After school, Kikidori lingered near the gates, waiting for the bullies to clear out. He didn't feel like facing Ryden and his gang again.
"Why do I even bother coming here?" he muttered to himself. "It's not like I'll ever be anything more than a powerless loser."
As he walked home, he took a shortcut through the woods. The air was cool, and the trees provided some solace. But then he heard a rustling sound.
"Who's there?" Kikidori called out, his heart racing.
From the shadows emerged a figure cloaked in black. The person's face was hidden, but their presence radiated power.
"You're Kikidori, aren't you?" the figure said, their voice calm but commanding.
"Y-yeah. Who are you?"
"Someone who knows what you're going through. Someone who sees potential where others see failure."
Kikidori frowned. "Potential? I'm powerless. There's nothing special about me."
The figure chuckled. "That's where you're wrong. You may not have a conventional power, but there's something inside you—a spark waiting to ignite."
"What are you talking about?"
The figure reached into their cloak and pulled out a small, glowing crystal. "This is for you. It will help you unlock what's hidden within."
Kikidori hesitated. "Why are you giving this to me?"
"Let's just say I have an interest in seeing the powerless rise. Take it, Kikidori. And remember: the world isn't as black and white as Power School High makes it seem."
Before Kikidori could ask anything else, the figure vanished into the shadows, leaving him alone with the crystal.
The end of chapter 3