<<< A Humble Request From the Author, Please do not skip the Prologue. I am sure the Prologue will Make you Fall in Love with the story and help you have a deep understanding>>>
Long Ago, a person came, no one knew where he came from or what he was. He had abilities far greater than a human could ever have, he soon became famous throughout the world.
People called him a God, he could split mountains, stop winds, and walk on the oceans. He was crowned Humanities King.
And then one day he vanished without a trace just like he had appeared.
But that was not the problem, they came latter like uninvited guests. Children were born with special abilities, defying nature itself.
Trees and grasses started growing out of nowhere in some areas turning them into Forests of large trees and horrors, these areas were named Forbidden Zones.
To Takle these areas and bring useful things from within the Ranger Corps was formed, consisting of the Rangers – The ones with special abilities.
Present Day –
Kuro was Released from the Prison after 10 years, and The Vice chairman Of the Ranger Corps, Brog, personally handed him the badge.
It's been 2 days since then,
The Dark crimson Rays of the sinking sun filled the dark sky, A young man with messy black hair walked along the footpath, with a cake box in his hand, lost in what has happened with him in last 2 days.
'2 days ago, I was released from the prison mysteriously, sigh, and what is up with Brog, suddenly recruiting me as a ranger, and for some reason I can't remember anything from when I was in that prison, I have no memories of my time there'
Kuro Lifted his gaze to look at the world, which had branded him a murderer and chose to forget him.
'There are few who are born with special abilities that can defy nature itself, they are the ones to be recruited as a ranger, but why the fuck is a criminal like me being recruited as one, I don't have any power I am as weak as a human can be' He gritted his teeth
He glanced at the cake he was carrying, the cheap cake inside the box wasn't just a gift—it was an apology. A thank you.
For the only one he had left, Ilya, his little sister.
She was the only one who believed in him even when the world called him a monster.
'I would love to bring a lot of gifts for you but right now this is the only thing your brother can give you' He thought,
He walked slowly embracing the sight of the outside world, and soon he reached home.
He reached their decaying apartment complex. Every step toward the door made his chest heavier.
He hesitated.
Then knocked softly, as if afraid the world might hear him.
"I'm back," he muttered.
Footsteps pounded down the hallway.
"Brother! Where were you? You said you will be back in an hour! It's Six o'clock!"
Her voice cracked between anger and fear.
Kuro's throat tightened.
He was not familiar with someone being this worried about him.
He hurriedly handed her the box. "The cake you wanted." He whispered slowly.
Her eyes lit up like he'd just handed her the stars.
"No suspicion. No hesitation."
Just joy.
She hugged the box to her chest like it was treasure.
"Thank you, thank you!"
She spun toward the kitchen, then froze, hesitating.
"Oh—by the way... Dad's home."
The words dropped like stones. After all his father was the one who called the police and had him arrested.
Kuro slowly walked down the hall. The old man sat in the couch. He tried to pass without speaking, but the old man's voice stopped him.
"Kuro."
A pause.
"How are you?"
Kuro froze. Almost laughed right there.
"How am I?" he repeated, spinning around to face the old man. "You've got some damn nerve asking me that." His eyes filled with anger he couldn't control, his hands curled to fist.
"After everything..." his father began.
"You don't get to ask me anything." Kuro intercepted, walked straight into the room, and closed the door shut.
The Next Morning –
A phone buzzed him awake. He was half asleep.
Brog.
He answered with a grunt. "It's barely morning. What do you want?"
Brog's voice was urgent, "Be at Forbidden Zone Alpha-02 within two hours."
CLICK!
Kuro blinked at the screen, still dazed.
"What the hell...?"
He jabbed the call button.
It rang once.
Brog picked up, voice bold, "Calling back faster than I thought. Any Problem?"
"Yeah, problem," Kuro snapped. "Why the hell am I being dragged into a mission?"
"It's direct order. From the chairman himself," Brog said. "I don't know why."
Kuro sat up in shock, "…I can refuse, right?"
"You can," Brog said. "No one's pointing a gun at you."
Kuro closed his eyes, they didn't need to put a gun at his head, it was simple he owed them for getting him out of the prison.
He exhaled, "I'll be there"
"Good, be prepared"
Kuro tossed the phone onto the bed and stared up at the cracked ceiling.
This wasn't what he'd planned. But plans didn't mean much in his life.
He dressed quickly and got ready. As he reached for the door, a soft voice stopped him.
"Brother?"
Ilya stood there, rubbing her eyes.
"Where are you going?"
Kuro forced a smile.
"My first mission," he said, trying to sound lighter than he felt.
Her face crumbled.
"Please... don't do anything stupid," she whispered. "Come home before dinner."
He ruffled her hair, just like when they were kids.
"I'll bring you something cool. Promise."
The edge of the zone buzzed with reporters and soldiers. Trees towered behind the barricade, twisted and alive, swaying despite the windless sky.
Kuro kept his head down. And moved towards the gates.
A Ranger guard stopped him. "Badge."
He flashed it. The man stepped aside without a word.
Inside the perimeter, a dozen squads stood ready. All eyes on the trees.
Brog stood in front of the towering gates, the gates between the city and the forest beyond.
"OPEN THE GATES!" he ordered.
All the Rangers ran straight inside, consumed by the darkness. Yet Kuro didn't move, he was lost in his own thoughts. 'So, this a Forbidden Zone, it's said these were once cities and were claimed by these trees that grew out pf nowhere and turned into a forest'
suddenly Brog clapped a heavy hand on his shoulder.
"Stay close," he muttered. "No matter what happens."
Kuro nodded.
Together, they stepped into the dark.
The gates slammed shut behind them, marking the start of his first mission. Inside the Forbidden Zone, tall trees and grass stood untouched. The dense canopy allowed only a little sunlight, making the surroundings dark even during the daytime.
They ran through the tall grass, Kuro barely being able to catch up with Brog. Soon they saw someone standing alone, it was Shin, Captain of the Hawks squad.
Brog narrowed his eyes. "Why are you alone?"
Shin shook his head. "I sent my squad to assist the others. But sir... something's wrong with one of the trees."
Brog stiffened. "Show me."
They ran forward toward a clearing. Kuro stumbled, keeping up. There stood a giant tree, its bark inflated like it was about to burst.
Brog cursed under his breath, narrowing his eyes to inspect the tree. "What the hell is happening...?"
Suddenly -
BOOM.
The tree exploded. A shockwave of air sliced in every direction; it flung them back.
Debris rained down; dust filled the air.
Squads all around spun in panic. Arthur, the strongest Ranger after Brog, leading a squad down a side path, froze.
"What the hell was THAT?!"
He didn't wait for an answer or explanation.
"RETREAT!" he jolted, turning toward the sound of impact.
His squad questioned in confusion, "Just retreat," he said, and jumped off.
At the impact:
As the dust cleared, a figure emerged from the wreckage.
A woman.
Naked except for a shredded cloak hanging off her shoulders. Barefoot. A hood shadowing her face.
Brog stood straight to his feet, locking eyes on her.
"Who… are you?"
The woman tilted her head, looking straight at Kuro with her pupil-less, completely white eyes.
"Come with me," her voice sliced through the silence.