Volume I - Chapter 6

Days seemed to drag on, with the looming threat of another encounter with "Scrambled Eggs"—a sarcastic nickname I inadvertently bestowed upon Bishop Manuel after our fateful meeting. For some reason, his visits around my vicinity grew more frequent.

"This guy is relentless," I muttered, retreating into hiding upon spotting him in the corridor.

Manuel: Archbishop!

"!!!" My heart raced. "Is he talking to an archbishop?!"

Archbishop: And the child? Any signs of the Sacred Gear?

Manuel: Not yet. However, the repulsion feelings displayed by the other residents surely stem from the Gear within him.

Sacred Gear? I thought, trying to eavesdrop without getting noticed. "What is it? And why are they so interested?"

Archbishop: A Sacred Gear with the power to affect such a vast area and heal fatal wounds will be of great value to us.

Manuel: I understand. I'll intensify my efforts with the boy.

"Son of a bitch!" I whispered a curse. "They never intended to help me. They just want to use me. Just wait, you fucker, I'll give you what you deserve."

I quietly moved away, needing to clear my head, and nothing's better than reading, especially more about these Sacred Gears. I remembered seeing a mention in yesterday's book, so I sneaked into the library, seeking the ancient tome I had set aside during my last visit.

Swiftly, I navigated through the corridors, trying not to get caught by any of the priests. It seemed like even the walls had ears in this place. I headed straight to the section where I found the book, and to my surprise, it was still there, unmistakably the oldest book on the shelf. I grabbed it, tucking it under my shirt, and slipped away before the librarian noticed me.

I directed myself to my secret hideout, a crack in the fortress wall, which seemed to have been there for a while and was large enough to fit a bed. I had made mine with some cloths I gathered a while back and a lantern. It was almost impossible for an adult to find, being hidden between meticulously trimmed square bushes, making the crack barely visible. Once inside, I sat on the pillows, grabbed the lantern, carefully opened the book, and resumed reading from where I had stopped.

The book detailed the long war between angels, demons, and fallen angels, and it seemed that humans intervened at some point. However, their strength was insignificant compared to the others until the emergence of those blessed by God. Humans with great abilities that changed the war's history, known as the carriers of Sacred Gears (Sacred Gear).

- So, this is the so-called Sacred Gear... It seems like the plot of a game from my world, - I murmured, slightly ironic. - How can a book be so predictable? Or is it the history itself?

The book was more worn out than it seemed at first. Here were more details about this 'Sacred Gear'.

- According to what is written here, - I began reading aloud, - Sacred Gears are special abilities granted by God to selected humans. These 'Holy Gears' vary widely in power and form but all bear a divine purpose within.

The illustration beside it showed a man with a sword of light, another with shields on both arms, and even a woman whose eyes glowed intensely, almost as if she could see beyond physical reality.

"These abilities can be hereditary, passing down from generation to generation, while others appear randomly, selecting bearers who might never have heard of such divine legacy," I muttered, impressed by the amount of information as I continued reading.

- The folklore origin of Sacred Gears dates back to the beginning of time, where it is believed that God created them as a way to balance the battle between good and evil. To ensure humanity had a fighting chance against the world's growing evils, God instilled parts of His power into certain individuals, making them bearers of special Gears.

- Hmm, so it's basically like God handing out playing cards to humanity, saying, 'Here, this might help or screw you over either way, have fun!' - I chuckled sarcastically. - Seems like in this life God is still the same trickster as always.

I stretched my lips sideways disapprovingly and continued my reading.

- With each generation, new Sacred Gears appear while others vanish. Their powers range from manipulating elements and accelerated healing to even foreseeing the future in rare cases.

- So, supposedly, I have one of these things within me? And these idiots want to use it for their own purposes? Great, = I paused and sighed, looking at the church's symbol on my chest.

I opened the system window and looked again at that tab that now instead of stating there wasn't a Sacred Gear, said something completely undecipherable.

"What the hell is this?!"

