ã€ŠMy Friend Targetã€‹


 Humble Beginnings 1

    The moon cast its eerie presence across the dark, mellow night sky, clouds quietly drifting past in its glow. Its ominous light bathed the homes of unsuspecting, sleeping innocents below. A figure stood atop a building, cloaked in black attire, arms crossed, gazing down at the silent town. The wind began to stir, picking up speed as the trees surrounding the area rustled restlessly, as though disturbed by the mere presence of this individual''s watchful gaze.

    "Return me to a time I can change..".

    "Give me what I lost.. Give me time..".

    "The darkness inside my soul eats me away.. Target..".

    The stranger''s words echoed softly through the calm night, carried by the strengthening wind. Before long, they vanished, leaving the rooftop empty. Time pressed on, and the dark sky began to crack under the weight of the sun''s peering eyes. As its bright light crept over the horizon, the town below awakened, its once-quiet streets now bustling with life.

    It was early in the morning, with the sun starting to peek through the window of a certain someone''s bedroom. A young boy, just entering his early stages of youth, lay sound asleep on his bland, light-gray bed, the size of a full mattress. He snored quietly, his mouth wide open, with his body sprawled haphazardly across the bed. One leg dangled off the edge, a sock clinging precariously to his big toe as if hanging on for dear life. He looked far from graceful; his wrinkled shirt had ridden up slightly, exposing a bit of his stomach. Despite his disheveled appearance, he was enjoying a leisurely rest, especially on a day that held special significance for a young adolescent like him.

    His peaceful morning ended abruptly as the bedroom door swung wide open, slamming against the wall with a loud thud. The noise startled him awake instantly. A foot, wrapped in a stocking, was visible in the doorway, the source of the sudden disturbance. The figure stepped forward, revealing a young girl dressed in a school uniform with a color scheme of deep wine purple, rich red, and touches of black. Her blood-red hair, framed by black outlines, was pulled back into a straight ponytail, with two long bangs cascading down each side of her face. Her pale skin and sharp, piercing eyes matching the unsettling shade of her hair gave her an intense presence as she stood tall, staring down at the now-awake boy. Her expression was utterly nonchalant, showing no concern for the chaos she had just caused.

    "Wake up, Arkens, it''s time to get up; Mom''s already gone, and it seems like it''s my responsibility to make sure you go to school, loser."

    She sighed, moving her left hand to her hip. She stood there effortlessly, emitting a menacing aura without even trying. Arkens, now fully awake, remained silent for a moment. His eyes sheepishly blinked closed and then reopened. Despite his irritation, a grin spread across his face, his eyes closing again as if trying to mask the slight anger simmering beneath the surface.

    "So let me understand this straight, Hama.. You decided it was a great idea to wake up your kind, loving, handsome older brother by bursting through his bedroom door and sternly staring at him uncomfortably while being annoyed?..".

    Hama glanced to the side before turning her sharp gaze back to Arkens, her expression as unreadable as ever.

    "I wouldn''t butter yourself up like this, ya damn loser. Are you trying to get a beatdown?".

    Hama cupped her left fist with her right hand, cracking her knuckles with an intense glare aimed directly at Arkens. The sound of her bones popping echoed through the room, sending a wave of dread through his body. The look in her eyes, combined with the ominous sound, sent shivers up his spine and down, instilling the fear of God in him without her needing to say a word.

    "E-Eh.. Uhm, uh, excuse me! Seems like your right, Hama! Who am I to question your methods and decisions???".

    Arkens quickly got up, grabbed his essentials, including a dry towel, and moved past his younger sister, Hama, who stepped aside to let him through. A bead of sweat slid down his face as he went to the bathroom to get ready. Closing the door behind him, he faced the mirror, revealing his tired appearance. His skin tone was similar to Hama''s, though slightly darker, and his eyes were much larger and rounder than hers. His shaggy, long hair was messy, just how he preferred it; he had worked on this look for years and had no intention of cutting it.

    As he stared at his reflection, he noted that nothing had changed about his features. His color palette matched Hama''s, but his build was quite different. While he was taller than the average high schooler, standing at 5''9" and weighing 176 pounds, he was satisfied with his size. Feeling content with his appearance, Arkens finally decided to finish preparing for the new day.

    It didn''t take long before Arkens was seen coming down the stairs, now dressed in his full uniform, identical to his younger sister''s, though in the male variation. He headed to the dinner table, where only an apple, water, and a few crackers lay untouched. The sight of such a meager meal, neatly arranged, disappointed him. Sitting across from him, Hama quietly sipped her tea, finishing a more satisfying plate of eggs, buttered toast, and half an avocado. Arkens couldn''t help but feel envy at the difference in their meals.

    "H-Hama.. Where''s my breakfast?".

    She turned toward him and smiled softly, her expression a rare display of warmth. Then, gently, she placed her cup of tea on the wooden table.

    "Oh? Looks like you aren''t using her eyes very well, older brother~. Your breakfast is right before you, silly".

    Arkens''s eyes turned white, and he had a crushing realization of his reality settling in. He slumped into the chair opposite Hama, feeling the weight of his situation as he stared at his sad meal. Hama, unfazed, went back to sipping her tea, this time picking up the pace, her calm demeanor only making Arkens feel more defeated.

    "We must hurry now. I don''t want us to be late on the first day. Go on now, eat~".

    He cursed his life internally, crying inside as he reluctantly munched on his apple and crackers, washing it down with water. Time passed quickly, and Arkens and Hama were soon ready to leave. They rushed through the gate, turning right as they sped past the nameplate of their home, "Ebihara." The siblings jogged lightly along the town''s road, waving to familiar faces as they made their way toward the clusters of students dressed in the same uniform, huddling together on their way to school.

    "Arkens!~".

    As Hama and Arkens jogged, a soft, older voice called out, catching Arkens by surprise. He halted in place, scanning for the source of the voice, only to spot a middle-aged woman standing nearby. She wrapped a large piece of cloth around her head, covering the sides of her face and the top of her dark, purplish hair. She waved kindly at him, her expression warm and familiar.

    "I have something for you to bring home later when you get out! It''s for your Mother, as usual. Visit as soon as you can!".

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    He smiled back and nodded, acknowledging her respectfully while keeping his body in motion, ready to continue his jog.

    "Alright! I got you, boss Yonomo. I''ll get there as soon as possible. And while you''re at it, could you save a fresh piece of bread for me for free?!..".

    Boss Yonomo crossed her arms, her expression shifting between a frown and a smile, all while raising a single eyebrow in curiosity.

    "Woke up late again, boy?!".

    Arkens felt a wave of nervousness wash over him and let out a small, awkward laugh, unsure how to react to Boss Yonomo''s mixed expression.

    "W-What??? Nahhh no way!".

    Hama, who had stopped a little ahead, noticed the holdup and returned to fetch her brother. Without a word, she raised her hand and firmly grabbed Arkens by the shirt collar, dragging him along. As she did, she turned to face Boss Yonomo, offering a polite smile contrasting with Arkens''s nervous laugh.

    "How perceptive of you, Boss Yonomo; please don''t fulfill any of his requests; sinners must repent and reflect on their decisions, after all!~".

    Hama quickly glanced at Arkens, her eyes sharp as she forcefully pulled him further away. Without wasting time, they merged into the crowd of their peers. Once satisfied with the distance, she finally let go of his collar and scanned the crowd of students. After a brief search, she spotted her friends and, without hesitation, started moving toward them.

    "Arkens, don''t be late, or I swear, your gonna get it, a beatdown ya never saw before in all multiverses!..".

    She angrily expelled a breath before catching up with her friends and quickly joining their conversation. Arkens sighed, shaking his head as he scratched the back of his neck. He watched her go before deciding to move on himself.

    "What a real pain that girl is-".

    A sudden weight pressed down on Arkens''s back as someone lunged at him before he could finish his sentence. Frustrated, he turned his head to see who had decided to make him their transport, and, unsurprisingly, it was someone he recognized all too well.

    "Watsu?!".

    A reasonably tall boy with a large frame, light black hair, and amber-like eyes grinned widely as he transitioned from his playful jump onto Arkens to wrapping his arm around Arkens''s neck in a friendly headlock.

    "Watanahe Watsu at yer service! What may I do to appease your royal highness? A little kissyyy~".

    Watsu, still grinning, jokingly inched his face closer to Arkens, puckering his lips dramatically. Without hesitation, Arkens pushed his face away with an annoyed hand, not letting the teasing get any further.

    "What are ya doing so early in the morning for?! Don''t get closer to me with your dry and nonexistent lips!".

    Watsu ignored Arkens''s insults, undeterred, and continued his playful attempts at carrying out his ridiculous plan. The two wrestled toward the school grounds, locked in their portable match, until a familiar voice cut through the chaos beside them, causing them both to pause mid-struggle.

    "What''s this? You two already falling in love with one another again? Pfffttt.. Take a look at this, Nya~".

    The first girl to come across them was a petite female dressed in the same uniform and a sweater draped over her main shirt. The sleeves extended halfway down her palms, almost swallowing her arms. Her shirt was adorned with cute assortments of buttons, and a choker rested around her neck. She lifted her hands, revealing sharp nails painted black, as she moved her soft, short, straight hair¡ªonly reaching the back of her neck¡ªbehind her right ear. Her eyes fluttered a few times, her small, big eyes flickering with the sun''s reflection dancing off her magenta-colored irises.

    Watsu and Arkens, both suddenly embarrassed by their playful scuffle being witnessed, looked at the girl and, in unison, blurted out:

    "G-Gima Qiyo?!..".

    What made it even worse was the subsequent encounter. Following closely behind, another female, the same age as the now-confirmed Qiyo, appeared. This newcomer exuded a distinct aura compared to Qiyo. She was more mature, slightly taller, and had a more noticeable figure than her petite friend. Her curly, super light brown hair framed big, round eyes that showcased her natural orange cantaloupe color. Blush marks naturally adorned her face, glowing unintentionally, and the morning sunlight only amplified this unique feature. Without a doubt, this was Nya.

    Arkens and Watsu gulped simultaneously, ideally in sync, as they both realized the weight of the situation had just doubled with Nya''s arrival.

    "B-Birukawa Nya?! What are you t-two doing here?!".

    The boys quickly disentangled themselves, scrambling to their feet and immediately fixing their uniforms, ensuring everything was pristine. With forced, glistening smiles, they turned to the two girls, acting as though nothing had happened, hoping their embarrassing display would be forgotten.

    "Hahaha~.. You two are something else, huh? The moment Nya and I show up, you want to become proper-".

    Qiyo laughed at the boys, clearly enjoying their nervousness as their composure began to crack. She then glanced at Nya, giving her an amiable smile as if sharing in the silent amusement of the situation.

    "Nya, thoughts?".

    Nya appeared lost in thought for a moment before suddenly snapping. She turned to Qiyo, her expression shifting as she gave a small jump, raising both hands nervously.

    "Huh? Eh?- S-Sorry, Qiyo, I wasn''t paying attention. Could you repeat it?".

    Qiyo nodded in affirmation and decided to repeat.

    "I was saying, isn''t it funny that Arkens and Watsu turn into normal guys when we come around?".

    Nya''s eyes widened, and her ears seemed to perk up as she quickly nodded in response, feeling a sudden surge of enthusiasm.

    "Mhm, I think it is silly to watch- especially knowing we were watching from a distance~".

    A thunderous presence loomed behind Arkens and Watsu, and an overwhelming wave of humiliation came with it. To their horror, they realized that they had been watched the entire time during their ridiculous scuffle. The thought that their antics could have dragged on even longer and possibly reached an even more embarrassing conclusion completely shattered their spirits.

    "It was Qiyo''s idea.. she''s the only one capable of hatching a thing! How could you!".

    Arkens roared in frustration, his face red as imaginary fumes puffed out of his head like a cartoon. Qiyo, unfazed, shrugged casually and giggled to herself, clearly enjoying his over-the-top reaction.

    "Please- That was nothing; you know I can do worse, idiot. That was children''s play".

    On the other hand, Watsu had transformed into a stone-like entity, completely frozen after coming to terms with the crushing reality of their embarrassment. He hadn''t spoken or uttered a single word since. Concerned, Arkens placed a hand on his friend''s back, unsure of how to snap him out of it.

    "You good man?".

    Watsu tilted his head downward, then upward, as if processing everything in slow motion. Time passed, and they eventually reached the school grounds, where most students started breaking off and heading inside the building. Arkens, still flustered, arrived late to his homeroom class, sliding the door open with a huff. His breathing was irregular, and he was clearly out of breath as if he had sprinted up the stairs for no apparent reason.

    ''Strange, I feel damn near drained after walking up the staircase..''.

    Arkens''s eyes skimmed the now-packed room of students and quickly caught a glimpse of a familiar face that had already locked onto him. He shook his head, smiling faintly as sweat beaded his face and neck. Spotting Watsu, who had saved him a seat by using his bag as a barrier to scare off any would-be seat stealers, Arkens made his way over. Watsu, ever observant, eyed Arkens speedily, noticing his friend stretching in an attempt to hide his labored breathing and the sweat droplets that doused his face.

    "Are you alright? You don''t look as great as earlier this morning; you''re sweating and struggling to breathe. What''s up?"

    Arkens smacked his teeth in frustration, knowing full well that he could never hide anything from Watsu, no matter how hard he tried. Defeated, he sighed deeply, letting out a big gust of air as he slumped into the seat beside his friend.

    "I don''t know.. All of a sudden, after I climbed the stairs and reached the class, my body started to change differently; for some reason, I''m heating up; I''m guessing it''s a fever".

    Watsu placed his fingers on the tip of his chin, lost in thought for a moment before the classroom door opened, capturing everyone''s attention. A tall, middle-aged man with a goatee and a shaved head entered the room, his eyes hidden behind tinted glasses. He wore a simple dark gray suit with a white undershirt and black tie. In his hands were a stack of books, which he placed on the podium at the front of the room. The man stood behind the podium, his gaze hard as he scanned the room, silently observing the students.

    Watsu and Arkens exchanged glances, feeling the eerie tension that filled the room when the man entered. Something was unsettling about him, making Arkens''s unease grow even stronger. The silence seemed to weigh heavily on the class, and Arkens couldn''t shake the feeling that something was off, adding another layer to his already mounting troubles.

 Humble Beginnings 2

    Silence gripped the room, and the nervous energy was palpable. Students exchanged whispers, their voices hushed to avoid drawing the attention of the unsettling man at the front. With no class representative chosen yet, the room seemed directionless. Suddenly, a boy with a striking appearance, his clothes and hairstyle giving off a delinquent vibe, stood up from his seat, breaking the tension with his swift movement. All eyes turned toward him, curious to see what he would do next.

    "Stand up!!!".

    The command caused the perplexed students to stand in unison, all facing the front of the classroom. The strange man raised his balled-up hand to his mouth, clearing his throat with a sharp sound that echoed throughout the room, silencing any remaining whispers. The entire class instantly fell quiet, entirely focused on him. A deep, stern voice filled the air, resonating in every student''s ears with authority, demanding their full attention without effort.

    "Hello, students. I''m your homeroom second-year teacher, Damatsu Kojima. I will also be your science teacher on this floor. Pleased to meet your acquaintance, and let us all strive for a great school year; please take it easy on me".

    The new teacher, now known to all as Damatsu Kojima, bowed slightly toward the class. Before anyone could react, the boy with a striking sense of fashion and style yelled again, asserting himself in the moment and keeping the class in line.

    "Bow!!!".

    After he finished, the students followed suit, bowing in perfect sync. In complete unison, their voices echoed through the room as they responded together, a respectful chorus filling the air.

    "Please take care of us!!!".

    The delinquent raised his voice again, his tone loud and commanding as he addressed the class, ensuring everyone followed the proper protocol.

    "Sit!!!".

    The class retook their seats, their bodies slowly relaxing as the suffocating tension in the air began to lift. The customary greeting seemed to have cracked through the ice that had encased their minds, bringing a sense of normalcy back to the room. However, Arkens was struggling. Every movement, standing, sitting, and speaking felt like a heavy burden on his body. The reason for this sudden weakness was unknown, but his right hand instinctively gripped his school shirt over his heart. Sweat formed rapidly on his brow, and his eyes started to take on a sickly hue. Watsu, seated beside him, noticed immediately a look of worry spreading across his face as he watched his friend in distress.

    "Arkens, dude, you don''t look good at all. I will ask if I can escort you to the nurse''s office; I can''t watch anymore."

    Arkens raised his hand, shaking his head from side to side with a forced smile. His eyes closed as if trying to brush off the concern. He wiped his face on his arm, attempting to clear the sweat from his brow. When he opened his eyes again, he tried to look more composed, though the strain was still visible.

    "I''m alright- don''t worry about me, Watsu. I''m just a little winded today, and the uniform is killing me with the heat".

    Watsu wasn''t convinced in the slightest. Typically, he would''ve pushed Arkens to admit something was wrong, but this time, he couldn''t pinpoint his friend''s condition. Reluctantly, he decided to monitor Arkens for now. Sensing the tension, Arkens quickly changed the subject, pointing to the new teacher, Damatsu Kojima, who was currently absorbed in the book he had brought with him. It was a distraction, but at least it shifted the focus away from Arkens''s current state.

    "New teacher, huh? He looks like serious business- The tinted glasses and a shaved head".

    Watsu leaned back in his chair, clasping his hands behind his head as he stretched his legs out. His eyes were fixed on Mr. Damatsu, who appeared to be in a relaxed state himself. As Watsu watched him, he quietly analyzed the new teacher, trying to understand better the man who had quickly shifted the energy in the room.

    "Oh yeah, you think he''s ex-military? He looks jacked!- that suit of his ain''t hiding anything".

    Arkens nodded in agreement, acknowledging Watsu''s quiet observation of their new teacher. Though still feeling off, he shared the same curiosity about Mr. Damatsu and what he might bring.

    "Most likely, the military doesn''t make you look like a super soldier; no wonder the entire class was stunned to death. If he weren''t a teacher, I''d pass out."

    Watsu turned his head slightly toward Arkens, a look of disbelief crossing his face.

    "Oh shut up-".

    They both laughed as the bell rang, signaling the end of class. Time pressed on, and soon, it was almost the end of the school day. Arkens, Watsu, and the rest of the class entered the gymnasium, now dressed in matching tracksuits provided by the school, which carried the same color scheme as their uniforms.

    Throughout the day, Arkens had kept his strange ailment hidden, maintaining a straight face around everyone, especially Watsu. He couldn''t let him find out about the excruciating pain coursing through every fiber of his muscles, joints, and nerves every time he moved or even thought. His vision had become unstable, with afterimages of objects within his sight shifting in and out, confusing his brain and causing delayed responses.

    At one point, when Watsu was talking to him about a sensitive subject, searching for advice, Arkens found his friend''s words warped and barely audible, as if they were underwater. Despite his best efforts, his mind struggled to keep up with reality.

    "----So Arkens, like I was saying, I''m thinking of confessing-".

    Before he could finish his sentence, Arkens stumbled over his foot and collapsed, smacking hard onto the gym''s cold, glossy wooden floor. His body could no longer endure the overwhelming pain, and the discomfort that had been building all day finally consumed him. Curled up on the floor, he hugged himself tightly, his heart pounding so violently that it felt as if his entire body was vibrating from the force. He couldn''t hide it anymore the pain had overtaken him.

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    "ERAGHHHHHHHHH!!!!-".

    Arkens screamed in agony, his body thrashing from side to side as he tried to fight the intense pain. His arm draped gently over his closed eyes, but it did little to block out the torment that continued to wreck him. Watsu bit his lip, his face breaking out in nervous sweat as panic settled in. People rushed over, gathering around the scene, staring in shock at the sounds Arkens was making. The gym teacher in charge pushed through the crowd and quickly kneeled next to him, her face growing serious as she took in the visible torment Arkens was enduring.

    "Watsu, help me take him to the nurse''s office quickly! Everyone, please create space so we can get through!".

    Watsu''s expression shifted, becoming severe as he quickly snapped into action in response to the teacher''s directions. A focused determination replaced his earlier nervousness as he did everything he could to assist, swiftly following the teacher''s instructions to help Arkens.

    "Arkens!-".

    Watsu immediately lifted his distressed friend, carefully hoisting Arkens over his shoulder. Without hesitation, he jogged alongside the gym teacher toward the nurse''s office, which was located on the other side of the building. His pace was quick but steady, and every step was filled with urgency as he focused on getting Arkens the help he needed.

    After some time had passed, Arkens began to stir. His eyes fluttered open, revealing a white ceiling with a fan spinning lazily above him. He tried to move, but the moment he did, a sharp jolt of pain scattered through his body, urging him to stay still for now. He found that moving his head wasn''t as tricky, though. Glancing around, Arkens realized he was in the nurse''s office, and from the dimming light clinging to one of the white walls, it was clear that the sun was setting.

    "It''s.. super late, huh?.. What the hell happened to me-".

