The classroom was quiet.
Students whispered among themselves, some distracted, others attentive… until Tadashi's firm voice cut through the room.
— Alright, everyone pay attention. I'll be giving the introduction to our lesson.
He walked slowly across the front of the class.
— So… what is Reikon, to you?
A girl raised her hand.
— It's the energy that flows through all bodies.
Tadashi smiled faintly.
— A round of applause for the young lady… good answer.
He crossed his arms.
— But to be more specific… Reikon is the spiritual energy that originates from the soul.
— It exists within all living beings.
The same girl raised her hand again.
— Professor… if everyone has Reikon… why can't normal people use it?
Tadashi turned to the board.
— Simple.
He drew a small diagram.
— Even though everyone possesses Reikon… in most people, it's far too weak.
— It's like an electric kettle…
Some students looked confused.
— It runs on electricity… but if the switch is off… nothing happens.
— Now, if it's turned on…
He looked at the class.
— You can do many things.
— Then… — the girl insisted — what does it take to turn that "switch" on?
Tadashi remained silent for a moment.
— There is no single way.
— But we do know that… extreme emotions awaken Reikon.
— Trauma… passion… fear… desire… even death.
— When the soul is pushed to its limit…
He closed his eyes.
— Reikon responds.
TRIIIING!
The bell echoed.
— Well… break time.
Hallway — On the way to the cafeteria
— Why are you following me, you freak?
Ezonku didn't even look back.
Ren walked beside him, calm.
— I've got nothing to do… and now we're friends, so I thought we could talk.
— Who said we're friends?
Before Ren could answer—
— RENN! EZONKUU!
They turned.
It was Hana, running toward them with a bright smile.
— Hi! Long time no see! Heading to the cafeteria?
— Yeah — Ren replied — want to join us?
— Hey! — Ezonku cut in — what do you think you're doing?
Ren ignored him.
— Stop complaining and let's go.
Cafeteria
The place was huge.
Round tables, voices echoing… and food.
A lot of food.
Ren stopped.
His eyes sparkled.
— Incredible… so much delicious food…
Ezonku crossed his arms.
— What a weird face…
Hana laughed, wrapping her arms around both of them.
— Let's go!
They grabbed their food.
Sitting down…
Ren started eating like the world was about to end.
— Are you even human? — Ezonku watched.
Suddenly—
CLASH!
A tray fell to the floor.
— S-sorry… I-I'll clean it up…
A boy trembled.
— Your problem is that you can't do anything right — said a bully.
— Trash from the lower class like you should know your place.
Silence weighed on the room.
Then…
Ren stood up.
He walked over.
Crouched down.
Picked up a pair of broken glasses from the floor.
And handed them to the boy with a smile.
— You dropped these.
Ezonku watched from afar.
— Don't get involved… — he muttered to Hana.
— Who the hell are you? — the bully snarled.
Ren smiled.
— You can call me Ren.
— So you're that trash who doesn't even have a drop of Reikon…
He laughed.
— Look at that… you found someone worse than you.
He stepped closer.
— Why don't you clean this up instead of him?
Ren tilted his head.
— Because I don't see a reason to obey someone like you.
He turned to the boy.
— There's space at our table… want to come?
— That fat guy isn't going anywhere — the bully growled.
— He's my slave.
Ren… simply stopped listening.
— Hey!
A punch came.
Fast.
Violent.
Ren caught his arm.
As if it were nothing.
— W-what insane strength… — the bully trembled.
Ren let go.
The boy fell… straight into the food on the ground.
Silence.
Then—
Laughter.
The bully stood up, face red with rage.
— YOU—
His aura exploded.
Reikon.
Heavy.
Ready to strike—
— What is going on here?
A deep voice cut through the room.
Everyone froze.
A tall man, imposing, sharp gaze.
The presence of a soldier.
The bullies… backed off.
And left.
Ren stared at the man for a moment.
(Thought)
"Damn… I'm in trouble."
The man introduced himself as security and delivered a message for Ren: the principal wanted to see him after lunch.
Ren simply nodded.
Table
The boy wiped his eyes.
— T-thank you…
— No need — Ren smiled.
— What's your name?
— …
(Hesitates)
— Akira Shimizu.
— I'm Ren.
— Hana! — she raised her hand.
— And this is Ezonku.
— HEY! Who told you to say my name?!
Akira started crying.
— What's wrong? — Ren asked.
— It's just… I've never had friends before…
Hana smiled.
— Now you do.
Silence.
Akira let out a small laugh.
— Ah… I almost forgot… the principal called you.
Ren, mouth full:
— No idea why.
— Don't talk with your mouth full! — Ezonku complained.
Laughter.
Akira smiled.
(Thought)
"Friends…"
Principal's Office
KNOCK KNOCK
— Come in.
Ren opened the door.
— Hello.
Principal Hayato smiled.
— Hi, Ren. How was lunch?
— Incredible… I've never eaten that much before.
— I'm glad.
He stood up.
— And the academy?
Ren thought.
— It's amazing…
— But… kind of boring.
Hayato smirked slightly.
— I see.
Silence.
— Ren…
He became serious.
— I called you here… to make you an offer.
Ren watched him.
— Would you accept… becoming my student?
Distant Future
Rain.
A cemetery.
Ren stood in front of a grave.
Soaked.
Silent.
— Finally… your dream came true…
He closed his eyes.
— Director.
The rain fell harder.