《Element Zero》 #0 -「Rewind」 Laying on his bed, bathing in the last rays of the evening sun, a young man was lost in his own world, carrying in his hands a thick, small book. The golden haired lad was not looking at the tome in front of him, fixating instead on the ceiling with his bright yellow eyes, dreaming about an escape from this boring and repetitive reality. Little did he know that storming through his window will appear the herald announcing not only the end of his boring and peaceful days, but also the conclusion of an ephemeral era. Shards of glasses coming from the originally wide window spread around the room, an additional body appearing in it, laying in the pile of glass that formed in front of the window. The corpse then stood up, and whispered a single word, before collapsing again on the ground. Rewind. The broken parts of the window slowly returned to their original state, recomposing into the mass of glass and wood it once was, leaving the young man perplexed at what just happened. (Theres an old man laying on the ground. ) The man has the composure of someone who has been in many harsh conditions too many times. This left the young man weirded out about what happened, but he quickly dashed all his doubts. He must be tired, nothing big. He dragged the man across the floor until he was under his bed, and quickly jumped back onto the bed. The door to his room opened without any sound, revealing the thin silhouette of a woman.This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. (Mother.) The shadowy figure stepped inside the room One step Two steps Three steps Fortunately, that third step would be the last, as one more would have revealed the insides of the bed. I heard something coming from your room, what did you do again? She was staring at her son with the usual empty eyes she gave when shes displeased with his actions. He turned to face her with a fake dumbed out look on his face and muttered that it was the neighbor''s window that broke because of some brat playing football. Grace turned around and left the room as swiftly as she came, but stood still at the door, she then slowly raised her eyebrows. Look, Alterius, I She then suddenly frowned, and as coldly as ever cut her own sentence short. Nevermind. She then stepped out and closed the door quietly. Even if he did not understand what just happened, he tried to make sense of it. (An old fart just broke through my window, and then... Just fell.) He looked straight into the windows the mysterious man went through. (It''s perfect.) He was perplexed. (I did not know someone had an ability that could influence so greatly on the world around him, Ive seen people move objects around, read minds, but this) Alterius went back to his novel and ended up binge reading half of it in six hours, not sleeping from the fear of the man waking up and wandering in the house. However, he ended up dozing off in the middle of the night, the book covering his face. Alterius suddenly popped out from his nostalgia drive, and raised his pen for a moment. He could only stop and cherish those days where he was still stranded in the middle of the sea that is society. He was not anything near exceptional and would have probably ended up being an employee in some company with an annoying boss making him work like a slave. Robinson Crusoe That was the name of the book I was reading! He then went back to writing with a triumphant smile on his face. #1 -「Subliminal」 Today, Alterius slept for four hours and a half. He was not feeling tired, however, as he was being kept awake by the thought of the old man waking up and strolling around his home, he could not put his eyes to rest. For the first time in ages, he woke up before his mother did. However, he kept low, lying on his bed, and tried togrind for some last minutes of sleep before Grace came to wake him up for good. Grace at 7:00:00, showing clockwork precision. She entered the dark room and called for Alterius to wake up. While feigning a groan, the lad asked himself when was the last time she missed the timing even by one minute, but couldnt recall. The rest of the ritual was the same everyday. Shower for 15 minutes, put clothes on and make backpack: 5 minutes. Breakfast: 20 minutes. And into the school bus you go. The routine was nearly always respected for years, and only slightly changed on weekends and days off, Grace believed that perfection was a way of life. Today, however, was different, Alterius not only hid a man under his bed, but also did not sleep enough to function for a day. This immediately reflected on him, as he entered the bus, took the closest empty place and fell into a deep sleep. The girl that was sitting in the seat next to him threw a pff around and walked away. It was then that a tall figure approached him. (Hm ?) (Where am I ?) Alterius felt like someone was shaking his body