Prologue: 6 Cores, 1 World

A long time ago, there was a Sage.

The sage forged 6 Elemental cores— Ignis, Aqua, Aero, Bastion, Volt, and Umbra. Through them, a world is created.

The Cores were scattered across an island that would later be known as Japan.

Magic flowed through human veins, blessing most of humanity with the power to command the elements. Those without it were called Coreless.

But power breeds desire.

When hearts faltered, their magic twisted into darkness. These corrupted souls became Mares, creatures of despair that lost their humanity and brought ruin.

After the Sage vanished without a trace, the world stabilized. Magic and technology advanced hand in hand, shaping modern society.

Yet the Mares still appear, reminding us that even light casts a shadow.

To protect the people, a secret organization was founded under the government’s command: the Mana Hazard Response Agency (MHRA).

For decades, it kept humanity safe.

Until now.

***

Present Day: MHRA Emergency Meeting

A long table. Dozens of officers, scholars, and soldiers.

The air felt heavy and suffocating.

???:“ Miss Haruka, how is this even possible!?”

???: “Based on our data, only Umbra-type magic could cause this… but there’s no record of anyone born with it!”

At the table’s center sat Haruka Inoue, calm despite the chaos.

Haruka: “Our teams are still investigating. The phenomenon spread too quickly for us to—”

???: “Too quickly?”

Another snapped.

???: “Coreless citizens turning into Mares overnight isn’t just ‘quickly,’ it’s impossible!”

Before she could reply, every monitor in the room flickered.

The lights died.

???: “Wha…!?”

A silhouette emerged on all screens, its voice low and distorted.

???: “I’m the one who did it.”

Gasps echoed. Someone cursed under their breath.

???: “Oops, forgot introductions. I’m the Sage. These Coreless vermin crawling around—such an eyesore. I merely wish to fix that.”

Haruka slammed the table.

Haruka: “Not only are you impersonating the Grand Sage… You’re trying to incite hatred—turning the world against the Coreless?! That’s monstrous!”

The “Sage’s” laugh was soft and cold.

“Sage”: “If you want to stop me, then find the Genesis Engine. Somewhere in your precious Japan lies a weapon that can channel the power of every Core. But beware, only its chosen vessel can wield it.”

The screens cut to black.

The room erupted in confusion and dread.

Haruka said nothing. She crossed her arms, eyes shadowed in thought.

Haruka: “How do we even find the Engine... or its vessel?”

Haruka murmured.

***

Elsewhere, as the emergency conference was going on, a faint car horn blared outside a small apartment.

A boy stirred, half-asleep.

???: “...Did someone just call me?”

The boy mumbled. When no answer came, he turned over and drifted back to sleep, unaware that the world had already chosen him.