The early morning sun blazed, its light tearing through the blinds of Aki Hoshino's room.
The day was very special, yesterday was his first day, today is the day he begins preparing.
With the monthly competition around the corner, and with only 4 days left, he had to prepare, since skipping school was never a huge deal, he would use that time train diligently.
"Morning mom" he said, sitting on the sofa next to her, his baggy eyes showing he was still sleepy
Maria, who was just lounging, pulled his head and started doing his hair, their morning remaining quiet and peaceful
"So, how do you plan on introducing yourself " Maria asked suddenly, catching him off guard.
"I've already did"
"No, i mean a proper introduction, son"
Aki pouted." An introduction is an introduction though. Fine, I'm guessing you want things your way"
Maria chuckled, then kissed him on the forehead, then she left for work. Aki, now feeling energized, left for the training facility, on the way, he couldn't help but notice how everyone one was staring, "It wasn't this bad yesterday, is it because I don't have a ponytail ?" He thought, speeding to avoid more attention
Arriving at the facility, he found his sisters waiting for him.
"Took you long enough" Chloe said, exasperated, Already in training gear.
Aki just shook his head, smiling, "relax sis, there's no hurry ". The three discussed the training regiment, Rose was tasked with teaching Aki mana control and activation and Chloe was tasked with teaching him how to utilize his powers physically
"Chloe"
"I'll teach him once you're done" Rose said, getting off the arena and heading to the resting area.
They began the training. Throwing a few light punches and kicks. "Enough warmup" Chloe said, Activating her SOF. She started glowing, releasing a powerful red aura around her, Aki could feel the pressure she was generating, "Damn, she's releasing more power than she did yesterday, this woman"
"OK, let's g..."
Before he could finish, Chloe had already appeared right in his face, the motion faster than the eye could see, he couldn't even react to it, and with a loud thud, he crashed into the wall, letting out a pant, his ears ringing, his jaw aching.
"Seriously, isn't she supposed to be my sister ?!" He thought, Clutching his reddened cheek.
"Fine" he said, immediately dashing towards her at incredible speed, he extended his balled his hand, and threw a fist aimed at her face, but the millisecond before it could connect, she raised her hand, and countered, all he saw was his view turning upside down, before realizing he was flat on the ground,in a submission hold.
"Chloe !" Rose shouted, marching towards the arena, "What are you doing ?"
Snapping out of it, Chloe let go and got up, dusting herself, Aki just laid there, face red from embarrassment, his fists clenched, "What kind of loss was that ?" Even though he was embarrassed and feeling humiliated, He was smiling
"Why did you stop us ?", Chloe asked
"You've done enough", Rose responded waving her hand, signaling Chloe to step aside.
'Ok Aki, it's time for magic training, you're done with your weight throwing shenanigans"
"Wow" Chloe scoffed, "bye, I'm leaving, Goodluck bro, and also, Rose, don't do too much "
Aki lay on the ground, looking at the ceiling, but his eyes had become empty, as if they had no life
"Brother, let's begin"
Seeing that he wasn't responding, she glanced down at him, and froze, "Hey, are you OK ?"
The sense of urgency overcame her, and she rushed and sat by his side, seeing he was unresponsive, she rested his head on her lap, trying to wake him up, seeing that he still wasn't responding, and with her heart racing she decided to look at his SOF.
"Is this really happening" she mumbled, shaking from head to toe, looking at his SOF
The interface showed new achievements and rewards on it
- Original physiology-
- Original power orientation-
-key to 1st gate of succession unlocked-
-Restoration of Original Alias- Lue complete-
4 days later
Aki woke up with in his room with a pounding headache, his mind foggy.
"What the hell happened ?" He grumbled, eyes unfocused.
As he started to regain his senses, he noticed how everything was different, from his perspective at least.
Everything was more vibrant, clearer, and slower. When he tried moving, he felt a strange heaviness on his neck, touching were it felt affected, he could feel an outline of something.
He pushed himself off the bed, intending to leave his room, but he fell with a loud thud.
"Ah, what the hell, what's wrong with me ?"
Downstairs, in the living room, the two sisters along with Maria heard the noise.
"Did you hear that ?" Chloe asked Rose.
"I'll go check on him" Maria said, getting up and leaving to head upstairs.
The moment she opened the door, she saw a confused Aki, who was looking at his eyes with frustration.
"Ragnar" she commanded
A moment later, Ragnar appeared on her shoulder.
"Miss Maria, you summoned me ?"
"Yes" she nodded," what's wrong with him ?".
Ragnar looked at it's master, then sighed
"His body is recovering itself from severe fatigue and stressing, he'll be fine" then it turned to Aki.
"Master, i advice you rest and your body recover naturally, any disruptions could be fatal".
"Seriously ?" Aki muttered, looking frustrated.
The next four days, he stayed bedridden, but his body began to heal, however.
"Dammit ! At this point I won't make the competition" Aki roared, scratching his head, his face twisted in frustration.
"Dude, chill" Rose scoffed, sitting on his. bedside.
"This competition isn't important for those in our circle, so there's no need to worry ".
"Dammit, do I always have to disappoint my own expectations, damn this weakness of mine" he thought to himself.
His face fell, and he covered it with his hair, sighing.
"Fine, I'll just go and watch "
"Will come with me " he asked, his voiced muffled by his hair.
Rose smiled faintly, he gaze sof, "sure".
At the academy, the competition was in full swing, but the news of Aki's inability sent shockwaves of disbelief through the whole school, everyone had expected to see the Hoshino young master to compete.
"why did he exit the competition ?" A student asked.
"Maybe he was too scared, so he quietly exited" another student sneered.
Skepticism, suspicion and disdain radiated from every student present.
"Quiet down " A voice spoke from the ring, carrying authority.
"I have an announcement, The Young master of the Hoshino clan will not be competing today due to health complications, so he has been replaced with a suggested substitute, please join me in welcoming the replacement, Cole Lancaster.
A those words, A young man with black hair and eyes stepped onto the ring, walking with confidence.
"Hello everyone " he said smugly.
"My name is Cole Lancaster, and I am the student recommended by the Hoshino family to stand in the place of the young master in this competition.
Then, softening his tone, he continued, " honestly, I never thought I would be blessed with this chance, after the Hoshinos took our family in, I always felt like I owed them, so today, Young master"
He pointed to a figure seated with the officials, "I will repay your kindness by winning this competition".