Tendo Aoyama thought life was already complicated enough for a 15-year-old. With his chiseled features, piercing gray eyes, and perfectly tousled black hair, he had earned the title of "The Most Handsome Boy in Japan." But his looks, a gift that most boys would kill for, came with a price. Everywhere he went, girls screamed, snapped photos, and tried to touch him. Idol agencies and talent scouts constantly hounded him, offering deals that promised fame and fortune. Tendo turned them all down. He didn't want fame—he wanted normalcy.
But fate had other plans.
---
It was a typical school day. Tendo had just escaped another swarm of fangirls by ducking into a library when everything changed. One moment, he was reading in a quiet corner; the next, a brilliant blue light engulfed him. He barely had time to shield his eyes before the ground vanished beneath his feet.
When he opened them again, he was standing in a grand hall with towering marble pillars and ornate stained-glass windows. Beside him stood three other students from his school: Rama, Koga, and Alice.
"What the hell?" Rama, a bulky jock who loved tormenting weaker students, scratched his head. His usual smug expression was now replaced with confusion.
Koga, the lanky, bespectacled boy who was constantly the target of Rama's bullying, glared at everyone with suspicion. His fists clenched tightly, as if he was ready to punch someone. "This... this isn't possible," he muttered.
Alice, the icy beauty of their grade, remained calm. Her long silver hair cascaded down her back, and her emerald eyes scanned the hall. She had always been an enigma to Tendo—one of the few girls who didn't throw herself at him. But in this strange place, even her cool composure seemed to falter.
A group of robed men approached, their leader stepping forward. He wore a golden crown studded with jewels, and a flowing cape trailed behind him.
"Welcome, chosen ones," the man announced, his voice echoing through the hall. "I am King Aldrin of the Kingdom of Solaris. You have been summoned to save our world from the encroaching darkness."
"Summoned?" Tendo repeated, his voice tinged with disbelief. "What are you talking about?"
The king gestured to the massive stained-glass windows, which depicted battles against shadowy figures. "Our world is on the brink of collapse. Monsters born from the Abyss are spreading chaos. We prayed to the gods for salvation, and they answered by sending you, the Heroes of Light."
Rama's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Heroes, huh? Sounds cool. So, what do we do?"
The king smiled warmly. "First, we must determine your magical affinities. It will reveal the gifts the gods have bestowed upon you."
Tendo exchanged glances with the others. This all felt surreal, like a vivid dream he couldn't wake up from. But the king's commanding presence left little room for argument.
---
They were led to a stone pedestal in the center of the hall. On top of it lay a glowing crystal orb, pulsing with an otherworldly light.
"Place your hand on the crystal," the king instructed. "It will reveal your affinity."
Rama eagerly stepped up first. "Watch this, losers," he said with a cocky grin. As soon as his hand touched the crystal, it erupted in a brilliant golden light. The onlookers gasped.
"Incredible!" one of the robed men exclaimed. "Such strong light magic! Truly a gift from the gods."
Rama puffed out his chest, clearly enjoying the attention. "Told you I'm the best."
Koga stepped up next, his movements stiff with tension. When he placed his hand on the crystal, the light shimmered and changed colors—red, blue, green, and brown.
"Four elemental affinities?" another robed man murmured in awe. "Fire, water, wind, and earth... a prodigy!"
Koga smirked, but there was no joy in his expression. His eyes burned with resentment as he glanced at Rama. "Finally, I'll prove I'm better than everyone else."
Alice went next. The crystal glowed softly, emitting a soothing white light with golden undertones.
"Light and healing magic," the king said, nodding approvingly. "A perfect combination for a true Hero."
Finally, it was Tendo's turn. As he approached the pedestal, he felt the weight of everyone's stares. His chest tightened, but he forced himself to stay calm. Whatever happened, he could handle it.
He placed his hand on the crystal. Seconds passed. Nothing happened.
The hall fell silent.
Tendo frowned and pressed his hand harder against the orb. Still, the crystal remained dim.
One of the robed men coughed awkwardly. "It seems... he has no magical affinity."
The king's warm demeanor vanished, replaced by a cold, calculating stare. "Impossible. The gods wouldn't summon someone useless."
"But it's not lighting up," another man pointed out. "He must be... defective."
Rama burst into laughter. "Looks like the pretty boy isn't so special after all!"
Koga sneered. "Figures. Someone like him doesn't deserve power."
Even Alice, who usually kept her emotions hidden, seemed shocked. "That can't be right," she murmured, more to herself than anyone else.
The king turned to Tendo, his expression hard. "If you have no affinity, you have no place in this kingdom. I hereby decree that you are banished from Solaris."
Tendo's heart sank. "Banished? But I didn't do anything wrong!"
The king's gaze was unyielding. "This is the will of the gods. Take him away."
Before Tendo could protest further, two guards grabbed him by the arms and dragged him toward the castle gates. Rama and Koga mocked him as he was forced out, their laughter echoing in his ears.
---
Outside the castle, the world seemed colder and harsher. Tendo stumbled onto the cobblestone streets, his mind racing. He had gone from being revered as Japan's most handsome boy to being branded useless and discarded in a world he didn't understand.
As he wandered aimlessly, he couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to his summoning than what the king had told him. Why would the gods bring him here if he had no power? And why did the crystal refuse to react?
Lost in thought, Tendo didn't notice the shadowy figure watching him from an alleyway. The figure stepped forward, cloaked in darkness, and spoke in a low, gravelly voice.
"Hey, pretty boy."
"You've been cast aside by those fools, haven't you?"
Tendo spun around, startled. "Who are you?"
The figure chuckled. "Someone who sees your true potential. If you wish to prove them wrong, follow me."
Hesitant but desperate for answers, Tendo nodded and followed the stranger into the night. Little did he know, this encounter would change the course of his fate forever.
---
To Be Continued…