¡ªanything he wanted, just by imagining them. But there were limits. Only one skill at every level.


    This was the same skill he has in the virtual world of "World Online" This is a game-changing ability He got at the start of the game which made his life very easy in the game. He transmigrated with the abilities of his Avatar in the game. Somehow, he got the same status window as in the game.


    HE STARTED LAUGHING LIKE A MANIAC,


    " HAHAHAHAH HAHAHA HAHA¡±


    He looked around and realized the children were starting to wake up from the sound of his laughter. He stopped, lay back down on his bed, and opened his status again. This time, he noticed an extra message beneath his level: Experience can be increased up to level 10 without the need for killing.


    Also, he noticed that his class is locked and if his guess is right and he has the same status window as in the Game his class is going to be the same, "MAGIC SWORDSMAN". If it¡¯s true then it¡¯s going to be fun.


    Ash¡¯s thoughts buzzed with possibilities. He could carve his path in this new life, powered by his imagination and this mysterious system. Maybe, just maybe, this strange new life could be more exciting than his old one.


    ***

 Chapter 2: Adapting to New Life

    The first few days after Ash''s sudden transmigration felt like a chaotic blur. His new body¡ªsmall, fragile, and completely alien¡ªwas a constant reminder that he was no longer the person he had been.


    Gone was the confident, independent Ash Burn: the young adult working a part-time job, living a solitary life. Now, he was a five-year-old child¡ªhelpless, powerless, and utterly dependent on others in a world far too large for him to navigate.


    Adjusting to life at the orphanage wasn''t easy. The room where he woke up was filled with children, most around his age, though some were older or younger.


    They all slept in small, wooden beds, wrapped in thin blankets. The walls were painted in pastel colours, adorned with cheerful drawings, but to Ash, they felt suffocating.


    The caretakers treated him with a gentle, detached kindness, assuming he was just another orphan adjusting to his new life.


    But Ash knew the truth. He wasn''t like the other children. He wasn''t the same Ash Burn who had grown up in an orphanage¡ªhe was someone else entirely, with the mind of an adult trapped inside a child''s body.


    The memories of his previous life were still vivid, but they now blended with strange, unfamiliar memories of this boy''s life, creating a confusing mix of identities.


    Despite the disorientation, Ash quickly realized one crucial thing: he had to survive in this new world. The system he had unlocked¡ªa mysterious, game-like feature¡ªwas a flicker of hope, but it was far from enough to grant him control or power.


    To survive and thrive, Ash needed knowledge.


    And knowledge meant adapting quickly.


    His first step was clear: gather information.


    The orphanage, though comforting in some ways, wasn''t going to be his home forever. Ash needed to understand the world beyond its walls¡ªthe society, the culture, and most importantly, the rules that governed everything. After observing the other children and the caretakers for a few days, Ash began to notice patterns. The orphanage was run by the city of Landros, One of the cities of the Human Kingdom.


    And there was only one place where knowledge could be found: the Public Library.


    The library was a massive, ancient building located in the heart of the city, known for housing a treasure trove of books, scrolls, and records. It was a place where citizens went to study and learn about history, magic, science, and the world beyond. If Ash could get inside, it could be his gateway to understanding this strange world.


    But how could a mere five-year-old, with no resources and no allies, ever make it to the library?


    He doesn''t know if the god took pity on him or if he was just lucky, but...


    The opportunity came unexpectedly.


    One afternoon, as Ash sat in the orphanage''s dining hall, he overheard one of the caretakers, a woman named Emma, talking about the library''s "children''s reading hour".


    The orphanage often took groups of young children there to introduce them to the world of books. Ash''s heart raced with excitement¡ªthis was his chance.


    The next morning, Ash made his move. He approached Emma nervously but with a determination that contradicted his tiny frame.


    "Excuse me, ma''am," he said,


    Emma glanced down at him, raising an eyebrow and saw a five-year-old boy with a tiny frame, ink-black hair, and eyes blazing with determination, glowing like fire with a hint of gold. Despite his serious expression, he looked incredibly cute. Hiding her amusement, she asked, "What is it?"


