Two years passed in the gentle rhythm of ordinary life.
The morning sun climbed above the horizon, painting the sky in brilliant shades of blue and gold. Wispy clouds drifted lazily across the endless expanse, and birds perched on windowsills sang their cheerful greetings to the new day. The world felt peaceful, serene—full of quiet promise.
Inside a modern hospital building, that same golden sunlight streamed through large windows, filling a bright waiting room with warmth. A wall clock ticked steadily, marking the passage of anxious moments. Kim sat in one of the chairs, his posture tense despite his attempts to appear relaxed. Beside him sat Zero—no longer an infant but a toddler now, approximately two years old, with curious bright eyes that took in everything around him. His small legs swung back and forth, not quite reaching the floor, and he wore a jacket that was perhaps a size too big.
Zero looked up at his father with wide, innocent eyes, his small face scrunched with confusion. "Papa... where's Mama?"
Kim looked down at his son, and despite his own nervous energy, his smile was warm and reassuring. "She'll come soon, buddy. Just be patient a little longer, okay?"
His large hand came to rest gently on Zero's head, tousling the boy's dark hair with affection. Zero leaned into the touch, immediately comforted by the familiar gesture. "Okay, Papa..."
The waiting room door slid open, and a doctor in a white coat stepped through, clipboard in hand. Kim immediately stood, his entire body alert with anticipation.
The doctor approached with a broad smile, extending his hand for a handshake. "Congratulations! Your daughter has been born. Both mother and baby are healthy and doing well."
Relief and joy crashed over Kim like a wave. His eyes glistened, the weight of worry lifting and being replaced by overwhelming happiness. "Thank you... thank you so much."
He quickly bent down to Zero's level, his smile wide and excited. "Zero! You have a little sister now!"
Zero tilted his head slightly, his small face adorably puzzled as he processed this new information. "Sister...?"
Kim took Zero's hand, and together they followed the doctor down the bright hospital corridor. Other staff members passed by, the sounds of a functioning hospital creating a steady backdrop to Kim's racing heart. They stopped in front of room 304, and the doctor gestured for them to enter.
Kim took a deep breath, steadying himself, then pushed the door open with a soft creak.
The private hospital room was bathed in soft natural light from a large window. Medical equipment sat unobtrusively to one side, but Kim's attention was drawn immediately to the center of the room, where Klister lay in the hospital bed. She looked exhausted—her hair slightly disheveled, her face pale—but there was a radiance about her, a glow that had nothing to do with the sunlight streaming through the window.
When she saw them, her eyes lit up. "Kim... Zero..."
Kim moved to her bedside, his expression full of love and concern. Zero stayed close, his small hand still gripped tightly in his father's, his eyes wide as he took in the scene. "Klister... how are you feeling?"
She reached out weakly, and Kim took her hand in his, their fingers intertwining in that intimate way that spoke of years together. "Tired... but happy. So, so happy."
Kim leaned down, his free hand moving tenderly across her forehead, brushing aside strands of damp hair. The gesture was full of affection and gratitude. "You did amazing. I'm so proud of you."
For a moment, they simply held hands—husband and wife, connected by more than just their rings, connected by the life they'd built and the new life they'd just brought into the world.
A friendly nurse appeared beside the bed, cradling a small bundle wrapped in soft pink blankets. "Would you like to hold your daughter, Mr...?"
Kim nodded, releasing Klister's hand and straightening up. His arms extended, slightly nervous but ready. "Yes... please."
The nurse carefully placed the bundled newborn into Kim's arms, and he supported her gently, reverently, as if holding the most precious thing in the entire world. A tiny face peeked out from the pink blanket—delicate features, a small tuft of dark hair, eyes peacefully closed. She slept soundly, utterly innocent and unaware of the wonder she'd already brought into their lives.
Tears glistened at the corners of Kim's eyes. She's so small... he thought, his heart swelling until it felt too large for his chest. So perfect...
He carefully crouched down to Zero's level, still cradling the baby securely. His expression was gentle, encouraging. "Zero, come closer. Come meet your sister."
