*Fuuuuu~*

Let’s get things straight.

Me = side character

Son = OP main character

That looks about right. NOT! That was supposed to be my destiny. Though it was a self proclaimed destiny, it was still mine. But nooo~. Lady luck has to stick up a middle finger and throws me into the extra character bin. What does he have that I don’t?

Okay. That was a stupid question. I already knew what it was. This son of mine got plenty of plot juice. First, he was found by a “handsome” (if I do say so myself) man in the woods because his parents dropped him there. Why? I don’t know? Why not ask the author of this trash story?

Secondly, he’s… I really hate to admit it. But he’s just too freaking protagonist-ish. The kid was the type of person that always got the spotlight, like when he tried to find a medical herb to help a dying villager. To top it off, he was 5 years old when he did it and, as a bonus, accidently killed a S rank monster. The same monster that I couldn’t kill due to its devious nature and high intelligence. Then, there was his female childhood friend, Calla, who totally has a crush on my son. Her love erupted when Akio defended her from some bullies. Ever since the heroic rescue, they would always stick together. Though I highly doubt that Akio was aware of Calla’s love for him. Seriously, how did he not notice she loves him? She makes him lunch everyday, sticks to him like tape, and there are freaking pink hearts floating above her head. He’s the embodiment of the word airhead. That’s saying something because I, the middle-aged virgin of the village, have acknowledged it. Besides this error, it’s impossible to say that he’s not a good child. Of course, leaving out the baby Akio; the bloody baby robbed me of my sleep for 2 years.

These are just a few of a huge cargo of plot juice my son has. Ugh!! It makes me so triggered just thinking about it. Maybe I’ll be Mr. Black 2.0. Yet, looking at my son’s innocent face, I couldn’t bring myself to do it. Hey, I’m no genocide freak who kills his ONLY son because of something that’s decided by fate. Fate chose my son for a reason (or the author is screwing with me) and I’ll respect fate’s wishes. I do envy my son’s good fortune, but holding a grudge against him for such an absurd reason didn’t make sense.

Taking another glance at my son, I knew what I was destined to do. To train the absolute s**t outta him with some training montages and plenty of rock metal background music. Son, you will be the greatest hero (sponsored by Jeetu North).

Then again, I was currently having the worst case of déjà vu. My son was the hero of legends, and I was the extra character without any unique qualities. If this was a fantasy anime, the hero must have some sort of motivation to defeat the evil boss and save the world. For example, having the demons kill off his… par...ents.

Oh Sh*t. I just figured out what hairstyle I have; the anime mom hairstyle of death’ known as side plait. However, I’m the father so maybe it’ll cancel out my death flag. Please let this be the case.

Akio POV

“Rise and shine son.” I was shook awake by a looming figure. Rubbing my eyes, the tall figure was revealed to be my father. Having tan skin, long hair, and a neatly trimmed beard, my dad stood beside my bed.

“Do you know what day it is?” He playfully asked. Usually, I would wake up on my own, so to have dad wake me meant that we there’s something special about today. Rummaging through my memory, I realized what day today was. Today was my birthday, or the day my dad found me. Supposedly to reduce the chances of a misunderstanding, my ‘stepfather’ told me of my tragic start. Including the fact that I was a huge pain in the butt as a baby, which I had deeply apologized for. He and everyone else worried that my past could harm my mentality. However, I wasn’t bothered at all. Instead I was happy because I was able to meet my caring father and made plenty of friends.

“Today’s my birthday!” I exclaimed. Dad nodded his head and grinned.

“Sure is kiddo. This is your sixth birthday, which means that you are at the perfect age to see your status.” He announced.

“Really!?” My dad would always tell me stories of his days as an adventurer. All the battles, loot, and comrades. Each story was unique and they attached themselves to my mind. I would always dream of becoming an adventurer, just like my dad. A great adventurer who fights for justice. A hero that would protect everyone.

