The morning sun spilled softly through the worn curtains as Ray finished buttoning his shirt. He glanced once more in the mirror—clean clothes, hair in shape, expression calm. "First day back in this world…" he muttered quietly. "Let's see how it goes this time."
He stepped into the bathroom, washed up quickly, and changed into his university uniform. The faint smell of soap hung in the air as he grabbed his bag and opened the front door.
Waiting outside his small apartment building, leaning against the railing with her arms crossed, was Sofia.
Ray froze for a moment, watching her in the sunlight. Her dark hair swayed slightly in the wind, and the corners of her lips lifted as she saw him. It was the kind of smile that could make even morning feel lighter.
"You're late," she said playfully, pushing off the wall. "I was starting to think you fell asleep again."
Ray smiled faintly. "I didn't. Just took a little longer getting ready."
"Right," Sofia said, rolling her eyes before walking alongside him. "Come on. Let's go."
They began walking down the street together, their steps in rhythm. The streets of the capital sparkled faintly with morning activity—students in uniforms, vendors shouting, the hum of hover-trams gliding past.
For a while, they talked casually—small things, shared memories. It was almost like old times. Then Sofia, always the one to ask too many questions, turned to him with curiosity.
"So," she began, "what do you think about the university entrance test? I know you don't have a Raspel yet, but…" she smiled reassuringly, "I'm sure you'll awaken one soon. So don't worry too much, alright?"
Ray blinked at her words before letting out a small chuckle. "Actually," he said, "I already have one."
Sofia stopped walking. "Wait… what?"
"I awakened mine yesterday."
Her eyes widened slightly, but her expression shifted quickly—caught between surprise and something else. "Really? That's… fast." She tried to sound cheerful, but deep down, her emotions were tangled.
She was happy for him, but at the same time, the thought of Ray having a Raspel—a being that would stay by his side even closer than she could—made something twist uncomfortably in her chest. She had always been the one he depended on, the one who took care of him after his parents died. She couldn't bear the thought of someone—or something—taking that place.
Still, she put on her best smile. "That's amazing, Ray! What type is it? Light? Fire? You?"
Ray suddenly froze for a second. Oh right… I forgot to check that, he thought awkwardly. "Wait a second, let me see," he said, summoning his System screen.
A faint glow appeared in front of him. On the panel's "Raspel" section, a single word pulsed faintly.
Type: VOID
Ray tilted his head, confused. "Huh? Void? I've… never heard of that before."
B's faint voice spoke inside his mind instantly, his tone smug and unimpressed. What, surprised? You got lucky.
Ray's eyes twitched slightly. "You could've told me."
You didn't ask, B replied nonchalantly.
Sighing, Ray turned back to Sofia. "It's, uh… a light type," he lied smoothly.
Sofia's eyes widened. "A light type? That's really rare," she said sincerely. "You really got lucky, Ray. That's one of the best attributes for growth."
"Yeah… I guess so," Ray said with a faint chuckle, scratching his ear in embarrassment.
B's voice immediately roared in his mind, offended. LIGHT?! Did you just call me LIGHT?! What do I look like—some flashy street lamp?! I'm VOID, kid! The END of everything! The origin of power! How dare you downgrade me like that?!
Ray struggled to keep his face from twitching as he replied inwardly, Just shut up for a minute!
Unbelievable, B complained dramatically. After everything I've done for you—literally existing—you're out here calling me an "A-rank flashlight!"
Ray almost snorted but forced himself to look calm when Sofia turned to him again.
"What about the class?" she asked, leaning closer. "B or C?"
Ray hesitated for a moment—he couldn't exactly say S. It was too rare. It'd raise too many questions. "It's… A-class," he said casually.
Sofia's eyes lit up instantly. "A-class?! That's insane! People will be talking about you for days. You're going to stand out so much!"
Ray gave a small laugh, scratching the back of his neck, but inside his mind, B was having none of it.
A-class? the Raspel yelled. You little liar! Do I look like an A-class to you?! I should erase your tongue just for saying that!
Keep it down, Ray thought, hiding a grin, She doesn't need to know everything.
B grumbled. You're lucky I'm too cool to bother arguing.
Ray sighed softly, almost smiling despite himself.
But then, something changed. A sharp whoosh cut through the quiet morning air—a fireball shot toward them out of nowhere.
Sofia's instincts kicked in instantly. "Ray!" she yelled, dashing in front of him. A shimmer of blue light burst from her side, and water spiraled into existence. The flames collided with her barrier and dissolved into harmless steam.
Ray's eyes narrowed as he looked ahead.
Two figures stood at the end of the street. Both wore academy uniforms, but their faces carried an arrogant sneer. The one in front cracked his knuckles with a glare.
"Hey, kid," the man said coldly. "I told you to stay away from Sofia, didn't I? Guess you don't understand simple orders."
Ray frowned.
The second one spoke, his tone even harsher. "Let me make it simple for you then—I break a few bones, and you stay home permanently. Got it?"
Sofia glared at them. "What are you talking about? And who are you?"
The first guy smirked. "You don't need to know that, sweetheart. Our boss likes you. Said to keep pests like that one—" he gestured at Ray, "—out of the way."
Sofia clenched her fists, her voice firm. "Leave him alone! He's my friend! If your so-called boss has a problem, he can come talk to me himself!"
Ray stepped forward then, placing a hand gently on her shoulder. "It's fine, Sofia. Let me handle this."
She turned to him, startled. "No, Ray! You awakened your Raspel just yesterday—you shouldn't even be fighting yet!"
Ray gave her a calm, reassuring smile. "Don't worry. I'll find a way."
Inside, his thoughts sharpened. Void… he whispered in his mind. The end of all things, right? If that's the case… then maybe I can use every attribute...
The faint air around him began to shift—quiet, cold, unfamiliar. The ground quivered ever so slightly as the light in his eyes darkened.
B's voice echoed faintly, almost proud this time. Now you're speaking my language, partner.
And as the two thugs prepared their next attack, something unseen stirred beneath Ray's feet—something faint, but endless.