    A woman with dark, baggy eyes suddenly popped her head over Arkens''s face without warning, startling him. In his surprise, their foreheads collided with a painful thud. Both immediately winced, clutching their heads in pain as they groaned in unison from the unexpected impact.

    "AHH!- You''ve gotta be shitting kidding me!".

    Arkens opened one eye to peek at the individual, a single tear resting on his face from the impact. He saw a black-haired woman with two rolled buns neatly styled at the back of her head. A beauty mark sat on her right cheek, just above her cheekbone. She wore a lab coat over a plain dark purple dress paired with high heels and black lipstick. Her tired, droopy eyes were now fully open, revealing a striking shade of blue. A name tag was pinned to the lab coat, indicating her role.

    "Kira?! Eh-Erm! Ms. Haruno?!".

    The woman, large in every sense of the word, with a defined and imposing figure, rubbed her forehead, still wincing slightly from the collision. Her expression was a mix of mild annoyance and exhaustion as she tried to compose herself after the accidental headbutt.

    "Ebihara, it seems you''re finally awake..".

    Arkens giggled softly, feeling oddly better despite his earlier condition. His movements were still sluggish, but no pain or affliction existed when he moved. Ms. Haruno, now known as Haruno Kira, the school nurse, noticed this improvement and sighed a breath of relief, her tense demeanor relaxing slightly.

    "Thank god- I didn''t want to send you to the hospital and deal with all the paperwork and questioning..".

    Ms. Haruno sat on a swivel chair equipped with wheels, and as soon as she made contact with its soft surface, it gently rolled her backward. Her exhaustion was evident in her slouched posture and the deep bags under her eyes, rightfully so, given the day''s events. She seemed to carry the weight of the long hours on her shoulders.

    "You look better than you did a few hours ago; you seriously gave us a scare with your heightened blood pressure, persistent perspiration, and constant screaming like an enraged ogre, dying from being cut in two..".

    Arkens tilted his head in confusion, trying to piece together the situation based on her analogy. However, seeing how late it was and noticing her laidback demeanor, he decided not to overthink it. With a slight shrug, he figured he''d accept it and move on.

    "So that''s what happened, huh.. Thanks for helping me and not sending me straight to the hospital- I wouldn''t hear the end of it from my mom and little sister".

    Haruno slumped forward in her chair, her tired eyes locking onto Arkens as she stared at him.

    "Right.. I guess you wouldn''t remember, but your friends were all here, screaming your name for no goddamn reason, asking me a bunch of questions as if a minimum wage paid nurse like myself knew any answers to- Your little sister, who I could''ve guessed came in a rush after I kicked them out and provided me information in case anything serious occurred".

    She picked up a piece of paper and casually rolled it into a ball. Without looking, she tossed the ball toward the trash can and effortlessly sank the shot.

    "It looks like we won''t be needing it. You must be wondering why she''s not here. It started to become late, and she couldn''t stay here any longer, even past club hours. Even though I''m supposed to be gone, the principal made an exception and allowed me to keep you here until further notice."

    Arkens stretched his arms and legs, feeling the stiffness ease as he listened to Ms. Haruno explain his situation.

    "Well, I think we should get out of here. I have the school building keys and am entrusted-."

    She rolled her eyes, a sign of her exhaustion, before continuing her train of thought. Her voice carried a mix of professionalism and mild frustration as she laid out the details.

    "With making sure to lock the front doors before heading home".

    Arkens stood up, nervously laughing as he gathered his belongings, all neatly arranged in one spot. The level of tidiness caught his attention, a familiar kind of organization that reminded him of someone he knew all too well.

    "Nya.. I must''ve worried them like crazy".

    It was time to leave, and Haruno''s impatience was evident. The sky had darkened before they realized it, and the evening chill was setting in. As they stepped outside, Arkens politely thanked her for her hard work, offering a small smile.

    "Seriously, thanks, Ms. Haruno. Without you, I''d be much more in a hassle".

    Haruno didn''t bother replying, too drained to care, as she walked toward her car, which sat alone in the faculty parking lot. Arkens watched for a moment, making sure she drove away safely before turning to head home. The darkness had fully settled in, and the town was eerily quiet. The silence felt almost too still as he walked, and he believed he was alone.

    Arkens felt a slight tremor beneath his feet, but at first, he brushed it off, chalking it up to his tired mind playing tricks on him. However, as soon as he took another step forward, a stronger tremor shook the ground, stopping him in his tracks. His heart skipped a beat as the unsettling vibration rippled through the earth, forcing him to reconsider his surroundings. Something was off.

    ''Strange. An earthquake? From here? We never got quakes before, much less multiple times..''

    Arkens gulped, feeling the weight of the growing tension as he continued his trek. As he rounded a corner, walking past a light pole, he saw another one farther down the street, its bright glow flickering ominously. Though nothing particularly unusual about the direction he faced, his body seemed magnetically drawn to it. The tension in the air thickened, the flickering light casting eerie shadows. His unease deepened as the pole flickered again.

    Instinctively, his head lifted toward the night sky, and at that moment, sweat slid down his face as he witnessed something unbelievable that defied reality itself. What he saw was only ever spoken of in fiction, things that could only exist in dreams or nightmares. The world above him seemed to shift in ways that shattered his sense of normalcy.

    A figure cloaked in all black clashed mid-air with another familiar silhouette. Arkens squinted, his eyes straining to make sense of the scene. As the two figures collided, suspended in the air, the shock of their clash sent ripples through the night sky. In that instant, Arkens recognized the unmistakable face of one person, his homeroom teacher, Damatsu Kojima.

 Humble Beginnings 3

    The air pressure from their clash rippled through the surroundings, sending dust and debris flying in every direction. The nearby trees bent backward, straining under the immense force of the impact. Arkens instinctively raised his arms to guard his face, gritting his teeth as the gust threatened to knock him off balance. He dug his heels into the ground, struggling to stay grounded as the powerful shockwave washed over him.

    "Ech! Anchum!-.. AHHH!-".

    Arkens let out a small scream as the force of the air swept him off his feet, sending him hurtling back toward the corner he had just come from. The sudden movement caught the attention of the two figures, but Arkens had no intention of getting involved in their battle. Before they could turn to look, he used the momentum to grab hold of the light pole he had passed earlier, swinging himself behind the protective wall of a nearby house. Safely out of sight and shielded from the wind, he sat on the ground, pressing his back against the wall. His heart raced as he listened to the loud, booming sounds of the ongoing clash, his breath heavy with fear and adrenaline.

    At that exact moment, an explosion rang out, deafening the area in a split second, followed by an even more violent surge of air pressure. Arkens braced himself as the force battered the surroundings harder than before. It felt like an eternity before the pressure finally subsided, leaving the air heavy with an unsettling calm.

    Sweating profusely, his heart pounding wildly in his chest, and every instinct in his body screaming at him to run, Arkens cautiously peeked out from behind the wall, shielding him. He gulped, his throat dry, as his eyes scanned the area, specifically the sky, where he had made his shocking discovery earlier. But now there was nothing. There were no figures, no signs of battle, not even the subtle disturbances he had glimpsed before. The world was eerily quiet.

    Arkens, still trembling, stood up and began walking around, his eyes darting in every direction. He searched for any trace of what had happened, but there was nothing. It was as if the entire scene had vanished without a trace, leaving him alone with his confusion and disbelief.

    "They.. They''re gone? Just like that?".

    Arkens slapped himself with both hands, the sting of the impact leaving red handprints on his face as he tried to snap himself out of the overwhelming confusion. Without wasting another second, he turned toward his home. He sprinted as fast as his legs could carry him, desperate to escape the unsettling quiet and the terrifying mystery that had just unfolded.

    "What am I thinking?!- Whatever I just saw is something I shouldn''t have seen under normal circumstances!".

    He sprinted down the empty streets, his head constantly swiveling left, right, and behind him as if expecting something or someone to reappear. Adrenaline coursed through his veins, pushing his legs to move faster than they ever had before. Every shadow, every flicker of light seemed suspicious as he dashed toward the safety of his home, his heart pounding with fear and confusion.

    "Damn it! I can''t even convince myself; I was hallucinating or being delusional! It was all too real, the wind blowing against my body, the noises, everything wasn''t fake!-".

    When Arkens reached his residence, he hurriedly opened the gate and locked it behind him without a second thought. His heart still raced, and his mind was clouded with fear and confusion. Entering the house with his head lowered, his expression said it all: he was terrified, lost in his thoughts, trying to make sense of what he had just witnessed. So deep in his mind, he failed to notice someone standing before him, calling out for his attention.

    "Arkens.. Arkens.. Arkens?..".

    He absentmindedly took off his shoes, leaving them neatly where they should be, before stepping up and walking right past the person calling his name. His mind was so overwhelmed that he barely registered their presence, his focus consumed by the confusion and fear still swirling inside him.

    "Arkens!".

    This time, the voice finally got through to him. Arkens turned around and sighed with relief when he saw the one person who could calm him then. His tense body relaxed as he slowly closed his eyes and dropped his arms. When he reopened them, he looked at her. A tall woman stood there, wearing a simple white t-shirt and shorts, a towel wrapped around her neck as she dried her shoulder-length, blood-red hair. Her deep black outlines and blood-red eyes mirrored his own, though her eyes were loose and oversized. She was fit, with a presence that radiated both strength and familiarity.

    "Hey.. Mom".

    Arkens''s Mom shifted her left hand to her hip while using her right hand to grab a piece of the towel wrapped around her neck, continuing to dry her wet hair. Her relaxed demeanor contrasted with Arkens''s earlier tension, though her watchful eyes stayed on him, aware something was off.

    "What''s wrong with ya kid? I was calling you the moment you got inside- What''s wrong?".

    Arkens scratched the back of his head nervously, unsure how to explain the whirlwind of emotions and confusion racing through him. His eyes darted to the side, trying to avoid his mother''s gaze.

    "Nothing, I was just thinking of some things for this upcoming school year, is all".

    She stood there, her eyes fixed on him momentarily, silently observing his behavior.

    "Hmmm.. You thinking about school? That''s a first. Did you get beat up today? They must''ve knocked you in hard-".

    Arkens frowned, his eyebrows furrowing as the weight of the evening''s events pressed down on him. His discomfort was evident, and despite his earlier attempts to hide it, the confusion and fear he felt began to show.

    "Huh? It''s nothing like that, Mom!".

    She tilted her head slightly, her expression softening with a hint of curiosity. She noticed the shift in Arkens''s demeanor.

    "I''m just saying, this is new coming from you; you never once thought about your education and the future".

    Arkens shook his head, deciding not to speak, and turned around to head upstairs to the second floor where his room was. He moved with a sense of weariness, each step heavier as he distanced himself from the conversation he didn''t feel ready to have.

    "Ahhh, whatever! I''m going upstairs!".

    She moved to the bottom of the staircase, quietly watching Arkens as he ascended to the second floor. Her eyes followed him with concern, sensing that something was wrong.

    "Don''t get angry at me; I''m just shocked, is all. And don''t fall asleep; I''ve made you your favorite. It''s in the microwave!".

    The quiet creak of a door opening echoed through the house, followed by the gentle sound of it closing.

    "Arkens! Did you hear me?!".

    Arkens''s mom sighed, feeling a sense of defeat washed over her. She turned and walked into the kitchen, mumbling quietly as she opened the refrigerator, rummaging through its contents with a distracted air, her thoughts still on her son.

    "Mannn, what am I going to do with that boy? He shows up much later than usual, and all I get is some sass without a moment''s notice".

    Mrs. Ebihara grabbed a beer can and returned to her room on the second floor, much further down the hall. She retreated inside, closing the door softly behind her, and called it a night.

    Hama''s sharp gaze locked onto Arkens in the dimly lit hallway as they exited their rooms. Now let down, her hair reached the sides of her arms, complementing her flower-patterned pajamas. Arkens, dressed in a simple dark blue shirt and sweatpants, met her eyes. The silence between them lingered for a moment before Hama suddenly spoke in a hushed tone, her voice barely cutting through the stillness of the night.

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    "It''s quite late.. I got worried for a second that your condition was more serious than I had hoped".

    Arkens responded softly, keeping his voice low to match the quiet atmosphere. His words were careful as if he did not want to disturb the stillness or draw any unnecessary attention. His tone conveyed uncertainty and thoughtfulness as he addressed his sister.

    "Yeah, I know. I''m feeling much better now, so there''s no need to worry anymore".

    Arkens slipped his hands into his pockets and began returning downstairs, his quiet demeanor unchanged. Hama, clearly unsatisfied with his response, silently followed behind him, her worry evident as she trailed him, unwilling to let the matter rest.

    "Are you one hundred percent positive you are feeling better? Maybe you should have Mom check on you before going to school tomorrow".

    Arkens stood in the kitchen, staring at the microwave as his food spun slowly inside. The soft hum of the appliance filled the room, a quiet distraction as he waited. The light from the microwave flickered, casting a dim glow on his face as he leaned against the counter, watching the seconds tick down.

    "I''m good. There''s no point in having her do all that to find nothing- Even Ms. Haruno believed I was fine after sleeping there for hours".

    Hama stood in the kitchen doorway, her arms crossed and hands resting on her elbows as she leaned against the frame. Her eyes were focused on Arkens, but she stayed quiet, her posture reflecting concern as she observed him silently from her spot.

    "I''m just a little concerned, especially how Watsu described you before you calmed down. We don''t want that happening again".

    The microwave beeped, signaling that the food was ready. Arkens opened the door, carefully taking the bowl out and placing it on the table. He then pulled out a chair, sat down, and clasped his hands together, pausing momentarily before beginning his meal.

    "Thanks for the food".

    "Arkens, please think about your health and stop trying to ignore me. You should give it some thought; you know it wouldn''t hurt to check-".

    Before Hama could speak further, Arkens suddenly slammed his hands on the table, startling her. The sharp sound echoed in the kitchen, causing Hama''s eyes to widen as she looked his way, a mix of surprise and confusion on her face.

    "Hama. Give me some space, will you? I don''t need Mom to check on me. I''m perfectly fine".

    Startled by Arkens''s sudden outburst, Hama quickly turned around and hurried back upstairs, her footsteps soft but quick as she tried to distance herself from the tension in the kitchen.

    "So much for caring about you for once. Fine. Do whatever you deem fit".

    A door slamming echoed through the otherwise silent house, leaving an uncomfortable stillness. Arkens sighed, sucking in his bottom lip as he quietly ate his food. Later, he found himself lying on his bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. His mind replayed the day''s strange events, with the image of his homeroom teacher, Damatsu Kojima, flashing vividly in his thoughts. The memory of seeing him in battle lingered, filling Arkens with an unease he couldn''t shake.

    "How can I explain or tell anyone about what I saw? It''s impossible without being laughed at or called delusional..".

    The more Arkens thought about it, the more his frustration grew. He knew his mind wasn''t playing tricks on him; what he saw was genuine, more real than he''d like to admit. The idea that someone so close to him, his homeroom teacher, could be capable of large-scale explosions and flight weighed heavily on him. It was unsettling, and the reality of it gnawed at him. He couldn''t shake the thought of how Damatsu Kojima, someone he would see daily, was involved in something extraordinary and dangerous.

    "Hey guys, you know the new second-year science teacher Mr. Damatsu? Well, you won''t believe it, he can fucking fly and cause large-scale explosive collisions.. I saw him do it in front of me".

    Frustrated beyond words, Arkens immediately shot up from his bed, still tangled in his blanket. He grabbed a pillow from beside him and hurled it at the wall with a burst of anger. The soft thud of the pillow hitting the surface did little to ease his frustration, but the act of throwing it provided a minor, fleeting release.

    "Bullshit!-".

    Throwing the pillow drained Arkens, and he fell back onto his bed, exhausted. The once-clear ceiling became blurry, and before he knew it, he had drifted off to sleep.

    Morning came around quickly, and Arkens was ready for school this time. He walked into the kitchen, fixing the cuffs of his uniform and buttoning his shirt. Hama was already there, finishing their mother''s breakfast before leaving early. As she stood to drop her dishes in the sink, Arkens sighed and smiled nervously, trying to shake off the lingering tension from the previous night.

    "H-Hama, look, listen, I-I''m sorry-".

    Hama didn''t glance in Arkens''s direction as she quietly brushed past him, heading straight for the door. She slipped into her shoes, grabbed her bag, and left without saying anything. The silence between them was heavy, and as the door clicked shut behind her, Arkens facepalmed, stretching his face at the growing distance between them.

    ''Alright. I have to make it up to her somehow. I didn''t mean to be so rude. I know she was only worried about me''.

    Time had skipped forward, and Arkens was now walking near the school gate, lost in thought about Hama and his strange discovery. Suddenly, he felt a hand on his shoulder, and without thinking, he jerked around and instinctively kicked the person who touched him. Nearby students quickly moved out of the way, surprised by the commotion so early in the morning.

    Arkens blinked and looked closer, his expression softening when he realized it was Watsu, now lying on his back after the unexpected kick.

    "W-Watsu? Jeez dude, you scared me to death.. I''m sorry. I didn''t mean to kick you so hard".

    Watsu coughed as he tried to pick himself up, clearly winded from the unexpected fall. Arkens, feeling guilty, quickly rushed to support him, offering a hand to help his friend stand.

    "Nnnahh.. If you can move like that in the morning on the second day of school..".

    Still trying to catch his breath, Watsu raised one finger, signaling Arkens to give him a moment. He couldn''t quite finish his sentence yet, still recovering from the surprise kick, but his expression showed he wasn''t too mad; he was just winded. Arkens stood by, waiting for his friend to regain his composure.

    "Damn.. That hurts.. It looks like you''re feeling better, though. You didn''t see our messages or hear our phone calls?".

    Arkens quickly checked his phone and was immediately greeted by a barrage of notifications: 20 missed calls from Watsu, Qiyo, and Nya, as well as over 40 unread messages spammed in their group chat. His eyes widened as he scrolled through the notifications, realizing how worried his friends must have been. It was clear they had been trying to reach him all night.

    "Ahh.. My bad, I didn''t notice these. I ran straight home and went to bed".

    A rubber band suddenly flew through the air and bounced off Arkens''s forehead.

    "Ahn!-".

    Qiyo and Nya emerged from the crowd, approaching Arkens and Watsu. Qiyo looked particularly peeved, her arms crossed and her brow furrowed in frustration. Nya, though more composed, also seemed a bit annoyed as she sighed softly.

    "You''re an ass for forgetting about us. We were worried sick, like wives wondering if their husbands are going to return from war".

    Watsu and Arkens hunched forward, squinting their eyes and clamping their mouths shut as Qiyo''s comparison sank in. Dread washed over them after hearing her compare Arkens''s disappearance and negligence to wives anxiously awaiting their husbands'' return from war. The absurdity of the comparison hung in the air, and despite the seriousness, the dark humor wasn''t lost on either of them; they just weren''t brave enough to laugh at the moment.

    "N-Not quite the same, but I''m hearing ya, Qiyo. I''m sorry for leaving you guys in the dark".

    Qiyo crossed her arms and shook her head in disappointment.

    "I don''t think you understand the severity of your actions; there''s someone here more affected by it than Watsu and I".

    Watsu, confused, weakly raised his arm to protest Qiyo''s claim, but before he could get a word out, he was met with a quick palm to the face, pushing him away. With Watsu dealt with, Arkens stood alone with Nya. She held onto her bag with both hands, her face turned away from him, clearly upset. Arkens could sense her disappointment. Despite the awkwardness, he smiled softly, hoping to ease their tension.

    "Nya. Thank you for worrying about me. I''m sorry for not responding and putting your minds at ease".

    Nya stayed silent, fidgeting with the strap of her bag as her eyes darted from the ground to Arkens. She twisted her feet nervously on the concrete, unsure what to say. Arkens, still holding his phone, scrolled a few times before turning the screen toward her, a playful smile on his face as he showed her the dozens of missed calls and unread messages.

    "I''m sorry.. I must''ve scared you, huh? You called me one hundred times".

    Nya glanced at the screen and, upon seeing the missed calls and messages, blushed slightly before quickly looking away again. Arkens, noticing her reaction, smiled and shifted his face, trying to catch her gaze. He leaned in just enough to make it impossible for her to ignore him, his teasing an attempt to break the ice.

    "Seriously, Nya, you are the best. I couldn''t ask the heavens for a better friend than you, your amazing ya hear~".

    Nya''s face lowered at an angle, and her lips sucked in as her cheeks turned beet red. Before she could react further, Qiyo noticed the situation and swooped in, grabbing Nya''s hand. In one swift motion, Qiyo pushed Arkens out of the way as they rushed past him. As they entered the building, Qiyo glanced back, sticking her middle finger up at Arkens with a mischievous grin before disappearing inside.

    "Huh?! The hell was that for Qiyo!!".

    Watsu returned to Arkens, standing beside him with a raised brow.

    "Watsu? Where did you go??".

