Chapter 0002

The bustling hallways of Winston High School buzzed with activity as students hurried from class to class. Ethan, still adjusting to the rhythm of his new surroundings, clutched his books tightly, determined not to let his guard down.

As he entered his second-period classroom, Ethan's eyes scanned the room for familiar faces. Spotting his friend Alex, he made his way to the back of the classroom and took a seat beside him.

"Hey, Ethan! How's it going?" Alex greeted him with a friendly smile.

Ethan returned the smile, relieved to have a familiar presence amidst the sea of strangers. "I'm hanging in there. It's a lot to take in, but I'm getting used to it."

Alex nodded, understanding the whirlwind of emotions Ethan must be experiencing. "Trust me, man, it gets easier. Just give it some time. You'll find your groove."

Ethan sighed, his mind still weighed down by the memories of his mother's sacrifices. "I know, but sometimes it feels like I'm carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders. I wish she was here to see me now."

Alex placed a reassuring hand on Ethan's shoulder. "I get it, buddy. But remember, she wanted you to have a better life, and you're making that happen. Your genius is going to take you places, mark my words."

A glimmer of determination sparked in Ethan's eyes. "You're right. I can't let her down. I'll make her proud, no matter what it takes."

As the day progressed, Ethan found solace in his classes, immersing himself in his studies and demonstrating his intellectual prowess. Though he kept his genius hidden from most, his teachers couldn't help but notice his exceptional abilities.

After the final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, Ethan and Alex headed towards their lockers, ready to face the challenges that awaited them beyond the classroom walls.

Suddenly, a group of students approached them, led by a menacing figure named Ryan. With a sneer on his face, Ryan glared at Ethan. "Well, well, if it isn't the newbie. Heard you think you're some kind of genius."

Ethan remained calm, refusing to let Ryan's taunts get under his skin. "I don't need to prove anything to you, Ryan. Just leave us alone."

Ryan's cronies laughed, goading him further. "You're in our territory now, genius. You better learn to show some respect."

Alex stepped forward, his voice laced with authority. "Back off, Ryan. We don't want any trouble."

Ryan's eyes narrowed, sizing up Alex. "Oh, you think you're tough, huh? Let's see what you're made of, gang leader."

Before Ethan could intervene, Alex's hand shot out, blocking Ryan's attempted punch with lightning-fast reflexes. The confrontation escalated, each side trading blows, but Ethan remained on the sidelines, observing the chaos unfolding before him.

Suddenly, a surge of emotion coursed through Ethan's veins, triggering the dormant power within him. As his friends fought bravely, Ethan felt his strength amplify, his senses sharpening. Without a second thought, he jumped into the fray, unleashing his Battle Frenzy power.

With each strike, Ethan's fists became a blur, his agility unmatched. The intense rush of emotion fueled his abilities, overwhelming his opponents. It was a display of power that left even his friends astonished.

As the dust settled, Ryan and his cronies retreated, defeated and humiliated. Ethan's breathing steadied as he reverted to his normal state, the echoes of his power fading away.

Alex clapped Ethan on

the back, a mix of awe and admiration in his eyes. "Man, I didn't know you had it in you! That was incredible!"

Ethan shrugged modestly, his heart still racing from the adrenaline. "Guess I surprised myself too. But let's not make a big deal out of it, alright?"

Alex nodded, respecting Ethan's wish for discretion. "Fair enough. Just know that we've got your back, no matter what. You're part of the Night Reapers now, and together, we can face anything."

With newfound confidence and a group of friends by his side, Ethan knew he had embarked on a journey that would test his limits. In this city of shadows, he would unravel the mysteries of his power, navigate the treacherous paths of gangs and clubs, and strive to create a better future for himself and his mother. Little did he know that the challenges awaiting him would push him further into the darkness, forcing him to confront his inner demons and make choices that would shape his destiny.