Ashes of the Forgotten

Many years ago, when there was nothing, only one thing existed—Eternity. It was completely alone, spending its time wondering, "Why am I the only one in this world? Why is everything around me just darkness?"

One day, while lost in thought, it got an idea—to create something. And so, it formed the universe. The darkness faded a little, but Eternity was still alone. It wanted someone to talk to, someone to share this new universe with. So, from itself, it created a living being—the first of all—named Ikaris.

Ikaris was incredibly powerful, almost as strong as Eternity itself. The two of them spent their days talking, laughing, and watching over their small universe. But one day—

"Are you asleep already, Ru?"

Ru's mother smiled as she looked at her son, who had dozed off while listening to her story. She gently tucked him in and whispered to herself, "He fell asleep so quickly today. Guess I should get some rest too."

The next morning

Ru yawned and called out, "Mom! Where's my breakfast? I'm going to be late for school! And if I don't eat properly, how will I save the world from bad people?"

His mother laughed as she walked into the room with a plate of food, "Oh really? And what if the world doesn't fall into danger today? What will you do then?"

Ru puffed out his cheeks, "Hmph! You don't understand! I'm going to be the strongest magician ever. Just wait and see!"

His mother chuckled, "Alright, alright. But first, eat your breakfast. Otherwise, I won't save you from your teacher's scolding if you're late!"

Ru's eyes widened as he suddenly remembered, "Oh no! Today's my first day at school! I have so much to do!"

As she set the food on the dining table, his mother raised an eyebrow, "Oh? And what exactly do you have to do on your first day?"

Just then, Ru's father entered the room, "What's all this noise about so early in the morning?"

Ru turned to him, excitedly explaining, "Dad! Tell Mom how important today is! I have to meet so many teachers, write down their names, and most importantly—make lots of new friends!"

His father nodded seriously, "Oh, of course! Those are very important tasks. If you don't do them, what's the point of even going to school?"

Ru's face lit up, but before he could respond, his father added, "But you better eat fast, or your new friends might take all the good seats!"

Ru pouted, "Uuuuuu! Dad, you're just making fun of me like Mom! I won't talk to either of you till evening!"

His father chuckled, "Oh? Well, by evening, you'll be back home anyway. Now, hurry up and eat. I'll drop you off at school on my way to the office."

Ru quickly finished his breakfast and started tying his shoelaces. His dad asked, "All set?"

"Almost!" Ru replied, "Just need to grab my water bottle!"

As his father started the magic bike, Ru ran up and jumped onto the seat behind him.

"Whoa, careful!" his dad warned. "Jumping on won't make us reach school any faster."

Ru stuck out his tongue and made a silly face, "Buuuuuuu!"

His dad just smiled and started driving.

On the way to school

Ru looked around at the vast green fields surrounding their home, "Dad, why do we live in the middle of all these farms? Why don't we live in the city like other people?"

His father was silent for a moment, as if remembering something from long ago. Then, taking a deep breath, he said, "Son, every place has a purpose. The city is full of lights and noise, but here, we have peace. And peace isn't just outside—it's something you find within yourself, too. One day, you'll understand."

Ru tilted his head, "But Dad, wouldn't the city be more fun? Shopping malls, tall buildings, and—"

His father chuckled, "Yes, yes. And also traffic, pollution, and crowds. The things that shine from far away aren't always as bright up close. No place is bad, but not every place is meant for everyone."

Ru still looked a little confused, but his thoughts quickly shifted elsewhere.

"Dad! Did you know? Today, I'm going to tell everyone at school about my powers!"

His father suddenly hit the brakes, "What?! Ru, you know how dangerous that could be! And if you show your amazing powers on the first day, the other kids will see you as a competitor instead of a friend."

Ru's eyes sparkled with determination, "But Dad! I'm going to be the strongest magician ever! If I don't use my magic, how will I get better?"

His father placed a hand on Ru's head, "Son, power isn't just for showing off. Sometimes, the greatest strength lies in knowing when to keep it hidden."

Ru frowned but nodded, though deep inside, a question lingered—was it really necessary to hide his power?

Finally, they reached the school. Ru hopped off the bike, adjusted his bag, and grinned. "Okay, Dad! See you in the evening!"

His father called after him, "Take care, Mr. Magician!"

Ru turned back, groaning, "Daaaaad! Enough already!"

His father laughed and rode away toward his office.

At school

Since it was the first day, many kids around Ru's age were gathered there. The teacher stood at the front, calling out names and assigning classes.

Ru was placed in Classroom no. 18, with Roll No. 20. He entered the classroom and saw that many students had already arrived before him. He thought he might be late, but before he could worry, the teacher stepped in and instructed everyone to take their seats.

"Since today is your first day, let's start with introductions," the teacher announced, "Each of you will tell us your name, where is your home at, and what you want to become when you grow up."

One by one, the students stood up and introduced themselves.

A girl stood up and said, "My name is Kayoni Mira. I live near the city mall, and I want to become a magic soldier!"

Finally, it was Ru's turn. He stood up proudly, "My name is Ru Kiro. My house is… um… in the middle of big farms! And I'm going to become the strongest and most powerful magician in the world!"

The teacher smiled, "That's great! Do you have an idol you look up to? Like our great king?"

Ru raised his hands excitedly, "Yes! I'm going to be as powerful as Ikaris!"

The teacher frowned slightly, "Ikaris…? Who's that? I don't think I've ever heard that name before."

Ru confidently answered, "My mom says he was the first living being in the world and the most powerful of all!"

Many students started laughing at him. One of them said, "If someone like that existed, the teacher would know about it. Maybe your mom was just joking with you!"

Ru felt embarrassed as he sat back down. The rest of the students continued introducing themselves.

After a while, the lunch bell rang.

Tring~ Tring~

All the kids rushed outside, but Ru remained seated, staring at the sky through the window.

"Could it really be true? If Ikaris never existed, why would Mom tell me stories about him?"

Just then, a strange voice echoed in his mind.

"Go back… go back… or you will lose them."

—End of the chapter