Earth had changed so much since the coming of Xranthos.
Codes had become the ultimate status symbol, determining one's place in society. People with high-level codes were idolized. But for the weak? The world had become cruel. And it was only going to get worse for…
"Sage Erlanger!"
Teacher Flynn bellowed, steam practically fuming from his head.
"I can tolerate you being useless, but sleeping in my class? Are you trying to break your own record?" he added, causing the entire class to erupt with laughter—for the fifteenth time today.
"And now," he said clearly annoyed , "you can read the text."
Sage stood up slowly, sighing internally. Today was definitely not his lucky day. Then again, when had it ever been?
Sage took a deep breath and begun
"ATTENTION!!
Citizens of the planet called Earth. I am Xranthos—God, Eighth Lord of the Galaxy. Your overgrowing population and hideous technology have disrupted the sacred balance of the Twelve Rings in the galaxy."
"So I, your humble self, have been tasked to put an end to it... permanently."
"Out of the kindness of my generous soul, I grant you three days, three days to decide your fate . You may choose one-third of your population to live under the rule of Xranthos. The remaining two-thirds... shall perish."
The classroom fell into silence.
"So," Teacher Flynn said, arms crossed, "who can tell me what happened next?"
A slender girl with long black hair shot her hand up before the question even finished. Everyone knew the answer—this was basic history, an unforgettable one .
Mira recited in a flat, monotone voice, like reading from a newspaper.
"When Xranthos returned to destroy Earth, the planet stood united. The Legendary Founders battled him and drove him away in a stalemate."
"Very good, Mira," Flynn nodded.
"But you missed one important detail", Flynn added making Mira face take a sour turn.
"Xranthos will return. So Earth must prepare."
Just then, Flynn looked at his wristband. "And on that note—I've just received word. Placement exams begin tomorrow."
Cheers broke out across the classroom.
"I'm sure if I was around a thousand years ago, I'd have kicked that ugly alien's butt," Ryker said, smirking as flames danced across his hands.
"Yeah," Ski added, "we'd have taken him down for good. All of us... except someone that is."
Everyone laughed.
"What's he gonna do, spiral him to death?" Mark sneered, looking at Sage.
The laughter grew louder . Sage's fist clenched, his eyes narrowing.
After class, Sage walked the hallway alone. The walls buzzed with energy — everyone talking about placement exams, rankings, Academy scouts. For most, this was their shot to rise.
For Sage, it was another reminder that he didn't belong.
A boy bumped into him and spilled coffee down his shirt.
"Watch it, Cursed Child," the boy muttered.
Sage grabbed his collar. "Say it again."
The boy grinned — then activated his Wind Code. A sudden gust slammed Sage into the lockers.
Sage wheezed, dazed... then let out a weak laugh making the boy feel a bit nervous.
What the hell's so funny?" he barked, grabbing Sage by the collar.
Sage coughed, still chuckling. "You hit like a scared dog."
Rage flared across the attacker's face. His fist trembled — not from fear, but fury.
"I'll wipe that smile off your face."
"All of you return to your classrooms, NOW!! Teacher Flynn said jumping in on the scene.
Whispers followed Sage as he stumbled away. "The cursed kid again." "Why's he even here?"
The hallway emptied as whispers spread like wildfire. "Cursed Child strikes again."
Sage sighed and dragged himself to the nurse's office—one of the only places he found comfort.
"Oh my—Sage, you're hurt again?" Nurse June rushed to him. "Third time today!"
"It's nothing," he said, forcing a smile and rubbing the back of his head.
Nurse June didn't treat him like a mistake. Neither did his uncle Rickle. Or Rose, Rickle's daughter. They were the only ones who looked past the spiral on his wrist—a strange mark where a code should have been. But now both Uncle Rickle and Rose had been requested by Metro, the head of Slayers Organization to join their forces forcing Sage to be alone once more.
Apparently, Sage had cracked a few ribs this time.
Sage decided to walk home rather than take the train, despite the effort of Nurse June to get him to stay. After all there was no one at home any way and he could just rest there.
He thought about the placement exams. Once, he'd looked forward to them. Every kid did. It was the one chance to get noticed by the Alpha Slayers, maybe even earn a spot at the Academy.
But now?
Sage glanced down at the spiral on his wrist.
That dream was long dead.
Ahead, a group of kids chattered excitedly.
"I heard Austin Ringoff and Kai Lannister are attending the exams this year!" one boy exclaimed.
Gasps followed.
"No way! If Kai sees me in action, he's totally picking me," said a boy with spiky hair, flexing muscles that weren't really there.
"Why would he pick you?" a blonde girl asked, twirling her hand. Flowers erupted from the sidewalk.
"Green code", Sage muttered noticing.
"Yeah? What's he gonna do with you—plant gardens?" another kid teased, sparks already flying between them and it felt like the were going to have a go at each other any time soon.
Sage walked past quietly, thankful his breathing was back to normal.
He looked at his wrist once more.
They saw a curse. He was starting to wonder.... what if they were right?