"Can I really be a hero?" Shin thought, a flicker of determination settling in his chest, growing with each breath.

"Looks like I’ve already got him," Bajar thought, a knowing grin spreading across his face.

“Listen, kid. A man’s dream has no end,” Bajar said, his tone strong and encouraging.

“A man’s dream… has no end?” Shin repeated, his voice trembling with curiosity.

“That’s right!” Bajar placed a firm hand on Shin’s chest, his finger tapping over Shin's heart. “The only limit is you! Your will becomes the will of others to survive, to fight, and to keep going. Even if the world doesn’t call you a hero, who cares? Carve your own path!”

Shin’s eyes widened as tears began to well up. “T-That’s right… A man’s dream has no end!” he stammered, his emotions spilling over.

“Whahahaha! Even if you only have a small spark inside you or no flame at all who cares!?” Bajar shouted, clenching his fist and raising it toward the sunlit sky. “Your fate is in your own hands!”

Shin fell to his knees, overwhelmed. “C-Can I really be a hero?” he asked, his voice shaking with doubt and hope.

“Who knows?” Bajar said, his grin widening, a fierce glint in his eyes. “But one thing’s for sure: anyone can be a hero if they have the will to do it! So, Shin—carve your own path!” He patted Shin’s head with surprising gentleness. “Before you answer me, though, let me show you what someone like you can do.”

Bajar gestured toward a line of students practicing martial arts with impressive precision and strength. “Look at them. Every single one is between sixteen and eighteen years old.”

“How old are you?” Bajar asked.

“I-I’m sixteen,” Shin stammered, still caught in the emotional whirlwind.

“Good,” Bajar said with a wicked grin. “Now take a good look at them. Strong bodies, tall frames, and incredible talent. So, Shin… aren’t you jealous?”

Shin’s gaze locked onto the students. A mix of envy, inadequacy, and determination bubbled within him. “I… I envy them. I feel jealous looking at them,” Shin admitted, his blue eyes beginning to darken, taking on the depth of an abyss.

“Whahahaha! That’s right. You feel pathetic, don’t you? So prove them wrong!” Bajar’s tone grew darker, almost menacing, as if he was unlocking something deep within Shin.

“I-I’ll prove them wrong,” Shin stuttered, his voice barely above a whisper, yet filled with an unmistakable resolve.

“That’s right. Make them pay,” Bajar encouraged, his words dripping with intensity. For a moment, his grin faltered as he thought to himself, Am I using too much of… that?

“Before you make your final choice,” Bajar continued, “watch them closely.”

Shin’s eyes focused on the students as they showcased their martial arts with fluid movements and impeccable accuracy. Each punch sent ripples through the air, their strength so palpable Shin could feel it, even within the towering 80-foot water tank that surrounded him.

“So, tell me,” Bajar said, his grin now stretching almost unnaturally, his dark aura pulsating. “Do you think you can compete with them?”

Shin’s gaze hardened, his voice low and steady, tinged with an eerie determination. “I will.”

Bajar’s grin twisted into something almost sinister. “This is it,” he thought, his dark aura swirling with satisfaction as he imagined what Shin would become in the future.

Bajar smiled, but the sight was horrifying it carried an unshakable weight. He stood tall, crossing his arms, his hair flowing with the rhythm of the air.

"Remember, Shin," he said in a deep, commanding voice, "you were not born to blend but to carve your own path true, unshakable, and whole."

Shin remained silent, only nodding as his dark eyes slowly returned to normal. "When do I start?" he asked, a small grin forming on his face.

Bajar grinned back, his face bright with approval. "Later. Let’s head back to the church. I’ll prepare your fake documents. Only a few people can know your real identity."

With a sudden burst of energy, Bajar grabbed Shin and leapt from the towering 80-foot water tank to the ground below. The impact created a small crack that echoed throughout the academy. Yet no one dared check it was Sir Bajar, after all.

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Landing smoothly, Bajar put Shin down and adjusted his stance. "So, Shin, do you want to come to the church with me, or would you rather explore the kingdom a bit first?"

"I think I'll explore the kingdom more before you come back," Shin replied with a confident nod.

"Alright, but make sure to return to the entrance before the azure sets," Bajar said with a grin before turning to leave.

In an instant, he bolted away, his powerful legs moving as if fueled by tireless energy. The air waves from his speed made Shin’s hair flutter.

"Wow, he’s really amazing," Shin thought, blushing not out of attraction, but admiration. He stood for a moment, staring after Bajar before turning back toward the kingdom. "I’d better get going before the azure sets."

Shin wandered the streets, taking in the sights of the bustling market, narrow alleys, and vibrant life of the kingdom. Merchants shouted their prices, children ran about, and people went about their routines.

After some time, he noticed a small sign by a painter's stall: "1 gold for 1 painting."

Shin paused, thinking to himself. This could help me remember Grandma Anne and Ria. Who knows how long I’ll be here...