╔─━━━━━━━━━━━░★░━━━━━━━━━━─╗

『STATISTICS』

Name: Kuroto‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ Level: 01

Age: 26 (03+23)

Race: Reincarnated Human

Sacred Gear: ᓭℸ ̣ ᔑ∷ʖ𝙹∷リ ᒷ||ᒷᓭ 𝙹⎓ ╎リℸ ̣ ⚍╎ℸ ̣ ╎𝙹リ

Title: N/A

Faction: N/A

XP

[░░░░░░░░░░] 0/500

___________________________

Strength: 05‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎  ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Vitality: 10

Agility: 05  ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Wisdom: 10

Senses: 10‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎  ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎Luck: -05

___________________________

‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎

  ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎  ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎  ‎‎‎‎‎Remaining Points: 0

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Now there was something written, but it was indecipherable to me; I couldn't understand it. Upon trying to click on it, the system seemed to malfunction, and multiple red windows started appearing, stating:

╔─━━━━━━━━━━━░★░━━━━━━━━━━─╗

『!ERROR!』

Permission Denied!

╚─━━━━━━━━━━━░★░━━━━━━━━━━─╝

╔─━━━━━━━━━━━░★░━━━━━━━━━━─╗

『!ERROR!』

Permission Denied!

╚─━━━━━━━━━━━░★░━━━━━━━━━━─╝

╔─━━━━━━━━━━━░★░━━━━━━━━━━─╗

『!ERROR!』

Permission Denied!

╚─━━━━━━━━━━━░★░━━━━━━━━━━─╝

╔─━━━━━━━━━━━░★░━━━━━━━━━━─╗

『!ERROR!』

Permission Denied!

╚─━━━━━━━━━━━░★░━━━━━━━━━━─╝

This was the second time the system denied my access; it seems like it's trying to hide something... but why?

It bothered me, but there was nothing I could do about it at the moment. I continued to ponder this peculiar discovery. My gaze slowly shifted from the system back to the book, where more information waited to be absorbed, likely with more questions arising as I deepened my understanding of these divine artifacts.

I closed the error notifications, and my curious gaze fixed on the time-yellowed pages. I continued to read the lines, each word, each sentence, trying to assimilate the knowledge that might eventually decide my fate in this insane game.

- The ability of a Sacred Gear is unique and often misunderstood, even by its bearers. The true potential of a Sacred Gear often remains dormant, revealing itself fully only in moments of extreme danger or need.

I frowned, the words echoing in my mind with a sense of urgency and mystery. So, what I had inside me was an enigma wrapped in a conundrum, a Pandora's box waiting to be opened.

-Yeah, God really loves a good joke, - I muttered sarcastically, bitterness tingeing my words as the thought of being a pawn in a divine game turned my stomach.

I continued my reading, absorbing every piece of information about these Sacred Gears. With each line, a glimpse of the unknown unfolded before me, presenting a world where the mystical and the mundane intertwined in unimaginable ways.

Suddenly, a thought crossed my mind, sharp and urgent. If I had a Sacred Gear, and this thing was so powerful and coveted, how long would it be until others, with worse intentions, came after me? How many more would know about what I carried within me? Especially when I myself don't even know what it is that's inside me.

Doubt hung over me; the system assured me that I didn't possess a Sacred Gear, but now it's acting as if something was in the position of a Sacred Gear. It appears the system itself isn't one, so where did it come from?

The welcoming messages in my mind were still fresh, and a spark came to mind. If everything the book said was real—angels, demons, and even fallen angels went to war—and the system self-proclaims as the 'Apocalypse Dragon System,' does that mean dragons are also real?

- My head is frying... it's too much information, but this is just a supposition. I'm skeptical; there's no way these damn things exist... right? - I laughed nervously, then fell back to reality. - Who am I trying to fool? This is ridiculous; I have a damn system that gave me powers from literally an anime, how can this place be normal? Although I think my definition of normal might be the one that's wrong.

But one thing was certain: the church only wanted to use me, and honestly, I won't let that go cheaply. I'll take off from here at the first opportunity, but for that, I need to improve myself.

- It seems that, even in this life, man continues being the same: greedy, manipulative, and infinitely ambitious. - A bitter and hoarse laugh escaped my lips. - If you want me to act like a layperson and fool for you to act like the bearers of truth, fine by me.

I felt my fists warm, and my cursed energy circulated through them slowly until my fist began to radiate a small black glow mixed with a thin bright crimson.

- You won't lose by waiting. - the energy quickly dissipated, and I made a 'seriously?' face. - for now, let's focus on improving my strength.

I turned my attention back to the book, and there was the end of the story, which, surprisingly, was as predictable as possible. Demons and fallen angels couldn't resist the supreme power of God, and as soon as He intervened, the war ended.

- This was like an adult stopping a children's fight. - I whispered, resting my head on the book and sighing deeply.

