In a poor countryside village, there lived a
small family of four who always helped each other through hardship.
-"Holland, you've studied enough for today. You should rest and enjoy your evening," said the eldest in the house, Thomas Williams, who was standing beside a wooden study desk. His frail, aging body trembled slightly with concern for his first grandson, Holland Williams.
-"Thank you, Grandpa, but I still have a lot of work to do. I'll be eating dinner late, so no need to wait for me. If I skip the meal, feel free to give my portion to Willin and Shun," Holland replied, still focused on his advanced study materials.
-"Skipping dinner won't help you stay strong enough to keep going. I know you're trying hard to study so you can help this family, but you've been at it for sixteen hours straight. We may be poor, but that doesn't mean I'll let you starve yourself for the sake of learning," Grandpa Thomas said gently.
The oldest brother stepped in, holding a piece of bread. It was Shun Williams, just 12 years old and barely 157 cm tall, with worry in his eyes.
-"You should eat something too, big bro," Shun said. "I know you want to get into Hard-Wirrt Academy, but... we can take our time, right? We still have time."
-"Thanks, kiddo... You're not secretly working at that diner again, are you?" Holland asked with a soft smile, ruffling Shun's hair. "Your brother and I worked so hard to make sure you could go to school properly. Just hang in there until you finish high school, and I'll take you to Hard-Wirrt myself. But promise me—give up on that whole hero dream, okay? It's way too dangerous for someone so young and inexperienced who hasn't seen the real world yet."
Shun looked down, a bit embarrassed that his secret part-time job had been found out. But then, suddenly, he clenched his fists, eyes burning with resolve.
-"No! I'll study—and I will become a Hero! I want to step into the city and protect it from monsters, even just once! I made a promise to myself!"
After saying that, Shun chuckled and ran off to play, leaving the bread on the table for Holland and Grandpa Thomas. The two could only sigh and chuckle softly.
-"That kid's always like that. Always trying to protect what he loves, and the people he loves. Alright, eat your bread, son, then keep studying. I'll go wash the dishes with Willin. Study well and sleep tight," said Grandpa Thomas as he left Holland's room.
Holland gave a soft laugh and began nibbling on the bread while continuing to study.
Downstairs, Grandpa Thomas and Willin — the second oldest grandson, younger brother of Holland and older brother of Shun — were tidying up the dining table, the clinking sounds of cleanup echoing around.
-"So how's it going, Grandpa? Did Holland skip dinner like usual?" Willin asked with a soft smile as he cleaned up.
-"Thanks to that little Shun, Holland actually ate tonight. That boy's always buried in his books, wasting his youth," Grandpa Thomas replied as he settled into the sofa. Willin just chuckled.
-"Where's Shun now, Grandpa? Did he sneak off to play with the village kids again?" Willin asked as he did the dishes.
- "Probably. He's always up to something playful. One kid's obsessed with studying and working, the other can't stop playing. I guess you're the only normal one in the house — balancing study and chores," Grandpa Thomas laughed.
Willin laughed and nodded in agreement.
-"Well, someone's gotta keep this family from falling apart," he said jokingly.
Grandpa Thomas grinned.
-"You're a good boy, Willin. Just like your older brother Kiba used to be. Strong, calm… dependable."
At the mention of Kiba, a silence lingered for a moment. Willin's hands paused in the water, and the air felt just a bit heavier.
-"Do you miss him, Grandpa?" Willin asked softly.
Grandpa Thomas looked toward the window, where the last light of dusk was fading behind the distant hills.
-"Every day," he answered, voice low. "But I know he's out there doing what he believes is right. Just like you will, someday."
Willin didn't reply, but his eyes gleamed with a mix of pride and sorrow.
From outside, the distant laughter of Shun and a few village kids echoed through the twilight, carrying warmth into the quiet home.
- "He really does light up this house," Grandpa Thomas said with a smile. "Even when everything feels cold."
Willin dried his hands and looked out the window.
- "He'll be special, Grandpa. I don't know how yet… but I can feel it. Shun's not like the rest of us."
-"No," Thomas agreed. "He's more. Much more."
And in that quiet evening, beneath a sky now studded with stars, the three generations lived out another peaceful moment—unaware of the storms destiny was slowly stirring on the horizon.
Time passed like the wind. In the blink of an eye, a year had gone by.
It was finally the day Holland left for the city to attend university.
He embraced his loved ones—Shun, Willin, and Grandpa Thomas—offering words of encouragement to Shun and entrusting Willin with taking care of both him and their grandfather.
After saying his goodbyes, Holland climbed onto the carriage and departed.
The image of the carriage gradually fading into the distance left Shun with a strange emptiness in his heart—an indescribable feeling.
Willin placed a hand on Shun's shoulder, gently encouraging him.
The two brothers embraced tightly. Willin promised to take care of their grandfather, and Shun promised he would focus harder on his studies.
Just then, Shun noticed a group approaching—an elite party of heroes, knights clad in armor—marching toward their humble village.
His heart leapt with excitement.
It was the first time he had ever seen outsiders come to their village—let alone a full-fledged hero squad.