In a time of constant wars, a boy was born with a power unlike anything humans had ever seen. Rejected by society, he faced bullying and scorn everywhere he went.
Alarm blares
"Ugh… another boring day…"
He groaned, silenced the alarm, and muttered to himself, "Another routine day… maybe today will be different."
I'm Kai. I hate routine—I crave change. I've tried working in countless places, but always left because of monotony. Today, though… today is my first day in gem and mana mining.
When Kai arrived at the site, he was greeted by a sea of workers. He asked around for the manager and was pointed in the right direction.
"I'm Kai, here to work," he said.
The manager smiled. "Welcome. I'm Minma, in charge here. Put on your uniform, grab your gear, and join the others."
Kai nodded, his heart racing. Wow… this is way bigger than I imagined… I hope I can keep up.
He donned his work clothes, grabbed his equipment, and stepped into the cave… only to be stunned by the sight before him.
Kai whispered, "All these stones… and that aura… what is this?"
Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows:
"What are you doing here?! This is my home. Anyone who trespasses dies here… and it seems you're eager to join them!"
The figure lunged at a worker, but Kai acted fast, blocking and pushing him back.
Kai: "No way… he's insanely strong… gotta be quick… no time to hesitate!"
Kai called out, "Ready for this, Leo?"
A strange creature appeared beside him. "Always."
It conjured two daggers out of thin air, gripping them tightly.
The villain sneered, "Hmm… someone worthy, finally. But too bad—you'll be my first victim."
Kai gritted his teeth. "Talk is over… let's go!" I can't let him hurt anyone… even if it costs me my life.
The villain roared, "I am Shinra! This is the last name you'll ever hear!"
He dashed at Kai with blinding speed. Kai dodged, retaliated with a kick that sent Shinra flying.
Kai: "He's stronger than I imagined… need to stay focused…"
Shinra launched an even more powerful attack. Kai barely managed to block it. The villain laughed and kicked Kai sideways, slamming him into the cave wall. His eyes closed, Kai braced himself. Opening them, he saw Shinra standing before him.
Kai: "No… I can't give up… I have to find a way…"
Shinra shouted, "This is your end!"
He lunged, dagger aimed at Kai… and froze.
From the shadows, a figure emerged. "Trying to kill a worker while I'm still alive? You clearly don't know me. I'm Saru, squad leader."
He lifted Shinra and slammed him into the ground, then walked toward Kai.
Saru: "Are you insane… fighting someone stronger than you?"
Shinra tried to attack Saru, but froze again.
Saru: "I said don't interrupt!"
With brutal precision, he crushed Shinra's bones while he was still alive and threw him to his team.
Saru: "Bind him."
Kai tried to run but felt Saru's hand on his shoulder.
Saru: "Where do you think you're going?"
Kai: "I… I can't run… I have to work with him…"
Saru: "You're coming with me."
They arrived at the General Center, the hub for punishing criminals and measuring strength levels. Saru handed Kai to the head of the center.
Saru: "I captured the criminal."
Head: "Yes… I know. What did you do to him? Why crush his bones?"
Saru: "He interrupted me."
Head: "That's not an excuse… anyway, who's this boy?"
Saru: "He fought Shinra and nearly died."
Head: "His rank?"
Kai: "Rank…? I don't know yet."
Head: "Take him to the Rank Measurement Department."
Ranks measure a person's power and can evolve with training. From weakest to strongest: Q, R, S, T, U… with V being the pinnacle. Some surpass even the highest rank…
Saru led Kai to the department. "Wait here for your turn. Follow instructions or… you're dead. Got it?"
Kai nodded quickly. This is insane… I have to be extremely careful…
Minutes later, it was Kai's turn.
Officer: "Remove your aura."
Kai did as instructed.
Officer: "Place your hand on the device."
The device displayed two results: one R, one U.
The doctor's eyes widened. "Two ranks from one person…?"
He left briefly.
Returning to the head, he reported the results.
Head: "Two ranks?! Bring him to the special testing room!"
A staff member led Kai to a door. "Enter."
Kai stepped inside, tension coursing through him. What awaits me here? I have to give it everything…
Inside, the head stood before him.
Head: "Show me your true self."