Aka opened his eyes in shock and looked around. He seemed to be in a room, although it was unlike any room he had ever seen. The only thing he knew for certain was his own name — Aka. He didn't recognize the room, nor did he know anything about the world outside.
Slowly, he rose from the bed and examined the wooden house. There was nothing inside except the bed he had just left, a chair, a table, and a large mirror nearby. When he looked into the mirror, he saw a small, delicate-looking boy with long black hair staring back at him. After studying his reflection for a while, he walked to where a door should have been — though there wasn't one — and stepped outside.
Hoping to find someone who could help him, he ventured out. The outside world was vibrant, full of birdsong and rustling wind — a stark contrast to the still air inside the house. He began walking slowly toward a village he spotted in the distance, observing nature as he went. He seemed to be between two mountains, surrounded by lush green plants, grass, and strange but beautiful flowers. Yet, for reasons he couldn't explain, he chose to avoid walking too close to the flowers.
Eventually, he reached the village and approached the first person he saw.
"Hello. I… I've lost my memory. Do you know where I am?"
The villager appeared to understand and spoke calmly.
"You know nothing comes for free. For two crystals, I can tell you everything you want to know."
"Crystals?"
"My friend, where have you come from that you don't even know about crystals? Then again… you do look pretty young. Have you gone through your first process yet?"
"My first process? I really don't know anything. Please believe me."
"Hmmm. Come with me."
The villager led Aka to a large building. Aka didn't hear all of the conversation inside, but soon the man the villager had spoken to approached him.
"Hello, young man. I hear you've lost your memory. Is that true?"
"Yes, sir. I remember nothing except my name and the language we're speaking. Can you help me?"
"To put it simply," the man said, "we are a small village at the foot of Tai Mountain, under the rule of the Central Government. I also heard you haven't performed your first ritual yet. If that's true, we should begin there — we can talk afterwards."
"Alright, sir."
Aka quietly followed the official to an open area. There was a raised square platform, about ten by ten meters wide, surrounded by a vast empty space. The official instructed Aka to stand in the center.
Two massive cages were then brought forward, each containing a huge, horned, four-legged beast that Aka couldn't identify. After the cages were positioned near the square, the official handed Aka a parchment with a prayer written on it and ordered him to repeat it — ending with a request to see his abilities whenever he wished.
Aka took a deep breath and began to recite:
"Oh great Mother Nature and Father Storm, we thank you for the life you have given us and for the life you will one day take away. We offer these sacrifices to you. O mighty world that owns all things, accept this offering — and please allow me to see my abilities whenever I desire."
The moment the prayer ended, the creatures inside the cages began to scream. Both the cages and the beasts burst apart into countless glowing motes of light — like fireflies — and all of them streamed into Aka's body.
When the last spark vanished inside him, the official walked over with a satisfied smile, congratulated Aka, and threw five crystal-like stones to the villager who had brought him — ordering him to leave.
Once the villager was gone, the official spoke again.
"Congratulations, young man. That was the first ritual. From now on, you'll be able to see your abilities whenever you wish. But as you saw, performing the ritual required rare metal cages and valuable beasts — all sacrificed for your sake. So, you'll need to work for us for a while to repay the cost. Don't worry — if your abilities are good, you can earn a house and ten crystals a month."
"Thank you, sir… but I don't feel any different. How will I know if I have any abilities?"
"Simple. Just say 'My abilities,' and they will be displayed in front of you."
Aka inhaled and spoke softly.
"My abilities."
White text and a glowing image of his body appeared before him:
Age: 14Strength: 2Endurance: 2Speed: 2Intelligence: 1Awareness: 1Spiritual Power: 0Physical Power: 0Potential: 5
Below that, two abilities were listed:
Innocence — Even if you don't think so, you are pure, and you always see the good in things.Absorption — For some reason, your body has a natural affinity for absorbing energy.
While Aka was studying this, the official waited eagerly. If the boy's abilities were good, he would receive a reward — just like the villager had.
After some time, he called out:
"Young man, tell me your abilities. If they're suitable, I'll assign you to the job I mentioned."
Aka listed them. The official's face darkened immediately — especially at the ability called Innocence. He judged the boy to be useless.
Aka, still hopeful, asked:
"Sir… are my abilities suitable for work?"
Trying not to show his disappointment, the official replied, "Wait here. I'll inform my superior and return shortly."
He left, reported Aka's abilities to his superior — who, unlike him, seemed pleased. The superior ordered Aka to be placed under the supervision of a member of the Shadow Unit and rewarded the official with five crystals — also reminding him to pay ten crystals to the villager who found Aka. The official lied, saying he already had.
He then returned, told Aka he now worked for them, and handed him over to someone else before leaving.
Aka approached the man politely.
"Greetings, sir. My name is Aka. Thank you for hiring—"
Before he could finish, the man kicked him hard and cut him off. In an icy tone, he spoke:
"You no longer have a name. You are Number 47. I am your master. You will never call me anything else. You will never speak unless I permit it. You will never question my orders. You will never disobey. If you are ever captured, you will reveal nothing — and if necessary, you will kill yourself rather than expose one of our safehouses. From this moment on, you are our property."
Aka tried to ask what was happening, but his "master" beat him unconscious.
He awoke later in a cave, lying on stone, his whole body throbbing. Despite the pain, he staggered into a larger cavern filled with children wearing uniforms marked with numbers. None of them looked normal… yet Aka walked toward a boy with "257" written on his back and tried to speak.
Before he could finish a sentence, another boy — not particularly large or muscular — kicked him and forced him silent.
"Rookie," he said coldly, "don't open your mouth unless we allow it. If you want to talk, you'll have to fight me — even at night, if you like. But know this: the moment you try it… you'll never speak again."
Just then, a large man entered, and the cavern went silent.
"I'll only say this once, so listen carefully, rookies. This place is called the Nest. You will live here until you turn twenty. Before you turn eighteen, you are forbidden to kill one another — but fighting is allowed. You will train every morning, and on random weeks you'll be tested. If you fail to improve in three tests… you die. And the MOST IMPORTANT RULE: YOU MAY NOT PERFORM RITUALS HERE. DO NOT TRY ANYTHING STUPID. Our personnel watch you at all times. A single mistake means death. The rookies' first month of tests will not be counted. That is all. Continue your training."
Aka remained frozen on the ground in shock from everything he had experienced, trying to make sense of what had happened.
Uhm… This is the first story I've ever written. I honestly think the concepts are interesting, and your feedback means a lot to me. If you do read it, feel free to share any thoughts—good or bad. Thank you in advance.