- I want to go home. Brazil may have its problems, but at least I'm not treated like a pawn there. - I vented, feeling a single, lonely tear run down my left eye. - Hey, don't you dare cry, Kuroto, you've been through worse. - I said, wiping my face and closing the book.

- If powers truly exist in this life, then I'll be so strong that no one can force me to do anything. - My eyes, furious and determined, told me - the first step is to control my cursed energy and discover my innate technique.

"If I want to get out of this hell, I need to become stronger. Lisa... I will come back for you."

- But this whole thing about God, holy war, demons, fallen angels, angels, and dragons reminds me of that hentai disguised as an anime... - for a moment, a question crossed my mind 'what if' - Nahh, that's impossible! - I laughed at myself and closed the book.

I decided not to extend the thought further and fell asleep. Upon waking up, I noticed that dawn was breaking. Quickly, I made up my mind: return the book and improve my cursed energy. Before leaving the hiding spot, I scanned the surroundings; I saw priests walking nearby. I waited for them to leave, but as soon as I tried to exit, more of them appeared, looking directly at me and whispering among themselves.

Priest: Isn't this the boy the bishop is looking for?

I murmured to myself: ~ Better get out of here...

"Being discreet here is almost an Olympic sport. If I grow old in this place, I won't be able to do anything without someone judging me... Their disapproving eyes and the whispers: 'That's a sin!'. How annoying!" - I sighed with exasperation and headed towards the library. However, I was stopped by three older boys from the orphanage.

Boy 1: Look who we have here, the South American prodigy. What's up, yellow monkey, lost in Italy? - he sneered.

The insult was ridiculous, and although my Italian was basic, the swear words were the first things I learned.

- Really? Now I remember why Italians specialize in pasta because, in insults - I laughed sarcastically, which made the boy frown and throw a punch.

I was hit, but it was a mere nuisance. Due to pain suppression, it didn't hurt, but I really felt bothered. I responded with an even more sarcastic smile.

- Your punches are as weak as your repertoire of insults, you SOFT PUNCHER - Within seconds, the trio advanced, but they were no match for my strength.

It didn't take 10 seconds to deal with those kids; me against them was like an adult against children. My punches really hurt; two of the boys passed out when I hit their throats, and the last one knelt when I kicked his stomach, throwing up his breakfast.

Child¹: You monster!

- Oh, now I'm the monster? - I grabbed him by the hair - since you're Italian and like to mock descendants, how about I teach you a typical greeting from the insult you gave me? - I smiled maliciously at the boy, shoved his face into his own vomit, making him bend over, holding his face to the ground with my foot - enjoy, put the coffee back in your stomach, manhole cover.

Priest: Kuroto! You could kill them! Stop! - he exclaimed, holding me tightly.

- He started it! I'm just defending myself - I said smiling, kicking the boy's face, knocking him out.

Manuel appeared, with a fierce look: - You little bastard! - he tried to punch me, but I grabbed his fist tightly.

- Tired of being a punching bag, scrambled egg - I said and kicked his leg, making him kneel immediately - I'm much stronger than I appeared, old man! - I said and punched his face hard, making him turn his head and spit out some blood.

The priests began to surround me to restrain me. I tried to force my way out, but when about three grabbed me, it was already too late.

- Let me go, you lackeys! - I tried to squirm to get free while they held my body down, immobilizing me.

Manuel: You little monster, let's take him - he said and pulled out a syringe.

- GET AWAY WITH THAT SHIT FROM ME, YOU SON OF A BITCH! - I pulled my arm strongly, swinging it, and luckily punched one of the priests in the stomach, trying to get free, but Manuel was faster and injected something into my arm.

Manuel: Hold him tight; he will pass out soon.

I felt my body getting heavy and tired rapidly; this son of a bitch sedated me, I hate needles.

- You fucking asshole - I said, my eyes heavy. And everything went dark.

Manuel: This kid is stronger than he seems; take appropriate measures.

Priests: Yes, bishop.

It was the last thing I heard before passing out for good.

When I woke up again, I was in an all-white room: the reflection room. I was familiar with the straitjacket around my body, but the chains on my legs were new. It was a place the orphanage used for "reeducation".

I sat on the cold floor and began to enjoy the lack of supervision; it was a good place to improve the circulation of my cursed energy. I was almost reaching a state of deep concentration when the door creaked, revealing Manuel.

Manuel: Are you awake already? I thought you'd be out longer.

- Nah, my naps are short, but your face is a wreck; the punch must have hurt - I laughed sarcastically: - I'm waiting for the next round; I'll make sure you can't spread those seeds around, scrambled egg.

