Year 2053 – The Era of Awakened Powers
The world was no longer ruled by nations or politics.
It was ruled by strength.
For the past century, humanity had evolved beyond its natural limits. Abilities, once the stuff of myth and legend, became as common as the air people breathed. By the time a person turned sixteen, they would undergo their Awakening Ceremony, unlocking a unique Gift that would define their future.
Some awakened as Elemental Wielders, controlling fire, water, lightning.
Others became Enhancers, blessed with superhuman strength and speed.
And a rare few—the Celestials—possessed godlike abilities, capable of shaping reality itself.
But among them, there existed a cruel fate worse than death.
The Powerless.
A human born without an Awakening.
And for eighteen years, Kai Aetherius had been one of them.
---
Morning in Astralis City
The streets of Astralis City were alive with energy. Towering skyscrapers gleamed under the sunlight, their surfaces covered in glowing digital displays showcasing the latest Awakened warriors, upcoming tournaments, and bounty boards filled with Abyssal Entity sightings.
Kai walked through the busy market district, nodding in greeting as he passed familiar faces.
"Morning, Kai!"
A smiling fruit vendor waved at him.
Kai returned the smile. "Morning, Mr. Henrick!"
"Off to the academy?"
"Yeah."
"Here, take an apple—on the house," the old man chuckled, tossing him a bright red fruit.
Kai caught it easily, bowing his head in thanks. "I'll pay you back next time."
"Bah! Just take it!"
He continued down the street, biting into the apple. It was sweet and crisp, the kind of small joy that made life worthwhile.
Despite his lack of power, Kai had never been treated poorly in Astralis. The people here were kind, respectful—because he had earned their respect.
Not with strength.
But with hard work and kindness.
Yet, no matter how much respect he gained, it didn't change the fact that he was powerless in a world that worshiped strength.
---
The Awakening Academy
The towering structure of Astralis Awakening Academy stood in the heart of the city, its sleek, futuristic design reflecting the sky above.
It was here that all students trained their abilities, refining their Gifts to become licensed Hunters—warriors tasked with defending humanity against Abyssal Entities.
"Kai!"
A familiar voice called out, and he turned to see Lena Everhart, one of his closest friends.
She was tall and elegant, her long silver hair tied back, a glowing blue aura surrounding her as she walked. She was an Aether Manipulator, one of the strongest abilities in the academy.
"You're early today," she teased.
Kai smirked. "Figured I should at least try to look like I belong here."
Lena's playful expression softened. "You do belong here, Kai."
He appreciated the words, but they weren't true.
As they entered the academy, students trained their abilities all around them—flames roared, lightning crackled, and weapons clashed in mock battles.
Kai could only watch.
No Gift. No power.
Just an ordinary human in a world of monsters and legends.
And yet—he never let it break him.
---
The One Who Believed in Him
Before heading to class, Kai made his way to the training grounds behind the academy.
There, seated beneath a lone cherry blossom tree, was Master Alden.
The old man was once a renowned warrior, an ex-Hunter whose name was still spoken with reverence. Even now, despite his age, his presence alone commanded respect.
Kai approached and bowed. "Master Alden."
The old warrior opened one eye, smiling. "Ah, Kai. Come to listen to the ramblings of an old man again?"
Kai chuckled. "They're good ramblings."
Master Alden nodded approvingly. "Tell me, do you still dream of becoming a warrior?"
Kai hesitated. "…I do."
Even though he had no power.
Even though it was impossible.
Master Alden sighed. "Good. Then listen well, boy."
He gestured toward the academy. "These students… they are strong. But strength alone does not make a warrior."
He tapped his chest.
"A true warrior is not measured by power, but by resolve."
Kai clenched his fists.
"But without power, I can't—"
Master Alden raised a hand, stopping him.
"Your time will come, Kai." His gaze turned distant. "And when it does, you must decide what kind of warrior you wish to become."
Kai didn't fully understand the words.
Not yet.
But he would never forget them.
---
The Black Eclipse Incident
That evening, the world changed.
Kai had been walking home when it happened—a massive rupture in the sky, a gaping wound of darkness that pulsed with unnatural energy.
And then—they emerged.
Abyssal Entities.
Monstrous creatures, unlike anything seen before. Their bodies twisted, their eyes glowed with endless hunger, and their very presence sent waves of terror through the city.
Hunters rushed to fight, but it was chaos. People screamed. Blood stained the streets.
And Kai—powerless, weak—could only watch as a massive, clawed monster lunged straight for him.
He was going to die.
And then—
[SYSTEM NOTICE: The Sinbound Authority Has Been Activated.]
Pain erupted in his chest.
His vision blurred.
And suddenly—a voice whispered in his mind.
[Do you wish to survive?]
[Do you wish to become something more?]
A burning hunger filled him. A hunger for strength.
And in that moment—Kai answered.
"Yes."
His body ignited with raw power, the hunger overwhelming every fiber of his being. His hands moved instinctively, reaching for the Abyssal Entity in front of him—
And he devoured it.
The creature screamed as its essence was absorbed into his body. Strength flooded his veins, his wounds vanished, and something deep within him unlocked.
[Sinbound Ability Unlocked: Gluttony – Devour to Grow.]
Kai staggered forward, staring at his own hands.
The hunger was still there.
But now, he was no longer powerless.
For the first time in his life—he had become something more.
And this was just the beginning.