Episode 3: The Lost Child of Avalon
Ashikawa still lay there—cold, alone, and without any support. Around him, only the silence of death remained. His new father, new mother, and new siblings had all been taken from him right before his eyes.
But then, the sound of approaching footsteps broke his thoughts.
"Who is this child?"
Ashikawa slowly lifted his gaze and saw a regal couple standing before him, accompanied by several soldiers and other distinguished figures.
The moment he looked at the woman, an inexplicable warmth filled his heart. She was a beautiful lady—her silky white hair, deep blue eyes, and a royal yet gentle face radiated both sorrow and kindness. Beside her stood a solemn man—a powerful king whose eyes carried the weight of grief and regret.
Without hesitation, Ashikawa activated his Appraisal Skill.
> [TARGET IDENTIFIED: ALDRIC LEONHART III]
Title: King of Avalon
Power Level: S+ Rank
Abilities: Royal Bloodline, Divine Protection, Sword Mastery
Threat Level: Medium (Non-Hostile)
> [TARGET IDENTIFIED: SERAPHINA VALTHERION]
Title: Queen of Avalon
Power Level: A+ Rank
Abilities: Light Magic, Healing, Emotional Empathy
Threat Level: Very Low (Non-Hostile)
Analyzing them, Ashikawa realized that these people held immense power and respect. But more importantly, he noticed something unusual in their expressions—something that felt… familiar.
Queen Seraphina's face turned pale when her gaze fell upon a familiar insignia near Ashikawa—a crest belonging to Julius Alfred. Tears welled up in her eyes.
"Aldric… this child… could he be…?"
King Aldric placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Julius Alfred… he was a brave warrior. He fought desperately to protect his family… But we arrived too late. My brother… was a true hero."
Hearing this, Ashikawa immediately understood. This king was Julius Alfred's brother! That meant… these people were his new relatives.
But there was a problem—he still couldn't fully understand their language. He could grasp a few words but not everything. Then, Queen Seraphina softly whispered something, and suddenly, a notification appeared in his mind.
> [LANGUAGE ACQUISITION ACTIVATED]
Language Proficiency Level 1 → EXP Gained: 50 x 1.5 = 75
Understanding Progress: 20% → 35%
Now, Ashikawa was slowly starting to comprehend their words.
The Queen turned toward the King, her eyes filled with tears.
"Aldric… Please, let us take this child in. He has no one left."
King Aldric closed his eyes, taking a deep breath before speaking.
"My brother Julius was a great warrior. A true friend, a wonderful father. But I was too late. As a king… I could do nothing."
Seraphina gently squeezed his hand.
"But today, we can do something. This child… he will be ours."
King Aldric slowly nodded.
And in that moment, Ashikawa was given a new name—
"From today onward, his name shall be Hayashi Leonhart. He will be the second prince of Avalon!"
A New Beginning
Ashikawa thought to himself—"So, this is my new name… Hayashi Leonhart."
A new name, a new identity, and new parents. But within him, the same resolve remained—revenge, strength, and the pursuit of truth.
And soon, the world would come to know the tale of—"Julius Alfred, The Last Hero of Humanity."
But Ashikawa… no, Hayashi Leonhart, had already set forth on his own journey—toward his new destiny.