Chosen

Chosen

"Chosen by the gods!"

"Ahhh—!"

Akai suddenly woke up, his body jolting upright. His heart was racing like it was about to burst out of his chest.

He took a deep breath… then another.

"Haaah… hooo…"

Slowly, he tried to get his breathing right, sweat running down his forehead. The room was quiet. Dark. Only the soft hum of the city outside could be heard.

Morning light leaked through the curtains, casting thin shadows across the wall.

"…Chosen by the gods…"

The words echoed loudly in his head, refusing to fade.

"Akaiii! Akaiii! Time for breakfast!!"

Riyu's cheerful voice broke the silence as she jumped around happily outside his room.

"Alright, I'm coming," Akai replied, forcing a small smile.

She ran up to him, and Akai gently patted her head, her laughter easing his chest just a little.

Akai glanced at the clock.

7:13 AM.

He headed to the bathroom and washed his face, cold water dripping down his chin. He lifted his head and stared into the mirror.

For a second… something felt off.

His reflection flickered—just for a moment.

A faint shadow rippled behind his eyes, gone before he could fully see it.

His hand trembled slightly.

That tight feeling returned to his stomach.

The same feeling as before.

Like something deep inside him was stirring…
like something was slowly awakening.

Akai clenched his fingers and looked away.

"…It's nothing," he muttered.

But even he didn't believe it.

"Time for breakfast!" his mom shouted from the kitchen.

Everyone gathered around the table.

Steam rose from freshly made food—warm bowls of rice, grilled fish, miso soup, rolled tamagoyaki, and a small plate of pickled vegetables. The smell filled the room, comforting and familiar.

Riyu's eyes lit up.

"Woooahh!" she said excitedly, already climbing into her chair.

Akai sat down quietly and began eating, his head slightly lowered. The food tasted good… but his mind was somewhere else. Thoughts kept piling up, one after another.

Chosen by the gods…
What if it's real…?

"Is everything okay, my son?" his mom asked softly, watching him closely.

"I-I'm good, mom. Everything is fine," Akai answered, forcing a calm voice.

"Yum! Yum!" Riyu said happily, stuffing her cheeks and eating joyfully.

Akai's mom smiled warmly at the sight.

Knock. Knock.

The sound echoed through the apartment.

"I'll answer it," Akai said, placing his fork down.

He walked to the front door and opened it.

"Yoohoooo!!"

Yuri's loud voice burst through the hallway.

He stood there in his school uniform—black and white with blue accents. The Netherfall High crest, a crow-like bird symbol, was stitched proudly on his chest. His orange hair flowed messily in the morning light, and a blue-and-white backpack hung off one shoulder.

"Heey, Yuri," Akai said. "I just finished breakfast. I'ma get ready."

"Bet," Yuri grinned. "Don't take forever."

Akai closed the door and headed back to his room.

As he started getting ready, pulling on his uniform and tightening his tie, that same strange feeling returned.

His chest felt tight.

His heartbeat slowed… then skipped.

Akai paused, gripping the edge of his desk.

"…Not again," he whispered.

Outside, Yuri kept talking to himself, humming loudly like nothing in the world could bother him.

Akai took a deep breath.

Get it together.

But deep down, he could feel it.

Something was coming.

The bus slowed to a stop as Akai and Yuri stepped off with the other students.

They were now on the rich side of Primton.

Tall clean buildings, smooth roads, shiny holo-ads floating in the air. Students stood around chatting, some showing off their magic without shame. Fire sparks flickered from fingers, gravity users made small objects float, wind magic played with hair and clothes.

Akai adjusted his bag strap.

"Every time I come here, it feels like a different city," Akai said quietly.

Yuri laughed. "Yeah, welcome to the rich zone."

They walked toward the massive gates of Netherfall High.

The school looked like a modern castle—tall black-and-white stone walls mixed with glowing blue tech lines. Towers rose into the sky, sharp and royal, with banners hanging down bearing the crow-like crest of Netherfall High. Magic barriers shimmered faintly around the structure.

Students streamed through the gates.

Akai and Yuri walked side by side beneath them.

For a moment, Akai felt small.

This place never changes…

They reached the lockers inside. The halls were wide, polished floors reflecting the ceiling lights. Students laughed, argued, and showed off powers openly.

A boy heated his soup just by placing his hand over the cup.

Another student lifted books into the air using gravity magic.

Someone snapped their fingers, lighting a small flame that danced before being put out by a teacher's glare.

Yuri leaned against his locker. "Man, I swear, people flex their powers way too much."

