Sirius paced his room, thoughts racing like a storm. Some were darker than others, all fueled by the unrelenting rage of his heart. His seventeenth birthday was minutes away—a milestone that should have been a celebration but instead loomed like an omen of death.

His diminute room held little more than a wooden chair, a creaky bed that often woke him up at night, a makeshift closet, and a wax lamp. Glancing at his old watch, he saw the second hand pause over the twelve.

Faint voices echoed from the entrance. The World Union had arrived to determine his fate. I refuse to get sent to death for something I have absolutely no control over. he thought, his fists clenched. The creaking floorboards of the corridor seemed to amplify his dread as cold sweat slid down his back. Shadows danced in the dim light, moving to a requiem of death. Should I run? No... As long as I live on this Earth, there’s no escaping this fate.

Each tick of the clock seemed louder, spelling doom. Why the fuck do I have to do this? We’re dead broke, and those fuckers won’t even lift a finger to help us!

The sudden sound of the door opening snapped him back to reality. Four men and a woman stepped inside. The woman, with a bob cut hair and a face that evokes the freshness of spring, met Sirius’ gaze with furrowed brows and a nervous bite to her lower lip. The instant their eyes met, Sirius felt an icy calm wash over him, slowing his racing thoughts and evening his breath.

The men wore black suits, but the one leading them stood out—a tattoo of a dragon coiled around his neck, and black gloves covering his hands.

“Are you ready, kid?” the tattooed man asked.

Sirius sighed and collapsed face-down on his bed. “Would it make a difference if I wasn’t?”

“Alright, take off your shirt. We’ll begin.”

Reluctantly, Sirius complied, pulling off his worn t-shirt to reveal a lean, athletic frame. The man removed one of his gloves, placing his bare hand between Sirius’ shoulder blades.

A shiver ran through Sirius as a sharp pain shot through his chest and lungs, quickly spreading into a numbing cold that washed over him like a tidal wave. His head throbbed, his vision blurred, and a deafening ring filled his ears.

“Starcore Stage Zero confirmed,” the tattooed man declared, his tone detached. “Your first dive will be in one year. Failure to comply will be prosecuted as treason against humanity.”

Sirius’ body demanded rest as darkness consumed him. In his fading vision, he caught a glimpse of his mother screaming at the men, tears streaming down her cheeks. Mom... Then, everything went black.

Sirius woke to the sun blazing at its zenith. His head spun, and his vision swam, but he forced himself out of bed. He understood all too well what last night meant—he had developed a Stage Zero Starcore, also known as a Protostar.

Anger bubbled up as he kicked the wooden chair beside his bed. Memories of his mother collided with his own desperate desire for survival. O Superbia... Have I wronged you somehow? Is this divine punishment for sins I couldn’t help but commit?

Tears streamed from his eyes, unstoppable and overwhelming. Sirius wasn’t a religious person, but he couldn’t stop himself from seeking some deeper meaning. Maybe I should just... A whisper of fear no human should bear witness crept into his thoughts.

Shaking his head, he stepped out of his room, forcing himself to focus.

“Mom?”

…

“Mom? Are you here?”

The sight of an unfinished plate on the table made his chest tighten. The door was unlocked, and his unease deepened. She seems to have left in a hurry. Where could she have gone? I’m worried of what she might do. I’ll go look for her around the plaza.

He strode into the familiar streets, the acrid stench of rotten eggs, garlic, and tobacco thick in the air. To anyone else, it might have been unbearable, but Sirius barely noticed it anymore.

As he navigated the maze of dilapidated houses and crumbling roads, a boy in ragged clothes brushed past him. Sirius snatched the boy’s arm.

“Give it back,” he said, voice cold.

The boy froze but didn’t turn around. “I on’ kno’ whachoo talkin' 'bout,”

“The watch,” Sirius said, his tone firm. “I won’t ask again, give it back.”

Clicking his tongue, the boy threw the watch at him, which Sirius caught without letting go of the boy’s arm.

“Cross me again, and… well, you know the rules,” Sirius said.

The boy yanked his arm free, spitting out a curse before running off. Sirius sighed, disgusted with himself but resigned. In the slums, survival meant living by harsh rules.

He continued through the labyrinthine alleys, all paths seemingly leading toward the plaza at the heart of the slum. The fountain at its center, long dry, was surrounded by stalls and the bustling hum of the market.

Sirius approached the fountain, its murky water reflecting nothing but darkness. If it had been clearer, it might have shown the image of a dark-skinned youth with dreadlocks and golden eyes. He sat on the edge, his fingers tapping his knee as he scanned the plaza. Merchants called out to passersby, children darted between stalls, and the general hum of slum life buzzed around him.

Where is she? His fingers tapped faster. There’s no way those guys from the union took her. They’re jerks, but they wouldn’t go that far. A tightness gripped his chest. I can’t just sit here.

He rose and headed to a market stall, its wooden sign so caked in dust it was barely legible. The shopkeeper, a middle-aged man with an untrimmed beard, sat in a weathered chair, his eyes closed as if the chaos around him didn’t exist.

