This World Is Unfair
That is a fact I have realized since childhood.
I live in Luva District, a slum on the outskirts of Arkal City. This city is a dazzling metropolis at its center, but its outskirts are shrouded in darkness. Dilapidated buildings stand crammed together, pothole-ridden streets stretch endlessly, and pools of dirty water collect in every corner. The stench of garbage and factory smoke is part of daily life. Streetlights rarely function, turning this place into a haven for criminals. The people who live here survive without hope, left far behind by the city's shimmering core.
And me? I'm just Ray Ananta. A poor young man with no power, no prestigious name, and no clear future. But I have one dream—to become a superhero.
Two Years Ago
Today is the day I try to change my fate.
I stand before a massive building, a small branch of the Gluttonous Organization in this district. Even though it's just a minor branch, the structure looks grand compared to the surrounding buildings. Its sturdy walls bear the Gluttonous emblem—a Golden Eagle—clearly displayed above the entrance. This is the place where the selection exam to become a superhero will be held.
But even before the exam starts, I have already become a laughingstock.
"Heh, a powerless kid trying to take the exam? What a joke," someone sneers from behind.
"I feel sorry for him," another participant chimes in. "But the one I pity more is whoever has to fight him."
I remain silent. There is no point in responding. What they said is the truth.
"Ray Ananta," a deep voice echoes across the room. "You're up next."
I take a deep breath and step into the arena. My opponent is already waiting—Noel Velcroz.
I have no chance of winning.
He comes from the Velcroz family, a clan of superhumans with blue fire abilities—flames so powerful they can burn without even touching their target. Just hearing his family name is enough to make anyone tremble.
I watch him warily.
Tap. Tap. (The sound of Noel Velcroz's footsteps.)
Noel walks casually into the arena, his hands still in his pockets, his eyes filled with boredom.
"This is a waste of time," he mutters lazily. "You should surrender before I embarrass you any further."
I clench my fists. "Let's find out."
GONG!
The sound of the gong reverberates through the entire room—the fight has begun.
Without hesitation, I charge forward, fists clenched. I know I have no superpowers, but I can still rely on my speed and strategy. I've spent years training behind the hills. If there's one thing I have, it's the determination to win.
But before my fist can even reach his face, I feel something invisible slam into me.
BOOM!
I'm sent flying backward, rolling several times before crashing hard against the arena wall.
"Ugh!"
Pain. My chest feels tight, as if my lungs have just been crushed by a sledgehammer. I didn't even see the attack coming.
"What was that? Did Ray just attack?" a faint voice from the audience reaches my ears.
"No. That was just a gust of wind from Velcroz's blue fire. He didn't even touch him."
I hear the whispers circulating among the spectators. They talk as if I am nothing but a worthless opponent.
Meanwhile, Noel remains in the same spot—calm, composed, and worst of all, he doesn't even see me as a worthy opponent.
"Had enough?" he asks flatly.
I struggle to stand, gritting my teeth to endure the pain. I refuse to give up. I have to prove I am more than just a loser.
But in the blink of an eye—
WHAM!
Noel is suddenly right in front of me. I don't even have time to react. Before I can move, his hand grips my face—
BANG!
Everything goes black.
When I regain consciousness, I am already outside the arena, in the section for failed participants.
"Ray Ananta, disqualified."
The announcement is followed by laughter from the audience. I can only lower my head.
Today, I lost. Today, I was humiliated.
But I won't give up.
I will try again. I will train harder. And one day, they will all regret underestimating me.
The sun begins to set in the west, signaling the arrival of the evening.
With slow steps, I leave the arena. Despite the disappointment weighing on my heart, I won't let this defeat crush my dreams.
I must become stronger.
However, as I walk past the hill toward home—
SRAK!
My foot slips on the wet grass. The rain from a few hours ago has made the hillside path slippery.
I lose my balance.
"What...? No!"
I try to grab onto something—anything—but it's futile.
And before I can do anything—
I fall.
The cliff beside the hill swallows me into darkness.
This near-death experience will change my life in ways I never imagined. Why? Because as I fell, I experienced something bizarre, something impossible.
Without knowing how, I suddenly regain consciousness, my head already wounded, blood streaming down my face.
I quickly take off my shirt, using it to wrap my head. Then, with all my remaining strength, I start climbing the rocky cliffs of the ravine.
To Be Continued...