As night turned to dawn, the village remained asleep, exhausted from the events of the previous night. The only ones awake were a few early risers and the children, who had managed to find some rest despite the chaos.

On the outskirts of the village, a figure lounged on the grassy plains near a tree—the same spot where Ralf and Beatrice used to spend their time together. This was the same being who had saved the village and captured the attention of everyone across the continent.

He gazed at the morning landscape, lost in thought. “This beauty.. If only people would stop polluting and consuming so much of the Earth’s resources back then, then would our world be beautiful as this one,” he mused. “There are still places like this back at my world, but with the situation as it is, would it even really last? I suppose I'm here for that purpose, to prevent it from happening…”

A moment of laughter escaped him. “Hmp, hahaha. That's quite a responsibility for just a mere businessman. Will someone like me really make a difference? With my abilities, it’s possible… I think.”

His mood shifted as a dark thought crossed his mind. “hmm.. I'm just distracting myself am I? My mind is still troubled because of the fact that I took a human life. It still haunts me. Even with my improved mental state due to my stats, the screams of those I’ve harmed linger. They were the bad guys, but why do I feel so, shitty?”

It's probably because of my original soul which I think is yet to fully integrate or assimilate unto this new body, I think..

He sighed deeply. “Still I hope I can grow accustomed to this if I want to help more people in the future. I hope that day comes soon.”

Lying back, he stared at the clear blue sky, the breeze bending the flowers and grass. The chirping of birds and the rustling leaves provided a serene backdrop. “If I really want to protect this world, I must accept the fact that my hands may get dirty in doing so. Change is necessary, but it must be at an appropriate amount or esle people would get overwhelmed by it, there must be a balance."

He was then hit by a sudden realization and his expression turns to a sarcastic one, "Heh, now I sound like a god watching over the world… If I keep this up, I’ll end up living the same life as before. Maybe I should create false personas and let someone else take the credit. I’ll only step in when absolutely necessary.”

He sighed again. “I’ll let my future self worry about all those future burdens. For now, I’m more concerned about the villagers. I left them with those bandits, was it even a good idea to do so? Can I even trust them? They might take advantage of my absence. I’ll check on them and pay them a little visit just in case, whilst also asking for some information along the way about this world.”

"But first." He then considered his disguise. “I should avoid drawing attention with my real appearance. Maybe I should revert to my mage avatar—the one from the forest. I masked my true self with ethereal light then, so they shouldn’t recognize me now.”

"Hmm... let's see, how did I do it again? Ah, right—"

With a flash of light, he transformed without a single spell. The blinding radiance dissipated, revealing a high elf in his mid-thirties, adorned in robes of intricate gold patterns and pure, silky white fabric. His skin was smooth and pale, characteristic of his elven race, though his ears had been altered to blend in with humans.

His silver hair cascaded down his back, though he had shortened it for a more human appearance. Despite the changes, his regal demeanor and youthful face marked him as a distinguished wandering mage. His age, at a glance, seemed to defy the mid-thirties look, suggesting a man in his early twenties instead.

"It’s surprising there’s no system like in the novels I read, but perhaps I can visualize and manipulate reality with magic at will, or maybe it’s just my admin privileges?"

He examined his new form with satisfaction.

"Well that aside, I'm all set and this certainly looks good, I hope this mage design isn't a bit excessive since I'm not aware of this world's norms and standards on mages. Anyway, I’m ready to go!" His face lit up with excitement as he admired his new guise before setting off.

As he approached the village, he moved deliberately, trying to blend in naturally. Acting like a normal human for once, although one wouldn't know the standard for "normal" in this world,

Flying has its perks, but walking like this seems more natural as you take in the view around you. But I still prefer flying though..

He mused

"Hmm, I didn’t even mention my previous life or world..." His steps grew quieter, his mood turning reflective as he walked, the wind rustling around him. "No matter what I am now, deep down I’m still just human. Despite these powers and gifts, I can’t suppress the longing I feel for my family. It’s a good thing, though—it's the one thing that keeps me grounded."

"It's reassuring to know they're living peacefully, free from poverty and conflict. I guess I can find some peace in that." He sighed, "Peace, so much peace. I hope it stays this way for everyone so I can find my own piece of it." He shrugged with a hint of amusement, his mood brightening.

I don't even know what I'm saying anymore, I'm just nervous..

"Guess I should try to interact with these villagers as naturally as possible. I should also avoid speaking with too much authority; that could be suspicious. Haah, just be yourself, Aceda!"

As he neared the village, he saw Ralf and Beatrice playing with other children outside. The children noticed him and ran towards him eagerly. He squinted at the boy who was heading his way.

