Thousands of years ago, a meteor struck the Earth, emitting powerful radiation that wiped out 90% of the world's population. The remnants that survived adapted and, over time, gained extraordinary powers from this radiation. These survivors formed new nations, each vying for control. Then, one man, wielding unmatched powers, shattered the meteor into six pieces, giving each nation one fragment and keeping one for himself. He threatened to slaughter any nation that dared to wage war again. Thus, peace was established, with each nation receiving a unique type of power. However, three years ago, this man died, and now, the embers of war spark once again.
The story begins with Moto in a sparring match. His opponent is fast. Moto creates a cloud of smoke to blind him, then leaps into the cloud. The booing of his classmates meets him, but his one friend, Sheu, nervously cheers him on. Moto smiles at her and jumps back into the fray, kicking his stunned opponent in the face.
Opponent (thinking): "I'm not about to lose to someone with such gross powers. But at least I can use his smoke to conceal my own."
As Moto gets closer, he hears a buzz, and the next thing he knows, he is knocked out. The students cheer on the new kid as the teacher confirms his victory. Moto punches the ground.
Moto: "At this rate? ...No, stay positive."
He gets up and shakes hands with the winner. Next up is Sheu, facing Drake, who can vibrate the ground he stands on, putting Sheu off balance.
Drake: "I should be at one of the higher-ranking schools."
Sheu, too nervous to use her wind powers against her cousin, loses the match. Afterward, Moto walks Sheu home.
Sheu: "I didn't think you'd lose."
Moto: "Me neither. Something about his punch was weird—it felt like lightning struck me."
Sheu: "Excuses."
Moto: "You're one to talk."
Sheu's father greets them at the door and offers Moto shelter for the night, but Moto politely declines.
Moto: "Luxuries are distractions."
Sheu's Father: "Ah, let me guess, more quotes from your brother?"
Moto proudly nods.
Sheu's Father: "Well, I knew you would say that. Here's your supper then."
Moto thanks him and goes to an alley. It looks quite neat and quiet. He emits a large cloud of smoke, and rats and hordes of insects scurry out from their hiding places. Moto begins his night training session. Sheu watches him from her window. Afterward, he jumps up to the roof with his pillow and lies down, staring at the stars.
Moto: "I lost today. But don't worry, Amber, I will get stronger. Strong enough to protect you from what's coming."
The next day at school, Moto spots the new kid and talks to Sheu about how he never interacts with others. Despite Sheu's discouragement, Moto approaches Najo and puts his arm out for an arm wrestle. Najo, annoyed, walks away but notices Sheu behind Moto, making him nervous. He walks away quicker. Moto notices and grins, continuing to pester Najo for a few days.
Moto: "You got a lucky shot on me, but there's no way you're stronger."
Eventually, Najo agrees to arm wrestle. Just as Moto is about to win, Najo uses lightning to catch Moto off guard, winning the match quickly. People notice, and rumors spread that there's a lightning user at their low-level school. Lightning users are generally powerful and should be in the elite school, where training focuses on students' powers, not physical ability. Najo runs away when he sees the attention, leaving Moto bewildered.
That night, word reaches Nawick, a tall man seated alone at a large dinner table. The son of the Lightning Village head, he picks up his fork and coats it with lightning, grilling his medium-rare beef.
Nawick: "Bring him to me. I will assess him myself."
He tells his spies. Meanwhile, Moto sees an opportunity to learn from a stronger opponent and becomes friends with Najo, oblivious to what he is about to get involved in.