"Anyone who can't feel mana is screwed," Kenji thought; he knew that understanding and harnessing this energy could make all the difference in a fight. Without it, he would be severely disadvantaged against those who had already unlocked their potential. The stakes were higher than ever.
Kenji paused, shifting his focus away from the system and turning inward. The world he once knew was gone, transformed beyond recognition. Wealth and power had shifted, and society's forces had changed drastically. Yet one principle remained unaltered: "The strong survive, while the weak perish." The difference now lies in personal choice and determination.
For the first time in a year, Kenji felt a tremor of fear, a sensation he never thought he could experience. Memories of loss flooded his mind, shadows of his mother and grandfather looming large. He had spent so long contemplating the idea of death lingering at the edges of his thoughts. But now, when faced with the spectre of mortality, he embraced life fiercely.
This realisation left him confused, caught between the weight of his past and the uncertainty of his future. He wrestled with his emotions, grappling with fear and sorrow, yet a flicker of happiness ignited him amidst it all. With its dangers and challenges, the new world brought a renewed sense of purpose. Each moment was infused with meaning, forcing him to confront the unknown head-on.
In that tumultuous space, Kenji discovered a strange sense of freedom. Embracing uncertainty, he felt more alive than he had in years. With all its unpredictability, this new chapter beckoned him to rise, adapt, and fight for a future worth living.
In that moment, clarity washed over Kenji. He felt a renewed sense of purpose and a burning goal: to push beyond his limits and explore the system's gifts. He envisioned expanding the boundaries of humanity, reaching for a power that felt almost mythical, a golden ideal that shimmered just out of reach.
Yet, deep down, he wondered if this pursuit could lead him to eternal peace. The thought intrigued him, driving him forward.
Failure didn't frighten him; he understood it was a part of the journey. All he could do was his best, pouring his heart and soul into every challenge. With determination fueling his spirit, Kenji was ready to embrace whatever lay ahead, eager to uncover his true potential.
Suddenly, Kenji heard footsteps approaching, the sound growing louder as someone moved in his direction. With a practised ear, he recognised the distinctive rhythm of the person's walk. The locked door creaked open, revealing Kato.
Kato stepped inside, his gaze locking on Kenji.
"Seeing you here, I take it you've already discovered what happened?" Kenji asked, a hint of curiosity in his voice.
"Never took you for the hero type," Kato said, a hint of surprise in his voice.
"It wasn't my intention," Kenji replied, reclining on the bed, his demeanour relaxed.
Kato hesitated before continuing, "What do you think about?"
"Not interested in petty political power shit," Kenji interrupted, his tone sharp and dismissive.
The air between them grew tense momentarily, Kenji's resolve clear. Kato raised an eyebrow, surprised but not offended, as he stepped back, sensing Kenji's determination.
"Then you're not with us," Kato said, turning his back and heading for the exit. Just before he left the room, he added,
"Due to the necessary information we need, we'll have to keep you here." He glanced back at Kenji but found him already fast asleep.
As Kato left, the door clicked shut behind him, locking it in place. Kenji opened his eyes, a flicker of understanding washing over him, and he grasped the weight of Kato's words.
Outside, Jin greeted Kato, who leaned casually against the wall, arms crossed. "What did he say?" Jin asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I think it's quite obvious," Kato replied as they walked down the narrow hallway.
"What do you plan to do?" Jin inquired.
"Since he doesn't want to cooperate, we must apply pressure. If he still refuses, he will be eliminated," Kato stated, his voice cold and determined.
Hours passed, and although it felt like morning, the darkness still lingered. Eventually, a few students entered Kenji's room and escorted him to the dining hall.
As he stepped inside, all eyes turned to him, each student giving a different look. With his heightened senses, Kenji caught snippets of whispered conversations.
"Is he the one who did that to Nabi?" one student murmured.
"What kind of monster is he?" another whispered.
"From what I heard, if it weren't for Kato, Kenji would have killed Nabi yesterday," someone else remarked.
"What the hell?" another voice chimed in.
"Does he think he's the law or something?"
Many students had varying opinions, their judgments coloured by old-world perspectives. They clung to the outdated notions of law and order ingrained deeply within them. But Kenji paid little attention to their murmurs. He knew that in this new reality, survival was all that mattered.
Mari stood amidst a crowd of female students, their comforting whispers and gentle touches surrounding her. Kenji caught a glimpse of her, and as their eyes met, she quickly looked away, avoiding his gaze.
Turning his attention elsewhere, Kenji noticed Kato, who seemed to command the entire dining hall's attention. Beside him knelt Nabi, his injured hands wrapped in bandages, the remnants of their earlier confrontation evident in his pained expression.
In a quiet corner of the dining hall, Ryu watched intently, Amaya beside him, her eyes scanning the scene as everything unfolded.
Kato stepped forward, commanding the attention of the entire dining hall. His presence was powerful as he began addressing the gathered students, ensuring their safety while he commanded the sanctum. He spoke with authority about the importance of unity and vigilance in these uncertain times, reminding everyone that they were stronger only when they worked together.
As he delved into various topics, preparations for potential threats, the importance of discipline, and the need for cooperation, Kato's tone shifted when he addressed the current situation: a fellow student attempting to harm another. His gaze locked onto Nabi, who knelt trembling on the floor, sweat glistening on his forehead.
"This behaviour is unacceptable," Kato stated, his voice steady yet filled with gravity. He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in before continuing. "While we cannot kill him for his actions, what he did was unforgivable. I, at this moment, sentence him to exile outside the sanctum."
"What,"
The words hung in the air, and a hush fell over the room. Nabi's eyes widened in terror, and panic washed over him. He felt utterly powerless, unable to plead for help as he glanced around at the other students. Their expressions ranged from irritation to disdain, and the whispers that swirled around him felt like daggers.
"So Kenji wasn't the one, but Nabi,"
"This rat-like bastard,"
"Unbelievable, such a disgrace to our school."
The looks they gave him were cold and unforgiving, each one hitting him like a rock against his body. Nabi's heart sank further as he realized that he was utterly alone in this moment. His thoughts darkened, drowning in despair as he contemplated the harshness of his punishment.
No one questioned Kato's decision; the students silently agreed, palpable support hanging in the air. "Now, enough of that," Kato said, his tone shifting as he focused on Kenji. "Let's address Kenji's matter."
He turned his gaze toward Kenji, his expression filled with authority.
"I commend Kenji for protecting Mari when she needed it most. He may have been an unfortunate witness to the chaos, but he stood as a blade of justice, preventing Nabi's reckless decisions." Kato paused, lowering his head slightly in apology to Mari, a gesture that resonated deeply with the students.
The atmosphere shifted as Kato's words washed over them, drawing them into his narrative. His respectful tone and genuine acknowledgement of his faults made him appear even more admirable in their eyes. It was clear to everyone that no one else could fill that role; Kato had an innate ability to connect with them. They felt an emotional bond, a loyalty that made them willing to follow him anywhere, even if he suggested they jump from a three-story building.
Yet Kenji remained untouched by this display.
"You're drifting into something," he thought, scrutinizing Kato's every word and gesture with a critical eye.