Arc 1: The Beginning of the Fall
The skeletal remains of the Takeda Corporation building clawed at the night sky, its unfinished frame a jagged monument against the neon-drenched sprawl of South Tokyo. Below, the construction site was a graveyard of twisted metal and shattered concrete, slick with dark, viscous puddles-remnants of corrupted machinery, now reduced to nothing but crimson smears.
A single word echoed through the empty expanse.
"VOID!"
The air trembled as reality itself seemed to fracture. The last vestiges of the wreckage disintegrated, leaving only silence and the boy at its center. His chest rose and fell in ragged breaths, dark eyes alight with something raw, something volatile.
Then-clap... clap... clap.
Slow, deliberate applause cut through the wind. A lone figure stepped from the shadows of the steel framework, his long coat shifting with the breeze. The city lights caught a glint of metal at his throat, casting his face in sharp relief.
"Impressive," the man murmured, voice smooth, measured. He regarded the boy with an intensity that sent warning signals through every fiber of his being.
Suho''s muscles remained taut, energy still thrumming beneath his skin, ready to ignite again. He''s not security. His stance... his presence. He''s something else.
"Who are you?" Suho demanded.
The man took another step forward, exuding a calm that felt deliberate, practiced. "You may call me Saito," he said. "And I have an offer for you."
Suho said nothing, but his eyes darkened with skepticism.
"The Hunters Academy," Saito continued. "A place where people like you hone their abilities. A life with purpose. Stability. Power."
Suho scoffed, his lips curling in something that wasn''t quite amusement. "And an early death?" His voice dripped with dry cynicism. "No thanks."
He turned and walked away, his footsteps echoing against the hollow bones of the building. He didn''t need to look back. He could feel Saito''s gaze on him, lingering, calculating.
The wind picked up, and behind him, Saito''s form shimmered, the illusion dissolving like smoke. What remained was a taller man, his presence colder, his smirk unreadable.
"We meet again, Suho," he murmured.
---
The city pulsed with its usual nighttime rhythm as Suho strode through the streets. Neon signs flickered overhead, their reflections distorting in the puddles beneath his feet.
Then-a heavy hand landed on his shoulder.
"Oi, Suho!"
Suho turned to see his older brother, Kun, grinning like an idiot. His phone, screen cracked, was clutched loosely in one hand.
"Fucking girl broke up with me," Kun announced, attempting to mask the hurt beneath forced bravado.
Suho snorted. "Hah! You dumbass. Told you she wouldn''t last."
Kun leaned in, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "At least I tasted her first."
Suho rolled his eyes, but despite himself, a smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.
Kun suddenly shoved a crumpled flyer into Suho''s hands. "Hey, check this out."
Suho unfolded it under the streetlights. "Free accommodations. Free food. Free training. Join now! Administration needs you!"
Kun practically vibrated with excitement. "WHOAAA! Free place to sleep, free food, training-AND maybe we''ll find a girl for you!"
Suho''s expression turned flat. Free? Nothing was ever truly free.
"Nah, I''ll pass." He tossed the flyer back.
Kun''s enthusiasm faltered, his smile slipping into something desperate. "Suho... we don''t have anywhere else to go." His voice carried a quiet plea, edged with something raw. "We''re broke. This might be our only shot."
Silence stretched between them.
Kun exhaled sharply. "Screw it. I''m calling." His fingers trembled slightly as he dialed the number.
Suho said nothing, watching his brother''s face, the way hope and fear warred behind his eyes.
A few minutes later, a sleek black car pulled up to the curb. The doors unlocked with a quiet click.
Kun hesitated. Suho did too.
Then, without a word, they climbed inside.
---
The ride was unnervingly smooth, the silence inside the car oppressive. Neither brother spoke.
When they arrived, the sight before them was... unexpected.
A sprawling complex loomed ahead-an imposing blend of modern architecture and fortified structures. Hunter Academy. Or Counter Academy, depending on who you asked. A place that trained warriors. A place where the strong survived.
