Veiled Figures

Kuro, the enigmatic figure who had faced countless dangers, now found himself in an unexpected role: the guardian of a small family of seven children. They were all around 5-13 years old. There were 3 boys and 4 girls. The children, orphaned in a tragic accident, had been taken in by an elderly couple, Kuro's foster grandparents. 

Kuro, despite his gruff exterior, possessed a deep-seated compassion for the children. He had seen firsthand the hardships they had endured and was determined to provide them with a safe and loving home.

Kuro worked tirelessly to support the family, taking on multiple jobs to ensure that the children had everything they needed. He would often be seen working as a construction worker. He also took on odd jobs around the town, always willing to lend a helping hand.

Despite his busy schedule, Kuro always made time for the children. He would play with them, teach them, and listen to their stories. He became a father figure to them, a source of comfort and guidance.

The elderly couple, Kuro's foster grandparents, were also instrumental in caring for the children. They provided a loving and nurturing home, filling the void left by the children's parents.

One day, while walking through the forest, Kuro stumbled upon a hidden cave. Inside, he discovered a treasure trove of ancient artifacts. With the help of a local scholar, Kuro was able to identify the artifacts as relics from a long-lost civilization.

Kuro decided to sell the artifacts, using the money to provide for the children and improve their living conditions. He was able to send them to a better school.

The children were overjoyed with their newfound prosperity. They were grateful to Kuro for everything he had done for them. They knew that without him, they would have been lost.

As the years passed, Kuro and the children formed a tight-knit family. They faced challenges together, supported each other through difficult times, and celebrated their triumphs. Kuro had found a purpose in life, a family he could call his own.

Kuro's foster grandfather, a kind and gentle old man, owned a small grocery store near their home. Kuro would often help him out, tending to customers and stocking shelves. The grandfather was grateful for Kuro's assistance, and they shared a warm and loving bond.

Sunlight streamed through Kuro's window, casting a warm glow on his sleeping face. Kuro groaned, his mouth hanging open as he snored blissfully."Big bro, wake up already! It's 7:20!" Hana, Kuro's energetic little sister, barged into his room, broom in hand. Without hesitation, she whacked him on the back. "You're gonna be late for school!"Kuro yelped, rubbing his sore back. "Ow! I'm up, I'm up! No more hitting!"Hana rolled her eyes. "It's 7:20, you're not gonna have time for breakfast!"Kuro's eyes widened in horror. "What? No time for breakfast?!" He scrambled out of bed, his movements a blur as he rushed to get ready. He pulled on his clothes, brushed his teeth, and grabbed a piece of bread from the kitchen."You never eat your breakfast on time," his grandmother scolded, her voice filled with exasperation. "If you keep this up, you're going to collapse one day."Kuro grinned sheepishly. "Sorry, Grandma," he replied."I'm going!" he shouted, stuffing the bread into his mouth. He grabbed his backpack and raced out the door, narrowly avoiding a collision with his grandfather, who was just entering the house."Wait, Kuro!" his grandfather called out. "You forgot your lunch!". Kuro ran so fast that he was practically a blur, disappearing down the street in an instant. "How can big bro run so fast? It's like he used to be a runner or something," Hana said.

Kuro's other brother, Onno, watched Kuro run off with a mix of admiration and envy. "So cool!" he exclaimed, his eyes wide with excitement. "I want to be like Big Brother one day."Hana smiled at her younger brother. "Yes, you can, Onno," she said encouragingly. "But don't try to copy him completely. You're your own person, with your own unique talents and skills."Onno's expression brightened. He thought about Hana's words, and he realized that she was right. He didn't have to be exactly like Kuro to be successful. He just had to be himself."Besides," Hana continued, "Big Brother isn't as perfect as you think. He's terrible at cooking and cleaning, and he can't even tie his own shoelaces.

"Her grandmother said, "But he does care about us, even though he doesn't always show it. He is a great kid, Isn't he?" Hana nodded, her eyes filled with love and admiration for her older brother. "He's the best," she replied. As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the village, Kuro and his family gathered for dinner. They shared stories, laughed, and enjoyed each other's company. It was a simple moment, but it was one that Kuro would cherish forever.