My excitement was expressed on my face and by my voice. My dad widened his smile towards my enthusiastic reaction and left my room to allow me to change clothes. After that, we ate breakfast together; it consisted of toast, eggs and plenty of bacon. Mmmm. ‘The sweet, juicy bacon.’ We devoured the food like hungry dogs. In a few minutes, everything was gone and we were out the door; the empty plates were left in the sink.

On our way to the church, our neighbors and Calla greeted us as we walked past. Calla wanted to join, but dad whispered something next to her ear and she changed her mind. I couldn’t hear much; though it had to do with “future husband.” Dad never mentioned anyone in the village marrying, so who could it be?

Calla waved goodbye and walked back into her house. My dad and I continued to the church. When we got there, a bald, old man wearing strange clothing guided us to a big shiny rock and told me to place my hand on it--so I did. The glow entranced me, while my dad gasped at what he had seen. Dad told me all about the rankings so I would understand what my status window was telling me. Looking at it myself, I discovered the cause of his surprise. My status was off the roof; especially for my age. Dad say to normal kids get a D, but I got A and S. My class made everything clear as day; I was a hero. An event I only thought was possible in my dreams had really happened.

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

The old man spoke of a prophecy that involved the hero, which was supposed to be me. I observed my dad for his opinions on this sudden development. I couldn’t tell what he was thinking; however his mind must be running through multiple emotions. One second he was shocked; then he was angry, before frowning and making eye contact with me. His eyes screamed of anger mixed with jealousy. As if it was never there, the heavy atmosphere around my dad instantly disappeared when we looked at each other. Puffing out his chest, he looked at me with pride. It felt like he had found his lost treasure and was at peace.

I felt some weight on my left shoulder. My dad placed his hand on my shoulder and made a face I had only witnessed when something hardcore was gonna happen. I gulped, knowing that the next words he said would forever be cemented into the path of my future.

And it did, but not in the form of words; it was more physical and malicious. My dad never had a chance to speak as an arrow pierced his shoulder. The sudden attack knocked me off my feet as my dad turned towards the direction from where the arrow came from. Just outside the double doors of the church was a cloaked monster holding a crossbow.

My dad cursed and blocked another arrow with his left hand which was flying towards his chest. In retaliation, my dad made motions of reaching for his sword and felt air. He didn’t bring it. The monster took this time to nock another arrow, but didn’t finish as my dad chucked the shiny rock at the monster with his right hand. The stone impacted the assailant’s head, dazing it and giving us some desperately needed time to plan and counter attack.

“Akio, stand up and get out of here! The priest and I will secure your escape!” Father screamed.

His shout brought me out of my shock.

“I can’t just leave you here!” I screamed back. I was young, but not stupid enough to realize the dire situation we were in. I was the hero and heroes never run in the face of danger and leave the innocent in harm's way. If I were to run, I knew I would never see my dad ever again.

“Please, let me help you. I can fight too.” I compromised. 'Please father, just say yes.'

“NO!” He yelled. He turned his head towards me and our eyes met. There was so much pain and determination in his eyes. “I’ll be damned if I let my only son die at a place like this. Do what your old man tells you and RUN!”

“Please live.” He pleaded. My eyes were getting blurry as tears poured down my cheeks.

“You can’t-” (Jeetus)

*Shing*

Before my father could finish, a hand protruded from my father’s chest. The opening of the wound splashed blood all over my face. The same blood that dyed my dad’s clothing and dripped from the demonic hand

Slowly, my eyes drifted from the blade to the terrified face of my father. Behind my father was the old man who guided us here. There was no longer the old kind elder who helped us; it was a monster in human disguise. Horns grew on his bald head, his skin turned deadly gray, and his nails sharpened into razors. His face distorted into a demon’s: large fangs, red pupils, pointy ears, and a sinister smile.