The toddler took small, hesitant steps forward, his eyes fixed on the tiny bundle. Curiosity and uncertainty warred on his young face as he tried to understand what this meant, what he was supposed to feel.
Kim angled the baby slightly so Zero could see her face clearly. "From today, you're a big brother."
Zero stared at the sleeping infant, his young mind working to process this new reality. His expression slowly shifted from confusion to something like wonder. "Big... brother?"
Kim nodded encouragingly, his voice soft and full of meaning. "That's right. This is your little sister. She's going to need you to protect her and look after her."
Slowly, tentatively, Zero's small hand reached out toward the baby. His movements were careful and gentle despite his young age, as if some instinct told him how fragile she was. His tiny finger made contact with the baby's even tinier hand, and her fingers reflexively curled around his—the instinctive newborn grasp that needed no instruction.
Zero's eyes widened with wonder and delight, and a small, pure smile began to form on his face. "Soft..."
"Say hello to your sister, Zero," Kim encouraged gently.
Zero leaned in closer, his expression suddenly serious and focused, as if he understood the importance of this introduction. With childlike sincerity and the gravity only a two-year-old could muster, he spoke softly.
"Hello... little sister."
From the bed, Klister watched them—her husband crouched down holding their newborn daughter, her son beside him touching his sister's hand with such careful gentleness—and tears streamed down her cheeks. This, she thought, her heart so full it ached. This is everything I ever wanted.
Kim caught her emotional expression and smiled warmly, sharing this perfect moment with her. "Our family is complete now."
He moved closer to the bed, and Zero climbed up onto it beside Klister, who wrapped her arm around him. Kim carefully placed the baby in Klister's arms, and the four of them came together—a family, complete and whole, bathed in the warm golden light of a new beginning.
Fifteen years later.
The morning sky stretched endlessly overhead, brilliant shades of blue dotted with soft, wispy clouds. The sun rose on the horizon, painting the edges of the world with gold and amber, and birds sang their morning chorus with unbridled enthusiasm. The scene was peaceful, serene—the kind of morning that promised good things.
In a modest bedroom, that same morning light streamed through thin curtains, illuminating the figure sprawled awkwardly across the bed. Zero—now seventeen years old, lean with messy dark hair—slept soundly, his position precarious, half-hanging off the edge. His face was peaceful, completely unaware of his impending doom.
In his sleep, Zero's body shifted, rolling precariously toward the edge. Then, with a resounding thud, he tumbled off the bed and hit the floor in an awkward heap.
His eyes, remarkably, remained closed. His face pressed against the floor, a small puddle of drool forming beneath his cheek, but his expression stayed content. He was still completely, utterly asleep.
Downstairs in the cozy dining room, morning light bathed the breakfast table—toast, eggs, juice all laid out neatly. Kim, now in his late thirties but still recognizable, sat with a newspaper held up in front of his face, the pages rustling softly as he turned them.
Klister stood beside the table with her hands on her hips, her expression carrying that universal blend of affection and exasperation that only wives and mothers can perfect. "Kim."
He peeked over the top of the newspaper, a guilty smile already forming. He knew that tone.
"Put down that newspaper and finish your breakfast first!" Klister's eyebrows rose in that way that brooked no argument.
"Yes, dear..." Kim lowered the newspaper sheepishly, like a child caught with his hand in the cookie jar.
Klister turned toward the hallway, cupping her hands around her mouth. "Zoe! Come down here!"
The sound of footsteps thundered down the stairs, and Zoe appeared—fifteen years old, energetic, with a mischievous glint in her eyes that reminded Kim far too much of her mother. She bounded into the room with youthful energy. "Yeah, Mom?"
Klister pointed toward the stairs. "Go check if your brother is awake. If he's not, wake him up. He can't be late on his first day of college."
An evil, delighted smile spread across Zoe's face, her eyes practically sparkling with anticipation. "With pleasure~"
She stomped up the stairs with exaggerated determination, like a soldier marching into battle. Time to annihilate the enemy! she thought gleefully.
Outside Zero's door, Zoe wound up like a baseball pitcher preparing for the game-winning throw. Then she slammed her fist against the door repeatedly, loud and aggressive. "ZERO! Wake up, you lazy bum!"
