The Morning Of Fire

Chapter 30 – The Morning Of Fire

The village of Guard lay under a warm sunrise, rooftops glittering with dew.

Smoke rose from chimneys, carrying the smell of bread and porridge.

Merchants set up stalls, calling out to neighbors. Life flowed in a calm, familiar rhythm.

For Shinra, it was strange.

The moment his eyes opened, he knew—this wasn't his present.

He was back again, walking inside his father's memories.

Bare-chested, sweat glistening, Hiroshi's blade cut through the air with sharp, precise arcs. His movements were a dance of discipline.

Children peeked from behind barrels, whispering in awe.

"Look at him move…"

"Someday I'll be that strong!"

When Hiroshi sheathed his sword, the children rushed after him like sparrows chasing the wind.

The Children's Request

"Swordsman! Teach us!"

One boy stood in his path, eyes shining. Others echoed him.

"Please!"

"Just one move!"

Hiroshi frowned, ready to wave them off… but their eager faces softened him.

"Fine. But only the basics."

Cheers erupted. Villagers gathered, curious and smiling.

"Stance," Hiroshi commanded, feet apart, knees bent. "A sword is useless without balance."

The children copied him, wobbling and laughing. Hiroshi corrected their hands, guiding them with patience.

Shinra froze. His father's voice was calm… kind. So different from the stern man he remembered.

For the first time, Shinra wondered—had his father once dreamed of being a teacher, not just a warrior?

Sofia Appears, "Good morning!"

Her voice cut through the chatter.

Sofia walked into the square, basket of herbs in hand. The children rushed to her.

"Sofia! Come watch!"

Blushing, she hesitated. Hiroshi gave her a faint smile.

"If you can keep them from falling on their faces, I wouldn't mind."

Laughter rippled. Soon, she was beside him, steadying small hands and correcting footing.

Shinra's chest ached. His parents… together, smiling, moving

in sync.

A life he never had.

Hidden Shadows

But not everyone was smiling.

At the edge of the crowd stood two guild members—Lucus and Thomas.

Arms crossed. Eyes sharp. Watching.

Shinra's gaze narrowed.

It wasn't random. Every cheer, every push from the children…

had been nudged forward by them. Lucus whispered to one boy. Thomas motioned to

another.

They set this up.

They weren't betraying Hiroshi. But they were teasing him.

Shinra's fists clenched. So that's it…

The Blast

Then—

BOOM!

An explosion ripped through the eastern side of the village.

The ground shook. Windows shattered. Stalls collapsed in fire and smoke.

"Fire!"

"The village is under attack!"

Panic. Screams. Children scattered.

Hiroshi stepped forward, sword flashing.

"Stay behind me!"

Sofia gathered the children, shielding them with trembling arms. "Don't scatter! Stay together!" Her eyes snapped toward Hiroshi as he moved away, her breath catching in her throat.

Shinra turned—Lucus and Thomas weren't panicking.

Instead, they traded cold glances. Then they vanished into the smoke.

They feel something coming…

Another explosion tore the air apart.

The golden morning became fire and chaos.

Through the blur, Shinra's last sight was of Hiroshi stepping into the smoke, sword raised—while Lucus and Thomas slipped into the shadows.