Zero stood frozen in the destroyed classroom, his arm still raised from the invisible force he'd unleashed. The three unconscious bullies lay crumpled against the cracked wall like broken dolls, and in that suspended moment, the world held its breath.
Then something changed.
A visible distortion began to radiate from Zero's body—like heat waves rising from scorched pavement, but darker, more oppressive. The air itself seemed to warp and twist around him, reality bending under the weight of something unnatural.
The dark, oppressive energy exploded outward in all directions, filling the classroom in an instant. Shadowy waves rippled through the air, and suddenly the entire room was saturated with Zero's overwhelming aura—a shimmering distortion that made everything appear hazy and threatening, as if the world itself was drowning.
A student near the front gasped, clutching his chest, his eyes rolling back. "I... I can't... breathe..."
One by one, students began dropping like flies. Their bodies went limp, collapsing into their seats or onto the floor with heavy thuds. A girl's face showed pure terror for a split second before her eyes rolled back and she slumped forward onto her desk.
In rapid succession, every conscious student in the classroom fainted. Bodies crumpled everywhere—on desks, chairs, the floor—like an invisible plague sweeping through. The classroom fell silent except for the low, oppressive hum of Zero's aura, pulsing outward in waves that seemed to press down on everything, everyone.
Only Zero remained standing, unaware, his aura still radiating outward like the heartbeat of something ancient and terrible.
In the hallway outside, the teacher—a woman in her early thirties with professional attire and normally confident demeanor—walked toward the classroom carrying a folder. Her heels clicked against the floor in a steady rhythm.
But then she paused mid-step, her expression shifting from calm to uncertain. Something felt... wrong.
Her eyes narrowed, focusing on the classroom door ahead, and beads of sweat formed on her forehead. Dark, shadowy energy seeped through the cracks around the door like smoke, spreading into the hallway with insidious purpose.
Her eyes widened in recognition and fear, her body instinctively taking a step back. This pressure... this aura...
But then she remembered—her students. She closed her eyes momentarily, gathering courage, her hands clenching into fists. But my students... I need to make sure they're safe!
With visible determination, she extended her trembling hand toward the door handle. The door slowly swung open, and the oppressive aura immediately hit her like a physical wall.
The moment her foot crossed the threshold, her entire body recoiled as if struck by an invisible battering ram. "Guh—!"
Her knees immediately buckled under the overwhelming pressure, and she grabbed the doorframe for support, struggling to stay upright. But it wasn't enough. She crashed to her knees, both hands now pressed flat against the floor to keep from collapsing completely.
"What... what is this...?!"
Sweat poured down her face as her teeth gritted, every muscle straining against the unseen force pressing down on her. This pressure... it's like gravity itself has multiplied! It was more than that—it felt like massive invisible hands pressing down on her shoulders and back, forcing her toward the ground, compelling her into a bowing position against her will.
Her arms shook violently, barely able to support her weight. No... it's more than that... it feels like something is forcing me to bow!
Fear and confusion warred across her features. I know my limits as a Lower D-Rank Awakener, but... Her eyes widened in disbelief. ...what is this power that's making even ME feel completely helpless?!
From her position on the floor, she could see the unconscious students scattered throughout the classroom. Everyone... everyone's down...
Despite the crushing pressure, she forced her head to begin lifting, neck muscles straining against the impossible weight. With tremendous effort, she managed to tilt her head back slightly, her gaze moving toward the center of the room.
Through blurred, strained vision, she saw Zero standing alone in the center of the classroom, completely still, like a statue, surrounded by the oppressive aura that radiated from him in visible waves.
Her eyes locked onto him, and something changed in her perception. The background seemed to dissolve into cosmic imagery—endless space, swirling galaxies, infinite darkness. In this vision, Zero appeared as a silhouette against an infinite void, his form seeming to contain entire universes within it—stars, nebulae, endless depth spiraling into infinity.
What... what am I seeing...? Terror filled her eyes, tears forming at the corners. It's like... looking into an infinite realm...
Blood suddenly welled up from her mouth, spilling past her lips. She coughed violently, blood spattering onto the floor beneath her, and her arms gave out completely. She fell face-first onto the floor, her body going limp.
