Chapter 1: Humiliation
A seventeen-year-old boy, Kaito, was wiping a table in a small restaurant that was busier than usual. The glossy surface reflected his face—worn from work, yet still carrying traces of enthusiasm. His clothes were smudged with grease and dirt from the long hours he had spent cleaning and serving.
From the corner, a television broadcasted the news. "Applications have officially opened for the prestigious Mythical Terrain Academy, the world's most elite soul academy—" Kaito's hands slowed, then stopped without realizing it, he lifted his head and stared at the screen. Towering structures, elite Beastkin, and dazzling Soul Cards filled the display. The announcer spoke of glory, power, and opportunity—the academy that stood at the very pinnacle of the world. Whispers floated through the restaurant.
"Why do they even advertise that?"
"As if people like us could afford it."
"Just the application costs several soul coins."
"Hell… one Soul Card alone is nearly fifteen million yen."
Kaito swallowed. Barely audible, he muttered, "If only… if only I could enter any soul academy." Suddenly—a yellowish hand grabbed his neck. Kaito's feet left the floor. The world spun as he was lifted into the air. Before he could realize anything, reality hit him like a wall. Before him stood a man in a finely tailored suit. His arm was no longer human; it had transformed into a leopard-like limb, thick with muscle and unnatural power. Before Kaito could process it-
BANG!
He was slammed face-first into the table he had been cleaning. The table splintered into pieces. Pain tore through him as he fell to the floor. A foot pressed down on his chest, crushing him like prey beneath a predator's paw. The man loomed over him, eyes blazing with contempt. "A trash dares to speak of soul academies?!!" His voice was cold, sharp, and merciless, filled with disgust. "Bugs like you aren't even worth my time. Know your place—or die."
Kaito screamed. Pain radiated through every nerve. "Kaito!" Hiroshi, the restaurant owner, rushed forward, dropping to his knees. His forehead hit the floor as he bowed deeply. "Please! Forgive him! He doesn't know his place—he's just foolish!" The Beastkin clicked his tongue. Disgust twisted his expression. He stepped back, pulling tissues from his pocket. Sitting down, he wiped his palms and feet violently—the very surfaces that had touched Kaito—like they were contaminated. His actions were fueled by pure disgust. Standing again, he reached into his pocket, grabbed something, and threw it onto Kaito's face, which was already bleeding from the violent slam.
Clink. Clink.
Several soul coins scattered across the floor. Each was worth millions of yen. He spat beside Kaito's face, who was still in shock. "Use these," he said, his voice low and deadly, "to apply to any soul academy you want. But mark my words—you will be crushed like the very bug that you are. "Looking at the soul coins lying on the floor, everyone's eyes filled with greed. The Beastkin's throat shifted unnaturally, muscles tensing as a leopard-like roar tore from him. "I want you to feel it… the way a bug like you is crushed by real Beastkin. Anyone besides this trash who touches these coins will be hunted. Tortured. Then killed." The restaurant froze. No one dared to move. The Beastkin turned and left. Through the glass wall of the restaurant, Hiroshi watched him rub his hands violently as he walked away.
Moments passed. The restaurant returned to normal. Conversations resumed. Chopsticks clinked. People ate as if nothing had happened. Hiroshi rushed to Kaito's side, reaching out to help him. But Kaito was already moving. Slowly, painfully, he gathered the soul coins—one by one. Tears streamed down his face, teeth grinding, blood still dripping from the wound, humiliation burning in his chest.
Anger.
Grief.
Shame.
Humiliation.
For a single dream—or even a THOUGHT—he dared to utter… this was the price. Yet he continued collecting the coins. Fingers clenched around each one, a spark of determination flickering in his eyes.
One day… he would repay this world.