Darkness swallowed everything.
Akira could barely make out the tips of his own fingers when he reached forward.
His pupils were dilated, breath shallow. Each step echoed against the wooden floor, amplifying the eerie silence of the abandoned mansion.
— "W-where… am I…?"
His voice came back to him, muffled and distorted, bouncing off unseen walls.
Endless corridors stretched before him—doors so large they felt as if they had been built for giants.
With every step, his heart pounded harder, threatening to burst from his chest.
At last, he saw a faint light.
A corridor lined with windows.
His eyes lit up, and he ran toward it.
His footsteps echoed through the hollow rooms, the sound chasing him like something alive.
When he reached the end of the corridor, he looked out through the tall glass pane—
and his eyes widened in disbelief.
It was night.
But there was nothing outside.
No houses. No streets. No people.
Only a vast garden swallowed by darkness. Even the trees stood still, lifeless.
Akira's throat went dry.
He decided to go downstairs, moving faster now, panic rising.
Then—
a sharp voice cut through the silence.
"P… please… help…"
Akira froze.
Every hair on his body stood on end.
The sound echoed, fading into the dark.
He hesitated for a moment, then—against his own will—began walking toward it.
The closer he came, the clearer it became.
The voice was small… trembling… a child's voice.
He passed a heavy door, descended a wide staircase.
One floor, then another, and another…
The deeper he went, the thicker the air became—damp, cold, and heavy.
There were no windows now. No grand doors.
It felt like he had left the mansion behind entirely, descending into its heart—into the earth itself.
The air smelled of mold and rot.
Only his own ragged breathing filled the silence.
Then—he noticed something.
Dark stains on the floor.
Blood.
Dried, nearly black, long since faded.
Akira's hands trembled, but he kept walking.
Something deep inside compelled him to follow that voice.
It was close now.
The voice of a small child, echoing through the damp air—
"P-please… help me… h-help…"
Akira rushed forward.
His heart thundered. Sweat dripped down his hands as he reached for the door—
and pushed.
What he saw made his breath catch in his throat.
The room was pitch-dark.
Against the damp stone wall, a small child hung suspended.
Thin ropes bound its arms; its tattered clothes clung to a body covered in blood.
The shadows concealed its face, head bowed low, unmoving.
— W-what… happened here…?
His voice trembled, barely escaping his lips.
The child's mouth parted.
In a faint, broken whisper—
— H-help… m-me…
Akira's knees weakened.
He wanted to step forward, but his feet felt nailed to the ground.
He couldn't look away.
Then… the child began to tremble.
Its teeth clenched, nails digging into its palms.
A harsh sound echoed through the room.
— I-I'll kill them… I'll kill them all…
Akira froze. His breath stopped.
The child slowly lifted its head.
From within the darkness—
two eyes glowed bright, venomous green.
They locked onto him.
Akira's heart stopped.
He felt death itself breathing down his neck.
I'm going to die… I'm going to die here!
The glow in those eyes grew brighter—
and brighter—
Then suddenly—Akira's eyes snapped open.
He gasped, looking around.
The nightmare was gone.
He found himself in a hospital room—familiar, yet strange.
He rubbed his eyes, mumbling softly:
— The last thing I remember… was the lab… Was that all… a dream?
When he touched his face, he felt the bandage over his right eye.
And then he knew.
It hadn't been a dream.
Slowly, he removed the band and reached for the small mirror beside the bed.
Before he could look closely, a faint sound caught his attention.
He turned—his grandmother was asleep beside him.
— Grandma… grandma…
Her eyes opened slowly.
When she saw him awake, tears streamed down her cheeks as she embraced him.
— Akira, my dear… You're finally awake… I thought you'd never open your eyes again…
Just then, the door opened and the doctor entered.
He looked at Akira with mild astonishment before offering a relieved smile.
— It's a miracle. Welcome back.
Akira blinked.
He had no idea how long he'd been there.
— Was I… in a coma?
— Yes, the doctor replied quietly. ''You've been unconscious for nearly four months.''
Akira's eyes widened.
