In a world ruled by the Tang and the Ting, where one's fate is determined by their inner energy, humanity had lived under the shadow of these two factions for thousands of years.
The Tang, the lineage of light, were known for their healing abilities and their commitment to peace. However, they were bound by strict laws that forbade them from direct interference in conflicts. The Ting, on the other hand, were the masters of darkness, seeking absolute control over the world, destroying anything that stood in their way.
Between these two extremes, ordinary humans were born—people with no powers, who became the most numerous on this planet. But an ancient legend whispered of a child who would be born with both Tang and Ting energies, a being who could restore balance to the world… or bring forth an unstoppable catastrophe.
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In a grand palace, Ann sat alone in the garden—a frail child with messy hair and eyes that carried a sorrowful glint. He played with his small horse, laughing as he tried to mimic its neighing, momentarily forgetting his loneliness. But hunger soon pulled him back to reality. He clutched his aching stomach, hesitating before deciding to return home.
Standing before the massive mansion doors, he hesitated before knocking gently. Moments later, the door swung open, revealing his mother's cold expression. She looked at him with disdain before slamming the door shut, her voice sharp and unkind:
"Close the door!! Get out of here!"
Ann stood frozen, staring at the closed door, his eyes welling up with tears.
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Desperate, he wandered into the village market, hoping to find something to eat. He walked past the stalls, his eyes hungry as he gazed at the displayed bread. But he didn't dare approach.
The merchants noticed him. Their conversations ceased, and whispers spread among them:
"It's the cursed child… He'll bring ruin upon us!"
A young boy hid behind his mother, staring at Ann with fear. Ann felt the weight of their gazes pressing down on him. Lowering his head, he turned and walked away.
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Returning to the stable where he often spent his time, he sat beside his horse, hugging himself for warmth and comfort. He whispered to himself, voice barely audible:
"I don't need to eat every day… right?"
The horse glanced at him momentarily, then turned away and walked off. Ann watched in silence before murmuring, his voice laced with sadness:
"Even you… my friend?"
The loneliness was suffocating. He had no choice but to sit there, ignoring the hunger gnawing at his stomach.
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Suddenly, he heard a soft sound behind him. Turning slowly, he saw his horse had returned—carrying a small piece of meat in its mouth.
Ann's eyes widened in surprise before a faint smile appeared on his face. He gently took the meat, whispering:
"You came back… Thank you."
Together, they shared the food in silence. For the first time in a long while, Ann felt like there was at least one being in the world that didn't hate him.
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In the palace's backyard, his siblings played soccer enthusiastically. Ann watched from a distance, hiding behind a tree, longing to join them.
Suddenly, the ball was kicked too hard, soaring through the air before rebounding off the tree and hitting him directly on the head!
He collapsed onto the ground as the ball exploded.
The children turned toward him, anger flashing in their eyes. One of them shouted:
"Look! The curse brought disaster again!"
Ann got up, ashamed, trying to step away. But before he could, his younger sister stepped forward, defending him:
"Stop it! He didn't do anything!"
One of the boys grabbed her arm and pulled her away, warning her:
"Stay out of this… He's a curse!"
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Ann couldn't take it anymore. He turned and ran, fleeing from their hateful stares. He ran until he reached the stable, panting as he collapsed onto the straw, hugging his knees.
Closing his eyes, silent tears streamed down his face. With a tr
embling voice, he whispered:
"Why was I even born…?"
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End of Chapter 1.