Chapter 1: The Shattered Evening
The city of Kurohana looked normal. Cars moved through the streets, people walked home, and neon signs flickered in the alleys. Everything seemed ordinary. But at exactly 5:17 PM, the ordinary ended.
Riven walked alone, backpack over one shoulder, thinking about training and ways to get stronger. Suddenly, the sky split open. A glowing crack stretched across the horizon, and shining shards fell from it. They didn't crash—they hovered in the air, humming softly.
One shard floated straight toward Riven. It glowed brighter as it came closer, and then a voice whispered in his mind:
"Riven… choose your path."
The shard exploded into sparks. And standing there was a girl with silver hair that shimmered like lightning and glowing blue eyes. She smiled, calm but powerful.
"I am Nyra," she said, floating just above the ground. "Riven, you are now part of the shards. Your world… will never be the same."
Riven took a step back. "Shards? What… what do you mean?"
Nyra's smile widened. "These shards are keys. They can change reality, but they will test you. Your courage, your strength… even your very soul. Will you take the first step?"
Riven felt excitement and fear all at once. His ordinary life—school, homework, small dreams—felt meaningless. His heart pounded.
"Follow me," Nyra said, waving her hand.
The shards scattered. Streets bent and twisted, buildings folded into impossible angles. The city had turned into a strange, glowing labyrinth.
Riven grinned. For the first time, he felt truly alive. The impossible was real—and he couldn't wait to see how strong he could become.