This story is only fictitious, if there are similarities in names, characters/characters and places in this show, it is only a coincidence without any intentional element
***
The Arcanum Library—a place where all the books and stories of the world gathered. Many of the texts here were thousands of years old. Perhaps one might be lucky enough to find a book on archery techniques, magic spells, or swordsmanship.
The building stood tall and majestic at the heart of Asa Academy, constructed from layers of white granite that seemed not to reflect light, but to absorb it. Vast windows with crystal-clear glass allowed soft, blue-tinted light from floating illumination crystals to cast a calm, magical aura within.
Dex had spent much of his childhood reading. Often, he had to wait for new books to arrive at the library or travel to other libraries because he had already read everything available. He didn't possess any extraordinary talent—but he had perseverance. And perseverance does not die.
It was this same perseverance that helped him endure and train within the Tower.
To make up for his average talent, Dex pushed himself relentlessly during his time in the Tower. Driven by determination to grow stronger, he shielded himself from outside distractions.
But one year before he was to leave the Tower, a question began to grow within him—slowly but persistently: What would his purpose be after leaving the Tower?
Revenge? For what? His family had died smiling, telling him to enjoy life. Besides, after so much time had passed, he had lost the passion for revenge.
Revenge.
That was the first thing that came to mind. But as time went on, that anger grew stale. He still remembered his family's faces, smiling even as death approached. Their final message wasn't about revenge—it was about living.
Yet, upon reflection, Dex couldn't let others experience what he had felt—the loss, the helplessness, the sorrow, the anger. It was as if life itself had become torture.
He couldn't let the world continue like this—a world where children lose their parents before their very eyes due to war or cruelty, a world where the powerful act without restraint, a world where someone might wake up without a home or anyone by their side.
He wanted to stop it.
But if he took on the role of a hero, he would also lose the peaceful life he desired.
*What do I truly want?*
Dex didn't know what he truly wanted. He had become strong enough—no, very strong—but without a purpose, it all felt meaningless.
Amid this confusion, he began to imagine his own story—becoming a detective like in the fairy tales he'd read, a thief whose magic told him when to steal, a guide who hid his identity and helped others' hopes flourish.
Dex dreamed of bringing those stories to life once he left the Tower—helping others without revealing who he was.
Childish? Perhaps.
But in a world where reality was often bitter, sometimes childish dreams were the only things that could save someone from madness.
***
Dex and Van picked out a few books on basic sword magic. They walked through a quiet aisle rarely frequented by others.
As they walked, they heard voices—several girls near one of the bookshelves.
"Please, don't take that necklace. It was a gift from my mother."
"You think I care about your sad story? Hand it over now."
Dex stopped. So did Van.
They moved toward the sound, passing towering shelves that rose like spires. The shelves blocked their view, but the voices grew clearer.
When they turned the corner, a scene greeted them.
A red-haired girl was surrounded by four others. One of them held a delicate silver necklace that looked fragile yet precious. It was impossible not to see this as bullying, given the red-haired girl's distressed state.
Van, seeing this, clenched his fist. Since childhood, he had always hated any form of bullying.
"You—" Before Van could shout, Dex quickly covered his mouth.
"Wait, Van. Look up there," Dex pointed upward. Several young men were sitting on a higher level, laughing softly. One of them, well-dressed with neatly cut dark brown hair, was clearly the leader. His gaze was that of someone watching his favorite show.
*Good thing I always keep anti-tracking spells active.*
"What about them? I can't just ignore this," Van whispered fiercely.
"Let it go. There's no point getting involved in trouble so early on," Dex replied, not wanting to deal with anything troublesome.
"I don't care. If you want to leave, go alone." Van's eyes shone with determination.
Dex closed his eyes for a moment. Then he sighed.
"Haaaa..."
He could say nothing more in the face of Van's resolve, but he also didn't want to be dragged into a messy situation.
Dex summoned wind magic, creating a vacuum around the bullies' heads, slowly depriving them of oxygen. It wasn't an attack—just a barrier. One by one, they began coughing, their bodies swaying before they collapsed, unconscious.
Unfortunately, the brown-haired leader was skilled enough to dispel the spell. But before he could act—
Dex directed a compressed gust of wind to strike the floor beneath him. The leader lost his balance, slipped, and fell with a heavy thud.
It all happened in seconds. They were knocked out without ever knowing who was behind it.
The red-haired girl, startled by the sudden collapse of her tormentors, wasted no time. She quickly snatched back her necklace and fled.
Van stared at Dex, mouth agape.
"What was that, Dex?" Van couldn't believe what he had just witnessed. He had never seen magic used in such a way.
"Quiet. Let's go before they wake up."
"Dex! Hey! We should—"
"Van," Dex said softly. "I just wanted to read today. That's all."
"Sorry," Van murmured, not knowing what else to say, and simply followed Dex.
Dex and Van walked away. He just wanted to read in peace, not get involved in matters like this.
Yet, from the now-empty balcony above, another pair of eyes watched them—silent, full of curiosity.
Dex didn't notice. Or perhaps he did… but chose to say nothing.