Approaching the painter, he said, "Hey, sir, I’d like two custom paintings."

The painter smirked, his eyes gleaming with greed. Never seen this kid before. Bet I can rip him off. "That’ll be 10 golds!" he said with a grin.

Shin tilted his head and smiled. "Wow, that’s a great deal, sir. I’ll pay 20 golds!"

The painter froze, his smirk dropping as his eyes widened in disbelief. "Wh-what? Really?"

"Of course, sir! I’ll wait for it," Shin replied casually.

The painter’s eyes filled with tears, overcome by Shin’s generosity. "Thank you so much!" he exclaimed, shaking Shin’s hand vigorously. "Please, tell me the details of what you want painted!"

Shin took his time describing every detail the faces of Grandma Anne and Ria, their warm smiles and kind eyes. He requested a background of an island, lush with green leaves, white sand, and pure blue water, a reflection of peace and beauty.

The painter nodded eagerly, ready to bring Shin’s memories to life.

Shin grew bored of waiting at the painter's shop and decided to explore the kingdom again. As he wandered through the streets, he came across a merchant selling various common items. His eyes landed on a small stack of books.

"Hm, maybe I could use these for a journal," Shin thought, a spark of inspiration lighting up. I want to write about my adventures here. He approached the merchant.

"Hey, could I buy two books and..." Shin paused, eyeing the other items. They’ve got ink and feather pens for writing. That’ll come in handy.

"I’ll also take 10 bottles of ink and 2 feather pens," Shin added.

The merchant nodded eagerly and quickly gathered Shin’s order, handing him two books, ten bottles of ink, and two feather pens. The merchant hesitated, unsure what Shin meant by "feather pen," but assumed he had pointed to the correct item.

"How much?" Shin asked.

"Five gold, sir," the merchant replied.

"Wow, that’s pretty cheap. Good thing I brought this pouch earlier. I still have 15 gold left I’ll save it," Shin thought. He handed over the gold. "Here. Thank you."

The merchant smiled as Shin walked away with his supplies. As he wandered, Shin noticed the serene quiet of the kingdom at night. The kingdom is so peaceful during the night. I guess people in this era don’t have the kind of technology we did back on Earth to keep themselves entertained, Shin mused.

Almost back at the painter’s shop, Shin saw a man in a black cloak running down the alley, clutching several books. The cloaked figure bumped into him, almost knocking him over. Moments later, two guards in steel armor appeared, spears in hand.

"Hey! Did you see anyone suspicious running around here? Someone in a black cloak?" one of the guards asked.

"Hm, a bad person?" Shin thought, glancing in the direction the cloaked figure had gone. "He went that way," he said, pointing toward the market.

As the guards rushed off, Shin scratched his head. "What a weird time to be getting chased by guards. Then again, this world is probably different from Earth."

Almost at the painter's shop, another thought hit him. Come to think of it, every time I walk, the gold in my pouch jingles. It’s so noticeable. He instinctively checked his pocket and froze.

"SHIT," Shin muttered under his breath. His grin tightened. That bastard stole my pouch when he bumped into me.

"Thankfully, the paintings were already paid" for. When Shin arrived at the painter's shop, the artist handed him the completed works. Shin's eyes widened as he took in the vivid details. The paintings exceeded his expectations absolutely stunning.

"These are amazing," Shin murmured before quickly running off toward the academy’s secret entrance. As he ran, he noticed the sky. Damn it, the azure has already set!

When he arrived, he saw Bajar standing by the entrance, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Oh, hey," Bajar said, noticing Shin. "Did you get what you wanted?"

"Yes," Shin replied, clutching his paintings.

"Let me see," Bajar said, snatching one before Shin could protest.

"Fuck, he just grabbed it," Shin thought bitterly.

Bajar inspected the painting, his expression softening. "Wow, this is beautiful. Is this your grandma?"

"Yes, that’s my Grandma Anne," Shin replied, a touch of pride in his voice.

Bajar moved to the second painting. "And this girl she’s really pretty. Is she your fiancée?"

Shin’s face turned red. "Wh-what? No! She’s just my friend! Her name is Ria," he stuttered.

Bajar chuckled quietly. "Whatever you say, kid. I’ll believe you." He gave Shin a mischievous look.

"Wh-what? Why are you looking at me like that? I swear, she’s just a friend!" Shin exclaimed, his voice rising in embarrassment.

"Whahahaha! It’s fine, it’s fine," Bajar laughed loudly. "Let’s go."

Without warning, Bajar grabbed Shin and dashed back into the dark tunnel. His speed was incredible, each step creating gusts of wind that pushed Shin’s hair back. After some time, they reached the academy, entering the dormitories.

"This will be your room," Bajar said with a grin, gesturing toward a door. "Now, let me explain the rules." His grin widened, carrying an air of both amusement and authority.

"I'll carve my own path, starting here in the academy," Shin thought, his determination burning brighter than ever.