She burst into the room, ready for battle—but stopped short. The bed was empty, rumpled sheets indicating someone had slept there, but no Zero.
"Huh...? He's not here?" Disappointment immediately deflated her enthusiasm. She slumped her shoulders, turning back toward the door with a dejected pout. Aw man... I can't tease him if he's already gone...
But then her foot paused mid-step. A soft sound reached her ears—the unmistakable sound of snoring.
Her head slowly turned back toward the room, a sinister smile creeping across her face. "Oh...?"
There, sprawled on the floor beside his bed in the most ridiculous position imaginable, was Zero. Still completely, impossibly asleep.
Zoe's grin widened into full villain mode, a dark aura practically emanating from her. Perfect.
She tiptoed with exaggerated stealth toward the bathroom, trying not to laugh. At the sink, she filled a large bucket with cold water, watching it sparkle ominously in the morning light. Carrying the heavy bucket back required both hands, and she struggled slightly with the weight, but determination kept her going.
Standing directly above the sleeping Zero, bucket raised high, Zoe savored her moment of triumph.
Then she dumped the entire bucket of ice-cold water directly onto Zero's face and body.
Zero's eyes snapped open in sheer panic. His body jerked upward, flailing wildly. "GAAAHHH! WHAT THE—?!"
He sat up, completely drenched, water dripping from his hair and clothes. He looked around frantically, disoriented and sputtering. "Cough! Cough! What—where—?!"
Above him, Zoe stood with the empty bucket in hand, wearing the most satisfied grin imaginable. "Good morning, sleepyhead~!"
Zero's expression shifted from shock to annoyed recognition as he wiped water from his eyes. "Zoe...! What the hell?!"
She placed the bucket down and crossed her arms, completely unapologetic. "Wake up. It's already late. First day of college, remember?"
She headed toward the door, waving dismissively over her shoulder. "Mom made breakfast. Better hurry before it gets cold~"
Zero sat in a puddle on his floor, still processing what had just happened. A vein throbbed on his forehead. "...I'm going to get her back for this."
When the family gathered around the breakfast table, Kim was eating his breakfast with the newspaper finally put away, Klister sipped her tea contentedly, and Zoe munched on toast looking extremely pleased with herself.
Zero trudged in, hair still slightly damp, wearing fresh clothes but clearly annoyed. He dropped into his chair with a heavy thud, shooting Zoe a dark look. She grinned innocently back at him.
Klister looked at her son with gentle concern and mild scolding. "You're going to be late again, aren't you? Aren't you excited? It's your first day of college!"
Zoe leaned back in her chair, gesturing dramatically. "How could he be excited, Mom? Our high school and college are in the same compound." She grinned mockingly at Zero. "What's the difference? Same place, same faces—just a different building. Must feel real special, huh, big brother?"
Kim looked up from his breakfast with a reasonable expression. "Isn't that a good thing, though? You don't have to travel far. It's convenient."
Zero picked at his food, his expression unimpressed. "You guys seem way more excited about this than I am."
He raised an eyebrow at Zoe. "Wait—are you coming with me?"
She finished her toast and stood up energetically. "Yep! I've got early club activities today."
Klister reached out toward Zero as he stood to leave. "Zero, at least finish your breakfast—"
But both siblings were already at the door, putting on their shoes. They spoke in perfect unison without looking back. "We'll grab something on the way! Bye, Mom! Bye, Dad!"
The door slammed shut behind them with finality.
Klister sat back down with a resigned sigh. Kim chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Sigh... Those two..."
"They're just like us at that age," Kim said with a fond smile.
Zero and Zoe walked side by side down a clean, tree-lined street, the morning bright and peaceful around them. Other students could be seen in the distance, all heading in the same general direction. The background chatter of other conversations created a comfortable ambient sound.
They approached a large barrier blocking the road, a prominent sign reading: "ROAD CLOSED - TAKE ALTERNATE ROUTE."
Zoe stopped in front of the sign with her hands on her hips, clearly frustrated. "Sigh... Another one?"
Her expression shifted to a mix of annoyance and resignation. "It must be another Teleportation Orb incident. That's the third one this month."
