Chapter 1
The Boy Who Lost Everything
The rain fell like the sky itself was mourning.
Steiten stood alone in the ruins of what was once his home. The walls that had protected his family for generations were now nothing more than broken stones covered in mud and blood.
The silence was worse than the destruction.
A few hours ago, this place had been alive.
There had been voices.
There had been laughter.
There had been hope.
Now there was only emptiness.
Steiten slowly walked through the remains of the courtyard, his footsteps heavy. His hands trembled as he looked at the place where his father had stood for the last time.
He still remembered his final words.
"Never let this world decide who you are."
At the time, Steiten did not understand.
Now he did.
The world had decided for him.
It had taken everything.
His family.
His name.
His future.
He clenched his fist.
"Why?" he whispered.
The rain answered with silence.
For years, Steiten had believed strength came from honor. He believed good people were protected by fate.
He was wrong.
The strong took what they wanted.
The weak were forgotten.
And the kind were usually the first to die.
A cold wind passed through the ruins.
Then...
A voice spoke.
"Interesting."
Steiten froze.
His eyes moved toward the darkness beyond the broken walls.
"Who is there?"
No answer.
Only the sound of rain.
He reached for the old sword beside him. It was damaged, but it was the only thing his family had left behind.
"Show yourself."
A quiet laugh echoed.
"Hehehe..."
The sound did not come from one direction.
It came from everywhere.
Steiten tightened his grip.
"Who are you?"
A figure slowly stepped out from the shadows.
A man.
Or something that looked like one.
He wore a long black coat covered in strange symbols. His face was hidden, but Steiten could feel his gaze.
The stranger looked around the destroyed home.
"So this is where your story begins."
Steiten frowned.
"What are you talking about?"
The stranger tilted his head.
"You lost everything today."
His voice became colder.
"And now you finally understand the truth."
"What truth?"
The stranger smiled.
"This world is cruel, little boy."
The words struck harder than Steiten expected.
"Those who cannot adapt are destroyed. Those who hesitate are consumed. Those who remain weak are forgotten."
He stepped closer.
"But you..."
The stranger looked directly into Steiten's eyes.
"You survived."
Steiten said nothing.
The stranger laughed softly.
"Hehehe... today is your lucky day."
"Why?"
"Because you met me."
The wind became stronger.
The stranger raised his hand.
"I can change you."
Steiten stared at him.
"And what do you want in return?"
The stranger smiled.
"Good."
"You still have a brain."
He moved closer.
"Power always has a price."
Steiten looked down at his broken sword.
"I have nothing left."
The stranger's smile widened.
"Exactly."
"People who have everything fear losing it."
"But people who have lost everything..."
"They are free."
For the first time that night, Steiten felt something other than pain.
A small spark.
A possibility.
The stranger extended his hand.
"Stand up, Steiten."
His eyes narrowed.
"Your old life is over."
"Now..."
"Your real story begins."
End of Chapter 1