Episode 3: The Hidden Awakening

The cold breeze of the night whispered through the empty streets as Kaito walked back home, his mind tangled in confusion. The dream, the encounter with the masked figure, and the strange energy that pulsed through his veins—everything felt surreal. He clenched his fists, trying to shake off the uneasiness gnawing at him.

As he stepped inside his dimly lit apartment, his eyes fell upon the mirror.

He looked normal, but something about his reflection unsettled him. His pupils, just for a moment, glowed faintly, almost like a flicker of power threatening to escape. He shook his head and turned away.

That night, sleep didn’t come easy. The moment he closed his eyes, he found himself standing in an unfamiliar place—a vast, desolate land with a blood-red sky. In front of him stood a monstrous figure, its form shifting between shadows and fire. The ground beneath them cracked with each step it took.

**“You are not ready,”** the beast growled, its voice sending shockwaves through his body. **“Yet, you are chosen.”**

Kaito could feel an invisible force pressing against him, crushing his lungs. But something deep inside him responded. His body refused to kneel, his will refusing to shatter. He clenched his fists, the veins in his arms bulging as an unseen power surged within him.

And then—he woke up.

Drenched in sweat, he gasped for air, his heart pounding against his ribs. **“What the hell was that?”** he whispered to himself. The dream felt too real to be just a dream. He sat up, his hands trembling slightly.

Then, he noticed it.

His handprint was burned into the mattress. Smoke rose from the scorched fabric.

Panic surged through him, but before he could react further, a knock on his door shattered the silence. He turned sharply. It was late. Too late for a visitor.

Cautiously, he moved towards the door, his mind racing. As he reached for the knob, his instincts screamed at him—something wasn’t right. He stepped back just as the door burst open with an explosive force, sending him flying back.

Through the dust and debris, a tall figure stepped inside. A man dressed in a dark suit, his face hidden beneath a hood.

**“Kaito Kazuki.”** His voice was eerily calm. **“You have something we need.”**

Kaito’s eyes narrowed. He didn’t know who this man was, but he could feel it—an overwhelming presence. This man wasn’t normal. And neither was he anymore.

His journey had just begun.

Kaito's heart pounded as the dust settled. The dark figure stood motionless in the doorway, his presence suffocating. The way he carried himself, the aura of control—it was clear he wasn’t just an ordinary person.

“Who the hell are you?” Kaito demanded, forcing himself to his feet. His body still tingled from the strange energy that had surged through him earlier, but he didn’t know if he could control it yet.

***TO BE CONTINUED ***

wait for next episode.....

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