Centuries have passed since the Great War between the Hero and the Demon King. What was once a world of chaos and bloodshed is now peaceful or at least, that's what people choose to believe.
In the great City of Peace, people live ordinary lives. The government forbids talk of magic, and schools teach that magic died the day the Hero defeated the Demon King. The Hero became a symbol of perfection the savior of humankind, the reason the world now knows harmony.
Only a few powerful families and the King knows the truth that magic never truly disappeared. Deep beneath the capital, in the royal archives, lies the hidden history of a war long forgotten.
Outside the walls of the city are the outer clans descendants of those who refused to give up their powers. They embrace the old elements: fire, water, wind, earth, and beyond. They still train their young in schools, remembering the truth of what really happened.
But within the city? Magic is just a myth.
The Boy Who Dreamed of the World
In a quiet neighborhood on the city's edge lived a boy named Aoma Neyagawu. He was ten but very smart, curious, and full of imagination. His parents were both scientists, always busy but deeply loving. He admired them and spent his days daydreaming about what existed beyond the city walls.
"One day," he said, "I'll learn everything about this world. I'll see what's out there I'll discover the truth."
He wasn't popular. Bullies often picked on him for being a "teacher's pet," but he didn't let it bother him. He had a few close friends, a loving home, and dreams that reached far beyond anyone could imagine.
A Beautiful Day
At school, the day started like any other. He sat at his desk, quietly sketching while the others chatted.
"Stop daydreaming, little rat!" a voice shouted, as a sandwich hit his face.
The classroom burst into laughter.
The leader of the bullies smirked. "So, little rat, how much money did you bring us today?"
He sighed, wiped his face, and mumbled, "Isn't it such a beautiful day?"
The bullies went silent for a moment, then laughed even louder.
"I think you hit him too hard this time," one said.
"Oh, I'll make it beautiful," said the leader. He grabbed the boy and threw him to the floor. "Bring the slop! Let's make some art!"
Food flew. Students screamed. Teachers rushed in.
When it was over, the boy sat quietly on the floor, covered in food, lost in thought. He wasn't angry just thinking about all the places he would one day explore.
The Principal's Office
"Aoma," the principal said, "you need to start speaking up. We know you're not causing these problems, but this time, I had to call your parents."
He frowned. "My parents? They're too busy... they won't come."
The door opened.
"Hey, son," his father said, walking in.
"Dad?!"
"That's not how you say hello to your father," came his mother's voice.
"Mom!" he shouted, running to hug her. "I have an amazing new idea!"
"Not now, son," his dad said gently. "We need to talk to your principal first. Wait outside for a bit."
Home
Later that day, they arrived home.
"Go clean up before you do anything else," his mom said.
"Okay!" he replied, running off.
She looked at her husband. "He's almost eleven. Can you believe it?"
The father smiled, wrapping his arm around her shoulders. "Our son will be this world's greatest treasure. His creativity that's from you."
She laughed softly. "And his brilliance that's from you."
Moments later, he came running down the hall, holding up a drawing.
"Mom! Dad! Look at this!"
It was a picture of them—smiling—with him flying high above the world.
"Imagine it," he said proudly. "One day I'll explore everything! I'll be just like the Hero from the stories! Watch out, world because I'm coming!" He said, excitedly running off holding the paper above the air as if he's flying.
His parents laughed gently.
"What's so funny? I'm serious!"
His dad smiled. "We know you are, son."
His mom whispered, "Just like the Hero once was."
And as the sun set behind the peaceful city, the boy's laughter filled the air unaware that soon, his life would never be the same.
The Next Morning
Sunlight slipped through his window. He stretched, rubbed his eyes, and stepped out of his room, still half-asleep.
He reached the top of the stairs and froze.
Blood. Everywhere.
His heart pounded so hard it hurt. His breath caught in his throat.
He stumbled down the steps, calling out, "Mom? Dad?"
When he reached the bottom, his world shattered.
His mother lay on the floor, blood pooling beneath her, her eyes faintly open, trembling as she reached toward him.
He dropped to his knees beside her.
"Mom! What happened?! Where's Dad?!"
She touched his face weakly and whispered, "Everything we did... was for you. It's not your fault."
Her hand fell. Her eyes went still.
The boy screamed a sound that tore through the quiet morning.
And in that moment, the City of Peace would never be the same again.