Chapter 5: Nine Years Later…
Time moved swiftly in Stella Orphanage.
Children who once cried loudly when hungry were now running around the yard, laughing happily. The old cream-colored building still stood strong, though its paint had begun to fade over the years. From the kitchen, the smell of toasted bread and warm soup drifted throughout the rooms.
In the corner of the yard, a young girl was hanging laundry while humming softly. Her honey-brown hair danced gently in the evening breeze. She was Milly—now a young woman, no longer the clumsy girl she once was.
"Kids, don't run near the well!" she called out with a smile.
A few little children paused, giggled, then returned to playing under the big tree.
The day went on peacefully, simple as always.
But for Milly, there was one thing that constantly occupied her thoughts—the small room upstairs, belonging to the child she once found near the river.
Every time she passed by that door, warmth mixed with curiosity stirred in her chest. That child was different—too calm for his age, too clever for a nine-year-old.
Carrying a tray of evening food, Milly walked up to the second floor. She stopped in front of the pale blue door and knocked gently.
"Ren, may I come in?"
No answer, only the soft sound of a page turning.
Milly smiled, then slowly opened the door.
Inside, the soft orange sunlight seeped through thin curtains, falling on a small table filled with worn-out books and notes. A white-haired boy sat on a chair, staring at a sheet of paper while tapping a handcrafted wooden pen.
"As usual, you're so busy," Milly said as she approached.
Ren glanced at her briefly, his crystal-blue eyes reflecting the evening glow.
"Just reading a little," he replied quietly, his tone calm and mature.
Milly set the tray on the table. "You know, the kids are playing hide-and-seek outside. Want to join? Your body will get stiff if you sit like that all day."
Ren gave a faint smile. "I prefer staying here. Besides, it's already evening."
His voice sounded polite… yet too grown-up.
Milly sighed softly but didn't push him. She knew he wasn't like other children.
There was something deep behind those blue eyes—something that couldn't be explained by simply calling him "smart."
She gently patted Ren's shoulder. "At least eat something, okay?"
Ren nodded and looked at the food, smiling lightly. "Thank you, Sister Milly."
Milly smiled again, but before stepping out, she whispered:
"Sometimes I forget that you're only nine, Ren."
The door closed quietly.
Ren stared at it for a few seconds before returning to the book on his desk.
On the open page, a complex diagram of magical symbols and notes filled the paper.
"Still not enough," he murmured, gazing out the window.
'Nine years, huh… the time is getting closer.'
His eyes sharpened. The world outside may still not know him, but for Ren Ozawa, everything was only beginning.
---
Ren's POV
Night soon fell.
I stopped writing and stood up, stretching my body.
"I guess that's enough for today."
I walked out with the empty tray in hand. On the way, a few kids ran past me in the hallway.
Hah… I miss my childhood, I grumbled inwardly.
Author: He IS still a child—
Ren: Silence! I'm trying to be dramatic.
After walking for a while, I arrived at the kitchen.
It was warm and fragrant, still carrying the scent of bread from earlier. At the table, Sister Milly was cleaning dishes and wiping cloths.
"Oh, Ren. You're not asleep yet?" Milly asked when she noticed me.
I raised the empty tray. "Just returning this."
"Thank you. You really are diligent—such a good boy," she said with a soft smile.
I placed the tray on the table and sat on a chair near the kitchen window.
From there, I could see the orphanage yard bathed in moonlight.
The grass shimmered as if dusted with silver.
Peaceful… too peaceful.
Milly observed my expression. "Something on your mind?"
I paused before answering quietly, "I just feel like… this world is too big. And I'm too small."
Milly giggled gently. "You're nine, of course you're small."
I chuckled too. "Maybe."
Then I stood up. "I'm going to take a bath. Today was so hot. This will be my third one."
"Go on, little brother~" Milly said while wiping the table.
I nodded and left.
Back in my room, I wasted no time. I bathed immediately, cold water pouring down my body.
"Ahh… refreshing!" I exclaimed.
Standing in front of the mirror with only a towel around my waist, I watched thin steam cling to my skin. The candlelight flickered, making my reflection look almost alive.
I tilted my head, staring at myself for a long moment.
"Hmm… silver-white hair, crystal-blue eyes, skin pale as milk… honestly, I'm—"
I paused, smirking.
"—way too handsome."
I brushed my wet hair back, letting strands cling to my forehead. "If this were a game world, I'd definitely be the main character. No chance I'm a side NPC."
Leaning closer to the mirror, I looked into my own eyes.
There was something inside—
a faint glow, like a tiny star swirling deep within my iris.
"Oh my~ who created this masterpiece? You're too handsome to be real!" I said narcissistically.
Ugh, I'm so full of myself… and I still don't know what I actually am, I thought silently.
I sighed, pulling off the towel with exaggerated flair like a model in a soap commercial.
"But still… this aura is pretty damn cool."
I chuckled softly, then put on the simple clothes Milly had laid on my bed.
Afterward, I opened my window. The night wind flowed in, carrying the scent of dew and wildflowers.
'Two months left before the awakening ceremony. I have to keep training until then.'
Maybe you don't know—
even without a mana core, I've been training my body since I was six in the backyard.
To become strong, you have to train.
My dream hasn't changed: to become the strongest.
So I kept training, and so far, my physical strength has increased rapidly.
Let's check my growth.
'System.'
A transparent screen appeared.