Years have passed…
Now, I'm eight years old.
And honestly, I really love this world, the world of magic that used to exist only 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 a worthless side character. A background extra.
Silent… but in control from the shadows.
I stood on the second-floor balcony of the Altherion noble house, watching the courtyard where my brother was training with a sword. His movements were sharp, full of energy. His smile never faded, even as sweat poured down his face.
Beside me, a few maids stood neatly, holding drinks and towels. My father...bald with a booming voice, stood tall, proudly watching his eldest son.
And me? I just smiled faintly.
"…Now it's time I begin moving from behind the scenes," I whispered quietly.
My hand clenched into a fist, eyes gazing into the blue sky like I was crafting a secret plan.
"I am the White Reaper… a shadow that will cloak this world in absurdity and uninvited justice."
My smile widened. No one knew… that this silent little boy was a hidden threat quietly stalking the world.
But a few moments later…
My loud, bald father shouted from below.
"Hey, Kazuki! Show us your sword skills! Don't just stand there like a statue!"
I turned slowly. Sighed internally.
Why do I have to play along with this?
But fine… for the sake of perfecting my background character role.
I calmly descended, picking up a wooden sword from the rack. My older brother was already waiting, smiling at me.
I acted like a nobody. Weak grip, stiff posture, empty gaze. A perfectly fake performance.
My father rubbed his face. "Good grief… this kid has no talent."
My brother just stared, as if evaluating me… then smiled.
Suddenly...
ZRAK!
He lunged at me! Of course, it was just for fun… his movement was fast but restrained.
"AAHH!?" I faked panic, dropping my sword dramatically. Then clapped weakly.
"You're really strong, brother," I said with an awkward smile.
But in reality…
It was all just daytime theater.
When night fell…
The sky turned black, and moonlight bathed the sleeping city.
In the shadows, I...Kazuki Altherion, better known as the White Reaper...leapt from rooftop to rooftop, gliding through the silence.
Tonight's target: a small bandit hideout said to be hiding an Ancient Spellbook.
I kicked open their door.
The bandits turned in a panic.
My black cloak fluttered. My white hair mostly hidden, leaving only my sharp purple eyes glowing beneath the hood.
My steps were light. But every step was a warning.
"Hand over… YOUR ANCIENT SPELLBOOK," I said coldly.
They burst out laughing.
"WHAT'S THIS!? A KID IN COSPLAY!?"
"ACTING COOL, HUH, BRAT!?"
I just smiled.
Ten fingers rose slowly… white light flared.
Pure. Hot. Unforgiving.
"I'm not a hero… not a villain either…" I whispered.
"I am a shadow… that hunts rot."
And in a flash...boom!
Light consumed the hideout without mercy.
As I stepped through the rubble, searching for the spellbook…
SRAAK!
Someone attacked from behind.
I blocked by reflex.
"Heh… looks like one of you survived," I said calmly.
He grinned. "I'm not some cheap bandit, KID!!"
I smirked.
"Then hold this," I whispered.
But before I could attack...he vanished from my sight. Then...slash!
Blood spurted from my back.
"Got you now, brat!" he mocked triumphantly.
I staggered… but my smile never left.
"…Too bad," I whispered.
"That was just an act."
Suddenly....SRUK!
My hand pierced through his chest.
His eyes widened. His body went limp.
I slowly pulled my hand out. "Too weak to be a sub-boss."
I headed to the final room.
Where the Ancient Spellbook was stored.
But inside…
I saw a figure lying down.
A being… or maybe a person… entangled by cursed spirits.
His breathing was shallow. Eyes hollow. His body trembled.
I approached. "Hmm… high-level cursed spirits, huh?"
I raised my hand, casting light magic.
But as soon as it touched him...
My spell was repelled. The light was swallowed by darkness.
"…Not strong enough yet," I muttered.
I looked into his face. Though broken… I could still see deep pain in his expression.
I nodded slightly.
"I'll take you home."
Not out of pity.
But because my instincts whispered, this creature holds a great secret.
I gathered all the Ancient Spellbooks, tucking them under my cloak.
Then… I carried the cursed being silently, and disappeared into the shadows.
No one knew.
Not even my loud, bald father.
Not even my genius brother.
Because beneath this house… lies one hidden place.
My secret room.
There, I'll heal this being.
And uncover the truth… as the White Reaper who never takes center stage.
Only behind the curtain…
…crafting the fate of the world with my own hands.