#01: The Brilliance Of Haruto Rin.

I am Rin. Haruto Rin. And it's come to my knowledge that life...is meaningless. No one has a purpose. Our only purpose is to survive, develop and create weapons for war. Everything in life...just comes easy to me. Nothing's ever been a challenge. I wake up, walk to school, walk home, and sleep. Same as everyone else, yet I'm better than everyone else. I have no friends, family, no one. I'm all alone.

The crowd's cheering snaps me out of my thoughts, and I realize where I am... on the stage, in the spotlight... carrying another trophy for first in the city, in this weird academic competition. I remember the first time I had gotten this trophy.

I was seven, confused, and didn't know why I was there. It was the teacher's words that finally woke me up. "You were the best, Rin-chan!"

He smiled at me. That's when everything was put into place. I was born to be number one. Not anything else. That's my only purpose. It doesn't even excite me anymore to hear those words. It's become second nature.

I walk down the stage, being congratulated with smiles and loud voices. "Rin-chan, come!" The reporters call me. "This is your... eightieth trophy for coming first in the city, isn't it?" The reporter asks, shoving the mic in front of my face, as shining lights and cameras surround me. "Yes. Yes, it is." I say, expressionless, as I look into the camera beyond me. "Wow. What a milestone! Aren't you happy?" The reporter asks, with that stupid smile again. "Yes. I am." Unfortunately, I was lying. Nothing will ever make me happy. Not until I find something difficult. Something challenging. Something... enjoyable. They continued to bombard me with questions. After one reporter, another comes... and then another, and another... until the reporters get sick of you, because you haven't done anything exceptional. That's how life works. That's what makes life challenging. Yet... it isn't.

I walk through the hallways, looking around as everyone chatters. Until... "Oi! Watch where you're going!" I bumped into Kira. The boy who thinks so highly of himself. "Mm." I turn past him and continue walking before getting stopped by his arm. "You're not going anywhere without apologizing." He yelled at me again. But why should I apologize to him? He is below me. I say nothing, forcing myself past. "You must think you're so cool, huh? I got another trophy, I'm so awesome!" He mocks me. "Meet me outside on free period. I'll make sure to fix your attitude."

He scoffs, walking away with his group of "friends," of course.. they only befriended him, because they were scared of him. I continue walking through the halls, now with everyone's eyes on me. Some people try to mutter, even though I hear every word they say. "Is he really going to fight Kira-san?" 

"Hopefully, Kira doesn't send him to the hospital."

"I hope Kira beats his ass."

"Everyone does. No one likes him."

"You don't need to hope. Kira will beat his ass."

Shut up. I don't need you to like me. I'm better than you all. You're below me. So, just shut up! Know your place! I feel a glow in my eyes. A dark black glow. Like a fire burning. I can't wait to beat the shit out of Kira.

"You ready to be taught your lesson?" Kira yells at me, as the crowd fills up with more students. I remain silent, taking my bag off and placing it on the ground. "Still think you're better, huh? Your pride just gets me more fired up!" He yells again, removing his shirt this time, revealing a good build. The crowd goes wild, and he stands ready. "Come on then! Let's go!" I stand still, but the cheers get even louder, everyone yelled Kira's name. "Fine then. Here I come!" He yells, as he grunts, sprinting to me. "Come then." I whisper under my breath. In a few seconds, he's in front of me, stretching his left arm to throw a punch. "Too slow.." I whisper, my eyes glowing the same way as before. I swerve to the left, dodging his punch, as I stare at his arm, flying through the air. My eyes quickly search all around his body before making them back to his arm. "You're full of openings." I mumble to him, as I grab his arm with both my hands. "Grip tightly, then put all your strength in your back and.." I mutter, as I lift him over my shoulder, slamming him down against the ground, back first. I stand there, over his body. And as I wipe the sweat from around my mouth, a small smile appears across my face. "Hm. That was fun. Let's do it again sometime." Fun? Fighting is fun? Is this my awakening? Is this my..purpose?

TO BE CONTINUED