Hello there!
Oh shit, here we go again.
Ugh! Do I *really* have to do this?
You're really back for more? Of course you are. Why else would you be here? Who am "I," your humble narrator, kidding? You're getting used to this, huh?
I've tortured you mentally in the previous two chapters of this story, and still you crawl back for more. Wow! Right now, "I," your humble narrator, am *certain* you're a masochist. You're really having fun reading my shitshow, aren't you?
Or maybe—just *maybe*—you're hoping this story gets better. That our boy Ayronee finds some genuine happiness. That the universe stops shitting on him for five consecutive minutes.
**Spoiler alert**: It won't.
Because here's the thing about hope in stories like these—it's just foreplay for disappointment. We dress up trauma in the warm clothes of redemption arcs and character growth, but really? We're all just waiting for the other shoe to drop. And drop it will, my friends. Drop it will.
But hey, I'm getting ahead of myself. You didn't come here for my philosophical musings on narrative sadism. You came here for the *story*. So let's get to it already.
---
Remember our guy Ayronee? Yes, the one who got bitch-slapped by a majestically beautiful angel—sent flying like a ragdoll into a mountain, making a crater upon impact that would make NASA engineers weep with envy.
And remember how "WE"—yes, "YOU" and "I"—enticed "HIM" with cheat skills and sugarcoated them as "Blessings" because "WE" were being "AFFECTIONATE"? How we forced him to be "REINCARNATED" or "REBORN"—or, using the fans' all-time favorite terminology, how he got **ISEKAI'D**? And we even sugarcoated *that* as "MERCY."
Aren't we merciful? Yeah, very good idea! But of course, hey, we're definitely the good guys and gals here, right?
*Right?*
We're *definitely* the good guys and gals here.
Nothing says "mercy" quite like ripping someone's consciousness out of oblivion and shoving it into a new meat puppet without their consent. It's basically spiritual human trafficking, but with better marketing.
---
So, Ayronee fell unconscious as the angel's resurrection spell completed. Everything faded to black. His body grew cold—until warmth, gentle and foreign, enveloped him.
**Marie**: "Come here, dear Jerkin. Look—it's our first baby boy. Isn't he the most adorable thing in the world?"
*(She cradles the infant gently, smiling with the quiet triumph of survival. Because let's be real, medieval childbirth has a higher mortality rate than a Dark Souls speedrun.)*
**Jerkin**: "Indeed he is, Marie, my dear. A glorious day! You've done wonderfully."
*(He laughs softly, brushing the baby's tiny hand with awe, completely unaware that his newborn son is actually a 27-year-old suicide victim trapped in an infant's body. Talk about your awkward family dynamics.)*
Ayronee's blurry vision cleared—two faces hovered above him, glowing with warmth.
The mother's arms secured him, her body shielding him from the cold air of the new world. A kiss touched his forehead.
And in that moment, something broke inside him—not from pain, but from the unbearable tenderness of something he'd never had before.
**Peace. Love.**
The quiet, wordless kind. The warmth of belonging.
Tears welled up in his tiny eyes. His first breath came out as a cry, but the emotion behind it was *joy*.
He finally felt it. The love he had longed for his entire previous life. The satisfactory feeling of being at peace. He understood that maybe—*just maybe*—this time it wouldn't be so bad.
*(Narrator's note: It will be. Just wait.)*
I mean, seriously, people, how could he not understand it? He's a 27-year-old adult consciousness inside the body of an infant. Right now, while being cradled, his parents give him the name **Hexia**.
Technically, in his previous life, his name was Ayronee. But he's been reborn as Hexia. His parents are Jerkin and Marie. His mother, a former adventurer turned housewife. His father, also an adventurer. You know, the typical isekai cliché shit.
Hexia's father, **Jerkin**, is a B-rank adventurer and swordsman, good at handling both shield and sword. Because, hey, let's be serious here—who in their right mind becomes an adventurer using *only* a shield?
"A tank," you say? Ha! A tank using only a shield? Without any weapons? So explain it practically for me: Can you kill a goddamn slime with only a shield?
"Well, it's fantasy after all," you might say.
Don't give me that shit. Practically speaking, in all of human history, has there ever been a recorded instance of someone going to war using only a shield? Now, please, if your brain is still turned off, do me a favor and sell it online. I'm sure some crypto bro would pay good money for it.
Now, his mother, **Marie**, was a former B-rank adventurer and mage, good at handling a staff and spell casting. And what about Hexia, you ask? Well, right now he has no class whatsoever because he's still an infant.
Though between you and me, giving a reincarnated adult the body of a baby is just cosmic blue-balling. Imagine having decades of knowledge, motor skills, and sexual awareness, then suddenly you can't even control your own bowel movements. That's not mercy—that's *torture*.
---
Now let's time-skip five years into the future.
Of course he's now five years old. Obviously.
For the past five years, it's been *bliss* for him. The love, peace, and comfort of a self-sufficient family. Our guy Hexia had it all. He's satisfied.
*This is called "dramatic irony." We know he's satisfied. He thinks he's satisfied. But satisfaction in a story like this is just a setup for devastation. We're currently in the "calm before the storm" phase, also known as "fattening the lamb before slaughter.")*
One day, while he was just lying there contemplating in the yard of their house—you know, the typical setting of a house and yard with birds chirping on a typical sunny day—he remembers everything from his past life with crystal clarity.
**Hexia** *(thinking)*: *Huh. It's been a rough journey so far. From me committing suicide to discovering that the afterlife really does exist and that death isn't the end. I really thought that when I ended my previous life, I could finally be at peace. But instead, I got reincarnated in this fantasy world.*
*Well, even if I'm forbidden from taking my own life—thanks for that theological loophole, by the way—at least right now I have a decent family. A warm, loving, caring mother and a father who actually cares for me.*
*Hell, what else could I ask for? I guess it's not a bad deal after all. I've been learning the basics of magic with Mom, and Dad said he's going to teach me the basics of handling a sword. All I need to do now is focus on learning the practical skills I need to survive in this world.*
*(And maybe, just maybe, I can be someone worth something this time.)*
*(Maybe I won't be the pathetic waste of space I was before.)*
*(Maybe I can just... exist. Quietly. Peacefully. Without the world crushing me again.)*
While Hexia is busy lying there, contemplating in their yard, his father comes out of the house holding two wooden swords, planning to train his son.
**Jerkin**: "Son! Hexia, do you have a moment?"
**Hexia** *(stands up and heads toward his father)*: "Yes, Dad? What is it?"
**Jerkin**: "Here, catch!"
*(Throws a wooden sword at Hexia.)*
"It's time you learn the basics of handling a sword."
**Hexia** *(catches the sword)*: "Okay, Dad. But don't you think I'm still too young to be handling a sword?"
**Jerkin**: "Son, you should remember—it's always better to start learning and honing your skills now than to live to regret it later. That's what my father said to me when I was about your age. And look at me now: I'm a B-rank adventurer."
*(Translation: "I'm going to traumatize you with training montages the same way my father traumatized me, because that's how generational trauma works, son!")*
**Hexia** *(smiles genuinely, feeling grateful to his father while holding his wooden sword)*: "Well, I guess you're right. Thanks for the advice, Dad. So what are the basics of handling a sword?"
**Jerkin**: "First, get a good feel for your sword. Adjust your grip—make sure you hold it firmly. Balance your posture. Then do some slow swings, horizontally and vertically. We'll be doing this every day, you got me? After we finish practicing today, we start early tomorrow before sunrise. We'll be doing physical training, alright?"