Kun, however, had different priorities.
"Whoaaaa! So many hot girls!" His eyes darted across the courtyard. "Bro, we gotta-"
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Suho grabbed him by the arm. "Focus, Kun."
Kun pouted but obeyed.
They approached the registration desk, where a woman with a businesslike expression slid a clipboard toward them. "Names and ranks."
Kun hesitated. "Uh... our ranks?"
Suho met her gaze. "We don''t know."
She barely reacted. Instead, she picked up her phone. "Yes. Understood, sir."
When she hung up, she slid their forms back. "You''re clear to go."
As they walked away, she picked up her pen and, in the space marked Rank, wrote a single letter:
S.
---
The academy''s main hall buzzed with energy. Recruits tested their abilities-flashes of light, bursts of power. Others murmured quiet goodbyes to loved ones, their voices tinged with sorrow.
Kun, however, had a different focus.
"Bro," he whispered, eyes locked on a girl across the hall. "She''s... gorgeous."
Suho followed his gaze. A girl stood near the far end, composed, poised, utterly unaware of Kun''s gawking.
Kun took a step forward-
A violent gust of wind slashed between them.
A gleaming spear stopped inches from Kun''s chest, the air still thrumming with energy.
A man towered before them, his stance relaxed, but his presence dangerous.
"Oops," he said with a smirk. "Said ''puncture,'' and this stupid spear flew out. Good thing I didn''t skewer you, huh?"
Kun blinked. Then, inexplicably-
He grinned.
"Hahahaha! Nice one, man! Cool move!"
He clapped the guy on the shoulder, completely unfazed.
Suho exhaled sharply. Of course, he''d make friends with the guy who almost impaled him.
---
Suho, who had been on edge and ready to intervene, let out a deep sigh. His fear gave way to sheer exasperation as he muttered under his breath, "My brother is so damn stupid." His voice carried the weight of frustration, tinged with disbelief. Kun had nearly gotten himself killed-yet here he was, laughing.
"ATTENTION!"
A booming voice cut through the murmurs in the hall, commanding instant silence. A man, impeccably dressed in a sharp suit, stood at the center of the raised platform. His presence exuded authority, his polished shoes gleaming under the bright lights.
"Welcome to Counters Academy!" he declared, his voice carrying a confident enthusiasm that sent an electric energy rippling through the crowd. Cheers erupted, applause filling the grand hall.
"My name is Park," he continued, voice amplified by unseen speakers. "You may address me as Mr. Park."
While the majority of students buzzed with excitement, Kun''s attention was elsewhere. His gaze had found her-the girl from earlier. Now that she was closer, he could see the delicate sharpness of her features, the effortless way she carried herself. She''s even more beautiful up close.
Suho, however, remained focused on Mr. Park, his expression unreadable.
"As you know, Counters operate in specialized squads," Mr. Park announced, his voice slicing through the murmurs. "Now, I will call out the names and assign you to your living quarters."
A pause. Then-
"SUHO! KUN! JACKSON! MIKA! SMILEY! ZHANGWA!"
Kun flinched at the volume, rubbing his ear. "Damn, old man, take it down a notch."
Mr. Park gestured towards a hallway. "Your living quarters are that way. Proceed immediately. Your training begins at dawn."
Kun and Suho exchanged a quick glance before following the designated path. As they walked, Mr. Park''s voice continued to echo behind them, calling out more names with the same ear-shattering intensity.
"He''s got a throat made of iron," Kun muttered, shaking his head.
Before long, they arrived at their assigned living quarters. Suho hesitated for a fraction of a second before stepping inside. The room was modern, spacious, and surprisingly comfortable. Four others were already there, unpacking their belongings.
A muscular man turned toward them with a friendly grin. "You must be Kun and Suho, right?" His voice was deep, steady-exuding confidence. He looked older than the rest, his broad frame hinting at years of experience.
