đź“– Chapter 1: The Boy Who Died Facing the Dragon
In a remote village named Helest, nestled at the foot of a dangerous mountain range, lived a young man named Zeno, the son of Theron and Erika.
The village of Helest was so isolated that most people didn't even know it existed. But for its villagers, living side by side with monsters was a normal part of life. Dragons, Black Eagles, Griffins, and Red Wolves were everyday creatures—some even kept as guards or livestock.
One day, Zeno went to help his uncle Erik at the wheat fields. The farm was vast, and Zeno had always helped during every harvest season. As a reward, he would usually receive two sacks of wheat.
But that day was different.
From the darkened skies, a massive creature descended. Its breath was scorching, its wings spread wide like a shadow over the land, and its body was pitch black—the Black Dragon, a legendary monster believed to have gone extinct.
Zeno, Uncle Erik, and a few villagers working nearby were thrown into panic.
Zeno: "Uncle, what kind of monster is that?!"
Uncle Erik: "I-It's… the Black Dragon! The legendary dragon said to be powerful enough to destroy entire kingdoms!"
Uncle Erik: "How is such an ancient creature still alive?!"
Zeno: "Uncle, take the villagers and get out of here! I'll deal with it!"
Uncle Erik: "Don't be ridiculous, Zeno! You'll die!"
Zeno (smiling widely): "Please send my love to Father and Mother… Now go!"
Uncle Erik (biting his lip): "Alright… I'll pray for you. Everyone, don't waste this chance. Let's go, now!"
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Once all the villagers had gathered at the village hall, Zeno stood alone, face-to-face with the Black Dragon. His body trembled, but he stood firm, his feet grounded with courage.
Zeno: "Damn it… what is this fear?!"
The dragon's eyes glared at Zeno with overwhelming pressure. Zeno looked back, his body shaking even more.
Zeno: "That gaze… Hah… I guess this is the end of the road."
Suddenly, the dragon lunged. Its claw shot forward with terrifying speed. Zeno barely managed to dodge it.
Zeno: "That was close…!"
He rushed in, throwing a punch with all his might — WUSH! DAMN!
Zeno: "ARGHH! That hurts! What the hell is that skin?!"
The dragon's scales were harder than steel. Enraged, the dragon raised its claw once again. Before Zeno could react—
SLASH!
Its claw ripped through his body. Blood splattered everywhere.
Zeno: "A-ah… I guess this is it. I'm sorry, Father… Mother… Uncle… I'm done."
Zeno fell to the ground. His body soaked in blood. His eyes stared lifelessly into the sky.
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> The main character is dead.
Just like Eren... maybe that's his fate.
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After the Black Dragon killed Zeno, it rampaged through Uncle Erik's wheat fields and flew away. Not long after, Zeno's parents—Theron and Erika—arrived along with Uncle Erik and the villagers. They were shocked to see Zeno's torn, lifeless body.
Theron stood frozen, staring at his only son. Erika screamed and cried as she held Zeno tightly. Uncle Erik stood silently, gripped by sorrow.
The villagers were filled with grief, yet proud—because of Zeno, the village was safe. The only loss was the wheat field.
---
Somewhere in a place beyond life...
Zeno: "Ugh… Am I dead? Where… is this?"
Zeno sat in silence inside a space that looked stunningly beautiful. A small, glowing white orb floated toward him.
White Orb: "Young man, your bravery has impressed me."
Zeno: "Who are you?"
White Orb: "You don't need to know that. But tell me… do you want a second life?"
Zeno: "You mean… to be reborn?"
White Orb: "If that's your desire, I can grant it."
Zeno: "I want to return to life. Not be reborn… just live again. Also, maybe… make me a bit more handsome, haha."
White Orb: "Very well. Enjoy your new life."
---
Back in the real world, still lying in his mother's arms…
Zeno opened his eyes.
The villagers gasped in shock. His parents were speechless. But soon, their shock turned into joy—Zeno had returned.
Theron, Erika, and Uncle Erik brought Zeno home. His wounds were treated, and he was allowed to rest.
Several days later, Zeno had fully recovered.
Unbeknownst to him, a divine power had been awakened within him.
But Zeno started to feel restless. He was tired of living in the village. Ever since he was a child, he had never seen the world outside Helest.
Zeno: "Father, Mother… I want to go on a journey. I'm tired of staying in this village. I want to see the world out there."
Theron: "That's understandable. You're a grown man now. I give you my blessing."
Erika: "Your father's right… But I'm still worried for your safety."
Zeno: "Don't worry, Mom. I'm not gonna die that easily. Hehe."
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On a beautiful evening, Zeno prepared for his departure. He said goodbye to all the villagers of Helest and asked for their blessings.
Zeno: "Wait for me, world… I'm coming!!"
> Will he die again?
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