*(Smiles confidently, like a man who doesn't realize he's about to put a five-year-old through boot camp.)*
**Hexia**: "Yes, Dad."
*(In Hexia's mind: I might as well train myself early, then. It's better I learn the basics now than regret it later. In this life, I'll become productive. Even if the past trauma I had still haunts me sometimes, I should not let it put me down again. Never again.*
*I will not become as pathetic as I was before in my previous life. Now I have people looking out for me. This time, I will not hesitate anymore. And I should look out for my parents when I grow up and they grow old.*
*But more importantly—I need to be strong enough to protect my peace. Strong enough that nobody can hurt me. Strong enough that I never have to feel that way again.)*
Oh, sweet summer child. You think productivity will fill the void? You think purpose will heal trauma? You think strength will protect you from pain? Adorable. We'll check back on that philosophy later.
And so, our guy Hexia trained with his father for the rest of the day, and every day after that, while also learning the basics of magic with his mother. Time passes from a single day to weeks, weeks to months, months into a year.
---
Now, one year has passed since our guy Hexia started training in both physical and magical skills. He's completely mastered the basics of swordsmanship and magical skills, and now he's at an intermediate skill level in sword combat. He's now six years old. Right now, he can barely hold his own against his father in sparring matches.
But in terms of magical power? He's advanced quite a lot. Because, you know, "WE"—yes, "YOU" and "ME"—gave him cheat skills.
*(Which, let's be honest, is just another way of saying: "We couldn't be bothered to write a proper progression system, so here's some overpowered bullshit to speed things along.")*
Now, on one fateful day, as our guy is doing his daily routine of practicing sword skills with his father, his mother comes outside and asks him to accompany her to buy some groceries at a nearby market in town.
**Marie**: "Hexia, excuse me, dear."
**Hexia** *(pauses)*: "Yes, Mom? Can I help you with anything?"
**Marie**: "Can you accompany me to the nearby town? I need someone to help me carry the groceries from the market."
**Hexia**: "Of course, Mom. Let me tidy myself up first before we go."
And so Hexia cleans himself, then accompanies his mother to the market in the nearby town of **Alean**. Upon arrival, Hexia is fascinated by the place. Because of course it's his first time arriving in a town in medieval times. I told you this is a classically generic isekai. You never listen.
Now, come on, show me some imagination. Picture a town with shops and markets bustling with people. You know—the typical classical, generic isekai cliché shit. Stalls selling bread, meat, suspicious potions, weapons that definitely aren't regulation-approved. Merchants shouting prices. Pickpockets working the crowds. The whole Renaissance Faire aesthetic, but with actual dysentery.
Hexia and his mother gather the groceries they need, and since they have time, they browse some items and shop around. After some time, they start heading back to their village.
---
On their way home, Hexia and his mom witness a scene that will set off a chain reaction of events that—surprise, surprise—will eventually ruin everything.
They see a little girl being bullied by three children. You know the type: the classic mock-and-abuse bullies. The ones who peak in childhood and spend the rest of their lives reminiscing about the good old days when they had power over someone weaker.
When our guy sees the situation, a memory flashes back to him from his previous life—when he, too, was bullied as a kid. That's why he started training in martial arts in his previous life. He excelled at it, too. But due to biased coaches and corrupt club staff, instead of nurturing him as a student, they never let him participate in most tournaments.
The coaches and staff, in their greed, preferred corruption and bribery from undeserving students rather than letting him participate. So our guy never got the chance to be in the spotlight.
*Ah yes, the "I was actually really talented but THE SYSTEM held me back" backstory. A classic. Right up there with "My girlfriend left me for a jock" and "Nobody understood my genius." Not saying it's not true—corruption absolutely exists. But it's also convenient how every protagonist was secretly amazing but tragically overlooked, isn't it?)*
The first kid picks up a stone and throws it at the little girl. It hits her in the head. The second and third kids follow suit, throwing stones that hit her consecutively. Her head starts to bleed.
Our guy Hexia, infuriated by what the child bullies are doing to the poor little girl, steps in without hesitation.
He grabs the hand of the first kid. Without saying anything—without warning—he throws the first kid, slamming him to the ground so hard that the kid is left gasping for air upon impact.
*Just to be clear, Hexia is six years old. These are children. He just German suplexed a child. And we're supposed to think this is heroic. I mean, it kind of is, but also—yikes.)*
The second and third kids are shocked but quickly retaliate. Our guy Hexia easily counters each punch they throw at him. Then, same as with the first kid, he proceeds to slam the second and third kids into the ground.
Now all three bullies are in a state of shock, gasping for air from the force of the throws. While Hexia is busy handling the bullies, his mother quickly goes to help the bleeding little girl.
**Marie** *(genuinely concerned)*: "Are you okay? Let me heal your wounds. **Healing Light!**"
*(She casts healing magic on the bleeding little girl.)*
**Little Girl** *(sobbing)*: "Thank you so much to both of you for helping me."
**Hexia**: "Don't mention it. I just can't stand back and do nothing. I don't want to be complicit in what's happening in front of me, you know."
*(He turns back, his gaze intensely cold, and heads toward where the bullies are lying down.)*
**The Three Bullies** *(still gasping for air)*: "Ghhh! Ughhh! Ghhh!"
**Hexia**: "The three of you—**stand up!**"
*(He proceeds to pick up the first and second bullies by their hair and drags them toward the little girl.)*
**First and Second Kid** *(trembling in fear)*: "Arrgghh! Please! Stop!"
**Hexia** *(while grabbing two bullies by the hair, he slams their heads into the ground with a sickening **crack**. He then pulls their bleeding faces up again)*: "Now, come on, my friends. Let's be good kids and apologize to the little girl you hurt here."
*(He speaks coldly, with a smile that doesn't reach his eyes.)*
*(Narrator's note: So, uh, just to recap—our six-year-old protagonist just committed aggravated assault on three children, causing head trauma and possibly concussions. He's smiling while doing it. This is the hero of our story. The one we're supposed to root for.*
*And you know what? I don't blame him. Those kids were little shits. But let's not pretend this is healthy behavior. This is a traumatized man-child taking out decades of repressed rage on convenient targets. This is therapy bills waiting to happen.)*
**Third Kid** *(speechless, watching in shock as his friends' heads are slammed into the ground, wets himself in fear)*:
*(He immediately bows his own head to the ground and starts begging the little girl for forgiveness.)*
**Little Girl** *(speaking in a shocked manner)*: "D-don't you think it's a bit too much? I-I think they learned their lesson. A-and I'm okay now, and I forgive them. So please, heal them and let them go."
**Hexia**: "As you wish. But before that, here's some friendly advice for you three: If I *ever* catch you bullying any kids in our village again, we'll be having another heart-to-heart—or, in your case, a head-to-ground conversation. Okay?"
*(He proceeds to heal the first and second kids while holding them by their hair, then releases them. He moves to the third kid and heals him as well.)*
Hexia's mother watches him, shocked and speechless.
*(Marie's internal monologue: That's my boy! Wait, no. Should I be concerned? Is this normal? This doesn't feel normal. But he helped someone, so... good? Maybe I should talk to Jerkin about this.)*
**The Three Kids** *(speaking while trembling in fear)*: "Yes! We will never bully anybody ever again! We swear this on our lives!"
**Hexia**: "I'm glad we understand each other. Now, go on—**scram!**"
*(The three kids scramble away like their asses are on fire.)*
**Little Girl**: "M-may I ask your names, please?"
**Hexia** *(speaking with a warm smile)*: "Ah, yes. Name's Hexia, by the way. And right beside you is Marie, my lovely mother. Nice to meet you! And may I ask your name as well?"
**Little Girl**: "My name is Lhoralaine. I live in a nearby village."
*(She points toward the village where Hexia and his mother are headed.)*
**Marie** *(now composed, speaking calmly and warmly)*: "Oh, we also live in the same village! Why don't we accompany you to your house? After that, we'll head home."
**Lhoralaine** *(nods)*: "Yes, ma'am."
And so the three of them head back to their village. Hexia and his mother walk Lhoralaine to her house and converse a little with her parents before heading home.
Ah, our little boy Hexia now has a person he can call his friend in this second life. Ain't it sweet?