“Hello, Mr. Karrington, has my mother stopped to buy bread today?”

The man cracked one eye open. “Oh, it’s ya. Always so polite, ain’t ya? Nah, I ain’t seen her today.”

“Alright, thanks, sir. Have a good afternoon,” Sirius replied with a nod. The man grunted, closing his eyes once more.

Sirius knew better than to question how Karrington could sleep in such a chaotic place. Born and raised in the slums, Karrington was as much a fixture as the plaza itself. To cross him was to invite disaster.

For the next few hours, Sirius moved from stall to stall, asking after his mother. Each time, he received the same answer: no sign of her. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the slum. Fewer people roamed the streets now; night brought dangers no one wanted to face.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

He sighed, a heavy weight settling in his chest. Please don’t do anything reckless, Mom. I’m already dead—there’s no need to endanger yourself too.

Reluctantly, Sirius decided to return home. I’ll check the house first. If she’s not there… His teeth caught his lower lip, gnawing nervously. I’ll figure it out.

When he stepped inside, he froze. His mother sat at the table, her expression calm but her eyes sparkling with excitement. Beside her sat a man Sirius vaguely recognized. Relief flooded him, overtaken by urgency.

“Mom, where were you?” Sirius asked, his brows furrowed with concern.

Maria’s lips curved into a soft smile. “Son, sit down.”

Sirius hesitated but obeyed, his mind racing. She seems excited. What’s going on? He eyed the man next to her—a figure with a neatly trimmed beard, blonde hair, and deep blue eyes framed by faint wrinkles. Sirius was certain he’d seen him before but couldn’t recall where or when.

Maria disappeared into the kitchen and returned moments later with three cups of tea. She placed them on the table, taking a seat opposite to Sirius.

“Sirius, this is…” She paused, her gaze flicking upward as if searching for the right words.

“Rich Skyle,” the man interjected.

“Hello, sir. Pleased to make your acquaintance,” Sirius said, masking his distrust with the politeness his mother had drilled into him.

Maria politely gestured toward Rich. “I think it’s best if you explain.”

The man nodded. “I’ll get straight to the point. Your mother has asked me to train you.”

Sirius gulped. His eyes lit up momentarily before narrowing with suspicion. Train? Who is this guy? He’s not some scammer, is he?

Rich raised a hand to forestall any questions. “However, I have two conditions. First, you must not ask questions about who I am. Second, you must keep this arrangement a secret.”

Sirius’ mind churned. Not suspicious at all...

“Pardon my imprudence, sir, but may I ask why?”

“Conversely, may I ask why not?” Rich countered smoothly.

Sirius frowned but acknowledged the logic. Fair enough. I have nothing to lose, and he’s not even asking for money. Still, years in the slums had taught him to be wary of seemingly kind offers.

“I have no issues with these terms. However, may I ask why you’ve chosen to help us?”

Rich’s expression softened. “A long time ago, your mother saved my life. I’m here to repay that debt.”

Maria flashed a peace sign and winked. “Isn’t your mother the best?”

Sirius sighed, his shoulders relaxing. So that’s what this is about. She must’ve rushed out to find him the moment she remembered the debt. Jeez, making me worry for nothing.

Rich smirked. “What a skeptical kid. You're offered a rope to climb, yet your first thought is to ask why?”

Sirius flushed, his cheeks warming as his thoughts laid bare.

The old man’s eyes gleamed. “Good. When living in hell, one must never trust the word of demons.”

Sirius nodded slowly, the wisdom sinking in. He now felt a tad of respect for this man.

“I’ll take your silence as agreement,” Rich said. “Now, let’s start the training.”

Sirius blinked. “Right now?!”

Rich chuckled. “Of course. But don’t worry, we'll just start with what you know about the Abyss.”

Sirius leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms as a small smirk tugged at his lips. “More than you would think.”

Rich raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Oh? Go ahead, then.”

Sirius nodded and began. “The Abyss is a place brimming with all kinds of monsters. We dive into it because if we don’t, the monsters will come out—just like they did dozens of years ago. Occasionally, dungeon gates appear on Earth, and they need to be cleared to prevent outbreaks.”

Rich listened carefully, his expression unreadable. When Sirius finished, the older man rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “Not bad,” he said after a pause. “But let me ask you this—do you think the Abyss is the only place filled with monsters?”

Sirius paused, his golden eyes narrowing as he considered the question. This doesn’t seem to be a straightforward question. After a moment, he replied, “Well, if we choose to interpret the word ‘monster’ a little differently, it wouldn’t be wise to assume they only exist inside the Abyss.”

Rich’s eyes widened slightly before his face returned to its neutral demeanor. What an interesting kid, he thought. He not only grasped the hidden meaning but took the time to think before answering.

“Mhm, not bad,” Rich said, his lips twitching upward in a faint smile.