"Wait a second... that kid..." Recognition struck him suddenly.

"Ralf!? Isn't he a protagonist from the anime *Bright Justice*!? Don’t tell me I’m reincarnated into his world!"

His realization was mixed with surprise. "But he looks so young compared to the anime. I must have arrived here much earlier than I expected."

This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

He thought back to the manga, which he had read cover to cover, and the countless episodes of the anime he had watched. The memories of binging it with someone special stirred a sense of nostalgia and melancholy.

It's the usual shounen hero trope, where he saved the world from the demon lord along with his friends from the heroes party.

But His journey began tragically when his village was ravaged by bandits. As Ralf and his mother fled, they encountered adventurers who came to their aid. But their efforts were too late for Ralf's family—his father, sister, and childhood friend lay dead amidst the ruins. This trauma left a deep scar on young Ralf, even after he relocated to the capital with his mother. Driven by vengeance and a desire to honor his lost family, he resolved to become a renowned adventurer.

Ralf’s journey was marked by trials and triumphs. He avenged his family by defeating Brooke

Well he of course being the main character, he successfully slain the bandit who invaded their village. Who's of Platinum rank, Brooke the first villain of the story. After he had taken his revenge, he felt accomplished as he saw the children he saved who are grateful to him. He was inspired by what he did, the praises of the people calling him a hero.

His proud mother watching him amongst the crowd for whom he swore to protect.

It awakened something within him, ignited a bright light within his heart. A will, a drive to protect the smiles of those around him

As he then began his journey to become a hero

As he resolved to become strong and protect those dear to him training his body to its utmost limit.

Meeting friends along the way, turning enemies into his companions and saved the world together.

Well, that pretty much sums up the story

Except, the anime isn't finished. And since I was soo curious and couldn't wait for the release so I bought its novel, which is by the way is also isn't completed.

His curiosity led him to the still-unfinished novel, which extended beyond the defeat of the demon king into more mundane details of Ralf's daily life. Was there more to Ralf's story, something deeper and more profound than what had been depicted?

"I'm curious and nervous at the same time of this uncertainty, what will be the ending?"

As he saw Ralf. He's Regaining his composure, he focused on the present as Ralf and the other children approached from a distance.

"Alright, stay composed..."

He steadied himself, ready to face the unfolding encounter with the same calm demeanor he had honed over time.

He regained his composure as Ralf and the other kids approached from a distance.

"He's the protagonist; gotta act natural, and from the looks of it, he's still just a little kid for now" he reminded himself.

then again, the original story of the anime, It introduces the tragic past of Ralf the Hero.

I seem to have prevented that

Loosing his family to bandits, while his mother the only one looking after him, knowing the pain of loosing someone dear to him, he then vowed to fight for righteousness and justice for those who could not. Not letting others to suffer the same way he did.

To be honest, if he weren't a shonen protagonist. He'd probably end up becoming vengeance incarnate if he saw what those bastards did to his sister, glad I came just in time to prevent that.

Ralf was suppose to beat the demon lord, now that I'm interfering with the story line. How will it then go from here?

Well, the only reason Ralf reached the peak of his strength was because of his drive to become strong due to his tragic past

Could I also try and serve as its replacement, a source of inspiration to become strong? I hope he saw what happened at the village if not then other witnesses will tell him of what I did

Well as long as he has the potential then I'll guide him if I can

He sighed, "But seriously though... shouldn't the adults be keeping a better watch over the children? If not the whole village? Maybe another group of bandits will take this chance to strike again while they're still vulnerable" He glanced at the approaching adults, lagging behind the kids. "Those children shouldn't be wandering so far from the village after everything that happened. They must have gotten carried away with the celebration. I’ll have to mention this to their leaders later If I ever get the chance."

As he prepared to address the children, Ralf and the others reached him, with the adults still some distance away.

“Hiii Misterrr!”

“Helloo!”

“Haiiii!”

The kids greeted him with cheerful enthusiasm. He smiled warmly and replied, "Hello, kids!"

The children immediately showered him with compliments.

“Woah, that’s a nice robe! Are you a mage?”

“Indeed I am.”

“Your hair—it’s silver!”

“Hm? Is silver hair rare?”

“Yeah, most people have black, blonde, or red hair. Yours is so sparkly and shiny!”

“Oh, why, thank you!”

After a flurry of compliments, curiosity took over, and the children began bombarding him with questions.

“Who are you?” one child asked boldly, stepping forward.

What a straightforward question, well. They're still just kids after all.

“I’m just a traveler passing through,” he replied with a warm smile.

“Where are you from?” another child asked, eyes wide with curiosity.

“I come from a faraway land,” he answered, gesturing vaguely towards the horizon.