*It is sweet. Genuinely. For now. Remember what "I" your humble narrator said about hope being foreplay for disappointment? Keep that in mind.)*
---
Now, after that fateful encounter, Lhoralaine starts passing by Hexia's house, watching him train with his father every day. Eventually, Hexia approaches her and asks if she'd like to train with him, too. She gladly accepts his invitation.
So she starts training with Hexia, with Hexia's father as the teacher for both of them. Together, they train day after day.
Six months pass. Hexia and Lhoralaine become good friends. Both of them enjoy each other's company. It's wholesome. It's genuine.
*(Tick-tock. Tick-tock.)*
Until one fateful day.
On her way home, Lhoralaine passes by the first kid who bullied her six months ago. She wants to talk to him, but she's afraid he might bully her again. So she ignores him instead and continues on her way home.
But that first kid notices her.
And here, ladies and gentlemen, we see the full glory of human malice in action.
The first kid remembers her. Six months ago, she was the girl he was bullying. And he remembers what Hexia did to him and his friends.
He wants **revenge**.
But he knows he can't beat Hexia in a straight fight. So he does what any intelligent, vindictive little sociopath would do:
**He starts planning.**
* Ah, revenge. The gift that keeps on giving. The ouroboros of human suffering. One act of violence begets another, which begets another, ad infinitum. It's almost poetic. Almost.*
The next day, he goes looking for the girl he bullied six months ago. He finds her at Hexia's house, training with him in the yard.
And he does what any stalker would do: He waits.
He waits for her to finish training. Then he positions himself on the road leading to her house.
And there he waits for her to pass by.
---
As Lhoralaine finishes training with Hexia that day, she heads home, lost in thought.
Suddenly, a kid bumps into her "by accident." They both tumble.
When she sees the face of the kid, she recognizes him immediately. It's the first kid who bullied her. She becomes anxious, afraid he might bully her again.
But instead, he doesn't.
**Lhoralaine**: "Ah! Oww!"
**First Kid**: "Oh! Are you okay? I'm really sorry. I wasn't looking when I bumped into you. I was kind of in a hurry on my way home—my mom asked me to fetch her some herbs. Here, let me help you up."
*(He extends his hand with a smile. A **fake** smile. But she doesn't know that.)*
**Lhoralaine**: "It's no problem. It was an accident. I wasn't aware of my surroundings either, so... hehe."
**Fred**: "My name is Fred Butlix, by the way. Oh—it was you, right? The girl I bullied six months ago?"
*(He pauses, as if gathering courage.)*
"Um, actually, I've been trying to find the courage to apologize to you personally. But I was too afraid you might get the wrong idea and think I'd be bullying you again. But since we're here together anyway, let me take this chance to apologize personally. I also apologize on behalf of my friends. We realized we were wrong to hurt you, and I am deeply sorry for what we did. I hope you can forgive us."
*(He speaks with perfect insincerity, every word calculated.)*
*(Narrator's note: And here we have it, folks. The performance of a lifetime. Fred deserves an Oscar for this shit. Actually, scratch that—he deserves a Netflix limited series. "The Bully's Redemption: A Feel-Good Story." Rated PG-13 for manipulation and gaslighting.)*
**Lhoralaine**: "No, no, there's really no need to apologize anymore. I've already forgiven you and your friends. Anyway, let me excuse myself—I've gotta be going now. See you!"
**Fred**: "Oh, really? Thank you very much! Maybe I'll see you tomorrow!"
*(Fred's internal monologue: Perfect. Now all I need to do is get close to her. Just you wait, Hexia. I'll break you in the worst possible way. And I'll savor your misery.)*
And so the two go their separate ways.
---
The next day, while Lhoralaine is walking on the road toward Hexia's house to train, she sees a familiar person on the side of the road. As she gets closer, she realizes it's Fred—waiting for her.
Fred approaches Lhoralaine and asks if he can accompany her to Hexia's house. He says he'd also like to apologize to Hexia.
After hearing what Fred says, Lhoralaine agrees to let him accompany her. Together, they head to Hexia's house.
Upon arrival, Hexia notices that Lhoralaine brought someone with her. To his surprise, it's the first bully kid from back then.
Lhoralaine introduces the new kid as Fred. She proceeds to explain why Fred came along with her.
**Lhoralaine**: "Hexia! I hope you don't mind, but Fred here wanted to come along to apologize to you personally."
**Hexia** *(eyes narrowing slightly, assessing Fred with the instincts of someone who's been fucked over before)*: "Is that so?"
**Fred** *(bowing deeply, the picture of remorse)*: "Hexia, I... I know what I did was unforgivable. I hurt Lhoralaine, and you had every right to do what you did to me. I've thought about it every day since then. I was a terrible person, and I want to change. I want to be better."
*(He looks up, tears—actual tears—in his eyes.)*
"Please, give me a chance to prove myself. Let me train with you both. I want to learn what it means to be strong *and* kind, like you."
*(Narrator's note: Goddamn. This kid is GOOD. Those tears? Method acting at its finest. Stanislavski would be proud. De Niro is taking notes. This is manipulation as an art form.)*
**Hexia** *(still suspicious, but the praise hits a sweet spot in his traumatized psyche)*: "..."
*(In Hexia's mind: Something feels off. But maybe I'm being paranoid. Maybe people CAN change. God knows I wanted someone to give me a second chance in my previous life. Maybe... maybe I should pay it forward.)*
"Alright. But you step out of line even once, and you're done. Understood?"
**Fred** *(nodding enthusiastically)*: "Yes! Thank you, Hexia! I won't let you down, I promise!"
**Lhoralaine** *(smiling warmly)*: "See? I told you he changed! This is wonderful! Now we can all be friends!"
*(Narrator's note: Oh, Lhoralaine. Sweet, innocent Lhoralaine. This is the exact moment where the trap snaps shut. And none of you even heard the mechanism click.)*
And so, Fred joins their training sessions.
At first, Hexia watches him like a hawk. Every movement. Every word. Every interaction.
But Fred is patient. He's meticulous. He's playing the long game.
---
**THE ART OF DECEPTION: A MASTERCLASS BY FRED BUTLIX**
*(Let Us take a moment to appreciate what we're witnessing here. This isn't your garden-variety manipulation. This is a **symphony** of psychological warfare, conducted by a seven-year-old sociopath. Let's break down Fred's strategy, shall we?)*
**Phase One: Establish Credibility Through Humility**
Fred doesn't try to be good at training. He deliberately struggles. He fails. He falls down. And every time, he gets back up with determination and asks for help.
**Fred** *(after getting knocked down by Jerkin for the fifteenth time)*: "I'm sorry, Mr. Jerkin. I know I'm slowing everyone down. Maybe I should just—"
**Jerkin** *(gruffly)*: "Nonsense! You're showing good spirit, boy. Persistence is half the battle. Get up and try again!"
**Fred** *(looking genuinely grateful)*: "Thank you, sir. I'll keep trying!"
*(Fred's internal monologue: Perfect. Adults love the "determined underdog" narrative. Show weakness, accept correction, display gratitude. They eat this shit up.)*
**Hexia** *(watching, his guard slowly lowering)*: "Here, Fred. Try adjusting your stance like this. It'll help with your balance."
**Fred**: "Really? Oh, thank you, Hexia! You're such a good teacher!"
*And there it is. Hexia's first mistake. He's helping. He's invested. Once you invest in someone's growth, you become psychologically attached to their success. Fred knows this. Hexia doesn't. And ofcourse "YOU" yes "YOU" and "ME"*
---
**Phase Two: Create Shared Experiences and Inside Jokes**
Three months pass. The three children train together daily. Fred starts bringing small gifts—wildflowers for Lhoralaine, a carved wooden figure for Hexia, homemade pastries from his mother for everyone.
**Fred** *(laughing after a training mishap)*: "Remember when I tripped over my own feet and face-planted into that mud puddle? I think I'm STILL finding dirt in my ears!"
