Ryusei walked home from school, his bag slung lazily over his shoulder. Kenji's chatter about Clash Trigger filled his mind. Though Ryusei feigned disinterest, he couldn't deny a faint curiosity. The concept of CT reminded him of the survival instincts he had honed in his past life as Theodore, the forsaken prince.
"Ryu!" Kenji's voice echoed from behind. He jogged up, panting. "I signed us up for the trials!"
Ryusei stopped in his tracks, his expression unreadable. "Why would you do that without asking me?"
"Because you're good at this stuff, man! I've seen you in gym class—your reflexes, your aim. It's like you're built for this. Besides, we need to try something new!"
Ryusei sighed, his gaze distant. "Fine. But don't expect me to carry the team."
Kenji grinned, throwing an arm around Ryusei's shoulders. "That's the spirit! Just wait. We're gonna crush it!"
As they walked through the streets of Aomari, the city buzzed with anticipation. Billboards and holograms advertised CT tournaments, and shops displayed the latest CT gear. The sport had become more than just entertainment; it was a global phenomenon, a beacon of hope against the looming threat of otherworldly invasions.
Later That Night
Ryusei lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling. His room was dimly lit, the only sound the hum of the fan. Memories of his past life resurfaced—Ann's tear-streaked face, the cold walls of the annex, and the final moments when his body had given up.
"Why did I have to remember all of that?" he whispered to himself. "This life is supposed to be a fresh start."
But no matter how much he tried to suppress it, the pain of his past clung to him. The scars weren't physical anymore, but they were there, etched into his soul.
A sudden notification buzzed on his phone, breaking his thoughts. It was a message from Kenji:
Kenji: "Don't forget, trials start at 9 AM. Don't be late!"
Ryusei smirked faintly. "He's more excited about this than I am."
As he drifted off to sleep, his mind wandered to the possibilities CT could bring. Perhaps it wasn't just a game. Perhaps it was a chance to reclaim something he had lost—a sense of purpose.
The Trials
The next morning, Ryusei and Kenji arrived at the stadium, a massive structure teeming with students from all over Aomari. The energy in the air was electric. Groups of teenagers huddled together, some strategizing, others showing off their equipment.
"Welcome to the Aomari Regional Clash Trigger Trials!" boomed a voice over the loudspeakers. A holographic display appeared above the field, showcasing the rules and team compositions.
"Teams of seven will compete in a series of challenges. Only the top ten teams will qualify for the regional league. Positions will be assigned based on your performance in individual trials. Good luck, players!"
Ryusei adjusted the CT gear strapped to his arms. The gloves hummed softly as they synchronized with the arena's systems.
"You ready for this?" Kenji asked, bouncing on his feet.
"Not really," Ryusei replied, stepping onto the field.
The first trial was a team-based flag capture match. As the countdown began, Ryusei's instincts kicked in. He surveyed the terrain, noting potential choke points and hiding spots.
"Three, two, one… Start!"
Chaos erupted as players sprinted across the arena. Ryusei's team scrambled to defend their flag, but it was clear they lacked coordination.
"Kenji, cover the left flank!" Ryusei shouted, taking charge without realizing it.
Kenji nodded, while Ryusei darted forward, evading incoming fire from the opposing team. His movements were precise, almost unnatural, as if he had done this a hundred times before.
"Got it!" he called out, grabbing the enemy flag and weaving through the chaos. His heart raced as he neared their base.
"Cover him!" Kenji yelled, blocking an attacker.
Ryusei crossed the finish line, securing the win for his team. The crowd erupted into cheers, but Ryusei's focus remained sharp. For the first time in years, he felt alive.
As he removed his gear, a notification popped up on the holographic display:
"Congratulations! Player Hasegawa Ryusei has been ranked as an All-Rounder for exceptional versatility in the trials."
Kenji clapped him on the back. "See? I told you you'd be great!"
But Ryusei barely heard him. For the first time since his reincarnation, he felt the stirrings of something long buried—a drive to fight, to rise, to live.
What he didn't know was that the trials were only the beginning. Shadows of his past and the challenges of this new world were about to collide in ways he could never imagine.