On a quiet afternoon right after school let out, Aelric strolled down an empty street. He was fifteen years old, and he had a real talent for coming up with stories and videos. His mind stayed fixed on the comic book he clutched in his hands. Distant voices faded into the background sounds all around him. He remained lost in the images and stories that drew him right in.
Today seemed kind of exciting to him. That final class had felt like it would never end. A smile started to form as he turned the corner. He kept his gaze locked on the pages. The vivid colors leaped out and sparked a genuine excitement deep inside.
While he read, another thought came to him suddenly. This comic really pulls you in tight. It made sense why Shiko kept talking about it nonstop. Each page turn brought new bursts of action. It left him feeling charged up and alive.
He imagined creating a video about it the next day. Sharing it just like his previous one might turn out fun. Yeah, that plan feels solid, he said aloud to himself. His smile stretched even wider. It brightened his whole face while he continued walking.
He reached the familiar convenience store soon enough. He paused there for a moment to consider his options. A cold cola would pair nicely with some more reading time. He hoped Minato-san would be working the counter today. With that hope, he pushed the door open wide. The bell rang out just like it always did when he entered. A rush of cool air washed over him immediately. It felt refreshing against the warmth from outside.
Minato was in the back area, a friendly man in his forties who shared a love for comics. People around the neighborhood treated him like a father figure. He arranged items on the shelves with careful attention. Aelric noticed him right away. "Good afternoon, Minato-san", he called out. Happiness clearly lit up his expression.
Minato looked up from his work. A wide, warm smile spread across his face. "Good afternoon, kid. How has your day gone so far."
"Pretty good, Uncle. I hope things are going well for you too." Aelric replied. He felt glad to run into someone familiar.
Minato chuckled softly. He went on organizing the comics on the shelf. The scent of paper and ink filled the air nearby. "Haha, I am good. Thanks for checking." He added that while glancing toward Aelric. The boy waited by the refrigerator. He gripped a can of cola in his hand.
Minato spotted the colorful comic tucked under Aelric's arm. "Ah, you got that one. So you came for your usual cola to pair with it."
Aelric nodded quickly. His eyes gleamed with enthusiasm. "Absolutely. No good comic session without my cola. This story has me hooked already. I plan to film a review video tomorrow. So I need to finish it today."
He grabbed the cola and walked over to the counter. Minato had just finished with the shelves. "You know, that comic sounds familiar", Minato mentioned. He paused to think it over. His forehead creased a little. "A short time ago, Shiko and Akito came in for some snacks. They both eyed the same comic closely."
"Really.", Aelric's curiosity jumped right up. "Shiko would not stop raving about it. That made me want to see it for myself. I had to pick up a copy and dive in."
"Oh, that makes sense." Minato said, sounding a bit surprised. "Akito mentioned something similar when he arrived with Shiko. By the way, they are in the canteen at the moment. They eat snacks and pore over that comic. Why not join them. You could relax and discuss it together."
Aelric grinned broadly. "That idea fits perfectly. I would enjoy talking about it with them. Thanks for the suggestion, Uncle. I will go there right now."
He paid for the cola and stepped out with a cheerful expression. Excitement built as he approached the lively canteen.
His two closest friends sat at a table inside. Shiko Izui was fifteen, always bursting with cheer and boundless energy. His imagination ran free with all sorts of ideas. He turned the pages of the comic eagerly. His messy hair and easy grin marked him as the lively one in their group. Beside him was Akito Takahashi. He added intelligence and a touch of sarcasm to balance everything out. His sharp wit and steady demeanor countered Shiko's impulsive nature. Akito adjusted his glasses as he read. He always considered things carefully. But he never came across as dull.
They noticed the door open and glanced that way. Their faces showed clear interest. Aelric entered with a playful smirk. "Sup, guys. How is it going."
Shiko beamed widely. He lifted the comic high like a trophy. "Well, we read this comic, Aelric." The cover gleamed under the bright lights. It appeared welcoming and packed with promise.
Aelric took a seat next to Shiko and Akito. He pulled out his copy of the comic. He flipped it open with plenty of enthusiasm. "Oh, I grabbed the same one. You talked it up so much."
Akito leaned back in his chair. A intrigued smile tugged at his mouth. "Looks like Shiko drew us all into this. So how has your day been."
Aelric got comfortable in his seat. He folded his arms across his chest. His expression held real curiosity. "It has been pretty interesting. But how did you two get here so quickly."
Shiko let out a nervous laugh. A flush of red colored his cheeks. It suggested some mischief. "Well, we skipped the last lecture. It bored us completely."
Aelric exhaled in understanding. "I will not say a word. But since I make a video review tomorrow, can we think up ideas after reading. It would help me a lot."
Shiko's eyes sparkled with interest. He flipped through the pages rapidly. "Absolutely. I cannot wait to dive deeper. What about you, Akito."
