After the disappearance of Aya Takamine,
Shogun Raizou and Arata Kurogane declared that the Generation Zero no longer existed.
A new age had begun—
the Era of the Vanguards.
Many young people rose to the streets to make a name for themselves.
They didn't fight to survive anymore—
they fought to see who was stronger.
It wasn't peace,
but it was far better than the blood-soaked age of Zero.
[Generation Vanguard Era]
Daisuke Hoshin, age 17, was a normal high school student—
unaware of the world that thrived in the shadows.
Since childhood, his father had trained him every single day.
He didn't even understand why.
He just knew that it made him stronger—
stronger than most without even realizing it.
That morning, Daisuke finally decided to do something he'd been afraid of for months.
He walked up to the girl he liked—Sofia.
Hoshin: "S-Sofia, can I talk to you for a second?"
Sofia: "Sure, what is it?"
Hoshin: "A-Actually, the thing is... I-I..."
Sofia: "What is it, Hoshin?"
Hoshin: "I... I love you."
Sofia's eyes widened.
Sofia: "What!?"
Hoshin: "N-Nevermind..."
Sofia: "...Sorry, but I don't like you."
His heart shattered in two pieces.
Six words were enough to destroy months of courage.
A fire burned in his chest,
and tears threatened to fall—
but he refused to let them.
He lowered his head and walked outside the classroom silently.
Sofia watched him leave, her expression softening.
"I think I was too harsh," she thought.
Outside, Daisuke stood by the window, lost in thought.
"What was that all for?"
"All those dreams... all that courage... just to end like this?"
"I guess I wasn't good enough."
"I don't blame her."
"Just take care... Sofia. I don't think I'll ever see you again."
A tear escaped his eye.
He quickly wiped it away, forcing a smile—
putting on the mask of someone unbothered.
He walked back inside, picked up his bag,
and left the classroom quietly—
Sofia still watching,
regretting her words,
but knowing she had to be honest.
Chapter 111 End