The sun shone brightly through the trees, dappling the forest floor with warm, golden light. A gentle breeze whispered through the leaves, carrying the scent of wildflowers and damp earth. Amid this idyllic scene, a peculiar bunny-like creature hopped into view. Its purple fur shimmered against the greenery, buck teeth sharpened to deadly points, ruby-red eyes glowing with intelligence, and a white, unicorn-like horn standing proudly atop its head. The creature seemed to be foraging for food, its nose twitching as it sniffed the ground and surveyed its surroundings.

  But suddenly, a thin crystal spike shot out from nowhere, piercing the creature's skull. The bunny stood still, unable to register what had happened before falling flat to the ground with a thud. It died instantly.

  From behind a bush, Adam poked his head out. He scanned his surroundings to ensure there were no dangers ahead. Seeing that all was clear, he emerged from the bush and walked over to the dead rabbit. He picked it up, inspected it, and smiled. "Looks like I have meat for today," he said before heading back to his camp.

  It had been two days since Adam last left the cave. Since then, he had been trying to heal his new body, training his mana storage, and traveling to the location of the hidden treasure chest that the fox-child had buried. Adam had learned much about his body, thanks in part to the peaceful forest, a stark contrast to the treacherous Crystal Valley.

  The child's body was much stronger than it appeared, its strength unnatural for someone so young and frail. In fact, it was comparable to Adam's old self a few years before meeting his end, able to wrestle down a normal soldier in their prime.

  And this was just the beginning. Once Adam recovered the child's full strength and trained it properly, it might even surpass his former self at its peak. But how was this body so strong? After many years of living, only one answer came to mind: the body had been blessed. By which god, great fairy, dragon, or any of the lesser divine beings, he didn't know. But one divine being stood out.

  The Goddess of Magic, Eve. The daughter of the firstborn of the Creators, Goddess of Mana. And… the one who likely transferred his soul to this child's body. She must have blessed the boy before doing so. Adam didn't know whether to be grateful or resentful. If Eve hadn't transferred his soul, he'd be at peace; if she hadn't strengthened the child's body, he would have died in the Crystal Valley.

  Adam sighs at the thought as he continues walking.

  But the true question is, why did she revive him? It couldn't be because of that "duty" she continued about, right? She swore that she'd not do it as long as Adam disagrees. Though, she isn't that incompetent to do stupid choices like reviving Adam because she felt like it. The divine are unique in the sense that everything they do has a purpose. Not like normal people who contradict that they love something and then hate it suddenly for no reason.

  But for what purpose? Is there a massive threat that requires Adam's presence? If so, why didn't they just revive Adam in his old body's prime? Not only that, why haven't they spoken with him yet?

  These were questions he'd have to address later. For now, he focused on his improving mana. After two days of constantly using magic to the point of critical exhaustion, the fire he now cast was twice the size. Moreover, he could split the flames and hold two at the same time for a few seconds. While it didn't sound like much, having twice the amount of mana as before was still an accomplishment. And this wasn't even the most effective way to train; if he managed to acquire a certain item, his training would be three times more efficient. Not only that, it stores mana. So if he stores enough mana, he'll have enough to tap into his latest potential from his last life.

  Unfortunately, acquiring such an item was nearly impossible, as even the smallest one was worth an entire kingdom's treasury. So, for now, Adam would have to make do with the second-best method—playing with magic.

  Adam returns to his camp, where a makeshift wooden bowl, a campfire, and a meat rack await him. Upon arrival, he starts preparing the rabbit. Adam sits down and looks at the dead carcass before him.

  “Alright, time to do the usual.” Adam removes the crystal spike from its head, and with a stone knife he had fashioned from a sharp rock, a sturdy stick, and plant string, he severs the head. He then moves to the meat rack and hangs the carcass upside down, using plant string from a plant he had slowly grown with earth magic. This allowed the blood to drain from the body.

  Adam takes a deep breath, admiring his handiwork. Despite the passage of time, he’s proud to have retained his skills. He turns and walks to the fireless campfire and begins eating some white fruit resembling grapes he had gathered in the wooden bowl. Adam sits down and unwinds.

  Adam looks up towards the sky, and eyes a small cloud passing, “Has it been that long since I’ve seen a passing cloud?”

  As shameful as it is to admit, he’s spent the last year of his old life doing nothing but staying in an abandoned shack. Doing nothing but looking back at the past, reminiscing about how his story started. His story of how humanity turned him into a monster.

  His gaze falls upon a tree to his right. A small but noticeable gash marred its trunk, marking the path the fox-child had taken while fleeing from the slave hunters. Although Adam didn't need the markers, as the memories were now his own, he appreciated the extra guidance.

  Adam smiles, but frowns right after looking down at his feet. He glanced down at the shackles still locked around his ankles.

  “I do hope that whatever is in that chest can help remove these,” Adam hopes. It would be inconvenient to be stared at in populated cities, looking like a slave.

  When the rabbit has stopped dripping blood, Adam stands up, stretches, and prepares to butcher the animal. He trains his magic while the meat is cooking, eats his meal, and then prepares to continue his journey.