    Trying his best to sound polite, "I want to go to the library too."


    She said, "Oh? You''re a bit young, don''t you think? Most of the children aren''t ready for the library yet."


    "I can behave," Ash insisted, looking up at her with wide, earnest eyes. "I want to learn. I want to read."


    Emma studied him for a moment, uncertainty flickering in her gaze. Then, with a sigh, she relented. "Alright, I''ll add you to the list. But you have to promise to stay close to me and not cause trouble."


    "I promise," Ash said, nodding eagerly.


    The journey to the library was a whirlwind of enchanting sights, sounds, and scents. Landros City thrummed with life, a seamless blend of ancient magic and cutting-edge technology.


    Towering stone buildings, their surfaces etched with glowing runes, cast long shadows over paving stone streets. Hovering carts, guided by subtle enchantments, carried piles of glistening fruits and freshly cooked meats, their aromas mingling in the air. Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    Street performers wove light and sound into mesmerizing illusions, captivating audiences in bustling squares.


    The hum of mana-powered machinery blended with the lively chatter of the crowd, creating a symphony unique to this vibrant city. Ash''s wide eyes drank in every detail, the excitement of his first real adventure bubbling up inside him.


    When they arrived at the Public Library, Ash''s breath caught in his throat. The building was nothing like he''d imagined¡ªthree stories tall, with towering columns and large windows that let in the warm sunlight. It was a monument to knowledge, and Ash could feel its power as he stepped inside.


    The library''s interior was just as grand. Rows upon rows of shelves stretched up toward the ceiling, packed with ancient tomes, scrolls, and dusty books. The scent of old paper and leather hung in the air. Ash felt a sense of reverence here, as though the very walls of the library held the power to change lives.


    Their guide, Emma, led the children to the children''s section, where bright, Rich books lined the shelves. But Ash didn''t linger long. His eyes were scanning the titles for something more¡ªsomething that could give him the answers he needed.


    He didn''t know how but he knew how to read the language of this world.He thought it must be the effect of the Status window.


    He pulled down a few books and flipped through them, but they didn''t offer what he was searching for.


    Then, in the corner of the room, something caught his eye: The Rise of the Human Kingdom and the Myth of the Heroic Classes.


    It wasn''t a children''s book, but Ash''s instincts told him it was important. He quickly tucked it under his arm and wandered deeper into the library, slipping away from the group of children.


    Finding a quiet corner, Ash sat down and opened the book. As he read, his pulse quickened. The words were strange, yet somehow familiar¡ªtalk of Classes, Dungeons, Guilds and Skills. The book described the rise of adventurers who could raise their ranks and gain powerful abilities.


    There were mentions of dungeons, guilds, and a mysterious force known as the System¡ªthe same system that had appeared when Ash transmigrated into this body.


    Ash''s heart pounded in his chest. This wasn''t just a new world. It was the world of the Novel he had read before¡ª''Heaven''s favourite'', a novel he''d been reading just before his death. But now, Ash was no longer just an observer.


    This revelation was like a final push he needed to believe that he has transmigrated into the Novel¡ª''Heaven''s favourite'' , with the Status Window of the Game¡ª''World''s Online''.


    He was a part of the story. The Main protagonist in the Novel also has a powerful system that generates quest, has function of shop and etc. It was not like mine which does not have anything except the OP ability, "Skill creation".


    The System, he learned, wasn''t a random feature. It was integral to the world. But there was a catch¡ªwhile the System showed a person''s status, it didn''t grant skills directly. Skills could only be obtained through combat, specifically by killing monsters in dungeons or in treasure chests. But even then, the drop rate for skills was dismally low¡ªaround 5%.


    The world was filled with magic, adventure, and danger. People had Classes¡ªwarriors, mages, healers¡ªbut here''s the catch the people can''t increase their power like Ash and the main protagonist by simply killing monsters and doing quests , but their power depends on the limit of their core and Talent.


    The higher the talent the higher they can Increase their ranks.


