The first light of dawn peeked through Kai's window, casting a soft glow over his room. His alarm buzzed, filling the quiet air as Kai groaned, reaching over to shut it off. He sat up, stretching and yawning before he swung his legs over the edge of the bed and stood up, shaking off the lingering heaviness from yesterday.
Kai made his way to the bathroom, splashing cool water on his face to wake up fully. He brushed his teeth and ran his fingers through his hair, hoping that today would be different—maybe even calm. After pulling on his school uniform, he took a deep breath, grabbed his bag, and headed out, steeling himself for whatever the day might bring.
As he walked to school, he joined the steady stream of other students filling the streets, all heading in the same direction. The morning sun cast a warm light over the city, and for a moment, Kai allowed himself to feel the faintest flicker of peace.
The usual bustling atmosphere greeted him as he entered the school building. Students crowded the hallways, talking and laughing, caught up in their morning chatter. As he walked down the hall, Kai's gaze drifted around, instinctively searching for Zamachi and Kujun, but they were nowhere to be found. He felt a weight lift off his chest as he sighed in relief. Today might actually be bearable, he thought.
Entering his classroom, he took his usual seat near the back, where he could keep to himself. He noticed a group of three girls whispering nearby, and two boys on the other side of the room talking. Their voices blended into the background as he tried to sink into his own thoughts, but he couldn't ignore the girls' conversation when he heard his name.
"Hey, look,"
the first girl whispered, nudging her friends and glancing in Kai's direction.
"Looks like Zamachi and his friend aren't here to make Kai's life hell again."
She giggled, and her friends joined in with sly smiles.
The second girl leaned in.
"Poor Kai. Even if they aren't here today, they'll just be back tomorrow to do the same thing."
The third girl scoffed, whispering with a smirk,
"If I were him, I'd transfer schools by now."
"Yeah,"
the second girl agreed.
"He Might suffer from mental depression, don't y'all think?"
"Probably,"
the first girl nodded, casting a sympathetic glance at him, though it felt more like pity.
"He's got no friends, nobody to talk to. Just sits there like a quiet kid, and then gets bullied by those two wannabe delinquents."
Kai clenched his jaw, feeling a pang of frustration and shame. He placed his hand over his face, sighing quietly as he tried to drown out their whispers. It felt like every day he was trapped in this same cycle, forced to endure the weight of everyone's gaze and the whispers behind his back.
The bell finally rang, and more students began filling the classroom, laughing and chatting with one another. Kai kept his gaze down, thankful for the distraction as the teacher Mr Tanaka, entered and tapped his knuckles against the desk.
"Alright, everyone, settle down, please,"
the teacher said, his voice cutting through the chatter.
"Today's assignment is a simple one."
He paused, waiting for the students to quiet down.
"We'll be heading to the library. I want each of you to pick out a book and read it. This will be an easy hundred for today—no excuses. Find something that interests you, and use the time wisely."
A murmur of excitement swept through the classroom, and Kai felt a sliver of curiosity himself. He hoped he could find something to help him escape, even if just for a little while.
The library was enormous, filled with towering shelves stacked with books from floor to ceiling. Other students were already moving between the aisles, chatting and scanning the shelves for something to read. Kai stepped inside, his eyes widening slightly as he took in the sheer size of it. It was almost overwhelming.
He moved quietly through the aisles, running his fingers along the spines of countless books. Fantasy novels, history volumes, science texts—nothing seemed to grab his attention. He kept searching, wandering deeper into the library until he found himself in a more secluded section, away from the crowds and noise.
Then, something caught his eye.
A small, worn book with a deep blue cover sat on one of the lower shelves. The title, written in faded golden letters, read,
Echoes of eternity: The Ascendant Artifacts and Cosmic Wielders
Kai stared at it, a strange feeling stirring in his chest.
"What is this?"
he murmured, reaching out and pulling the book from the shelf. The cover was plain, but as he held it, he could feel a strange weight to it, as if the knowledge within was more than what met the eye.
