Starting out from Zero

Saru and Yuki found themselves seated next to each other in a small classroom notorious for its perpetually tardy teacher. The room buzzed with anticipation, but Saru's attention was immediately captivated by the television screen that displayed a breaking news headline in bold letters: "The 13th Kingdom has fallen." A smirk crept across Saru's face, prompting Yuki to lean closer and inquire with intrigue, "Did you have a hand in this, Saru?" Saru cracked his knuckles with determination, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of satisfaction and resolve. "Damn right I did. That despicable ruler kidnapped and committed unspeakable acts against my sister. I swear to bring his bloodline to ruin." Yuki couldn't help but chuckle softly, amused by Saru's audaciousness. "Forgive my amusement, but let's be realistic here. You're just 18, and yet you managed to single-handedly dismantle an entire kingdom. Who exactly are you, Saru?" Saru averted his gaze, contemplating his answer for a moment. His voice carried a hint of vulnerability as he spoke. "To be honest, I never sought out a fight. I merely ventured forth to save my sister. It was he who descended into madness, unleashing a horde of men to hunt me down." As Yuki opened a book she had been engrossed in, she turned to a page filled with forbidden knowledge about the other twelve kingdoms. Saru's curiosity piqued, and he couldn't help but voice his concern. "Yuki, why do you possess a book containing such banned information?" Yuki hesitated, her eyes shifting away briefly before meeting Saru's gaze. Her voice carried a mix of determination and pragmatism. "Though I understand your disdain for the black market and your desire to enact positive change, sometimes it harbors valuable resources. Resources that may aid us in our quest to dismantle the other kingdoms." Saru sighed, his frustration evident, as he placed a hand on his forehead. "You have a point, Yuki. But I refuse to rely solely on the black market. It feels... beneath me. I believe there must be another way, a way to challenge the corrupt without compromising our principles." Just then, the classroom door swung open, revealing the teacher's belated arrival. "Saru and Yuki, please report to the front office. You have both been signed out." Saru and Yuki exchanged puzzled glances but promptly rose from their seats and made their way to the front of the classroom. However, before leaving, Yuki noticed a lingering gaze fixed upon them from one of their fellow classmates. Yuki leaned closer to Saru, her voice filled with concern and a hint of anticipation. "Saru, it appears that we might be facing a formidable challenge in the near future. We'll need to stay vigilant and prepare ourselves for what lies ahead." With renewed determination, Saru nodded, his eyes blazing with resolve. "Indeed, Yuki. We'll face whatever comes our way, united and unwavering in our pursuit of justice. Together, we shall overcome any obstacle that stands in our path."As they left the classroom, a sense of purpose filled their hearts, propelling Saru and Yuki into an uncertain but exhilarating future, where they would confront the shadows of power, unravel the secrets of the kingdoms, and strive to reshape a world in desperate need of change.