The morning sun filtered softly through the wide windows of the Hoshizora mansion, scattering golden light across polished marble floors.
The faint clinking of dishes echoed from the kitchen, mixed with the low hum of conversation.
Kuhaku sat quietly on the long couch, still half-awake, his mind tracing the events of the last few weeks — the impact, the egg, the awakening, and now this strange new peace that didn't quite feel real.
The calm didn't last long.
"Come to the study," his father's voice called from the hallway — calm but firm, the tone that always meant something serious.
Kuhaku exchanged a quick glance with Kiana, Mei, and Bronya, who had been chatting in the corner. They followed him down the corridor, footsteps soft against the carpeted floor.
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Inside the study, Daichi Hoshizora stood by the tall window, a file in one hand and a cup of untouched tea in the other. Papers lay spread across the desk — reports stamped with official crests, photos of damaged cities, and charts filled with red markings.
When he turned to them, his expression was steady but heavy.
"I've been called into several meetings these past few days," Daichi began, his voice even. "About what comes next — for the country, and for all awakened."
"'Awakened'?" Kiana tilted her head. "That's what they're calling us now?"
Daichi nodded. "It's the official term. People who gained supernatural abilities after the Impact. The number is growing — fast. And not everyone's… stable."
Bronya folded her arms. "Meaning they are dangerous."
"Some of them," he confirmed. "Enough that the government is afraid. Conventional weapons don't work anymore — bullets, tanks, missiles. Against the stronger awakeners, they might as well be toys."
Kuhaku frowned. "Then what are they doing about it?"
"They're trying to make allies instead of enemies." Daichi set the file on the desk, flipping it open to reveal a government seal. "They've decided to grant awakened individuals legal authority — to form organizations called guilds. Each guild will serve as both protector and regulator, handling threats like Gates or outbreaks of mutated creatures."
Mei's eyes widened slightly. "Like a defense network?"
"Something like that."
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Daichi took a slow sip of tea before continuing. "The guilds will operate under ranking systems. Awakened are classified from E to S, according to their power and potential threat level.
E to D are manageable — enhanced strength, speed, basic mana control.
C to A are highly dangerous. The military can't suppress them without significant loss.
S-rank…"
He paused, meeting Kuhaku's gaze. "They're beyond human measure. No existing weapon can harm them. Only another S-rank might stand a chance."
Kiana gave a low whistle. "Sounds like living nukes."
"Exactly," Daichi said quietly. "That's why we need to form alliances before things spiral. And that's why I called you here."
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He straightened, placing both hands on the desk.
"I've received permission to establish one of the first registered guilds in Japan. The paperwork is done — all that's left is the name, and the team that will lead it."
Kuhaku blinked. "You want us to lead it?"
"You've seen the worst of what this new world can do. You've survived it." His father's eyes softened, filled with both pride and concern. "It's not just about strength, Kuhaku. It's about trust. I can't think of anyone better."
Kuhaku fell silent.
Kiana, Mei, and Bronya glanced at each other — surprise, hesitation, then quiet resolve.
Bronya was the first to speak. "Forming a guild would secure our legal standing."
Mei nodded softly. "And we could protect others from what happened in Nagazora."
Kiana smirked faintly. "And maybe punch some monsters while we're at it."
Kuhaku chuckled under his breath, but the weight of the moment pressed against his chest.
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A knock interrupted the discussion.
"Dinner's ready!" his mother's cheerful voice called from the hallway.
Daichi sighed. "We'll continue after we eat."
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The dining room was warm, filled with the scent of simmering soup and grilled fish. Rin sat beside Kiana, eagerly telling her about her favorite games while Aoi gently scolded her for talking with her mouth full.
Kuhaku smiled quietly at the scene — a rare slice of normal in a world that had lost its meaning.
But even as laughter echoed around him, his father's words lingered in his mind.
Guilds… protectors of the country… S-rank threats…
The world was changing faster than anyone could understand. And for the first time, he wasn't sure where he fit in it.
After dinner, he stayed behind in the living room. His father stood by the window again, gazing out at the distant city lights.
"I've made up my mind," Kuhaku said quietly.
Daichi turned. "Oh?"
"I'll join your guild. And… if you don't have a name yet, I think I might have one."
His father smiled faintly. "Let's hear it, then."
Kuhaku hesitated. A whisper echoed faintly in the back of his mind — soft, familiar, comforting. The same gentle warmth he'd felt once in that place of darkness.
He didn't see her, but he knew who it was.
"…Hyperion," he said finally. "The name should be Hyperion."
Daichi's smile deepened — pride and recognition mingling in his eyes.
"A fitting name for a rising star."
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That night, as Kuhaku looked up at the crimson-stained sky, the word echoed again in his mind —
Hyperion.
A name born from chaos.
A promise for what was to come.
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End of Chapter 2 – Part 5