He found an empty table near the back of the library and sat down, placing the book in front of him. Glancing around, he saw other students sitting in groups, friends and couples chatting quietly as they read together. But Kai was alone, as always.
He opened the book to the first page, his eyes scanning over the words. The language was dense, filled with theories and ideas about realms beyond human comprehension, mysterious entities, and cosmic forces that governed the universe in ways he had never imagined.
As he read, he felt a strange pull, like the words were opening up a door to something vast and unknown, a reality far beyond the mundane world he lived in. The troubles of his daily life—the bullying, the isolation, his family struggles—began to fade into the background as he lost himself in the book.
Kai felt a spark of curiosity, a feeling he hadn't experienced in a long time. This wasn't just any book—it was like a window into a world he had never known, a world that promised escape, adventure, and perhaps even power.
Kai turned the page slowly, his eyes scanning the words carefully. The book in his hands felt like a treasure trove of secrets—each word a whisper from another dimension. As he read, his mind wandered to the fantastical ideas it described: artifacts imbued with unimaginable power, wielders with the ability to manipulate forces far beyond comprehension, and supernatural humans existing within a hierarchy spread across multiple realities.
Kai whispered under his breath,
"Is this Even real?"
"Hmmm…"
he hummed quietly, glancing over a section that detailed the chance of obtaining one of these ancient artifacts. The probability was dishearteningly low—just a fraction of a percent. It was like trying to catch a falling star with a fishing net. Despite this, the book seemed to suggest that there was a method, a pathway, through which one could acquire such power, although the process was as enigmatic as the artifacts themselves.
He flipped to the next page and felt a strange sensation stir within him, the words on the pages starting to resonate. The book spoke of the creation of these artifacts and their wielders, hinting that their origins were tied to the birth of reality itself. It all seemed too much, too complex, too good to be true.
"Could it be Though"
Kai wondered aloud, though there was no one around to answer his question. His mind raced, trying to piece together the fragmented information. This text spoke of a "high hierarchy" of beings scattered across all of existence, implying that the artifacts and their wielders operated on a cosmic scale, beyond the grasp of most humans—or perhaps beyond what humans could even comprehend.
"This seems too good to be true,"
Kai muttered, his fingers tracing the edge of the page. His heart beat faster as he read on. What if this book wasn't just a work of fiction? What if there was truth buried within its cryptic lines? Was it possible that he, a mere student, could someday come in contact with one of these legendary artifacts?
He paused for a moment, absorbing the weight of the question. Could he truly change his life? Could he ascend into something more than human? The possibilities were tantalizing, almost overwhelming.
The sudden chime of the bell broke his trance. The loud ringing reverberated through the library, signaling the end of the period. Around him, students began to stir, packing up their things and heading toward the librarian's desk. Some muttered about homework, others discussed the latest gossip or the plans for the weekend. Kai closed the book carefully, though it felt like it had become a part of him.
Standing up, he joined the line of students waiting to check out their books. The soft murmur of voices filled the air, blending into an indistinct hum. It was a small comfort to him—just a momentary distraction as he lingered in the line, his mind still consumed by the strange book.
He glanced around, observing the conversations happening around him. A group of girls whispered excitedly about a new series they were reading, and two boys debated the latest video game release. All of this was so ordinary, so… normal. But in his hands, Kai held something that was anything but ordinary. His fingers drummed against the spine of the book, eager to finish it, to unravel the mysteries that it promised.
When it was finally his turn, he handed the book to the librarian, a kind woman with glasses who scanned it with a practiced ease. The soft beep echoed through the air as she handed the book back to him.
"Have a nice day,"
she said with a smile.
Kai nodded, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
"Thanks. You too."
Kai stepped out of the library and into the bustling hallway. Students flooded the corridors, rushing toward their next class or socializing in small groups. The noise was almost overwhelming, but he moved through it with practiced ease, heading toward his next block. He turned a corner, his thoughts still focused on the book, when a voice called out from behind him.
