Mark Carter stood facing a strange middle-aged man who was staring at him intently. Confused, Mark asked, "I'm afraid I don't know you. Do we have a problem?"
The man chuckled, his demeanor calm yet unsettling. "No need to get defensive. My name is Smith Vido, and what you did back there wasn't normal."
Mark raised an eyebrow, unsure of what he meant. "Are you going to report me to the cops or something?"
Smith chuckled again. "You misunderstand me. There are people like you—those with Standz abilities. It's my job to recruit them for our Seirei Exorcism Group. We're rebuilding in this region, and I think you'd be a great fit."
Mark frowned. "Standz? Seirei? Yeah, you've got the wrong person. I have no idea what you're talking about."
Smith sighed, looking at Mark as if he were a puzzle to solve. "I see… you're unaware. Let me explain. Standz is the life force present in everything—animals, humans, even objects. It helps living things survive and builds their aura. But only a select few can harness their Standz as a unique ability. Those people are the ones I recruit, and I teach them to use their abilities to exorcise Seireis."
Mark remained skeptical, but Smith continued. "Seireis are spirits trapped in this world because of the pressure caused by Standz users like us. Think of it like how metal is drawn to a magnet. While most Seireis aren't inherently dangerous, their presence causes destruction—collapsing buildings, floods, and accidents. For instance, it was a Seirei that made that girl's phone fly off the bridge earlier. I was going to help her but I had to exorcise the seirei and you already helped her before I could. That's why I'm asking you to join us."
Mark considered his words but quickly shook his head. "If that's true, then doing this job means risking my life for the benefit of others and these spirits. I'm not the type to put others first. Don't bother convincing me."
Smith sighed in disappointment, stepping closer to Mark. Instinctively, Mark shifted into a defensive stance. But instead of attacking, Smith handed Mark a business card.
"If you ever change your mind, call me," Smith said calmly.
Mark glanced at the card before reluctantly taking it. "Fine, if it'll make you leave."
Smith forced a laugh and walked away.
Later that day, Mark returned home. He opened the door and noticed the eerie silence. Before he could react, Bri—a feisty young girl—leapt from the top of the living room, attempting to ambush him.
"I got you now!" she shouted.
But mid-air, she tripped on nothing, missing her target entirely and crashing to the floor with a loud thud.
Mark looked at her with concern. "Seriously? This again? How is it even possible to trip on air?"
Blushing furiously, Bri glared at him. "Shut up, idiot!" she snapped, holding her ankle in pain.
Mark knelt down to her level. "You're not hurt, are you?" he asked, pressing a hand to her forehead.
Bri turned her face away, her cheeks red. "Why do you care?"
Ignoring her question, Mark frowned. "Your fever's gone up again. Did you take your medicine?"
"No… it tastes awful," Bri admitted.
Mark sighed and lifted her into his arms, ignoring her weak protests. "Calm down. I'm taking you to your room."
Bri pounded on his chest. "Put me down, you jerk!"
Mark carried her upstairs, laid her on the bed, and handed her the medicine. The smell alone made Bri gag.
"Take it," Mark insisted. "If you want to get better, you don't have a choice."
Bri hesitated, then snapped, "What's the point? The doctor said there's no cure for my condition. I'm only getting worse—weak, useless. I can't even fight anymore. I hate myself."
Mark placed a hand on her shoulder. "Don't say stupid things. You can get better. The treatment's just expensive, that's all. That's why I work so hard—to save enough money for it. Once you're healthy again, you can kick my ass all you want. But for now, you need to take your medicine, okay?"
Bri turned away, hiding a small smile. She took the medicine begrudgingly, just as her twin brother, Chard, entered the room.
"Oh, Mark. You're back," Chard said casually.
Mark gestured toward Bri. "How come she hasn't taken her medicine yet?"
Chard shrugged. "I tried, but you know how stubborn she is. She only listens to you."
Bri blushed furiously, sitting up. "That's not true!"
Mark shook his head. "Bri, lie down. You've done enough today." He glanced at Chard. "Keep an eye on her. I'm going to check on Grandpa."
Mark entered his grandfather's room and found the old man gazing out the window. When he turned and saw Mark, his face lit up with a smile.
"Ah, Mark. Sit down. I made tea."
Mark hesitated, then sat as his grandfather poured him a cup.
"How did the job interview go?" the old man asked.
Mark sighed, staring into the tea. "They didn't even consider me."
His grandfather placed a hand on his shoulder. "So you didn't get the job. That's nothing to be ashamed of. Maybe it just wasn't meant for you. I know you'll find the right opportunity soon."
"But when?" Mark muttered.
His grandfather smiled warmly. "Who knows? It could be out there waiting for you, or it might be staring you in the face. Either way, I'm sure it's something special."
Mark looked into his grandfather's kind eyes, feeling a deep sense of gratitude. (I don't know what I did to deserve this man's love. We're not even related by blood, yet he's always treated me like family. I have to find a way to repay him.)
Before Mark could say more, Chard burst into the room, his face pale. "Mark, you need to come now. It's Bri. She's not waking up."
Mark jumped to his feet. "What? How?"
He rushed to Bri's room and found her pale and sweating. She was unresponsive. Mark's heart sank. (This is bad. Thank God Chard didn't tell Grandpa—it would've been too much for him.)
"Get some ice!" Mark ordered, and Chard dashed out.
Mark sat beside Bri, his mind racing. (She needs treatment now. If I don't act fast, she won't make it.) His hand brushed against the business card Smith had given him earlier.
Swallowing his pride, Mark made a decision. "This is my chance to help them, to repay everything they've done for me."
Chard returned with the ice as Mark stood up. "Take her to the hospital immediately. I have something I need to do."
Mark sprinted outside, dialing the number on the card. Before he could press the call button, he saw Smith waiting for him.