    Without a word, he started walking toward the entrance, his expression focused and distant.

    "Don''t worry about it. I was here, just somewhere far..".

    This left Arkens even more confused as time skipped forward. It was time for homeroom, and the atmosphere grew tense as the minutes ticked. His eyes remained fixed on the door, anticipation bubbling inside him. Mr. Damatsu''s arrival was crucial; he needed to confirm what he had witnessed the night before. If the battles depicted in anime and cartoons were any indication, the teacher must have sustained some injuries.

    As the clock continued to tick, Arkens felt his anxiety heighten, a single sweat droplet forming on the side of his face. A minute passed, then a few more, and soon, it was well past the time for morning classes to begin. When his heart sank, the door slid open, and a foot appeared in the doorway.

 Humble Beginnings 4

    Arkens sat on the edge of his seat, gripping his pants tightly as he awaited the figure whose foot had just stepped into the classroom. It was just another ordinary day for everyone else, but the atmosphere felt charged with a different kind of energy for him. The room began to spin slightly, and he found himself hyper-focused on the door. All outside occurrences faded away, leaving him in a bubble of silence where every other living being seemed to evaporate like mist.

    The only thing grounding him, in reality, was the sweat trickling down his face as he patiently waited. It felt as if time had stopped just for him. Finally, a head popped into view when the foot entered, revealing a strong face adorned with minor scratches. A white bandage shaped like a rectangle was plastered on his right cheek, a clear sign of the battle Arkens had witnessed. His heart raced as he recognized the figure. Mr. Damatsu was finally here.

    "Oh! Mr. Damatsu?".

    A student in the front row noticed and immediately identified the individual, murmuring his name in surprise. Arkens''s stomach churned and twisted at the sound, feeling a wave of anxiety wash over him as Mr. Damatsu fully entered the room. The teacher wore his usual attire from the first day of school, but there were noticeable differences this time. He appeared injured, his arm held in a sling, looking weary.

    The sight shocked everyone, and the room fell into stunned silence, only to be broken by hushed whispers that spread like wildfire among the students. Shocked expressions filled the classroom as they processed their teacher''s alarming state. Then, breaking the ice, someone finally spoke up, their voice cutting through the tension.

    "Mr. D-Damatsu.. What happened? Are you alright?".

    Soon after, the students began to murmur, their concerns spilling out in a flurry of questions, each overlapping the other as they sought answers. Mr. Damatsu raised his functional hand to calm them, signaling for silence. He cleared his throat, the tension in the room palpable as he prepared to address their worries.

    "I''m fine, as you all can see. I was simply involved in a bit of an automobile accident. It wasn''t anything serious; my arm is broken, so please be easy on me".

    The students exchanged glances before responding with a resounding "Yes!" in unison, eager to show their support and concern for Mr. Damatsu. However, Arkens remained silent, his mind racing with thoughts and questions about the teacher''s injuries.

    "That''s insane- Mr. Damatsu was completely unscathed yesterday, and he''s recked the next morning. A car accident at that, too".

    Watsu glanced at Arkens, who seemed lost in his little world. His expression was distant as he processed the chaotic events of the past day. Watsu waved a hand before his face, trying to snap him back to reality.

    "Hey Arkens, what''s up with you? You''re worrying me again. Are you not feeling good? If so, I''m forcing you to the nurse''s office".

    Arkens shook his head, breaking free from his thoughts, and allowed his hand to unravel from his grip on his pants, leaving behind creases from gripping them too tightly. He took a deep breath, trying to shake off the unease in his stomach.

    "I-I''m good, Watsu.. The Mr. Damatsu thing is getting to me. He was fine yesterday, and next thing you know, he''s beaten to a pulp".

    Watsu felt that unnerving sensation washes over him again, a familiar instinct he had always trusted when sensing if someone was in danger or troubled. He recalled his mistake in not acting on his intuition the first time, leading to the scene in the gym with Arkens''s collapse. Determined not to let it happen again, he straightened his posture and plastered a smile, trying to mask his concern and maintain a lighthearted atmosphere. Deep down, however, he knew he needed to keep a closer eye on Arkens.

    "I know, right? Mr. Damatsu looks like a tank; he probably got hit by the speeding car, making a huge dent in the hood! Then he stands up unfazed with just a broken arm! He''s kinda cool, showing up with these injuries and pretending it''s another regular day".

    Arkens shook his head in disagreement, a soft laugh escaping his lips despite the uncertainty in his mind.

    "Pssh- no way that happened; if it did, he''d be dead. No human can survive a high-speed collision, let alone damage the car and come out with a broken arm".

    The two of them engaged in a playful back-and-forth, creating ridiculous scenarios about human limitations and laughing at the absurdity of it all. Their lighthearted conversation provided a brief escape from the seriousness of the morning. As the morning homeroom classes ended, students began to filter out through the doors, the noise of chatter filling the air. Just as Arkens was about to step out, a rough, deep voice called out to him that cut through the crowd.

    "Arkens Ebihara, I would like to speak with you during the lunch period today. I''ll be in this class, awaiting your arrival. It would be much appreciated".

    Arkens felt a strong presence, a heaviness that seemed to crush his shoulders, making him instinctively bite his bottom lip and gulp.

    "And what if I don''t want to?..".

    Mr. Damatsu turned away from Arkens and faced the chalkboard behind him, his movements deliberate as he began to write on it.

    "It''s entirely up to you, Ebihara. But if I were to stress my request enough, I recommend you do".

    As Arkens twisted his body slightly to keep an eye on Mr. Damatsu while still in motion to leave through the exit, he caught a glimpse of the teacher''s focused expression.

    "Is that a threat, Mr. Damatsu?".

    Mr. Damatsu''s face was glued to the chalkboard as he meticulously wrote down instructions and phrases related to the science lessons he planned to teach.

    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

    "Threat? Ebihara, I assure you, I do not need to threaten anyone needlessly. It''s for your well-being you arrive here soon. As I said before, I''d recommend it. Heavily".

    The classroom grew quiet as the last student filtered out, leaving an empty room behind. Arkens closed his eyes for a brief moment, feeling overwhelmed, then took off running down the hallway, muttering curses about his life under his breath.

    Time moved forward, and the meeting began. Mr. Damatsu stood behind the podium, flipping through the papers he was preparing to present. Just then, the classroom door swung open, and a visibly anxious Arkens stepped inside, his heart racing as he entered the room.

    "I''m here. Just like you wanted".

    Mr. Damatsu paid no mind to Arkens''s entrance, flipping through the papers on the podium. His focus remained on the materials in front of him, oblivious to the boy''s apprehension.

    "That''s great. Now, make yourself comfortable. Before you do, close and lock the door for privacy''s sake".

    Arkens did as he was asked, strolling to a desk in the middle row of the classroom. He positioned himself atop the desk despite the anxiety swirling in his stomach. As he settled in, Mr. Damatsu suddenly stopped his task and looked straight at him. The intensity of the gaze was unsettling; the teacher''s eyes were hidden behind dark shades, obscuring any glimpse of emotion. This only heightened Mr. Damatsu''s intimidation factor, making Arkens feel the intensity had surged past a hundred.

    "I''ll get straight to everything. What you saw last night was real".

    The air suddenly became dense and humid, but only for Arkens. When he heard Mr. Damatsu''s words, a wave of discomfort washed over him, making it feel like the atmosphere had thickened around him.

    "My injuries, as you''ve already seen, are not from a car accident. I sustained them from my encounter with that stranger".

    Arkens''s ears perked up, snapping him back to attention as he focused on Mr. Damatsu''s voice.

    "Stranger? So, you don''t know who that was?".

    Mr. Damatsu nodded slightly.

    "That''s right. They attacked me randomly. And I suspect they were waiting for the chance to do it when the day turned to night, and I was alone".

    Arkens began to feel a sense of relaxation wash over him. Talking to Mr. Damatsu wasn''t as intimidating as he had imagined, and the conversation flowed in an expected way.

    "Why? Are you evil? What are you doing here, Mr. Damatsu? What are you exactly?".

    Suddenly, a flurry of questions rushed at Mr.Damatsu, each vying for his attention.

    "I will answer all inquiries. First, rest assured that I am not someone with unlawful intentions. If you want a classification, I''m a neutral party. And what I''m doing here.. is partially why I wanted to talk to you, too. But I will tell you after I clear most of your suspicions and questions".

    Arkens crossed his arms and nodded in response, trying to maintain his composure. It was all nerve-wracking, but relief overcame him as he realized Mr. Damatsu wasn''t the killer overlord he had half-fearfully imagined. Instead, the teacher seemed genuinely interested in helping him navigate his questions, which eased some of the tension that had been building inside him.

    "Now, you asked what I am, hm? That''s fairly easy; I''m a human just like you. With some minor differences".

    Arkens raised one eyebrow, and the response absurdity made him chuckle inwardly. He thought, what a funny thing to say, and a smile crept across his face.

    "If minor differences mean you can fly in mid-air, move at inhuman speeds, cause crazy winds to pick up, and explosions, then I must know the secret to become a superhuman!-".

    Mr. Damatsu raised his hand in defense.

    "There''s more to it, so allow me to clarify. As you saw, I''m not an ordinary human. To achieve that superhuman capability level, I can channel and use a special energy source all living beings possess within their bodies".

    Arkens felt his inner boy jump with excitement at Mr. Damatsu''s response. The shift from being stringent and cautious to genuinely intrigued was noticeable. His face relaxed, and a smile broke across his lips as his mouth creaked in awe.

    "Special energy source? What is it?".

    Mr. Damatsu stepped away from behind the podium, his demeanor shifting as he approached Arkens with a more open posture.

    "It''s called Sera Energy. Only a select few can access it, like me".

    He then pointed at Arkens.

    "And now you too".

    Arkens''s face turned to shock, but this time, it was different. Instead of freaking out or being overwhelmed with terrifying thoughts, he felt a sense of calm wash over him at the revelation.

    "I.. I can.. too?".

    Mr. Damatsu was clear with that statement, his voice steady and confident.

    "That''s right. You too can now use Sera Energy. I heard you had a health scare yesterday. Even before that, I had noticed it before entering the school''s entrance".

    Arkens furrowed his brow, confusion creeping back in.

    "W-What do you mean? You knew about my condition?".

    Mr. Damatsu did not immediately react to Arkens''s confusion; instead, he continued speaking, his tone unwavering.

    "Of course, I sensed your Sera Energy fluctuating at an abnormal pace from afar. I deduced you were undergoing a Serawakening".

    Mr. Damatsu proceeded with his explanation.

    "A Serawakening is the process someone undergoes when reaching a level past that of an average human. Every human has a distinct amount of Sera Energy upon birth. However, no matter the amount, it''s never guaranteed someone can go through a Serawakening".

    Arkens listened intently, his focus sharpening as Mr. Damatsu spoke. Each word resonated with him, and he found his brain processing the information rapidly.

    "Then, what is the trigger for this to occur? If the amount of Sera Energy is a non-factor, how does it happen?".

    "It''s luck and pain. The chances of someone going through a Serawakening are supremely slim. One out of a million, if I had to say. While there are cases where those who experience drastic hardships can awaken randomly, that''s also a rare instance".

    "Then what about me? What kind of a Serawakening did I go through?".

    Mr. Damatsu paused for a moment, considering Arkens''s question.

    "I believe you simply got lucky".

    "Lucky." The word echoed throughout Arkens''s head as he listened more intently to Mr. Damatsu. It struck a chord within him.

    "I answered most of your questions, and you should be satisfied. But I haven''t responded to your third question, which I held off until now. My reasoning as to why I''m here.. I was hired to keep a particular person safe because of my reputation and strength, who should attend this high school tomorrow".

    There was more to this conversation, a deeper layer that differed significantly from Mr. Damatsu''s previous explanations and answers.

    "Ebihara Arkens, I''m going to be straightforward with you. My battle yesterday wasn''t the greatest of outcomes. I have been severely weakened, and my "broken arm" is inoperable for the foreseeable future. I can''t use more than one percent of my power.. The stranger has sealed my powers completely to the point where I am a defenseless cripple..".

    As Arkens listened, the memories of the first time he encountered Mr. Damatsu and the stranger came rushing back. The events of their fight and everything that transpired flashed vividly before his eyes, as did the intensity of the battle and the strength of his teacher he had felt. The gravity of Mr. Damatsu''s words weighed heavily on him, dragging him down into a contemplative state.

    "What.. are you trying to say?".

    "I can''t fight anymore. And I know it is sudden for me to ask you, someone, who just discovered another world you never knew existed until now, but I ask if you can lend me your strength and help me protect the person I can''t".

    Arkens was left speechless, his jaw-dropping in stunned silence. His body turned pale, and beads of sweat began to trickle down his forehead, a physical manifestation of the overwhelming thoughts racing through his mind.

    Despite the imposing aura surrounding Mr. Damatsu, the large frame, deep voice, and striking appearance, the teacher bowed slightly before him.

    "Ebihara Arkens, I plead, help me protect the girl named Target!".

 Humble Beginnings 5

    The room fell into a heavy silence; the only sound breaking the stillness was the ticking clock hanging in the corner above the classroom entrance, its rhythmic ticks echoing in Arkens''s ears. He slowly got off the desk he had been comfortably sitting on, moving backward with a look of astonishment mixed with anxiety and puzzlement. The weight of Mr. Damatsu''s words hung in the air, and Arkens struggled to process the request being placed upon him.

    "Y-You.. understand what you are saying right now?!..".

    Arkens clenched his fist, feeling the tension build within him as he directed his gaze toward the ground. Mr. Damatsu''s request weighed heavily on his mind, and he tried to ground himself in the moment.

    "You''re asking me, someone you just met, to help protect another person I don''t know?!".

    Mr. Damatsu remained bowed, respecting Arkens''s moment of contemplation. He understood the gravity of the situation and allowed the silence to stretch, giving Arkens the space to process his thoughts and feelings.

    "I-I don''t even know how to use the power you say I awakened! How can I possibly fathom the idea of helping you? Not to mention risking myself in a situation I''m still a stranger to!"

    Mr. Damatsu raised his body to meet Arkens''s gaze, observing the boy in disarray. His concern softened slightly as he recognized the turmoil within Arkens.

    "I would never request a complete novice to risk their livelihood to help against something they''re oblivious to.. But I''m saddened to admit I''m desperate. I don''t know your potential, yet I''m gambling it all on you".

    Mr. Damatsu continued to speak, his tone calm and measured.

    "It''s dangerous, even if you agree to this. You could die. It''s very possible, and I won''t lie about that. The person I''m asking you to help isn''t me, but a girl named Target. She''s been a coveted prize for those who desire dreams beyond human greed. She''s a walking disaster, a catastrophe, a ticking time bomb wherever she goes".

    Arkens''s eyes widened as he grasped the situation more clearly than before. He lifted his head, staring at Mr. Damatsu with a fiery intensity, his eyebrows furrowed and his mouth set in a frown. The weight of the reality sank in, and anger surged within him.

    "What is she?! It sounds like you''re bringing someone to a place full of innocent people and jeopardizing their lives! If how you''re describing her is sound, then why here?!".

    Mr. Damatsu answered quickly, his voice firm but understanding.

    "From the connections and information gathered to search for a suitable location for her to live, your town was the best choice. It was desolate, far from big cities, and small, with a population of less than ten thousand people. I wasn''t exactly involved with those decisions.. I''m sorry".

    Arkens smacked his teeth in frustration, feeling the weight of the situation settle heavily on his shoulders.

    "Don''t give me a damn sorry! If what your telling me is true, then what can be done?! A sorry isn''t going to keep the people safe or fix anything! My family!- My mom, my little sister, my friends!".

    Mr. Damatsu felt a bit of a sting on the upper left section of his chest.

    "We can change that".

    The big man entirely propped himself up, the shift in his posture signaling the moment''s gravity. What had started as a simple discussion had transformed into a matter of life and death for everyone involved.

    "Ebihara, you may have a choice whether you want to involve yourself and risk your life for someone you don''t know. You now understand that it was us who brought a dangerous being that threatens the lives of everyone here, including your own family and friends. However, let me ask you this: Are you going to blame me and those at fault, waiting for your impending death? Or will you take the chance to fight for your life?".

    He moved his only functional arm and clasped his disabled arm, a subtle gesture that spoke volumes. The physical reminder of his limitations contrasted sharply with the urgency of his words.

    "As much as I want to apologize for my weakness and the decisions by those who have no right to, there''s a slight glimmer of hope in front of me. I can train you to become the best".

    The top of Arkens''s face was cloaked in shadows, amplifying the gravity of the situation. Questions swirled in his mind like a storm: How had it come to this, now of all times? Why was a blubbering idiot like him forced to make such a monumental decision? A stranger''s life rested in his hands, and the lives of those close to him hung in the balance; even the lives of strangers became his responsibility. The weight of it all felt suffocating, pressing down on him as he grappled with the reality of the choices he had to make. Each heartbeat resonated with the realization that he could no longer stand idly by.

    "If I had to choose?! Of course, I would want to fight for a chance to survive! I''ve got no choice too!".

    The memories of his family and friends swirled through Arkens''s mind like a vivid montage. Times when they smiled, laughed, and cried replayed in his head, each moment bringing a sense of warmth and nostalgia. He could see their faces, hear their laughter, and feel the bonds they shared. The most cherished memories emerged, reminding him of the love and support that surrounded him. Each memory was a lifeline, grounding him in the reality of what he stood to protect. The thought of losing any of them ignited a fierce determination, pushing him to confront the daunting path ahead.

    "What''s even more frustrating is that I have to protect a random girl I don''t even know! I bet she didn''t choose this life either!".

    This stunned Mr. Damatsu; his mouth sealed tight, eyebrows raised, as he processed Arkens''s outburst. It seemed like Arkens resented her entirely, yet deep down, there was an underlying concern for her well-being. No one would argue if he felt that way, but the fact that he was even considering her safety was significant.

    Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

    When Arkens locked eyes with Mr. Damatsu, a wave of genuine emotion washed over the teacher with intensity and raw, unconditional care he had never encountered before. The force of Arkens''s gaze was unsettling, piercing through the usual bravado Mr. Damatsu carried. For a brief moment, he felt a shiver run down his spine, realizing the weight of Arkens''s feelings.

    "Alright! I''ll fucking help you!".

    He ran forward to the shaken Mr. Damatsu, who could now feel the angered boy grabbing his shirt collar and pulling it upward.

    "I''ll help on one condition! You better make me the strongest in the world; otherwise, we''re all going to die; promise me this, Mr. Damatsu, or I''ll haunt you even after death!".

    Mr. Damatsu looked at him, recognizing the transformation in the teenager standing before him. The Arkens he had met just a few minutes ago was a far cry from the determined young man who now gripped his collar with unwavering resolve. It was as if Arkens had shed his previous hesitations and insecurities, revealing a fiercer side driven by necessity.

    "You have my word. I''ll make you strong enough to protect everyone. I promise".

    Arkens let go of Mr. Damatsu and turned, slipping his hands into his pockets as he opened the classroom door and left without saying a word. Mr. Damatsu followed, his gaze fixed on Arkens as he walked down the hall toward a flight of stairs. Concern gnawed at him, especially regarding Arkens''s mental state. The weight of such a burden protecting the fate of ten thousand people was immense, and he worried about how it would affect the young man. Would Arkens handle the pressure, or would it crush him under its weight? The thought lingered in his mind as he watched Arkens disappear from view.

    Lunch had come to a resounding end, and students began to travel again, hurriedly moving to their following classes. Watsu caught a glimpse of Arkens in the bustling hallway and paused, waiting for him to catch up.

    "Yo! Ar-".

    Arkens was moving in the opposite direction of Watsu, so when they got near one another, Arkens passed him without a word. Watsu furrowed his brow, finding this behavior strange. He twisted his face to gaze at his best friend, who seemed to ignore his presence intentionally.

    "What''s up with you, man..".

    He uttered quietly to himself, his face soft, riddled with unease.

    Watsu wasn''t the only one left in total darkness. Arkens, seemingly lost in a perpetual state of deep thought, was heading in the opposite direction of someone of great importance. A girl with curly, light brown hair and big, orange cantaloupe-colored eyes noticed him as he approached. She was busy chatting with male students, her laughter ringing in the crowded hallway.

    As Arkens drew closer, her gaze shifted toward him, excitedness flickering.

    "A-Aaa-h, uhm, I see someone I know; give me a moment, please.. Arkens!~".

    Watching this unfold from a distance was a short girl with purple hair dressed in a goth-like style. Her eyes widened in surprise at Arkens''s apparent indifference.

    "Hmm..".

    Qiyo walked over to Nya, who had turned around, raising both hands and gripping them tightly to her chest. Qiyo could see her friend biting the corner of her bottom lip, her expression tense. Without a word, she placed a hand on Nya''s shoulder, her presence quiet but comforting as they stared after Arkens, who continued down the hallway, lost in his world.

