The soft clinking of plates echoed across the small dining table. I pushed the last bite of rice around with my spoon, my thoughts far from the meal.
"Akairo," my mother's gentle voice pulled me back. "Tomorrow is a very special day—for both of us."
I looked up, her warm eyes meeting mine. "Yes, Mother… but I'm nervous." My voice cracked slightly.
She reached across the table and placed her hand over mine. "Don't be nervous, my son. Whatever core you receive tomorrow, I will always be proud of you. And so would your father."
Father… my chest tightened at the mention of him. He'd sacrificed himself for this world, trying to rid it of demons. Yet, the demons still lurked in the shadows.
"I'll protect our people, Mother," I said, clenching my fist.
She smiled, tears shimmering in her eyes. "That's all I could ever ask for."
The next day, the great ceremonial hall buzzed with energy. This was the day every young person awaited—the day they discovered the core that would define their destiny.
I stood among hundreds, my heart hammering as the announcer's voice boomed, "Welcome! Today you will receive your core, each one determined by your inner strength and capabilities. Step forward one by one, place your hand on the circle, and the system will reveal your core."
One by one, they went up. A boy received a Fire Core and erupted with pride. A girl was blessed with a Water Core, smiling as her friends cheered.
Then Katshuu stepped forward. He carried himself with effortless confidence.
"Titan Core!" the announcer declared. "One of the rarest and strongest cores!" The crowd roared.
Next was Bunai—she received a Shield Core. Then Shinata stepped forward, and when her core flashed lightning, the announcer gasped.
"A Lightning Core! I haven't seen one in thirty years!"
The excitement was electric. But as the line grew shorter, I felt the weight of everyone's eyes when it was finally my turn.
I stepped into the circle, hands trembling. The glowing circle beneath me flickered… and then, it dimmed completely.
"…Null Core," the announcer whispered, voice laced with disbelief. "I… I've never seen this before. A core with no element?"
The hall erupted in murmurs and laughter.
"A powerless core!" someone snickered from the back.
"Does this mean he's useless?"
I felt my throat tighten, heat rising in my chest.
But Katshuu's voice cut through the noise. "Stop! A core doesn't define who we are. Null or not, we should respect everyone."
I wanted to believe him… but in my heart, all I could think was, Is this some kind of cruel joke? Am I truly powerless?
Before I could sink deeper into despair, a warrior appeared and whispered in my ear, "You. Come with me. The Warrior Team is calling you."