I spent the last of my pocket money on herbs for Maria, as Alex requested. Upon my return, Alex immediately got to work. He drew two magic circles, placing a pair of herbs on each. They emitted a soft glow as water droplets formed, eventually merging into a large, green-tinged solution.

Using alchemy magic, Alex soaked a clean cloth in the shimmering, light green liquid. He gently wrapped Maria's wound, and the healing process began—slow but steady. The effects seemed far too advanced for mere alchemy magic.

I dragged over a nearby box and sat down. "Alex Nortis, care to explain what's really going on?"

He hesitated before speaking. "I'm the youngest of four—two older brothers, one older sister. My father only cared about the eldest. The rest of us were mere afterthoughts. My oldest brother received every gift, every bit of attention. One day, my father asked for the legendary family sword."

"Wait." The sight of the assassin corpses unsettled me. I looted the gold coins from them and incinerated the bodies to dust. Returning to my seat, I said, "Okay, continue."

"My parents then used the precious artifact to ask my ancestors. Since that day, they've been appearing in my dreams. I managed to keep it silent, knowing my secret would be revealed in a year. After a year, my father used the artifact again and learned my secret. He then forced me and threatened me to get the sword back."

"Wait, if the ancestors chose you, doesn't that make you the worthy one?"

Alex shook his head. "No... it's because my ability is the weakest. If I get the sword, they can easily get rid of me and take it away."

"That's... messed up."

"I know! I planned to drop the sword and run away, but it keeps coming back to me!"

"Yesterday you said your sister sent assassins, right?"

"Yeah, it was her. But today it's my dad. My sister doesn't want my oldest brother to get the sword."

I stood up, pointing my finger at Alex's head like a gun. "Bang! Starting today, Alex Nortis is dead. The only one who survived is Alex, a kid from Greydoll Village, a kid blessed with exceptional alchemy skills. Alex Nortis is no more. You are Alex."

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

Alex's face crumpled, and he burst into tears. Maria hugged him, trying to calm him down. I waited until he had cried himself out.

"You done?" I asked.

"Yeah. Thank you," he sniffled.

"Alright, let's head home, Alex."

As Maria and Alex passed me, I called out, "Maria!" She turned back, and I tossed her the gold I'd looted from the assassins. She bowed in gratitude and continued on.

I stayed behind, letting out a sigh. "No reward again after helping them..."

Then I noticed something—the black sword lay on the ground, not returning to Alex. "Wait... did my trick actually work?"

I wrapped the sword in a nearby cloth, planning to ask my grandfather about it.

When Grandfather visited the house the next day, I recounted what had happened.

"You've gotten yourself into trouble, haven't you?"

I froze. Grandpa had never mentioned trouble before. "Where's the Alex boy now?" he asked.

"I declared him dead," I said. "He's probably living with a girl named Maria."

"And you think that'll keep him safe?"

"I don't know. I just... thought it would work."

Grandpa chuckled. "You're a lot like her."

"Like who?"

"Your father's sister, Valentina, my daughter. You probably won't meet her this year."

"I have an aunt?"

"And an uncle, Luke. But he's too busy conquering dungeons."

"Dungeons? I thought those were just legends."

"They're real. You interested?"

"Of course!"

"Ahaha, I knew it! You've got my blood in you. Not like your father, who'd rather sit behind a desk all day."

"Uhh..."

"Do you know why I never insisted your father hire a noble manners tutor for you?"

"I've wondered about that too."

"It's too early to explain. I'll need to consult the doctor who helped deliver you, he's incredibly wise."

"He must be a great person if Grandfather boasts about him."

"He is indeed a great person. Actually, I want to make you my guild successor."

"What? The dragon-slaying corps? Am I even strong enough?"

Grandpa grinned. "What do you think?"

"I might be a magical genius, but aren't most dragons immune to magic?"

"Figure it out, genius."

"Damn, Gramps."

Grandpa laughed. "This kid's got a mouth. Now, let's talk about the Nortis situation."

"Yeah," I agreed.