    There are even those who awaken different abilities after awakening, Some may awaken the ability to move faster,some may awaken the ability to Fly.


    There are even those who don''t awaken any abilities but are still powerful.


    Ash thought that he has no limit because he can just increase his limit of Rank by increasing his level just like The MC.


    Everybody in this world gets their class while they undergo their first awakening.


    Ash realized that he had been dropped into the middle of a hero''s journey, in which the Main cast becomes powerful and defeats the demon king and its army alone with his party members then leaves the World of Akumia because many powerful entities focuses their attention onto the main protagonist because of his powerful runes and to uncover his secret''s.


    That''s why he runs outside the world of Akumia to become powerful and not to involve innocent bystanders , after that he continues his journey in the vast universe and fights many races and peoples and while he was fighting with last Boss of the novel¡ªI died.


    But what did that mean for him? Was he meant to be the hero? Or was he just a bystander in someone else''s story?


    One thing was clear: this world was no longer just fiction to him. The rules, the mechanics, the systems¡ªthey were real. And Ash was going to learn how to navigate them. But to truly thrive, he needed more than just knowledge. He needed power. And for that, he had a plan.


    As Ash pondered his next move, his thoughts turned to a powerful concept from the novel Heaven''s Favourite¡ªa concept that had intrigued him when he first read about it in the novel: Runes.


    In this world, runes were legendary or you can say they were basically myth. Runes are a representation of the power of ancient laws or Concepts. They embody the rules and laws of the world. Essentially, they are powerful words that can be engraved into a person''s soul, granting them the ability to tap into that power with up to no mana input. Once a rune is engraved onto a person, it cannot be removed by Anyone.


    Well, Except Our Main Protagonist.


    There is only one rune of each type in existence, and the world of Akumia is unique because 50% of runes are located on this planet. However, no one in the Universe is aware of the runes¡ªonly those from the Top of the food chains in other realms understand their significance.


    The novel doesn''t provide much detail about the runes, leaving much of their mystery unexplained. Some were said to summon elemental forces, others could heal wounds instantly, and the most coveted of all could even alter time itself.


    But Ash''s interest wasn''t just in any rune¡ªit was in all of them. According to the book, the protagonist of the story would eventually gather these runes, gaining unimaginable power. However, Ash wasn''t interested in being the protagonist. He wasn''t looking to become the hero. No, his goal was far simpler: collect the runes before the hero could.


    In the story, as the protagonist grew stronger and gathered more runes, he would attract the attention of powerful factions, guilds, wizards, and even the old monsters from other planets.


    Everyone would want a piece of him. Ash didn''t need to fight for justice¡ªhe just needed to get to the runes first , he just wants to become powerful enough to be at the top of the food chain.


    But power alone wouldn''t be enough. Ash needs Subordinates. An army of loyal subordinates who would follow his every command without question.


    Ash began to formulate a plan inside his mind how to act in the future , and what hidden pieces should he take to become more powerful.


    With this new plan in mind, Ash smiled to himself. His journey was just beginning, and the world was about to change.


    ***

 Chapter 3: Workout

    Ash was so engrossed in the book that he barely noticed the passage of time.


    The words on the pages felt like a lifeline, a bridge connecting his fragmented understanding of this world to the vast sea of knowledge he still yearned to master. This book¡ª" The Rise of the Human Kingdom and the Myth of the Heroic Classes"¡ªwas a treasure trove, each page revealing insights that pieced together the world around him.


    The runes, the system; it was all beginning to make sense, though the shadows of mystery still lingered.


    The faint sound of footsteps broke his concentration, but he didn''t look up right away. His mind raced, imagining visions of future.


    But his thoughts were interrupted by a sharp voice.


    "Ash, what are you doing here?!"


    He blinked, looking up. Emma stood over him, arms crossed, a frown etched across her stern face. She was the tall, no-nonsense caretaker who had always kept a watchful eye on him.


    Apparently, she had noticed his absence from the children''s section, where the rest of the group had been.


    "What do you think you''re doing?" she repeated, her voice more insistent.


