A few years have passed...
Now, I'm eight years old.
And to be honest, I truly love this world, this world of magic that had only ever existed in my dreams.
But I have no interest in becoming a hero.
My goal in this world is simple... or maybe it sounds insane:
To become trash. A background character.
Silent... yet pulling the strings from the shadows.
I stood on the second-floor balcony of the Altherion noble household, gazing down at the training yard where my older sister was practicing swordsmanship. Her movements were sharp, full of spirit. Her smile never faded, even as sweat streamed down her face.
Beside me, several maids stood in a neat line, holding drinks and towels. My father, the bald man with a deep voice and thunderous laughter, stood proudly, eyes fixed on my sister with admiration.
But me? I just gave a faint smile.
"Now... it's time for me to start moving in the shadows," I whispered softly.
My hand clenched into a fist. My eyes looked up at the blue sky, as if formulating a plan that only I knew.
"I am the White Reaper... the shadow that will blanket this world in absurdity and unsolicited justice."
My smile widened. No one knew... that the quiet little boy standing here was a hidden threat, quietly watching the world.
But then...
That deep voice echoed from the training yard.
"Hey, Kazuki! Show us your sword skills! Don't just stand there like a statue!"
I turned slowly. Let out a silent sigh.
Why do I have to take part in this...?
But fine... all for the sake of perfecting my role as a background character.
I walked down calmly, took a wooden sword from the rack. My sister was already in position, smiling as she looked at me.
I acted like an unimportant extra. Weak grip, stiff posture, blank stare, all part of the false innocence I wore on purpose.
Father rubbed his face and shook his head with a sigh. "Geez... my son really has no talent."
My sister just watched quietly, assessing me... then smiled.
Suddenly...
ZRAK!
She charged at me! It was clearly playful... her movement fast, but held back so it wouldn't hurt me.
"AAHH!?" I pretended to panic, dropping my sword dramatically. Then clapped my hands weakly.
"You're really good, sis," I said with an awkward smile.
But in truth...
That was just a midday performance.
When night falls...
The sky turns pitch black. Moonlight blankets the sleeping city.
In the shadows... I, Kazuki Altherion also known as the White Reaper, leapt from rooftop to rooftop, slipping through the silence.
My target tonight: a small-time bandit hideout rumored to be storing an Ancient Magic Tome.
I kicked the hideout door open.
The bandits turned, startled.
My black cloak fluttered. My white hair partially hidden, leaving only my glowing purple eyes exposed beneath the hood.
My steps were light, but every move carried silent menace.
"Hand over... YOUR ANCIENT MAGIC TOME," I said coldly.
They burst out laughing.
"WHAT'S THIS, A KID!? PLAYING COSPLAY!?"
"DON'T ACT TOUGH, YOU BRAT!!!"
I just smiled.
All ten of my fingers slowly rose... White light flared.
Pure. Hot. Unforgiving.
"I'm not a hero... nor a villain..." I whispered.
"I am the shadow... that hunts down corruption."
And in an instant....
BOOM!
Light engulfed the hideout without mercy.
But as I stepped into the room where the Magic Tome was stored...
SRAAK!
Someone attacked me from behind.
On reflex, I blocked the blow.
"Heh... so there's one still alive, huh," I said calmly.
But he sneered. "I'm not some low-level bandit, KID!!"
I gave a faint smile.
"In that case... take this," I whispered.
But before I could counterattack, he vanished from my sight.
SLASH!
Blood sprayed from my back.
"Finally got you, brat!" he mocked with satisfaction.
I staggered. But the smile never left my face.
"...Unfortunately," I whispered.
"That was... just an act."
SRUK! My hand pierced through his chest.
His eyes widened. His body collapsed.
I slowly pulled my hand out. "Too weak to be even a sub-boss."
I walked into the final room.
Where the Ancient Magic Tome was kept.
But there...
I saw a figure lying still.
A creature... or perhaps a human... Wrapped in cursed spirits.
Its breath was ragged. Eyes blank. Body violently trembling.
I stepped closer. "Hm... high-level cursed spirits, huh?"
I raised my hand. White light lit up from my palm.
But when it touched the body...
My magic bounced off. The light vanished, swallowed by darkness.
"...Still not strong enough," I muttered.
I stared at the face. Though damaged... I could still see deep, lingering pain.
I gave a small nod.
"I'll take you home."
Not out of pity.
But because my instincts whispered... This being holds a great secret.
I gathered all the Ancient Magic Tomes, tucking them under my cloak.
Then... Lifted the body silently, and walked away.
Slipping through the shadows.
No one knew.
Not even my bald father. Not even my genius sister.
Because... beneath this house, a place lies hidden....
My secret room.
There, I will heal this being.
And uncover the truth...
As the White Reaper... who never steps onto the main stage.
Only behind the curtain...
...weaving the world's fate with my own hands.