**Lhoralaine** *(giggling)*: "That was pretty funny! But you've gotten so much better since then!"
**Hexia** *(smiling despite himself)*: "Yeah, you have. You're not half bad now."
**Fred**: "Only because you've been teaching me! You know, I never had friends like you before. My parents are always working, and I was alone a lot. I think... I think that's why I acted out. But you two? You've shown me what friendship really means."
*(He says this with such sincerity that even I, your narrator, almost believe it. Almost.)*
**Lhoralaine** *(tearing up)*: "Oh, Fred! We're so happy to be your friends!"
**Hexia** *(feeling a warmth in his chest he hasn't felt since his reincarnation)*: "Yeah. We're glad you're here."
*(Fred's internal monologue: Hook. Line. Sinker.)*
*This is textbook attachment building. Shared laughter, vulnerability, expressions of gratitude—Fred is creating the neural pathways of trust in their brains. Every positive interaction is another strand in the web. And they're caught. They're so beautifully, tragically caught.*
---
**Phase Three: Position Yourself as the Mediator and Emotional Support**
Time passes. Another six months. They're now seven years old.
One day, Hexia and Lhoralaine have a disagreement about training methods. It's minor, but Hexia—still carrying trauma from his past life—overreacts.
**Hexia** *(frustrated)*: "I'm just saying that if you don't push yourself harder, you'll never improve! I'm trying to help you!"
**Lhoralaine** *(hurt)*: "I AM pushing myself! Just because I'm not progressing as fast as you doesn't mean I'm not trying! Maybe you're just being too harsh!"
**Hexia**: "Harsh?! You have no idea what harsh is! You think THIS is harsh?! In my—"
*(He catches himself before revealing his past life.)*
"Forget it. Train however you want. See if I care."
*(He storms off.)*
**Lhoralaine** *(tears in her eyes)*: "I... I didn't mean..."
**Fred** *(appearing at her side like magic)*: "Hey, hey. It's okay. He's just frustrated. He cares about you, you know. He just... doesn't always know how to show it."
**Lhoralaine** *(sniffling)*: "But I DO try hard! I just—"
**Fred**: "I know you do. *I* see how hard you work. Hexia just has really high standards, especially for people he cares about. Give him some time to cool down, and I'll talk to him, okay?"
*(Later, Fred finds Hexia sitting alone by a stream.)*
**Fred**: "Mind if I sit?"
**Hexia** *(not looking at him)*: "Do what you want."
**Fred** *(sitting)*: "She's really upset, you know. But she's not angry at you. She's just hurt."
**Hexia**: "I know. I shouldn't have said those things. It's just... sometimes I forget that not everyone..."
**Fred**: "Has been through what you've been through?"
**Hexia** *(looking at Fred sharply)*: "What do you mean?"
**Fred**: "I don't know what happened to you before we became friends. But I can tell you carry something heavy. I recognize it because... I carry something too. From before I met you guys. From when I was cruel."
*(A calculated pause.)*
"We're all trying to be better than our worst moments, Hexia. That's what makes us human. And Lhoralaine? She admires you so much. She pushes herself because she wants to be like you. So when you tell her she's not trying hard enough... it breaks her heart."
**Hexia** *(guilt washing over him)*: "Shit. I'm such an asshole."
**Fred**: "No. You're just someone who cares deeply and doesn't always know how to express it. Come on. Let's go apologize together."
*(Narrator's note: Beautiful. BEAUTIFUL. Fred just positioned himself as the emotional intelligence of the group. The mediator. The understanding friend. He made Hexia feel seen, then guided him toward guilt and reconciliation. Both Hexia and Lhoralaine now trust Fred as their emotional anchor.*
*This is how narcissists operate. They create conflict subtly, then swoop in as the solution. They become indispensable.)*
---
**TIME SKIP: FOUR YEARS LATER**
They're now eleven years old.
Hexia is a prodigy—an A-rank adventurer in skill, though he hasn't taken the official test yet. His magic is terrifying. His swordsmanship is sublime. He's everything his father hoped he'd be and more.
Lhoralaine has grown into a capable B-rank fighter—specializing in support magic and archery. She's not as powerful as Hexia, but she's competent. Reliable. And kind.
And Fred? Fred is... adequate. C-rank, maybe B-rank on a good day. He's not the strongest or the most talented.
But he's the most *important*.
Because over these four years, Fred has woven himself into the fabric of their lives so completely that removing him would unravel everything.
*Let me paint you a picture of how deep this manipulation runs. Fred knows Hexia's training schedule better than Hexia does. Fred knows Lhoralaine's favorite flowers, her fears, her dreams, what makes her laugh. Fred has become the glue that holds their trio together.*
*And here's the genius part: He's made them both dependent on him while making himself appear dependent on THEM. It's symbiotic parasitism at its finest.*
---
**THE SLOW ESCALATION: YEARS 11-14**
At age twelve, something shifts.
Lhoralaine starts seeing Fred differently.
It's subtle at first. The way her eyes linger on him when he smiles. The way she unconsciously leans toward him when they sit together. The way her cheeks flush when he compliments her.
**Fred** *(age 12, after Lhoralaine successfully completes a difficult spell)*: "That was incredible, Lhora! See? I told you that you could do it!"
*(He uses the nickname he invented for her—something intimate, something just for them.)*
**Lhoralaine** *(blushing, tucking hair behind her ear)*: "You really think so? It still felt a bit unstable..."
**Fred** *(taking her hand gently)*: "Hey. Look at me. You're amazing. Don't let anyone—not even yourself—tell you otherwise."
*(Their eyes meet. Something electric passes between them.)*
**Hexia** *(watching from a distance, feeling something uncomfortable in his chest but not understanding what)*: "..."
*(Hexia's internal monologue: Why does that bother me? They're both my friends. I should be happy they're getting along so well. So why does it feel like... like I'm losing something?)*
*(Oh, Hexia. You beautiful, oblivious disaster. You've been so focused on training, on becoming strong enough to never be hurt again, that you completely missed the fact that you've been falling for Lhoralaine this entire time.*
*And Fred? Fred saw it YEARS ago. Why do you think he's making his move NOW?)*
---
**Age 13: The Confession, Will it happen?**
Hexia finally realizes his feelings for Lhoralaine.
It hits him one day during training when she laughs at something Fred said, and Hexia feels like someone punched him in the chest.
*Oh.*
*Oh no.*
*I'm in love with her.*
He decides he'll confess. He'll tell her how he feels. They've been friends for seven years now. Surely she feels the same way... right?
*Narrator's privilege—she did. Past tense. "Did." For YEARS, Lhoralaine had feelings for Hexia. But Hexia was so emotionally constipated, so focused on his trauma and his training, that he never noticed. He never gave her any sign that he saw her as anything other than a friend. And "YOU" my little devil like this don't you?*
*But Fred? Fred noticed. And Fred has been carefully, methodically redirecting her affections toward himself for the past two years.)*
Hexia plans to confess after training one evening. He's nervous. His heart is pounding. He's rehearsed what he'll say a hundred times.
But when training ends, he sees Fred and Lhoralaine sitting together under a tree, and something stops him.
They're sitting close. Too close.
Hey let wait let me grab a popcorn, "YOU" want some? Buy your own lol.
**Fred** *(speaking softly, intimately)*: "Lhora, can I ask you something?"
**Lhoralaine** *(smiling)*: "Of course. What is it?"
**Fred**: "Do you ever think about the future? About... what you want?"
**Lhoralaine**: "Sometimes. I want to keep training. Maybe become an adventurer like my parents wanted. Help people. Make a difference."
**Fred**: "And... do you see anyone by your side in that future?"
*(A loaded pause.)*
**Lhoralaine** *(blushing furiously)*: "I... I don't know. Maybe?"
**Fred** *(taking her hand)*: "I do. I see you. Every time I think about my future, you're there. And I know I'm not as strong as Hexia. I'm not as talented. But Lhora... I'd spend every day of my life trying to be worthy of being by your side."
