Path Of Eternity

Chapter 1

It was about 8 years ago during a cool winter night. It wasn't too cold out, so I was able to enjoy the silence outside while watching the moon.

This was a rare day when dad was home. He decided to stay longer after the incident.

It was a couple of days ago, a man had taken me hostage to get Dad's attention. There was a fight and he was winning.

It was the first time I had used my magecraft. It hurt. It felt like I was burning alive.

My fist clenched, it still felt like the blade was there. It felt heavy in my hands. I couldn't describe the feeling. I was shaking from just remembering it.

"Yuto?" I tilted my head and saw Dad standing by the door. "...Are you thinking about it?"

I nodded wordlessly, he walked out, and sat next to me.

We sat there in silence, enjoying each other's company.

"You made the right choice. Even though I regret that it had to be you who made it." He interrupted the silence.

"I don't regret what happened. Though if another way was available I would have taken it." I clenched my fist again. The feeling was still present.

He would usually reassure any worries I have. I was interested in dad's travels, and he was good at talking about his adventures. He would always come back with a souvenir for me, an apology gift of sorts. As amazing as the gifts were, I never saw them as necessary. Though I guess that was him trying to make up for lost time. This time was different.

"Have you ever saved someone like that?" I asked suddenly.

"There were a few." He smiled as he reminisced about his many adventures.

"Why help others who don't deserve it?" It was usually like this when he was here, but not once had he given me a proper answer. If only a little, I think I finally understand.

"There is nothing wrong with helping people. Even if they don't say "thank you", or even if they scorn me. Do you not agree with that?" He asked in an amused tone. I think he already knew the answer.

I hummed. "I think aimlessly seeking it will lead to your own destruction." He nodded. "But I think simply helping others is good." There was a smile on his face as he stared up at the moon.

"I don't think I could help people like you could though."

"I would prefer you didn't." He ruffled my hair. "You are smart. So I'm sure you will decide for yourself one day. All it takes is one person to change your life."

I couldn't understand him, but I could read his emotions, which he always wore on his sleeve. An open book, that is an apt description of him. He always did his best when around, teaching me new things, new cultures, how to help people. He taught me a lot of fun things that I used.

At the very end, if only a little, I think I understood him.

Though, even with the abilities I have, I still couldn't do anything. "If I was faster." "If I was stronger." There weren't any more excuses. That fault goes to me and me alone.

Still, it was fun. I managed to protect at least one person. That was enough for me...

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When I opened my eyes, I woke up in an unfamiliar room.

"What...? Where am I?" As soon as I said that, I felt terribly sick. It felt like there was a dagger in my chest.