— F-four months?!
The doctor sighed.
— Your grandparents brought you here. You were covered in blood. Do you… remember what happened?
Akira thought hard.
— No… I don't remember.
He raised his hand and gently touched his right eye.
— Agh…
Grandmother had finally managed to stop her tears.
— Akira! Your eye is injured, you shouldn't touch it!
Akira asked in confusion:
— Injured? What do you mean? Is it still there?
— Of course, it's there!
The doctor sensed something was off but couldn't quite figure out what.
— Are you sure you don't remember what happened?
— Yes.
The doctor spoke in an indifferent tone:
— Alright. You'll need to rest here for a few months. Your body healed in an absurdly fast way, but you'll probably have trouble standing up.
Akira tried to stand. His grandmother tried to stop him, but Akira forced himself up. He barely felt any pain.
— No, I'm fine.
— Are you sure you want to leave? — asked the doctor.
Akira stretched his arms.
— Yes. Besides, since it's been around four months, the soldier exam should be soon. I need to train.
The doctor took a deep breath.
— The exam is tomorrow. Forget it.
— What?! Tomorrow? Then I have to start training right now!
His grandmother got angry.
— Akira… what are you saying? You need to rest. You already know, even if you take the exam…
But Akira was determined.
— Don't worry, Grandma. I'll win this time!
The doctor shook his head.
— You'll hurt yourself and end up back here, I'm sure of it.
— We'll see… Grandma, where's Grandpa?
— At home.
— Then let's go home right now, I want to see him!
Akira and his grandmother left the hospital and started walking home.
Akira noticed it was still very early in the morning.
When they arrived, his grandfather opened the door. Seeing Akira again made him emotional, and he hugged him tightly.
After a brief argument about the exam, Akira went outside and began training next to the tree in front of their house.
Even though he pushed his body hard, he noticed he felt much less pain than before.
That night, they all sat down for dinner. Akira was exhausted.
— Akira, you should stop taking those exams.
His grandmother agreed:
— I'm worried about you too.
But Akira's determination wouldn't easily be shaken.
— Grandpa, Grandma… I may not be able to use energy, but my dreams will never change. One day, I'll become king. I'll create a world where everyone loves each other.
I got this ideal from my sister, and I'll never give it up!
His grandparents once again saw how strong Akira's resolve was.
After dinner, Akira went to bed and fell asleep.
When morning came, he woke up early, ate a small piece of bread for breakfast, and quickly set out for the exam grounds.
As he walked through the capital's streets, he greeted the people he passed and moved toward the registration area.
When he arrived, he sighed at the long line.
— Ugh… What's with this line? Did I come early for nothing?
Beside him, a slightly muscular boy around his age glanced at him with disinterest.
— There's a line because everyone thinks like you, idiot!
Akira snapped back:
— Huh?! Who are you calling an idiot!
The boy stepped forward, pressed his forehead against Akira's, and glared.
— Idiot!
Akira did the same:
— Idiot!
For a moment, silence. Then the boy smirked.
— You looking for a fight?
Akira had to put this musclehead in his place.
— If you want a fight, then let's fight!
The boy punched Akira in the face, sending him to the ground.
— What, that weak? Why don't you use your energy?
Akira thought to himself:
— That power… what is that?
Then he smirked slightly.
— Hahaha! I was just testing you. The real exam's about to start, so I didn't use energy, but you already tired yourself out. Idiot!
The boy got mad.
— You were playing with me?! Damn it! I'm done with you… idiot!
Akira thought:
— That was close. I almost got crushed by that muscle lump…
After waiting a while, it was finally Akira's turn to register. The registrar recognized him and smiled faintly.
— Akira, again?
— Yeah, eheh…
The registrar frowned.
— Waste of time…
— Don't worry, I'll pass this time.
The registrar said nothing. After signing a few papers, he spoke coldly:
— Go on. The exam's starting soon.
Akira smiled and walked into the exam hall.
This time, the first stage was a physical test — meaning one had to channel their energy through their body and use it at its fullest potential.
