-present time

Kaito Mizuki stood at the edge of a balcony, the breeze of wind tousling his bright silver hairs as he gazed out upon the city. Today marked his 18th birthday and the beginning of a new chapter in his life.

"It has really been eight years," he murmured, his cold azure eyes reflected the world below. "So much has been learned, yet so much remains unknown. It is like I only know equivalent of a drop of water out a whole ocean."

He recalled the knowledge he had gained since that fateful day when he was saved; fragments of memories like shards of glass, pieced together to form a clearer image of the world he inhabited. He thought about the people he met, their stories woven into the tapestry of his own. Some were kindred spirits, others merely passersby, but each one had left a mark on him.

"Kaito," came a voice from behind him, snapping him back to the present. He turned to find an old man with dark hair and bright yellow eyes standing at the doorway, he was the person who helped him a lot in past years. He knew about the terrible past Kaito had been through, though even he did not know about Amano Yasha.

"Is everything all right?" he asked gently.

"Ah, yes," Kaito replied, his calm demeanour resurfaced. "I was just lost in some thoughts."

"About what? Your birthday?"

"Among other things," he admitted. "I've been thinking about my journey these past years—the people I've encountered, the lessons I've learned. It's all led me to this point. And you mister Akuma, You have helped me a lot. I cannot thank you enough for things you have done for me."

"Every step you take brings you closer to your goals," the man said softly, a touch of sadness in his voice. "You're stronger now than ever before, Kaito."

"Perhaps," he conceded. "But it's not enough. Not when there's still so much more to learn."

"Like astral energy?" he asked.

"Exactly." Kaito's expression grew serious. "Astral energy is a force unlike any other, capable of being channeled for combat, telepathy, and even everyday tasks. It's the key to unlocking our true potential—and yet, I've barely scratched the surface."

"Give yourself time," the old man advised, his voice filled with warmth. "You're more than capable, Kaito. I believe in you."

"Thank you," he said, his eyes softening for a moment before returning to their usual icy cold state. "I'll do whatever it takes to master the arts of astral energy."

"Promise me one thing," he implored, his gaze locked onto his. "Promise me that you'll never forget who you are or where you came from. No matter how powerful you become, remember that there's more to life than strength."

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"Of course," Kaito replied solemnly. "I will always carry the weight of my past with me, as both a reminder and a guide. As long as I draw breath, I will never forget."

With that, Kaito Mizuki gazed out upon the world once more, a steely determination burning within his azure eyes. Forged by the fires of hardship and tempered by the winds of change, he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Orville is the city of gold and situated at the heart of the empire Theia. Empire of Theia is one of 16 major ruling forces of the world, and it has some of the strongest warriors. It is a place of great beauty, but also secrets and darkness. After he was saved by the mysterious man, He was taken to this city. Shortly after, Kaito was taken in by the old man Akuma, and over the course of the next several years he learned a great deal about astral energy and the empire's dark secrets from him.

"Through rigorous training and study, a person can learn to channel this energy into incredible feats,There are many ways to utilise astral energy, such as for combat, telepathic communication, and even improving one's daily life."

"In combat, there are several subcategories of spells that can be employed: offensive, defensive, supportive, healing, and movement-based etc. These abilities can grant great power to those who wield them, but mastery requires time, dedication, and a strong connection to one's own astral energy."

"Remember, Kaito," Akuma often reminded him, "true power lies not only in how much energy you can wield, but also in how you choose to use it."

Kaito took his mentor's words to heart, vowing to never forget the importance of restraint and compassion as he continued his journey.

In just ten days, There was going to be ceremony, that is most important turning point of one's life. In this ceremony when the people of living realm turn 18 years old, they get to choose one of astral beings to sponsor them, The difference in power between who get chosen and those who do not is unimaginable. One can gain immeasurable strength by getting chosen by an astral being.

"Kaito," Akuma's voice called from behind him, "It is almost the time."

Kaito turned toward him, his heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. "I know," he replied, his voice steady despite the emotions roiling inside him. "I've been waiting for this moment for so long, Akuma."

"Indeed, you have," Akuma agreed, placing a calming hand upon Kaito's shoulder. "The Choosing is a rare event, It happens only 4 times a year. And on top of that, each person only gets a single chance to be sponsored by the astral beings. And ones who are fortunate enough to experience. To be sponsored by an astral being... it will grant you power beyond your wildest dreams, allowing you to fight in a league all your own compared to normal humans. Though almost everyone get sponsored by at least an weak astral being, there are few unfortunate enough to not get any attention from astral beings."

Kaito gazed out at the bustling city below, his mind racing with thoughts of the unique spells he might acquire, the various buffs that could be bestowed upon him by his sponsor. The ability to defeat dozens of opponents just with the aid of a sponsor's single unique spell was an exciting prospect, one that he could hardly contain his excitement about.

"Think of the possibilities, Akuma," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "With an astral sponsor, I can finally make a difference in this world. I can protect those who cannot protect themselves, and bring justice to those who have been wronged."

"Indeed," Akuma responded solemnly, a faint smile playing on his lips. "But it is important to remember the responsibility that comes with such power, Kaito. You must use it wisely."

Kaito nodded, his resolve only strengthening as he thought of the path that lay before him. "I promise, Akuma," he vowed, clenching his fists in determination. "I will not squander this opportunity. I will make you proud."

"Of that, I have no doubt," Akuma replied, his eyes shining with pride. "Now, come. There is much to be done in preparation for the ceremony."

As they walked away from the balcony, Kaito's heart is swelled with a newfound purpose, the anticipation for the upcoming Choosing burning brightly within him. He knew that the days ahead would be filled with challenges and uncertainty, but he was ready to face them head-on, fuelled by the hope of becoming something greater than he had ever imagined, and a hope to learn about Amano Yasha.

In ten days' time, Kaito Mizuki would attend ceremony to choose his astral sponsor, and his world would never be the same. He was excited for the upcoming ceremony just like many other hundreds of kids who had turned eighteen and will be choosing their sponsor in upcoming ceremony.