    "Nya. Don''t worry.. I can tell that you are afraid. Looking at his face, there must be something deep going on in his mind right now. And whatever it is, he''ll tell us soon".

    Nya''s face, now fully visible, mirrored her concern, but there was something more profound and unmistakable pain. Her eyes turned glossy, the hint of tears threatening to fall. Before she could crumble, Qiyo wrapped her arms around her, pulling Nya into a gentle embrace. She cradled her head softly, allowing her friend to rest on her shoulder as Nya''s emotions welled up in silence.

    "Qiyo... Why is it every time he''s in trouble, he doesn''t tell us?.. Why must everything be done alone?!- Why does he not see we''re here.. That I''m here..".

    Silent hiccups escaped from Nya as warm tears soaked into Qiyo''s sweater. The boys from before, concerned, moved to check on her, but as they approached, they were met with a startling sight. Qiyo''s face had transformed, her usual warmth replaced by a cold, gruff expression. Her eyes, once vibrant, had dulled, and her gaze locked onto theirs with a chilling intensity. The boys froze in place, taken aback by the sudden shift in her demeanor.

    "Can''t ya see, we''re busy here? Or are your sexual urges infesting your brain, rotting it to the point ya can''t understand simplistic social cues? Get the fuck outta my face".

    The boys, clearly frustrated by the unwelcoming response, changed their tune. They smacked their teeth in annoyance, turning away and walking off, snickering to themselves. As they left, their frustration bubbled over into petty insults aimed at Qiyo, a weak attempt to soothe their bruised egos after rejection. Their voices faded into the background as Qiyo remained steadfast, focusing on comforting Nya and ignoring their childish remarks.

    Time moved forward, and now darkness had wholly settled. School had ended hours ago, and Arkens sat at the dinner table with his mom and little sister, eating in silence. The quietness was unnerving, the kind of silence that carried a terrible omen, making Mrs. Ebihara uneasy. She sighed softly to herself, glancing at both of her children. Arkens stared blankly at his food while Hama quietly picked at her plate. The weight of the unspoken tension hung heavily in the air, unsettling her even more.

    "Things are awkwardly strained here.. between you two. What''s going on here, kids?".

    There was no response from either of them as they ate their food. She couldn''t bear this; it is evident that an argument had transpired between the two. Crossing her arms and legs, she closed her eyes for a moment before reopening them, now with an intense look in her eyes.

    "No one leaves this table until whatever beef you have going on is settled right now".

    Hama almost choked on the water she was drinking, hastily gulping down the remaining liquid in her throat before slamming the glass cup back onto the dinner table.

    "T-That is absurd!".

    Arkens crossed his arms, mimicking his mother''s posture, and sank slightly into his seat.

    "I for one second that idea".

    Hama angrily glanced in Arkens''s direction, her eyes narrowing as frustration built up.

    "And I, for one, don''t! Being forced to speak up about my feelings isn''t something I can do so easily!".

    Mrs. Ebihara nodded, her eyes shifting between her two children.

    "I guess that''s a teenage girl for you.. It''s not easy and never will be, but I feel like this can be solved with a few words exchanged. I can''t take that deafening silence any longer! Usually, you guys talk to one another. I enjoy that part of dinner".

    Arkens did not comment on his mother''s words. Instead, he shifted his focus and decided to take advantage of the opportunity.

    "I apologize, Hama. I''m sorry for being so mean to you, even though you were just worried about me. As an older brother, I''m sorry for being rude and not understanding from the start".

    Hama shook her head, her face growing warm as sweat rolled down her cheek. The sudden apology made her feel nervous and embarrassed, and she was unsure how to respond. Her eyes darted away from Arkens, trying to mask her discomfort.

    "Just forget about it! Jeez, it wasn''t that serious; I heard you loud and clear that you''re sorry! I forgave you already, but I-I was t-too stubborn.. to say anything..".

    Hama''s face turned slightly red as she nervously played with her fingers under the table, fidgeting to hide her embarrassment. She glanced away, unsure how to respond to Arkens''s unexpected apology.

    "Are we done now?..".

    Mrs. Ebihara scratched her head, feeling guilty for unintentionally putting her daughter on the spot. The situation had taken a surprising turn. Hama, clearly overwhelmed, bolted towards her room without a word. Arkens, caught off guard by his sister''s sudden reaction, followed suit in his usual hurried fashion. In unison, the Ebihara family called it a night.

 Humble Beginnings 6

    The next day, with the early morning sun streaming through the windows, Arkens reclines in his seat near the window, his body loose and relaxed. One arm drapes over the side of his chair while his foot rests on the edge of the desk, keeping him balanced as he leans back. Although he''d been more talkative and upbeat at dinner the previous night, he''s quiet again this morning, lost in his thoughts. Watsu watches his friend intently, his head resting on his folded arms. Arkens hasn''t changed; his demeanor is just like the day before. As Watsu silently observes, his mind drifts to the messages Nya sent him the night before.

    Nya: *Watsu.*

    Watsu: *Nya? What''s up?*

    Nya: *Nothing much.. How are you? I didn''t get a chance to see you today*

    Watsu: *I''m doing alright, how about you?*

    Nya: *I''m- I''m not doing so well, if I''m going to be honest*

    Watsu: *Huh? What''s wrong?*

    Nya: *Arkens..*

    Watsu: *Oh. What happen?*

    Nya: *I saw him today in the hallway. I thought it''d be nice to talk a little, but when I got closer, he didn''t notice me and ultimately walked away without saying anything..*

    Watsu: *Really now? That''s strange*

    Nya: *Mm.. Watsu, do you know why he was like that? The look on his face.. it was like he was in pain.*

    Watsu: Pain? What makes you so sure?

    Nya: *I can tell. It may have appeared to be neutral and straightforward, but this sensation.. When I glanced at him, it looked like he was aching somewhere.. I alone can''t seem to make a dent in his armor.. so Watsu, please find out what''s going on with him; you are the only one I can rely on.. please*

    Watsu: *Don''t worry, your pretty little head, Nya. I''ll figure out what''s going on with Arkens and be there for him when he needs me. He''ll be back to his old self before you know it. So, don''t stress yourself out over this, alright? I''ve got it covered.*

    Nya: *Thank you, Watsu.. I''m sorry for putting the burden on your shoulders.. I''ll be waiting for good news. Goodnight*

    Watsu: *Night!*

    Now, in the present, Watsu remained determined to investigate Arkens'' behavior for Nya and himself. As he made his silent promise, the door creaked open, and Damatsu Kojima entered the room. The morning routine began: attendance was taken, and the usual greetings were exchanged. Once everything had settled, Mr. Damatsu cleared his throat, signaling for everyone''s attention.

    "Students, I would like to introduce a new classmate, a transfer student who recently arrived today. Please bring your attention to the front".

    The students turned their attention to the front of the room, though a few stragglers gossiped in hushed whispers, speculating on who might walk through the door. The boys hoped it would be some mysterious foreign student from outside Japan, while the girls wished for an idol from a popular boy band or maybe even a model. Then, the door swung open surprisingly, grabbing everyone''s attention. The doorway instantly became the center of focus, the prize in their eager eyes. Anticipation thickened in the air, with everyone leaning forward in their seats, waiting to see who would appear. Even Watsu, usually laid-back, found himself caught up in the moment like everyone else.

    "W-What''s taking them so long? It doesn''t take a decade to reveal your identity..".

    Everyone quickly turned to Watsu, bringing their fingers to their lips in a silent plea for quiet, urging him not to break the tension in the room.

    "Shhhh! Don''t ruin someone''s dynamic entry!".

    Watsu, startled by the sudden attention, raised both hands defensively. Before he could react further, a girl strode confidently into the room, instantly captivating the crowd. Heads turned, and whispers died down as all eyes were drawn to her. She walked purposefully, her left hand resting on her hip as she rocked the school uniform.

    The girl was petite, standing around 5''3", with a delicate frame that looked almost weightless. Her slim, slender build had subtle curves, and her small chest made her appear even more petite. Her oval-shaped face was accentuated by a small nose, full lips, and large, expressive eyes that seemed to take in everything around her. Upturned eyes and sleek, slender eyebrows gave her a sharp but elegant look. Her ears, perfectly balanced, added a cute touch to her appearance.

    Despite her small stature, her legs appeared longer than expected, well-proportioned to her body, and thighs thicker than expected. Like the rest, her arms were tiny and slender, with smooth, delicate shoulders leading to small hands and fingers. Even her feet were tiny, matching her overall petite frame. She carried herself with an effortless grace that left the room mesmerized.

    Despite her tiny mouth and short tongue, she had sharp, noticeable canine teeth that added an edge to her appearance. Her hair was a striking mix of red and blue, styled into playful pigtails, with her eyebrows matching the same bold colors. Her eyes were perhaps the most unique feature, each iris a mesmerizing blend of red and blue, with a target crosshair design circling the pupils, giving her gaze an intense focus. Light freckles dusted her face, subtle yet noticeable.

    Her fingernails, painted with a splash-effect design in red and blue, added a touch of flair to her look. Multiple piercings adorned her left ear, all in the same solid red and blue hues, further complementing her distinctive appearance.

    The room fell into complete silence as if someone had pressed a mute button, leaving the air thick with shock. No one could find the words to describe the girl standing before them¡ªshe was unlike anyone they had ever seen. Her striking appearance left them speechless, eyes wide in disbelief. Sensing their stunned reaction, the girl smirked confidently, letting out an explosive, carefree laugh that echoed throughout the room, shattering the stillness.

    "AHAHAHAHA! Great meetcha everyone; the name is Rakuma Target!".

    With an exaggerated style, she pointed at herself with her thumb, exuding a presence unlike anything the room had ever felt. Her confidence radiated as she spoke, filling the space with an undeniable energy. Those seeing her for the first time were captivated, almost overwhelmed by her boldness and the brightness she seemed to carry.

    Then, she spoke her name, which hit like a shockwave: Target. The sound snapped someone out of their daze as if they''d been dreaming. Eyes wide with disbelief, Arkens stumbled backward, losing his balance and falling onto his back, unable to comprehend what he had just heard.

    "Target?!-".

    Everyone in the room seemed to ignore Arkens'' fall, too captivated by the moment to notice, except for Watsu. With a glance around, he raised his fingers to his lips thoughtfully before moving to help Arkens to his feet. Once Arkens stood, he straightened himself, staring directly at the girl before him.

    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    Target''s gaze met his, and in that instant, the world around them seemed to vanish. The bustling classroom faded, replaced by the illusion of a bright white room, its brilliance almost blinding. The intense light only served to amplify Target''s colorful appearance, her red and blue hues nearly glowing in the stark whiteness. Her crosshair-like eyes seemed to pierce through him, locking onto his own with a penetrating focus. Time seemed to stop as they stood there, the room becoming their private space.

    "Hmph!".

    Target''s confident voice shattered the illusion, snapping the white room back into reality. With a smug expression now plastered across her face, she stood tall, clearly aware of the impact she had made.

    "So.. your Ebihara Arkens, huh?".

    The room buzzed with soft murmurs as people watched the interaction unfold, curiosity filling the air. Stunned by the realization that Arkens and Target seemed to know each other, Watsu couldn''t hide his shock, so his expression said it all. He quickly glanced from side to side, confusion overtaking him.

    "Arkens, you know her?".

    Arkens remained silent, shaking his head slowly from side to side

    "It''s complicated. I don''t know much, yet I do..".

    That stumbled Watsu even more. Their connection, whatever it was, might explain why Arkens had been acting so strangely lately. It was starting to make sense, piece by piece. With the introduction of this new transfer student, Watsu felt like he was finally onto something. His eyes remained fixed on Target as she spoke again, her voice cutting through the lingering whispers in the room.

    "You aren''t so special, but as I''ve been taught before, looks can be deceiving.. I wished you''d be taller".

    This struck a nerve in Arkens. His head tilted slightly to the side, a subtle but telling gesture, as he slowly stepped forward toward Target. Standing over her, he looked down, his expression tense as the air thickened.

    "Funny, you say that I thought you were some tall babe with a nice figure.. I guess I can''t get my hopes up, huh?..".

    Target felt the weight of Arkens'' insult, which hit her hard. Her confidence wavered momentarily as her hands dropped to her sides, fingers curling tightly into fists. She raised her head defiantly, meeting Arkens'' gaze with a sharp glance upward, refusing to back down.

    "You sure got nice words to say to a girl you just met; I can see why you''re still single, ''cause I''d run too the moment I caught a whiff of your shitty personality!".

    Arkens cracked his knuckles dramatically with both hands, an exaggerated angry mark popping up on his forehead as he glared down at Target. His frustration was apparent, but the moment had a comical edge.

    "Oh yeah? You little shit!-".

    Sensing things were getting out of hand, Mr. Damatsu swiftly intervened. He raised his long leg and calmly placed it between Arkens and Target, blocking them from each other. Without missing a beat, he gently nudged Target backward with his leg as she flailed her arms and legs wildly like an enraged puppy dog. Her voice exploded with a barrage of curses, spouting the most vulgar words known to humankind.

    "Now, you two just met, and we''re in the middle of homeroom. Introductions are to be finished, so Arkens, return to your seat, and Target, find one before we continue".

    Both Arkens and Target huffed and puffed, their playful bickering momentarily over. Arkens slumped back into his chair while Target found a spot at the back of the room, immediately surrounded by a group of girls who instantly liked her. Friendly chatter filled the air as they admired her unique style and demeanor. Target''s foreign charm and the way she moved quickly caught the attention of almost everyone except for two boys.

    Arkens and Watsu were deep in conversation, with Watsu firing off questions about Target. Arkens, however, skillfully dodged the more significant questions, using roundabout answers and avoiding giving away too much. Just as their chat grew more intense, the bell rang, signaling the end of class. Everyone got up to move, and as if on cue, a few star-struck boys seized the opportunity to approach Target, bombarding her with questions, their excitement impossible to contain.

    "Sorry, boys, but I have no idea where I''m supposed to go next. I appreciate the offer to walk me, but I wouldn''t want to hold you up or get in the way of your education. Don''t waste your time on little ol'' me".

    "Ehh, It''s not much trouble, Rakuma. We''ve got all the time in the world, so come on, we''ll help you!~"

    "Persistent bunch, huh? I gues-".

    Before anyone could respond, Arkens cut through the boys surrounding her, pushing his way through with an air of impatience. His hands were stuffed in his pockets, and his face wore a clear look of annoyance. Caught off guard, Target raised an eyebrow as she skeptically looked him up and down, surprised by his sudden interruption.

    "What do you want?".

    "Nothing, you wanna figure out where you gotta go next, yeah?".

    "So what if I do?".

    Arkens, still looking annoyed, gently rubbed the back of his neck with his right hand as if trying to shake off the awkwardness of the situation.

    "I''ll help you. It shouldn''t be too hard; who knows, maybe you''ll end up where I need to go".

    Target chuckled as she stood up, swinging her school bag with a playful smirk. Without warning, she slammed it onto Arkens'' chest before confidently striding toward the exit. The boys, utterly defeated by this turn of events, let out a chorus of moans and groans, disappointed at their missed opportunity. Arkens, on the other hand, let out a long sigh, holding the bag in his hands as if it were a burden he hadn''t asked for.

    Unbeknownst to him, Watsu, who had slipped out of the classroom before things had escalated, was hiding among the crowd of students outside, quietly observing the situation from a distance. As Arkens exited the classroom, he swayed his body from side to side, still processing what had just happened. A faint sound caught his attention, and he glanced to his right. There stood Target, leaning casually against the wall, arms crossed, clearly waiting for him. She gave him a knowing look, her posture relaxed but expectant.

    "Took you long enough, now chop chop".

    The two, now walking side by side, hip to hip, moved together in sync, heading in the opposite direction of Watsu. He stayed put, hidden among the sea of students, his eyes carefully tracking their every move. Despite the distance, Watsu remained focused, his curiosity growing as he silently followed them with his gaze.

    "You''ve got your schedule or something that helps-".

    "Of course I do. It has to be in my bag. Just rummage through, and you''ll find it".

    "Huh?? Going through a girl''s bag isn''t something a guy should do, you do it!-".

    Target raised an eyebrow, giving Arkens a look that practically screamed, Don''t be a child.

    "Oh, don''t be a dunce- You''re not going to find a dangerous secret or some kind of womanly weapon inside; it''s just a bag, dude".

    "Tch- fine, whatever.. let''s see what''s in here anyway".

    Arkens reluctantly opened the latch and flung the flap over, taking a deep breath before carefully digging through Target''s bag. As he sifted through the contents, he found nothing that seemed remotely related to what he sought. The more he searched, the more it dawned on him that whatever he was after might not even be there. Yet, he couldn''t risk stopping if Target found it herself. Her endless sass would be unbearable.

    Just as he was about to give up, something caught his eye. It was a glimpse of white, half-hidden beneath a piece of black, intricately designed fabric. His curiosity piqued, Arkens seized hold of it and brought it closer, narrowing his eyes to deduce what it could be.

    "Hmm.. Now this is weird..".

    It took only a moment for Arkens to realize, with growing dread, precisely what he had grabbed. His worst fear had come true. His face flushed a deep red, embarrassment spreading across his features as he froze, holding the item in his hand, mentally kicking himself for even looking.

    "Uck! Auuck!-".

    As she strolled over, curiosity piqued; Target wondered what was taking Arkens so long. Her steps were casual, but her patience was wearing thin. She approached with a raised eyebrow, ready to see what the holdup was

    "Is it seriously that difficult to find a.. p-p-p-p-p-p-p-p-p-p-piece of PAPER?!".

    Target''s face turned red with fury, like a boiling pot about to overflow. Her eyes softened as tears pooled at the bottom of her eyelids. Her mouth gaped wide in a mix of shock and rage before her fist shot forward, connecting squarely with Arkens'' flustered face. The impact sent him reeling in slow motion, his eyes shifting toward a bulletin board on the wall to his right as the world seemed to blur around him.

    Target, now crying and screaming in embarrassment, yanked her bag and the item from Arkens'' hands, stuffing them back inside with a flustered fury. Without missing a beat, she pulled out a crumpled white piece of paper detailing her designated locations for the day. Students nearby paused, some halting to take a curious peek while others continued moving, casting glances as they passed, amused or bewildered by the spectacle unfolding before them.

    "T-Target! I''m sorry, I didn''t mean to!-".

    Target slowly looked up, her tear-filled eyes meeting Arkens''. Her eyes, ordinarily sharp and confident, now glistened with vulnerability, appearing broader and softer. A line of redness stretched across her pale skin, highlighting the light freckles scattered unevenly across her cheeks. Her breathing was shallow and irregular, almost frantic, and despite the noise of the bustling hallway, Arkens could hear the sound of her panicked breaths. The change in her expression and the fragility she showed stirred something profound in his chest, a thumping feeling that caught him off guard.

    "D-Don''t worry about it.. ya dolt".

 Humble Beginnings 7

    The tense air between them seemed to settle as Target suddenly shoved the paper against Arkens'' chest. He instinctively grabbed it, still trying to process everything. Glancing down, he unfolded the paper and skimmed its contents. His eyes widened slightly in surprise as he realized what was written.

    "Hmm.. That''s a little surprising. From what I''m seeing, it looks like we''re pretty much together throughout the day-".

    Target, still flustered, took a deep breath in an attempt to regain her composure. Her heart was still racing, but she focused on steadying herself. As she did, she caught Arkens'' words, her ears perking up.

    "Is that so? I didn''t think we would be stuck together like this. I''m a little disappointed to hear that, but what can you do? It''s fate".

    Arkens'' expression shifted, his brow furrowing slightly as he looked at Target, clearly offended by what she had said.

    "Uh huh.. I didn''t know being with me was that much of a hassle for you pint-sized dwarf-".

    Target clicked her teeth in frustration, her expression sharp as she glared toward Arkens. Her eyes narrowed, clearly irritated.

    "Ya so lucky we''ve gotta get to class; otherwise, I would knock your ugly mug to the dirty glossy floor and crush your tiny balls!".

    Arkens scoffed, his aggravation giving way to a smug expression. His lips curled into a smirk as he raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying the reaction he''d gotten from Target.

    "So you do have restraint- Who would''ve guessed with your shit attitude and barking I hear early in the morning".

    As they made their way to class, Arkens and Target continued to argue, their bickering growing louder and more heated with each step. The door slid open, and they burst into the room, slinging vulgar language at one another, utterly oblivious to their surroundings. The classroom was already filled with students, most of whom were seated, while the teacher stood at the front, watching in silence as the two fought their way toward the only two empty seats right next to each other.

    The moment they stepped inside, Arkens and Target felt the weight of dozens of eyes on them, the entire room fixated on their entrance. The teacher, who had been in the middle of roll call, paused, clearly unimpressed by the interruption. Embarrassment hit them both like a jolt of lightning striking a metal rod. Their faces flushed red as they suddenly realized the spectacle they''d created. Without another word, they quickly turned away, sitting silently, their previous outbursts replaced by quiet, reddened shame.