— I've trained hard. I'll do it this time.
A few of the people who had taken the exam before noticed Akira.
— Hey! Isn't that the kid who embarrassed himself last time?
— It really is him!
— What were you thinking coming back here?
Akira replied with determination:
— I'll pass this time!
Then the announcer's voice echoed through the hall:
— Welcome, everyone taking the exam! You all know I hate wasting time, so I'll get straight to the point. This exam will have three stages, and only twenty-seven people will pass!
Everyone looked at each other in shock. Voices rose:
— What?! Only twenty-seven? What's going on?! Is this a joke?
The announcer continued:
— I know you have questions, so let me give you something exciting:
The twenty-seven soldiers who pass this exam will be personally selected and trained by the Council members themselves!
The crowd of nearly five hundred couldn't believe their ears. Excited cheers broke out:
— What? The Council members themselves? No way, that's amazing!
The announcer went on:
— That's right. As you heard, you'll be chosen by the Council.
This time, the selection system will be different. There are three tests:
1.Physical Test
2.Energy Test
3.Combat Test
Each test will be scored out of 33 points.
Selection priority will be based on total points, but the Council may choose outside of scores if they wish.
So… put on a good show! The exam begins now!
The crowd roared with excitement. Akira thought to himself:
— This is it! My chance to be trained by them and become king!
An exam official approached Akira, asked for his name, and started the test.
When it ended, the official handed Akira a sheet of paper.
Akira looked at it and froze.
— Huh? Hey, what's this? Why does it say "3"? Shouldn't it be 33?
The official explained calmly:
— That's what you earned. No mistake. All your scores are on that paper.
Akira looked at the paper:
Condition: 2 points
Muscle & Build: 1 point
Energy Use: 0 points
— Come on… at least give me a little break.
— If you had worked properly, this wouldn't have happened. Please don't come back for another four months.
Akira took a deep breath and thought to himself:
— This is just the beginning. I'll get better scores in the next stages.
After the first stage, the hall was filled with murmurs. Tired but excited faces mixed with the heavy smell of sweat and anticipation. Then, a loud voice echoed:
— The second stage will start in five minutes! Proceed to the adjacent hall. This stage will test your ability to use energy.
Akira's face fell. Energy… something he could never have. He slowly walked to the second hall, glancing at the crowd around him. An indescribable unease gnawed at him.
Among the crowd, a boy caught his attention. His hair was between sandy blonde and red, flowing slightly. He was about 1.70 m tall and had a constantly curious, innocent expression. The boy broke the anxious waiting:
— We've been waiting for a long time. Why are there so few staff members in this stage?
Akira tilted his head and replied:
— Usually, there are fewer staff in the second stage… but this is still too few.
The boy narrowed his eyes, studying Akira carefully.
— You… have taken this exam before, haven't you?
After a brief pause, Akira took a deep breath.
— Yes… unfortunately. I've lost count of how many times I've taken it.
The boy asked curiously:
— Then why are you trying so hard?
A spark ignited in Akira's eyes.
— Because… I want to be king.
The boy chuckled lightly, not mockingly, but with a genuine smile:
— King, huh?
Akira straightened his head and spoke again with determination:
— Yes! I will become king and create a world where peace reigns!
This time the boy chuckled briefly, but his eyes shone with seriousness.
— Nice ideal. I understand you.
Akira looked at him in surprise for a moment:
— Why aren't you laughing?
The boy immediately answered:
— Why should I? I think it's a perfect dream. If people laughed at you, rest assured, it's because they're jealous. They don't have the courage to dream like that. But you… since you've tried so many times, you're chasing it. Right?
For the first time, Akira's face truly lit up.
— Yes!!
Then he smiled and extended his hand:
— My name is Akira Valen!
— I'm Yui… Yui Volt.
Akira thought to himself: I knew Yui was a girl's name…
They shook hands. Yui winked lightly.
— So, what score did you get in the previous stage? I… got a terrible score.
Akira's morale sank.
— Me too… no need to even say it. But I'll recover in this stage!
Yui grinned.
