Roy was today years old when he realized that this world truly had magic.
He'd had his suspicions before—little inconsistencies, moments that didn't quite add up—but now he knew for certain.
That day, Roy had been running around the yard, training with his dad purely for fun. Or at least, it had started that way. His legs burned, his lungs screamed, and by the time his vision began to blur, he could barely stay upright. When his strength finally gave out, he pitched forward—
—and his fall was stopped by a firm hand pressing against his back.
Warmth flooded into him.
It wasn't like heat from the sun or the comfort of a blanket. It surged deep inside his chest, spread through his veins, and chased away the exhaustion in a single heartbeat. The crushing heaviness in his limbs vanished, as if it had never existed.
Too quickly.
Roy straightened in surprise. He had been exhausted—he knew he had—but now his breathing was steady, his muscles light. Even the faint ache in his bones was gone, wiped clean.
His father slowly pulled his hand back.
…And frowned.
After training ended, Roy lingered, the strange sensation still buzzing faintly beneath his skin. Eventually, he walked up to his dad, unable to hold his curiosity any longer.
"Why did I feel a burst of energy flow into my body?"
His father froze.
For a split second, confusion flickered across his face—followed by something far more unsettling.
Alarm.
"Your… mother never told you?" he asked carefully.
Roy shook his head.
"I thought I told her to teach you some," his father muttered.
"Teach what?" Roy asked.
His father looked down at him—really looked at him this time. His gaze lingered on Roy's chest, then his hands, as if he were searching for something invisible.
"…Magic."
Roy's eyes lit up.
"Magic!"
His father let out a slow breath, one he hadn't realized he'd been holding.
"It's common enough," he said at last, his tone measured, "but what just happened… wasn't."
Roy tilted his head. "Wasn't what?"
His father hesitated.
"Your mother and I met at the academy," he said quietly. "She was at the top of her class." A faint smile touched his lips, only to fade moments later. "Me? I wasn't particularly talented."
He fell silent, eyes darkening as they returned to Roy.
"But the energy you felt—it shouldn't have restored you that completely. Not at your age."
Roy opened his mouth, but his father placed a firm hand on his shoulder.
"For now," he said in a low voice, "don't tell anyone about this. Not yet."
Roy nodded, though he didn't fully understand.
I shouldn't ask more, he thought, watching the dark, serious expression on his father's face.
Just then, a group of kids ran past the fence.
"Roy! Come play!"
Roy brightened instantly. "Dad, can I go?"
The solemn look vanished, replaced by a familiar smile. "Sure."
The children disappeared down the road, laughter echoing behind them.
Once they were out of sight, a woman stepped out from the shadows of the house.
"It's happening to him, isn't it?" Roy's mother asked.
The man nodded slightly. "It's time we tell him."
She let out a long, weary sigh.
— — —
"I'm home!"
Roy burst through the door, clothes smeared with dirt.
His mother stood waiting, arms crossed.
"Young man," she said, "you really should know when to come back home."
Roy rubbed the back of his blond hair sheepishly. "Sorry."
"I'm not a strict parent," she continued, "but didn't you hear what happened to the neighbor's kid a few years ago?"
"They had to move out because the boy's condition kept getting worse and worse."
"Mom, I'm twelve," Roy protested. "I can take care of myself. I even bathe alone now—Dad doesn't help me."
She sighed. "Like father, like son. Neither of you listens to me." After a pause, she softened. "Alright. I'll let you go for now—but from now on, come home early."
Roy nodded and headed toward the bath.
The whole family ate dinner together, talking and laughing.
Night fell, and Roy went to his room and sat down on his bed.
A holographic screen appeared before him.
'This energy thing is super annoying!'
[ Cosmic Horror Maker System ]
User: Royce Valemont
Current Body: Toddler (Lv. 3)
Energy: 20 / 100
Available Actions: Create Horror, Upgrade Horror, Observe, Manifest.
'Well, that's another night of nothingness. The energy takes too long to regenerate.'
He then checked the upgrade section.
[ UPGRADES ]
Current Points: 45
1. Expanded Observation I
Cost: 20 Fear Points
Effect: See others' thoughts
2. Passive Energy Regeneration I
Cost: 30 Fear Points
Effect: +1 Energy/hour
3. Extra Energy
Cost: 50 Fear Points
Effect: +10 Energy
'Oh, this is nice… Let's just get the regeneration upgrade. This energy issue is too annoying!'
[ Successfully Purchased: Passive Energy Regeneration I! ]
'Lastly looks like this thing is going good '
[ Horror Manifestation ]
Horror Name: Fear Eater
Manifestation: 5%
Objective: Scare the target
Roy's eyes felt heavy, so he went to sleep, clueless about what was to come.