    "Well. That''s one way to start our mathematics class. I will now finish rollcall as Ebihara arrived with a new guest on his way here. Thank you, Mr. Ebihara!".

    Arkens'' body shivered slightly, feeling the weight of the teacher''s displeasure over their childish antics. He could almost sense how unimpressed the teacher was. Meanwhile, Target seemed to brush it off, already preparing for what came next. A few students turned in their seats to face her, eager to drum up conversation. Two girls and a guy started talking to her in unison, all drawn to her as if she had a natural magnetism. Arkens couldn''t help but notice how much attention she commanded, a twinge of jealousy creeping up on him, though he kept it buried deep inside and eventually lost interest.

    The class resumed, and time moved forward. The teacher handed out a few problems to work on before the period ended. The room grew quiet, the only sound being the rhythmic scribbling of pencils on paper. Arkens focused on his work and diligently tackled the problems before him. But something felt off. Pausing mid-sentence, he shifted his eyes to the side, scanning his surroundings.

    That''s when he noticed the abnormality. Target was much closer than usual. Her presence, only inches away, was unmistakable.

    Arkens ignored it, not wanting to stir up another argument with Target. Yet, as soon as he refocused on the paper before him, he caught a glimpse of her desk inching closer. His brow furrowed, and his mouth hung open slightly in disbelief. Surely, I''m imagining this, he thought, trying to brush it off.

    But when it happened again, his attention snapped back to her. Now entirely focused, he watched her closely, but Target made no suspicious movements, no indication that she was purposely moving closer. She seemed wholly focused on her work, giving no hint that she even noticed the desk''s shifting position.

    Arkens leaned in slightly and whispered under his breath.

    "Dwarf.. I can see that you''re getting close- You think I can''t catch that? You''re so obvious".

    Target slowly turned to face Arkens, her expression wholly neutral and blank, giving nothing away. She tilted slightly at his whispered question, clearly confused by his words. After a moment of silence, she responded hushedly, matching his whisper.

    "Blashapemy~ I wonder what might you be insinuating here, kind sir?".

    Arkens felt a wave of confusion wash over him as he studied Target''s expression and tone. Her neutral face and calm response left him puzzled, as if she had no idea what he was talking about. He had expected playful teasing or an obvious reaction, but instead, she seemed oblivious. Her behavior left him unsure whether he had imagined the whole thing or if she was playing an elaborate game.

    "Huh?? I can plain as day see your ass getting closer; I''ve caught you twice".

    "You must be hallucinating; why would I need to get closer to you? What will I possibly gain?".

    "I don''t know pompous genius, my answers??".

    Target suddenly burst into silent laughter, her body shaking as she threw herself around in her chair, gripping the desk to keep her balance. Real tears formed in the corners of her eyes, but not a sound escaped her lips as she struggled to contain herself. Arkens watched, bewildered by the sudden shift in her behavior. After a brief moment, she finally stopped, wiping away the tears from her eyes with a satisfied smile as if she had just heard the funniest joke no one else could understand.

    "You honestly believe I need your low level of intellect to breeze through these subpar questions on child-level mathematics???".

    "I pity you for even struggling, Mr. I can''t get past the third question!".

    Arkens stared in shock as his notebook, which had mysteriously disappeared, was suddenly tossed back to him. His eyes widened as he watched Target, who was now slowly sliding her seat back to its original spot, moving in a deliberate, almost exaggerated slow motion. A triumphant smile spread across her face, filled with satisfaction at her victory.

    She rested her cheek in the palm of her hand, still wearing that smug expression, and silently mouthed the words:

    "I can be your tutor~".

    Arkens stared back at Target in disgust, his mind racing. Was all of this to tease him? To humiliate him in front of everyone? His thoughts swirled, piecing together the situation. She had found a weakness and toyed with him, especially on a subject she now knew he struggled with. But before he could dwell on it further, the bell rang, signaling the end of the class.

    With the sound, a new sense of competition emerged between them. As students shuffled in and out, the following class history began. Arkens and Target once again found themselves seated side by side. But this time, Arkens felt the spark of determination. History was his domain, a subject he felt confident in. This was his chance to flip the tables and battle for dominance. He wouldn''t let her win so easily this time.

    "Okay, now does anyone know the date and special name given to this special historical event? We covered this yesterday, kids; I''m sure one of you remembers".Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

    Arkens smirked, feeling a surge of confidence as he stood up from his seat. With pride in his posture and a glint in his eye, he confidently stated his answer.

    "Ahhh!- So close yet so far, Ebihara, you''re on the right track, however".

    "I-I was wrong?-".

    Target stood up shortly after Arkens, confidently giving her answer. She smiled sweetly, the elegance in her posture unmistakable, and turned to face Arkens.

    "Oooh, impressive, Ms. Rakuma. That''s correct! It''s shocking to see someone who just arrived today seem more knowledgeable than everyone here. And must I repeat myself, we covered this yesterday?".

    Arkens balled his hands into fists, feeling the sting of defeat as he sat down. The rest of the class felt like a constant back-and-forth battle between him and Target, with each academic attempt leaving him one step behind. She always came out on top, no matter how hard he tried, and frustration gnawed at him.

    But now, with gym class rolling around, Arkens felt renewed confidence. This was his territory. Everyone had changed into their gym clothes, including Target, who instantly caught the attention of every guy in the room, eager to see her in action.

    Standing beside Arkens, Watsu noticed the intense fire in his friend''s eyes. Watsu recognized the shift in Arkens'' behavior.

    "Arkens? What''s up with you suddenly? Are you excited to get physical? That''s new".

    Arkens began rolling his arm around, loosening up with a confident smirk. Ignoring Watsu''s comments, his focus remained on Target, his rival. This was his chance to redeem himself.

    The instructor cleared her throat, gathering everyone''s attention as she calmly explained the day''s activity, her voice steady and composed. Arkens, barely listening, kept his eyes on Target, mentally preparing for whatever challenges lay ahead. He was ready to prove himself.

    "We''re going to play a quick game of dodgeball. Only for half of today''s class time. The board wants to test the waters with dodgeball again and get it approved for further physical education use".

    The teams were divided evenly. Target and Watsu found themselves on the same side, alongside a few other classmates, while Arkens stood at the opposite end with his team. In the center, six dodgeballs lay in a neat line, the calm before the storm. Arkens crouched low, muscles tense and ready to act at the whistle''s sound.

    As the teacher blew her whistle, signaling the start of the match, chaos erupted. Balls flew across the gym in a blur of speed and shouts, players dodging and throwing with everything they had. The intensity of the game escalated quickly, and one by one, players were eliminated until only two remained.

    The final warriors stood on the battlefield, locked in a silent duel. Target stood confidently, her posture calm, with her hands behind her back, casually gripping a ball in one hand. Arkens, drenched in sweat, stood hunched over with a ball clutched tightly in his hand, legs spread in a low, defensive stance. His heart raced, eyes locked onto Target as they sized each other up, the gym growing quiet in anticipation of their next move.

    "Arkens~ You look quite tired there. Don''t you think you should give up? We''ve been exchanging blow to blow, and nothing seems to be going anywhere.. Then again, I will admit, I''m not trying".

    "Tch! Why does my body feel so sluggish and heavy? I shouldn''t be this tired from dodgeball!-".

    Watsu had been watching them the entire match, intentionally allowing himself to be eliminated early so he could observe from the sidelines. It was strange how winded Arkens seemed from a simple game of dodgeball and even stranger how much he and Target interacted despite this being her first day at school. Their dynamic felt off, and Watsu couldn''t shake it.

    He briefly took his eyes off them, but the sudden sound of a ball hitting someone snapped his attention back. His gaze returned to the court just in time to see Arkens take a direct hit to the chest. The impact sent him flying backward, crashing onto his back with a thud. The ball bounced away, rolling a few feet before stopping near the center of the gym.

    The room erupted into loud cheers and excited chatter, the sound bouncing off the gymnasium''s walls. Among the celebrating students, Target calmly made her way over to Arkens. Standing over him, she looked down smugly, her lips curling into a playful giggle as people gathered around, praising her victory. Arkens stared at her in disbelief on the floor while the crowd buzzed around them.

    "You''ve got to be kidding me.. I lost again? At a simple game of dodgeball too?".

    Watsu made his way over to Arkens, offering his hand with a friendly smile. Arkens, still a bit shaken from the hit, weakly grasped Watsu''s hand and used it to pull himself back onto his feet. He dusted himself off.

    "Thanks, Watsu.. I must be getting old if I''m losing to someone in dodgeball".

    Watsu couldn''t shake the feeling that something was off. The way Target performed during the match didn''t sit right with him. She was incredible, far more athletic than her petite appearance suggested, and it didn''t go unnoticed. Watsu could tell from experience¡ªher movements were precise, skilled, and almost too natural. But what bothered him most was how easily she had bested Arkens.

    He knew his friends well, especially regarding their physical abilities. Regarding athleticism, only Arkens, himself, and one other individual should have been able to compete at that level. Yet here was Target, a girl half the size of most in the class, going toe-to-toe with Arkens as if it were nothing. There was something out of place here, something Watsu couldn''t quite put his finger on.

    Time marched forward, though, and soon enough, gym class came to a close. With it, the school day ended, and students began to pack up and head home, though Watsu''s mind still lingered on the day''s strange events.

    Watsu had planned to continue spying on Arkens and Target, eager to uncover more about their strange connection. But unfortunately, personal matters called him away, forcing him to leave earlier than usual.

    Meanwhile, Arkens and Target found themselves walking in the same direction, though anyone watching wouldn''t have thought they were together. They kept a noticeable distance between them, silently walking, each lost in their thoughts.

    "So what, you''re living this way too? Then again, Mr. Damatsu didn''t give the exact details of your arrangements".

    "It seems that way..".

    Target gripped the handle of her bag tightly with both hands, deliberately keeping her distance from Arkens as they walked. She maintained a steady pace, subtly moving further away from him with each step. Arkens, sensing something, glanced back over his shoulder and noticed the growing gap between them. The silence between them stretched on for a few minutes, filled only by the quiet sounds of their footsteps.

    The sun was setting, casting a warm, golden light across their path, though the shadows of nearby buildings occasionally dimmed the street. The moment felt serene, almost peaceful. Then, without warning, Target stopped, her gaze fixed ahead. Arkens kept walking, unaware of her pause. She stood still momentarily, breathing deeply before exhaling as if trying to collect her thoughts or summon the courage to speak.

    "You don''t have to protect me!".

    Arkens came to a sudden stop; his back still turned to her. Slowly, he turned around to face her, the weight of her words hanging between them.

    "You''re not obligated to keep me safe.. No one''s going to make fun of you if you don''t!".

    Her grip tightened on the handle of her bag, her knuckles turning white as she stood there. There was a distance between them that felt far more than physical.

    "I''ll be fine, so just think about yourself-.. I can handle my own safety!".

    Arkens sighed, running a hand through his hair, clearly torn. He shook his head, looking at her with frustration and understanding.

    "You''re right. I''m not forced to do anything".

    "Then!-".

    His voice was calm, but with a hint of resolve, he cut her off.

    "If you think I''m going just to sit back and do nothing while your life, my family, my friends, and thousands of innocent people are at risk, then you must be stupid".

    His words caught her off guard, and she instinctively stepped back.

    "I don''t get it... Why risk everything for something so trivial? Why would you throw yours away for my life and the lives of people who don''t even matter to you? Shouldn''t the lives of the people closest to you be the only ones that matter?".

    He took a step closer.

    "So what? You''re trying to tell me to only think about myself? That I shouldn''t feel like I have a responsibility? News flash, this isn''t just something I have to do. It''s something I want to do".

    Target stepped back once more.

    "Why? Why throw away a peaceful life for someone you barely even know? We don''t even get along, in case you haven''t noticed!".

    Arkens moved his foot forward.

    "And? So what? I don''t take things personally. You''ve beaten me plenty of times, but that doesn''t mean I hate you. We''ve thrown jabs at each other, sure, but that doesn''t mean I dislike you".

    She took a step back.

    "Whatever! You know there''s a real chance you could die, right? You''ll suffer just because I''m here... because I was told to be here".

    He took a few steps ahead, gaining ground.

    "It''s not your fault, and it never will be. No one has the right to put that on you, not me, not anyone".

    "Because of me, your life will never be normal again... You can kiss normalcy goodbye! Is that not getting through your thick skull?! How can you not hate me for that?!".

    He moved ahead, getting closer with each movement.

    "I don''t hate you. I never did. I know what you''re going through, and maybe I''m a little stubborn, but I''d rather carry that weight for everyone. I''ll fight, not just for myself, but for every innocent person in this town who doesn''t even know the danger that''s out there... and for you, so you never have to feel unsafe. Not while I''m around".

    Arkens finally got close enough to Target, who became unresponsive and looked to the dark ground made from the overarching shadows.

    "I don''t know what made you think you could convince me to leave you unprotected, but nice try. I''m not going anywhere, and I''m sure as hell not letting you die. So, get this through your tiny, dwarf-sized brain: as long as I''m around, you don''t have to be afraid. I''ll protect you, no matter what it takes".

    Arkens smiled, stuffing his hands into his pockets as the last rays of the setting sun broke through the shadows around them. He heard the soft sound of sniffling, and his expression softened when he saw the tears falling onto the pavement. Target''s face flushed red, her eyes filled with warm tears as her quiet cries grew louder.

    "I don''t know why you''re crying, but I''ve got bigger things to worry about, like you and the thousands of others out there. So, wipe those tears, Target. I''m going to get stronger so that you won''t cry anymore..".

 Humble Beginnings 8

    After consoling the tearful Target, Arkens walked her to a point where the road split into two diverging paths. They slowed as they approached the crossroads, a comfortable silence settling between them. Standing a few feet apart, they exchanged warm smiles, the earlier tension between them replaced by a quiet understanding. The distance between them felt natural, as if they had found some peace in the moment.

    "Cya, Arkens. Even though you have a stupid face, you sure know how to cheer someone up".

    "I don''t know if I''m supposed to give my thanks or to insult your ridiculous height, but I guess thanks".

    Target quickly bowed before clutching her school bag and dashing down the road, disappearing around the corner in a flash. Arkens watched her go, taking her sudden departure as his cue to head home finally. The sun was setting faster now, casting longer shadows across the road as he walked. By the time he neared his house, the sky had darkened, and the quiet of the evening settled in.

    Just as he reached the gate, ready to let himself in, his phone buzzed in his pocket. He paused, pulling it out to check the notification. At first glance, his eyes widened in surprise; something about the message caught him off guard.

    "A text message?".

    It read: *Change your clothes and meet me in the mountains. Keep going until you reach Mount Hiro. I don''t need to tell you how to get there. - Kojima* Arkens clenched his phone tightly, his eyes narrowing as a mix of seriousness and excitement flashed across his face. A grin slowly spread, his anticipation growing. He knew this was no ordinary meeting. Mr. Damatsu had a plan. His heart raced for whatever awaited him on Mount Hiro.

    "Things are starting now, huh? For some reason, I''m excited to put my life on the line.. Am I just crazy?".

    Arkens wasted no time. When he saw the message, he stormed through the front door, barely registering his surroundings. He charged past the kitchen, his focus entirely on the task ahead.

    Inside the kitchen, his mother sat at the dinner table, a towel draped over her shoulders, her hair still damp from a recent shower. She had been quietly enjoying dinner with his younger sister, Hama when Arkens'' sudden dash up the stairs caught her attention. She glanced toward the doorway, her eyes narrowing in confusion as she watched him disappear in a blur, leaving only the echo of his hurried footsteps behind.

    "Hey! Arkens, what''s gotten into you, boy?!".

    From upstairs, Arkens'' voice echoed back, hurried but determined. He yelled as he tore through his closet, quickly changing into casual attire. He slipped into a white T-shirt with bold red lettering that spelled out "Crazy Kid," paired with black shorts featuring two white lines running down the sides. His outfit was completed with a pair of well-worn red running shoes, beaten up from use but still reliable enough for what he had in mind.

    "Nothin''! I''m just heading out for a run; I wanna stay in shape, ya know!".

    "At this time?? That''s something you should do in the morning or, better yet, during gym class!".

    Arkens bolted down the stairs without hesitation, racing straight for the front door. The door swung open with a sharp sound, followed by the familiar thud of it closing behind him as he disappeared into the night. Mrs. Ebihara sighed softly, gently placing both hands over her face, clearly used to Arkens'' impulsive behavior. Hama, sitting quietly, smiled nervously at the scene, unsure whether to laugh or be concerned.

    "I''ll make sure his dinner''s ready for when he comes back.. You sit tight, Mom; I''ll handle the rest".

    Arkens approached the forest entrance with a steady, determined stride. A locked gate stood in his path, meant to keep people out at this time of night, but it didn''t stop him. Without breaking his pace, he easily vaulted over the gate and continued his run. He knew the forest and the mountains like the back of his hand, having ventured there countless times as a kid with friends his age. Finding where Mr. Damatsu might be waiting was second nature to him.

    After about 20 minutes, he reached an elevated point high on Mount Hiro. The night air was cool and crisp as he caught sight of a prominent, imposing figure sitting on a rock. The man''s posture was stiff and upright, not a hint of slouching; he sat with perfect form, like a statue. As Arkens got closer, he recognized the familiar face. A man with furrowed brows, a shaved head, and his arm resting in a sling stared at him, his intense gaze focused directly on the boy.

    It was Mr. Damatsu, waiting patiently for Arkens'' arrival.

    "Great. Seems as though you arrived at a good pace. It appears you ran here like I had hoped".

    "I-I''m.. haa- ahh.. ahhh.. I did".

    "Take a short break while you can because your training begins today, and from then on, there won''t be any more breaks".

    Arkens, hunched over with his hands resting on his knees, glanced up at Mr. Damatsu. The tone in his mentor''s voice was dead serious, and there would be no more breaks from now on.

    "There is no easy path to becoming the strongest, and I hope you are prepared to torture your body, mind, and soul".

    "Now let''s begin with a quick recap. Tell me what you remember and understand about Sera Energy".

    Arkens straightened up, placing both hands on his hips as his chest rose and fell with quick, shallow breaths.

    "Sera Energy is the lifeblood of all living things. Everyone has it, but not just any regular person can use it. To do that, they must undergo a process called Serawakening, which is unpredictable and rarely occurs".

    "And with Sera Energy, I essentially become superhuman just like you? That''s all I''ve got right now".

    Mr. Damatsu nodded, his expression firm and unwavering. His gesture was subtle, conveying that he approved of Arkens'' readiness.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.

    "Hmm, good, you''ve got the basics from what I told you before back in the science class".

    "But that''s only skimming off the surface. You have so much more to learn, Ebihara. And I recommend you to keep track of my lectures.. Shall we begin?".

    Arkens closed his eyes, placing his right hand over his chest. Memories of those closest to him flickered through his mind like scenes from a movie, each interaction vivid and heartfelt. He saw their faces, friends, family, and people who mattered most. At the end of each memory, they all smiled warmly at him. That brought a smile to his face, filling him with strength.

    When he opened his eyes again, there was a clear shift in his demeanor. A fiery determination burned brightly in his gaze, an impossible sparkle to ignore. Mr. Damatsu saw it immediately, and the eyes of someone transformed. Not just a boy, but the eyes of a different kind of monster, ready to face anything.

    "Perfect first, I want to cure you of your weakness".

    "Weakness? What do you mean?".

    Mr. Damatsu rose from the rock and walked toward Arkens, his steps deliberate and calm. Without a word, he placed his flat hand on Arkens'' chest, right over his heart.

    "I forgot to mention when you undergo Serawakening, your ability to channel Sera Energy may be awakened. However, there''s a catch. Initially, your energy levels explode exponentially, but without proper control, they decline. That''s why your Sera Energy has been slowly dropping. We call this phenomenon Sera Energy Deficiency, or SED ".

    "A-And what does that all mean?..".

    A bead of sweat formed on Arkens'' face as he nervously glanced at Mr. Damatsu''s grizzled expression. The seriousness of what was being explained made Arkens uneasy.

    "It means you''re slowly dying-".

    Arken''s face was turned entirely white, and his face was transformed to be simple and lacking in detail. A blob with red hair as he heard the words "Slow Death".

    "Don''t be so dramatic".

    "Dramatic?!?! You were way too blunt in telling me I''m dying!!!".

    "Just listen carefully. If you run out of Sera Energy, you die. SED makes sure of that. But once I funnel my Sera Energy into you, like jump-starting a dead car battery, your body will reset. It''ll start producing Sera Energy on its own again and even prevent you from ever hitting zero. So, relax. You''ll be fine".

    With the little Sera Energy he had available, Mr. Damatsu focused, sending a shock of bright, astral energy directly into Arkens'' body. Like a jolt of electricity, the surge traveled swiftly through him and immediately jump-started Arkens'' Sera Energy. The once depleting power inside him began to stir, reawakening with a renewed force as the energy flowed through his veins.