    "You''ve been in this corner for nearly an hour. Reading time is over, and you''re supposed to be with the others."


    A twinge of panic gripped Ash, but he quickly composed himself. Offering a soft smile, he carefully closed the book and stood, holding it respectfully.


    "I''m sorry, Miss Emma," he said quietly, casting his gaze downward. "I got carried away reading. I didn''t realize how much time had passed."


    Emma''s stern gaze softened for a moment before her frown returned. "You can''t wander off, Ash.The library is vast, and there are risks even here for someone your age. Stay with the group. Understood?"


    Ash nodded quickly, feigning an embarrassed expression. Inside, however, he cursed his recklessness. The book had drawn him in so completely that he hadn''t noticed the others leave.


    He needed to stay out of trouble, at least until he was strong enough to pursue his ambitions without anyone interfering.


    "I understand," he replied meekly, offering a small bow. "I won''t wander off again."


    Emma sighed, accepting his apology though he could tell she was still frustrated. She turned and gestured for him to follow.


    As they walked back toward the library''s entrance, Ash glanced down at the book he reluctantly handed back to a shelf. This newfound knowledge was precious, and it was just the beginning.


    He had to be cautious, especially here at the orphanage, where prying eyes might catch onto his growing interests and goals.


    As they exited the library, the sun cast a soft, golden glow over the city. He squinted at the brightness, his mind still churning over what he''d read. Runes, dungeons, classes¡ªevery piece he absorbed brought him one step closer to understanding his future.


    The cobbled streets of Landros stretched ahead as they walked back, his thoughts racing as he mapped out his next steps.


    He''d need to access dungeons and gather resources, but, most importantly, he needed strength.


    Back at the orphanage, routine resumed. While the other children settled in, Ash slipped into a quiet corner, where he could think.


    This was no ordinary path he was setting out on.


    In his mind, he could already see himself enrolling as a Mage in the same academy as the protagonist of the story.


    But unlike the protagonist who is a Swordsman, Ash would as hide his real class Magic Swordsman under the disguise of Mage class, as magic swordsman can also use magic.


    Mastering a unique blend of swordsmanship and magic which was unseen in the novel because it is the concept of the game I played, if the Status Window he got is similar to that of the game he played then this will be possible.


    He will only show his unique class , Under a new identity, as he would create a hidden organization that quietly supported the protagonist while slightly sapping his power¡ªas after stealing the runes he needed to ensure the story''s trajectory remained intact, all while growing stronger in the shadows.If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    He knew that becoming a Magic Swordsman required both physical strength and mana mastery. His first goal was to: create the skill "Mana Manipulation", which would allow him to absorb and control ambient mana.


    One quiet night, when the children of orphanage was asleep, he whispered his intent into the darkness.


    "Skill Creation," he murmured, feeling a surge of warmth as the system acknowledged his request.


    [What type of Skill does Host want to create?]


    "Mana Manipulation," he replied, envisioning a skill that would allow him to control mana at a molecular level. The system confirmed:


    [Initializing... Skill Created: Mana Manipulation - Level 1]


    [Mana Manipulation] ¨C Level 1


    Description: Allows the user to absorb mana from the surrounding environment and control the mana flow within the body.


    __


    After reading the description of the skill he focused on the faint energy around him, feeling mana trickle in, almost like drawing water from a deep well. It was faint but tangible, flowing through him as he guided it toward his abdomen, recalling a detail from a novel where the protagonist stored mana this way. But, after a while, exhaustion overtook him, and he drifted to sleep.


    The next morning, Ash reflected on his progress.


    In Akumia, Close combat type profession typically stored mana in their lower Dantian which is then converted into Aura that the martial artist use ,while magicians store their mana in their middle Dantian and after Making Magic circle in their heart they can cast magic according to the rank of their circle.


    One couldn''t store mana in both places unless, of course, they held knowledge of the future.


    Ash knew of a rune that would allow him to maintain stability while doing both, a powerful rune that once belonged to a villain who became a lasting thorn in the protagonist''s side, as he was able to utilize both magic and his assassin skills to counter the protagonist.