**Lhoralaine** *(heart racing)*: "Fred..."
**Fred**: "You don't have to answer now. I just wanted you to know. Because you're the most important person in my life, and I couldn't keep it in anymore."
*(He stands up, squeezes her hand gently, and walks away—leaving her emotionally overwhelmed and confused.)*
Hexia watches from behind a building, hidden.
He watches Lhoralaine sit there, touching the hand Fred held, her face a mixture of shock and something that looks like... joy?
And something inside Hexia breaks.
*You know what Fred just did there? He pulled the "confess and retreat" strategy. He didn't pressure her for an answer. He confessed, expressed vulnerability, and then gave her space—making himself look respectful and patient. Now she'll spend all her time thinking about him, wondering what her answer will be, building the relationship in her mind before it even exists.*
*Meanwhile, Hexia's confession dies in his throat. Because how can he compete with that? How can he tell her his feelings now, knowing she might feel something for Fred?*
*Congratulations, our boy Hexia. Just got friendzoned by his own cowardice and Fred's strategic brilliance. But hey why do "YOU" care? You're loving this! This is for "YOUR" entertainment right!?*
---
**Age 14: The Point of No Return**
A year passes. Hexia never confesses. He tells himself it's because he values their friendship too much to risk it. But really? He's terrified of rejection. Terrified of losing the one good thing in this life.
So he suffers in silence, watching as Fred and Lhoralaine grow closer.
They're not officially together yet. But everyone can see it's only a matter of time.
**Jerkin** *(to Hexia one day after training)*: "Son, I've noticed you've been distracted lately. Everything alright?"
**Hexia**: "Yeah, Dad. Just... thinking about stuff."
**Jerkin**: "Is this about Lhoralaine and Fred?"
**Hexia** *(stiffening)*: "What? No. Why would—"
**Jerkin**: "Son, I'm not blind. I've seen how you look at her. And I've seen how you've been withdrawn since Fred started... well."
**Hexia**: "It doesn't matter. She's happy. That's what's important."
**Jerkin** *(sighing)*: "Is it? Or are you just afraid?"
**Hexia**: "Dad—"
**Jerkin**: "Listen. I'm not going to tell you what to do. But I will tell you this: Regret is heavier than fear. Whatever you decide, make sure you can live with it. Because one day, you'll be old like me, and you'll look back on this moment. Make sure you're proud of the choice you make."
*(He pats Hexia on the shoulder and walks away.)*
**Hexia** *(alone, staring at the sky)*: "..."
*(In Hexia's mind: But what if I tell her and she rejects me? What if it ruins our friendship? What if I lose her completely? At least this way, I can still be near her. At least she's still in my life.*
*I can live with the pain of not having her.*
*I can't live with the pain of losing her.*
*Besides... maybe this is what I deserve. Maybe I'm not meant to be happy. Maybe the universe is just reminding me of my place. Again.)*
*And there it is. The fatal flaw. Hexia would rather suffer in silence than risk vulnerability. Because he's been hurt so badly in his past life that he'd rather guarantee small, manageable pain than risk devastating pain.*
*This is what trauma does. It doesn't make you stronger. It makes you scared. It makes you choose safety over happiness. And Fred knows this. Fred has been counting on this.*
---
**Age 15: The Relationship Begins**
One evening after training, Lhoralaine approaches Fred.
**Lhoralaine**: "Fred, can we talk?"
**Fred** *(as if he hasn't been waiting for this moment for years)*: "Of course. What's on your mind?"
**Lhoralaine**: "About what you said two years ago. About seeing me in your future."
**Fred**: "Yes?"
**Lhoralaine** *(taking a deep breath)*: "I see you in mine too. I have for a while now. I just... I needed time to be sure. But I am. I'm sure."
**Fred** *(allowing genuine emotion to show—because even manipulators can feel satisfaction)*: "Lhora... are you saying—"
**Lhoralaine**: "I'm saying yes. If you still feel the same way... I want to be with you."
Fred pulls her into an embrace. And over her shoulder, his eyes find Hexia—who's just arrived and is standing frozen at the edge of the training yard.
Their eyes meet.
And Fred smiles.
Not the warm, friendly smile he shows everyone else.
A different smile.
A *knowing* smile.
The smile of someone who just won.
*And THERE it is. The mask slips—just for a second, just for Hexia. Because what's the point of winning if your opponent doesn't know they lost?*
*This whole time—YEARS—Fred has been playing a game. And Hexia? Hexia didn't even know he was a player.* but hey for "YOU" and "ME" it's just entertainment right!? Yes we're just being "complicit", no worries not our fault totally! So let's continue!
Hexia turns and walks away.
He doesn't run. He doesn't cry. He just... walks.
Back to his house. To his room. He closes the door.
And for the first time since his reincarnation, since feeling the warmth of his new family, since meeting Lhoralaine and believing maybe this life could be different—
He feels that old, familiar darkness creeping back in.
The voice that says: *See? You don't get to be happy. You're not allowed. This is what you deserve.*
**Hexia** *(sitting on his bed, staring at nothing)*: "I thought this life would be different. I thought I could be someone worth loving. But I'm still the same pathetic piece of shit I was before."
*(He laughs—a broken, hollow sound.)*
"The universe really does have it out for me, doesn't it? Even in a new world, with magic powers and a loving family... I still end up alone. Still end up watching someone else get what I want. Still end up being the joke."
Ofcourse you are my boy hexia it's for our entertainment! But hey it's not our fault, because we love isekai shit.
*(He looks at his hands—hands that can conjure fire, that can wield a sword with deadly precision)*
**hexia**What's the point of being strong if I'm still this weak inside?"
*And here we see the cruelest irony of all. Hexia has spent ten years in this new life working to become strong, competent, and worthy—trying to become someone different from the failure he was in his previous life.*
*But it doesn't matter. Because the problem was never his strength or his skills.*
*definitely not the problem because "WE" gave him cheat skills right!? Totally not our fault!*
*The problem is that he doesn't believe he deserves happiness.*
*And people who don't believe they deserve happiness will sabotage themselves every time. They'll choose the safe pain over the risky joy. They'll watch the person they love fall into someone else's arms rather than risk rejection.*
*Fred didn't break Hexia.*
*Hexia was already broken.*
*Fred just... exploited the cracks.)*
---
**Age 16: The Diverging Paths**
A year has passed since Fred and Lhoralaine officially became a couple.
To everyone else, they're the perfect pair. Fred is attentive, romantic, supportive. Lhoralaine glows with happiness.
And Hexia?
Hexia has become distant.
He still trains with them. He still smiles. He still participates in their conversations.
But there's a hollowness to it now. A performance quality.
**Lhoralaine** *(age 16, concerned)*: "Hexia, are you okay? You've seemed... off lately."
**Hexia** *(forcing a smile)*: "I'm fine. Just focused on training. I'm just planning to take the adventurers exam soon."
**Lhoralaine**: "That's wonderful! But... you can talk to us, you know. If something's bothering you."
**Hexia**: "I know. Really, I'm fine."
**Fred** *(putting his arm around Lhoralaine)*: "Maybe he just needs some space. Growing up is hard, right Hexia? We all deal with things differently."
**Hexia** *(looking at Fred's arm around Lhoralaine's waist)*: "Yeah. Something like that."
Then comes the moment that changes everything.
**Fred**: "Hey, so Lhora and I have been talking. We're planning to register as adventurers next month. Start taking on quests together. Build our reputation. You should come with us, Hexia! The three of us—we'd make an incredible team!"
**Lhoralaine** *(excitedly)*: "Yes! It would be just like old times! We could travel together, help people, have adventures!"
