The days passed, and the world around me felt increasingly unfamiliar. Even though I tried to maintain a normal life, more and more things reminded me that the fate that had been set for me could no longer be avoided. My power, which I had once seen as a burden, had become the key to so many things. Those who sought me were getting closer, and the time I had to prepare was growing shorter.
That night, I decided to train harder than usual. Raiden and Mizuki kept pushing me, intensifying my training each day. They knew that I had to be ready to face a greater threat, and I started to feel just how important control was in every attack I received. This power was not just a tool—it was a part of me that I had to fully understand.
When the training session ended, Raiden and Mizuki approached me with serious expressions. "Haruto," Raiden said, "we've detected movement from their group. They're getting closer."
Mizuki added, "You have to be ready. There's no more time for hesitation."
I felt tension spread throughout my body. "What should I do?" I asked, even though I already knew the answer. "Do I really have to fight them?"
Raiden looked at me with a determined gaze. "This isn't just about fighting them, Haruto. It's about protecting this world. The ones chasing you don't just want to destroy you—they want to destroy the balance of the world. And you are the key."
Mizuki nodded. "You might not have chosen this, Haruto, but the world needs you to fight. We'll support you, but in the end, the decision is yours."
The weight of those words grew heavier. All this time, I had tried to reject my fate, to live a normal life without conflict or battle. But the longer I stayed involved in this world, the more I realized that my destiny couldn't be reversed.
"I'll do it," I finally said, my voice firm. "I'll fight. But I will protect those I love, no matter what happens."
Mizuki smiled faintly, and Raiden patted me on the back. "You're ready, Haruto. It's time to face the reality."
That night, I didn't sleep. My mind was filled with unanswered questions. What would happen if I failed? What would happen to Aoi, to those I loved? I didn't know the answers, but one thing was certain—I couldn't run away anymore.
The next morning, after training harder than ever, I received some bad news. Raiden came with a serious expression. "They're close, Haruto. We've detected their trail. They know our position."
My body tensed. "When will they strike?"
Raiden shook his head. "We don't know for sure, but they're on the same path as us. They'll be here soon. You need to be ready to fight."
I nodded, even though my heart was heavy. "I'm ready," I said, though I knew that this battle wasn't just about me. It was about the world, about the future that had to be protected.
That day, every second felt more precious. As I walked down the school hallway toward my classroom, I saw Aoi at the end of the hall, looking as if she was waiting for me. I approached her, trying to put on a calm face despite the storm brewing inside me.
"Aoi," I said gently, "there's something you need to know."
Aoi looked at me with a worried expression. "Haruto, you don't look like yourself. Something's happening, isn't it?"
I met her gaze, trying to find the right words. "Aoi... something big is happening, and I have to fight."
Aoi's face grew even more concerned. "Fight? What do you mean?"
I took a deep breath. "There's a force after me, Aoi. And I have to fight to protect all of us."
Aoi paused for a moment, then grabbed my hand tightly. "I believe in you, Haruto. I know that whatever happens, you'll make the right decision."
I was moved by her words. Even though I had tried to shield her from the truth, I knew that she was already walking this path with me. Our destinies were intertwined, and I had to protect whatever I still could.