    He didn''t have a unique class but he was powerful but he still died in the hands of protagonist albeit with difficulty.


    With renewed determination, Ash set a daily training routine:


    Morning Workout: Each dawn, Ash awoke quietly, going through exercises to build his strength. His body was young, but each day''s squats, push-ups, and stretches added to his stamina.


    Mana Practice: After breakfast, while the other children played, Ash would sit quietly and focus on his Mana Manipulation skill. It felt like trying to control water with his bare hands, but with each attempt, he could sense his control improving bit by bit.


    Ash knew his path was set: he would forge a destiny in which he was both powerful and unseen, walking a fine line between ally and adversary in a world of magic and ambition.


    ---


    In a Remote town


    The remote town lay silent and haunting, a complete opposite to the lively settlement it once was. Smoke was rising from the wooden cottage ruins, their frames being blackened and splintered. Cobblestone streets, once bustling with villagers, were now littered with shattered pottery, discarded toys, and dark, ominous stains.


    The air reeked of sulphur and ash, mingled with the acrid stench of scorched flesh. The town was surrounded by twisted unnaturally bent trees, their bark clawed and charred as if the forest recoiled from some evil presence.


    In the midst of the destruction, a small body lay crumpled in the rubble¡ªa five-year-old boy, his face covered with soot but eerily serene.


    His fragile frame bore no visible wounds, though the torn and dirtied clothes hinted at the horrors he had unknowingly survived. Faint trails of shimmering energy lingered around him, a residue of the demonic forces that had ravaged the town.


    The Hunters, in leather armor reinforced with runes, advanced cautiously. Their weapons hummed faintly, attuned to the lingering malevolence.


    The group had come to investigate the abnormal surge of demon energy, but none of them had expected to find a survivor.


    One knelt beside the boy, checking for signs of life.


    "He''s breathing," the Hunter murmured, relief mixing with disbelief. "But how.?"


    Others shared hesitant glances. In a town cleansed of life, this unconscious child was an anomaly¡ªand maybe, a foreboding of something even darker.


    The Hunters were an unyielding unit, bound not by bloodlines but by intent. A group called the Dusk Wardens, they dealt with the tracking and ridding of demon infestions that ravaged the lands.


    Their armor was a practical, magical mix: dark leather, reinforced with shimmering protective runes and treated cloaks that would repel corruption.


    Each had unique weapons that had been enchanted to hit true on demonic foes: blades that glow faintly in the dark, crossbows that fired bolts of pure light, and amulets that pulse with protective wards.


    Although their appearance was intimidating, they had a quiet solemnity about them; their work wasn''t just about killing demons but preventing such horrors from consuming more lives.


    Confirming the boy was indeed alive, the group leader¡ªa tall woman named Kaelen, with a commanding presence and a silver-streaked braid¡ªmade the call to take him to safety.


    It was against their protocol to interfere with civilians, but such an incredible miracle of survival could not be ignored.


    It was a sombre journey to the nearest orphanage. The boy did not move; his fragile form had been wrapped in Kaelen''s weathered cloak to warm him.


    He stirred once in a while but still didn''t wake, holding his small hands instinctively onto the fabric.


    Hunters walked with near silence, keeping watchful eyes on the horizon for signs of lingering demonic presence.


    They found the orphanage in the outskirt of Ravendale-a simple stone structure, decorated by flowers around it, which had given refuge to normalcy amidst the chaos of life.


    The matron, a severe and yet gentle woman by the name of Elyra, received them with mixed emotions of gratitude and worry.


    "This child is all that''s left of the town," Kaelen explained grimly, her voice heavy with unspoken sorrow. "He needs care, guidance, and protection. Whatever spared him might still make him a target."


    Elyra nodded, her gaze softening as she took the boy into her arms. "He''ll have a home here. We''ll look after him."


    Even though they left him in the hands of the orphanage, the picture of the child and the destroyed town kept following them¡ªa haunting image of their responsibility and mystery demons often left behind.


    The boy was none other than The protagonist of the Novel-Ray Dawson.


    ***