**Hexia** *(something inside him recoiling at the thought)*: "..."
*(In Hexia's mind: Travel with them? Watch them be happy together? Watch Fred hold her hand, protect her, kiss her, love her? Watch the life I wanted play out right in front of me but with someone else in my place?*
*No.*
*NO.*
*I came to this world wanting peace. I jumped off a building to escape suffering. And now I'm supposed to volunteer for more? I'm supposed to torture myself daily by being the third wheel in their love story?*
*Fuck that.*
*FUCK. THAT.)*
**Hexia**: "No."
**Lhoralaine** *(surprised)*: "What?"
**Hexia**: "I said no. I'm not going to become an adventurer. I'm not interested in quests or reputation or traveling the world fighting monsters."
**Fred**: "But... you're so strong. You'd be amazing—"
**Hexia**: "I don't care. I didn't get strong to fight monsters or save the world or become some legendary hero. I got strong to protect myself. To never be weak again. To never be at someone else's mercy."
*(His voice is cold. Flat. Final.)*
"I want peace. That's all I've ever wanted. Peace. Quiet. To be left alone. And you can't find peace by throwing yourself into danger constantly. You can't find quiet by seeking out adventure. And you certainly can't be left alone by joining a fucking adventuring party."
**Lhoralaine** *(hurt)*: "But... we're your friends. Don't you want to be with us?"
**Hexia** *(laughs bitterly)*: "Friends. Right. Look, I'm happy for you two. I really am. But I need to focus on myself. On my own life. My own path. You two have each other. You don't need me tagging along."
**Fred** *(with false concern)*: "Hexia, if this is about—"
**Hexia**: "It's not about anything. It's just my choice. I'm staying here. With my parents. Living a quiet, peaceful life. That's what I want. That's what I've always wanted. And I'm not going to apologize for it."
*(He turns and walks away, leaving them both stunned.)*
*And there it is. The moment Hexia chooses himself. Chooses his peace over their friendship. Chooses isolation over torture.*
*Is it understandable? Absolutely.*
*Sometimes, self-preservation looks like selfishness. Sometimes, protecting your mental health looks like abandoning people. Sometimes, the only way to stop bleeding is to remove yourself from the thing cutting you.)*
---
**Later That Night**
Hexia sits in his room, staring at the wall.
**Marie** *(knocking)*: "Hexia? Dinner's ready, sweetheart."
**Hexia**: "I'm not hungry, Mom."
**Marie**: "...Jerkin told me what happened. About you not joining Fred and Lhoralaine."
**Hexia**: "I don't want to talk about it."
**Marie**: "I'm not here to lecture you. I just want you to know... your father and I support whatever decision you make. If you want to stay here, live quietly, help around the village—that's okay. You don't have to be an adventurer just because we were."
**Hexia** *(voice cracking)*: "Thanks, Mom."
**Marie**: "But Hexia... running away from pain doesn't make it stop. It just moves it somewhere else. Inside you. Where it festers."
**Hexia**: "Maybe. But at least if it's inside me, I can control it. I can manage it. I can survive it."
**Marie**: "Can you? Or are you just dying slower?"
*(Silence.)*
**Marie**: "I love you, son. We both do. No matter what. Remember that."
*(She leaves.)*
**Hexia** *(alone again)*: "..."
*(In Hexia's mind: She's wrong. I'm not dying slower. I'm surviving. That's what I do. I survive.*
*I survived my previous life until I couldn't anymore.*
*I survived being reincarnated against my will.*
*I'll survive this too.*
*I'll survive watching the girl I love be with someone else.*
*I'll survive the loneliness.*
*I'll survive the emptiness.*
*I'll survive.*
*Even if surviving feels like dying.*
*Even if peace feels like surrender.*
*Even if living feels like existing.*
*I'll survive.*
*Because that's all I know how to do.)*
---
**Three Months Later**
Fred and Lhoralaine have left to begin their adventuring careers. The village feels quieter without them.
Hexia helps his parents around the house. Trains alone. Maintains his skills. Lives peacefully.
On the surface, he got what he wanted.
Peace. Quiet. Solitude.
But at night, when he's alone with his thoughts, that voice comes back.
*Was it worth it?*
*Choosing peace over connection?*
*Choosing safety over risk?*
*Choosing survival over living?*
And Hexia doesn't have an answer.
Because here's the thing about peace: It's not the same as happiness.
You can have a quiet life and still be screaming inside.
You can be safe and still be dying.
You can survive and still not be alive.
**Hexia** *(one night, staring at the stars)*: "I thought peace would be enough. I thought if I could just avoid pain, I'd be okay."
*(He laughs bitterly.)*
"But avoidance isn't healing. Isolation isn't peace. And choosing nothing isn't the same as choosing yourself."
*(A pause.)*
"Maybe Mom was right. Maybe I am just dying slower."
*(Another pause.)*
"But at least I'm in control of how I die this time."
*Oh, Hexia. You beautiful, tragic disaster.*
*You chose peace over pain.*
*Safety over risk.*
*Isolation over heartbreak.*
*And in doing so, you created a different kind of suffering. A quieter kind. A lonelier kind.*
*You're not being crushed by the world anymore.*
*You're suffocating yourself.*
*Slowly.*
*Quietly.*
*Peacefully.*
*And somehow, that's worse.)*
---
**Meanwhile, Somewhere on the Road**
Fred and Lhoralaine are camping under the stars after their first successful quest.
**Lhoralaine** *(staring into the fire)*: "Do you think Hexia's okay?"
**Fred** *(putting his arm around her)*: "I'm sure he is. He made his choice. We have to respect that."
**Lhoralaine**: "I know, but... I miss him. Our group feels incomplete without him."
**Fred**: "We'll always be his friends. Distance doesn't change that. And who knows? Maybe someday he'll change his mind. Maybe he'll join us."
**Lhoralaine** *(smiling sadly)*: "Maybe."
*(She leans against Fred, finding comfort in his warmth.)*
Fred stares into the fire, his face unreadable.
*(Fred's internal monologue: Perfect. Absolutely perfect. Not only did I get the girl, but I drove him into isolation. I didn't even have to reveal his feelings or sabotage him directly. I just had to wait. Let him sabotage himself.*
*That's the beauty of broken people. They do the work for you.*
*And now? Now he gets to sit in his "peaceful" life, alone, wondering what could have been. Wondering if he made the right choice. Slowly going insane with his own thoughts.*
*While I get everything.*
*The girl. The adventure. The life.*
*Revenge doesn't have to be loud, Hexia. Sometimes the cruelest revenge is just... living well while you watch from the sidelines.)*
He kisses Lhoralaine's forehead, and she sighs contentedly.
*(Narrator's note: And there you have it, folks.*
*Fred won without throwing a single punch.*
*He won by being patient.*
*By being strategic.*
*By understanding that the best way to destroy someone isn't to attack them—it's to let them destroy themselves.*
*Hexia chose peace.*
*And that choice is killing him.*
*Slowly.*
*Quietly.*
*Peacefully.)*
---
**Back in the Village - Six Months Later**
Hexia has become something different.
He's still polite. Still helpful. Still trains daily.
But there's a coldness to him now. An emotional distance.
When villagers ask for help, he helps—but mechanically. Efficiently. Without warmth.
When his parents try to connect, he responds—but without depth. Without vulnerability.
He's gone through the motions of living while being fundamentally dead inside.
And one day, a traveling merchant tries to cheat an elderly villager.
The merchant is aggressive. Threatening. Cruel.
And something in Hexia snaps.
**Merchant**: "You'll pay what I'm asking, old man, or—"
**Hexia** *(appearing behind him)*: "Or what!?"
*(His voice is ice. His eyes are empty.)*
**Merchant** *(turning, ready to bully)*: "Listen here, boy—"
**Hexia** *(grabs the merchant by the throat and lifts him off the ground with one hand)*: "No. YOU listen. You're going to give him a fair price. You're going to apologize. And then you're going to leave this village and never come back."
**Merchant** *(choking)*: "I-I'm sorry! I—"
**Hexia**: "Not to me. To him."
*(He releases the merchant, who scrambles to the elderly man.)*
**Merchant**: "I'm sorry! Here! Take it for half price! Please!"
*(He throws the goods at the old man and runs.)*
The villagers stare at Hexia.
