The cool, fresh air greeted as I walked out of the Frostvile Airport.
It is currently 8. a.m. in the morning.
The sky is blue, scattered with wisp white clouds, and the Frostvile Mountain in the distance, it's icy peaks glittering like diamonds as the sunlight scattered through it.
The city of [Frostvile] stretched out before , a perfect blend of ancient architecture and modern innovation. The crystal white streets stretched endlessly.
I adjusted my jacket and walked into the bustling city square.
The shops and hotels lining the streets were filled with life–vendors, selling clothes, and steaming street food that fills the air with it's rich, provocative aroma.
"So much has change after only 3 years," I murmured.
Before returning to my hotown, Honeyford, I decided to buy so clothes and a luggage bag, I did have my clothes in my [Inventory Ring], but I couldn't use those, as to prevent any unnecessary questioning, I chose not to were them, every single item was of high quality and value–luxuries only people with high status like nobles could afford.
Additionally, I couldn't even use my [Inventory Ring] in public either, because it was the rarest of rare artifacts, valued so highly that you could probably buy part of Frostvile Mountain with it.
A standard [Inventory Ring] had a build-in storage capacity, allowing items to be stored in a confined dinsional space.
Mine worked the sa but it's capacity is vast, It could store up to fifty airplanes inside it. Even a regular [Inventory Ring] was rare. Each price worth as much as a national treasure.
As I wandered around, I stopped in front of an ancient looking clothing store.
"Let see..."
Pushing the creaky door open, I stepped inside and greeted by a badly organized space, with racks of cloaks, robes, and boots cramd into every available corner.
Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a warm sensation, while an ancient stove in the corner struggled to keep the cool at bay, puffing occasional plus of smoke. The air slled faintly of wool, lavender and an explicit hint of burning coal.
Behind the counter stood a man in his fifties wearing an outlandish fur coat, its arms outstretched like it was guarding the rchandise.
Above it, a hand-painted sigh read: 'No refunds. All sales final unless I like you.'
Cloaks enchanted to repel ice spells dangling on racks labelled, "Battle-tested!" while boots advertised as: 'Never Slip Again!.'
"The heck's wrong with this pl—"
"~What can I get you sir?! We sell almost everything from head to toe every possible accessory. Na it, and I will present it to you!" After spotting the shop owner greeted with a creepy smile.
"Umm... I'm... just looking around."
"Please take you ti, ~Good Sir."
'That scared the shit out of .'
As I browse around a bit, my eyes stopped on a black long coat–
"~Ah, this coat is perfect for soone like you! Durable, stylish, and only 300 thousand," said the creepy shopkeeper.
"Three hundred!? Are you selling the coat or a piece of the Frostvile Mountain with it?"
"Quality has its price, young man."
"At this rate, I'll have to offer a kidney to afford even a glove." I said jokingly.
"Well, if you're offering..."
"It was a joke"
'What's with this guy!'
"~Oh... with this coat you even get a free enchanted hat!" the creepy shopkeeper said, presenting sothing... vaguely resembling a hat. It has two big round eyes, and few red feathers on top.
"Why does it look like a chicken?" I asked.
"It's not a chicken! It's a Frost Phoenix, symbolizing power and grace." He explained.
Hmm. Frost Phoenix never heard of them.
"It's staring at like I owe it money."
"That's just enchantnt working! It's intimidating your enemies!"
"I'm more worried about intimidating myself... Does this place even sell decent clothes?"
"~By all ans Sir! Take a look at this scarf, It's really friendl–cough!...I an fancy!, It's currently our best-selling item."
'Eh? Did he just...'
The creepy looking shpokeeper pulled out a scarf. The scarf is glittered in a mix combination of pink, red, blue and purple colour.
"Doesn't it look like it belonged in a children's birthday party."
"Ok then. How about this one?" the creepy shopkeeper proceeds to pulls out a plain looking grey scarf.
I took the scarf from his hand and tried it on. The scarf has a Woolen texture to it. I kind of like it.
"Finally, sothing that says 'I'm serious.'" I complented.
"~Oh, it does say sothing. It whispers motivational quotes while you wear it."
"You are kidding."
[Scarf]: " You can do it!"
"Take it off! Take it off right now!"
'What is wrong with this place. Should I just run away.'
"Hey! Hey! Don't through him! Wait sir! Don't Go! Please... just one chance...give one chance! I have clothes with no enchantnt and with no hidden creatu–cough!... I an no hidden magic tool in it!"
"..."
With that he presented so decent cheap looking clothes, I carefully examined it before adding it to my basket.
Now I only need weapon and a luggage bag.
"Also, show a long sword, with decent material and it has to be light weight." I ordered.
"~As you wish sir!" From the corner rack he pulled out a long old looking sword. "This sword is perfect for you. Normally, it's 500 thousand, but for you, I'll do 150."
"That's suspiciously generous. What's wrong with it?"
"Nothing! It's just... uh... slightly haunted."
"Define 'slightly.'"
"~Oh, just occasional whispers and maybe a scream or two at night. Totally manageable!"
"I'm paying extra NOT to have a screaming sword."
"..."
Finally, after an exhausting amount of negotiation (and resisting the urge to strangle the creepy shopkeeper), I walked out with a dium sized leather luggage bag inside it was 6 pairs of clothes, and a plain looking katana. The creepy shopkeeper tried one last ti to convince to take the 'Motivational scarf', but I was out of there before he could finish his pitch.
I made my way to a food stall. The sll of grilled frost trout and hot spicy cider was irresistible.
I sat down, savouring the warmth of the al against the chill of the air.