    "W-Woah! What was that? I feel.. so much lighter and stronger?-".

    Arkens inspected his body, almost in disbelief. The weakness that had plagued him for the past few days was gone, replaced by a sense of vitality he hadn''t felt in a long time. Not only did he feel normal again, but there was something more, a surge of energy coursing through him, making him feel stronger and sharper than before. It was as if the Sera Energy within him had not just returned but revitalized him entirely.

    "Hmph. Of course you do. But don''t be shocked now. This is nothing you''ll be able to do in the future with my teaching and rigorous training".

    "First, you need to understand what Sera Energy can offer you at its core. It can significantly enhance your physical strength and sharpen your senses beyond what an average human can. You''ll be able to detect and gauge the Sera Energy of others, allowing you to perceive the energies around you. With enough concentration, you can temporarily close wounds and even slow the effects of poison. And eventually, you''ll learn to transfer your Sera Energy to others or through objects and even mask your energy to hide from unwanted attention".

    "Do you understand?".

    Arkens shivered slightly, feeling nervous when the question was posed to him. In his way, he understood Sera Energy''s immense potential and the weight of responsibility that came with it.

    "I got it down packed- Is that all?".

    "No. One more thing, something I should tell you that''ll give you an advantage when it comes to battle. Something else awakens within you alongside Sera Energy".

    "What''s that? Don''t tell me- Another Sera Energy kinda disease?!".

    "Not at all. More like something you should know and be mindful of. When you awaken Sera Energy, you also unlock an ability. To make it easier and clear to understand, a superpower".

    Arkens'' eyes widened dramatically, his mouth hanging open in shock as if thunder had struck directly above his head. The realization hit him hard, leaving him momentarily speechless, his mind racing to process it.

    "S-S-S-Superpowers?! What do you mean?!".

    This was serious, no question about it. But the more Arkens thought about it, the more it felt strangely familiar, like something straight out of an anime or manga, especially a Shonen story.

    "Exactly like I said, a superpower, an ability unique to you and only you. Though, there are cases where some people end up with powers that resemble others'' abilities".

    "I know this is a lot to take in, but hang in there. There''s one more important thing you need to keep in mind. Whatever power you awaken can be just about anything. And to be blunt, it''s the difference between whether you survive or become the strongest".

    Arkens grasped the reality of gaining a superpower. There was no predicting what ability he might awaken or how lucky or unlucky he would be. The possibilities swirled in his mind, from transforming into something powerful to the horrifying thought of becoming a toaster, a worm, or worse, a hamster. The sheer absurdity of it all was mind-crushing. Still, he couldn''t afford to dwell on the fear of the unknown. He had to figure out what power he possessed or risk putting the lives of innocent people in danger.

    "How can we determine my power?".

    "There isn''t a defined method to discovering that, but once I train you on the basics, we can test what will trigger its activation. With that knowledge, I''ll devise a plan based on your capabilities".

    "Now, enough playing around. Let us begin!".

    Arkens stood in a more relaxed posture. Mr. Damatsu, standing across from him, stared intently.

    "We''re going to focus on training two key aspects¡ªyour physical abilities and the amount and strength of your Sera Energy. You''ll need to spread your Sera Energy throughout your body while engaging in physical activities. And the best way to achieve that? Sparring. Hand-to-hand combat".

    "So I''m going to fight you while training myself? Isn''t that unfair with your arm and weakened state?".

    Mr. Damatsu smirked slightly, a rare expression from the usually stoic man. It might have been the first time Arkens had seen his teacher show real emotion, which sent a chill down his spine. The sight of it seriously creeped him out.

    "Ebihara, I appreciate the concern, but it''s misplaced. You should worry about your well-being".

    "Channeling Sera Energy isn''t hard; maintaining a steady, optimized flow is the real challenge. And you''ll need that if you want even a sliver of a chance to survive. Ebihara, focus on where you feel the strongest surge of Sera Energy in your body and then visualize it spreading like a stream throughout your entire being. Now, go!".

    Arkens listened quietly, absorbing every word of his teacher''s instructions. He took a deep breath in, then out, his mind focusing on the sensation of Sera Energy gathering within him. It was intense, almost overwhelming, a fiery surge in his stomach. Closing his eyes, he concentrated on that point, channeling his thoughts as he envisioned the energy flowing outward like a stream.

    Slowly, he directed the energy to spread throughout his body into his lower body, upper body, arms, legs, cheeks, eyes, head, back, fingers, and toes. As he did, a sudden surge of cosmic energy burst from him, unstable yet strangely calming, as it enveloped his entire body. He could feel the immense force empowering every part of him, a raw and intense energy surging through his veins, filling him with strength unlike anything he had experienced.

    "Hmph! Good! Looks like you managed to figure it out; not too horrible for a beginner. I hope you know what comes next?!".

    Empowered by the swirling Sera Energy coursing through his body, Arkens raised his fist, locking his gaze on Mr. Damatsu. A confident smirk spread across his face, the surge of power fueling his determination. He was ready for whatever came next, his entire being brimming with energy and strength.

    "Here I come, Mr. Damatsu!!!".

 Humble Beginnings 9

    Arkens charged forward, each step crushing the ground beneath him, leaving deep imprints as he moved faster than he ever thought possible. The rush of wind against his face and the power surging through his body felt new, yet strangely natural. This superhuman strength was exhilarating.

    With his target locked in sight, Arkens lunged, throwing his right fist forward with everything he had. But just as his punch neared, Mr. Damatsu took a single, effortless step to the side, causing Arkens''s fist to strike nothing but air. The sheer force of the missed blow sent a shockwave rippling through the air, shaking nearby trees and scattering leaves.

    Arkens froze, staring at his hand in disbelief. The power he had just unleashed was overwhelming, leaving him breathless. His gaze traced the line of his arm up to his

    shoulder as he tried to comprehend the strength now coursing through him.

    "And there are people out there with much more devilish strength than this?!...".

    Mr. Damatsu calmly walked behind Arkens, pushing up his darkened shades.

    "That''s correct. Let that remind you daily of the kind of world you are involved in and the standard you must achieve even to stand a glimmer of a chance".

    "It will also do you best to remember that despite my weakened state, I''ll show you kindly why they call me "The Mercenary" and shutter in fear of its title".

    In a flash, Mr. Damatsu took small, precise steps, his movement swift yet efficient. With his only good arm, he gripped the back of Arkens''s head and slammed the boy''s face into the ground. The impact was brutal, sending cracks rushing through the earth like a spiderweb. Arkens hadn''t been prepared, and the sharp pain exploded through his body, his nerves screaming in protest, begging him to flee from this behemoth.

    "Fight back, or you''ll attend school with horrific scars".

    Mr. Damatsu released his grip on the boy''s head and hopped backward, creating space between them. Arkens groaned, planting both hands firmly on the ground as he struggled to lift his aching body from the small crater left by the impact. His face was bruised, covered in tiny cuts and scrapes, though nothing too serious. His newly empowered state had made him more resilient to external damage.

    "Ugh... gah..!-".

    "I''m not going to let you recover anymore; I''ve been too lenient".

    Arkens gritted his teeth, his fingers digging into the dirt. Hearing the faint sound of movement, his eyes flicked toward what he believed to be Mr. Damatsu''s position. In an instant, Mr. Damatsu advanced, aiming to kick Arkens down. At that very moment, Arkens sensed his teacher''s approach. Pushing off the ground with his hands, Arkens lifted his body and swung his leg backward to strike Mr. Damatsu''s face with a swift, airborne leg sweep.

    Mr. Damatsu was mildly surprised by how quickly Arkens recovered, launching a counterattack in the same fluid motion. It showed promise but not enough to impress him. Adjusting swiftly, Mr. Damatsu leaped over Arkens''s leg sweep, flying effortlessly above him. He landed gracefully behind Arkens, now facing his direction. Without wasting a second, he rushed toward Arkens''s blind spot, exploiting the opening in his defense. With his head, arms, and back exposed, Mr. Damatsu saw the perfect opportunity to strike.

    Mr. Damatsu, with his only good hand, performed a swift palm strike aimed at Arkens''s exposed back. Arkens, reacting with newfound speed, flipped himself over just in time, crossing his arms to block the incoming blow. However, the block only absorbed about 20% of the strike''s force, leaving him to endure the brunt of the impact. The remaining power sent him flying through the air, crashing to the ground and skidding across it, a trail of disturbed dirt marking his rough landing.

    "Ahh- damn it!".

    The disgruntled Arkens breathed heavily as he struggled to lift himself off the ground, both hands planted firmly on the dirt. But something felt wrong; his eyes widened in alarm as he realized the flow of Sera Energy within him had vanished. The empowered state was gone. Panic flickered in his gaze as he searched for Mr. Damatsu, only to find that he could no longer track his movements. Where he once could follow his teacher''s speed, now there was nothing. Before Arkens could react, Mr. Damatsu appeared above him, his image a blur. With a deliberate motion, he pressed the bottom of his shoe lightly against Arkens''s chest, pushing him down onto the ground once more.

    "Don''t keep me waiting now. Remember what you''ve learned and channel the Sera Energy through your body again. You need to activate it the moment you desire or sense danger instantaneously. Engrave the instance into your body like second nature".Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

    "T-That''s easy for you to say.. I j-just started old man Damatsu!..".

    A spark hit Mr. Damatsu in the temple, and his head moved downward. A strange sense of nostalgia rushed toward him without much warning. A tiny smile formed on an atomic level on his face, and he seemed to repeat the words Arkens had spoken first.

    "Old man Damatsu.. Huh?..".

    Arkens was perplexed yet saw the opportunity to focus on reactivating his Sera Energy. So, similar to before, he closed his eyes and envisioned a stream of Sera Energy flowing throughout his body, enveloping him like a blanket. Within seconds, he reopened his eyes and quickly rolled backward, creating distance from Mr. Damatsu, who blinked and snapped out of his momentary trance.

    "Good work. Using my moment of distraction to regain your composure, impressive battle IQ".

    A comedic sweat drop formed on his face, and an exaggerated slump from Arkens as the compliment felt like an awkward attempt to cheer him up. He gave a half-hearted sigh, clearly not feeling the praise. He muttered, his voice flat.

    "Huh.. I wouldn''t necessarily call it impressive.. Don''t boost my confidence with nothingness".

    It was silent for a few moments before the training resumed, with Arkens trying his best to keep the flow of Sera Energy coursing through his body while dodging Mr. Damatsu''s relentless flurry of attacks. Mr. Damatsu''s strikes were swift and precise, involving only his arms and hands, yet each one carried enough strength to graze Arkens''s cheeks, leaving behind shallow cuts that bled. Thanks to the power of Sera Energy, most of the injuries sealed themselves temporarily, and the enhanced healing factor worked fast enough to keep him in the fight.

    "That''s good. Keep up the pace; You''re beginning to understand the idea, yet when it comes down to a prolonged fight, your energy is depleting quickly, disrupting your focus".

    Arkens was becoming winded fast, and his control over Sera Energy faltered with each passing second. The moment he lost focus, the energy would shut off, exposing him to Mr. Damatsu''s dangerous strikes. As he caught a glimpse of another attack heading his way, he braced himself for the inevitable pain, but it never came. Mr. Damatsu had stopped just short, his hand hovering inches from Arkens''s face, his expression unreadable.

    "As much as I prefer this training method, I don''t intend to hurt you. I''m your teacher, not your enemy, but with pain and a sense of urgency, that''s where you can flourish".

    Mr. Damatsu flicked the boy''s forehead with his middle finger and turned around, facing the opposite direction. He tossed a cold water bottle behind himself towards Arkens, who caught it with both hands.

    "Same time tomorrow. We''ll continue this type of training again. If I feel you are improving and becoming stronger, the difficulty will increase, and I''ll expect more of you. Understood?".

    Arkens gulped and bowed his head with both hands to his sides.

    "Y-Yes! I won''t disappoint ya, old man Damatsu!".

    "Alright, go home now. It''s quite late, and I have to return to Target; she''s asleep, but I know she''s afraid of being alone".

    That said, Mr. Damatsu had returned to where he and Target were residing while Arkens sluggishly pulled his 100-ton body back home, chugging the water bottle.

    "Ahhhhhh... I feel like absolute shit.. I can''t believe I have to do this every day.. kill me".

    The very next day had arrived, and Arkens, like everyone else, were seated at their desks, awaiting Mr. Damatsu, their homeroom teacher, to come and start the morning attendance. Watsu noticed the bandages plastered all over Arken''s face, who tried hiding them in the best way possible.

    Watsu raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a half-smile, though his eyes showed clear suspicion.

    "So, what''s the deal? You''re walking around like nothing''s wrong, but with all those bandages... it''s like a swarm of tiny bugs set up camp on your face. You hiding something from me?".

    "N-Nothing serious, alright? I took a tumble on the pavement yesterday and should''ve paid more attention to my surroundings".

    "Is that so? Hmm.. You must be more careful, or you''ll break your nose, idiot-".

    This set Arkens off, launching him into a tangent about who the absolute idiot was. His voice grew louder as he defended himself, gesturing wildly in frustration. Watsu, however, only half-listened, turning his head slightly to the side. His gaze shifted toward Target, who sat by herself, seemingly engrossed in a conversation with a few girls who had moved their desks closer to hers. A subtle frown crept onto Watsu''s face as his suspicions deepened, his focus now more on her than Arkens''s rant.

    Due to personal affairs, Watsu couldn''t spy on them after school yesterday, hindering his chances of spotting any promising leads or concrete reasoning for Arkens''s behavior and connection. This only made him more determined. Every waking moment, he ensured that he followed Target and Arkens throughout their time at school. He carefully concealed himself in perfect locations, blending into crowds of students to remain unseen. Despite his persistent efforts, nothing out of the ordinary caught his attention, apart from the occasional moments when Arkens and Target were together. As the school day ended and the sun began its descent, Watsu noticed the two exiting the school grounds beside each other. Finally, this seemed like a promising lead. He trailed a few feet behind them, staying just out of their line of sight but close enough to catch their conversation.

    "Well, I''ll say, from the best of my memory, your face has seen better days~".

    Target laughed out loud, poking Arken''s face with her fingers touching the bandaged areas. Arkens would wince in pain and angrily swipe her hand away.

    "Yeah, yeah, laugh all you want! I''ve been dreading this day too since this is my second time going again".

    "At least you are learning. From what I know, you''ll need it, trust me".

    "Tch- I don''t need you telling me that too; old man Damatsu has made it plenty clear of the standards".

    Watsu''s ears perked in response to Arken''s words.

    ''Old man Damatsu?.. !!! M-Mr. Damatsu?! Our science slash homeroom teacher?!''.

    A nervous air filled the space, and Watsu could sense a cold breeze brushing past him.

    ''What''s going on here? Is Mr. Damatsu involved? But what exactly are they doing together?!''.

 Humble Beginnings 10

    Watsu continued to tail them, keeping his distance as they walked along until they reached the point where their paths would diverge. Using the cover of a nearby house with a small alleyway, he carefully peeked out with his right eye, silently observing them. The conversation between Arkens and Target seemed to have died down during their small trek, and soon, they waved each other goodbye. Arkens, noticing the sun dipping below the horizon and the darkness creeping in, suddenly picked up the pace and dashed toward home, moving as though he were in a hurry. Knowing it would be too risky to follow further, Watsu decided against chasing him. It would be too obvious, and his time was running short. He pulled out his phone, the screen''s glow reflecting on his face as he checked the time.

    "Tch- At least this time, it was productive. I learned new information.. But this isn''t what I expected it to be. There is more behind the scenes with these two, including Mr. Damatsu. ARGH! I''m doing this all alone, too, fuck me".

    Watsu returned home soon after. As time progressed, the night settled into the same hour that Arkens had left to train with Mr. Damatsu the first time. And that''s precisely what he did. It was Day 2 of training, and Arkens found himself in the far reaches of the mountain, continuing his session with Mr. Damatsu. The training had already begun, with the two clashing head-to-head. Arkens was glowing faintly with hints of Sera Energy, his clothes dirtied, and his face roughed up with tiny scratches. He stood in place, breathing steadily, waiting for the perfect moment to act. Mr. Damatsu, however, was nowhere to be seen.

    "Haa..haa..haa.. We barely started, and I''m exhausted- He wasn''t joking when he said the difficulty level would increase based on my progress..".

    He closed his eyes, recalling Mr. Damatsu''s lessons about the basics of Sera Energy and the essential tools he had to master even to come close to true strength. If an opponent was too fast to be noticed, Arkens had to rely on his heightened senses. And if that wasn''t enough, he had to detect Sera Energy signatures. Focusing intently, Arkens tuned out the noise of the world around him, attempting to use Sera Energy Detection to pinpoint where his teacher would appear next. Within moments, he felt a solid yet small Sera Energy signature moving around him at high speeds. His mind raced as he honed in on the energy''s rapid movements, and with his target in mind, Arkens made his move. He dashed forward, his body reacting almost like a track star at the sound of a starting gun. Sera Energy pulsed faintly through his veins as he raced toward where the signature would fall next, his eyes sharpening with focus. Timing it perfectly, he swung a strong right punch, aiming to intercept his teacher.

    "I found ya! HaaaAH!".

    A shockwave of air pressure echoed throughout the training grounds, kicking up quite the force. The moment Arkens threw his punch, it seemed Mr. Damatsu had already caught it with his only good hand, his palm gripping the boy''s fist tightly. They appeared locked in a struggle, with Arkens pushing as hard as he could, trying to force his fist forward, but he couldn''t budge through Mr. Damatsu''s overwhelming strength. Arkens''s face was filled with intensity and frustration, his brow furrowed in determination. In contrast, Mr. Damatsu''s face remained as stoic and unmoving as ever, his calm gaze locked firmly on his student.

    "Damn it!- I thought I had you this time! For someone with practically zero Sera Energy, you sure can move!".

    "Hmph. Of course, I can. Sera Energy can make you strong, but physical training and body maintenance are just as necessary. But don''t mistake it, Ebihara. Without Sera Energy, you can''t compete with those who are strong. I can easily match you right now because you''re a beginner".

    Mr. Damatsu let go of Arkens''s fist and immediately followed up with a swift backward kick aimed at his stomach. However, Arkens saw it coming from a mile away and, with quick reflexes, performed a backflip to dodge the attack, using the momentum to create distance between them in the same fluid motion. Mr. Damatsu nodded in quiet acknowledgment, impressed by the seamless execution of the dodge.

    "Good. You''re getting used to fighting against me. And your strength and mastery are improving. You still aren''t there, nowhere close to decently acceptable, but progress is being made".

    "T-Thanks.. for the encouragement".

    He smiled awkwardly, his body slumping forward in exhaustion. Arkens wasn''t thrilled with Mr. Damatsu''s silent acknowledgment of his progress or lack thereof. But at this point, he''d take anything. His teacher was always the same: stoic, serious, unnerving, unfazed, a literal machine. Arkens wouldn''t even be surprised if it turned out to be true.

    "Let''s get back to it. We must maximize our time now; no more talking unless it''s a question or from me".

    Mr. Damatsu rushed Arkens without a second thought, not giving him a moment to respond. Arkens quickly raised his guard, bracing himself for the incoming flurry of attacks. The training continued from there, relentless and unyielding, lasting for hours until midnight. The moon shone brightly above the night sky, with stars flickering far away. Arkens lay sprawled on the ground, arms and legs spread out, his chest heaving as he desperately tried to catch his breath. His body was sore, aching, and beyond exhausted. Mr. Damatsu, calm and composed, walked over with a cold water bottle, tiny droplets of condensation dripping down its surface. He handed it to Arkens and sat on a small rock he had carried over, his usual stoic expression unchanged.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    "T-Thanks!..".

    Arkens opened the bottle and downed the water in multiple gulps, finishing it in seconds. Mr. Damatsu, without a word, kicked a small cooler containing fresh, cold water bottles to Arkens''s side. Without hesitation, Arkens reacted with the instincts of a feral animal, grabbing bottle after bottle and drinking them down as if his life depended on it.

    "Hmm. Keep this up, and we''ll make do with what you''ve got. But nothing can be decided until we finally fully grasp your ability. That is an important factor in a Sera Energy user''s future".

    "Oh yeah? That doesn''t concern me though!".

    "Really? And why is that? I hope you realize there are monsters out there with powers no human should be able to control".

    Arkens stopped drinking the water bottle in his hand, and the atmosphere grew still. His face softened, the intensity draining from his expression as his gaze remained fixed on the bottle.

    "No matter what I have, I have no choice but to accept it.. I can pray and hope for something useful, but I can''t complain about what I''ve got. I don''t have the luxury to cry and weep".

    "Whatever power is destined for me, I just have to take it and grow strong with it to the point where even the most powerful of abilities fail compared to my own".