  Before leaving, however, he buries the remains of the rabbit. Kneeling and closing his eyes, he whispers, "I apologize that I couldn't use you fully. I hope you can forgive me." After a moment of silence, Adam stands and resumes his travels.

  Nothing of note happened for the next few days. Adam journeyed through the day and night, foraging and hunting small animals while training his magic. When the next day dawned, he found himself at the top of a tree where he had slept. He continued his trek, hunting and training as he went.

  By the time he can conjure three small flames simultaneously, Adam finally arrives at his destination. In the middle of a small forest clearing stood a lone tree, its trunk bearing the gash he remembered from the fox-child's memories. Beneath it lay the hidden treasure. The ground appears undisturbed, but Adam knew it was there. He has to admit, the child had done an excellent job of making the dug-up dirt look untouched.

  Approaching the tree, Adam sighs, "After three days of traveling, I've finally made it."

  It had been quite the journey, but this should be the end. The only thing now that Adam hopes is that whatever is in that chest is something that’ll help him in this new unknown world.

  But before he can begin digging, another wave of memories assaults him, causing a sharp headache.

  "Again!?" The memories flowed through his mind like scenes from a movie. He saw the fox-child being cared for by humans in a village—the same village the child had wept for in another memory. The village had been in ruins, but the child had known that already. Known that because he witnessed its demise. What had he seen that had made him cry again?

  As if drawn by the memories of the fox-child, Adam stands up straight, turns in the direction of the ruined village, and begins walking towards his next destination.

  Adam walked through the forest, retracing the steps of the fox-child, who had fled in fear. As he continued deeper into the woods, memories flowed through his mind - memories of the village where the child had once lived. He saw images of the child playing with other children, laughing as his close friends chased him.

  Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

  After witnessing a memory of the village in ruins, Adam knew how this tale would end. From that point on, the memories flooded his consciousness. The child had helped with labor, provided food to the elders, and nervously tried to talk with older girls. He had done many things for the village and had been shown love throughout it all. However, as the memories grew deeper, one person consistently featured in them - a village girl.

  It was like watching a romantic drama, with the village girl taking center stage in the memories. She had given the child a muffin, hugged him, and encouraged him, doing so much for him that the fox-child had developed feelings for her.

  "Yue," the girl said as she patted the fox-child.

  "Yue," she repeated as she guided him through the forest, holding his hand.

  "Yue," she said once more as she fed him fruits.

  The memories continued with the girl and Yue together, creating a heartwarming story. Yet, even knowing how it all would end, emotions began to grow within Adam. It felt as if someone else inside him was crying out, screaming at the tragedy of it all.

  Adam gritted his teeth harder as the memories progressed. Eventually, he saw an opening in the dense forest. He knew that a tragic sight awaited him at the end, but he walked towards it nonetheless. And then, he reached it.

  "A ruined village," was all Adam could think and say.

  Burnt-down homes, ruined wheat fields, destroyed and scattered furniture, and dead bodies littered the area. Adam walked towards the village, passing by mutilated bodies of dead villagers as he stepped out of the forest. A massacre had taken place here. It was obvious to anyone who looked upon the scene.

  Men, women, and children alike lay across the village as lifeless carcasses. Some had swords still impaled in their bodies, some were missing limbs, and others had been decapitated. It was a truly gruesome sight.

  However, Adam remained unfazed as he walked through the carnage. He had already seen this scene, not from Yue's memories, but from his own past life. The sight of bodies strewn across the fields was all too familiar to him.

  Adam had experienced it all before, and yet, something within him warned him to stop. Something inside screamed for him to turn back. But Adam continued his walk through the devastated village.

  He kept walking until he reached the spot where Yue had fallen to his knees and screamed in pain. Adam looked around, searching for the catalyst that had set it all in motion. Then, he saw it – a dead man, the chief of the village, and the father of the girl named Juliet. At this sight, Adam's heart twisted in pain, causing him to clench his fist so tightly that his nails drew blood from his palm. But despite the physical pain, all Adam felt was a seething rage.

  "This was obvious from the beginning, yet why?" Adam muttered, his face contorting with anger and confusion.

  Yue.

  Adam's body froze at the sound of that familiar voice. He turned his head to a small house to his left – a house that seemed so familiar, as if he had been there before. Adam approached the house, curiosity getting the better of him despite the inner warnings.

  As he walked, his heart raced faster and louder, his body becoming sluggish, as if all his energy had been sapped away in an instant. His vision blurred with tears, but Adam refused to waver. He had felt this pain many times before.

  Entering the house, Adam spotted the body of a girl, a sword piercing her chest. Her body appeared untouched, as if nature had not yet claimed its due. Grief and confusion washed over him as he approached her and turned her body to face him.

  “Why?”

  "Why am I crying?" Adam wondered, tears streaming down his face as he gazed upon the girl named Juliet. She wore a serene smile, even in death. Her beauty was striking – a small mole graced her right cheek, her long, shiny brown hair framed her face, and her lifeless brown eyes sparkled like jewels. He understood why Yue had fallen in love with her.

