The story of the 'Imagins' has been known by many names—imaginary friends, imaginary monsters, digital monsters, portable monsters, and in some cases, battle spirits. But ultimately, they were beings created without malicious intent.
The creator of the 'Imagins' developed a technology based on the quantum state of matter. He once asked himself: "What if imagination was, in reality, matter in its quantum state? And what if for that matter to exist, it needed to interact with quantum physics, turning fiction into something simply real?" Driven by this premise—and subconsciously influenced by the grief of losing his son—he created the 'Awakening Machine.' Through this invention, the creator unintentionally materialized the image of his deceased child, though in truth, it was merely his memories and imagination. Eventually, those memories gave birth to a being that resembled his son, marking the beginning of the 'Imagin' era. However, deep within society, these beings were later used for malicious and military purposes.
In every era or place of existence, there are always those who challenge the established order. These are the members of the 'Black Cult'—humans driven by religious faith in their god, seeking to summon their deity as an Imagin. They channel their faith into a special object created by the cult, known as the 'Imagin Corp.' Imaginary beings, like any entity that transcends the material, are quantum beings—they may or may not exist. They become imaginary beings, much like Schrödinger's imaginary cat. Schrödinger placed his cat inside a sealed box with an unraveling device to determine if it could transcend fundamental physical laws—or if it was simply conjecture. When he opened the box, the cat existed; when he opened it again, it no longer did. Schrödinger concluded that existence depended on a necessary factor—without it, nothing else mattered.
That factor was the Imagin Corp—a capsule shaped like an egg, or rather a stone, bearing a six-pointed star symbol with two clouds behind it. The Imagin Corp was made of ultra-conductors, materials capable of existing in multiple states simultaneously.
This ultra-conductor was developed thanks to Awakening technology. From that foundation, technologies beyond human imagination emerged. One of them was the creation of Sacium—a metal so strong it is incomparable to anything else. A fictional metal brought to reality through quantum particles—or mana, as some call it. It was an unprecedented achievement born from the Imagins.
You may ask, how? The development of the Imagin Corp and the Imagins themselves altered the very reality we lived in. Those particles could become anything we desired. Some called it mana, faith, the algorithmic system of matter, Tao, and ultimately, a dead god.
The Awakening Machine's influence caused humanity, creatures, and even elements to evolve—creating the world we know today.
Constructing an Imagin Corp was surprisingly simple. You just needed 20 kg of Sacium to create the body, then mix blue quartz dust with horseshoe crab blood. After dilution, stem cells from a tardigrade were added. Easy… but expensive, right? Once all components were ready, they connected several Awakening Machines through tubes to allow blood to flow—giving life to the being.
From this, the first god was born—Cristler. A god loved by many but hated by the creators of the homunculi. A homunculus is similar to an Imagin, but already exists and merely gains quantum abilities—powers beyond human capability.
Years passed. History repeated itself—wars, mutated beasts, and so on. Humanity advanced, and now, we find ourselves in Maquia City. It was a normal day for young Zhenki, who had just turned fifteen—the age of awakening in a world dominated by the most powerful military technology on Earth: the Imagins, born from innate imaginary friends. Today was Zhenki's Awakening Day.
Giro: Hey Zhenki, what Imagin will you get?
Zhenki: Hmm… what a weird dream… Why did I dream about an Imagin speaking to me, telling me to call it by its name?
([This is Zhenki's close friend, Giro])
Giro: Damn it! Are you even listening, Zhenki? — grabs him by the neck in a headlock —
Zhenki: What's happening? Why are you doing this?
Giro: You were spacing out. I asked you what Imagin you think you'll get.
Zhenki: Probably a strong one… like the legendary hero, Zero.
Giro: Keep dreaming, space cadet.
Zhenki and Giro arrived at the Zerias Institute, where a statue of Nikola Tesla and the hero Zero stood at the entrance.
Zhenki: Wow, look at this. — observing the statues —
Giro: Hush! Don't remind me of the speech they'll give us about Zero, Tesla, and Freud's psychoanalysis.
Zhenki: Gods were abandoned by their god. In every mythology or existence, there's always a supreme god—mysterious, omnipotent, or omniscient. Like Aion, god of infinite time, because space was considered nothing. Time fills and empties space. A being who doesn't need followers, unlike Chronos or his children. Aion is often represented with zodiacal wheels.
Giro: Here we go… — flicks Zhenki's forehead —
Zhenki: Ouch…!
Giro: Let's go, we're late.
