The morning sun poured golden light across the lush estate gardens. Birds chirped from flowered hedges, and the breeze carried the soft scent of freshly bloomed roses.
Under the wide branches of a blooming magnolia tree, a blanket had been laid out. A wicker basket sat at the center, packed with pastries, fruits, and chilled juices.
Drake laughed as Elara tried feeding Arin a syrup-drenched pancake. Garron sat beside them, chewing on a piece of roast ham, watching the younger ones giggle.
“This place is unreal,” Elara said, brushing hair from her face.
“It’s peaceful,” Drake added. “Like the world outside doesn’t exist.”
But something was missing.
“Hey,” Arin finally noticed. “Where’s Kazuki?”
Garron blinked. “Huh. Now that you mention it…”
He stood, dusting crumbs off his trousers. “I’ll go check on him.”
---
Inside the manor, moments later…
Garron walked through the grand hallways, eventually reaching Kazuki’s room. The door was slightly ajar.
He knocked lightly, then stepped in.
This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.
“Kazuki—?”
There he was. Standing by the window.
Still.
Silent.
Staring into the morning sky like it was a battlefield.
“Hey, everyone’s outside. Thought you’d join the picnic,” Garron said, smiling.
Kazuki didn’t turn.
“I’m not in the mood.”
That was it. No emotion. No irritation. Just… emptiness.
Garron stepped closer. “You’ve been different since yesterday.”
Still no reply.
“Is something wrong?”
Kazuki finally turned to him. But his eyes didn’t shine like before. They were cold. Focused. Like he was staring through Garron, not at him.
“I’m fine.”
Garron sighed. He wasn’t stupid. He’d seen war veterans wear that same look. That expressionless face when their soul carried burdens their mouths couldn’t share.
“You’re changing,” Garron said softly. “And not in the way you used to. Not like when you unlocked new skills or fought off monsters.”
Still, Kazuki remained silent.
“I’ll give you space,” Garron added. “But just so you know… you don’t have to carry everything alone.”
He turned and walked away, heart heavy.
---
Back in the garden…
Elara looked up as Garron returned alone.
“Where is he?” she asked.
“He’s… not himself right now,” Garron said, sitting down slowly. “I think something’s weighing on him. Something big.”
Drake raised a brow but said nothing, watching Garron closely.
Elara frowned. “Kazuki was always quiet… but he smiled sometimes. Now he just… doesn’t.”
Arin hugged her knees. “He looked scary when he saved us. Like someone out of those legend books. Is he okay?”
No one had an answer.
---
Meanwhile, in Kazuki’s room…
He sat at the edge of his bed again, hands steepled, eyes focused.
Why do I remember nothing useful about my past?
Why do I only remember pain… and anime?
The Analysis skill hovered faintly in front of him, its blue glow casting patterns on his face.
> Request: Deep Memory Search – Past Life Fragments
[Access Denied: Locked]
Warning: Memory Suppression Detected
Kazuki’s eyes narrowed.
Who… or what… sealed my memories?
A knock interrupted his thoughts.
It was the Duke’s butler. “Sir Kazuki. A letter from the Adventurer’s Guild. A new quest request… directed specifically at your team.”
Kazuki stood up, brushing his jacket.
“Tell the others to prepare.”
His voice was colder now. Quieter. But filled with quiet resolve.
---
Outside, Garron received the news and stood.
“A mission already?”
Drake tilted his head. “They’re sending one this soon? Must be urgent.”
Garron nodded. “Kazuki wants us ready. Let’s gear up.”
Elara hesitated. “I… I hope this mission helps him find whatever he’s looking for.”
As they walked back toward the mansion, Drake glanced back toward Kazuki’s room window.
He couldn’t explain it, but something about the boy felt… ancient.
Who are you really, Kazuki?