There's gratitude in their eyes. But also... fear.
Because the way he handled that situation wasn't heroic.
It was ruthless.
Cold.
The actions of someone who's stopped caring about being good and only cares about enforcing his will.
**Hexia** *(to the elderly man)*: "Are you alright?"
**Old Man**: "Y-yes. Thank you, young master Hexia."
**Hexia**: "Good."
*(He walks away without another word.)*
*(Narrator's note: And here we see the transformation complete.*
*Hexia chose peace.*
*But peace without purpose becomes emptiness.*
*And emptiness becomes darkness.*
*And darkness becomes cruelty.*
*He's not the scared, desperate suicide victim from his first life anymore.*
*He's not the hopeful, traumatized boy trying to start over anymore.*
*He's something new.*
*Something cold.*
*Something dangerous.*
*He chose to protect his peace.*
*And he'll destroy anyone who threatens it.*
*Without hesitation.*
*Without mercy.*
*Without feeling anything at all.)*
---
**The Final Scene**
Hexia stands alone on a hill overlooking the village, watching the sunset.
**Hexia** *(speaking to no one)*: "Is this what peace looks like? This emptiness? This... nothing?"
*(A bitter laugh.)*
"I got what I wanted. No more pain. No more heartbreak. No more disappointment."
*(A pause.)*
"So why does it feel like I'm still dying?"
*(Another pause.)*
"Maybe there's no such thing as peace for people like me. Maybe we're just cursed to suffer in different ways. Loud suffering. Quiet suffering. But always suffering."
*(He looks at his hand—the same hand that crushed a man's throat an hour ago without feeling anything.)*
"I wanted to be strong so nobody could hurt me again. I became so strong that I can't feel anything anymore."
*(A hollow laugh.)*
"Congratulations, universe. You win. Again. You always fucking win."
*(He turns and walks back to the village, back to his parents' house, back to his quiet, empty, "peaceful" life.)*
And that's where he stays.
Days turn to weeks. Weeks turn to months. Months turn to a year.
Hexia lives his peaceful life. He helps around the village. He trains to maintain his skills. He eats dinner with his parents. He smiles when expected. He exists.
But he doesn't live.
He's a ghost haunting his own life. A shell performing the motions of being human while being fundamentally hollow inside.
His parents notice. They try to reach him. But there's a wall now. Thick. Impenetrable. Made of all the things he refuses to feel.
**Jerkin** *(one evening)*: "Son, I'm worried about you."
**Hexia**: "Don't be. I'm fine."
**Jerkin**: "You're not fine. You're... distant. Cold. You're here but you're not HERE."
**Hexia**: "I'm exactly where I want to be, Dad. Living the peaceful life I chose. Isn't that enough?"
**Jerkin**: "Is it? Is it enough for you?"
**Hexia**: "It has to be."
And that's his answer to everything now. *It has to be.*
Not "yes." Not "I'm happy." Not "I'm okay."
Just... *it has to be.*
Because he's made his choice. And he refuses to unmake it. Because unmaking it would mean admitting he was wrong. Would mean admitting he destroyed his own happiness. Would mean acknowledging that he's trapped himself in a prison of his own making.
So he doesn't.
He just... exists.
In his peaceful, quiet, empty prison.
---
**Meanwhile, Three Years Later**
Fred and Lhoralaine have become successful adventurers. B-rank, heading toward A-rank. They're known. Respected. They make a good team.
On the surface, everything is perfect.
They take quests together. They fight side by side. They celebrate victories. They're the couple everyone envies.
But lately, Lhoralaine has noticed things.
Small things.
The way Fred criticizes her magic techniques—always framed as "helpful advice" but delivered with an edge.
The way he gets irritated when she talks to male quest-givers—always followed by apologies and "I just care about you so much."
The way he makes decisions for both of them without asking her opinion—always justified as "I'm just looking out for us."
The way he brings up her mistakes in arguments—always months old, always perfectly remembered, always weaponized at the exact moment to win.
The way he sometimes looks at her when he thinks she's not watching—cold, calculating, like she's a possession rather than a person.
But she pushes these thoughts away.
Because Fred loves her, right? He's always there for her. He's never violent. He's never cruel. Not really. Not overtly.
Just... controlling. Possessive. Manipulative.
But she doesn't have those words yet. She just knows something feels wrong. But she can't articulate what. Can't pin it down. Can't name it.
And without a name, how do you fight it?
**Lhoralaine** *(one night in their shared room at an inn)*: "Fred, can we talk?"
**Fred**: "Of course, my love. What's wrong?"
**Lhoralaine**: "Nothing's wrong, exactly. I just... do you think maybe we should visit home soon? Visit the village? See our families? See... Hexia?"
**Fred** *(his jaw tightening imperceptibly)*: "Why would you want to see Hexia?"
**Lhoralaine**: "Because he's our friend. Because we haven't seen him in three years. Because I miss him."
**Fred**: "He made his choice, Lhora. He chose not to come with us. He chose his 'peace' over our friendship. Why should we chase after someone who abandoned us?"
**Lhoralaine**: "He didn't abandon us. He just... chose differently."
**Fred**: "Same thing. Look, if you want to visit your parents, fine. We can go. But don't expect Hexia to welcome us with open arms. He's probably bitter and resentful. Probably blames us for his loneliness."
**Lhoralaine**: "That's not fair—"
**Fred**: "Isn't it? He had every opportunity to join us. To be part of something bigger. But he chose to hide in that village like a coward. That's not our fault. That's his."
**Lhoralaine**: "..."
**Fred** *(softening his voice, taking her hand)*: "I'm sorry. I just... I don't want you to get hurt. I know you care about him. But people change. And not always for the better. Just... manage your expectations, okay?"
**Lhoralaine** *(nodding reluctantly)*: "Okay."
*(But something in her chest tightens. Something that whispers: When did Fred start deciding who I can and can't care about?)*
---
**The Homecoming**
Two weeks later, Fred and Lhoralaine return to the village.
They're greeted as heroes. Their families are proud. The villagers celebrate their success.
But Hexia doesn't come to the celebration.
**Marie** *(when Lhoralaine asks about him)*: "He's... he's different now. Quieter. He helps people, but there's no warmth to it. He's kind, but it's mechanical. He's here, but he's not really WITH us, if you understand."
**Lhoralaine**: "Can I see him?"
**Marie** *(hesitating)*: "You can try. But don't be surprised if he's... cold."
Lhoralaine finds Hexia training alone in the forest. Same spot where they used to train together as children.
She watches him for a moment. His movements are perfect. Precise. Deadly. But empty.
Like watching a machine programmed to fight rather than a person who loves the art.
**Lhoralaine**: "Hexia?"
He stops. Turns. Looks at her.
And for a moment—just a moment—something flickers in his eyes. Something that looks like pain.
But then it's gone. Replaced by that flat, empty politeness.
**Hexia**: "Lhoralaine. You're back."
*(Not "I missed you." Not "It's good to see you." Just... acknowledgment of a fact.)*
**Lhoralaine**: "I... we wanted to visit. See everyone. See you."
**Hexia**: "Well, you've seen me. Was there something else you needed?"
*(His voice is cordial. Professional. The voice you'd use with a stranger, not a friend you grew up with.)*
**Lhoralaine** *(hurt)*: "Hexia, what happened to you? You're so... distant."
**Hexia**: "Nothing happened to me. I'm exactly who I chose to be. Living exactly the life I chose to live."
**Lhoralaine**: "But are you happy?"
**Hexia** *(laughs hollowly)*: "Happy? I'm peaceful. I'm safe. I'm not being hurt. Isn't that what matters?"
**Lhoralaine**: "That's not the same as being happy."
**Hexia**: "Maybe happiness isn't meant for people like me. Maybe peace is the best I can hope for."
**Lhoralaine**: "People like you? Hexia, you're—"
**Hexia**: "I'm exactly what I appear to be, Lhoralaine. Nothing more. Nothing less. I'm not the friend you remember. That person is gone. I killed him. On purpose. Because he was weak. Because he felt too much. Because he got hurt."