Kun immediately extended a hand. "Yeah! That''s us!"
The man shook his hand firmly. "Jackson. Nice to meet you."
Kun nodded enthusiastically as he looked around. Two designated shower areas-one for men, one for women. A large flat-screen TV. The subtle glow of a Wi-Fi router. This place is nice.
Jackson motioned toward the others. "Let me introduce you. That guy over there?" He gestured to a figure sprawled out on a bed, completely unbothered by their arrival. "That''s Smiley. He sleeps... a lot."
Kun raised an eyebrow. "What, like, all the time?"
Smiley let out a half-hearted grunt, barely acknowledging them.
Jackson chuckled and pointed towards the far left. "That''s Zhangwa."
A cheerful girl with sharp eyes gave a playful salute. "Zhangwa, 16, B-rank, Striker class! Also, I have a very big brain!" She tapped her temple with exaggerated confidence.
Kun grinned at her enthusiasm. Suho, on the other hand, sighed internally. Another Kun. Just... slightly less infuriating.
"And over there," Jackson continued, "is Mika."
Kun''s breath caught in his throat. Mika. The girl he had been fixated on. Up close, she was even more mesmerizing. His brain immediately spiraled into delusions-romantic walks, candlelit dinners, a house filled with their future children''s laughter-
Thwack!
Suho smacked the back of Kun''s head, the sound echoing through the room.
"You''re creeping her out," Suho deadpanned.
Mika''s expression remained unreadable, but there was a fleeting glint of unease in her eyes.
"Hehehe, sorry," Kun said, rubbing his head. "Didn''t mean to stare..."
Jackson cleared his throat. "Alright, let''s get introductions done. I''ll go first." He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "Name''s Jackson, 28. Ex-military combatant. Rank: A. Class: Tank. My specialty? Corrupted objects."
Kun''s eyes widened in admiration. "Whoa! Ex-military? That''s badass!"
Zhangwa beamed. "Me next! Zhangwa, 16! Rank B, Striker class! And like I said, my brain is big!"
Suho glanced at her. Lively, full of energy. Definitely reminds me of Kun... just slightly less annoying.
Mika spoke next, her voice soft yet clear. "Mika, 18. Rank B. Healer class."
Kun nearly fell over. A healer? She''s perfect!
Suho sighed, already seeing where this was going.
"My turn," he said flatly. "Suho, 17. Rank C. Class-unknown. My ability is Infinity Void Manipulation."
Silence.
Every pair of eyes locked onto him. Even Smiley cracked open an eye.
Jackson''s jaw clenched slightly. Impossible. Void Manipulation is never a C-rank ability.
---
Kun leaned forward, completely unfazed by the heavy tension. "Kun, 18. Rank C. Class-also unknown. My ability is Shadow Manifestation!"
Another heavy silence filled the room.
Zhangwa''s mouth hung open slightly. Smiley blinked slowly. Mika''s expression barely shifted, but there was a slight crease in her brow.
Jackson, however, was barely containing his shock. Shadow Manifestation and Infinity Void Manipulation? These were abilities that transcended normal rankings. Yet these two are marked as C-rank?
Jackson''s mind raced. No way in hell that''s right. Either they''re lying, or the system is messed up. But before he could say anything, Smiley finally sat up properly, stretching his arms above his head.
"Uhh... guess it''s my turn," he mumbled, voice thick with exhaustion. "Name''s Smiley. 19. Rank S. Striker class. Power? Molecule Manipulation."
A sharp, stunned inhale came from Zhangwa. "Wait... what?"
Kun tilted his head. "That sounds kinda OP."
Smiley shrugged lazily. "Yeah, I guess." And with that, he collapsed back onto his bed, snoring almost instantly.
The room was left in an uneasy silence.
An S-rank. Right in front of them.
Zhangwa leaned toward Jackson, whispering, "What the hell is this squad?"
Jackson had no answer.