He was visibly furious and came at me, punching my face hard and repeatedly, making me spit blood, but honestly, I didn't feel anything.

- Haha, you punch like a woman, you idiot - I laughed cynically at him; honestly, I couldn't feel my face anymore, but I won't give him that satisfaction.

He would continue the 'correction' session if it weren't for the door creaking followed by the sound of a familiar voice:

Old Man: Bishop Manuel!

Manuel froze mid-motion; his expression changed, showing a mix of fear and respect for the elder.

Manuel: Archbishop, your presence is a surprise. To what do I owe the honor?

Archbishop: I came to check the young prodigy personally. - He approaches, squatting to level his gaze with mine. - What's your name, little one?

I hesitated to answer him. There was something intrinsically disturbing about this man's presence, something that urged me to keep my distance. My hesitation resulted in a strong punch to the stomach, making me lose my breath, courtesy of Manuel, who growled:

Manuel: Answer the Archbishop immediately!

I swallowed anger and discomfort, reluctantly responding:

- Kuroto

Archbishop: Interesting, Kuroto. Are you of Japanese descent?

Manuel's hand trembled, ready to hit me and itching for me not to answer.

- I have no idea...

The Archbishop then turned to Manuel with an inquisitive look.

Archbishop: Manuel, is there information about the boy's family?

Manuel: Unfortunately, we don't have enough data. There are no records of parents or other relatives. All we know is his name: Kuroto.

Archbishop: Does the name have any meaning?

Manuel: According to my rudimentary research, one of the possible translations is 'shit'. However, I believe a more appropriate meaning would be 'Twilight Stela' or 'Dark Constellation', which can also be translated into 'Black Star'.

"Your translation is as crappy as your Portuguese," I thought disdainfully.

Archbishop: A resilient boy with a combative essence. - He analyzed me; his eyes piercing mine. - Your wild and untamable spirit is evident. Perhaps there is a more... appropriate use for him.

Manuel: Are you sure, Archbishop? - he said uncertainly.

Archbishop: Obedience can be taught, especially if the safety of his young 'mother' is at stake. - he said, leaving the room.

The mention of my mother sent chills down my spine.

- Hey! What did he mean by that?!

Manuel: Yes, sir. - Manuel agreed, then looked at me seriously and left with the archbishop.

- MANUEL! What did he mean by that? - I exclaimed angrily

The door was closed, but the small hatch opened, revealing the old man's face.

Archbishop: I expect your cooperation, for the well-being of young sister Lisa, Little 'Black Star' - he said, closing the hatch.

- YOU SON OF A BITCH! I will kill you!

I attempted to force my way out, but in vain; I'm not a superhero to break the chains. Even though I'm strong, I'm still human. The darkness swallowed both the room and my fury, amplifying my concerns about what would happen to Lisa.

Hours passed slowly, but I maintained my focus. I knew that to survive in this new environment, I would need to master every fragment of cursed energy I possessed.

Eventually, I passed out from exhaustion after yelling and calling that motherfucker's name in the room. I was unaware of how long I slept, but I woke still tired, with restricted movements.

Some time passed, and with the lights restored, Manuel and other priests entered.

Manuel: "Good morning, brat. Are you calmer now?"

- What are you going to do with Lisa?

Manuel: Haha, you know, most would worry about themselves instead of asking about someone who is quite fine, mind you.

- I swear, if you lay a single finger on her, I'll-

Manuel: You'll what? Throw a tantrum? Yell? Struggle? - he laughed at the situation, then approached, grabbing my face tightly, staring into my black eyes - what can you do?

- I can end you, you starched-up piece of shit! - I tried to charge at him, but the chains tightened, holding me centimeters away from him.

Manuel let out a long laugh, then looked at the other priests, who remained silent, observing the situation.

Manuel: Kuroto, Kuroto, you are now literally what the translation of your name says: 'shit' - he laughed, delivering a strong kick to my face, making me fall - but even shit can be useful if used in the right place.

- You conceited asshole - I said with a look of pure rancor and hatred while staring at that sly smile on his face - just wait until I get free; I'll wipe that arrogant smile off your face.

Manuel: Haha, I look forward to it. But since that won't happen - he said, placing his boot on my face and stepping on my head - And if you care for sister Lisa's well-being, I hope you behave and follow exactly what we say.

- For your own sake, hope they don't touch a hair on her head. If they do, when I get free, I'll hang your damn head on the church door, impaled on a stake!