rather violently. Ya seem not okay today, buddy. (Oh man Edwin.) He was a friend of Alterius, or so was told to everybody. He transferred to Red Star High 2 years ago, and the unusually burly Edwin befriended Alterius until they were besties. Alterius did not really care about all this, having someone like him around was actually good to push off bullies. When youre the weird kid with no Soul Shard, nor with a Second-Hand Ability, you''re surely going to become everyone''s scapegoat. What was notable, is that Edwin never showed his Shard. As intimidating as he was, nobody wanted to know what he hid behind this mask of a gentle giant. Ya'' look like ya'' didnt sleep well. Did something happen to you? Hmm, you did notice after all. I had a nightmare. Oh, okay. (I just want you gone, can you get out ?) Alterius started snoozing, missing the usual scenery that extended from his home to the academy. The city he lived in was bordered with beautiful sceneries, that ranged from lake St. Irene to a forest called "the Rose forest".Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! After moments, the bus arrived to its destination. Alterius was woken up by a "light tap" of from Edwin. He grumbled. "Ya'' were saying buddy?" "Ah nothing." Red Star High School was one of most highly ranked academies in all of the New World, and its students were hand picked to be the smartest minds of all, or, in Alterius case, the most influencial. Alterius was the bane of every teacher at Red Star, and like his math teacher liked to put into words : A dumb, useless brat, with no talent whatsoever, who fed exclusively on his parents money and status. (Its easy insulting others when your Second-Hand ability is a goddamn mind enhancer, eh? Calculating a 10 digits multiplication doesn''t make you a better person. Like at all...) The morning went smoothly (and by smoothly, I mean that Alterius could enjoy some piece and quiet, and sleep as much as he wanted.), and lunch time came to be. This was when the day started going downhill. Lunch was the only time of the day when he could enjoy some lone time in this damned place, but today, his ephemeral peace was disturbed by one of the most hated students of the whole school, Elusium Maestro. Hey Alty! Long time no see ! Alterius started grumbling something about furries without even interrupting his meal. Im talking to you Alty ! Look at me at least ! It was then that Alterius started feeling intense stimulation. (Why am I suddenly feeling like I wanna punch this guy ? This is so unsettling ) Alterius'' mind started getting clouded, he did not raise his head, he was sure that if he did, Elusium was going to take a trip to the school nurse office. Hey Alty, Im talking to you ! As sudden as the surge of adrenaline that rushed through the body of Alterius 2 minutes ago, two rising fists took root into Jacks clothes. Look at my eyes. Look at them! A grave stare welcomed Jack, but instead of being anything near fazed, he just responded with a cunning grin. Whats up Alty? Why so serious? Dont call me Alty ! Alteriuss head was going right into Jacks, but at the last moment, was intercepted by a large hand. Yer out, Alterius. When he looked up, a blank stare met him, Edwin was unusually weighty. The tension Alterius felt immediately fell to zero,and his grip loosened, He could think straight again. Edwin then walked slowly until he was at the doors of the cafeteria, and made a sign to Alterius. (That was... Clutch.) He was amazed at Edwins intervention. From the day he knew him, no one dared to go and threaten him. This part of Edwin is completely new to Alterius. They walked together until they arrived to a hallway with a soda vending machine. Ye'' like coke ? I know you. That is not like you at all. Edwin, who has regained his usual facial expressions, became serious again. That kid, Elu-whathever Hes nuts. Alterius was giving a perplexed look. His Second-Hand ability is'' quite the thing, its name is Subliminal. How do you know that ? School network. Ya'' dont know how easy it was to get to those files from the computer room. Theres no security at all . (Hacking? That seems a little offhand for you... ) Subliminal makes people angry by manipulating the brains secretions. He used it on me too while I was walking out. He just wanted a reason to not go to the evening classes. What a waste of power Now that were on the subject of powers. Ive never understood something about ya'' . Hm ? Even if ya'' listed to have no power, yar'' eyes are always glowing yellow, like someone using his- I dunno. I dont know if I have powers, or if that is my eyes natural color- Glowing yellow is no natural color. And I dont have the slight idea what the hell is happening with me ! I didnt ask you about your power Edwins expressions softened, he then turned his back to Alterius and started walking, while shrugging. Well, I