Chapter 1: The Beginning of the End

The sound coming from a dark void, like the hissing steam from a pressure teapot, was echoing in my ears…

My family… Miyu… Was I so powerless?

Where my story begins:

As long as I can remember, I've been in a peaceful family environment. My mother, Misaki Hoshino, is kind and loving, while my father, Shinji Hoshino, is wise and equally helpful. We live in a house nestled in the greenery, not particularly wealthy or close to people. I'm someone who tries to live happily with the person I care about, and to enter the magical academy to make that happen. I'm not really a complex person; there's nothing that sets me apart from an average person… Today, I'll showcase my magical abilities and enter one of the classes determined by the academy's ranking system… I hope I end up in the same class as Aoi, as I'm quite fond of her.

The classes are ranked A, B, C, and D. Of course, there's also the A+ class, but that's in a different campus and is for elite magic users. After all, Master Sorano Eldryn, a fearsome and powerful wizard, is the protector of our country and graduated from the A+ class… A class that's far beyond my dreams.

With a gentle tone:

• "Kaito! Please come downstairs. We wouldn't want you to go to the academy on an empty stomach, would we? And please, bring down the trash from your room as well…"

Yes, I'm Kaito Hoshino, and I have a somewhat lazy personality.

• "Okay, Mom, I'll be right down."

When I came downstairs with the trash, my father, even more excited than me, said: • "Son, don't be anxious. I know you'll show them what you're made of. Now, let's dig into the meal your mother prepared, especially for you. She made your favorite dishes."

After our meal, my mother adjusted my uniform's collar and sent me off with a wave, saying everything would be fine. After leaving the house, I took a deep breath and set off. Despite how wonderful my life is, even though my friends and family are always with me, something felt wrong. What's gnawing at me? Why do I feel this way? What more could I want…

Stolen story; please report.

After these silly thoughts, I set off. I saw my best friend, Ren, and he ran up to me immediately:

• "Kaito, wait up, what's the rush? I've been calling after you!"

• "I didn't notice, sorry. I was lost in thought."

• "Anyway, it's not a big deal. Are you ready for the academy? I have a feeling I'll be placed in the B class…"

Ren is someone who trains every day in the garden behind his house with his father. Considering his father also worked in the army, one might think he's a good father who wants his son to be in a good position, but he does have a somewhat stern character…

• "We should get going, or we'll be late."

We arrived at the academy. Aoi was there too, and as always, she managed to captivate me with her beauty. When she noticed me, she walked over:

• "Aoi, how are you? Are you ready for the placement today?"

Aoi turned her face away, looking angry and blushing:

• "Why did you come? You haven't been visiting the city to see me for a long time…"

She was right… What can I say, she was right, but it was due to the silly thoughts in my head. Honestly, I hadn't been talking much with most people.

• "I'm sorry, it's my fault. You can be sure I'll visit more often."

• "Okay, but if you don't come again, we'll have a problem…"

After chatting for a bit, the three of us went our separate ways. Since there was still time, I decided to explore the city. After talking with merchants and looking at armor, I made my way back to the academy. The academy looked impressive, even from a distance.

As I walked further and passed through side streets, I saw a group of three thugs tormenting a poor girl. Without hesitation, I jumped in front of them:

• "What are you doing?!"

• "Kid, stay out of it. We just want to have some fun."

It was obvious they were beating the girl, her face and body bruised. Suddenly, a disturbing voice appeared in my head. It was annoying:

• "Please stop."

One of them looked around forty, muscular and equally filthy; another was skinny, relying on a knife; the third was the one who spoke to me:

• "You're asking for trouble, kid."

He then signaled the muscular one, and in an instant, the muscular thug stepped forward and struck me in the face. I collapsed to the ground as they began to laugh and mock me. My face was in a state of shock and expressionless. I had never received such a blow, feeling no emotion. After being knocked down, the noise grew louder. I realized what the voice in my head was— a high-pitched, angry hiss of steam trying to escape from a teapot. It was both soothing and terrifying…

End of Chapter 1