They turned down a side street, walking together in companionable silence, and Zero's thoughts began to drift. Teleportation Orbs...
A memory surfaced—young Zero, maybe seven or eight years old, looking up at Kim with curious eyes while his father spoke with unusual seriousness. They started appearing the year Dad and Mom found me, Zero thought, his eyes growing distant as they walked.
He knew his father always said the Orbs began eighteen years ago, but Zero suspected the truth was more specific than that. They started the same year I was born, he thought, a subtle, sad smile crossing his face. Maybe Dad thinks I'll feel guilty... like it's my fault somehow.
His expression firmed up, becoming more pragmatic. But it could just be coincidence. Lots of children were born that year. It doesn't mean anything... right?
An image formed in his mind—Kim wearing tactical gear and equipment, looking serious and battle-ready. Dad's a Hunter now. He doesn't talk about it much—won't tell us the details. Zero remembered tugging on Kim's sleeve when he was younger, looking up with curious eyes while his father's expression remained reluctant to share too much.
When they asked about his work, Kim would give them only the basics: "A Teleportation Orb appears and creates a zone. It swaps a section of our world with another dimension. Then a Gate forms on the surface, and monsters come through."
It sounded like something out of a fantasy novel, Zero thought, but it was real. Undeniably, terrifyingly real.
But Dad never explains WHY it happens, Zero's eyebrows furrowed in frustration. Maybe... he doesn't know either.
"Hey! Earth to Zero! Where are you?" Zoe waved her hand in front of Zero's face, looking concerned and annoyed.
He shook his head slightly, refocusing on his surroundings. "Huh? What?"
She pointed ahead toward a large building complex—the school. "Are you seriously daydreaming while walking? We're here already!"
The educational institution was modern and sprawling, with two separate buildings clearly visible—one labeled "High School," the other "College." Students streamed through the gates in a steady flow, their chatter creating a wall of sound.
Zoe turned toward the high school building, waving casually over her shoulder. "See you after school, sleepyhead. Try not to fall asleep in class!"
Zero gave a small wave back, then turned toward the college building. "Yeah... see you."
He climbed the steps leading to the entrance, surrounded by other students but feeling strangely separate from them. Why do I keep thinking about this stuff? he wondered, his hand gripping the stair railing tighter than necessary. Is it because... I've been feeling different lately?
His face showed confusion, uncertainty—something weighing on him that he couldn't quite name. For the past few weeks, something's been... off. Like there's something inside me, waiting...
Lost in thought, Zero walked directly into another student, stumbling backward slightly.
"Ah—!" He quickly bowed his head, apologetic. "Sorry! I wasn't watching where I was—"
The boy he'd bumped into glared down at him—tall, with an arrogant expression and arms crossed. "What, 'sorry'? Are you daydreaming in broad daylight, little owl?"
He smirked condescendingly, looking at Zero like an insect. "Watch where you're going next time."
Zero didn't respond. He simply sidestepped and continued toward the building, his expression neutral and controlled. Not worth it, he thought, forcing himself to stay calm. First day... just ignore him.
In the bathroom, Zero turned on the faucet and cupped his hands under the cold water. He splashed it onto his face, the shock of cold helping to clear his mind. Water dripped from his face as he stared at his reflection in the mirror, his expression serious and searching.
Get it together...
He grabbed a paper towel and patted his face dry, then made his way to his classroom.
The typical college classroom had desks arranged in rows and large windows letting in natural light. A few students were already seated, chatting quietly. Zero stepped through the door and looked around for an empty seat. He chose one near the window—middle row, not too far forward or back—and sat down.
"Hey there!" A cheerful voice spoke up from the desk next to him.
Zero turned to see a boy with a friendly face, open expression, glasses, and slightly messy brown hair smiling warmly at him. "I'm Ryo. Nice to meet you!"
Zero responded with a small, polite smile. "Zero. Nice to meet you too."
Ryo leaned in, propping his chin on his hand and looking interested. "Are you a newcomer too? I transferred here this semester."
Zero shook his head, gesturing vaguely toward the window where the high school building was visible. "No, I was in the high school here before. Just moved up to the college division."