[In the Afternoon at the university's break room]

Kuro was on his break, sitting in a quiet corner of the staff room, slowly eating his lunch. The hum of distant conversations and the clatter of utensils from the cafeteria barely reached him, providing a momentary escape from the hustle of the restaurant.

Kuro finished his lunch and stepped out of the staff room. He heard his name called from a distance and turned to see Mika approaching."Hey, Four Eyes," Kuro greeted her, a playful grin on his face.

Mika rolled her eyes. "Can you stop calling me that? I have a name, you know."Mika rolled her eyes. "It's Mika," she repeated, her patience wearing thin."Right, Mika," Mika asked, "So, have you finished your lunch?" Kuro nodded and replied, "Yeah, I'm done."Mika, known for her exceptional sensing abilities, had been feeling a disturbance in the Force for some time. She knew that something big was brewing, something that could potentially pose a significant threat to the realm.

"Listen," she said to Kuro, her voice filled with urgency. "I think there's something wrong."Kuro raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"Mika hesitated, trying to find the right words. "I've been sensing a disturbance in the Force. Something big is coming." Kuro widened his eyes and said," Oh, there must be another Four-Asses Monster this time. (Referring to Four-Arms Berserker monster)." Mika asked with a surprised face, "Did you fight The Four-Arms monster? I didn't know". Mika understood that he did win without any problem.

Kuro and Mika continued walking, their conversation growing more animated as they discussed the potential threat."Do you think it could be related to the recent increase in monster activity?" Mika asked.

Kuro nodded. "It's possible. Maybe there's a dark force at work, trying to destabilize the realm. We still don't know who, why, and where are they?"Mika's intuition told her that it was likely a powerful group behind the resurgence of monsters. They would need a deep understanding of magic and exceptional control to manipulate the forces that were causing these creatures to awaken. Not just any wizard could pull off such a feat.

"It's not just any group," Mika said, her voice filled with conviction. "They must have a deep understanding of magic and exceptional control. It's a level of power that few possess."Mika took a deep breath and said to Kuro to be prepared they needed to gather information.

Kuro agreed and gave a thumbs-up to Mika and said, "Good luck with it that". Mika got confused and asked why, and he said good luck. Kuro doesn't want to be involved with this. He just wanted to be free from those fights. He said to Mika," Unlike you, I don't get paid for that, why should I kill them if I don't get paid?"

Mika asked why he didn't get paid for that. All the guild members get paid for their accomplishments. The more wizard finishes their job, the more they get paid from the specific guild fund. Kuro replied with a sarcasm that," No money, no fight."

Mika then asked why he didn't get paid. Mika was taken aback. "But you're a wizard. Think, We can make a good team, don't you think?"

Kuro replied again, "Nah". Mika sighed, disappointed. "Fine," she said, turning away. "I'll do it myself." Mika understood that Kuro was not in a guild. If he was in a guild, he could easily get so many jobs. He is a wizard after all.

Kuro, however, remained unconcerned. He was content with his peaceful life and had no interest in getting involved in the brewing conflict.

Mika tried to persuade Kuro to join her in investigating the threat. She emphasized the need for powerful wizards like him to unite against the rising darkness. However, Kuro remained steadfast in his refusal. He was not motivated by money or fame, and he preferred to avoid the dangers of combat.

Mika understood Kuro's reluctance but was determined to find a solution. She knew that the threat was too great to ignore, and she would need all the help she could get.

Mika tried to convince Kuro to help her fight the growing darkness, but he refused. She left, determined to face the threat alone. Kuro watched her go, content with his peaceful life.

[Somewhere in a district called Sakurahara city] 

In the heart of Sakurahara City, a metropolis known for its vibrant nightlife, there was a renowned bar called "The Crimson Moon." This dimly lit establishment, with its worn leather couches and vintage decor, was a popular gathering place for locals and visitors alike.

One evening, as the bar filled with patrons, two mysterious figures entered. They were cloaked in shadows, their faces obscured by the dim light. The patrons watched with a mixture of curiosity and unease as the strangers took a seat at a secluded table.