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Hands of God

In the years following the Cataclysm, the world had become unrecognizable. The event that tore through the fabric of society, eradicating one-fifth of the global population, had left a scar so profound that the remnants of humanity could only gaze upon the new Earth with awe and horror. The planet expanded, continents drifted and reshaped like pieces of a colossal puzzle thrown asunder, and from the ocean's depths, new lands rose, teeming with unforeseen dangers and mysteries. The Cataclysm had unleashed chaos upon the world. Earthquakes shattered cities, volcanoes blanketed the skies with ash, and tsunamis erased coastlines. In the aftermath, as the dust settled and the earth stilled, the survivors faced a reality where the rules of existence had been rewritten. The exploration of the newly emerged lands by world governments unveiled a truth more terrifying than the destruction itself. The fauna of the planet had evolved, or rather, mutated into beings of immense strength, size, and peculiar abilities that defied the laws of nature. The first teams sent to delve into these uncharted territories met with fates so grim that the tales of their end served as dire warnings to those who dared to follow. Yet, amid this desolation, a glimmer of hope shone through the younger generation, those untouched by the cruel hand of puberty at the time of the Cataclysm. They emerged from the chaos changed, endowed with unique powers and abilities that manifested as they stepped into adolescence. Governments, in their desperation to reclaim some semblance of order and safety, saw in these gifted youths the key to confronting the new perils that now roamed the Earth and lurked within the mysterious dungeons that led to realms unknown. Whether these portals opened to different dimensions or distant planets remained a mystery, a puzzle that the brightest minds endeavored to solve. Among these young prodigies was our protagonist, a late bloomer named Eli. Unlike his peers, Eli had not shown any signs of the extraordinary powers that had become common among the post-Cataclysm generation. This made him the subject of ridicule and isolation, a boy on the fringes of a society that valued strength and supernatural abilities above all else. Eli's days were a monotonous blend of longing and despair, watching from the sidelines as his classmates showcased their abilities with pride and arrogance. The sting of exclusion was a constant companion, a reminder of his inadequacy. Yet, Eli harbored a quiet hope, a belief that his time would come, that he too would awaken to the powers that seemed his birthright. And then, on a day that seemed no different from the rest, fate decided to turn the pages of Eli's life. It was a day that began with the same taunts and jeers, the laughter of his peers echoing in his ears as he made his way through the school corridors. But as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange and red, a strange sensation began to stir within him. It started as a whisper, a faint murmur in the depths of his being, growing in intensity until it was a roar that consumed his every thought. Eli doubled over, clutching at his chest as an indescribable power surged through him, a force so overwhelming that it threatened to tear him apart. The world around him faded to black, and in that moment of terrifying darkness, Eli was reborn. When he awoke, the world had not changed, but he had. Eli stood, a newfound strength coursing through his veins, and with it, a sense of purpose. He was no longer the boy who watched from the shadows, but a beacon of hope in a world that desperately needed it. The journey ahead would be fraught with dangers, but Eli knew that he was no longer facing it alone. His powers, a gift from the Cataclysm, were his to wield in the fight to reclaim their planet and unravel the mysteries of the dungeons that beckoned with promises of untold adventures.

Lynneage · 都市
レビュー数が足りません
21 Chs

Chapter 9: New Beginnings and Old Friends

On his way to school, Eli pondered the newfound dynamics of his life. The revelation of his abilities to his family marked a turning point, not just in his personal life but in how he envisioned his future unfolding. He made a strategic decision to keep the extent of his powers—specifically, the number of God Hands he could create—a secret from everyone else. This element of mystery would serve as an ace up his sleeve, potentially tipping the scales in his favor in any confrontations or challenges that might arise.

With his abilities now recognized, Eli was eligible to participate in school-wide dungeon explorations, tournaments, and sparring matches between ability users—a prospect that both excited and unnerved him. The school grounds, once a battleground of isolation and ridicule, now promised a new arena for achievement and recognition.

As he approached the school, he spotted his friend waiting for him at their usual meeting spot in front of the school. Her name was Maya, one of the few at school who had never treated Eli differently because of his lack of powers. Maya was known for her talent in controlling plants, a skill that had many teachers and students speculating about her becoming a future pillar of the world once she graduated.

"Morning, Eli!" Maya greeted him with a warm smile, her presence a reminder of the few bright spots in his otherwise challenging school experience.