    Arkens looked at Mr. Damatsu with a newfound seriousness, but a faint smile was etched on his face.

    "Good answer. Keep that drive and optimism in your mind and heart".

    "Hehe. Yeah!".

    "That marks the end of today''s training session; we''ll pick this up again tomorrow around the same time".

    Arkens got up, and a sharp wave of pain coursed through his body. He immediately reacted by adopting comically strange poses and facial expressions, each more exaggerated than the last, clearly showing the pain he was enduring. Mr. Damatsu stood by, watching silently, not uttering a word. With a sigh, he turned and left Arkens to his own devices. Realizing he was alone, Arkens eventually gave up on his antics and returned to rest, preparing himself for the next day.

    The following day began with a typical buzz of conversation filling the classroom as students chatted with their friends. However, two individuals stood out. Arkens was fast asleep, his chin firmly planted on the desk, arms dangling loosely to the sides, mouth slightly open with a small line of drool slowly dripping down. His snoring was quiet but more goofy than disruptive. Meanwhile, Watsu sat nearby, noticing the opportunity to play a small game. At the same time, he collected his thoughts on what he would do to gather more information on the curious connection between Mr. Damatsu, Arkens, and Target. Resting his head on the palm of his hand, Watsu stared at the dozing Arkens and began flicking small balls of paper toward his open mouth, trying to land a perfect shot.

    He had many attempts, with a few balls of paper rolled over his desk. When Mr. Damatsu slid the door open to begin homeroom class, he could finally score a ball in his best friend''s mouth, causing Arkens to wake up and freak out, who tried to spit out whatever fell in.

    "Ebihara! Behave yourself!- And what''s with that littered desk?!".

    The students erupted in laughter as the situation unfolded. Watsu froze, his entire body turning into a comical stone statue, knowing he was the cause of the scene. His face remained stuck in a goofy smile, desperately trying to play innocent as Arkens stirred awake, looking groggily around the room. Target, making sure her laughter was louder than everyone else''s, caught Arkens''s attention immediately. He turned to face her, his eyes narrowing in frustration as anger marks comically appeared on the sides of his head, his expression boiling with irritation.

    "I know that water-down dwarf isn''t laughing her ass off!- I swear I''m gonna send her to the mines with her fellow brethren!!!".

    The laughter slowly faded into an echo as the school day passed, and it was time for students to head home or stay for club activities. From the second-story window of the school, Nya stood watching Arkens and Target meet up in the courtyard below, her expression tinged with sadness. She hadn''t heard from Watsu in a while, and an uneasy feeling twisted in her gut. Dressed in her volleyball attire, Nya couldn''t shake the sense that something was off. Next to her, Qiyo, wearing the same outfit, nudged her best friend''s arm, trying to snap her out of her thoughts.

    "Nya? Practice is going to start soon, let''s go before we''re late".

    Nya shook her head and turned around with a smile on her face.

    "Right! Sorry, we should go then".

    Nya quickly walked away from the window and headed toward the gymnasium. Qiyo followed behind, knowing something was up but not fully understanding the depth of the situation like Watsu, who was directly involved. Nya wanted to figure out what was happening with Arkens''s strange behavior, but she was still in the dark. Meanwhile, Watsu was back in the fray, following Arkens and Target on their way home again. This time, he was more determined than ever, having created an excuse for his family by claiming he needed more time for academic work. He kept a close distance, using the same method of listening in on their conversations, but ready to follow them much farther than he had the previous day.

    "Your little ass was so gut happy back there laughing super loud, knowing it wasn''t even that funny!".

    He pinched Target''s cheeks with his fingers, stretching her face in irritation. Target squealed in pain, her hands frantically trying to pull his away as they fumbled in a ridiculously harmless struggle.

    "Take that! Take this! Eat this, ya dwarf!".

    "AHHHH, LET GO, YOU UGLY TROLL; MY FACE IS GOING TO COME OFF".

    The constant bickering and playful yelling continued until they reached the same old diverging paths, parting ways with a final glance and flipping each other off with a smirk. Afterward, Arkens returned home, but this time, Watsu followed him, determined to uncover the truth. He patiently waited, watching as Arkens eventually left again, dressed in new clothes. It was late, and Watsu knew he was getting close and had to understand what his best friend was going through.

    ''He changed into new clothes and out of his school uniform.. What for exactly and at this time?''.

    Arkens and the stalking Watsu reached the forest, a sight that surprised Watsu, but he knew he had to keep going. They were heading far up the mountain, where being out at night was strictly forbidden. As Arkens followed the path higher, Watsu realized the trail led to an open space, leaving him no cover to move forward unnoticed. Forced to retreat to a lower patch of ground, Watsu stayed close to the clearing but could not see anything. Now, he would have to rely solely on his sense of hearing to gather information about what was happening.

    ''Alright Arkens! Let''s see what''s going on! I bet you''re meeting someone here, either Mr. Damatsu or Target!''.

 Humble Beginnings 11

    Watsu''s nerves were on edge as he pressed his back firmly against the rough earth wall behind him. His eyes were wide, scanning the surroundings, straining to catch any hint of the conversation between Arkens and whoever he met. Every word, every voice he could overhear, would be crucial to his mission. This wasn''t just for Nya anymore. It had become super personal.

    He took a deep breath, closing his eyes momentarily to calm his racing heart. When he opened them again, he felt his nerves settle, his focus sharpening on the task at hand. His entire being was attuned to the sounds around him. Then, cutting through the tension, Arkens'' voice rang out, the first to break the silence.

    "Alright, I''m here! The usual, like always, huh?".

    Watsu gulped.

    ''The usual? What could that possibly mean? Arkens, what do you have yourself involved in?''.

    Of course, Watsu kept his thoughts to himself, though countless ideas swirled in his mind, each trying to grasp the meaning behind the words coming from his best friend''s mouth. Yet, nothing made sense despite all the possibilities that crossed his mind. He would only grasp at straws, trying to form logical conclusions. But deep down, Watsu knew that logic alone wouldn''t explain the situation. His gut told him something that couldn''t be reasoned through conventional means was off.

    "Okay, let''s get started then, heeeree IIII comeee!".

    Bewildered, Watsu struggled to comprehend why Arkens would yell those words. Before he could process anything further, an immense gust of wind pressure erupted from the area where Arkens and the mystery person had met, sending debris and dust flying in every direction. Watsu''s eyes went wide as he instinctively threw his arms up, shielding his face from the violent blast of wind.

    The force of the gust was overwhelming, making it hard to stay steady. Watsu squinted, trying to part his arms just enough to get a glimpse of what was happening, but the sheer intensity of the wind made even that tiny effort nearly impossible. He was left bracing against the onslaught, desperate for any clue as to what was unfolding ahead.

    "W-WAHHHHHHH!!!-".

    "HRAAAAGH AND ANOTHER!!!".

    Watsu screamed in terror as the unnatural winds intensified, seeming to double in force after a second impact shook the ground. The powerful gusts lifted him clean off his feet, hurting him over the cliff''s edge. He began to fall, the height dizzying as the distance between him and the town afar became painfully clear. Time seemed to slow, and the ground far below felt impossibly distant. His body slammed into tree branches on the way down, the sharp cracks echoing in his ears as he crashed through the foliage. Pain shot through him as branches snapped beneath him, bruising and cutting his skin. His blood pounded in his ears, the rush of adrenaline mixing with panic as the fall seemed never-ending.

    But Watsu wasn''t a quitter. Despite the pain and fear, a fierce determination burned inside him. He had a purpose, something driving him forward, and no amount of pain or danger would stop him from seeing it through.

    "LIKE HELL IF FALLIN'' FROM A HIGH HEIGHT IS GONNA KILL ME!!!".

    In midair, Watsu summoned all his upper body strength, twisting his massive frame and reaching for a sturdy-looking tree branch he had glimpsed with his sharp eyes. His fingers latched onto it, halting his freefall. The momentum, however, swung him forward, his legs and lower abdomen instinctively bracing for the inevitable impact with the tree. The collision was brutal; his body smacked against the trunk with a dull thud, knocking the wind out of him and sending him into unconsciousness.

    Moments passed before Watsu''s eyes began to flutter open. The first thing he saw through his blurry vision was the starry night sky above, twinkling softly against the darkness. As his focus sharpened, he took in the scene around him, the broken branches scattered below and the hefty branch that had saved him. He realized he wasn''t far from the ground. Despite the searing pain coursing through his body, the bushes beneath him had softened his landing just enough to spare him from a fatal fall.

    A weak but genuine smile crept across his bloodied face. A feverish, almost hysterical laugh escaped his lips as he lay there, half his eyelids closed, grateful to still be alive. The blood trickling from his face didn''t seem to bother him. He was just thankful that, against the odds, he had survived.

    "I wonder.. how long has it been since I was knocked unconscious? Is it possible Arkens and the mystery person are still lingering above? And what in the actual fuck WAS ALL THAT WIND??".

    Watsu struggled to lift himself from the bushes, wincing as every movement sent a jolt of pain through his battered body. Once on his feet, he pressed his hands against the tree''s rough bark, using it to help stretch out his aching back. He stood hunched over, his posture resembling an old man leaning on a cane for support, the weariness from the fall apparent in his every movement.

    His head throbbed with pain, and he groaned, attempting to shake off the lingering dizziness that clouded his senses. Each small motion sent waves of discomfort through him, but he forced himself to keep going.

    "Augghh.. Fuck me.. How do I always get myself wrapped up in the strange business?.. OH, I know, ''cause no one is gonna give a flying hell to do it themselves!".

    Watsu angrily walked back onto the same path that led to the open clearing Arkens and the mystery person. He took it easy for his body''s sake and on the off chance they were still there. However, with each step he took, he heard no more voices. It was silent. He didn''t want to wait, so he exposed himself. To his surprise, it was empty. This did give him an opportunity in his eyes.

    "Even if they aren''t here, I shouldn''t have been found out, meaning this place is still a meetup location.. Moreover, there''s always something left behind at a scene, no matter how small the clue is..".

    Watsu carefully moved ahead, each step deliberate, but he stopped almost immediately as something caught his eye. He blinked, unable to believe what he was seeing. The ground was cracked and shattered in ways that defied logic in a specific spot ahead of him. The more he approached, the more the crater appeared eerily shaped, almost like the impression of a human face.

    Intrigued, he crouched to inspect it further, curiosity pushing him to attempt something ridiculous. He leaned forward and mimicked the shape, trying to fit his face into the odd cast. It didn''t match his own but was close enough to send a chill down his spine. He stepped back, shaken. This strange formation and the countless other cracks scattered across the ground made him uneasy.Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    Watsu moved toward the outer edges of the area, peering down at the spot where he''d been before being knocked off the cliff by the winds. His eyes scanned the scene, and he felt the remnants of the strong winds in his memory. Then he looked up and noticed the damage above. The towering trees had broken branches hanging loosely and tangled in other limbs. Once thick with leaves, the canopy was almost bare, the leaves seemingly blown away, leaving the trees stripped and desolate.

    "What.. What the hell is going on here? Everything is trashed, and there are literal cracks in the ground, definitely not created with human machinery; there isn''t proof to show there was, and if there were any, I see no traces left behind..".

    Watsu stood there, completely perplexed. Each discovery deepened the mystery surrounding Arkens, Mr. Damatsu, and Target. The cracked earth, the shattered trees, and the strange imprint in the ground all painted a picture he couldn''t understand. His mind raced as he replayed everything he had seen and heard, but nothing seemed to connect.

    He gazed around the open space, his heart heavy with a growing sense of unease. The more he learned, the less he understood. And then there was Nya; how was he supposed to explain any of this to her without concrete answers? Watsu could feel the weight of his responsibility pressing down on him. He had nothing but fragments of a much larger puzzle, and the pressure to figure it out only made him more anxious.

    He let out a heavy sigh, his face contorted with the inner struggle he was facing. Watsu didn''t want to believe the possibility of something supernatural happening right before him. It was too far-fetched, too out of what he considered real. And yet, the more he tried to push the thought away, the more it nagged at him. But he couldn''t accept it, not without seeing it firsthand. His expression, worn with frustration, resembled a neutral emoji, stress lines creasing his forehead as he wrestled with his thoughts.

    After a few moments of stressing over his investigation, he finally allowed his face to relax. There was no point in overthinking things now; he needed rest, and there was always tomorrow. With that, he made up his mind and quickly decided to head home, knowing school awaited him in the morning.

    Morning arrived faster than Watsu expected, the peaceful birds chirping and filling the air. Watsu sat slumped at his desk, resting his chin on his folded arms. His eyes were half-open, heavy with exhaustion, and his body was covered in bandages from head to toe, a clear reminder of the rough night he''d had.

    Across from him, near the window, Arkens sat silently, but unlike his usual behavior, he watched Watsu with concern. Something about Watsu''s battered state had caught Arkens'' attention, and the roles were reversed for once. Arkens was the one worried about him.

    "What happened to you? Didja get into a tussle? Or did you get hit by a car?".

    Watsu turned his face away, not saying a word, but suddenly, tears began streaming down his cheeks, flooding his face with emotion. Arkens, taken aback by this unexpected reaction, blinked in confusion. Unsure of what to do, he let out a nervous laugh, awkwardly patting the air as if trying to comfort his friend from a distance.

    Deep down, Watsu wasn''t crying because of the pain or the confusion; he was crying because he knew what came next. He was going to follow Arkens again. But this time, things would be different. This time, he wouldn''t hide in the shadows. He''d make his presence known.

    Time seemed to skip ahead in a flash; once again, it was night. Watsu found himself in a familiar position, hiding in the shadows and waiting for the right moment to reveal himself. Yet, despite his earlier resolve, he hesitated. The thought of stepping out and confronting the situation seemed easy when imagining it, but in practice, his body betrayed him. He shivered, cursing his cowardice under his breath.

    He tried to shake off the apprehension and focus on Arkens and the nearby conversation. This time, something was different. It wasn''t Arkens'' voice that reached his ears first; it was another voice deeper, more commanding. Watsu''s heart skipped a beat as the sound tugged at a memory. He knew that voice. It belonged to someone familiar.

    "Ebihara. I want to test your sensory ability. By this point, you should be able to sense energy signatures from here to about half the town population".

    "W-What?! I just started; this is my third day! I can''t possibly reach that far-".

    "You haven''t even tried, and with how we''ve progressed, you should make the quota by now".

    Watsu''s suspicions were confirmed, and Mr. Damatsu was involved. That deep voice belonged to him, and Watsu now felt confident that Mr. Damatsu was also the person Arkens had met the day before. However, as Watsu strained to listen, frustration built up inside him. He could hear their conversation, but the words were broad, vague, and cryptic. Nothing they said made sense to him.

    "Now go. We want to maximize our time instead of wondering whether an action is possible. And we aren''t far from the town itself, just distant enough so noises are muffled and visibility is zero to none".

    "Yeah, yeah, I hear ya..".

    Arkens reluctantly closed his eyes, centering himself as he tapped into his Sera Energy Detection, pushing its range to its absolute limit. It always felt odd to him that this ability to sense life forms was based on their Sera Energy. He could detect the tiniest night creatures scurrying through the grass and the subtle energy of plants swaying in the wind. As his detection extended further, he peered into the town, noticing the soft glow of a few human energies. Some were faint, likely asleep, while others moved slowly, their Sera Energy gently pulsing.

    But then, something familiar caught his attention. A source of Sera Energy was nearby, one he recognized. It felt like a human''s presence, close by, too close. He squinted, focusing harder, believing it might be Watsu. Yet, before he could fully process that, something far more alarming pulled at his senses.

    A massive, overwhelming source of Sera Energy surged into his detection field. It was so vast, so intense, that it completely shattered his focus. His eyes snapped open instantly, a bead of sweat rolling down his face. He turned to Mr. Damatsu in panic, the words caught in his throat, struggling to comprehend the sheer force of what he had just sensed. Something powerful was nearby.

    "Mr. Damatsu, there''s a huge a readin'' of Sera Energy in the town right now! It''s gigantic!-".

    "There''s a what?!".

    Mr. Damatsu''s usual calm and collected demeanor shattered at Arkens'' revelation. His face tightened, betraying the turmoil beneath the surface. What stung the most was that he hadn''t sensed it himself, not even the faintest warning. It was a blind spot he couldn''t have predicted, no matter how much he wanted to. His frustration bubbled to the surface as he clenched his fist tightly.

    "Let''s go. I didn''t think anyone would show up now, so early, but it seems my predictions were wrong. It''s time, Ebihara. For you to put your life on the line".

    "Right.. I sensed the Energy in Takae district!".

    Arkens could feel the weight of the responsibility on him, the burden of protecting so many innocent lives, and the added pressure of keeping Target safe. The sheer intensity of it all seemed to settle heavily on his shoulders. He exhaled slowly, a composed and solemn sigh escaping his lips, his mind bracing for what was to come. He knew there was no turning back now. Whatever was heading their way, he had to be ready. Arkens steeled himself, preparing for the worst, no matter how impossible the task seemed.

    Watsu, crouched in the suffocating darkness below, was utterly confused. He couldn''t piece together what Arkens and Mr. Damatsu had been talking about, but judging by their reactions and the tension in their voices, it seemed like there was some danger looming over the town.

    He expected them to start running down the path, but his assumption was smashed instantly. There was no running. Instead, multiple blurs zipped past him, accompanied by the roar of powerful winds moving too fast for his eyes to follow. Before he could react, they had leaped from the high cliff, their speed defying anything he could imagine.

    They''re heading to town, aren''t they? He thought, adrenaline kicking in. The sheer power of the wind and their rushed conversation confirmed that something was happening, and they were already on the move. Watsu scrambled to his feet, his heart pounding as he sprinted, making his way toward the Takae District. He wasn''t as fast as they were, but he had to get back to town to determine if his hunch was correct.

 Warehouse/Pride 12

    Arkens and Mr. Damatsu soared through the air, the town rapidly approaching beneath them. Their descent was graceful and controlled, and as soon as their tippy toes brushed against the ground, they wasted no time. In one swift motion, they both shot back into the sky, moving with incredible speed, barely leaving a mark on the earth as they ascended.

    "Ebihara, land on the roofs for easier travel; it will also deter any attention drawn to us by possible onlookers. Thankfully, we''re too quick for anyone to see anything visibly".

    "R-Right! I gotcha!".

    They sped through the air, cutting their way across town, with the Takae District now within reach. With one final leap off a high rooftop, they soared, their eyes carefully scanning the streets below for anything suspicious. The deeper they searched, the more unease began to settle into their bodies, a gnawing worry that something was awry.

    As they landed softly on another rooftop, the feeling of urgency increased. They looked around frantically, hoping to spot anything, but were only met with silence; the empty night stretched before them, eerily quiet, as if holding its breath. The stillness of the scene only deepened their concern.

    "We''ve arrived. However, I see nothing noteworthy. Whoever may be here is more than likely masking themselves by lowering their power.. This could be since they sensed us getting closer as well".

    "So all I have to do is look for them, right? I''ll just concentrate and pinpoint where they are".

    Arkens closed his eyes, centering his focus on his Sera Energy Detection. His range now spanned most of the town''s four districts, stretching further than ever. Yet, despite the vast area he covered, there was nothing. The colossal energy signature that had drawn their concern earlier had seemingly vanished without a trace, leaving Arkens feeling uneasy and frustrated.

    "If you''re going to look for someone, hiding their presence, decrease your wide view of range and focus solely on the Takae District. This will make it easier in your search; otherwise, you are wasting your time".

    Arkens listened carefully to Mr. Damatsu''s instructions, shrinking his Sera Energy Detection down to the Takae District alone. With this more focused range, the energy readings became much more precise, and each source of Sera Energy within the area stood out. He gulped, concentrating as he looked at the various forms of energy surrounding them.

    Then, something caught his attention. It felt familiar, almost identical to the massive energy signature he had sensed. But this time, it was near, very near. His heart raced as he realized it was moving toward them, descending from above. Before he could react, a loud voice echoed behind them.

    Mr. Damatsu''s reflexes were instantaneous. He whipped around just in time to see a man standing behind them, one arm extended, palm open, fingers spread wide, and aimed directly at Arkens.

    "Where you lookin'' kid, pay attention!!".

    Mr. Damatsu gritted his teeth, his calm demeanor masking the urgency of his next move. He pushed Arkens out of the man''s line of fire in one swift, controlled motion. However, in an unexpected speed display, the stranger''s hand shot forward, launching a hook that zipped through the air, attached to a seemingly endless rope spewing from his palm.

    Without missing a beat, Mr. Damatsu''s body shifted into high gear. His muscles tensed, and he placed himself between Arkens and the attacker in a blur of movement. His arm pulled back, muscles coiling with power, ready to unleash a devastating counterpunch.

    "Don''t you think you''re getting ahead of yourself?!-".

