November 5, 2025
"My name is Rayli… I was just a college student in Japan—an ordinary guy with no special traits, no relationships, no real friends. I was kind to everyone, but no one was ever close to me.
And on a cold morning, inside my university department… everything ended.
A strange beam pierced through the windows… then darkness.
When I opened my eyes, I had been reborn."
---
The child stared at the pages of his small notebook, writing with a trembling hand:
"My current name… Rayli Aschronom.
I live inside one of the greatest noble families, led by a terrifying man… my father: Armand Aschronom.
He is married to four women… and my real mother's name is Sylvara.
I have five sisters… and I am the sixth child."
Rayli closed his notebook with a long sigh.
Just before someone knocked on the door.
— "Young master, the head of the family will hold a meeting to celebrate your ninth birthday. Please don't be late."
— "Thank you… I'm coming."
Rayli stood before his mirror, smiling naively:
"Heheeee… I'll become the hero of this world. I'll marry the most beautiful women. And I'll own the strongest sword. A completely new life."
Then he remembered:
"Ah… I need to get dressed."
---
In the main hall, the maids were arranging tables and chairs.
Soft whispers passed between them:
— "Every child who turns nine receives their own sword…"
— "Yes, but if they can't control mana… the result will be…"
The sentence was cut off as a glass cup fell and shattered.
Another maid yelled quickly:
— "Clean it up! The celebration is about to start!"
Minutes later… the entire family arrived.
Armand's four wives…
And the servants lined up along the walls.
Meanwhile, Rayli was getting ready in his room when a maid entered:
— "Young master… everyone is waiting for you."
Rayli walked down the stairs smiling and excited…
But his smile faded when he found everyone staring at him in heavy silence.
He sat among them… before his father stood up.
— "We have gathered tonight to celebrate our youngest son's ninth birthday. And as our ancestors' traditions dictate… he will receive his own sword."
Rayli nearly jumped with joy.
But his father raised his hand:
— "Before that… we must determine the child's mana."
Servants entered carrying a Mana Identification Crystal.
They placed it before Rayli.
Armand spoke in a cold, heavy voice:
— "All my children discovered their element at the age of nine… even Chi, the youngest, learned before you. Now… place your hand."
Rayli approached.
His heart was pounding.
"Heheeee… I'm going to surprise them."
He placed his hand on the crystal.
Seconds passed…
Then more…
Then…
Nothing.
No light.
No color.
No mana.
A deadly silence filled the hall.
The father's eyes widened, then turned into cold fury.
He shouted:
— "A useless child. You possess no mana!"
Rayli's heart collapsed.
He didn't know what to say.
He couldn't move.
Until his father's hand slammed the table, jolting him back.
— "Guards! Take him out of the castle!"
His mother screamed:
— "Armand! What are you doing?! He is your son!"
— "My son?! This thing is a disgrace to my name! All his siblings wield magic… and this?! He will bring us humiliation. Remove him!"
Rayli ran toward his mother, crying:
— "Mom! Mom! Don't leave me!"
But the guards grabbed him by the arms.
Dragged him through the hallways as he screamed.
His mother's tears fell… but she couldn't stop the decision.
Outside the castle…
They threw him onto the ground.
One guard laughed:
— "Get out, mana-less brat! Hahaha!"
Rayli sat on the dirt…
His clothes dirty…
His eyes empty…
Shocked that he… wasn't the hero of this world as he imagined.
But a mere outcast.
And so…
The journey of the child without a shadow began.
End of Chapter One