The night was slick with rain and buzzing city lights. Thunder rumbled low as Haruki Aozora sat in the backseat of a speeding car, rain streaming down the window beside him. His brother, Renji Kurosawa, gripped the steering wheel with a tension that filled the cramped space.
"You didn't even stop," Haruki said quietly.
Renji's voice was cold. "I didn't hit anyone."
"But she was hurt! She fell trying to avoid you."
Renji shook his head. "She shouldn't have run into the street. Not my fault."
Haruki clenched his fists. "That doesn't make it okay."
The traffic light ahead flicked yellow. Renji's foot slammed the gas pedal.
"Renji, stop!" Haruki shouted.
A blaring horn screamed.
A truck raced through the intersection.
Haruki's instincts took over — he lunged, pushing his brother aside and shoving a small figure clear of danger.
The screech of tires and shattering glass filled the night.
Then—darkness.
---
Somewhere Beyond Life
Haruki's soul drifted weightless through a void of silence.
A soft, ethereal voice echoed.
"You chose selflessness in your final moment. Such kindness will not go unrewarded."
Haruki tried to respond but found no voice, no body.
"I will send you to a world on the edge of ruin — a world that needs your light."
"You have no magic now, but your soul carries all types. Because of who you are."
Light engulfed him, and with it, a new beginning.
---
A New Dawn in Elderhart
The cries of a newborn broke the quiet of a humble cottage nestled in the village of Elderhart.
Serah held her baby close, tears shimmering in her eyes.
"He's so calm," she whispered.
Theron, the village warrior and Kaito's father, smiled softly.
"We'll call him Kaito."
Kaito's dark eyes opened wide, filled with an ancient calm.
---
Childhood Days
Kaito's life blossomed under the gentle care of Serah and the watchful eye of Theron, who trained him with a wooden sword and stories of heroes past.
Each morning, the scent of fresh bread from Lina's bakery filled the air. Lina, the baker's lively daughter, was his closest friend, always ready with a smile and a handful of sweet rolls saved just for him.
"Try not to eat it all at once!" she'd tease, laughter ringing clear.
Together, they chased butterflies, raced to the old oak tree, and dreamed of magic and adventure.
Though Kaito showed no magic, his heart overflowed with kindness and courage — traits his parents and friends treasured most.
---
The Girl from the Noble House
One bright morning, a grand carriage rolled into Elderhart, its wheels crunching against the dirt road. Villagers whispered as a silver-haired girl stepped out — Mira Arashima, daughter of Duke Arashima, sent to experience life beyond the palace walls.
Mira's violet eyes scanned the village with both curiosity and disdain.
When her gaze fell upon Kaito, who was helping an elderly man carry firewood, something unexpected stirred within her — a spark of admiration.
---
A Moment That Changed Everything
Weeks later, while walking through the forest path with Lina, Kaito heard a sudden cry.
Rushing toward the sound, he found Mira cornered by a snarling beast — a twisted creature with glowing eyes.
Kaito, without magic or weapon, stepped between the beast and Mira.
Pain seared through his arm as the beast attacked, but at that moment, a burst of golden light erupted from within him, blinding the creature and sending it fleeing.
Mira knelt beside him, eyes wide with disbelief.
"You saved me… but how? You don't have magic."
Kaito smiled faintly.
"Maybe I do, after all."
---
A Noble's Gratitude
The next day, Duke Arashima arrived in Elderhart with his guards, seeking the boy who had saved his daughter.
He knelt before Kaito and his family.
"I owe you a debt no title can repay," he said. "As thanks, I offer you a place at Aurelia Academy — a school for the kingdom's nobility and elite."
Kaito blinked, overwhelmed.
"I'm not a noble, nor do I have magic."
The Duke smiled warmly.
"Sometimes, nobility is found not in birth, but in deeds."
---
Shadows Watching
Far from Elderhart, in a grand estate, a young noble boy sat silently by a window, his eyes reflecting the moonlight. His expression was unreadable as he watched the horizon.
No one yet knew the secrets behind his gaze — not even Kaito.