Lying prone, her eyes remained open, filled with primal fear, blood pooling near her mouth. I... I can't... I can't even move... Her fingers twitched uselessly against the floor as the oppressive aura grew even denser, darker, the air seeming to solidify around her. The suppression... it's getting stronger... I'm going to...
Then, suddenly, the oppressive darkness began to lighten, becoming less dense. The crushing pressure eased slightly, and the invisible hands pressing down on her began to fade away, becoming translucent.
She sucked in a desperate breath, her lungs finally able to expand fully. "Hah! Hah! Hah!"
The dark, oppressive energy dissipated entirely, dissolving like smoke in wind, and the classroom returned to normal lighting. Zero, still standing, suddenly swayed unsteadily, his eyes beginning to close. Then his legs gave out and he crumpled to the floor in a heap, completely unconscious.
The classroom was filled with unconscious bodies—students, bullies, Zero—all lying motionless. Only the teacher remained conscious, still on her hands and knees, trembling and breathing heavily. She pushed herself up slowly, her face pale and covered in sweat and blood.
She sat back on her heels, wiping blood from her mouth with a shaking hand, relief washing over her features. "It's... it's over..."
But as she stared at Zero's unconscious form, her expression was haunted—a mixture of fear, awe, and deep concern. What... what is that boy?
Time passed, marked by the steady ticking of a clock on the wall.
In the clean, white-curtained school clinic, sunlight streamed through windows, creating a peaceful atmosphere. Zero lay in a hospital-style bed, still unconscious, a thin blanket covering him. His face had been cleaned of blood and looked peaceful in sleep.
Ryo sat in a chair beside the bed, his face bandaged where he'd been injured, his broken glasses replaced with a new pair. He watched Zero with concern, waiting patiently.
Zero's eyelids twitched, then slowly began to open. His vision was blurred at first—everything out of focus, a figure sitting beside him but not clear. Then his vision sharpened, and Ryo's concerned face came into focus.
"Ryo...?"
Ryo immediately perked up, relief flooding his expression. "Zero! You're awake!"
Zero began pushing himself up on his elbows, wincing slightly. Ryo leaned forward as if to help but stopped himself. "Easy, take it slow. You've been sleeping for two hours."
Zero blinked, processing this information, his face showing confusion and concern. "Two hours...? What happened?" His expression became urgent, concerned for his friend. "Wait—are you alright? You were hurt pretty badly..."
Ryo self-consciously touched the bandages on his face, giving a weak smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just some bruises and cuts. Nothing serious." He leaned back in his chair, gesturing as he spoke. "The teacher... she said your powers probably awakened during the fight." His expression became more animated, excited despite himself. "You completely destroyed those guys! Sent them flying across the room!" He gave Zero a gentle, understanding look. "Then you collapsed from exhaustion. She said it's normal for a first awakening."
Zero stared down at his hands, flexing his fingers slowly, his expression troubled and uncertain. "I... did that...?"
Ryo stood up, heading toward the door. "Let me go get the teacher. She said to inform her as soon as you woke up." He paused at the doorway, looking back with a genuine smile. "I'm really glad you're okay, Zero."
The door closed with a soft click, and Zero sat alone in the quiet clinic, staring at his hands in the sunlight. Power... I have power now?
Ryo entered a small waiting room where the teacher sat reading through papers. She looked up immediately. "Teacher, Zero's awake."
She immediately set down her papers and stood, her expression grave but controlled. "Thank you, Ryo. Take me to him."
They walked down the hallway together, the teacher's face showing complex emotions—concern, fear, curiosity. Outside the clinic room, she took a breath, composing herself, before opening the door.
She walked to Zero's bedside, her professional demeanor firmly in place despite the lingering fear in her eyes. "How are you feeling now, Zero?"
Zero sat up straighter, looking more alert. "I'm feeling better now, thank you. I'm sorry for causing trouble."
Her expression became more serious, eyes searching his face. "Have you ever used that power before? At any point in your past?"
He looked genuinely confused by the question. "No, never. Why do you ask?" His expression was open, honest—clearly telling the truth. "Is something wrong?"