Manuel: Did I hit a nerve, kid? - he laughed, amused by the situation - You know, you'd be much more dangerous if you weren't so attached to her. But that's useful to us, and it's your weak point. So if you really care about her, do as we say. I'm being nice, and I'll keep her safe, as long as you're obedient.

I kept silent, glaring at him furiously.

Manuel: I'll take that as agreement - he then looked at the priests - Take care of him and take him to the car.

I looked at him with a puzzled expression, not understanding.

Manuel: Ready for a change of air? - he laughed, smiling at me, then delivered a powerful kick to my face, sending me flying into the wall.

My head bounced off the wall, and I felt my brain shake, and my vision quickly darkened.

~ son of a...

I felt my body being moved while I was unconscious, but I had no idea how long I had truly been asleep. When I jolted awake, I was inside a vehicle, being taken to a mountainous region. Restrained in a straitjacket, I noticed the presence of priests around me.

"I'd better sleep some more, before I try to beat up these two." - I thought, closing my eyes again. My body was sore and ached from the blows I'd received.

Suddenly, a sharp jolt shook the car, signaling we had stopped.

Priest: "Wake up, boy. We're here."

- Where is "here"?

Priest: "Your new home."

Before my eyes stretched a forest blanketed in a chilly layer of snow. Going up a winding dirt road, I spotted an imposing building, a structure that resembled a Victorian mansion or an ancient fortress.

- Great. Am I rooming with Casper the Ghost?

The priest, indifferent to my sarcasm, led me inside the majestic building. The sound of the ancient door opening echoed as we entered a grand hall. Several silver-haired children, similar to me, were there. Some hid, while a trio on the upper floor observed me: a girl with silver hair and red eyes, a boy with messy hair leaning against the banister, and the eldest one, with a stern expression, analyzing me closely.

"Looks like I found the old folks' home for kids. Just great."

Priest: So you're the boy the bishop told me about. - he said, examining and smiling as he lightly picked up a strand of my silver hair. - Welcome to Sigurd Institute.

- The feeling isn't mutual, father.

Priest: I've been informed of your problematic personality. - he leaned close to my ear and whispered ~ the bishop wanted me to tell you that whatever you do here will reflect how he handles the situation, he said you'd understand perfectly.

"That bastard!" - I thought, clenching my fists - Understood, father. - I replied, gritting my teeth in anger.

Priest: You can remove his jacket now. He'll behave, right?

I said nothing, completely furious.

Priest: When spoken to, I expect an answer, boy.

- Yes... Sir! - I responded, gripping my fist so hard that something wet filled my hands.

Finally, they removed the straitjacket. The trio from above watched closely while the eldest seemed to have lost interest, but the other two continued to observe. After removing the jacket, the priest then examined my physique.

Priest: Quite the impressive physique for a 3-year-old, you have such well-developed muscles at such a young age - he noted, looking at my bleeding fist - I see you've hurt yourself, what a shame. I hope it doesn't happen again. We need useful people, not time bombs, understand boy?

- Understood. - my answers became robotic as I struggled to keep my composure.

A caretaker came up to the priest, standing by his side, and without taking his eyes off me, the priest said,

Priest: Take him to his quarters, the instructor will inform him of everything tomorrow, rest well boy. Tomorrow will be a long day.

Promptly, I was led to the dormitory, a cold and austere room that looked more like a cell.

~ How cozy. - I murmured sarcastically.

Caretaker: "I hope you feel at home. Be ready at dawn, the instructor will give you instructions."

In the dark, I tried to find a switch but failed. I walked to the bed, placed my few belongings on the floor, and began to meditate. Focusing on accumulating cursed energy in my hand, a faint glow emerged, subtly illuminating the room, providing focus training as I arranged my things.

- Just wait a bit, I'll improve quickly.

Dawn was breaking when my meditation was interrupted by footsteps in the hallway. The door opened, revealing a middle-aged man with platinum-colored hair like the other children, dressed in a dark robe.

Man: So you're the new pupil, Kuroto?

- Seems so. - I replied, still wary.

Man: I am Aelfric, the chief instructor of Sigurd Institute. I'm here to ensure you reach your full potential.

- If my potential involves being locked in a dark cell, I think I've reached it.

Aelfric: Sarcasm won't get you far here. Our training is rigorous, and there's no room for foolishness. The Sigurd Institute has a legacy to uphold. - he said, giving a dry laugh as he looked at me.

