Chapter 1: The Rings of Fate
The sun cast golden hues across the sky as four friends—Ryo, Ren, Akira, and Hajime—trekked up the rugged mountain trail. The air was crisp, filled with the scent of damp earth and pine. Their plan was simple: a weekend picnic, an escape from the mundane routine of school life.
"How much farther, Ryo?" Ren panted, wiping sweat from his forehead.
"Just a few more kilometers," Ryo reassured him, adjusting the straps of his backpack. "Once we get there, the view will be worth it."
"A few more kilometers?!" Hajime groaned, bending over with his hands on his knees. "Man, I'm already exhausted..."
"Come on, big muscle piggy!" Akira teased with a mischievous grin, nudging Hajime playfully. "You can't give up now!"
"You calling me a piggy again?!" Hajime shot back, glaring at him.
The group finally reached their destination—a breathtaking spot known as Magnetic Mountain. The towering cliffs and dense greenery created a sense of serenity, a world untouched by the chaos of the city. Nearby, a crystal-clear stream flowed gently, inviting them to take a break.
"Finally!" Akira cheered, dropping his bag and rushing toward the water. He splashed some onto his face and sighed in relief. "This is paradise!"
Ryo knelt by the stream, cupping water in his hands and taking a deep sip. The refreshing coolness eased his exhaustion. Ren, however, had his attention elsewhere. His gaze was fixed on a peculiar ring-shaped carving embedded in the mountain wall.
"Guys... what is this?" Ren called out, stepping closer.
Hajime, still lying on the grass, peeked over and shrugged. "Looks like some old drawing or something."
Akira smirked and walked over. "Geez, piggy, you really are dumb. That's not a drawing—it looks more like an inscription."
Curious, Ryo reached out and placed his hand on the ancient markings. The moment his fingertips made contact—
CRACK!
The entire rock face trembled. Dust and debris fell as the wall split apart, revealing a dark, cavernous space within.
"WHAT THE HELL?!" Akira yelled as all four of them stumbled backward.
A deafening silence followed. The gaping hole in the mountain seemed unnatural—like it had been hidden for centuries, waiting for someone to find it.
Ryo took a cautious step forward. "This... this isn't normal."
The interior was lined with rows upon rows of small, intricate carvings—each depicting a different ring, carefully placed in stone boxes. The eerie glow from within the cavern illuminated the bizarre sight.
Ren hesitated before speaking. "...Are those actual rings?"
As if answering his question, the entire cave erupted with energy.
One by one, the rings detached from the wall and shot into the air, hovering ominously.
"OH SHIT!" Akira yelped. "What the hell is happening?!"
Before they could react, a ring zipped toward Akira's hand and forcefully latched onto his finger.
"AHHHH!!!" Akira screamed, gripping his wrist in agony. His veins pulsed unnaturally, and his body trembled violently. He tried to rip the ring off, but it wouldn't budge. "What the hell is this thing?! Get it off!!!"
Ren, Ryo, and Hajime barely had time to process what happened before three more rings darted toward them, locking onto their fingers.
"ARGH!!" Hajime fell to his knees, clutching his hand.
"Tch... This is—!!" Ryo gritted his teeth as an intense, searing pain spread through his body. It was as if something was invading his very soul, rewriting his existence.
Ren collapsed, gasping for air. "It won't... come off!"
Akira, in a panic, grabbed a sharp rock and tried to cut the ring off his finger, but to his horror—the blade shattered upon impact.
No scratch. No damage.
"...What the hell have we done?" Ryo whispered, staring at the glowing rings on their fingers.
Their fates had been sealed. Without realizing it, they had awakened something that should have remained buried.
And now, the rings had chosen them.