“Priest! What the f**k!” My dad accused, while spitting out blood. As quickly as it occurred, the hand was pulled out, leaving my dad’s body to tumble to the ground. The demon swiped his hand to remove the fresh coat of human blood covering it; the motion created an ark of blood on the walls.

Fear. My entire body was pumped full of it. I was afraid of the monster that had killed my dad. I couldn’t move; my body wouldn’t respond to anything. Never in my life did I face such horror, where I looked straight in the eyes of death. Yet, within my fear, there was anger. The anger that grew from the sight of the father who was dying due to the errors of his son; because of the errors I have. I was the hero, yet, I wasn’t even able to protect the man who raised me and provided me with love. It was my fault and most importantly, it was THEIR fault.

“What happened to that bravery you showed a second ago, little boy?” (Demon Priest)

“D..” (Akio)

User doesn’t meet requirement for the skill #$@!@$%#$$%.

“What the hell are you talking about, worm.” The murderer was smiling. He was SMILING! Smiling because he killed my dad. I will make him pay with his life; the life that brought the end to my happy life with my dad. He is going to pay dearly for his actions.

“...Die.” (Akio)

User doesn’t me#$$$%^-----------------

“DIE!!” (Akio)

#$@!@$%#$$% has been forcefully used. Preparation time: 10 minutes

“Shut the hell up, worm!” Within striking range, the demon brought down his blade. “It is you who’s going to die!”

“I don’t think so.” Suddenly, a figure grabbed the demon from behind, stopping the strike. The voice was familiar; it sounded like… No… It was dad. Behind the demon, still bleeding profusely, my dad held the demon by the waist and did a german suplex. Blood gushed out from his open wound. The concrete floor cracked at the impact. The demon quickly recovered and jumped back to create some distance. Sadly, my dad got the shorter end of the stick. He was still bleeding and the suplex just made things worse. Seeing him standing brought me hope and relieved myself from my anger.

“Dad you-” (Akio)

“Get outta here!” He screamed. I tried to refute his order, but he wouldn’t allow it.

“Son, I know this is gonna be hard on you. But in the state that I’m in, we can’t win. The best I can do is to buy you some time to get help.” (Jeetu)

“But.” (Akio)

“No buts! You are the hero so act like one. Be the hero that you are destined to be and get outta here.” (Jeetu)

“A hero doesn’t leave anyone behind!!!” I screamed back, more tears ran down my cheeks. I couldn’t lose him. My dad meant the world to me. “If you are staying, then so am I!!”

My dad looked at me. He was angry. I could tell by the look in his eyes. Then, out of my expectations, he sighed, as if he had given up hope of me running away.

“Fine. You can stay and fight, but if you die, I will haunt you.” He joked.

“Isn’t it the other way around?” (Akio)

“Doesn’t matter.” (Jeetu)

I walked up beside him and brought up my fists. We would fight together to destroy this evil. We would win.

*Grab*

Suddenly, my dad hugged me. His flowing blood soaked into my clothes.

"Live on son.” (Jeetu)

“What are you saying?... D..ad?” I was confused. Didn’t we decide to fight together!?

“Skill: Retire.” (Jeetu)

Bright light surrounded me, engulfing my entire body. Slowly, my body began to disappear from bottom to top.

“Dad!! What are you doing!! Weren’t we supposed to fight together!!” I yelled.

“And I lied.” He replied. Facing me he smiled; the same smile that he showed me every time we were together. It was peaceful and warming.

“Live my son...Be the hero I couldn’t be.” (Jeetu)

Those were the last words I heard before I was gone. When the light faded, I was in the adventurer’s guild. Everyone was shocked to see a bloodied boy appearing out of nowhere. Their stares didn’t last long as an explosion was heard. Fearing for the worst, I ran towards the door. The sight was forever engraved into my mind. In front of me, a few blocks away, the location where the church used to stand, was replaced with rumble.

It was all to clear on what had occurred.

My dad was gone.