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Chapter 1 – The Beginning
The village street was alive with energy. Children laughed and shouted as they dashed across the dirt roads, wielding wooden sticks like swords. The scent of fresh bread drifted from a nearby bakery, mixing with the earthy aroma of the morning rain.
This is a story about never giving up…
Among the children, a boy named Isan stood out—his wild brown hair messy from play, his dark eyes burning with determination. He clashed wooden sticks with his rival, Ren, a boy with sharp features and an ever-present smirk.
Isan tightened his grip on his stick, holding it like a blade. "Ren! One day, I'll be the strongest in the entire village! Everyone will respect me like they respected my father!"
Ren scoffed, pressing forward with his stick. "Tch. You're not the only one who wants to be stronger." His smirk darkened. "One day, I'll surpass you… and kill that brat."
Isan's jaw clenched. His grip trembled for a moment before he steadied himself. His voice dropped to a whisper, heavy with resentment.
"You're not the only one who wants him dead… He's the reason my father died."
Chapter 2 – The Academy
The dojo-like classroom was filled with young students, all seated in neat rows on woven mats. Sunlight filtered through the open windows, casting golden patterns on the polished wooden floor.
One day, Haruka-sensei gathered all the students to teach them how to control their powers and energy…
Ren sat near the front, his arms crossed, uninterested in the lesson. His presence alone was enough to draw attention. Yukari, a girl with gentle eyes and long, flowing hair, stared at him from across the room, admiration shining in her gaze.
Yukari, the girl who loved Ren… But Ren didn't feel the same. In fact, all the girls in the class admired Ren.
At the back of the room, Isan glanced at Yukari. His chest tightened.
But Isan loved Yukari…
Chapter 3 – Shadows of the Past
In the village streets, hushed voices carried through the air like ghosts.
Everyone believed that all the bad things happening in the village… were because of that brat.
At night, under the glow of the moon, a lone figure slipped through the village gates. Their silhouette disappeared into the darkness, leaving behind nothing but whispers and rumors.
And so… one day, he left.
Morning came, and the village training grounds filled with students. The upcoming exams had everyone on edge. Groups formed, competitors measured their strengths, and friendships were tested.
Haruka-sensei stood before them, calling out names for the exam teams.
"Isan. Ren. Yukari."
The three stood together, tension thick between them. None of them spoke, but their expressions said everything.
Fate had placed them together.