Director: Hello, everyone. Today, I'll tell you about Nikola Tesla, creator of the P-Waves. As shown at our entrance, he once wrote to Albert Einstein mocking the speed of light as the limit of matter, discovering six waves faster than light—one of them being quantum particles. From there, it didn't matter if matter was or wasn't—it always changed if you modified the other side. And on the other side… was Zero, an unknown being like his creator. Zero was born as a simple child with the idea of becoming a superhero. He traveled the world stopping wars and natural disasters. Zero became an immortal being capable of leading the world. But even Zero wasn't truly omnipotent. Despite the world still abiding by natural philosophy—physics—his existence, after his creator's death, was only sustained by thoughts, by faith. And as people slowly lost faith, he began to fade. Because they gained technology… And thus began the era of Imagincentrism, where we stopped repressing our subconscious—just as psychoanalysis once described. That's why I want you to let your true self emerge. No matter what it is. Remember, your future is decided by this. — he spoke ironically —
Zhenki: Aaaaaah… Giro, I just realized—I'll be killed and become someone who saves the world from aliens.
Giro: God, you sound insane—like you have Asperger's or schizophrenia. I'm your friend, but sometimes… you're exhausting.
Zhenki: Friend?
Giro: No, I'm your love. Of course, I'm your friend.
Zhenki: I get it… You know, ever since the world filled with creatures, espers, all those classes from old video games—and especially Imagins—nothing seems logical anymore.
Giro: This makes more sense than your behavior.
Zhenki: True, my world feels… like a world apart—where only I exist.
Once again, the voice calling for its name echoed in Zhenki's mind.
Zhenki: (What name…?)
The voice vanished. A while later, the director called Zhenki to test his powers.
Professor Ledwig: Place your hand on this new Awakening Machine model.
[Professor Ledwig, 34 years old, Quantum Artificer]
Zhenki: Professor, what should I do?
Professor Ledwig: Simply extend your hand and close your eyes. Your innate talent or true self will emerge.
Zhenki: Understood. I'll do it.
When Zhenki obeyed, he began to embody the very qualities of Aion. As a believer in transtheism, he created a universe filled with mass and energy—a world was born. Yet, the voice he kept hearing finally revealed its source: a family relic—a pendant he never understood. Its contents merged into his new world… and from it, a being emerged. A furry creature with a hairless center. It was… adorable.
Zhenki: (What the hell? What's happening? It all happened so fast. A being is hiding in my world, but there are creatures here… I'll have to pretend I'm a summoner—rather than someone who creates an Imagin that affects himself without altering "reality.")
Zhenki opened his eyes, summoned the creature—not through thought like usual Imagin bearers—but by calling its name.
Zhenki: Come forth, Agent of the Dimensions! I summon you!
Creature: Qiu! — smiles happily while flying —
Professor Ledwig: I see… You're a summoner. I expect great things from you—for our country and this academy. Here's your ID card and 100 Lunars granted to all students.
Zhenki: Thank you, professor. I want to become a great man like you.
Afterward, Zhenki went to his dormitory, where his roommates awaited—his best friend Giro, and two others: Etras and Zein.
Zhenki: Hey, everyone!
Giro: — holding his belly laughing — Hahaha! You're here! What did you awaken? I awakened something familiar—my culinary senses. All my senses are enhanced for cooking the finest meals. — he glanced sideways at Zhenki — Hehe, buddy, what about you?
Etras & Zein: Hey, you forgot to introduce us!
Giro: These are Etras, a mage, and Zein, a human with telekinesis.
Zhenki: I see… Well, I'm a summoner.
Giro: Told you! You guys owe me 10 Lunars.
Zein: Say that again — as he levitated Giro with his powers —
Giro: Alright, alright! I was the one who believed he'd be like us. You owe me nothing.
Etras: All settled.
[Zein gently dropped Giro back to the ground.]
Giro: Thanks…
Zhenki: Wait a minute—you guys bet on me without me knowing? I don't like this at all.
Giro: Calm down. We'll give you the winnings. Happy?
Zhenki: Obviously.
Etras & Zein: So… what's your summon?
Zhenki: My summon is this creature… Come forth, Agent of the Dimensions!
Creature: Qiu! — smiles while flying —
Giro: What a beautiful creature. Hey dreamer, you're going to attract so many girls with that. Finally, you'll stop being a nerd who only talks about useless things.
Zein: Does it have a name?
Etras: True. Have you chosen a name, or should I suggest one?
Zhenki: No, I don't know its name yet, and nothing comes to mind.
Giro: Hmm, we should think of a name that reflects its mysterious nature and ability to travel between dimensions.
Etras: How about we call it "Nexus"?
Zein: Yeah, sounds great. "Nexus," the bridge between dimensions.
Zhenki: I like it. From now on, you'll be called Nexus.
