Before Nova High… before the rumors, the fights, and the Top Ten… Kai lived a quiet life at another school.
Or at least, it looked quiet.
It was late afternoon when the final bell rang at Riverside Academy. Students rushed out of their classrooms, laughing and talking about their abilities.
Kai walked alone through the hallway.
Just like always.
At that school, powers were also important. But Kai had already learned something very early in his life:
Showing power only brings trouble.
Suddenly—
"Hey, Kai!"
A boy ran toward him.
His name was Jaden, Kai's only real friend at Riverside.
"You're leaving already?" Jaden asked.
Kai nodded.
"Yeah."
Jaden looked confused.
"But the ability tournament is next week! Everyone is joining."
Kai smiled slightly.
"You know I don't like tournaments."
Jaden laughed.
"That's because you're scared of losing!"
Kai didn't answer.
Because if Jaden knew the truth…
Things would never be the same.
As they walked outside the school gate, something strange happened.
A loud crash echoed behind them.
BOOM!
Students screamed.
Kai turned around slowly.
In the distance, two powerful students were fighting near the training field. One controlled fire, the other controlled wind.
Their battle was out of control.
Flames spread across the field.
Students ran everywhere.
Jaden panicked.
"This is bad!"
But Kai's eyes became serious.
The fire was spreading toward a group of younger students who were trapped.
Without thinking—
Kai stepped forward.
"Wait!" Jaden shouted. "What are you doing?!"
Kai walked toward the flames.
For a moment, the fire reflected in his eyes.
Then something unbelievable happened.
The flames around the battlefield suddenly changed direction… as if they were being controlled by someone else.
The fire user froze.
"H-How…?"
The wind user also stopped.
Kai stood in the middle of the burning field.
For a second…
The fire in the air obeyed him.
Then Kai clenched his fist.
The flames disappeared instantly.
Everyone stared at him in shock.
Kai quickly turned away.
But it was too late.
People had seen it.
That night, Kai packed his things quietly at home.
A letter sat on the table.
Transfer Approval – Nova High School
Kai sighed.
"So it begins," he murmured.
Because Nova High was not just another school.
It was a place where the strongest students gathered.
And if Kai wanted to hide his real power…
There was no better place to disappear.
The next morning…
Kai stood in front of the huge gates of Nova High.
He looked at the towering buildings and the students showing off their abilities.
Kai put his hands in his pockets and smiled slightly.
"Alright," he said softly.
"Let's pretend I'm powerless."