- And what exactly is this legacy? - I asked, trying to understand my place in this new reality.

Aelfric: You'll find out soon enough. For now, join the others for morning training.

Before leaving, he gave me a penetrating look, as if trying to read my soul, evaluating my potential.

The daylight revealed more of the Institute. Stone buildings with arches and towers everywhere. A fairy-tale landscape, if not for the oppressive atmosphere hanging in the air.

I joined the group of children in the courtyard, each one with hair as silver as mine.

Some gave me curious looks, while others seemed indifferent to my presence. Among them, I spotted a girl with a distant look, as if lost in thought.

Aelfric: TOSCA!

Tosca: Yes, sir! - she replied, startled to see that the instructor had noticed her daydreaming.

Aelfric stared at Tosca for a moment, shook his head, and then turned to the group, dismissing her lapse in concentration.

Aelfric: All of you! - Aelfric's voice echoed through the courtyard. - Pay attention and get ready for training.

I adjusted myself there, trying to fit in with the odd group. Each face seemed to carry a story I didn't know yet, but somehow, now it was also part of mine.

Aelfric started giving instructions. His words were strict, the training was rigorous, and the environment was heavy with the intensity of focused gazes and unspoken expectations. Tosca, still somewhat daydreamy, eventually focused, adopting a more serious posture, like the others.

I tried to absorb as much as I could, but my thoughts wandered, trying not to care about it. Still, the thought of them using Lisa as a piece to control me disgusted me and made me want to kill everyone there. And what 'Legacy' did Aelfric mention? What did they expect from us, a bunch of silver-haired kids? What was the real purpose of all this?

As training went on, I felt stares. Tosca was glancing at me from the corner of her eye. She had a strange expression, a mix of curiosity and something else I couldn't identify. I tried to strike up a conversation.

- Hey, are you okay? Are all days like this? Seems exhausting. - I said, attempting to make small talk.

Tosca observed me for a second, weighing whether to respond.

Tosca: You'll get used to it, - she murmured, turning her attention back to Aelfric's instructions. - We all go through it.

- And you? Have you gotten used to it? - I asked, trying to keep the conversation going.

Tosca: Enough not to lose it.

  - she shrugged, a nearly imperceptible gesture.

The conversation died there, but somehow, I felt a bit more at ease. Despite all the mystery and pressure, I wasn't alone in this. And for now, that would have to be enough.

Night fell, and Sigurd Institute revealed another of its secrets. Amid the silence, whispers and chants could be heard, as if a ritual were occurring deep within the place.

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『Three years later...』 

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I was comfortably enjoying my sleep when a deafening noise of knocks on the door ripped me from Morpheus's arms. It was the signal: the tutor was in the area, ready to start the day.

Aelfric: "WAKE UP! TIME FOR THE DAILY CHECK!"

I responded with a sleepy "Yes, sir" and got out of bed, stretching.

Looking out the window, I noticed it was still dark outside. This place has this strange thing where you lose track of time easily. The cold doesn't help, and the sun, which seems lazy to rise early, only complicates things more.

I put on the standard uniform which, honestly, wasn't all bad. However, I customized it because it had to have my style. The tutors didn't say anything about this, which was a win. Now, my clothes looked more like a kimono. But not just any kimono: the pants remained, but over them, a black haori that went down to my knees added a stylish touch. White and black dominated the color palette, making the garment elegantly sober.

Growing up is a strange but good thing. Being a child sucks. As soon as I left the room, I saw some kids standing in front of their rooms, all in a robotic posture.

Aelfric: Let's start the roll call. Anabel!

Anabel: Present!

Aelfric: Ariel!

Ariel: Present!

And the roll call went on, with all of us standing there, like statues. Meanwhile, I focused on maintaining my posture and channeling my cursed energy. I can now let this energy flow through my body all the time, but releasing it still tires me out a lot.

Suddenly, the tutor calls me, but I'm so focused that I don't even notice.

Aelfric: Kuroto!

Silence.

Aelfric: Kuroto! - he repeated, already somewhat irritated!

I kind of return to Earth and answer quickly.

- Present!

Aelfric: Why didn't you respond earlier? - he frowned, looking at me with that "I'm-going-to-strangle-you" look.

- Ah, I was... focused. - I shrug, making up something.

Aelfric: Focused? You'll be focused on the special training you're going to have now! - This seems to irritate him even more.

And there I go, thinking that the day has barely started and it's already full of surprises.