Ryo nodded understandingly, seeming pleased to have made a connection. "Ah, I see! Well, it's still nice to meet someone on the first day. I don't really know anyone yet."
Zero relaxed slightly, appreciating Ryo's genuine friendliness. "Same here."
They continued talking casually—comfortable, easy conversation that made the nervous energy of a first day feel less overwhelming. Time passed naturally as they discovered common interests and exchanged information about their classes.
Then the classroom door slid open with more force than necessary. Conversations paused as heads turned toward the entrance.
The boy from the hallway—the one Zero had bumped into—strode in confidently, flanked by two other boys. His presence immediately dominated the room, and students instinctively avoided eye contact.
His gaze swept the room and landed on Zero. Recognition flashed across his face, followed by a predatory smirk. "Well, well..."
Great, Zero thought, his expression tightening slightly as he looked away, hoping desperately to be ignored.
But the boy—Yami, as his companions called him—walked directly toward Zero's desk, his two lackeys following like shadows. He placed one hand on Zero's desk, leaning down slightly with a mocking grin.
"How are you doing, little owl?"
The two lackeys flanked him, grinning nastily. One was stocky and muscular; the other was tall and lanky. "Yami, did you find a new toy?" the stocky one asked.
Yami straightened up, looking pleased with himself. "Yeah. Found myself a little owl to play with."
Ryo suddenly pushed his chair back and stood, his friendly demeanor replaced with firm resolve. "That's enough."
He stepped slightly in front of Zero, facing Yami directly despite the clear physical disadvantage. "Mind your own business. Don't bother us."
Yami's smirk faded into something more menacing, and the atmosphere in the classroom grew tense. "Oh? And who the hell are you?"
Behind Ryo, Zero covered his face with one hand, sighing quietly. Here we go, he thought with resignation. I knew this would happen.
Before the situation could escalate further, the classroom door slid open and the teacher stepped in, carrying a briefcase. "Alright, everyone, settle down. Take your seats."
Yami held Zero and Ryo's gaze for a long, threatening moment before finally turning away. "...We'll continue this later."
He and his lackeys returned to the back of the classroom, but their eyes remained fixed on Zero and Ryo like predators marking their prey.
Ryo sat back down, still looking tense. He leaned toward Zero, speaking quietly. "Do you know them? Are they from your high school?"
Zero glanced back briefly at Yami, then returned his attention forward. "No. I just bumped into him in the hallway this morning. That's when it started."
Ryo's expression grew worried as he glanced back at Yami's group. "Be careful. Guys like that... they don't let things go easily."
Zero didn't respond, simply staring forward as the teacher began the lesson. I know, he thought grimly.
The teacher wrote on the board, beginning the first lesson, and the classroom settled into routine. "Welcome to your first day. Let's begin with introductions and course overview..."
When the lunch bell rang, students began to relax, pulling out lunches and chatting. The atmosphere lightened considerably. Zero and Ryo remained seated, talking casually, and Zero felt himself beginning to relax.
Then a shadow fell over their desks. Both looked up simultaneously.
Yami and his two lackeys stood there, blocking the light. Their expressions were hostile. "Break time, little owls. Let's have some fun."
Ryo immediately got to his feet, positioning himself protectively. "We're not interested. Leave us alone."
The stocky lackey suddenly grabbed Ryo by the shoulder and shoved him hard. "Shut up, guard dog."
Ryo crashed to the floor, his glasses flying off his face and skittering across the floor.
Zero shot to his feet, eyes blazing with anger. "That's enough!"
The classroom fell silent. All other students watched with wide eyes, but no one intervened. The atmosphere was thick with tension and fear.
The tall lackey crouched beside Ryo, grinning cruelly. "So, how does it feel, owl's guard? Not so tough now, are you?"
Zero stepped forward, fists clenched at his sides, his expression cold with controlled anger. "I said, that's enough."
Yami threw his head back and laughed as if Zero had just told the funniest joke. "Oh? And what are you going to do about it, little owl?"