Before Akai could respond—

"Yo."

A voice cut in.

A tall boy stepped closer.

Brown hair neatly styled, expensive shoes, confident grin. Other students stood behind him, laughing quietly.

It was Nash.

Popular. Rich. Annoying.

He glanced at Akai and Yuri's worn bags.

"Didn't think they let charity cases into Netherfall," Nash said smirking.

Yuri clenched his jaw.

Akai stayed quiet.

Nash stepped closer. "Still no powers, huh Akai?" he said mockingly. "Late bloomer or just useless?"

A few laughs echoed.

Yuri took a step forward. "Back off."

Nash laughed. "Relax. Wouldn't wanna scare you shadow boys."

The bell rang loudly through the halls.

"Lucky you," Nash said, walking away. "Class saved you."

Akai let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding.

9:00 AM.

They headed to class.

Biology Class

Akai sat at his desk, staring at the board as the teacher explained cell regeneration and magic compatibility.

His pen paused mid-note.

Suddenly—

His vision blurred.

The room felt distant.

His stomach tightened.

That same feeling again.

Thump.

His heartbeat echoed too loud in his ears.

For a split second, the lights flickered.

Akai blinked.

Everything went back to normal.

"…Akai Kuraiyami?"

He looked up.

"Yes?" he answered quickly.

The teacher stared at him. "Focus."

"Sorry," Akai said, lowering his head.

But his hands were trembling slightly.

What was that…?

Lunch Time

The cafeteria buzzed with noise.

Students sat in groups, laughing, eating, using magic casually.

One student floated their tray over to a table.

Another bent gravity to keep drinks suspended mid-air.

Someone heated their curry just by snapping their fingers.

Yuri sat across from Akai, chewing loudly. "Man, school food actually slaps today."

Akai nodded, but his eyes drifted around the room.

Everyone had something.

Everyone… except him.

He clenched his fork.

What if… what if that man wasn't lying?

The thought wouldn't leave.

While Akai was eating his lunch, the lights above suddenly began to flicker.

The air grew heavy.

Pressure pressed down on his chest, making it hard to breathe. The shadows around the cafeteria stretched unnaturally, twisting and shifting along the walls and floor.

Akai froze.

His fork slipped from his fingers.

Then—

A voice.

"…Awakening…"

It echoed inside his head, low and distant, yet impossibly clear.

Akai's stomach tightened. His vision blurred for a second, and he felt something stirring deep inside him—something unfamiliar… something dangerous.

Across the room, a teacher noticed.

A man with white hair and thin-rimmed glasses stood up slowly. He wore a clean white coat over his uniform, his sharp eyes locking onto Akai. He said nothing—but his gaze never left him.

Akai stood up suddenly.

"I—I need to go," he muttered.

He rushed out of the cafeteria and into the bathroom, locking himself inside. He leaned over the sink and splashed cold water onto his face.

"Get it together… get it together…" he whispered.

The pressure slowly faded, but his hands were still shaking.

The door creaked open.

Yuri stepped inside.

"Bro… are you okay?" Yuri asked, concern slipping into his voice.

"Yes! I'm fine!" Akai shouted a little too fast.

Yuri blinked, surprised.

"O-oh… okay then," he said, backing up slightly. "I'll… give you some space."

Yuri stepped back out, leaving Akai alone with his reflection in the mirror.

But even as the lights stopped flickering…

That feeling didn't leave.

Akai walked out of the bathroom, his breathing steadier now, his expression calm—at least on the surface.

As he stepped back into the hallway, a voice stopped him.

"Kuraiyami… stay after school. I need to speak with you."

Akai looked up.

It was the same teacher from earlier—the one with white hair, thin-rimmed glasses, and the long white coat. His eyes were sharp, serious, like he had already seen through everything.

"…Alright, sir," Akai answered.

The teacher gave a small nod and turned away, walking down the hall like nothing had happened.

Akai stood there for a moment.

So he noticed…

Something about that made his chest tighten again.

After the last bell rang, the hallway emptied quickly. Akai packed his bag, his heart pounding as he waited.

The teacher, still in his white coat, motioned for him to follow. "Walk with me, Kuraiyami."

They stepped into an empty classroom. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, dust dancing in the light. The teacher closed the door behind them.

"I know," he said quietly, almost like a whisper meant only for Akai.

Akai froze. "K-know… what?"

The teacher's piercing eyes softened slightly. "About your awakening. The signs I saw earlier—your hair, your aura, the flicker in the shadows around you—it's not normal. You're not just any student, Kuraiyami."

