Episode 3: The Lost Child of Avalon
Ashikawa still lay there—cold, alone, and without support. Around him was only the silence of death. His new father, new mother, and new siblings had all been taken from him. But suddenly, the sound of approaching footsteps broke his thoughts.
"Who are these people?"
Ashikawa slowly opened his eyes and saw—a royal couple, accompanied by soldiers and a few other important-looking individuals.
The moment he saw the woman, a strange warmth bloomed in his heart. She was a beautiful woman—with silky white hair, deep blue eyes, and a royal yet gentle face. Her expression was a mixture of sorrow and compassion. Beside her stood a serious-looking man—a powerful king, with eyes that held the depth of grief and regret.
Without hesitation, Ashikawa used his Appraisal Skill.
> [TARGET IDENTIFIED: ALDRIC LEONHART III]
Title: King of Avalon
Power Level: S+ Rank
Abilities: Royal Bloodline, Divine Protection, Sword Mastery
Threat Level: Medium (Non-Hostile)
> [TARGET IDENTIFIED: SERAPHINA VALTHERION]
Title: Queen of Avalon
Power Level: A+ Rank
Abilities: Light Magic, Healing, Emotional Empathy
Threat Level: Very Low (Non-Hostile)
Ashikawa quickly analyzed—they were powerful, and they were royalty. But what struck him the most was the familiarity on their faces... as if they already knew him.
Queen Seraphina's face turned pale as her gaze fell upon a familiar emblem lying beside Ashikawa—something that must have belonged to Julius Alfred. Tears began to fall from her eyes.
"Aldric... this child... could he be...?"
King Aldric gently placed his hand on her shoulder.
"Julius Alfred... was a noble warrior. He tried to protect his entire family... But we arrived too late. My brother... was a true hero."
Ashikawa heard this and understood everything. This king was Julius Alfred's brother! That meant... these people were his new relatives.
But Ashikawa still couldn't fully understand their language. He tried to grasp the meaning of a few words. Then, the Queen softly muttered something, and suddenly, a notification flashed in his mind.
> [LANGUAGE ACQUISITION ACTIVATED]
Language Proficiency Level 1
→ EXP Gained: 50 x 1.5 = 75
Understanding Progress: 20% → 35%
Gradually, Ashikawa began to understand their language.
The Queen looked at the King, tears in her eyes.
"Aldric... please, let us adopt this child. He's all alone..."
King Aldric closed his eyes. Taking a deep breath, he spoke—
"My brother Julius was a great warrior. A true friend. A wonderful father. But I arrived too late. As a king, I failed to protect him..."
Seraphina gripped his hand tightly.
"But today we can still do something. This child... he will be ours now!"
King Aldric nodded slowly.
And in that moment, Ashikawa received a new name—
"From this day on, he shall be called Hayashi Leonhart. He is now the Second Prince of Avalon!"
A New Beginning
Ashikawa thought—So this is my new name... Hayashi Leonhart.
This name, this new identity, and these new parents. But deep inside him, the same resolve burned—revenge, strength, and the search for truth.
And across the world, a new tale began to spread—
"Julius Alfred, The Last Hero of Humanity."
Ashikawa no longer existed... now, Hayashi Leonhart stepped toward a new bond, a new life, and an unknown future.
Episode End
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