Everyone in this world seems to run in the same direction. But toward what?
Power? Or happiness?
If you ask me, I'd say—happiness.
Because I believe… happiness is what brings peace in our final moments.
[Narration]
You may ask, "Why start a story with happiness?"
Because people, no matter how different they are, chase power their entire lives. But in the end? They realize—power, wealth, fame—it's all an illusion. What they were truly seeking... was happiness.
Let's begin the tale then.
This world may feel like Earth during the 15th or 16th century— But in this world, it's called the present.
It is a realm ruled by a vast empire—The Priden Empire.
Under its control lies a kingdom—Fenn Kingdom, And to its north flows the majestic Exip River, a silent witness to history's forgotten chapters.
At the heart of this kingdom lies the capital—Bonbaco. A city of trade, tales, and quiet revolutions.
Among its many grand structures stands one peculiar mansion—Neo House.
It sounds noble, but it belongs to a merchant. His name—Neo Felix.
A man of rumors and riches. Some say he's tied to the royal bloodline. Others claim his power comes only from gold.
Neo's wife, Alpha Felix, is well-known across the capital— A sharp-minded healer, dedicated and bold.
But this story… It doesn't belong to either of them.
It belongs to a boy living under their roof— Carl Rex.
He's not their child. Just a relative, taken in under uncertain circumstances.
His parents died mysteriously just three days after his birth. No one knows how… or why.
Now five years old, Rex seems ordinary.
But it's that very ordinariness that makes him extraordinary.
He's not a prodigy in one thing—but he's decent in many. He knows basic magic, can handle a sword, and above all—he has a deep love for reading, especially science and history.
In just a few more days, he'll turn six.
⏳ Scene: Morning – Inside Neo House
The sun peeks through the curtains. A cluttered room, filled with scrolls and old books. A boy still snuggled under his blanket.
The door creaks open. Alpha steps in, arms crossed.
— "Rex! Still in bed?"
A sleepy voice replies from under the covers. — "Auntie… Just five more minutes… Training's not until noon…"
Alpha sighs, walking closer. — "Oh really? And what about today? Didn't you say you'd come to the hospital with me? You wanted to see how I work, remember?"
Rex suddenly sits up, eyes wide. — "Oh no! I totally forgot!" (He jumps out of bed, stumbling toward the bathroom.) — "Hold on! I'll be ready in a minute!"
Alpha chuckles softly. — "He always surprises me…"
After That,
The streets of Bonbaco buzzed with life. Vendors shouted. Carts rolled. The air was warm, but a soft breeze made the walk pleasant.
Rex and Alpha walked side by side along the cobbled path of Viven Street, one of the busiest parts of the capital.
Alpha gently held Rex's small hand as they made their way toward the city hospital.
Rex was quiet for a while. His eyes scanned the crowd, brows slightly furrowed. Then, suddenly, he asked:
— "Aunt Alpha... What's the point of helping people?"
Alpha looked down, surprised. — "What do you mean?"
Rex sighed.
— "I mean... do people even deserve kindness? All they do is fight with each other. Hurt each other. I saw something the other day behind the house..."
Alpha stayed silent, letting him continue.
— "A shopkeeper was beating his worker. Right there. And no one stopped him. Not even the guards. He just kept hitting... like the man wasn't even human."
Alpha's smile faded. — "That's... terrible."
Rex nodded. — "Exactly. So what's the point of being kind in a world like this?"
They continued walking for a moment in silence.
Then Alpha asked, softly:
— "Did you know why the shopkeeper did that?"
Rex paused. — "No. I didn't ask."
Alpha gently squeezed his hand.
— "Then maybe we don't know the full story yet. Maybe the worker made a mistake. Or maybe the shopkeeper is just cruel. But either way... don't let someone else's darkness decide who you become."
Rex looked up at her. He didn't answer right away.
Alpha smiled again, gently brushing his hair back from his eyes.
— "We help others not because they deserve it. But because we are kind."
Rex looked away, mumbling:
— "Still doesn't feel fair…"
Alpha laughed lightly.
— "Life rarely is. But kindness... that's always our choice."
Continue...