Pangaea—a world enveloped by endless, ancient forests. The Great Jungle spread across its lands, with trees so tall their tops seemed to pierce the clouds, casting shadows so dense they cloaked the ground in eternal dusk. It was a place of beauty, yet every corner held hidden perils.
Legends whispered that a thousand years ago, this greenery burst forth, spreading like a flood over the earth. It consumed mountains, rivers, and cities in a sudden embrace, reshaping the land beneath its green blanket.
Beneath that lush beauty lay something dark—a new order of survival, where blood marked the earth and nature held dominion. As the jungle rose, creatures evolved alongside it, growing more cunning, more savage, as they adapted to their new world.
Initially, humankind was on the brink of annihilation. Pushed to the edge of extinction, people struggled to survive. But fate, or perhaps the jungle itself, granted a select few something more—abilities beyond human limits, that came to be known as the Spirit Dive. With these powers, people began to fight back, regaining a fragile balance and claiming a new role in the jungle's brutal hierarchy. Though humanity now had tools to withstand the jungle's horrors, the jungle never lost its grip. It continued to thrive, challenging the strong and consuming the weak.
As with all things that thrive, chaos followed. Humanity's gifts spurred new ambitions, new struggles for control. Battles erupted over territory and power, blood dripping onto leaves and seeping into roots. The jungle became both battlefield and throne room for those seeking dominance.
Amidst this chaos, a man rose above the rest—a man who mastered the jungle's dangers and claimed his place as the "King of the Jungle." His name became legend, a symbol of power, a mark of survival and control. While centuries have passed, his title remained a lure for anyone bold or foolish enough to try for it.
Now, this age-old title calls to a young, bold boy named Bon Everhart. His journey is about to begin.
The sun set high overhead, bathing the village in golden light as shadows stretched across the ground. The air was alive with the sounds of daily life: hunters returning from the morning's expedition, traders haggling over wares, and children laughing as they chased each other through the village paths.
"I'm a Red Ranger!" one child shouted, his voice brimming with pride as he ran through the village.
"Me too!" another chimed in, running after him with quick, eager steps.
Ahead of them ran a boy with bright, lively eyes and tousled hair that caught the sun. "Then I'm the King of the Jungle!" he shouted back, laughing as he darted ahead with boundless energy. His name was Bon Everhart, a boy known for his wild spirit and endless ambitions.
One of the boys, Shoya, caught up, panting. "Bon, why do you always say that?" he asked with a grin.
"It's simple," Bon replied, flashing a confident smile as he slowed down. "Because one day, I will be King of the Jungle!"
Shoya looked doubtful, frowning. "But you're the chief's son. They'll send you to the Ranger Society Cadet Academy when you turn fifteen. That's what the chief wants."
Kor, another boy trailing behind them, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, Shoya's right, Bon. They expect you to become a ranger."
Bon shrugged, brushing off their words. "Then I'll just become a predator before I turn fifteen. Simple."
The other boys gaped at him, shock in their eyes. "No way! The Great Jungle's a graveyard for predators, let alone kids like us," Kor said, his voice filled with disbelief.
Bon's laughter rang out, unbothered by their worry. "If I die chasing my dream, then that's the way it is."
Shoya's face softened with concern. "But don't you value your life?"
"Of course I do," Bon replied, his tone steady. "Chasing my dream is part of my life. If I don't give it my all because of fear, that's the same as not living at all." His smile returned, full of conviction.
Suddenly, a firm hand landed on Bon's head, giving him a gentle smack. "Brat!" scolded the chief, Bon's grandfather. "Stop filling your head with nonsense and start thinking about becoming a ranger. You'll make this village proud someday."
Shoya and Kor straightened immediately, bowing to the chief. "Chief!"
Bon just laughed, ducking away from his grandfather's hand. "No way! I'm not interested!" he shouted over his shoulder as he dashed away, his laughter ringing in the air.
Shoya and Kor exchanged a look, then sprinted after him, their voices calling out as they followed Bon through the woods. Together, they ran through the trees, dodging branches and leaping over roots as they played their game of "hunter versus predator."
Eventually, Bon climbed the tallest tree in the village, settling himself high above his friends. The world stretched out beneath him, a patchwork of green shadows and sunlit paths.
"Bon! Get down from there! It's dangerous!" Shoya called up from below, worry lacing his tone.
"No way! I won't be tricked by a ranger!" Bon shouted back, climbing even higher, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. But in his excitement, his foot slipped, and he fell, plummeting toward the ground.
Instinctively, Bon threw his hand out, stretching his fingers wide. Suddenly, a gust of wind burst from his palm, catching him mid-fall and easing him gently to the ground.
Shoya and Kor stared, eyes wide. "What… was that?" Shoya asked, voice hushed in awe. "did you do that?" Kor asked, his gaze locked on Bon as he reached out to touch his friend's hand.
Before Bon could answer, a tall man approached, his face a mix of shock and approval. "You've awakened a Spirit Dive ability," he said, his voice steady but tinged with surprise.
Bon blinked, processing the words. "A… Spirit Dive?"
The man nodded. "Yes, Bon. You're now a holder of a spirit. That gust of wind came from your Spirit Dive. "Bon's eyes widened as the man guided him toward the chief's house.
Once there, the man explained what he had seen. The chief listened silently, his eyes unreadable. "To think he would awaken at such a young age… only ten years old," the chief murmured, nodding. After a long moment, he looked up. "Menma," he said to the man, "take Bon under your wing. Train him with the hunters until he's ready for the Ranger Society Cadet Academy."
From that day forward, Bon trained under Menma's guidance, joining the hunters on their expeditions and learning the ways of the wild. Days were filled with intense practice, and nights were spent beneath the stars, listening to the jungle's heartbeat as he honed his skills. Three years flew by in a blur of challenges and victories, each moment shaping Bon's spirit and skill.
One day, while patrolling the village's outskirts, Bon heard a familiar voice call his name. He turned, spotting his friend Kor running toward him, a wide grin on his face.
"Kor? What are you doing out here?" Bon asked, surprise flickering across his face. "This area's for holders only."
Kor slowed to a stop, crossing his arms with a smug look. "Guess what?" he said, his eyes bright with excitement.
Bon's face lit up. "Wait… you became a holder?"
Kor nodded, unable to hide his pride. "Mm-hmm . But don't even think I'll tell you, my spirit. That'd be like telling a future rival how to beat me."
Bon laughed. "So, you're here to rub it in my face?"
Kor shrugged, a sly grin creeping onto his face. "Actually, I came to help you avoid the academy."
Bon raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
Kor glanced around before lowering his voice. "There's a legend. It says anyone who catches the rare rain rabbit brings chaos wherever they go—storms, disorder, everything. They say whoever catches it will be barred from the academy and exiled from the village."
Bon's eyes lit with excitement. "So all I have to do is catch this rabbit?" He smirked, his gaze shifting toward the jungle. "Sounds like my journey has already begun."
Kor watched him, pride mixed with apprehension in his gaze. "Just remember, once you do this, there's no going back."
Bon nodded, his smile resolute. "I know. And that's exactly how I want it."