After a moment, he clapped his hands together, breaking the tension. "Alright, that''s enough for tonight. We start early tomorrow."
The others nodded, retreating to their beds. But Jackson remained awake long after everyone else had fallen asleep, staring at the ceiling.
Shadow Manifestation. Infinity Void Manipulation. And now Molecule Manipulation?
This squad wasn''t normal. Something was off.
---
The Next Morning
A loud, sharp knock echoed through the room.
"Wake up, Counters! And Kun and Suho, come here!"
Still groggy, Kun and Suho exchanged a glance before getting up. They shuffled to the door, where two academy guards stood, their expressions unreadable. At their feet sat two large duffel bags.
"This is from the administration," one of the guards stated. "Since you two arrived without bringing anything."
Kun grabbed his bag eagerly, immediately opening it. "Clothes, face wash, deodorant... damn, they even gave us toothpaste?"
Jackson chuckled from his bed. "You guys are lucky. Administration doesn''t usually hand out supplies unless you''re VIPs."
Suho furrowed his brows. VIPs? No way. There was no reason for them to be treated any differently. Right?
Before he could dwell on it, a voice boomed through the building''s intercom.
"ATTENTION, COUNTERS! REPORT TO THE MAIN HALL IMMEDIATELY!"
---
The hall was already packed when they arrived. Excitement and nervous energy filled the air as squads gathered together, exchanging whispers.
Kun nudged Suho, grinning. "Bet you five bucks this is where they announce our squad name."
Before Suho could respond, the entire hall shook as Mr. Park''s voice thundered through the space.
"SILENCE!"
Instant hush.
Mr. Park''s sharp gaze swept over the crowd before he spoke again. "Introduction Night is over. Now, it''s time for each squad to receive its official name."
Kun''s grin widened. "Called it."
Mr. Park continued. "A squad''s name is a reflection of its strength, its unity, and its future. These names are not random. They are determined based on the potential and unique composition of each team."
Suho tensed slightly. Potential?
A pause. Then-
"Squad Number 13... your name shall be-"
The hall seemed to hold its breath.
"-Oblivion."
A murmur rippled through the crowd.
Kun blinked. "Uh. That sounds kinda... ominous?"
Zhangwa frowned. "I mean, yeah. Oblivion? That doesn''t exactly scream ''hope and teamwork,'' does it?"
Suho remained silent. But deep down, something about the name felt... right.
Jackson, however, wasn''t so sure. His fingers tightened into a fist. Oblivion. That wasn''t just a name. It was a warning.
---
Later That Night
Back in their quarters, the squad sat in a circle, still absorbing the weight of their new name.
Kun stretched. "Alright, I gotta ask-what''s everyone''s actual goal here?"
Jackson was the first to answer. "To protect. That''s why I joined the military. That''s why I''m here."
Zhangwa grinned. "To be the best, obviously!"
Mika, quiet as always, simply said, "To heal."
Kun nudged Suho. "And you, bro?"
Suho hesitated. "...To survive."
Kun rolled his eyes. "Lame answer."
Then, all eyes turned to Smiley, who was leaning back in his chair, arms crossed. He opened one eye.
"My goal?" he said, voice lazy yet sharp.
A smirk curled at the edge of his lips.
"To make sure you guys don''t die."
---
Deep within the Academy''s administration building, a dimly lit room was bathed in the cold glow of a massive monitor. The air was thick with quiet tension, disturbed only by the steady hum of the screen.
A lone figure stood before it-tall, imposing, his face lost in the shadows. His gaze was fixed on the flickering images displayed across the screen-live feeds of Kun
and Suho, their movements captured from multiple angles.
"New friends... new powers..." he murmured, his voice a deep, measured rumble. "But how long will it last?"
A gloved hand hovered near his chin as he watched Kun''s speed and Suho''s raw power. Then, ever so slightly, his lips curled upward.
"Let''s see how this little game plays out."
---
.