“Oh, from the capital, maybe!? You look soooo handsome!”

“Hehe, thanks!”

“What’s it like there?” a third child asked eagerly, leaning in.

“It’s very different from here,” he began, settling in for a lively conversation with his eager audience.

As he answered one question, others quickly followed, creating a whirlwind of curiosity that left him a bit overwhelmed and flustered.

“What’s with your clothes? So cool!”

“Do you wield a magic staff?”

“Have you ever seen a dragon?”

“Can you please do magic?”

The questions came faster and faster. Laughing, he tried to keep up. “Wait, wait, one at a time!” he said, raising his hands to calm the excited group. “I’ll try to answer all your questions, but please, one at a time!”

The children, now more orderly, took turns asking their questions with eager anticipation. As he answered, the initial flustered feeling melted away, only to be interrupted as the adults finally caught up, with Daren leading the way.

"Phew..." Daren sighed, catching his breath. "Sorry about that. Are these kids troubling ya?"

“No, no, it’s fine~ They’re just curious,” he replied with a smile.

"We were a bit suspicious at first—wondered if you were an adventurer or someone who might attack the village. Turns out you’re the complete opposite, hahahaha!" The other men behind Daren laughed heartily.

Which part of me is suspicious? Is it because I'm overdressed?

“Come on,” Daren said, motioning for everyone to head towards the village.

"I hope you survived the onslaught of questions. From the way you look, you’ll probably face even more the sooner they'll see you." Daren his expression stern and serious.

“huh? Do I really look that suspicious?” he asked, his expression also stoic. though realizing his mistake because of the timing of his arrival and quite probably his choice of disguise.

What did he mean by that? They? As in their officials? And also, More questions!? Is he hinting that I will be interogated!?

Is it because of my clothes? Argh I should've known!

Everyone stopped and looked at him with bemused expressions, before bursting into laughter. One of the kids pointed out, “That’s because you look handsome and cool, Onee-san!”

Huh?

He was taken aback by the sudden unexpected compliment from the child

“Haha, that’s true. You’ll probably end up being popular in the village!” Owen chimed in.

Oh I get it now.

“Huhu, I hope not. That might be troublesome,” he said with a chuckle with a relieved expression masking his embarrasment from the misunderstanding due to his obliviousness.

Though if he didn't act stoic back there, and instead became flustered. Would they have caught on? The kids certainly won't, but among the adults?

I think it will be Daren, even if I'm wrong about him. I'm certainly aint wrong that what he said counts as a double meaning right? Is it a test?

From the looks of his expression it doesn't seem like he's aware of it. Still, thanks to our misunderstadning due to my overthinking, now I have something to use for future situations.

Thankyou Daren-san!

"Haah, it sure is a trouble." Referring to his situation

“Hmmm? Speaking from experience?” Daren asked with a grin. Inquiring about a different matter entirely, like his troubling popularity

“Hehe, you could say that,” he replied.

"By the way, I didn’t quite catch your name."

“It’s Mercury. Mercury Aregia. Pleased to meet you.”

“Ohhhh!” The group exclaimed in amazement, their curiosity piqued.

Muttering among themselves, "Is he a foreign noble?"

"A renowned mage, probably."

"So that's why you're troubled by your popularity, it all makes sense now haha!"

What? Well.. I guess I'll just go with it, seems to be working on my favor

By the way Is the name really that impressive? he thought, amused by the reaction. The name did seem a bit “out of this world,” after all.

As He let out a light giggle

“Ah- by the way, there's don't need to be so formal. I’m Daren, Mercury-dono!” Daren introduced himself with a bow. “This is Mike.”

“Yo!” Mike greeted with a casual wave.

“Gyrou and…” Daren hesitated, looking around.

“It’s Owen, Daren-san,” Owen added with a friendly nod.

“Oh yeah, haha, sorry about that,” Daren apologized.

The kids then eagerly introduced themselves.

“I’m Ralf, and this is Beatrice,” Ralf said, with Beatrice waving beside him.

“Raaalf~” Beatrice chimed, causing a playful scuffle.

“Whaat?” Ralf responded, amused.

“I should do my own introduction!” Beatrice insisted.

“Eehh? Sorry, sorry!” Ralf said, smiling apologetically.

The other children followed suit.

“I’m Kina!”

“Molie!”

Now it's the last kid turn to introduce but he seems a little hesitant at first, so Daren instead spoke up for him “And my son here-”

“A-and I’m, uh, Jacob…” He finally spoke up

“Nice to meet you all. Please take care of me!” he said with a warm smile.

Everyone responded with smiles and nods as they began making their way into the village together.