got ya'' off this time. Dont go near him anymore. Alterius spent the evening with an empty stomach. #2.1 -「Quake」 & 「D’Artagnan Everytime I think of a sun setting, I think about all kind memories I have lived before. But I, Odham, did not have time to enjoy remembering those this time around. Two shadows pushing off everyone in their path had set their sight on my back. Killing intent sharp as a knife. And I perfectly knew why, I was a Borrower. A dark alley at my right, I, Odham turned and started walking faster. A man of large stature followed suit, only to be greeted by an empty impasse. (Im too old for this. Goddammit Cant they let an elder live his life peacefully?) Stairs I had already climbed started resonating behind me. (Oh You found the backdoor? Took you time.) A single ray of fading light showed itself after a minute of quiet and quick steps. But instead of walking straight into it, I stood still, a shiver running down my spine. (Wh-What''s this? What kind of person can give such omnious vibes ?!) The second assailant was sitting between the two buildings, Looking at the sky. Suddenly, a shadow covered the dreaming man, and without breaking a sweat, a bow materialized in his hand - he shot. The echo of a scream reverberated at that very moment. Alterius, that was starting to get drowsy, popped up of his trance and started complaining in a monotonous voice. Quit trying to tell me what happened ! Just get out of here already! And then I jumped off the roof of the building I was on and broke your window. Alterius started muttering that he did not care. You know I cant. Your neighbors will suspect something. (Youre damn right, I dont want problems.) Alterius was sitting down on his bed, and was conversing with Odham, who has woken up and has just eaten. When youre ready to go again, youre immediately leaving. I have no issue with that, Im abusing your hospitality right now. Alterius stood up, and walked to his desk, taking into his hands the big book at the very left side of the it. No" Odham started giggling. " You dont know whats hospitality? Alteriuss frowned, he was standing still. I wanna read a story. Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. Robinson Crusoe in his hands, Alterius leaned on his bed and started reading, leaving the room quiet for a while. Hey kid- Here is a rule for you, dont call me kid. He shrugged. As you wish. I just wanted to tell you that youre a good guy inside. Dont get it wrong, the only reason youre still here is that there is no other option for me. I wont hesitate to get rid of you. I wonder if the issue is the mother Did she not show you love when you were still a child? Alterius raised his voice. Dont you dare talk ab- Alteriuss eyes widened up, Odhams eyes were glowing yellow. When I was a child, I always wanted to know what was inside people''s hearts, I ended up developing an ability that lets me read their actual feelings. Odham grinned, and looked straight at Alterius. Thats the only reason Im still alive to tell you this. I can feel what''s inside the hearts of people. He then looked up at the ceiling, and took a grave tone. Look kid You''re alone, and that''s no good. Alterius''s attention was all directed towards the old man,even he hated being treated like a child, Odham has hit a spot. "Everyone needs to have someone alike. Sharing ideas, experiences... This is what let us grow as individuals." He closed the book he was reading, throwing it on the shelf. He was lost in a reverie now. What did you wish for? Alterius popped out of his brief dream, but still stayed as silent as before. It is not a good idea to talk about your Wish. It''s just something we say to the kids at school. The Wish is what defines your Soul Shards form, it has endless possibilities that are connected only to the Wish you did. I understand that you wont tell it to me. Maybe later. The old man looked down and smiled, clearly reminiscing of the distant past. He stopped daydreaming and addressed Alterius : Have you ever heard of Shard Borrowing? Oh Its an urban legend about- something clicked inside his hair. (He has used something to repair the window, and now He can read feeling? Thats two Second-Hand abilities!) Alterius, while thinking, felt light but didnt bother until he felt something hard hitting him in the head. That was the ceiling. What the hell! Alterius was trying to push himself back to his bed, to no avail, the gravity was working opposite. I just did this to show you that I am a Borrower. Put me down! He fell from the ceiling into his bed. Want to hear the story of this ability? Alterius, that was until now reluctant to listen to anything Odham said was interested for the old mans stories. He nodded. Dreamless, was it called. An ability that was possessed by a paraplegic orphan with the dream of walking again. I met him while he was stuck in a tree