Years passed quietly in the mountains where Sir Shiro Jones built his secluded home. There, Ray Smith lived under a new name — Ryan Jones, now the adopted son of Shiro and older brother to Nikki Jones. To the world, Ray no longer existed. But in that hidden place, a legend was growing.
Sir Shiro trained both children with a discipline few could endure. Every dawn began the same way — running before sunrise, followed by hours of sword drills, elemental practice, and hand-to-hand combat. Sometimes, they scaled cliffs, crossed rivers, and fought wild beasts. Shiro's training was insane and dangerous, but it forged warriors out of children.
"The world doesn't go easy on anyone," he told them. "So why should I?"
Despite the harshness of it all, Ryan always carried a calm, determined look. Even as a child, his soft face and bright eyes gave him an almost angelic appearance — a sharp contrast to the fierce aura that grew within him.
Shiro began his teachings in an unexpected way — by training Ryan in healing magic.
"Before you learn to destroy," Shiro said one morning, handing him a glowing scroll, "you must learn to restore. The training I have planned will break you — but healing will keep you alive."
Ryan accepted the challenge without complaint. Each day he practiced until his palms glowed with light. At first, he could barely heal small cuts. But as months turned to years, his magic grew powerful enough to close deep wounds instantly.
By the time Ryan turned ten, his progress shocked even his master. In one of their sparring sessions, the sound of blades rang through the forest.
Clang!Clang!Clang!
Sir Shiro attacked fast, but Ryan parried every strike with flawless timing. His movements were smooth, calculated — almost graceful. Within minutes, Shiro's sword was knocked from his hand and pinned into the dirt.
Shiro chuckled, shaking his head.
"Ten years old and already beating your teacher. I've created a monster."
Ryan smiled faintly.
"You taught me well, Father."
Shiro placed a hand on his shoulder.
"No, Ryan. You learned well."
Years passed. The forest had become their world — quiet, dangerous, and familiar. But when Ryan turned sixteen, something began to change. Whenever they went into nearby towns to buy supplies, whispers filled the streets about a legendary institution — Japan's greatest academy for heroes, the Royal Hero Academy.
One evening, Nikki spoke with excitement.
"They say only the strongest heroes go there," she said, her eyes glowing. "Imagine, Ryan — real hero training. Real battles."
Ryan smiled softly.
"After all this time in the forest, it might be good to see the world."
That night, when they returned home, Nikki spoke up before their father.
"Father, we've decided. We want to attend the Royal Hero Academy!"
Sir Shiro looked at the two of them — his disciplined children, the results of years of brutal training — and stayed silent for a while.
"Hmm. The academy, huh? I'll think about it."
He sat alone by the fire that night, analyzing everything. Ryan had mastered nearly every skill Shiro could teach. His strength, speed, and awareness were far beyond normal humans. Even his healing ability rivaled the best healers in the land. Yet, he'd spent his entire life hidden away.
"He's ready," Shiro murmured to himself. "It's time to let him step into the world."
The next day, he gathered both of them in the courtyard.
"I've decided," he said finally. "You'll both attend the Royal Hero Academy. But first — Ryan, we need to decide what ability you'll register with."
Ryan blinked.
"Register with?"
"Yes," Shiro said firmly. "You can't go showing all your powers. People are born with only one ability. If they see you using more, they'll start asking questions — dangerous questions. So, which one will you choose?"
Ryan thought deeply, then answered,
"Fire."
Shiro raised a brow.
"Fire? Why that one?"
"Because it's the only ability I never trained properly," Ryan replied with a small grin. "It'll be a good challenge."
Shiro nodded approvingly.
"Then fire it is."
The next morning, the three set off for the city. After years in the wilderness, the sight before Ryan and Nikki left them speechless — towering skyscrapers, glowing lights, and busy streets filled with people.
"So this is… the city," Nikki whispered, her voice full of wonder."It's beautiful," Ryan said softly, watching the crowd.
Sir Shiro rented a small house for them.
"You can go explore," he said, handing them some money. "But be back in one hour. I have someone I need to meet."
Ryan and Nikki nodded.
As they walked through the streets, people turned to look. Ryan's calm posture, neat black hair, and striking features made him stand out immediately — he was handsome and composed, moving with quiet confidence. Nikki, too, drew eyes; her long hair and graceful steps made her seem almost noble. Many passersby whispered, assuming they were a couple.
As they shopped and admired the market, a sudden shout split the air.
"Stop that thief!" an old woman cried out as a man sprinted by, clutching her purse.
Ryan and Nikki turned calmly. Nikki raised a hand, her eyes glowing faintly green. Instantly, vines burst from the ground, wrapping tightly around the thief's legs and pulling him down.
Without rushing, Ryan walked toward him, his expression serene. He bent down, picked up the purse, and returned it to the trembling old lady.
"Here you go, ma'am," he said softly.
"Oh, thank you, young man!" the woman exclaimed, her voice shaky with relief. "You two are such kind children."
Ryan simply nodded and gave her a small smile. Then, he and Nikki walked away quietly, not seeking any attention.
Meanwhile, deep in a quiet forest nearby, Sir Shiro made his way toward a familiar presence. He knew Keith Smith often trained in these woods around this time.
As he stepped deeper into the trees, a flash of steel appeared at his back.
"Don't move," a voice commanded. "Who are you?"
Shiro froze, then replied calmly,
"It's me… Shiro."
There was silence for a moment before Keith lowered his blade.
"You haven't changed," Keith said with a small smirk. "Come. Let's find somewhere to talk."
They sat under the shade of a massive tree. Shiro told him everything — Ryan's progress, his strength, and the decision to attend the academy.
Keith listened intently, his eyes soft with both sorrow and pride.
"He's grown so much," he said quietly. "You've done well, my friend."
"He's ready, Keith," Shiro replied. "But for now, I'll keep watching over him. The world can't know who he is yet."
Keith nodded.
"Then protect him until the time is right."
They parted ways soon after, each man knowing the importance of what lay ahead.
That evening, Shiro returned to the city. Ryan and Nikki had just come back from their walk. The glow of excitement still lingered on their faces.
"You're both just in time," Shiro said. "Take this letter — it's your registration for the Royal Hero Academy. You're lucky; today's the last day."
"Thank you, Father!" Nikki said, hugging him tightly.
At the academy's front gate, the clerk smiled warmly.
"You two are fortunate," she said. "Registration closes today. The entrance test begins tomorrow morning. Don't be late."
Ryan nodded politely.
"We'll be there."
As the sun dipped behind the city skyline, Ryan and Nikki stood before the massive gates of the Royal Hero Academy. For years they had trained in silence, hidden from the world.
Now, that world awaited them.
And tomorrow, the Key would take his first step into destiny.