My name is Raiken J, and I resided in a serene village nestled by the river, towards the northeast of the continent. In the company of my two dearest childhood pals, Alpha and Josh, life had a simple charm.
Those friends were my pillars of support, even when they recognized that I was somewhat of an underachiever, they still accept me of what I was. Their loyalty meant the world to me. However, the day arrived when they decided to depart our village, embarking on a journey to discover their true selves.
As the years rolled on, a new presence entered my life, bringing with her a sense of solace and companionship that I had longed for. Her name was Amy, the person who captured my heart.
…
Unfortunately, destiny had other plans in store for us. Our peaceful village fell victim to a merciless assault by mysterious creatures, compelling us to flee our homes.
In the wake of the chaos, tragedy struck. The one important person to me who had remained by my side, the person I held dearest, did not survive. She valiantly gave her life to protect me. The weight of the simple promise we once made became an overwhelming burden:
"Stay alive."
…
Stepping out of my comfort zone was an arduous journey, filled with trials and tribulations. But it had its silver lining.
My path crossed with that of my childhood friends, and the reunion filled me with immense joy. Alpha had blossomed into a remarkable swordsman, earning the coveted title of the strongest General in the Capital, thanks to his extraordinary combat skills.
Josh had pursued a different path, mastering the art of hunting. He had also found love with an elven woman and built a joyful family. Both of them were achieving their long-held dreams.
As I looked at their success, a twinge of jealousy pricked my heart. Yet, beneath that envy, I found genuine happiness for their accomplishments.
…
You know what truly made me feel alive? It was the sense of togetherness.
Being a part of our trio brought a joy that words could hardly capture. We embarked on various missions, forging new friendships in the process. This camaraderie became my new sanctuary, my new comfort zone.
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Yet, fate had other plans. A mission compelled me to confront an old grudge I had buried deep within.
I believed I could handle it, but I couldn't have been more mistaken.
…
For the second time, fate forced me to endure the heart-wrenching tragedy of my lover's death. It was a dagger to my soul, especially because it was my best friend who had taken her life. I was compelled to relive my saddest memories.
In the midst of this darkness, I found solace in the unwavering support of my friends. They were the guiding light that helped me regain my lost senses.
From these harrowing experiences, I learned an invaluable lesson: the importance of opening my heart once more.
And then, there was Ruby. Though our time together was short, I couldn't help but be drawn to her. She introduced me to an entirely new world, a world long forgotten, a world filled with beauty, wonder, and an enchanting sparkle.
It was the world of magic.
…
Then came the incident, an event that would shake the very foundation of our world.
Deep within a dark cave, we accidentally triggered something that had long lain dormant, and it unleashed chaos upon the overworld.
In the aftermath, I found myself expelled from that mesmerizing realm, just after uncovering a fragment of information regarding the dreaded [Prophecy]. They kept the girl I had met away from me.
...
Returning home, I was overcome by exhaustion, only to be confronted with a new tragedy in the capital.
A best friend I had deeply admired had transformed into a stranger. With a cold, emotionless expression, he took the life of my other cherished friend right before my eyes.
…
At that precise moment, I made an oath.
Someday, I would vanquish him.
Someday, I would...
End his life.
...
Once again, I found myself isolated.
And thus, I arrived at a solemn resolution.
I would become an Avenger.
My purpose? To exact vengeance on the root of all this suffering.
To seek retribution from the puppeteer who orchestrated these events, and...
To take revenge... on my own best friend whom I once adored.
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End of Volume II Prologue…