Hikaru, a 24-year-old man, was walking through the city streets after an exhausting day at work. Routine and stress had completely drained him, and all he wanted was to get home and play his favorite video game. However, this day was different—destiny was about to take an unexpected turn.
Suddenly, the clear sky darkened rapidly, and a violent storm erupted out of nowhere. In an instant, a bolt of lightning struck from the heavens, illuminating the night with a blinding flash. Hikaru had no time to react. The impact swallowed him in darkness, and his life came to an abrupt end.
When he opened his eyes, Hikaru realized he was surrounded by radiant white clouds. The place felt surreal—glowing, ethereal, and dreamlike. As he struggled to process what he was seeing, a figure appeared before him: a goddess, radiant and elegant, her very presence illuminating the space around her.
Upon seeing him, the goddess suddenly knelt, her expression filled with distress.
"Forgive me!" she cried in anguish. "I killed you by mistake!"
Still confused, Hikaru tried to remain calm.
"It's alright… mistakes happen sometimes."
The goddess lifted her head, guilt evident on her face.
"I cannot let this go unpunished. I took your life far too soon—fifty-six years earlier than it should have ended."
A knot formed in Hikaru's stomach as confusion and sadness overwhelmed him.
"What will happen to me now?" he asked, his voice trembling.
The goddess sat beside him, a faint light of hope shining in her eyes.
"I will give you a second chance. You may go to heaven… or, if you wish, be reborn in another world."
Intrigued, Hikaru repeated her words.
"Another world?"
She smiled gently.
"Yes. A world of fantasy and magic, filled with wondrous creatures. Humans are not the only race that inhabits it."
"Other races?" Hikaru asked in disbelief.
The goddess leaned closer, speaking with enthusiasm.
"Elves, dwarves, demi-humans, dragons… and even demigods. Demigods possess both human and fox-like traits and live peacefully with most races—except dragons."
Hikaru frowned.
"Why don't demigods get along with dragons?"
"I don't have much time," the goddess replied urgently. "If you do not choose soon, your soul will ascend to heaven. What is your decision?"
Hikaru felt time slipping away. The world she described sounded incredible—full of magic and adventure. Despite his confusion, the thought of living there filled him with excitement.
"I'm ready to be reborn," he said firmly. "I want to experience that world."
The goddess looked at him as the ground beneath his feet began to glow.
"Then prepare yourself. But heed my warning—dangerous monsters roam that world. You must be careful."
As the light enveloped him, the goddess spoke one final time.
"My name is Athena, goddess of wisdom. I wish you the best of luck in your new life."
The light intensified, and darkness consumed him once more.
When Hikaru opened his eyes again, everything had changed.
He found himself in a warm, peaceful place—a wooden temple filled with a calming presence. Lying on the floor, he looked up and saw a woman with snow-white hair and deep blue eyes who had just given birth.
Cradling her newborn child, she smiled tenderly.
"Your name shall be Jotaro," she said softly.
That name now belonged to him.
Jotaro felt an overwhelming warmth as love poured from his mother's gaze. She's beautiful, he thought.
Nearby stood a man who must have been his father—black hair, crimson eyes, and sharp features. Jotaro immediately realized he was a demigod, just as Athena had described.
Both of his parents had pointed ears—the unmistakable trait of demigods.
"Look, he has the same hair color as his mother, doesn't he, Takara?" the man said.
"You're right, Akimitsu," Takara replied with a gentle smile.
Jotaro absorbed their names, realizing they were now an inseparable part of his life.
A few years later, Jotaro—formerly Hikaru—was hunting in the forest near his home. Thanks to the abilities inherited from his demigod parents, he moved swiftly and confidently through the trees.
At only six years old, he already felt far stronger than he ever imagined possible. He could sense the magic flowing through the land, responding naturally to his presence. The stories he had heard about his lineage filled him with pride and a burning desire for adventure.
Armed with a small bow his father had given him, Jotaro searched for a small animal for dinner. His mind wandered with fantasies of dragons and heroes when suddenly, he heard a strange sound—soft, almost like a whisper.
Following the sound, he stopped in shock.
A small golden fox was trapped inside a magical hunting net. Its deep yellow eyes trembled with fear.
"Don't worry," Jotaro said gently. "I'll help you."
Recognizing the magic within the net, he focused his energy just as his mother had taught him.
"Release this spell."
The net glowed briefly before vanishing. The fox was free—and instead of running away, it approached him.
"Are you a demigod?" the fox asked softly.
Jotaro froze.
"I am Kira, guardian of the forest," the fox continued. "You have a kind heart, Jotaro. Your magic is powerful."
From that moment on, Jotaro's life changed forever.
They walked together toward Jotaro's home, talking along the way. Kira explained how she had lost her parents to magic hunters and inherited the title of guardian after her mentor disappeared.
Jotaro listened silently, filled with sympathy.
"You're not alone anymore," he said. "I'll help you."
When they arrived at the temple, Jotaro's mother welcomed them warmly, teasing her son for bringing a girl home.
"A girl?!" Jotaro exclaimed in shock.
Kira later revealed her human form—a beautiful girl with golden hair and yellow eyes—leaving Jotaro speechless.
They shared tea, laughter, and quiet moments beneath the trees. As the sun set, Jotaro gathered his courage.
"Kira… would you like to live with us?"
Her eyes sparkled.
"That would be wonderful."
They smiled, knowing their journey together had only just begun.
Suddenly, Jotaro woke up, drenched in sweat.
"It was a dream…"
His heart ached as memories flooded his mind.
"For a moment… I thought I was six again," he whispered. "Back when my parents were still alive…"