Sirius noticed the shift in the man’s expression and straightened his posture, lifting his chin slightly. Even if I’m from the slums, I’ve read about every book I could find in that granny’s dusty library down the street!

Not wanting to lose the edge, Rich leaned forward. “Alright, then. What do you know about evolving your Starcore?”

Sirius’ confident expression faltered. His gaze dropped to the table. He opened his mouth but closed it again, unsure how to respond. No matter how many books he’d read, this was one subject where information was scarce.

Rich’s lips curled into a triumphant smirk as he raised his head high. Sirius caught the smug expression and scowled. He wasn’t about to let this man think he’d won so easily.

In the corner of the room, Maria chuckled softly, unable to suppress her amusement. Watching the two men interact brought a warmth to her heart. “Men never grow up, do they?” she said, a teasing lilt to her voice.

Both Sirius and Rich turned to glare at her in unison.

“Oh dear, did I say that out loud?” Maria covered her mouth with a feigned look of innocence. “Please, continue. Don’t mind this young lady.” She winked playfully.

Sirius snorted, but the tension in his shoulders eased. A small smile tugged at his lips. I’m glad she’s back to herself.

Rich noticed the change in Sirius’ demeanor and thought, I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. He said, “Don’t feel bad, kid. It’s no surprise you don’t know this.”

Sirius couldn't feel a hint of condescendence from the man's words.

“It’s an open secret,” Rich continued, “that the big guilds have pressured the union to keep the details of Stellar Evolution hidden.”

“Why would they do that? Doesn’t that decrease the chances of more humans becoming Divers?” Sirius asked.

“Exactly. You’d think they’d want more hands to deal with the Abyss. But imagine you owned a market monopoly. Would you want competition?”

Sirius’ eyes widened as understanding dawned.

“So, they keep it secret to prevent too many Divers from rising. But why doesn’t the union step in?”

“Because they can’t,” Rich replied. “Divers are above the law. They’re humanity’s salvation and wield supernatural powers. Sure, there are incidents from time to time... but they’re irreplaceable. The only reason Earth still stands is because of the resources we extract from the Abyss.”

He took a sip of tea before continuing. “Besides, the union is barely maintaining the balance between the government and the guilds as it is. A sudden influx of Divers would tip that balance against them.”

“So, there’s a sort of tacit agreement between the two powers,” Sirius concluded.

Rich nodded. “Exactly. Divers keep many secrets. Take the Empty Gate Incident, for example.”

Sirius’ brows furrowed. “It happened about ten years ago, didn’t it? I was a kid, but even people here in the slums heard about it. The greatest guild of the time was completely wiped out, but no monsters ever came out of the gate. It was like both sides destroyed each other.”

Rich’s gaze sharpened. “There was one survivor,” he said quietly. “The guild master, known as the Heavenly Bow—the first human to raise his Starcore to Stage Three. But his survival has been kept a secret. Why do you think that is?”

Sirius pondered the question. “Because to declare his survival would put him in jeopardy?”

Rich nodded. “Exactly.”

Sirius sighed, nibbling his lower lip. Rich chuckled at the boy’s frustration.

“Don’t worry, kid. I’m not telling you this to scare you. I’m going to teach you how to defeat the monsters inside the Abyss... and those outside of it, too.”

Sirius’ expression brightened slightly, though his mind raced with lingering doubts. Just who is this man? How does he know so much?

“Still,” Sirius began, his golden eyes narrowing in thought, “won’t I stand no chance against the scions of the big guilds? They’ve been trained their whole lives, and they already know all the things you’re about to teach me.”

Rich leaned back in his chair, his smirk sharpening with quiet confidence. “A blank slate can be more valuable than a scholar’s book. It all depends on how it’s used.” He paused, letting the words settle before his smirk widened mischievously. “And, for the record... I’m a very good writer, I’ll have you know.”

Sirius’ lips twitched, his annoyance barely concealed. Normally, those words would have grated on him, but today they carried an odd sense of comfort. Fine. They say because I lived a dog’s life, I should die a dog’s death? I’ll show them. I’ll survive this shitty fate, and I’ll take vengeance on all those bastards who left us to rot. I’ll show them, that even a dog’s bite can scar a proud tiger.

“I’ll believe those words for now,” Sirius said, his tone measured.

“Great.” Rich clapped his hands together. “We’ll start physical training tomo—” He broke off abruptly, coughing violently. The sound echoed through the small room, growing harsher with each gasp.

Maria darted forward, pressing a handkerchief into his hand. “Are you okay?” she asked, her voice laced with concern.

Rich waved her off, his lips curving into a weak smile. “It’s nothing,” he rasped. “These things come with age. No need to worry.”

The laugh that followed lacked the vigor Sirius had come to expect from the man. Something about it seemed hollow, but neither he nor Maria noticed. They were too consumed by the spark of hope Rich had ignited—a star of hope burning brightly in the depths of their despair.

Unbeknownst to them, Rich discreetly folded the bloodstained handkerchief and tucked it into his pocket.