She maintained her professional mask, forcing a reassuring smile. "No, nothing's wrong. It's actually quite common." She gestured casually, as if discussing something routine. "Powers can awaken suddenly during moments of extreme stress or danger. What you experienced was likely your first awakening."
But inside, her thoughts were different. I wish... I wish that power was just a normal awakening... A brief memory flashed—her vision of the infinite realm within Zero, the cosmic horror she'd witnessed.
She shook off the memory, focusing back on Zero with renewed determination. "Actually, there's someone I'd like you to meet."
He tilted his head slightly, intrigued but uncertain. "Someone...?"
"Are you in any condition to come with me to my office? There's a matter we need to discuss." Her tone was professional but carried an undertone of urgency.
Zero looked down at himself, then back at her, his expression showing willingness despite lingering confusion. "I... I think I can manage."
A small, genuine smile crossed her face—relief mixed with apprehension. "Good. Please, follow me when you're ready."
Zero swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood, Ryo moving to support him if needed. The teacher stood near the door, her back to them, hand on the handle. Sunlight streamed through the window, but shadows lingered in the corners.
I need to know, she thought as she opened the door. What exactly are you, Zero?
Outside the teacher's office, she turned to address Ryo. "Ryo, I need you to wait out here."
Ryo looked surprised and a bit disappointed but nodded respectfully. "Oh... okay. I understand."
She opened the door and gestured for Zero to enter. "Zero, please come inside."
Zero stepped through the doorway, glancing back briefly at Ryo before entering. The door closed with a soft click, and Ryo was left alone in the hallway, watching with curiosity and concern.
Inside the well-organized office with its bookshelves, desk, and filing cabinets, a figure stood with his back to them, silhouetted against the bright sunlight streaming through the large window.
The silhouette was tall, broad-shouldered, with a commanding presence even from behind. Zero's expression showed uncertainty as the man slowly turned away from the window, his features coming into view.
This was Ken Ryuji—late thirties to early forties, sharp features, confident eyes, wearing a formal suit with a distinctive badge on his lapel. His expression was professional, evaluating, with an air of quiet power and intelligence.
The teacher stepped forward, gesturing formally between them. "Zero, this is Ken Ryuji, Deputy Chairman of the Hunter Bureau." She turned to Ryuji, gesturing toward Zero. "And this is—"
Before she could finish, Zero stepped forward and bowed slightly, showing proper respect. "I am Zero. It's an honor to meet you, sir."
Ryuji's eyes narrowed slightly, studying Zero with professional interest, and a small, unreadable smile crossed his face. "Polite. That's good." He assumed a more casual but still authoritative stance, arms folded across his chest. "Your teacher called me here specifically for you, Zero." His expression remained serious. "I'm here to measure your rank. Normally, I'm far too busy to handle these assessments personally." A hint of impatience crossed his face, though it was controlled. "But your case... apparently warranted an exception."
He made a decisive gesture, ready to move forward. "Whatever. Let's get this done. We'll head to the Hunter Bureau now."
Zero lifted his hand in a polite stopping motion, looking confused. "Wait, please." His face showed genuine confusion and concern. "First, I need to ask my parents about this. And..." He looked directly at Ryuji with open curiosity. "...what exactly is the Hunter Bureau?"
Ryuji closed his eyes and let out a long, tired sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Of course you don't know..."
He moved to lean against the teacher's desk, settling in for an explanation, his posture becoming slightly less formal. "Alright, listen carefully. I'll only explain this once." He gestured with one hand, taking on the tone of someone giving a practiced briefing. "The Hunter Bureau is an association that unites all Hunters and manages everything related to Teleportation Orbs."
He held up five fingers, then began counting them down. "The Bureau is divided into five main divisions." He held up one finger specifically. "The First Division handles all operations related to Teleportation Orbs—tracking, containment, and gate management." He displayed four fingers. "The other four divisions handle the sale and maintenance of items retrieved from dungeons..." His expression became more matter-of-fact. "...including monster materials, magical items, weapons, artifacts, and everything else we extract from the other side."