after trying to useDreamless to fly. Wanna know what happened to him? Hes now the only physically impaired pilot in the army of his country. Odhams eyes grew watery, he was moved by the memory. But someones growing more and more wary of us Borrowers. Judging by how I am getting violently assaulted every now and then, it seems like it is someone who has some control over the world. The old man stood up, walked to the window, opened it then jumped. Alterius rushed to the said window, only to be greeted by a flying Odham. I hope I see you later, kiddo . Alterius ground his teeth. I see the worry in your eyes. There was not a single ounce of worry in Alterius eyes, but inside, his heart was aching, like to augur for something wrong. Well, I hope I see you again. Alterius stood at his window, hesitating to tell Odham about his feelings. After a minute, a beam of light suddenly rose in the air, followed by a ear-piercing scream. Alterius was right. #2.2 -「Quake」 & 「D’Artagnan」 Alterius started running towards the source of the rising light, putting aside any rational thought. (Why am I doing this? This is none of my business !) The seed of doubt that Odham planted inside of Alterius mind about his life has started to take root. He stopped running midway and started weighing his actions while panting loudly. (Im Im doing this only because he flew out of my window, right ?) He growled and started running at full speed until he was breathless, his golden hair flowing with the wind. He was forced to go under a wooden plank to get into what looked like an empty pitch. The flash of his phone shined, revealing a grim scene. In front of the young man, was Odham, lying on the ground. His breath was steady, silent like someone soundly sleeping. However, he was missing that feeling of liveliness He was Disrupted. ( When hit with a soul shard under the neck, a normal person loses consciousness) (Forever.) Alterius crouched. (This is... Unfortu-) A hand touched his legs. Wha- You have some time... Kid ... O-Old man? Y-Youre not Odhams voice was weak and lacked that energy that resonated before deep inside his voice. They They got me. What do you mean ... The old man stayed silent for a moment. Press Your Hand Against my chest Alterius did what was asked without a second of hesitation. (Why ) He felt his heart warming up, a sensation that he has never experienced before. (Why Why am I going against anything I have in mind ?) Your potential you could stopthem... "Potential? Stopping t... " Seek the Master Seek Shen At the edge of the world, when the clouds meet the snow. A shooting star fell like a tear crawling on the face of the dark sky, announcing the end of the life of Odham Harrison. Uh. Alteriuss trail of thoughts was interrupted by an intense sense of self-preservation and without hesitating, he jumped sideways. A yellow flash covered the place followed by a sudden and violent impact made the whole ground rumble. Alterius lost his balance for a moment. The light announced the appearance of a Soul Shard, and what a big one it was. A two-meters greatsword was thrust into the ground where Alterius stood, strangely enough, and even if such a gigantic object wassmashed near Odhams body, he was left unscathed.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. ( A Shard taht can interact with anything but people ...?) Another yellow light appeared on a little building at the corner of the terrain descended into the ground. The same feeling stung Alterius again, prompting him to jump sideways again. The sword fell again on the ground, leaving the same heavy quakes behind it. Even if the weapon was slow enough for Alterius to dodge easily, he could not do so forever, and already felt out of breath. (What is this feeling? Why can I see it coming ?) Seems like ya got yourself into trouble, Alty. Alterius raised his face towards the second face, his gaze meeting the eyes of a familiar person. Ed-Edwin ? The colossus answered the call instead of trying to assault Alterius again. Greetings, DArtagnan, I did not expect you here . Edwins shard was a mix between a longsword and an Estoc. Well, lets say the best contracts do not involve killing . Youre going to oppose me then ? Along with a roar, the mysterious man rose majestically into the air, raising his blade falling with an unstoppable force right on top of Edwin. Alterius, following the altercation through the lights of the two Soul Shard blades, saw no possibility of Edwin beating a man with the difference in size between their weapons. However, the tides turned in an instant. As the greatsword descended on Edwin, a widew grin appeared on his face. The mysterious mans eyes widened. (I fell into your trap. Huh.) (The man who ends it in one blow. Edwin Tesselart.) The traits of the colossus'' face softened, he smiled . Edwin sidestepped, and raised his armed hand with no