The food tasted better than I rembered, or maybe I just hadn't had the ti to enjoy simple pleasure in years.
As I ate, my thought wandered. [Frostvile] was one of the five [Elental] kingdoms, each nad after and ruled by their dominant [Elentals]: [Frostvile] for ice, [Pyrestone] for fire, [Terranova] for earth, [Stormshade] for wind, and [Aquadore] for water.
Each kingdom thrives on pursuing its magical affinity they are rich with, their people adept in their respective [Elental]. Yet, unlike most, I had the rare ability to wield all five–that set apart, even among the top heroes.
I had wielded that power to beco 'Rank–1'. But now, I wonder if even that was enough.
My thoughts darkened as I rembered the mysterious figure killing –its golden blood–its mocking words.
That mysterious enemy wasn't just strong–it was an unknown existence, which defies even my logic and reasoning. And it had defeated like... I was nothing.
My mories are still fresh. It's like it had happened just yesterday, I couldn't shake the feeling that there was a threat in this world that–I couldn't handle, even with all my power. That very thought chilled more that Frostvile's air.
And what of this newfound skill [Immortality]? No matter how much I focus I couldn't even tell what that skill actually does or what are its limitations or even its side effects.
Would it work again if I fail?
'Or was it a one-ti miracle with unknown consequences?'
I decided to make my every move carefully. And to avoid any unnecessary attention. I wouldn't return to the Hero Association.
They had betrayed , discarded like a tool. For now, I would just lay low and live quietly.
If the world needs a hero again then 'soone' else would have to take that burden.
With my mind made up, I made my way to the Frostvile Central Station. The air buzzed with the rhythmic sound of trains arriving and departing. Each train looked like a masterpiece, sleek and glistering with frost along its surface.
Unlike conventional trains, the doesn't rely on tracks, it hovers and move along invisible air currents, the design of the train combines modern technology and ancient magical rune–engraved into its bottom surface.
I approached the counter, where a bored attendant looked up from her magazine.
"I ticket to Honeyford," I said.
She typed on a glowing panel and handed the ticket. "Platform 7. Departure in 20 minutes."
As I made my way through the crowded terminal, where passengers bustled with energy, lugging their belongings while children ran around chasing enchanted snowballs.
It felt nostalgic, this blend of peace and joy.
Arriving at Platform 7, I noticed a young boy and his mother sitting on a bench.
The boy held a small [Ice Fox] in his lap, its tiny body shimring with faint [Frost Elental] as it wagged its fluffy tail.
The sight brought a faint smile to my lips.
I boarded the train and settled into my seat by the window.
The train began to move, I stared out, watching Frostvile Mountain's snowy landscape blur into motion. It whizzed past towering pine tree forest coated in snow, glittering lakes reflecting the sun light, and small villages nested like jewels in the white wide space.
It had been three years since I last saw Honeyford.
My heart felt a strange mix of anticipation and anxiety.
Would anything has changed?
The train's speaker announcing the next station: "Next Station–Honeyford".
I adjusted my coat and glanced at my reflection in the window. The person staring back at was soone I barely recognized–a shadow of the man I once was.
The reflection was cold, stiff, with silver eyes that carried battles fought in silence.
My hair was darker than I rembered, fell over my forehead, and my lips pressed together in a smile that betrays my unease.
Would they recognize ?
Would my old life be waiting for ?
As I stepped off, breathing in the familiar scent of pine and snow.
Honeyford was a quiet town, its charm deep rooted in simplicity.
The scent of fresh snow mingled with the aroma of fresh strawberries, and the cozy hos and small shops, looked almost untouched by ti.
'It was exactly as I rembered.'
As I entered the town square, my eyes were drawn to a familiar building: my parent's café.
It's warm, inviting glow stood out even amidst the cozy town.
The wooden sign above the door, engraved with the na 'Skylark Café', Swinging gentle by the breeze.
As I approached, I hesitated at the door, my heart pounding.
It had been three years since I last saw them. Would they recognize ? Did they think I was dead? The very answer terrifies , but I couldn't stay away from it any longer.
Sigh! Breath in...Breath Out...Breath in...Breath Out...
Taking a deep breath, I pushed open the door. The bell above jingled softly, and the warmth of the café engulfed .
The scent of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries hit , bringing back a flood of mories.For a brief mont I forgot all my worries.
Behind the counter stood a woman with gentle features and dark, wavy hair tied in a loose bun. She was serving a custor, her movents gracefully, carefully and yet elegant.
'She hasn't changed a bit.'
"Welco to Skylark Café!" she said cheerfully, her head bowed as she finished wrapping up an order.
But when she looked up, she saw completely, her smile faded, replaced by a look of stunned disbelief.
I felt my throat tightened and an aching pain run through my throat, as I took a step forward. "Hello, ...Mother," I said, my voice trembling.
"..."
Her eyes widened, and the tray she was holding fell off her hands clattering near the counter.
For a mont, there was only silence.
Then she rushed around the counter, her hands covering her mouth as tears stread down her face.
"Zane..." she whispered, her voice breaking. "Is... this really... you?"
I nodded, unable to utter a word. My vision blurred as she reached , pulling into her tight embrace.
Her warmth, her scent–it was everything I had missed.
"You are... alive–you are alive! –you are alive!," she sobbed, her voice filled with both relief and pain. "My baby boy... my Zane..."
I clung to her like a lifeline, my own tears falling freely, soaking her Sholder wet. For the first ti in years, I felt like a son and not like so Rank–1 Hero.
And in that mont, all the pain, sorrow, suffering, betrayal, and fear lted away.
"Mom, I am ho."
I was ho.
End of Chapter
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