*(He sheathes his practice sword.)*
"You have your life. I have mine. Let's not pretend there's still a bridge between them."
**Lhoralaine** *(tears forming)*: "I miss you. I miss my friend."
**Hexia**: "Your friend died three years ago. I'm just what's left."
*(He walks past her, back toward the village.)*
**Hexia** *(pausing, not looking back)*: "By the way... congratulations. On your success as adventurers. I heard you're doing well."
**Lhoralaine**: "Thank you. But it doesn't feel right without you."
**Hexia**: "You'll get used to it. People adapt. They move on. They forget."
*(He continues walking.)*
**Lhoralaine** *(calling after him)*: "I won't forget! I won't forget you!"
**Hexia** *(stopping, his back still to her)*: "..."
*(In his mind: Please do. Please forget me. Please stop caring. Because every time you remind me that you care, it reminds me of what I chose to give up. And I can't bear that. I can't bear knowing that I destroyed something beautiful because I was too scared to fight for it.)*
**Hexia**: "Take care of yourself, Lhoralaine. And... be careful with Fred."
**Lhoralaine**: "What? What do you mean?"
But Hexia is already gone, disappeared into the forest.
Leaving Lhoralaine standing there, confused and heartbroken.
---
**That Evening**
Fred finds Lhoralaine sitting alone, crying quietly.
**Fred**: "What's wrong, my love?"
**Lhoralaine**: "I saw Hexia. He's... he's so different. So cold. Like he's not even there anymore."
**Fred** *(sitting beside her, putting his arm around her)*: "I warned you. People change."
**Lhoralaine**: "But what happened to him? What made him like this?"
**Fred**: "Who knows? Maybe isolation. Maybe regret. Maybe he finally became what he always was—someone who cares more about himself than others."
**Lhoralaine**: "That's not true. Hexia cared about people. He saved me. He was kind."
**Fred**: "Was. Past tense. You said it yourself—he's different now."
**Lhoralaine**: "He said something strange before he left. He told me to be careful with you."
**Fred** *(stiffening slightly)*: "Did he now?"
**Lhoralaine**: "What do you think he meant?"
**Fred** *(careful, measured)*: "Who knows? Maybe he's jealous. Maybe he can't stand seeing us happy when he's miserable. Some people are like that—they want everyone else to be as broken as they are."
**Lhoralaine**: "Hexia's not like that."
**Fred**: "Isn't he? Then why did he say it? Why try to plant doubt in your mind about us?"
**Lhoralaine**: "I... I don't know."
**Fred**: "Look, I don't want to speak ill of your friend. But facts are facts. He chose isolation. He's bitter. And now he's trying to make you doubt the one good thing in your life. That's not the behavior of someone who cares about you."
**Lhoralaine**: "Maybe..."
**Fred** *(pulling her closer)*: "Don't let him get in your head. We have something beautiful. Don't let his misery poison it."
**Lhoralaine** *(leaning against him)*: "You're right. I'm sorry."
**Fred**: "Don't apologize. Just remember—I'm the one who's here. I'm the one who chose you. I'm the one who loves you."
**Lhoralaine**: "I know. I love you too."
They sit together in silence.
But something has shifted. Some seed has been planted.
A tiny doubt. A small question.
*Be careful with Fred.*
What did Hexia mean?
*And there it is. Three years later. Everyone is exactly where they chose to be.*
*Hexia: Isolated, empty, "peaceful."*
*Lhoralaine: Successful, loved(?), vaguely uneasy.*
*Fred: Victorious, in control, slowly tightening his grip.*
*No one is happy.*
*But they're all committed to their choices.*
*Because admitting you were wrong is harder than continuing to be miserable.)*
---
**The Village, Late Night**
Hexia sits in his room, unable to sleep.
He saw her today. After three years, he saw her.
And it hurt just as much as he thought it would.
Maybe more.
**Hexia** *(to himself)*: "I told her to be careful with Fred. Why did I do that? What's the point? She won't listen. She's in love with him. Or thinks she is. And even if she did listen... what am I offering? To come back into their lives? To be the third wheel? To torture myself daily?"
*(He laughs bitterly.)*
"I made my choice. I chose peace over pain. Isolation over heartbreak. And I have to live with it."
*(A pause.)*
"But god, it hurts. It hurts just as much as staying would have. Just differently. Just... quieter."
*(He looks out the window at the stars.)*
"Maybe there's no right choice for people like me. Maybe every path leads to suffering. Some are just louder than others."
*(Another pause.)*
"At least this way, I suffer alone. At least I'm not a burden to anyone. At least I'm not dragging anyone else down with me."
*(A hollow laugh.)*
"That's what I tell myself anyway. That this is noble. Self-sacrificing. Protecting them from my darkness."
*(A long silence.)*
"But really? Really, I'm just a coward. Too scared to fight for what I want. Too scared to risk being hurt. Too scared to be vulnerable."
*(He lies down, staring at the ceiling.)*
"I was a coward in my first life. Jumped off a building instead of facing my problems."
*(A bitter smile.)*
"And I'm a coward in this life too. Just chose a slower death. A quieter suicide."
*(He closes his eyes.)*
"At least I'm consistent."
---
**One Week Later**
Fred and Lhoralaine leave the village, returning to their adventuring life.
Hexia doesn't come to see them off.
His mother does, though. She hugs Lhoralaine and whispers something to her that Fred can't hear.
**Marie** *(quietly to Lhoralaine)*: "If you ever need anything—a place to stay, someone to talk to, help of any kind—you come here. You understand? You'll always have a home here."
**Lhoralaine** *(confused but touched)*: "Thank you, Marie. That means a lot."
**Marie** *(gripping her shoulders, looking into her eyes)*: "I mean it. ANYTHING. ANYTIME. Promise me you'll remember that."
**Lhoralaine**: "I... I promise."
Marie nods and steps back, but there's something in her eyes. Something worried. Something that knows more than she's saying.
*(Narrator's note: Mothers know. They always know. Marie sees what Fred is. Maybe not all of it. But enough. Enough to plant a seed. Enough to offer a lifeline. Just in case.)*
Fred and Lhoralaine head down the road, back to their adventures, their quests, their "perfect" life together.
And Hexia watches from his bedroom window, hidden behind the curtain.
Watches her walk away.
Again.
**Hexia** *(whispering)*: "Goodbye, Lhoralaine. I hope you find happiness. Real happiness. Not the performance of it. Not the appearance of it. The actual thing."
*(A pause.)*
"And if you don't... if things get bad... if you need help..."
*(His hand clenches into a fist.)*
"I'll still be here. In my quiet, peaceful, empty prison. Waiting. Always waiting. For a call that will probably never come."
*(He lets the curtain fall closed.)*
"That's what cowards do, after all. We wait. We hide. We survive."
*(A hollow laugh.)*
"We survive."
---
And so the chapter closes.
Not with a dramatic confrontation.
Not with a grand revelation.
Not with an explosion or a confession or a change.
Just... continuation.
Everyone continuing on their chosen paths.
Hexia in his isolated peace.
Lhoralaine in her uneasy relationship.
Fred in his manipulative control.
All of them trapped in the choices they've made.
All of them suffering in their own ways.
All of them too proud, too scared, too committed to change course now.
*And that's the real tragedy, isn't it? Not the dramatic moments. Not the big betrayals. Not the shocking revelations.*
*And call it living.)*
---
**EPILOGUE: TWO YEARS PASS**
Hexia is now eighteen. Still in the village. Still "peaceful." Still empty.
He's become the village's unofficial protector. When threats come—bandits, monsters, corrupt merchants—he handles them. Efficiently. Ruthlessly. Without emotion.
The villagers respect him. Fear him a little. But don't really know him.