effort. It impaled right under his neck. Losing composure from the intense pain following disruption, the greatsword fell on the ground, gradually disappearing. Im sorry ya did not have a chance to atone for yar sins, Quake. Is it really a sin if it''s for a greater cause ? Edwin stood his ground without answer, turning slightly his head and looking at his fallen opponent with one eye. Before ya go, I want to ask ya . The light of the colossuss shard was faltering. What did you wish for ? ... I wished to fight for a cause. Heh I would have guessed. Edwin dissipated his Shard. He then nonchalantly walked to Alterius and threw a punch that sent the poor guy flying over the empty field. After rolling on the ground for a moment, he stood up, and angrily shouted. What was that fo- That stinging feeling came back. A beam of light came in Alteriuss way, but was stopped by a swift intervention from Edwin, that deviated the blow by simply raising his sword in the air. Were out. Edwin took Alterius on his shoulder and dashed towards home. The assailant continued to shoot towards his target at a steady rate, all the shots deviated without fail. After entering the house, Edwin banged the door so hard the ground shook under Alterius. Grab anything you can. Were leaving. The hell are you talking abo- Ya saw that guy? That was an assassin. So if ya wanna live, ya follow me! Alterius walked upstairs while grunting. Its your fault, you know? Why did you take on the Borrowers power? His voice echoed from upstairs. Well I didnt know, he just asked me to touch his chest ! Because you touch mens chest when they ask ya ? Silence fell for long. Well, it was the heat of the action ! Edwin rolled his eyes. Anyway, are ya ready ? Alterius descended the stairs with a small backpack and a sheathed sword. Sword ? Thats the only thing my father left before disappearing. If I find a way to repair it. Well I dont see how this will- Ill be able to clash with Soul Shards. Edwin did not believe in this, he has never heard of a weapon able to clash with Soul Shards. Something too. Edwin lowered his head and started scratching it rather violently. A lil thing too. Do ya'' have any destination in mind ? Alterius explained to Edwin what Odham has told him. Edwin shrugged. "Well, let''s just look at every place where the clouds meet with the snow, huh ? It''s not like we do not have the time." Edwin then stepped outside. "Whenever you want, boss." With sheer determination, Alterius walked out of his then ex-home, with only one goal : Find Master Shen, to finally discover his identity in the world, and what Odham meant by stopping them. A shadow in the darkness started moving away from the Ruissell Household. "Mission Accomplished. But I do think we have some... Okay sir, I will just report it, retreating." #3.1 - A Tale of Two Jocks Many generations ago, when the world was newly unified under the reign of governor Katan 1st, the governor ordered to remove any kind of limitation to travelling between countries. If youre okay with the rules of the vice governor of the place, you could settle anywhere you like. Everyone who wouldve read that according to the history books given to Red Star high school students would have the same idea about what came next : Hotlandians would spread all around the world while many people from other continents move to Westernia, which was in the time the continent of progress and freedom. Whats notable is that nothing alike happened at all, and Westernians are the one who called home all around the world. It also could be because even if there was no man made boundary splitting lands anymore, it was still costly to move to another country. Red Star opened shortly afterwards. Its first chairman, known only as Jenkins, an obvious Westernian, simply vanished after the school started flourishing, 30 years ago. His successor, Jenkins Jr. made Red Star a lot more commercial, but beneficiated everyone. The staff was top-notch, the students were all learning, and the Red Stars, the sports teams, were doing well. And when you say high school sports team, you immediately say jock. You may ask, what is a jock? A jock is your average romance movie antagonist. Arrogant, violent, and has no real redeeming quality beside their athletic prowesses. They are very popular, but fall short later on in their life. Question is, why am I bringing all this up ? Well, Alterius did not go from meeting the old man to travelling around the world in a single day (Old man Odham actually spent more than a week hiding inside the attic after lying two days under Alteriuss bed. He was also eating more than twice the food Alterius consumed daily in a single meal.), and his last days at Red Star were far from being boring, they were packed with bizarre occurrences. And the most striking adventure he had was him becoming a provisional football player for