    The stranger had no time to process the unfolding situation as he heard a voice full of might. A smug grin spread across his face, but it faltered when his eyes darted to the left. There, already in striking position, stood Mr. Damatsu. The stranger''s confidence evaporated as the realization of who he was facing hit him.

    Before he could even think to defend himself, Mr. Damatsu''s fist connected squarely with his upper chest. The impact force sent the man flying backward, his body rocketing through the air as if weightless. In the wake of the punch, the hook and rope dissolved into black smoke, vanishing as quickly as they had appeared.

    "Ebihara?".

    Arkens collapsed onto the rooftop, his body trembling as he looked up at Mr. Damatsu. Fear twisted his face, and his chest tightened as his heart pounded in his ears. The weight of the situation bore down on him, and he had never felt such raw bloodlust before. The sheer intensity of danger coursed through his veins, a chilling reminder that someone had just tried to take his life.

    Mr. Damatsu stood motionless, his expression unreadable, his eyes hidden behind his dark shades. Without a word, he adjusted them, his stoic gaze briefly meeting Arkens''. Then, without hesitation, he turned back to face the direction where he had sent the would-be killer flying.

    "Get your act together. I thought you were prepared to lay your life on the line".

    "Or is it now that you''ve come face to face with killer intent, you are rethinking your decision?".

    Arkens slowly adverted his eyes low to the crumbled titles of the broken pieces of the roof. His face was now covered with a light shadow. This was something he wasn''t ready for. He bit his bottom lip in disbelief and disappointment.

    Arkens slowly averted his gaze, focusing on the shattered tiles across the ruined rooftop. A faint shadow fell over his face, reflecting the turmoil inside him. He wasn''t prepared for this, not the bloodlust or the weight of real danger. Disbelief gripped him, and frustration chewed at his chest. He bit down on his bottom lip, the sting of disappointment seeping in as the reality of the situation began to sink deeper.

    "Get up. I''m not going to allow you to coerce your way out cowardly. You promised to protect everyone close to you, even utter strangers".

    "I thought you said you''d protect your family and friends! You promised to keep Target safe, didn''t you? Or was that just a lie to make yourself feel better about this so-called ''heroism''?!".

    "This isn''t a game. I''m betting everything on you and your future. But if you want one, you have to carve it out with your own two hands! So, what will it be? Dying or dying with a fight?!".

    Arkens slammed his hand onto the cracked rooftop tile beneath him, his body trembling under fear. His mind raced, struggling to come to terms with the looming reality of death and pain. Flashes of the suffering his loved ones and thousands more would endure if he didn''t act played vividly in his thoughts.

    He slowly raised one leg, planting it firmly on the ground. Every movement felt like an agonizing battle; his entire body screamed to give up and run. But he couldn''t. He wouldn''t. Forcing himself through the waves of fear, he rose to his feet, his body trembling, drenched in sweat. His eyes were strained, his mouth quivering as he fought the urge to collapse.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    His legs shook uncontrollably, but even so, he stood defiant despite the overwhelming pressure crashing down on him.

    "I ain''t gonna lie, I''m scared half to death.. I can''t even stand..!".

    "But.. I''m sorry for almost chickening out, old man Damatsu!-".

    Mr. Damatsu remained silent, his gaze fixed in the enemy''s direction. Though Arkens couldn''t see it, a faint smile tugged at the corner of Mr. Damatsu''s lips. But the moment was brief; his smile vanished as soon as the stranger emerged from the shadows of an alleyway, hands casually tucked into his pockets.

    The man''s appearance became clearer under the light. He seemed older, perhaps in his early thirties, with a scruffy beard and short, messy hair sticking out at odd angles. His sharp, dark eyes gave him a hardened look. His outfit was simple yet rugged: a black shirt beneath a dark beige leather jacket, fur lining the collar. He wore plain black jeans and matching shoes, completing the unassuming but dangerous aura he carried.

    "Strange.. I could''ve sworn I''d be dead by now.. Hmm.. now that I''m taking a closer look, you don''t look so good, Kojima!".

    "Is that an arm sling?! And your Sera Energy is next to zero.. Zero?-".

    A sinister smirk spread across his face as he glared at them, the realization dawning on him one that Mr. Damatsu had already anticipated.

    "Ebihara, this is where you stand. Your qualification test begins now. Defeat him alone, and I''ll continue to train you, or we''ll both die, including everyone you care for".

    "By myself, huh?.. Would you be surprised to hear that I had a feeling you''d say that?".

    Arkens slapped both hands against his face, forcing himself to focus. He inhaled deeply, steadying his nerves, then exhaled slowly before leaping off the roof and landing on the empty street below. Now, standing face-to-face with the invader, Arkens could feel the moment''s weight. Though some distance remained between them, their eyes locked in a tense stare. The man''s lips curled into a devilish smirk, his confidence unwavering.

    "You''re a baby. I can''t believe the Kojima Damatsu "The Mercenary" was subjected to a protection job, and here I find him practically a cripple with a baby in his arms".

    "It''s laughable that you think you can beat me. I can tell your level of training is that of a beginner, so get off your high horse!".

    Arkens became serious, and despite his many uncontrollable emotions, he couldn''t show them to his enemy.

    "It''s not a matter of thinking I can beat you, a must. So even though I am inexperienced compared to you, I''ve got no choice but to kick your ass!".

    "Then let''s see you try, yeah?!".

    With blinding speed, the stranger raised both arms, his palms and fingers splayed wide. In an instant, two hooks shot out, their velocity startling Arkens. His instincts kicked in, and he crossed his arms into an X shape, focusing his Sera Energy in a desperate attempt to power up and brace for impact.

    The hooks whizzed past him, piercing through the house behind where Mr. Damatsu stood. They latched onto the walls inside, and the stranger wasted no time, using the anchored hooks to propel himself forward. In one fluid motion, he reeled himself in, closing the distance between him and Arkens in a flash. Before Arkens could react, a powerful kick slammed into his side, the force so devastating it sent him flying upward into the sky, his body rocketing like a ragdoll.

    "NGH- AHH!".

    As unfortunate as the situation seemed, it gave Arkens enough time to activate his empowered state. His body began to glow faintly as his Sera Energy surged, but he started to descend before he could fully stabilize. The rushing winds roared past him as he plummeted rapidly toward the ground, a house directly in his line of impact.

    Meanwhile, Mr. Damatsu remained calm. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a strange device, its surface sleek and unfamiliar. A bright violet light erupted with a single push of a button, engulfing the entire Takae District. The light vanished as quickly as it appeared, leaving the air still again.

    "Hmph! So you used a Silencer, huh? I should remember to bring some after I kill the baby and you!".

    The stranger darted off in the direction Arkens had been launched, moving at speed so fast he was a blur. Meanwhile, Arkens slammed into the concrete street, skidding across the ground and tearing up the road beneath him, his body leaving a long, jagged trail. His momentum only stopped when he crashed into a house, the impact crushing the wall behind him. Pain shot through his body, but he forced himself to move, picking himself up with a groan.

    Off in the distance, he saw the madman barreling toward him. Arkens staggered to his feet and bolted to the front of the house, steeling himself for the next attack.

    The stranger''s laughter echoed as he raised one arm and fired another hook. It shot forward with blinding speed, striking Arkens in his lower body, just above his stomach. The force drove the hook deep, its rope searing through Arkens as it anchored into the wall behind him. The stranger fired a second hook from his other hand, but it missed Arkens, embedding itself into the house wall behind him.

    "You idiot!!! HAHAHAHA, you aren''t fast enough to dodge my hooks and not tough enough to tank it; your Sera Energy is that of a baby!".

    Reeling from the pain, Arkens'' face twisted into a furious scowl. His hand gripped the rope that had pierced through his body, and with a surge of strength, he yanked it hard, pulling the stranger toward him. The move was so unexpected that the stranger''s eyes widened in shock. He hadn''t imagined someone he saw as weak, almost like an infant, could counter with such force.

    The stranger''s body was flung forward, propelled uncontrollably toward Arkens. Panicking, he attempted to deactivate his ability, hoping to release the rope and break free. But it was too late, and his momentum was already sealed.

    "You may be faster and stronger, but I''m more determined! That I can''t lose to you!!!".

    Arkens clenched his fist, his whole body fueled by raw determination and fury. With a quick, decisive step forward, he drove his fist into the man''s face, his eyes blazing with anger. But he wasn''t done. With a roar, Arkens unleashed even more of his power, using the momentum to slam the man into the ground. The force of the impact was immense, creating a massive crater as the ground beneath them cracked and shattered.

    The stranger''s eyes glazed over, turning a vacant, glossy white. Arkens stood over him, his chest heaving with heavy breaths, his fist still buried in the man''s face. But just for a split second, the stranger''s eyes flickered back to life. Color returned, and they darted up to meet Arkens'' gaze.

    In that instant, Arkens'' heart sank.

    "He''s still..!-".

    The stranger swiftly moved before Arkens could finish his sentence, pushing Arkens'' arm aside with his free hand. In one quick motion, he raised his upper body and drove his head forward, delivering a brutal, point-blank headbutt that staggered Arkens. Seizing the opportunity, the stranger followed up with a rapid leg sweep, knocking Arkens off his feet.

    But before Arkens could hit the ground, the stranger grabbed him by the collar of his shirt, pulling him in close. With a fierce punch to the face, he sent Arkens crashing through another wall. This time, the impact didn''t send him far. The man''s face was left with a deep fist print on his face, blood streaming from the corner of his mouth. Despite the pain, he furiously smirked, spitting blood onto the floor.

    "Hehe.. You only hit me once, and I''m this hurt? Not bad, for a beginner. My name is Genju.. And yours?".

    Arkens, escaping from the rubble, picked himself up from the debris, feeling the exhaustion kick in; he sure expended a lot of energy in taking his hook attack and punching him. But he wasn''t feeling ready to quit now of all time.

    "Ahh..haa..mnuhm..haa..haa.. Arkens..".

    "Well, be glad you know the name of your executioner. Not many had such the privilege!"

    The moment the stranger moved, Arkens reacted instinctively. They leaped toward each other, fists extended, and their punches connected simultaneously, slamming into each other''s faces. The impact sent them both stumbling back, pain surging through their bodies. But without hesitation, they rushed at each other again, exchanging a flurry of punches and kicks with brutal speed.

    Arkens realized they were too close to the people''s homes as the fight raged. Though much of the destruction was unintentional, he had to move the battle away. Spotting an opportunity, he baited the stranger when Genju swung a left punch; Arkens quickly stepped in, locking Genju''s arms with his own. Arkens twisted his body in one swift motion and shoulder-threw Genju away from the houses, sending him crashing onto the open road.

    Arkens leaped high into the air, ascending rapidly before plummeting back toward the ground with his hands clasped together. His arms swung above his head and behind his back, gathering momentum as he aimed to smash his combined fists down onto Genju''s body with devastating force.

    Genju, seeing the attack but with no time to dodge, acted quickly. He stretched his arms, firing two hook shots latched onto nearby walls. The hooks automatically reeled him away just in time, narrowly dodging the blow. Arkens'' fists slammed into the ground with tremendous impact, unleashing an explosion of force that sent a shockwave rippling outward, shaking the surroundings.

    "D-Damn it! I almost had em!".

 Warehouse/Pride 13

    Unbeknownst to Arkens, the injury he had sustained earlier, the puncture wounds in his body had been slowly leaking blood. His ability to temporarily seal the wounds was weakening, and the pain that adrenaline had once dulled now surged through him with growing intensity. His vision began to blur as he knelt in the crater he had created, the cracked street beneath him feeling unstable.

    Gasping for air, Arkens struggled to steady himself. Sweat dripped down his face, contorted in agony as the pain overwhelmed him. He forced his eyes upward through the haze, only to see Genju charging him with alarming speed. The look in Genju''s eyes made it clear he had noticed Arkens'' weakness.

    "You''re looking quite pale, Arkens!!! You sure don''t want a water break?!".

    In the blink of an eye, Genju''s fist connected with Arkens'' face, a vicious right hook that sent a jolt of pain through his weakened body. Before Arkens could react, a crushing blow followed by a powerful gut punch lifted him off the ground slightly. His veins bulged against his skin from the sheer agony, and blood spewed from his mouth as the impact rattled him.

    Genju smirked, seizing Arkens by the back of his shirt, using the grip as leverage. He drove his knee upward, aiming to deliver another brutal strike to Arkens'' stomach. But just before the blow landed, Arkens managed to bring his arms together, blocking the attack in a desperate defense, halting Genju''s knee.

    In a desperate bid to break free from Genju''s relentless assault, Arkens jerked his head backward, smashing the back of his skull into Genju''s chin. The unexpected, vicious blow caught Genju off guard, forcing him to release Arkens as he stumbled back in pain. Frustration etched across his face, Genju looked down, his fingers gripping his chin and jawline, trying to assess if the injury was severe.

    Seeing his chance, Arkens pushed through the pain, focusing more of his Sera Energy to tighten the seal on his wounds. His breathing ragged, he charged forward, determined to strike back. With a burst of speed, he aimed a powerful left hook at Genju''s exposed face. But as his fist approached, Genju''s eyes snapped toward him, and he instinctively stepped back. Arkens, however, didn''t fully commit to the strike.

    "A fake?!-".

    Genju''s face briefly contorted in shock at Arkens'' fakeout, his reaction too slow to counter immediately. Seizing the opportunity, Arkens hunched down, lowering his body to build momentum for his next strike. His target was clear the jawline. He rose swiftly from below with a powerful surge, his right fist clenched tightly as he aimed a devastating uppercut at Genju''s chin.

    As Arkens launched the strike, the force behind his fist was immense. But just as it was about to connect, Genju reacted. In one swift, controlled motion, his hand moved to intercept. When Arkens'' uppercut met Genju''s palm, the collision unleashed a shockwave that echoed across the streets, kicking up debris, dust, and wind.

    Genju''s expression shifted from seriousness to the familiar smirk he had worn earlier. His grip tightened around Arkens'' fist with crushing strength.

    "Hahahahaha!! I see it now, your getting weaker! Your body isn''t suited for a battle of attrition, your lack of training shows!".

    "S-Shutup!!".

    Genju easily swatted Arkens'' fist aside, then pushed him back with his left hand, creating just enough space. In that instant, a hook shot from Genju''s palm, wrapping tightly around Arkens'' upper body. The speed was unmatched. Genju quickly stepped forward with one foot while drawing the other back, his arm cocked and ready. Without hesitation, he unleashed a lightning-fast punch, his fist aiming directly for Arkens'' jaw with devastating precision.

    "I''ll show you.. what a real uppercut feels like!!".

    Arkens'' life flashed before his eyes as an excruciating shock coursed through his body, the result of Genju''s brutal punch landing squarely. The force sent Arkens hurtling into the sky, blood spraying from his mouth. His body, limp and weightless, looked almost inhuman, like a ragdoll thrown into the air for dramatic effect in a movie or TV show.

    Mr. Damatsu, who had just arrived, caught the horrific scene in slow motion as he bounded from rooftop to rooftop. His eyes widened at Arkens soaring through the air, but something else caught his attention. Genju, despite his overwhelming strength, appeared to be injured.

    Arkens'' body finally plummeted back down, crashing into the street with an explosive impact, debris scattering as the ground shook beneath him.

    "How does it feel? That''s an attack from a stronger opponent. Sadly, your master has given you a fast pass to death''s door.. If you had fought me together, this would''ve turned out differently".Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

    "But who am I to judge someone''s method of training? After all, once I''m done, he''s next, and so is the damn brat your hiding!!".

    Through the thick smoke, Genju spotted a shadowy figure struggling to rise. Arkens, battered and bloodied from head to toe, shakily pushed himself up, his body trembling with effort. Blood dripped steadily onto the cracked street beneath him, and the light in his eyes was beginning to fade, his strength quickly waning.

    From a distance, Mr. Damatsu watched the scene unfold. His jaw tightened, and he clenched his fist at the sight of Arkens'' battered form.

    "You..you..aren''t..getting..anywhere..near...target!".

    "Is that her name, huh? What a dumbass name; it suits her character and situation!".

    "I''m done with you. It was fun for a little while. I got a good kick out of beating on you!".

    Genju lunged forward, erupting through the smoke with a crazed look of murderous intent. His fists were clenched together, poised to bash Arkens'' skull and crush his spine in a single brutal blow. With Arkens'' back turned, his body too weak to move, escape was impossible.

    Mr. Damatsu, who had been ready to intervene but could not hold himself back, suddenly froze in his tracks. His eyes caught a barely visible glimmer of light. Narrowing his gaze, he spotted something strange: a contraption equipped to Arkens'' left arm, gleaming faintly in the chaos.

    In that instant, a calm, robotic woman''s voice sounded, echoing through the tension-filled air as the events unfolded.

    "Emergency Card Activation approved. Summoning Number 100: D. Knight".

    The device on Arkens'' arm held what appeared to be a card, intricately detailed with a strange character. A rainbowish glow encased the card, making it visible through the large glass opening. Mr. Damatsu blinked in disbelief, but when his eyes focused again, a massive, towering figure had appeared, its hulking form hunched over, shielding Arkens'' bruised and battered body.

    The figure easily absorbed Genju''s full-force attack, tanking the blow as if it were nothing. Genju, who had poured all his energy into the strike, watched in shock as his attack bounced off the figure, its presence looming, impenetrable.

    Genju and Mr. Damatsu could only make out a faint silhouette, but the figure became apparent as the moonlight grew brighter, casting its ethereal glow across the town streets. Towering and imposing, a humanoid stood fully upright, encased in dark, spiked armor gleaming under the moon''s light. The armor was jagged and ridged, giving it an almost feral appearance, with sharp protrusions lining the shoulders and arms, reminiscent of a creature born for battle. A battered, flowing cape hung behind the figure, its edges torn and ragged. A dragon symbol etched deep into the fabric seemed to shimmer in the low light, adding a sense of power to its presence.

    The figure''s left arm bore a heavy shield attached to its forearm, the design sleek yet imposing. Its helmet was a blend of regal and menacing, much like the one you would see on a knight, but more sinister in its design. The helmet had a pronounced crest on top, with a feather-like plume, giving it an almost ceremonial look, but the darkness inside the visor was unnerving. The void within the helmet was so deep that staring into it felt like an endless abyss, swallowing all light and revealing nothing.

    "What is this?! W-Who or what are you?!".

    In a panic, Genju extended his arms, desperately attempting to fire multiple hooks from his palms. His intention was clear: if he couldn''t strike down the newcomer, he would aim for Arkens instead. But it was a futile hope. D. Knight moved with a speed and precision that defied expectation, turning swiftly and seizing Genju''s arms in its iron grip.

    With barely any effort, D. Knight applied crushing force. The sound of bones snapping echoed through the street, followed by Genju''s blood-curdling scream as he collapsed to his knees, his arms limp and shattered.

    Mr. Damatsu, standing in awe, finally came to the full realization of what was happening.

    "This- Must be his ability. It awakened in his desperate need of help!- He would''ve surely been killed if Genju were allowed to strike, but it activated by itself..".

    Genju, overwhelmed by pain and exhaustion, looked up through blurry eyes at the towering figure in armor. D. Knight stood over him, its presence exuding a crushing sense of power. The reality of his helplessness sank in the thought of being utterly powerless to fight back, of his world collapsing right before his eyes. The flood of emotions fear, despair, and disbelief hit him all at once, leaving him no time to process the end looming over him.

    D. Knight released Genju''s shattered arms, its cold gaze still locked on him. It raised one armored leg slowly, preparing to deliver the final, merciless blow. Mr. Damatsu, realizing the impending fatality, reacted instantly, his voice booming across the town streets as he shouted from his position, desperate to intervene.

    "So this is how.. you felt against me, huh Arkens?..".

    "Arkens! Don''t let it kill him, stop!!!".

    Arkens, still dazed and barely holding himself together, had no clear understanding of what was happening around him. But hearing Mr. Damatsu''s voice, louder and more urgent than ever, sent a jolt through him. Even though the situation was unclear, something in Mr. Damatsu''s desperate shout triggered an instinct in Arkens, a need to act, even if it made no sense.

    "D-Don''t..kill..".

    D. Knight slammed its foot into Genju''s chest with brutal force, sending the man hurtling through the air. His body blasted past the house where Arkens had first landed, crashing through several more homes, each impact shattering walls and leaving a trail of destruction. The sheer power of the blow ripped through the ground, leaving the street cracked and unrecognizable in its wake.

    Even Mr. Damatsu, standing at a distance, felt the residual force of the attack, causing him to brace as the shockwave reached him. The overwhelming strength radiating from D. Knight brought a mixture of awe and concern to Mr. Damatsu''s face, his lips curling into a worried smile.

    With Genju vanquished, Arkens collapsed, his body finally giving in to the strain. As soon as he hit the ground, D. Knight disintegrated into shimmering flakes of Sera Energy, disappearing as quickly as it had appeared.

    Mr. Damatsu wasted no time, swiftly descending to Arkens'' side, his mind already focused on getting the boy to safety.