— Good. So, what kind of energy do you use?
Akira's face darkened. He lowered his head and whispered:
— I… can't use energy.
Yui's expression became serious, but in a friendly tone, she spoke:
— I understand… but don't be sad. Maybe one day it will awaken. Some people's energy awakens slowly with help.
Akira lifted his head in shock:
— What?! Really?!
— Of course. It's possible.
A childish joy appeared on Akira's face.
— So… how do I do it?!
Yui smiled faintly, a mysterious gleam in her eyes:
— I'll tell you after the exam. Look, it's our turn.
They hadn't realized how time had passed. The examiner's voice called, and it was Akira's turn.
Akira entered. After a few questions, the examiner rested his hand on the table:
— When you're ready, show your energy.
Akira took a deep breath. He stretched his hands forward, closed his eyes, and focused with all his might. But… nothing happened.
From behind, laughter rose:
— What's a kid who can't even use energy doing here?!
— Hahaha! Total failure!
Akira's hands trembled. His morale was crushed. But at that moment, he heard a voice echoing in the hall. It was Yui:
— Akira! Don't give up! You can do it! I believe in you!!
His heart raced. A warmth filled him. He closed his eyes again. At that moment…
Suddenly, he found himself in a completely different place. Pitch-dark, cold, silent, and eerie. Red flowers sprouted from the ground. And from the darkness, two red eyes appeared.
Akira shivered:
— W-who… are you?
The eyes spoke. The voice was ominous, like a deep echo:
— I am… a SPIRIT.
Akira was surprised:
— A spirit…?
— Yes, but… not an ordinary spirit.
— Then… what are you?!
— I am the owner of Chaos…
Suddenly, the surroundings grew darker, the red flowers wilted. The air became so heavy it burned Akira's lungs. He began to feel fear:
— T-the owner of… Chaos?!
The spirit replied in a stern voice:
— You heard correctly, brat. I was also the one who entered you in the laboratory. I tried to take over your body… but something chained me here. I can neither escape… nor fully control you.
Akira shivered, his legs trembling:
— Why me?!
The spirit laughed, a hoarse and suffocating sound:
— Because fate… says you are cursed! You became a cage, a prison for me. But remember, Akira Valen… I don't intend to rot with you in this cage.
The red eyes in the darkness glowed even brighter. The voice sounded as if coming not from flesh, but through his bones, terrifyingly echoing:
— Since you came here, you want to make a deal, brat.
— A-a deal?! I… nothing—
The spirit shouted:
— I will not give you my power. Chaos belongs to me! If you come here again… I will kill you!!
After the words, everything vanished. Akira opened his eyes and was still in the exam hall. A red energy was trembling in his palm.
The hall fell silent. People looked in shock:
— Impossible…
— That kid… was using energy?!
The energy suddenly vanished. The examiner handed him the paper with a cold gaze:
— 7 points. That's all.
Akira was shocked:
— What?! Just now—
— You couldn't shape your energy. You only showed a spark.
Akira lowered his head. He was devastated. When he stepped outside the hall, Yui was beside him again.
— Hey! That red energy… amazing! I've never seen anything like it before.
Akira was downhearted:
— But… I got a low score again. Nothing changed…
Yui patted his back in a friendly way:
— Don't say that. At least your energy awakened. That's a big deal, Akira.
Akira's eyes shone:
— Right…! Energy… yes, I can use it now too!!
— Exactly. Just keep practicing.
Akira regained some confidence and asked curiously:
— So, how much did you get?
Yui handed him her paper. A big "28" was written on it.
— Wh-what?! You… were that good?!
Yui grinned:
— Maybe the examiner exaggerated a bit. But I trust my energy.
Yui extended her hand. He telekinetically lifted a distant cup and pulled it toward him.
— Whoa!! That's amazing!!
Yui smiled:
— I heard the next stage will be a team battle.
Akira responded excitedly:
— Really?! Then I hope we're on the same team. We'll definitely win!
Yui nodded, smiling. The two of them walked side by side toward the hall where the third stage would take place.