the Red Stars completely out of the blue, and for the least logical reasons that could run in your mind. It was coincidentally a Monday, most hated day of the week for everyone, but for Alterius, it was even worse. Monday was the day their math teacher did drastic things : It could be a test, him giving more or less homework to the class , or like this time around, switch the places the students sat in. Alterius leaned back in his chair. (As long as he dont put one of those too close-) The teacher looked straight at the back of the class, and announced the magic words. Samantha, youre going next to Alterius, Jake... Alterius threw a pff around. (This day is not going to end peacefully isnt it.) It did not. Lunchtime was always a busy time, many students of the academy bring their lunch from home. The cafeteria, however, is never short of customers. Alterius was sitting at a table at the corner of the large room, consuming his meal as fast as he could. (I just gotta go as fast as I can so that I...) Hey you. Alterius scrunched up, then regained his composure as fast as he can while turning his head towards the voice. If you talk to Babe, Im gonna make you...A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. I do not care. Jake frowned. He was feared among the students of Red Star for his physical prowesses, some random guy just interrupting him like that was something far from ordinary for him. I dont want you near her, okay? Alterius has already returned to eating his lunch, only muttering okay while chewing. Jake then retreated, causing the ground to shake with every step. Jake Riddgelton, a moron with a body enhancement Soul Shard named Impact, rare as hell to find, like Elemental Shards. Edwin, that was sitting in front of Alterius, stared at his buddy with a concerned look. I really do wonder if yall be okay, hes insane. Alterius shrugged. No issue. I watched some of his matches. Hes pretty straightforward. After lunchtime was over, Alterius was walking in the hallway when he suddenly stopped. (3 2...) Edwin, understanding that something was shady, followed suit. Why did ya ? Alterius hushed. (Now!) He suddenly started running, only to stop right before entering the intersection that was in front of them. A sound reminiscent to that of an airplane echoed, followed by a crash and a scream. Alterius then walked to the class like nothing happened, pushing his way through the commotion that was quickly forming. Edwin, however, ran to see what happened. Behind a hole in a wall was jake, who visibly was the source for the roaring heard before. (Alty knew he was coming for him. That''s pretty smart of him. Or is it?) The classroom was missing Jake, which went to the nurses office. When hearing what happened, Samantha disappeared too. (Like anything of value was lost anyway.) The class was unusually silent, and not because of the two lovebirds that were missing, no one but Litr, the French teacher was talking, when suddenly, Zavier, the Student Council President kicked the door open. Alterius, you are asked to go to the directors office. "Hey, you can''t just barge into my classroom like this !" "Student Council, sir." He stood up, visibly looking annoyed, and executed the orders without further discussion. The Directors office was bright enough to blind whoever dared going inside it, giving him a sort of Holy silhouette. I have seen what you have done, Ruissell... Alterius gulped. (I only wanted a quiet life, cmon! Thats not even my fault!) And I do know it is not your fault. Jenkins stood up and gave his back to Alterius, that still did not recover from the flash of light that hit him when he entered the room, and the rollercoaster of emotions he just went through. Unfortunately, we now need someone to replace Mr. Riddgelton for the next exhibition match, that idiot not only has obliterated a wall in the academys grounds, but also his left hand. I cant take his place, sir, I have no knowledge of Westernian foot There is no discussing the matter, son. He violently turned around, fixating his gaze on Alterius. We are missing strategic minds. Raw power is abundant, but someone that thinks as rationally as you do, instead of punching someone because of a teacher that changed his girlfriends classroom location We have none in the football team. The director sat on his chair and put his head on his hands. You are to start training today with the team after class. No excuse shall be tolerated. He then leaned and crossed his legs. Good luck son, Im sure youll lead the team to victory. Alterius stood and opened the door leading outside the office. Also, and just to ensure full cooperation... A cold breeze ran through Alteriuss back, that decided not to face Jenkins. A bad performance of you or the team will result in your expulsion from Red Star Academy, so give it your best. I do not want to lose this match.