Many fear death, for it means the end of one's own life. They often dream of immortality, like if it was a blessing, but it couldn't be further from that. In fact, there are countless stories that have the hero reach immortality by being remembered through the ages, but what if people forget?
In the forest near Shūen village, there was a great tree that had been there long before history. The villagers call it "Seikaiju," the world tree. It has been the friend to countless creatures, but one day, an immortal found it and slept against it. They considered it to be good back support, so they drifted off to sleep. This immortality person was woken up by the feeling of light tapping on their leg.
Excuse me, sir, can I sleep here too? I'm getting quite sleeping.
The immortal man's eyes fluttered open. He saw a boy dressed in dirty clothes. He was short with brown hair and green eyes. He had on a white shirt that had turned yellow and smudged in dirt. He wore short shorts that were brown. They weren't dirty, but they were dusty. The kid had a skinny body probably because of malnutrition, and he looked worried that he had bothered the immortal. But then he felt a hand on his head. It was big but gentle. It ruffled up his hair and then went down to his left shoulder.
I don't mind at all, but do you wish to have a meal? You don't look good, mate.
The boy nodded eagerly, wanting food since it had been hours that he had gone without eating. The immortal picks up the boy and heads into the village. While carrying the boy in his strong arms, he receives weird looks from the village folk. The small boy notices and wonders why they look at him this way.
Sir, why do they look at you like that? Usually, it's rude to stare, isn't it? I'm confused.
The immortal man looks down at him with a small smile. And explains why they look at him the way they do.
Well, lad, it's because I'm an immortal. My kind isn't treated kindly because of how we achieved our long lives.
The boy frowns and then thinks for a moment. He doesn't seem to like the way he's being looked at, but he remains quiet.
You don't wanna ask how I became immortal? I could--
No... I don't care how. You've treated me kindly and are searching for a restaurant for me to eat at. It's more than enough. You're not a bad person. I believe that, truly.
The immortal is dumbfounded by the kid's kind words but knows that he also shouldn't tell the kid the truth. Kids jump to conclusions, and just because someone at first is nice, they think they were always nice.
They made it to a restaurant, and he dropped the boy off. The kid looked back at him, wanting him to come in with him, but he shook his head. He gave him a small bag full of coins and told the kid to buy whatever he wanted and that it was on him.
While the immortal waited for the boy, he heard a woman pleading for anyone to save her child, who was about to be runover by a carriage on the road behind him.
Please, anyone, save my girl!
He quickly jumped grabbing the mother's daughter protectively and teleported out of the carriage's way handing the woman her child. She check her daughter for injuries and she saw there were none at all.
Oh thank you so much kind gentleman!
She looked at him and saw he was wearing a black tank top that revealed his muscular arms. He had on two rings on his middle finger and wore long blue jeans. His scleras were black and his irises were red as his pupils resembled those of a dragon.
He had black messy hair with bags under his eyes. He had a gentle smile towards her.
It was no problem at all. Honestly.
She bowed showing her deep respect for her daughter's savior. The little girl hugged his leg in appreciation since she couldn't reach his torso. He patted her head and was about to turn to the restaurant when he heard her.
What is your name? I must know.
It is Ares. It's all I go by these days.
I'd like to offer some compensation for saving little Daisy.
He thought about it then nodded. She opened her purse and saw her pull out cash. Paper currency is far more valuable than the average coin since only nobles and royalty have cash on their person. He looked surprised to know she was of great wealth.
Is twenty three thousand weds enough?