Akito shrugged slightly with a smile. He adjusted his glasses again. "Why not. But only if I point out the flaws in your video. Someone needs to make it sharp."
"Deal." Aelric laughed heartily. He took a large sip of his cola. "Alright, let's get started."
The three boys turned their attention to Chronicles of Blade Genesis. The story unfolded in a fantastical world. Warriors known as Bladesmiths forged weapons from emotions and personal histories. The protagonist, Ryo, was a passionate newcomer. He acquired a legendary blade called Eclipse Fang. It carried the key to defeating an ancient evil force.
"This training sequence really hits hard." Shiko commented. He pointed to the panel where Ryo struggled to awaken the blade's true power. "The sword glows when he confronts his fears. It gives me chills every time."
Akito grinned in his sly way. He flipped to a different page. "But consider how ridiculous his training looks. He climbs a mountain carrying a sword on his back. Wolves pursue him the entire climb. That is not practice. That is just survival."
"That is why it works so well." Aelric replied with a chuckle. "He does not just fight wolves. He faces his own doubts. It carries real depth. Viewers will appreciate when I break it down in the video."
Shiko leaned forward eagerly. His excitement bubbled over. "Okay, time for some predictions. What if Eclipse Fang transforms somehow. The patterns on the handle hint at more. Maybe it changes as Ryo accepts his past."
"That prediction makes sense." Akito agreed. He took a sip from his drink. "But I think it connects to the eclipse theme. What if its full strength emerges only during an actual eclipse."
Aelric's face lit up with ideas. He typed notes into his phone. "Both ideas are strong ones. I will include them in the video script. Shiko, Akito, want to co-write it with me."
"Only if you pay with cola." Shiko teased. He shook his nearly empty can.
Akito smirked back. "And snacks. Do not forget the snacks."
Their conversation shifted to the antagonist in the comic. He went by the name Void Reaver. Some connection tied him closely to Ryo.
"Void Reaver appears so menacing." Shiko said. He displayed a panel showing the villain's shadow looming over a burning village. "See those glowing eyes. Shadows swirl around him. It feels like a nightmare come to life."
Akito nodded in agreement. "And the dialogue he delivers. Fear me, not because I am your enemy, but because I am your truth. That lands like true poetry."
Aelric grinned widely. "Okay, his monologues will make the video stand out. Villains with layers always draw in the fans."
They immersed themselves in the comic for the following hour. They paused occasionally to reenact dramatic scenes or debate character motivations. At one point, Shiko attempted Ryo's signature battle stance. He nearly tipped his chair over in the process.
"Careful", Shiko. Aelric warned. He suppressed a laugh. "We do not need another bruise to hide."
Shiko groaned softly. He rubbed his elbow. "Ryo makes it look effortless."
"Because he is fictional." Akito stated matter-of-factly. The group erupted into laughter.
They reached the final chapter as the sun dipped below the horizon. Golden rays streamed through the windows. Aelric leaned back with a satisfied sigh. "This comic delivers perfectly. Thanks for the ideas, guys."
Shiko smiled and stretched his arms. "Anytime. But next time we choose one with even bigger explosions."
Akito smirked." And no more wolf chases."
"Noted." Aelric replied. He finished off his cola. "Now let's head out. It will get dark soon."
They exited the canteen amid bursts of laughter. Their discussion continued as they walked along the street. Before long, the three reached a traffic light on the main road. The red signal lingered there stubbornly.
Akito sighed in frustration. "You have got to be kidding. No cars in sight. But the light stays red for us pedestrians."
Shiko scratched his head. He tried to sound optimistic. "Let's wait a moment. It turns green any second. What do you think, Aelric." He glanced at Aelric. The boy scrolled through his phone. A rainbow lollipop rotated slowly in his mouth.
Aelric looked up briefly. He barely glanced away from the screen. "Hmm, yeah, you are right." His thoughts drifted to other places. His fingers moved swiftly as he read comments on his latest video.
The viewers wait for my next upload. He pondered the comic's elements. Imagine having powers like that. But it is all imaginary in the end. He kept those reflections private.
He exhaled slowly. He pocketed his phone. The lollipop caught his attention again briefly. It drew him back to the present moment. "Akito is right. This light drags on forever." He muttered. He placed the lollipop back in his mouth. His gaze settled on the flashing signal.
The pedestrian sign changed to green just as Akito voiced his complaint. Shiko grabbed his arm. He interrupted mid-sentence. "It is green." Let's go. He pulled Akito forward. The other boy sighed but followed along.
Aelric chuckled lightly. He trailed close behind. "Your luck turns sour sometimes." He teased Akito.
The three started crossing the street. Laughter echoed around them until a blaring horn shattered the moment. They whipped around quickly. A massive truck barreled toward them from the left. In that split second, Aelric realized the danger. Even if the truck braked or swerved, Shiko and Akito remained at risk. He lunged forward on instinct. He shoved his friends out of harm's way. The truck barreled straight toward him.