"Since ancient times, countless races have waged war in pursuit of racial supremacy. After that age of destruction came an age of peace. Those who brought about this new era were called [Heroes], and their Quirks were forever enshrined as [Legendary Quirks]."
"Wow, amazing. I want to be like them too…" said a young boy.
"Of course you can, Serv. The two of us will get powerful Quirks and travel the world just like the [Heroes]," said a girl beside him.
"Yes, you're right (…..). We'll journey across the world together," Serv replied with a smile.
"Both of you, run quickly!"
"Father…"
"Serv… protect (…..). You must protect her!"
Serv glanced at (…..), trembling in fear, and said firmly, "Alright, I'll protect her!"
Grabbing her hand, he ran desperately, whispering, "Don't be afraid. I'll protect you! Didn't you say we would become like the [Heroes] and explore the world?"
"Serv…" she whispered.
The two of them kept running without ever looking back.
"… Serv, I leave (Vivie) in your hands," muttered his dying father, standing against the monster.
Serv and Vivie ran as far as they could.
"Haa… haa… thank goodness, we should be far enough. That monster shouldn't chase us anymore," Serv said, trying to calm Vivie.
"We just need to keep running, as far as we can—"
(BOOM)
A deafening explosion erupted behind them.
"That monster…" Vivie trembled again in fear.
("… Serv, protect Vivie. You must protect her!")
His father's words echoed in his mind.
"Vivie, run as far as you can. I'll distract it!"
"Serv, you idiot! We have to run together, you can't possibly—"
"Don't worry. I have the [Mystery] Quirk. I can hold it off!"
"But Serv…"
"Trust me, Vivie." He smiled.
Tears welled in Vivie's eyes as she turned and ran. ("You have to come back, Serv…")
"I'm sorry, Vivie… looks like I'll die here," Serv muttered with a smile, waiting for the monster to approach.
.....
"… What happened… haa… Vivie!" Serv screamed when he saw her covered in blood.
"Serv… I'm sorry. Forgive me… I couldn't become a [Hero]," Vivie whispered as she lay dying.
"Vivie…!" Serv shouted as he awoke from his nightmare.
"… That nightmare again…" he muttered.
.....
Born Village, April 26, 2006
"Yo, Serv, full of energy as always, huh?"
"Ed… are you heading to the fields?"
"Yeah, that's right. Adults have to keep working, hahahaha…" Ed laughed.
"Serv, are you really leaving the village?" Ed asked seriously.
"… Of course. No matter what, I have to go…"
"… For the promise between you and Vivie?"
"… Yes. For our promise… and my oath to my [Master ]," Serv said solemnly.
Five Years Ago, Born Village
Every child who reached the age of fifteen was required to undergo the baptism of the GAIA Church. During this baptism, children with talent would be granted a Quirk from Goddess GAIA. Those who failed to receive a Quirk would live their lives as ordinary people.
"Serv, I'm sure I'll get a great Quirk! Then we'll travel the world together!" Vivie said excitedly.
"Hey, don't forget about me! I'll get an amazing Quirk too!" Ed interrupted proudly.
Serv watched them argue and smiled. "Of course! The three of us will get our Quirks and become the strongest party from Born Village!"
Moments later, Vivie and Ed's baptisms were completed. Vivie received a [Normal Quirk: Water Magic], allowing her to wield water-element spells. Ed, however, received nothing.
Vivie ran back to Serv with a radiant smile.
"Look, look! I got a Quirk! Water Magic!"
"Congratulations, Vivie, that's amazing! … And Ed, stop crying. You're not a little kid anymore," Serv said warmly, trying to comfort Ed.
"I guess it's my turn now. I'll be back soon."
"Good luck, Serv!" Vivie cheered.
"The baptism will now begin," said the priest.
As it began, a dark light emerged from the crystal—signifying the birth of a new Quirk.
"Congratulations, Serv… your baptism is complete. You have received a Quirk from Goddess GAIA," the priest declared.
"… Let us see what kind of Quirk you possess."
[Analysis]
[QUIRK: WEAPON MASTER
Ability: ???]
"This… this is a [Mystery] Quirk!" the priest exclaimed in shock.
In Born Village, it was extremely rare for anyone to gain a Quirk, and no one had possessed a Mystery Quirk for decades. The appearance of Serv's Mystery Quirk left everyone stunned and in awe.
"But… the ability of this Quirk is unknown. From all the records and history, no one has ever possessed [Weapon Master] before. It seems to be a brand-new Quirk. Truly remarkable, Serv!" the priest praised.
"To unlock its power, you must fulfill certain conditions. However, those conditions remain unknown. It is up to you to discover them yourself."
"Wow, incredible! You got a Mystery Quirk! That's amazing, Serv!" Vivie shouted with excitement.
"… But I still have to figure out the conditions to use it."
"You can do it, Serv! I believe in you!" Vivie encouraged.
Weeks after the baptism, Serv trained relentlessly, seeking the secret to his Quirk.
But as time passed, people began to treat him differently, as though he were no different from anyone else. Only a few continued to believe in him—among them, Vivie.
"Serv, how is it? Have you discovered your Quirk yet?" Vivie asked.
"… Not yet. I still don't know how to use it," Serv replied with disappointment.
"Don't worry! You'll figure it out. And one day, we'll travel the world together!"
"Vivie… why do you keep supporting me?"
"Because we're friends! And because we promised… we'll explore the world and become [Heroes]!" Vivie smiled, trying to lift his spirits.
.....
Present Day
"… Thank you, Vivie. I will fulfill our dream and keep my promise to you."
(At a grave marked with the name Vivie)
*****