I often wonder if people are born unfair, or if society itself creates this unfairness. Like Threads, society is divided in countless ways, but in the end, everything is woven together, like knitting different Threads into a single piece of cloth.
Looking around, I see people clinging to one another, making friends just to maintain their status and rank, just to feel superior to others.
I dislike it. Why has the world been shaped this way? Why is it so sad? Or perhaps, why are people so blind? They cling to these soft pleasures and still can't see the wider world.
"Vynn Zane! What are you doing, zoning out in class? Look here and pay attention! You're one of the worst students I have to deal with this year.
You're not paying attention and you're still just a threadling at this stage of your life. I'm concerned about you. And you're not even listening!"
That's true. You're boring me. It's your fault… is what I'd love to say, but can't.
"From now on, you have my full attention, Teach."
This is my teacher, Anies Sortwelt. I really like her. She has a fiery temperament because she's very passionate about teaching, and she's the only one who truly believes in me.
I've often considered myself a lost child from the start. My older brother and sisters are the role models in my family. Thinking about them makes me sick.
"Properly revise your lesson and come back tomorrow. I know this is the start of our sessions, and it must be hard for you, seeing your peers advancing in their thread manifestation, but—"
She rose from her seat and gently grabbed my hand.
"Don't lose hope. Keep practising, and one day you'll also advance. Life is not about Threads; it's about you. Know that, okay?"
I rose from my chair and, as I was leaving the classroom, I said,
"I'll remember that. Please take care of yourself, Teach."
As I was walking along the long, pristine white marble floor, I heard a voice behind me.
"Oye, Vynn, come here."
I turned around and saw two figures. One was a girl with short red hair.
She had long, curvy legs, smooth pale skin, narrow eyes, and a beautiful voice—completely opposite to her loud personality.
The other was about my height, handsome, with a sharp face, stylish hair, and a dream‑worthy body. He had dark brown hair and, though he wasn't muscular, he still managed to attract almost every female student.
They are my childhood friends, Laya Harth and Lark Noir. As their surnames suggest, they come from the Harth and Noir families.
Laya punched me in the side and said teasingly, "Where are you going? Oh, your alone time with Teach is over! I bet you liked the attention she gave you, didn't you?"
"Don't tease him, Laya. I'm not in the mood for your stupid jokes," Lark said.
"Hey, what do you mean? My jokes are good, it's just that you don't have the humour to get them. Because of that, you're always so dense to your surroundings."
"Yeah, classic denial. Don't forget why we're here—or do you want to settle it outside?" Lark replied.
"Gladly."
As soon as both of them said those words, they locked eyes with a menacing look, as if they could start brawling at any moment.
Why do I find these two idiots interesting, seriously?
I stepped forward and smacked both of them lightly on the head.
"You two settle whatever you have going on and get on with what you actually want."
Laya grabbed her head, then looked at me and said,
"We hear you don't want to take the vessel ordeal and you're not taking part in Threadspire."
THREADSPIRE is one of the biggest events on the entire continent. It's an ordeal where seventeen‑ to nineteen‑year‑olds take part to become fully awakened.
Those who catch the attention of the government have a chance to be selected for an elite program.
However, it's also dangerous. Many candidates die before even joining, and the selection ratio is one in ten.
I don't know the full details of the event myself. They keep everything secret for fairness, only revealing the conditions when it starts. It happens only once every three years, and once your chance is gone, you're forever stuck with your current vessel.
There's one thing everyone knows: if you want to unlock your true vessel potential, you have to take this ordeal.
"I don't think I'm cut out for the program. I'll just try to survive," I said.
"Idiot! If you don't perform well in the upcoming Threadspire, you won't have the chance to further advance your vessel. You'll always be stuck," Laya said, a flicker of concern on her face.
"You both know I dislike competing with you two, especially with Lark. First of all, he has a fractured vessel.
Second, I don't even have an elemental thread. All I have is the most basic thread—a physical thread—and nothing else.
Even though I've practised for years, I still can't change that. I can only use a single thread, and you two already surpass me in both talent and rank. You know that. How can I even survive in Threadspire?"
There was a moment of silence between us after I said those words. Seeing the mood grow heavy, I tried to break the tension.
"You two just focus on yourselves. I'll be fine."
"You know, Vynn, I think your thread is amazing too. From my point of view, everyone has the potential to be amazing. I know you're disheartened about your condition, but don't worry—you have us to help you," Laya said, trying to console me.
"That's right, Vynn. We're in this together. Don't think you're alone—we're your friends. You can count on us," Lark added.
As we walked home from the academy, we eventually went our separate ways, since they live in the royal courtyard. My family is considered above average because of my brother and sisters; they're very prominent in the military.
As I walked alone, I started thinking about myself in this world where Threads are everything. I don't even have a good thread to manifest or shape; all I can do is increase the physical condition of my body, and nothing more.
I looked toward the dying sun. As I thought about my condition, the red light brushed across my face.
"Ahh, I hate it when fate restrains me. I want to compete."
"I want to win."