Zero didn't hesitate. His fist swung toward Yami's face with surprising speed—but Yami tilted his head to the side, the punch sailing harmlessly past his ear. His expression remained amused, unbothered.
"Is that all you've got?"
The stocky lackey stepped forward, pointing accusingly at Zero. "What do you think you can do against him? Yami's an E-Rank Awakener!"
His expression was full of contempt as he continued, "And you? You're just a pathetic, powerless human!"
Yami's fist drove into Zero's stomach with brutal force. Pain exploded through Zero's body as he doubled over, spit flying from his mouth. Before he could recover, Yami's knee shot up, connecting with Zero's face with a sickening crack.
Zero staggered backward, blood beginning to drip from his nose.
On the ground, Ryo struggled to push himself up. "Zero—!"
But the lanky bully's foot slammed into Ryo's ribs, sending him sprawling again. "Stay down, guard dog!"
What followed was systematic and brutal. Yami's fists connected with Zero's face, then stomach, then face again. Each impact sent blood and sweat flying. By the time Yami grabbed Zero's collar and yanked him forward, Zero's face was a mess—blood streaming from his nose and split lip, one eye swelling shut.
But his other eye remained open. Defiant.
"How does it feel now, little owl?" Yami lifted Zero off the ground by his collar, their faces inches apart. "Not so brave anymore, are you?"
Blood dripped from Zero's chin, his breathing ragged and painful. But that eye... that eye still burned with something Yami couldn't quite name.
With a contemptuous motion, Yami hurled Zero across the room. Zero's body hit the floor hard, rolling several times before coming to a stop in a broken heap.
Yami dusted off his hands dismissively. "Both the owl and his guard are down." He turned toward the door, his lackeys following, and called back over his shoulder with cruel laughter, "Next time, bring more guards with you. Maybe then you'll last longer."
The other students remained frozen—some looking away in shame, others staring in shock. No one had helped. No one would help.
Zero lay on the cold classroom floor, blood pooling beneath his face, his body trembling from pain and exhaustion. Blood dripped steadily onto the floor—drip... drip... drip...
Then, slowly, painfully, Zero's hand began to move. His fingers curled, pressing against the floor with a weak scraping sound. With tremendous effort, his arms shaking violently from the strain, Zero began pushing his battered body up from the ground.
Blood continued to flow from his nose and mouth, creating a steady stream of droplets. Still on his knees, Zero raised his hand to his face and wiped the blood away with the back of his hand, staining his knuckles red.
With a grunt of pain and determination, Zero forced himself to his feet. His stance was unsteady, swaying slightly, but he was standing. His face was a mess of blood and bruises, but his expression... his expression was pure, unyielding defiance.
"First..." Zero's voice was rough, damaged, but steady. He slowly, deliberately lifted his arm, drawing it back as if preparing to throw a punch. "...make me stay down."
As Zero pulled his arm back, a faint, ethereal light began to emanate from his fist. It was subtle at first, barely visible—but it was there. A low humming sound filled the air, building steadily.
Yami and his lackeys, who had been walking toward the door, stopped and turned around, sensing something wrong. "What the—?"
The glow around Zero's fist suddenly intensified, becoming brighter, impossible to ignore. The air around him began to shimmer with power.
Zero's eyes, previously clouded with pain, now shone with an otherworldly light. Something ancient and powerful stirred within him, something that had been waiting for this exact moment.
Without Zero even completing his punch motion, an invisible concussive force exploded outward from his raised fist with a deafening boom.
All three—Yami and both lackeys—were suddenly lifted off their feet and hurled backward through the air, as if struck by a massive invisible hand. Their screams of shock filled the classroom as they flew.
They slammed into the back wall with devastating force. The plaster cracked, spider-web patterns radiating from three impact points. Dust and debris fell from the ceiling as the wall groaned from the impact.
Yami and his two lackeys slumped to the ground, completely unconscious, their bodies lying in awkward, defeated heaps.
The classroom remained in shocked silence. Every single student stared in absolute disbelief, mouths hanging open, eyes wide. No one moved. No one breathed.
And Zero, bloodied and battered, stood in the center of it all—his fist still glowing with fading light, something fundamental about the world having just shifted forever.