The Awakening of Power
In 2016, at exactly 4:00 AM, the world changed forever. Countless people suddenly acquired supernatural abilities, and their hair took on strange, vibrant colors. Among them was a boy named Zain, whose power was unlike any other. He had the ability to store…
This phenomenon ushered in a new era—one of uncertainty and chaos. People struggled to understand their newfound abilities, and governments crumbled under the weight of the changes. Some nations failed to contain the powered individuals, leading to the rise of new governments. By 2017, the world had already adapted, shifting its structure to accommodate this new reality.
Zain, now seventeen, worked as a mobile warehouse operator. His ability made him invaluable, allowing him to earn a substantial income. However, deep down, he knew this wasn't the life he wanted. His true ambition was to become a mercenary.
In this new world, mercenaries had become the most sought-after profession. With power came opportunity, and many ability users chose the path of a mercenary for the freedom and wealth it provided.
"Zain, wake up!"
A sharp voice cut through his daze—it was his manager.
"What do you want?" Zain muttered groggily.
"You haven't finished transporting the goods," the manager snapped. "Use your ability to take them."
Zain sighed. I work for the strongest transport company in the world. With my ability, I'm like a moving fortress. No one can steal from me. That was why he was so valuable.
Suddenly—BOOM.
The sound of a crashing transport vehicle shattered the air. Zain jolted awake, his face smeared with blood. A man stood before him, his piercing blue eyes glowing unnaturally.
"Hmmm…" The man studied him intently. "So, you're Zain, the one with the storage ability. I've heard a lot about you."
Zain's mind raced. Who is this guy?
"You're coming with us," the man continued. "You'll be useful at the Center."
"The Center?" Zain's breath hitched. "Who are you? What do you want from me?"
The man smirked. "My name is Atlas. I am the Mercenary Hunter." He took a step closer, his eyes burning with a strange intensity.
"And what do I want?" Atlas's smirk widened.
"I want your ability."
"Zain, wake up."
His vision was blurry, his body aching. His last memory was of a transport vehicle crashing—then nothing. Now, as he opened his eyes, an unfamiliar ceiling greeted him.
"What is this place?" he mumbled, his voice hoarse.
A voice answered. Cold, steady. "This is the Center."
Zain turned his head to see a man with piercing blue eyes standing before him. The same man he had seen before losing consciousness.
"Atlas..." Zain whispered.
Atlas smirked. "From now on, I want you to become a mercenary hunter, like me."
Zain sat up abruptly. "Are you stupid? You think I'll become a mercenary just because you want me to?"
Atlas's smirk widened. "Mercenary? I never said anything about you being a mercenary. You will be a mercenary hunter."
Zain narrowed his eyes. "And what does that mean?"
Atlas crossed his arms. "Simple. You'll be my storage. You will store the weapons and supplies I need to hunt mercenaries. In return, you'll be paid generously. These are your job requirements. You'll be trained. You'll be useful."
Zain scoffed. "And what exactly is this place? Some kind of government task force?"
Atlas chuckled darkly. "Government? No, we don't belong to any government. We are an independent entity. In fact, many would call us terrorists."
Zain's expression hardened. "Why? What did you do to earn that title?"
Atlas's blue eyes darkened. "Because we reveal the truth. Mercenaries are nothing more than killers, protected because of their abilities. In the year 2037 alone, they massacred millions under the pretense of war."
Zain flinched. 2037? That was twenty years after the awakening… but what about before that?
Year 2027
A younger Zain, just seven years old, stood at the door of his small home. His mother, Sophia, knelt beside him, tucking a bag of food into his hands.
"You have to take care of yourself, Zain. I'll be gone for a few days for work."
Zain pouted. "Okay, okay, Mom. I promise I'll behave and won't bother anyone. But… when you come back, can I have a big cookie?"
Sophia smiled, brushing his hair back. "Of course. I promise."
But that promise was never fulfilled.
Four days later, the weapons factory where Sophia worked was bombed during a war between the nations of Goria and Kroslaw. The explosion claimed nine lives.
One of the victims was Sophia.
The main perpetrator? A red-haired mercenary named Akidna.
Left alone, Zain stayed in his home for a week, surviving on the single bag of food his mother had left him. But hunger consumed him. His body weakened.
And then, something happened.
His hair shimmered with an unnatural glow. The bag in his hands dissolved into his very being. His ability had awakened.
Zain clenched his fists, his breath shaky. "Atlas… I will join you."
Atlas raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
Zain's voice was firm. "But I won't be just a tool for you to use. I will fight. I will hunt the Ten Mercenaries of Kroslaw. And I will kill Akidna."
Atlas let out a low chuckle. "Big words for a kid like you."
Zain met his gaze, unflinching. "Try me."
Atlas's smirk turned into a grin. "Alright. I'll let you join me—but only if you can beat me in a fight."
Zain swallowed, nerves clawing at his stomach. But he lifted his fists, determination burning in his eyes.
"Fine. I'll defeat you, son of the sea."
Atlas laughed. "Now that's the spirit."