Zero's face showed he was following along, but his curiosity wasn't satisfied. "I see, but..." He leaned forward slightly, his expression intensifying. "What about the Orbs themselves? Why do they appear? How do they work?"
Ryuji's face became more grave, his professional mask dropping slightly to reveal genuine concern. "That... is the question everyone wants answered."
He stood fully upright, his posture becoming more formal. "The Orbs appear randomly—anywhere, anytime. We have no way to predict them." He gestured downward with his hand, demonstrating the motion. "After approximately two days, the Orb descends into the ground..." His face showed the weight of responsibility and knowledge. "...and opens a portal. A Gate. Through which monsters emerge."
Zero's expression darkened. "And there's no way to stop them?"
Ryuji raised one finger in a corrective gesture. "We can delay them." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, glowing crystal—a magic stone that pulsed with inner light. "We use the power of Magic Stones to suppress the Gates, keeping them sealed." He closed his fist around the stone, his face showing frustration. "But it only lasts two days." He opened his hand again, the stone's light dimmer now. "No matter how many Magic Stones we use, no matter how powerful they are..." His eyes were hard, resigned to an unchangeable reality. "...the Gate drains all the magic from them in exactly two days. Every single time."
He put the magic stone back into his pocket with a decisive motion. "That's the situation we're dealing with."
Zero's mind was working, processing all this information. Then something clicked. "Wait..." His eyes widened slightly with recognition. "What about the theory that the Orbs actually teleport the area where they appear?" He gestured as he explained. "That they swap our land with the dungeon dimension?"
Ryuji's eyebrows raised slightly—impressed that Zero knew about this. "You've done your research." His expression became darker, more serious. "That theory... is based on an actual incident." He crossed his arms, his face showing the weight of old memories. "It happened once. Ten, maybe twelve years ago."
In his mind's eye, Zero could see it—a peaceful mountain landscape with a small house nestled among trees. "On a mountain, an Orb appeared near a residential area." The same location, but transformed—the house gone, replaced by barren, alien-looking wasteland. The landscape completely different, with dark, lifeless earth. "When it activated, the house and surrounding land... vanished." The swapped area showed clear dungeon characteristics—strange rock formations, unnatural terrain. "In its place was a section of the dungeon dimension. Barren land from the other side."
Ryuji's expression was somber, haunted by the memory. "That was the only confirmed case of actual territorial swap."
Zero's face showed shock and horror. "The people in that house... what happened to them?"
Ryuji didn't answer immediately. His silence spoke volumes. Then he looked away, toward the window. "We never found them. They're presumed... on the other side."
Both stood in heavy silence for a moment, the weight of that tragedy hanging in the air.
Ryuji shook off the dark mood, returning to his professional demeanor. "Anyway, that's the situation with the Orbs." He looked directly at Zero, his eyes sharp and evaluating. "Now, about you. I'm expecting you to come to the Bureau tomorrow for your rank assessment." A hint of curiosity and interest entered his professional mask. "It would be beneficial for us to have different types of Hunters in our ranks."
Zero tilted his head slightly, not understanding. "Different types? What do you mean?"
Ryuji gestured toward Zero specifically. "Your teacher informed me about the skill you used." His expression became more analytical, intrigued. "She said it resembled some kind of spatial manipulation ability." He leaned forward slightly, emphasizing the importance. "But more concerning..." His expression became darker, more troubled. "...the three students you fought are in a peculiar condition."
Zero's eyes widened with concern and guilt. "Condition? Are they... are they alright?"
Ryuji maintained his professional tone, though there was underlying concern. "Physically, they're stable. But mentally..." He made a gesture near his head. "...they're unresponsive. It's as if their minds have been wiped clean." His eyes narrowed, studying Zero's reaction carefully. "Or perhaps... as if you struck their very souls."
Pure shock and horror crossed Zero's features. "Their... souls? I didn't mean to—I didn't even know—"
Ryuji held up a hand, his expression softening slightly. "Relax. The doctors say they'll recover with sufficient rest." His voice became less clinical, more human. "It may take time, but they should regain consciousness eventually."
