The Sealed Power

In a very far place, where snow blankets the terrain perpetually and storms persist without end, a hidden paradise thrives beneath the harsh weather

"The Land Of The Monsters."

This expansive realm boasts a towering mountain, vast forest, and a massive lake. What sets it apart is the extraordinary protection enveloping the entire land – a magical shield fending off external intrusion. It's as if the entire land is encased within a protective sphere, impervious to even the slightest chill from the outside world.

Each day, the sun ascended in the sky, casting its light over this extraordinary land, much like any other place on Earth. The climate, for the most part, remained gentle.

Inhabitants of this realm were no ordinary beings; their existence spanned ages. With human-like bodies but towering in height, their faces bore a blend of human and animal features, incorporating eyes, teeth, and hair reminiscent of various creatures.

These monsters stood out not just for their appearance but also for their remarkable powers. Each individual among them wielded either water, wind, or earth abilities.

Those attuned to the earth possessed exceptional speed on land, coupled with eyes reminiscent of lions. The wind-powered beings could take flight with large wings and boasted heightened eyesight. As for the water-affiliated, they could breathe underwater, featuring gills on their chests and possessing agile bodies enabling them to swim as swiftly as sharks.

Embracing both their distinctive appearance and formidable powers, these beings proudly referred to themselves as monsters, holding their abilities in high esteem.

In their modest village, comprised of simple wooden houses and stores reminiscent of a seventeenth-century countryside, power held paramount significance. However, despite their pride, the monsters harbored a reluctance to venture beyond their land. Stepping into the human world caused them to transform into ordinary humans, a condition they only endured when embarking on specific missions.

The younger ones resembled human children, devoid of any powers. Upon reaching the age of 18, a transformation would commence, gradually altering their faces in alignment with their emerging powers.

Upon turning 20, they faced significant tasks in the human world. Success in these endeavors granted them complete transformation, harnessing all the powers within their grasp. However, failure carried a severe consequence – the loss of all powers, relegating them to a lifetime as a human. Branded by disgrace, they were forced to abandon the land of monsters, estranged from both family and community, destined to live the remainder of their lives outside the land.

From his early childhood, Aaron, the chief's second son, harbored dreams of attaining the strength comparable to his father's. Anticipation filled him as he awaited his eighteenth birthday, the moment when he would discover the unique power destined for him. In this realm, there existed no predetermined law dictating the bestowed power; rather, each monster acquired the power befitting their individual essence.

Tarou, Aaron's elder brother, eagerly awaited the significant day.

- Tomorrow is your eighteenth birthday, Aaron. Are you ready?

Tarou inquired.

- Absolutely, I've been anticipating this moment for so long!

Aaron responded.

- Any predictions on your power? Earth, like Father, or wind, like me?

- I don't mind; I'll accept whatever comes. I might not be like you, brother, but I'll give my best to improve.

- Don't underestimate yourself! You'll become a formidable monster.

- Yeah... I hope so.

Aaron expressed with a sense of anticipation.

On his long-awaited birthday, Aaron initially celebrated with excitement, surrounded by friends. However, as the day unfolded, his enthusiasm turned to frustration. Despite the anticipation, no change manifested in his body or face, signaling the absence of any discernible power.

This abnormality sparked murmurs among his friends:

- Why hasn't anything changed?

- I don't know, this is strange...

- Maybe he's not a monster like the rest of us!

Feeling the weight of speculation, Aaron and his brother retreated to their house, seeking refuge from the unsettling whispers surrounding this unexpected turn of events.

Tarou persisted in checking Aaron repeatedly which made his brother more annoyed:

- Stop it, Tarou. This is enough.

Aaron pleaded.

- But there must be something! Let me check your body.

Tarou insisted.

Feeling overwhelmed, Aaron abruptly stood up and exclaimed:

- I SAID STOP! THERE IS NOTHING... ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.

With that, he retreated to his room, grappling with inner turmoil.

"What is going on with me? Why am I not changing? How am I going to face Father and the others tomorrow?" pondered Aaron, lost in his own thoughts.