Night had fallen.
In the grand dining hall of the Altherion noble family, the atmosphere was warm and calm. The long table was filled with luxurious dishes, the aroma of spices hung in the air, and every family member sat neatly, enjoying dinner.
At the end of the table, Kazuki sat quietly. He chewed his food slowly, eyes half-closed, seemingly uninterested in the conversation around him. Too calm... far too calm for an eight-year-old child.
His father, Duke Altherion, looked at Kazuki with eyes full of hope.
"Kazuki," he said, setting down his spoon, "once you turn twelve, I'll send you to the Royal Academy." "Lycia will be going ahead next year."
Kazuki opened his eyes slightly, glancing over. A faint smile curved on his lips, but only to mask his true thoughts.
"The Academy, huh...? A perfect place to play the role of a weak, unremarkable extra..." "Heh... sounds fun."
Across the table, Lycia sighed, glancing at her little brother with clear annoyance.
"Haaah... Kazuki, don't become a burden once you're there."
Kazuki shrugged lazily, responding in a half-hearted tone.
"Yeah... yeah... I'll be totally useless~."
But deep inside...
"If everything goes as planned... that place will be the stage for my debut." "Hehe, just wait... the real show hasn't even begun."
After dinner, Kazuki headed back to his room with light steps and a blank expression, as if it was all just another boring routine.
Once inside, he let his body fall onto the bed, staring at the ceiling. The magical lamp in the corner glowed dimly, creating a calm atmosphere. But Kazuki wasn't sleepy. He was no ordinary child.
With a snap of his fingers, a small orb of light appeared from his palm, dancing in the air.
"Even basic magic can be entertaining when I'm bored."
Then, he activated sensory magic. In an instant, the energy pulses throughout the house were clearly mapped in his mind.
"Everyone's asleep."
With calm movements, Kazuki got up, opened his wardrobe, and pulled out his favorite black jacket. He slipped it on slowly, pulling the hood up to hide his white hair.
Staring at his reflection in the small mirror by the window, he lowered his voice—deep and mysterious, full of dramatic flair.
"It's time... to begin."
A faint smile rose on his lips. The smile of an eight-year-old boy... with the soul of someone who had faced death and returned as a shadow.
"The debut of the White Reaper... begins tonight."
Kazuki opened the window and jumped down without a sound. The night wind welcomed him. He soared through the dark sky using flight magic, accompanied only by the moonlight and his own shadow.
Suddenly, he stopped. In the distance, a suspicious group of people was dragging slaves—humans, elves, and demons—all weak, bound, and bloodied.
Kazuki narrowed his eyes.
"Slave trade, huh...? A mix of races like this... pretty rare." "This night just got a little more fun."
He descended slowly, his sword glowing faintly under the moonlight. His steps were soft and full of presence, blending into the darkness.
"Who the hell's that!? A kid?!"
One of the thugs pointed in panic. But before they could react...
ZRAK!
A white flash pierced his body. He dropped to the ground, lifeless.
Kazuki touched his hood with one hand, standing casually with crossed legs.
"My name is White Reaper..." "I rise from within the shadows..." "...and from the brightest light."
His voice was flat and heavy, like a well-rehearsed monologue.
"TSK! WHAT A PRETENTIOUS LITTLE BRAT!!"
The thugs charged. The ground trembled. But Kazuki only sighed and smiled faintly.
"I thought I was holding back. But if that's how it is..." "Tonight's going to be a bit noisy."
Magic sigils formed in the air. His violet eyes glowed brightly.
Battle broke out. Kazuki moved calmly amid the explosions and screams. With a single smooth motion—he dodged, struck, enemies fell one after another.
No mercy. No expression.
"Heh… and I didn't even get to deliver my cooler lines yet."
Suddenly...
SHK!
A dagger stabbed him from behind.
"TAKE THIS!! SERVES YOU RIGHT, YOU EDGY BRAT!!"
Kazuki froze. Blood dripped from his mouth. His body slumped slightly.
A few seconds passed... then he slowly turned his head.
"Damn... I let my guard down." (silence) "But I'm just messing with you."
BOOM!!!
A burst of white aura exploded. The remaining thugs vanished, as if they had never existed.
Kazuki stood alone. The wound on his back had already healed.
"Next time... don't interrupt my dramatic moment."
He sheathed his sword.
With calm steps, he walked toward the slaves. Without a word, he raised his hand. A gentle light enveloped them. The shackles crumbled, one by one.
"Go home. And make sure... this never happens again."
From the crowd, someone shouted.
"S-Sir! She's badly wounded! Poisoned with magic!"
Kazuki approached. A young demon girl lay unconscious.
"I'll take care of her."
The others stared at him—part awe, part confusion.
"E-excuse me... who are you really...?"
Kazuki turned away, walking into the shadows. His black jacket billowed. He didn't look back.
"My name... is White Reaper."
And the night fell silent once more.
White Reaper.
That name... would echo through many nights to come.
A shadow born... from both light and darkness.