Zero released a breath he didn't know he was holding, his shoulders sagging slightly. "Thank goodness..."
Ryuji glanced at his watch, his expression becoming businesslike again. "Alright, that's all for now." He walked past Zero toward the office door. "I have numerous other matters to attend to." He paused at the door, looking back over his shoulder. "Come to the Hunter Bureau tomorrow. Ask for me at the front desk." A small, professional smile crossed his face. "Don't keep me waiting, Zero."
He opened the door and stepped through, walking out without looking back, his footsteps fading down the hallway.
Zero stood in the office, looking somewhat overwhelmed, and the teacher approached him gently, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Are you alright, Zero?"
He looked up at her, still processing everything. "I... I think so. It's just... a lot to take in."
She gave him a warm, maternal smile. "I understand. Take your time. You can go home for today."
He bowed to her politely. "Thank you, Teacher."
When Zero stepped out of the office, Ryo immediately stood up from where he'd been waiting, looking relieved and curious. "Zero! How did it go?"
Zero gave a weak but genuine smile. "I'll... explain on the way home."
They began walking down the school hallway together, side by side, and exited into the afternoon sunlight. As they walked down the street, Ryo talked animatedly beside him while Zero appeared deep in thought.
"So? What did that guy want? He looked super important!"
Zero looked up at the sky as he walked, his mind clearly elsewhere. "He's from the Hunter Bureau..."
Ryo's eyes widened with excitement. "The Hunter Bureau?! Seriously?! That's amazing!"
Zero's face showed conflict—uncertainty mixed with determination. "He wants me to come in tomorrow... for a rank assessment."
Ryo grinned widely, genuinely happy for his friend. "That's incredible, Zero! You're going to be a Hunter!"
Zero finally smiled, though it was tinged with nervousness. "Maybe... I still need to talk to my parents first."
As they walked into the distance, their silhouettes growing smaller against the setting sun, Zero's thoughts turned inward. A Hunter... is that really what I'm meant to become?
They continued down a peaceful residential street, trees lining the sidewalk with leaves rustling gently in the breeze. The atmosphere was calm, comfortable.
Ryo gestured as he talked, animated and energetic. "So your house is this way, right? I'll walk you home first."
Zero glanced at him with appreciation. "Yeah, thanks. You didn't have to, though."
Ryo waved off the concern with a casual hand gesture. "What are friends for? Besides, after today, I want to make sure you actually get home safely!"
They shared a light laugh, the tension of the day finally beginning to ease, and for a moment the world felt normal and safe.
Then a distant voice carried from behind them. "Zero...! Ryo...!"
Both boys stopped and turned, expressions curious. Far down the street, a small figure ran toward them at full speed.
Zero's eyes widened in recognition. "Is that...?"
Zoe ran with desperate urgency, her face showing clear worry and panic, her school bag bouncing wildly on her shoulder. "Zero! Ryo!"
She skidded to a stop in front of them, doubled over with hands on her knees, gasping for air. "Hah! Hah! Hah!"
Zero reached toward her, worried. "Zoe?! What's wrong? Why are you—"
Still catching her breath, she looked up at them with eyes full of concern. "Hah... I heard... hah... I heard you both were seriously injured..." She straightened up slightly, her voice urgent. "...fighting with an Awakened student! Are you both okay?!"
Zero gave her a gentle, reassuring smile. "We're fine. Really. Look—" He spread his arms, demonstrating he was unharmed. "Not a scratch. We're okay."
Ryo suddenly interjected, pointing at himself dramatically. "Speak for yourself! I'm definitely NOT okay!" He touched his bandaged face with exaggerated pain. "I got beaten up pretty badly! My whole body still hurts!" He pointed accusingly at Zero. "But YOU, Zero... when you first woke up in the clinic, you could barely stand on your own!" He narrowed his eyes, studying Zero closely. "And now you're walking around like nothing happened. Not even limping!" His expression became intrigued. "Is that also because of your Awakening powers? Some kind of regeneration ability?"
Zero looked down at his hands, flexing them slightly. "Maybe? I... I don't really know." He began moving forward again. "Come on, let's just go home."