"Hey, look who isn't hiding today,"
a mocking voice said. He turned his head to see a group of his usual bullies. There was the blonde girl, her eyes sharp and judgmental, flanked by a girl with straight black hair and another with bright pink hair. The fourth member of the group was a boy, whose smug grin matched the condescending expressions of the girls.
Kai's stomach twisted with unease as they approached, their eyes all falling to the book in his hand.
"Well, well, well,"
the pink-haired girl laughed,
"What do we have here? Another one of those nerd books? What's the loser reading today?"
The blonde girl smirked.
"Oh, look at Kai trying to be all smart. What's this? A magic book? You know, you'd probably believe this stuff if you weren't such a pathetic little freak. No wonder why you get bullied By Zamachi and Kujun even though they're not here today"
Kai's grip on the book tightened, but he said nothing. He'd heard this all before.
"Yeah, the biggest nerd in the school,"
the black-haired girl added with a chuckle.
"What a loser."
Kai took a deep breath, his grip relaxing as he let their taunts bounce off him. Today, he wouldn't let them get to him. Not today. He could feel the book's weight against his chest, a reminder of the world beyond their petty cruelty. With a slow, deliberate motion, Kai turned away, walking past them without acknowledging their words.
Their laughter faded behind him, and though he could feel the sting of their insults, he refused to let it ruin his day. Not today.
Kai entered the classroom, taking his usual seat by the window. The sunlight poured in, casting a warm glow over the room. He placed the book on his desk, the cover facing downward to prevent anyone from seeing what he was reading. The sky outside was a brilliant blue, the clouds scattered like wisps of cotton across the horizon. Birds soared gracefully in the air, their wings cutting through the wind with effortless precision.
Kai took a deep breath, inhaling the fresh air. For a brief moment, he allowed himself to escape into the tranquility outside the classroom. It was a fleeting moment of peace, a small oasis amid the chaos of his school life.
The door creaked open, and Mr. Ashinison stepped inside. He was a middle-aged man with a shiny bald head and thick glasses, his suit impeccable as always. The students murmured greetings, and he nodded in return, taking his place at the front of the classroom.
"Good afternoon, class."
Mr. Ashinison began, his voice commanding but calm.
Kai's attention snapped back to the present. He opened his own book, though his thoughts still lingered on the mysterious text in his bag.
The class droned on as Mr. Ashinison began the lesson. He wrote on the board, occasionally turning to face the class and scan for anyone not paying attention. His sharp gaze swept across the room, landing briefly on Kai. The boy was seated quietly at his desk, his gaze fixed on the pages of the book in front of him.
Mr. Ashinison frowned, clearing his throat.
"KAI!!"
Kai jolted upright, his heart skipping a beat.
"Y-Yes, sir?"
he stammered, his eyes wide with surprise.
"When you're in my class, you should be paying attention to me,"
Mr. Ashinison said, his voice firm but not unkind.
"This isn't new."
"You know the rules."
"Sorry, sir,"
Kai muttered, feeling a flush of embarrassment rise to his cheeks. He quickly closed the book, his hands gripping the edges of the desk as he focused on the teacher.
Mr. Ashinison hummed a quiet acknowledgment and turned back to the board. As the lecture resumed, Kai couldn't help but let out a soft sigh. I'll just read it when I get home, he thought to himself, his mind already drifting back to the secrets hidden within the pages of the book.
The final bell of the day rang, cutting through the classroom like a signal. Mr. Ashinison's voice echoed above the noise.
"The exam will count for 60% of your grade, so make sure you study for it."
The students began to pack their bags, the chatter rising once again as they discussed the upcoming test. Kai gathered his things slowly, slipping the book back into his bag. His thoughts were far away, already planning how he would dive deeper into the mysteries of the book when he got home.