Nexus: Qiu. —nods happily—
Giro: Well, now that we've settled that, what plans do we have for today?
Zhenki: Hmm, we could explore the city a bit. I still haven't had the chance to really get to know it.
Etras: Great idea! I'm sure we'll find something interesting.
Zein: Plus, we could practice our skills while we're out.
Giro: Perfect! It's adventure time!
The four friends excitedly left their dorm room, ready to explore Maquia City and discover all the wonders waiting for them in this world full of Imagins, advanced technology, and mysteries to solve.
While Zhenki and his friends were walking through the bustling streets of Maquia City, they heard cries for help coming from a nearby alley. Without hesitation, Zhenki rushed toward the sound, closely followed by Nexus and his friends.
Upon reaching the alley, they found a young girl being harassed by a malicious man. The girl was visibly scared, struggling to defend herself as the man threatened to harm her if she didn't submit.
Zhenki, feeling a surge of determination, stepped between the girl and her aggressor, demanding that he leave her alone. However, the man mocked Zhenki and challenged his authority, revealing that he was the son of an important government official and believed he had the right to do whatever he wanted.
Upon hearing the man's words, Zhenki understood the gravity of the situation and prepared to confront him to protect the defenseless girl. With Nexus by his side and the support of his friends, he faced the man and his bodyguards, determined to put an end to his abusive behavior and protect the girl from harm.
The ensuing battle was intense, with Zhenki and Nexus fighting with all their might to defend the girl and deliver justice. Despite the man's attempts to use his influence and resources to win the battle, Zhenki and his friends proved to be stronger and more cunning.
In the end, they managed to defeat the man and his bodyguards, sending them fleeing and leaving the girl safe. The young girl, grateful, thanked Zhenki and his friends for saving her and protecting her from her aggressor. She kindly told them her name as she hugged Nexus.
Mei: My name is Mei. In Chinese, it means beautiful or great.
With hearts full of gratitude and determination, Zhenki and his friends said goodbye to the girl and continued on their way through the streets of Maquia City, knowing they would always be ready to fight against injustice and protect the most vulnerable in society.
Giro: She deserved it. Hey Zhenki, her name was Mei. But Mei had quite the big personality.
Zhenki: Silence! Don't you know that what's important about a woman is her knowledge?
Etras: Wow, wow, what an embarrassment you are, Giro.
Zein: True, true.
Giro: I'm already embarrassed by what I said.
After the incident in the alley, Zhenki and his friends went to eat and then returned to their dorm at the academy. As they headed there, Zhenki couldn't stop thinking about the brave girl they had helped, Mei. The image of her grateful face and her words of thanks echoed in his mind.
Once in their dorm, Zhenki sat on his bed, reflecting on what had just happened. He felt a mix of emotions: gratitude for being able to help Mei, but also a growing determination to learn more about the world he lived in. He knew that to protect others and fulfill his destiny, he needed to gain more knowledge and understanding.
He decided to enter his inner world once again, not only to explore but also to search for answers and reach a level of knowledge that would allow him to have a sort of omniscience, comparable to omnipotence.
Focusing deeply, Zhenki closed his eyes and immersed himself in his own imaginary world. This time, instead of finding himself in an empty place, he found himself in a vast and surreal landscape. Floating mountains, shimmering rivers of light, and crystal forests stretched out before him, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle.
He decided to explore this world, following his intuition forward. As he advanced, he began to notice an ominous presence on the horizon: a figure surrounded by a dark, purple aura. The figure was wrapped in tattered cloths that fluttered mysteriously around its body, giving it an even more sinister appearance.
Zhenki felt compelled to approach, even though a voice in his mind warned him of the danger. However, his curiosity and desire for knowledge pushed him forward.
When he got close enough, the figure revealed itself to be Cristler, the god of the dark cult. His presence was overwhelming, and Zhenki felt a sense of unease wash over him. He knew this encounter would be crucial for his destiny, but also dangerous.
Cristler looked at him with piercing eyes and a malicious grin on his face.
Cristler: Welcome, Zhenki. I see you've come in search of knowledge. But be careful what you wish for, because knowledge can be both a blessing and a curse.
Zhenki felt a shiver run down his spine but maintained his composure.
Zhenki: I'm willing to take any risk in my pursuit of truth and power.
Cristler nodded, appreciating Zhenki's determination.
Cristler: Very well, then I'll teach you what you need to know. But remember, the price of knowledge can be steep.
With these words, Cristler began to reveal dark and ancient secrets, offering Zhenki forbidden and dangerous knowledge that would change his life forever. However, Zhenki knew that the price of this knowledge would be high and that he would have to face the consequences of his actions.