Chapter 1: Echoes of the Past
Prologue: The Fall of the Magic Era
500 years ago, the world thrived on magic. It wasn't merely a tool; it was life itself, infused into the land, the air, and the people. Cities floated above the clouds, powered by the divine elements gifted by the gods. The six deities Ignis (Fire), Aeris (Wind), Terra (Earth), Fulgar (Lightning), Aqua (Water), and Luminara (Light) watched over humanity, blessing them with magic to build a utopia.
But peace is a fragile thing. Prosperity bred greed, and from the shadows emerged a force that would unravel it all.
Shinra, the Dark Demon God, was born from chaos, a being neither created nor governed by the other gods. He sought nothing but destruction, thriving on the despair of those who fell to his power. His followers called him the Abyss Incarnate, and his army of shadowed monstrosities laid waste to the world.
The six gods descended to face him. Their battle tore the skies apart, and their divine blood soaked the earth. Mountains crumbled, and oceans boiled as their powers clashed. But Shinra's darkness was endless, consuming everything it touched.
In a final act of desperation, the gods combined their powers, forging a seal that bound Shinra in the deepest abyss of the Underworld. The strain of the ritual shattered their divine forms, and they vanished from the world, leaving behind only fragments of their essence.
With the gods gone, magic began to fade. The once-vibrant world grew dull, and humanity was left to fend for itself. The Magic Era ended, its wonders reduced to myths and legends.
Present Day: Tokyo, Japan
Neon lights flickered across the bustling streets of Tokyo, painting the night in vibrant hues. Among the throng of people, Mike Ekon walked with his head down, his broad shoulders tense. At 17, he stood out not just for his dark skin but for the intensity in his eyes, a mix of frustration and longing.
He clutched a crumpled letter in his hand. Another rejection. Another door slammed in his face.
"Mike, wait up!"
The voice belonged to Rin, her auburn hair tied back as she jogged to catch up. She was small but fierce, her sharp features softened by a teasing smile.
"Don't tell me you got rejected again," she said, falling into step beside him.
Mike didn't answer. He shoved the letter into his pocket, his jaw tightening.
"You know, not every company is going to see how amazing you are right away," Rin continued, her tone light. "You just have to keep trying."
Mike stopped abruptly, turning to face her. "It's not just this. It's everything. No matter what I do, it's never enough. I work harder than anyone, but it doesn't matter. I'm still... invisible."
Rin's smile faltered. She opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, a tall figure joined them.
Kenji, with his messy black hair and laid-back grin, slung an arm around Mike's shoulders. "Invisible? Bro, you're the loudest guy I know."
"Kenji"
"Seriously," Kenji interrupted, ignoring Mike's scowl. "You've got that whole 'strong and silent' thing going on. People notice you, even if they don't say it."
Mike shrugged off his friend's arm. "Not the right people."
Kenji exchanged a glance with Rin, his smile fading slightly. "Look, man, you've got us. And that counts for something, right?"
Mike didn't respond. He appreciated his friends, but their words couldn't fill the void inside him.
A Restless Night
Later that night, Mike lay in bed, staring at the ceiling of his small apartment. The hum of the city filtered through the walls, but his mind was elsewhere.
He thought of his family back in Africa, of the sacrifices they made to send him to Japan. They believed he would succeed, that he would make a better life for himself. But what had he achieved? Nothing.
His hand clenched into a fist. He wanted to be strong, not for himself, but for them. For the people he cared about. If he could protect them, if he could prove he was worthy, maybe the emptiness inside him would finally disappear.
The Encounter
The streets were quiet as Mike walked aimlessly, the cool night air brushing against his skin. He often went for walks when he couldn't sleep, hoping the rhythm of his steps would calm his racing thoughts.
But tonight felt different. The air was heavy, charged with an energy he couldn't explain.
"You're different, you know."
Mike stopped, his eyes scanning the empty street. The voice was soft, almost childlike, yet it sent a chill down his spine.
"Who's there?" he called out, his voice steady despite the unease curling in his gut.
A faint glow appeared in the corner of his vision. Turning, he saw a small, winged creature hovering in the air. It was no larger than his hand, its translucent wings shimmering like glass.
"What the...?"
"D-don't be scared," the creature stammered, its voice nervous but oddly soothing. "I'm not here to hurt you. My name is Kuro, and I've been watching you."
Mike narrowed his eyes. "Watching me? Why?"
Kuro tilted his head, his wide eyes gleaming. "Because you're special. You have... potential."
"Potential for what?"
"To awaken the power inside you," Kuro said, his voice gaining confidence. "To give you magic."
Mike stared at the creature, his mind racing. "Magic doesn't exist. Not anymore."
Kuro smiled faintly. "It never truly disappeared. It's just been... dormant. Waiting for someone like you. Someone with ambition. Someone who desires power."
The word struck a chord in Mike, his chest tightening. "Why me?"
Kuro's wings fluttered as he moved closer. "Because your desire is stronger than anyone else's. I can feel it. You want to protect the people you care about, don't you? You want to be strong enough to make a difference."
Mike hesitated. The creature's words echoed the thoughts he kept buried deep inside.
"What's the catch?" he asked finally.
Kuro's smile widened. "Nothing dangerous. Just a small favor. There's a seal in the Underworld, and I need your help to undo it. In return, I'll grant you magic enough power to achieve everything you've ever wanted."
A Choice Made in Shadows
Mike's instincts screamed at him to walk away, but the promise of power was too tempting. He thought of his family, his friends, the people he'd failed to protect. This was his chance to change everything.
"Alright," he said, his voice firm. "I'll do it."
Kuro's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "Good. Follow me. Your destiny awaits."
As Mike followed the glowing creature into the shadows, a sense of unease settled in his chest. But he pushed it aside. For the first time in his life, he felt like he was moving toward something greater.
He didn't realize he was walking into the abyss.