Ryo and Zoe exchanged glances, then shrugged and followed.
As the three walked together—Zero in the middle, Ryo on one side, Zoe on the other—the mood lightened. Zoe grinned mischievously up at her brother. "So, big brother finally became an Awakener, huh? Does that mean you'll finally be useful?"
Zero looked down at her with mock irritation. "I was always useful!"
Ryo threw his head back, laughing. "Ha ha! She's got you there, Zero!"
Despite themselves, all three ended up laughing together—the moment warm, genuine, full of youth and friendship. They continued down the street, chatting animatedly, and the world felt bright, safe, normal.
Ryo gestured wildly as he spoke, clearly embellishing. "You should have seen the teacher's face when she saw the classroom! Her jaw literally dropped!"
Zoe's eyes sparkled with interest. "Really?! I wish I could have seen it!"
Zero watched his sister and new friend interact, a gentle smile on his face. This is nice...
They turned onto a street Zero and Zoe clearly recognized, the houses becoming more familiar. Zero pointed ahead. "We're almost—"
His words cut off. His eyes widened, fixed on something in the distance. "...there..."
Ryo and Zoe noticed his sudden change, following his gaze. "Zero? What's wrong?"
In the distance, a large crowd of people had gathered. Movement, commotion—something clearly wrong. Military vehicles were parked along the street, uniformed soldiers moving about with purpose. Yellow and black hazard tape cordoned off a large area, civilians pressing against the barriers trying to see.
Zero's expression shifted from confusion to creeping dread. "That's... that's our street..."
Zoe's face mirrored his concern, her hand moving to grip Zero's sleeve. "Zero... what's going on?"
Their walking pace increased, becoming a jog, then a run. They pushed through the gathering of onlookers, shoving past people. "Excuse me! Let us through!"
Zero broke through to the front of the crowd, Zoe and Ryo right behind him.
And then they saw it.
Where their house should have been, there was nothing but torn, blackened earth. The ground was scorched and warped, colored a sickly dark red, as if something had ripped reality itself apart. The neighboring houses stood untouched, making the absence even more jarring and impossible to comprehend. Military personnel moved across the corrupted land while scientists in white coats took readings.
Zero's eyes went wide with incomprehension, his pupils dilated and unfocused. His hand shook violently at his side, fingers twitching. His eyes frantically scanned the scene, darting across every visible inch of the corrupted land, searching desperately. Mom... Dad... where...?
He turned to Zoe beside him. She stared at the empty space, frozen, tears streaming down her face. Her expression was strange—filled with emotions too complex to name. Fear, hope, denial, all warring on her young features.
Her mouth moved, trying to form words that wouldn't come. "Mom... Dad..."
Something shattered inside Zero. He bolted toward the hazard tape, trying to break through. "MOM! DAD!"
A soldier intercepted him, grabbing his arm forcefully. "Stop! You cannot enter the contaminated zone!"
Zero fought against the grip, trying to pull free. "Let me go! That's my house! My parents are—"
The soldier's grip was iron, unyielding. "I understand, but I cannot let you through! It's too dangerous!"
Zero's eyes were wild, tears beginning to form. "Please! I need to—"
Then his struggling stopped suddenly. His gaze locked onto something on the torn land—a familiar figure standing among the white-coated scientists.
Ken Ryuji stood amid the devastation, talking with a scientist, his expression grave and professional.
Something like desperate hope flashed across Zero's features. His grip on the soldier loosened, his body going limp. His voice came out loudly above the murmuring crowd, broken and trembling.
"Ryuji-san..."
Tears streamed down his face, his expression utterly shattered and lost. His voice cracked, quiet now, almost childlike—only those immediately near him could hear.
"My parents... where are my parents...?"
The scene pulled back to show Zero restrained at the barrier, tears flowing silently. Zoe collapsed to her knees beside him. Ryo tried to support her. Beyond the tape, the corrupted land where their home once stood. Ryuji in the distance, unaware of Zero's presence. Military personnel, scientists, onlookers—all bearing witness to the moment when Zero's world shattered completely.
And in the silence that followed, there were no answers. Only the terrible, yawning absence where home and family used to be.