"Hey, Maya. Ready for another day?" Eli responded, matching her smile with one of his own.

As they walked to class together, Eli felt a mix of gratitude and apprehension. Their friendship, while genuine, had unwittingly cast him in a harsh spotlight, drawing unwelcome attention and ridicule from their peers.

It wasn't long before a group of students approached, their intentions clear from their smirks and the malice in their eyes. "Look at this, the flower and the cow dung walking to class together," one of them jeered, eliciting laughter from the others.

"Yeah, what's a talent like Maya doing with a nobody like Eli? You're just holding her back," another added, their words sharp and intended to wound.

Eli clenched his fists, feeling a familiar flush of anger and embarrassment. He knew their taunts were fueled by jealousy, a petty attempt to drive a wedge between him and Maya. But he also knew that reacting would only give them the satisfaction they craved.

Maya, ever the pillar of strength, stood her ground. "Eli's my friend, and he's more talented than any of you could ever hope to be. You're just too blind to see it," she retorted, her voice calm but firm.

Eli was taken aback by her defense, a surge of gratitude washing over him. He realized then that their friendship was more than just a source of jealousy for others; it was a bond that had withstood the trials of their environment, growing stronger in the face of adversity.

As they continued to their class, leaving the taunts behind, Eli felt a renewed sense of purpose. His journey was no longer just about proving his worth to himself or to his family; it was also about standing by those who had stood by him when he had nothing to show for it.

"Thanks, Maya. For everything," Eli said, his voice laden with sincerity.

Maya smiled, her confidence unshaken. "We're in this together, Eli. Always have been, always will be."

Their shared resolve fortified, Eli and Maya walked into class, ready to face whatever challenges the day might bring. For Eli, this was just the beginning. With his powers now known to him and a steadfast friend by his side, he was ready to carve out his place in the world, one victory at a time.

After his classes with Maya, Eli made his way to the school's front office, a decision weighing heavily on his mind. It was time to change the trajectory of his education, to align his schedule with the new reality of his abilities. The office was quiet, save for the soft tapping of a keyboard as the school administrator, Mrs. Carter, worked diligently behind her desk.

"Can I help you, Eli?" Mrs. Carter asked, peering over her glasses with a look of mild surprise. It was unusual for students to visit the office midday without a summons or an emergency.

Eli took a deep breath, steadying himself. "I need to change my classes," he announced, his voice carrying a newfound confidence that even he barely recognized.

Mrs. Carter raised an eyebrow, her hands pausing above the keyboard. "Change your classes? May I ask why?" Her tone was curious, yet cautious, aware of the complexities involved in altering a student's curriculum mid-semester.

Eli met her gaze, the significance of the moment not lost on him. "I've gained my power," he said simply, yet the weight of those words hung heavily in the air between them. "I'm ready to take my place alongside the other students who have unlocked their abilities."

The revelation seemed to take Mrs. Carter aback. It was no small thing for a student to come into their powers, especially someone who, until now, had been on a different path. "I see," she said after a moment, her expression softening into one of understanding. "That's wonderful news, Eli. Give me a moment to process the necessary changes."

As Mrs. Carter began navigating through the school's digital records, Eli couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation. This was more than just a change of classes; it was a declaration of his place in a world he had once observed from the sidelines.

"Here we are," Mrs. Carter finally said, her screen reflecting the adjustments being made. "You'll be enrolled in the ability development program, alongside your regular academics. This will include specialized training, dungeon explorations, and, of course, preparation for the school tournaments."

Eli nodded, absorbing every word. The prospect of dungeon explorations and tournaments filled him with a mix of excitement and nervousness. Yet, the nervousness was quickly overshadowed by the determination to prove himself, to make the most of the opportunities that lay ahead.

"Thank you, Mrs. Carter," Eli said, gratitude evident in his voice. "I won't let this opportunity go to waste."

Mrs. Carter smiled, a genuine expression of support. "I believe you, Eli. Just remember, it's not just about the power you wield, but how you choose to use it. Make us proud."

With those parting words, Eli stepped out of the office, his path now irrevocably altered. The school hallways, once a battlefield of judgment and isolation, now promised a journey of growth and discovery. As he walked back to his next class, Eli felt a sense of belonging that had eluded him for so long. He was no longer just a bystander in the world of abilities; he was a participant, ready to carve out his destiny with the strength of his will and the power of his God Hands.