Akai swallowed hard, his hands tightening around his bag strap. "I… I don't understand."

The teacher stepped closer, placing a hand on the desk, leaning forward. "You're on the verge of a power most can only dream of. That moment in the lunchroom… it was only the beginning. You're awakening, and if you're not careful, it could spiral out of control."

Akai's stomach twisted. "Awakening… like what the man said? Chosen by the gods?"

The teacher's lips curved slightly. "Perhaps. Or perhaps something else entirely. But I'll help you. If you're willing to learn."

Akai nodded slowly, a mixture of fear and excitement flooding him. For the first time, he realized someone else knew… and he wasn't alone.

"That man said my powers are gonna awaken at midnight today…" Akai muttered to himself, still thinking about what the mysterious man said.

A voice called softly from the classroom. "Kuraiyami… stay after school, please. I need to speak with you."

Akai looked up to see a man with thin-rimmed glasses and a crisp white coat. His calm gaze made Akai's stomach tighten.

"I'm Ishima Takayuki," the teacher introduced himself, bowing slightly. "When your powers awaken, I will train you. You need control, or it could be dangerous."

Akai hesitated for a moment, then spoke quietly, "Sir… my powers… they're supposed to awaken at midnight tonight."

Ishima's eyes softened, but his gaze remained serious. "I see… then we have only a short time to prepare. Don't worry, I will help you control it, Kuraiyami. You're not alone in this."

Akai nodded, bowing in return. "Alright, sir… thank you."

He left the school and soon met Yuri at the bus stop.

"Hey! Sorry for shouting earlier," Akai said quietly.

Yuri waved it off, grinning. "No worries, bro. We all have our moments!"

As they walked, Akai's mind kept spinning. Should I tell Yuri everything? he thought. Yeah… he should know.

"Yuri… there's something I need to tell you," Akai said finally.

"What is it?" Yuri asked, curious.

"My powers… that man said they're legendary. They're going to awaken tonight at midnight," Akai confessed, heart pounding.

Yuri's eyes went wide, then a huge grin spread across his face. "No way! Bro! You're going to have a legendary power?! This is insane!"

Akai gave a small, nervous smile.

"We should do a sleepover tonight," Yuri said, bouncing with excitement. "We'll stay up until your power awakens!"

Akai nodded. "Yeah… sounds good."

When Akai reached home, his mom greeted him with a warm smile.

"Hi, Akai! How was your day?"

"It was fine, mom," he replied softly. "Yuri and I are going to hang out tonight."

"Oh? That sounds fun," she said, glancing at little Riyu, who was bouncing around happily. "Akai… can you play with me for a bit before you go?"

"Of course, Riyu," Akai said, ruffling her hair. He spent a little time playing blocks and racing toy cars with her, laughter filling the small apartment.

Just then, the door burst open.

"Yoohoo! Akai! Are you ready, bro? Let's do this!" Yuri shouted, orange hair bouncing, backpack slung casually over one shoulder.

Akai laughed, shaking his head. "Alright, Yuri… let's get ready."

The two friends settled in, excitement buzzing in the air, the clock slowly ticking closer to midnight as they prepared for Akai's legendary powers to awaken.

In Akai's room…

"What do you think I'm gonna have?" Akai asked curiously, laying back on his bed, staring at the ceiling.

Yuri smirked. "Hmm… maybe something crazy, like gravity control, or shadows that can swallow everything. That'd be sick."

"Heh… I guess we'll just have to wait and see," Akai answered quietly.

The room slowly fell silent. Before they even realized it, both Akai and Yuri dozed off.

Clack.

A sudden sound broke the silence.

The lamp on Akai's desk fell to the floor.

Akai's eyes snapped open. He glanced at the clock.

12:00 AM.

"Yuri…" Akai whispered.

Yuri stirred, rubbing his eyes. "Bro… what—"

Suddenly, a faint light appeared in the center of the room. A small glowing ball hovered in the air, pulsing softly. With every second that passed, it grew brighter… and brighter.

The air felt heavy.

The room began to tremble.

Books lifted off the shelves. Curtains rose as if pulled by an unseen force. The bed creaked as it slowly lifted from the floor.

"Akai… this isn't normal," Yuri said, panic creeping into his voice.

Before Akai could answer, their bodies began to rise.

They were floating.

Everything in the room was floating.

The glowing light expanded, shadows twisting unnaturally along the walls, stretching toward Akai like they were alive.

A deep, unfamiliar voice echoed inside Akai's head—

"Awakening confirmed."

The light exploded into blinding brilliance.

And then—

Darkness.