A dark entity with a celestial white aura resided in absolute void.
It raised its hand, opening its palm, and created an unmatched light, resembling unrivaled power born from infinite energy. The light reflected the shadow of life—a newborn baby.
The entity stared deeply into the light, then grasped it like a sphere and whispered, "I choose you..."
With a slight movement, it tore the fabric of reality with just one hand, as if ripping a thin wall. Behind the tear, countless realities emerged, each representing a different life. As the tear opened, cracks began to creep across the entire domain of reality.
At the same moment, in the village of Faxiliun, a baby was born.
His hair was jet black, his eyes were deep black, and his face was handsome with white skin. The baby was named Zeiron.
His mother, Fan'qiu, was a beautiful woman with reddish-brown hair, 179 cm tall, and dark eyes.
His father, Zeryon, was a diligent merchant with black hair, 192 cm tall, handsome, charismatic, and with blue eyes.
They lived in poverty.
Zeryon traded grain and livestock, while Fan'qiu took care of their simple home. Despite their hardship, little Zeiron never complained.
Zeiron was constantly insulted, ostracized, belittled, and beaten by his friends. "Look, the despicable child wants to pass!" "Want to pass here? Pay up first!" "Beggar!" "Go away! Don't dirty my clothes!" "Hahaha! Bastard!"
At the age of 14, Zeiron followed his father to the capital city of Fan'Nize to help with trade.
However, in the capital market, they became the laughingstock of the noble students.
"Hahaha! Look at these goods! The quality is low, just like the lowly merchant selling them!"
Zeiron clutched the edge of his father's shirt and whispered, "None of your business!"
Zeryon just smiled, although sadness was clearly visible in his eyes. He ruffled his son's hair. "They're just joking. Don't mind them."
The market was very crowded that day. With his handsomeness and warm smile, Zeryon easily attracted buyers, especially the young women. Grain, meat, eggs, even animal skins were completely sold out, not only because of their quality but also because of his charm.
"Merchant Zeryon, I'll take two more sacks of grain!" shouted a young woman, blushing.
Zeiron looked at his father with admiration. "Father is amazing."
Zeryon chuckled softly, ruffling his son's hair. "I do everything for you and your mother. As long as I can work, you won't starve."
The day ended with a feeling of relief.
All the goods were sold, and they decided to go home that night. However, the journey home turned into a nightmare.
A group of bandits blocked the road, brandishing swords and unleashing fire magic.
"Stop! Hand over all your belongings if you don't want to die!"
Zeiron, who was sleeping in the carriage, woke up in a panic. "Father! What's wrong!"
Zeryon got out of the carriage, his body filled with Earth Element magic. Gravel trembled around him. Battle erupted—steel clashed, spells exploded, fire burned the air, and the ground shook.
An explosion hit the carriage. Zeiron was thrown, blood running down his temple.
"Zeiron!" Zeryon cried out in a panicked voice.
His body was covered in wounds and blood, but Zeryon still tried to protect his son. "You must run. Go to the Guild now!" he urged, gasping for breath.
"No! What about you!" Zeiron shook his head fiercely.
A large bandit attacked Zeiron with a hellfire ball, throwing Zeiron to the ground.
Zeryon, barely able to stand, knelt and pleaded. "Let my son go. Take my life, but let him go!"
Cruel laughter echoed in the air. "Hahaha! Look, the handsome merchant is kneeling like a dog!"
With his remaining strength, Zeryon attacked the bandits while screaming at the top of his lungs. "Run, Zeiron! Let your Father hold them off!"
Zeiron ran, filled with sadness, his heart shattered into pieces. He left his father struggling alone.
When Zeiron returned with the Guild adventurers, his world collapsed.
Zeryon's lifeless body lay on the ground. His left arm was severed, his face disfigured by cruel torture.
Zeiron froze, his cry caught in his throat. "Father..." he whispered, his voice barely audible.
That day, Zeiron's world changed forever.
The following days were filled with suffering.
Zeiron, only 14 years old, became the breadwinner of the family. He worked non-stop, often going hungry so his mother and 6-year-old sister could eat. Night fell, and he slept in his father's old cart, his small body exhausted.
And on that quiet night, the dream came true.
A dark entity with a white aura emerged from the void, extending its hand. "What does the meaning of power mean to you, Zeiron?"
Zeiron looked up, his eyes filled with sorrow and determination. "Power... is capability."
He grabbed the entity's hand. Immediately, a strange light enveloped his body.
Zeiron woke up gasping. The night felt different, the air around him vibrated. Something rushed through his veins, like an invisible river of energy.
His hands trembled, his eyes wide open. "What... what is happening to me...?"
The entity's voice echoed, "Do not let your limitations restrict your capabilities. Transcend your boundaries, and destroy them, if you can." And, "Kill the old version of yourself, create a new one."
Be determined and brave to step forward. The key to survival lies not only in physical strength but also in the ability to adapt to circumstances and form a mindset that will not be destroyed by one's own thoughts. The world will never look at someone weak. The world will only look at someone who is strong and brave enough to become the best version of himself.