Chapter 00: Prologue

The soul. It is in all of us: humans, animals, beasts, angels, and demons. They are what define our personality. However, after the explosion and awakening of our world, the souls of everyone underwent a change over time.

Magic, a blessing given by a god. A supernatural power with which you could manifest fire in your hands, control the very earth, and create waves in the deepest oceans. After the explosion, the soul and magic united into one, creating different abilities and capacities that neither magic nor the most renowned sorcerer of that time could explain.

A millennium has passed, or at least that is what the books I have read about our history say. Thanks to the idiot of my father having a position with some recognition, I am able to take old books without many problems.

Allow me to introduce myself: my name is Rousoku Haru. So far, I am just a carefree 17-year-old young man living in a small village located far from the border of Lamia, the kingdom from which we are rooted. The abilities of souls are quite curious; many are unique abilities, but others are not much different from magic. I mean, although their ability and control are greater, they could be compared to those of an advanced mage from those times. As for me, I am just someone who, unlike others, is not interested in having a grand adventure, companions, and a goal together. The only thing that matters to me is that my little sister and my aunt, who has raised me since I can remember, are well; with that, I am completely happy. And regarding the ability of my soul, well… as far as I understand, we all are born with one. But they take an indefinite time to manifest. I possess a soul. But I do not know the ability of it.

"Well, let's see if someone needs help."

Although they consider me a slacker who was lucky enough to be the son of a known knight, I really enjoy spending my time helping the people of the village. Their relatives, children, and even grandchildren; most people leave this place to do what they do best: enjoy the ability of their souls and become much stronger. Practically becoming adventurers. I think they are brats who should not be so positive and should read a bit more. Since there are beings that are not very friendly, running into one is really bad luck.

As I walked through the village, I accidentally bumped into a young woman; it was my fault for not looking ahead and having my thoughts elsewhere. She was carrying a basket of apples, which ended up scattered on the ground.

"Sorry! It was my fault for not seeing you."

"Don't worry, it happens to anyone."

Upon looking at her closely, she resembled someone I knew as a child, with her brown hair, fair skin, and that kind personality. I was captivated. As a way to compensate for my mistake, I bent down and started picking up the apples. However, as I grabbed one, I felt a bad feeling. Lost in my thoughts while collecting the apples, I wondered, did I not sleep well? In tune with my thoughts, I felt the warm hand of that woman taking my wrist, causing my gaze to meet hers.

"Are you okay?"

As soon as she said it, she would let out a slight mischievous smile as a sign of mockery; it must have seemed funny or silly to her that, when grabbing the apple, I ended up staring at her fixedly.

"Hey, sorry! Let me take care of it."

I tried to fix the small problem I caused and at the same time forget what I felt a moment ago. I apologised somewhat intensely and headed towards my house. Given the time, I am sure those two will be a bit upset with me.

"I'm back."

The moment I opened the door, a glass hit my head, causing me to step back a little from the blow and instinctively rest my hand on my forehead. My sister and my aunt were having one of their small conflicts of the day; they are both like that when they have the chance. “Haru! You’re back; it’s great to see you. Your little sister thinks I’m too old to look for a handsome man.”

“Of course you are, old lady!”

They both started arguing again after those words; I didn’t even have time to share my opinion. Anyway, I didn’t take it seriously and just sighed a little. As if it were a habit, my sister came over to me and ended up giving me a hug. I smiled slightly at the gesture while I stroked her hair.

“Brother, brother! Kazutora left today; he says he’s going to become a great adventurer.”

My expression soured slightly upon hearing what she mentioned. Anyway, I tried not to give it too much importance, as it’s not my business.

“Although that sounds fun, it’s dangerous, Hikari. But of course, I don’t expect much from Kazutora, the airhead.”

After finishing that sentence, I felt a small tap on my head. Apparently, my aunt didn't find what I said endearing. After all, she doesn’t like how I currently think. But, no matter how hard you try, you can’t change the way people think.

“Haru, what kind of ideas do you want to give your sister? That’s why I was against you reading those horrible, dusty books; you won’t get a girlfriend that way.”

“Sure,” says the person who is 26 years old and single, “what a comfort.”

“It’s not that I can’t, but I don’t want to, idiot.”

She replied with an air of superiority. She might have a point, since I do spend a lot of time reading those books. But, even though I question certain things, I feel they explain more about the outside world than the little education I received in this village.

I decided not to give importance to what she said; I’m a bit tired to start a conflict. Anyway, my aunt ended up sitting at the table, right next to me and my sister, who was still besides me.

“Haru, I need you to tell me: have you not yet managed to manifest your soul’s ability?”

“Again with the power of the soul.”

I would say I was a little annoyed at the question and would furrow my brow. It’s not like I care much about my ability, since it might be something rather silly or specific. I crossed my arms while maintaining a serious expression.