  Then one memory plays in his mind: “Juliet! I love you!” Yue yells to Juliet in the bright open field, “Please marry me!”

  Juliet giggles, her long hair moving along with the smooth wind. “Like always, you’re so cute when you try to act confident.”

  “I know you are older than me,” Yue says, looking up at the taller Juliet, “I know I’m not old enough to take responsibility, but I love you.” Yue gives Juliet a determined look. “So, what do you say?”

  Juliet closes her eyes and smiles. She turns around with her hands folded behind. She stays like that for a long while, thinking deeply about Yue's confession. Then she turns her head and says, “I’ll tell you tomorrow. I promise.”

  But the next day, it all happened. The day the village was raided by knights from the capital. Knight came from all directions, killing and preventing anyone from escaping. The knights yell of heretics and followers of demons. Juliet was holding Yue’s hand and pulling him towards her house. From behind, Juliet’s father screams for her daughter to run while holding down a knight. The two then hear the father’s screams, but they don't look back.

  They sprint into the house, and Juliet slams the door. Yue stands in shock, unable to register what is going on. Juliet grabs Yue’s hand again and guides him to a wooden closet. She opens it and pushes Yue into it. Yue knows what is about to happen next.

  He tries to yell at Juliet, but she puts her hand on his mouth, “Listen Yue, hide in here and don’t come out. And when they’re gone, run as far away from here as possible.”

  Yue shakes Juliet’s hand away and says, “Hide in here with me! If you stay out there, you’ll die-” Juliet puts her hand on his mouth again, then gently puts it down.

  Juliet gives Yue one last smile before confessing, “Yue, I love you.”

  Yue pauses in shock, tears begin to go down his eyes after her confession. Then Juliet closes the closet, and darkness is all Yue sees.

  The Memory Ends.

  Adam gently closes Juliet's eyes and stands up. He stares at her peaceful face one last time before turning and walking away.

  "This child is just like me… no, worse. We have both lost the one we fell in love with. But that's where the similarities end. I lost mine because I was a coward… Because I said I wasn’t strong, that if anyone follows me, they’ll die because I’m unable to protect them. That’s why I left her at her village, so she will never be in harm's way, yet…”

  Adam remembers every second of it, the scent of blood and rot in the air, the talks of good riddance of a witch, and… the head of his lover stuck atop a stake high up a wooden platform. “Yet I still lost her. I was always strong. I lied to myself that I was weak. I left her so she’ll never see who I am. The monster I am.”

  “But this child…” Adam starts, reminiscing upon the look Yue gave before Juliet’s end. The look of helplessness. “He lost her because he was weak. Because he couldn’t do a thing. All he could do… was watch.”

  The memory lingers in his mind like a paused moment. The memory of Yue watching in horror and anguish as Juliet is pierced by a sword, through her chest.

  The difference between a coward and a weakling.

  Adam exits the house and walks back toward where the hidden treasure is.

  After what seemed like forever, with the memory of the girl’s death still lingering in his mind, Adam now stands on top of the digging spot. He kneels and starts digging with his hands. He shovels away dirt and continues to do so until he sees a hint of an expensive chest. He fully digs it out and gets a full view of it. He continued until he uncovered a small chest adorned with jewels. Inside was a large golden bracelet with a purple gem at its center.

  Upon seeing it, one last memory plays in his mind: Yue and Juliet sit on grassy plains, talking and laughing together as if it’s another day. Yue looks down at Juliet’s wrist and sees the bracelet on her right hand.

  Yue asks what it was, and Juliet answers, “It’s a treasured memento of our village. There is a long story behind it too. Long ago, when a certain demon invasion began, the village was overrun by demons. People were killed, eaten, and smashed to smithereens. But when all hope was lost, the hero arrived. He slayed all the demons like they were nothing. He evaded their attacks and countered with grace. He cut down the demon and moved around the battlefield like dancing. And the sword he wielded spread a warm light that gave people courage and hope.”

  Juliet smiles as she rubs the bracelet with her other hand, “He saved this village and all the lives that reside in it. That’s why over the next few hundred years until the next hero is born, we pour mana into this bracelet. And when the news of the new hero’s exploits is heard, we will deliver this to the kingdom so that our village will finally repay the debt.”

  “Our debt to the hero.”

  "How... despicable," Adam murmured, looking down at the bracelet with cold eyes—eyes he had given to everyone he had killed. He picked it up and fastened it around his wrist. Mana coursed through his body, a feeling he hadn't experienced since awakening in this body. Adam expanded his senses and located the group of knights responsible for the massacre.

  Adam took a deep breath and spoke softly, "Fine then. Let me show you, Yue-"

  A white aura outlined Adam's body. He bent his legs, preparing to leap. In the blink of an eye, he launched himself high into the air, the ground shattering beneath him from the force. Suspended above the earth, he turned his gaze toward a small speck in the distance. His eyes glimmered white, and his vision zoomed in. Then, he saw a large group of knights accompanied by multiple large carts.

  “Why I’m called the White Death."