As he slung his bag over his shoulder, he looked around at his classmates. They were all preoccupied with their own lives, with their own problems. But for Kai, there was a different world waiting for him—a world far beyond the ordinary.
The sun was beginning to dip lower in the sky as Kai made his way home. His legs carried him at a steady pace, the rhythm of his footsteps in tune with his thoughts. He had spent the entire day buried in his book, barely able to focus on anything else, his mind still swirling with the mysteries of the ancient artifacts and ascendant beings. He had reached a crossing, and as the red light flickers, he paused by the vending machine, the sound of coins clicking in his hand.
"Kind of thirsty so I think this should do it"
He muttered to himself, his eyes scanning the rows of drinks. He slipped his hand into his pocket, feeling the cool coins beneath his fingertips. Without much thought, he dropped them in, pressing the button for his drink of choice. A soft whirring noise followed, and the machine delivered his drink with a satisfying clink.
Kai grabbed the bottle, the cold surface a sharp contrast to the warm air around him. He twisted off the cap and took a long gulp, feeling the refreshing liquid slide down his throat. The world around him felt quieter for a moment. The day was almost, done, and he just wanted to return to his safe space—home well his parents says otherwise. But as he started walking again, a voice broke the calm silence.
Just as he rounded the corner a commotion broke his peace. A man, tall and rough-looking, had grabbed a girl who looks to be in high school by the wrist. His grip was tight, and the girl's face twisted in fear.
Kai froze for a second, the drink still in his hand. He knew he should mind his business, But something about the way the man sneered at the girl ignited something deep inside him. Clenching his fist, Kai muttered to himself,
"I have to help her… Even if I'm a kid who gets bullied…"
Without further thought, he dropped his bag to the ground the sound of it thudding lightly on the pavement as he broke into a run. His heart pounded in his chest, adrenaline rushing through him.
"HEY!"
He shouted, louder than he intended. The man stopped mid-threat his attention snapping to Kai. For a moment, everything seemed to still as the girl and the robber looked at him, suprised by his sudden interruption.
"Leave her alone!"
Kai commanded, his voice Shaky but resolute. He felt a knot tighten in his stomach, fear creeping up his spine, but he refused to back down.
The man smirked, releasing the girl, his eyes narrowing in disdain
"Who the fuck are you"
He stepped toward Kai, cracking his knuckles
"Why don't you run along and get out of here before something happens to you kid"
Kai took a deep breath, trying to ignore the growing unease in his chest
"Is that how you treat woman? By trying to steal from them?"
His words felt weak in his own ears, but they came out anyway.
The man's expression twisted into a mocking smile as he towered over Kai.
"I already told you to get lost brat"
"But if you insist"
"Why don't you try to come stop me then"
He sneered
Kai hands clenched into fists as the man closed the distance. Before Kai could react, the man lunged at him. A punch landed hard against Kai's face, knocking him off balance. He staggered but didn't fall, his legs shaking as he tried to stand his ground. The man grabbed his hair yanking his head back before delivering another punch, this one straight to his stomach.
Kai gasped for breath, crumpling to the ground as the pain surged through him. The man loomed over him, a shadow of cruel amusement in his eyes.
"How fucking pathetic. Your too weak"
"You really thought you had the balls to stand up to a big guy like me?"
With a final contemptuous sneer, the man kicked Kai in the stomach, once, twice, then stopped, satisfied.
"Learn your place weakling brat"
The girl watched in silence as the man walked off, leaving Kai crumpled and bruised on the ground. Kai struggled to breathe, the wind knocked out of him as he lay there, the pain sharp in his abdomen. But despite the searing pain, he couldn't help but feel almost grateful. At least he had tried. At least he didn't back down. He wanted to be stronger—Wanted to know how to stop backing down from Zamachi and kujun, wanting to be more than the kid who always get bullied and picked on.
The girl cautiously approached him, her movements slow as if unsure of what to do.
She extended a hand
"Are you okay"
Her voice was soft, concerned.
