I Deny the Future

When I was young, I wanted to become an immortal, a sword-wielding hero who roamed the world and was admired by all.

When I grew up, I found that the promises I had made had withered away, lost among fading memories and years of study.

Only then did I realize I was just one of countless mayflies, my insignificant strength unable to leave a mark on the wheel of time.

Now, I raise my blade against fear, but strike at the cowardice in my heart, at the person I am today.

I put away the weapon and look at the three corpses in the pool of blood. A strange, aching sense of loss fills my heart. From that day on, the course of my life changed, entwining with an extraordinary path.