Kai looked up, pain clouding his vision, but he nodded slowly, gritting his teeth.
"Yeah… I'm fine,"
He muttered, though it was obvious he was anything but.
The girl smiled, her eyes warm.
"I appreciate you standing up for me. Even if your just a kid, you were brave."
Kai, still on the ground, chuckled weakly.
"I don't know what came over me. I guess I've been reading too many superhero and cosmetic books…"
His voice trailed off as he glanced at the ground
she looked at him, her gaze softening as she picked up his backpack and handed it to him.
"My name is Ajimi Taiyoka,"
She said.
"What's yours?"
Kai hesitated for a second, the world still spinning from the hit.
But he managed to push through, lifting his eyes to meet hers.
"Kai sotshi"
Ajimi grinned, her eyes closing in a smile.
"Nice to meet you, Kai"
"See you later"
She said, and without another word, she turned and started walking off, her steps light but purposeful.
Kai watched her go, a strange warmth spreading through him despite the pain in his body.
"She's really beautiful,"
He whispers to himself, the words barely audible.
He couldn't help but think.
"I hope I get to see her again."
With that thought, Kai stood slowly, dusting himself off. He picked up his bag and continued his walk home, the sky now tinged with the colors of dust. His thoughts were a whirlwind—about the girl, about the pain in his stomach, about the book he wanted too read, and about what it meant to stand up for someone…
But one thing was clear. Today despite everything, Kai had taken a step forward, but still got a far long way to go.
Kai staggered down the narrow path, the weight of exhaustion clinging to each step. His school uniform, once pristine, was now smeared with dirt and sweat, torn in places from the struggle earlier. He pressed a hand against his bruised rib, wincing as a sharp pain shot up his side. The late afternoon sun cast long, wavering shadows across the street, and a slight breeze whispered through the trees, carrying with it the faint scent of summer flowers.
His thoughts drifted, unbidden, back to the incident. The memory of Ajimi Taiyoka, her wide, grateful eyes locking onto his as he shielded her, brought an unexpected warmth to his cheeks. He felt a weak blush creeping across his face, and a small, embarrassed smile tugged at the corner of his lips. The way she'd softly whispered,
"Thank you,"
echoed in his mind, making the aches in his body feel just a bit more bearable.
"No… stop it, Kai,"
he muttered to himself, shaking his head vigorously to dispel the image. He couldn't afford distractions—not now, not ever. His feet moved forward with renewed focus, the uneven pavement blurring beneath him as he forced himself to think of nothing but getting home.
Finally, after what felt like hours, Kai turned the corner onto his street. The small, nondescript house stood at the end, its chipped paint and faded shutters a testament to years of neglect. He reached the front door, the familiar creak of its hinges echoing in the silence as he pushed it open.
The living room was empty, as it always was when his mother chose to lock herself away. A sense of relief mixed with apprehension washed over him when he realized his father's work shoes weren't by the entrance. Still at work, Kai thought, exhaling softly. The quiet was thick and unmoving, only broken by the faint hum of the refrigerator from the adjacent kitchen.
He trudged up the narrow staircase, each step creaking under his weight.
His room awaited him at the end of the hallway, the only space that felt remotely his own. The door clicked shut behind him, sealing him away from the suffocating air of the rest of the house.
With tired hands, Kai reached for his book bag, sliding it off his shoulder and placing it on the desk. The worn-out zipper groaned as he opened it and carefully extracted the old, mysterious book that had haunted his thoughts for days. Its dark cover glistened under the dim light, cryptic symbols etched in gold along its spine.
He dropped into the chair, the wood creaking beneath him, and ran his fingers over the intricate markings. His brows furrowed as he whispered,
"I wonder what else could be mysterious about this book."
The silence wrapped around him like a shroud as the scene gradually zoomed out, the boy and the enigmatic book alone in the dim glow of the room, with the rest of the world shut out and waiting.