— Tokyo, Japan | 2025 —
The town buzzed with life. Crowds surged through the streets, not just locals but foreigners too, drawn by the spectacle. Towering buildings shimmered under colorful lights, illuminating the roads for passing cars and eager pedestrians.
A massive performance was underway—one of Tokyo's grandest. The city's most famous actors, Mr. and Mrs. ___, were headlining tonight's show.
"Would you look at that… Even more people than last time. Guess they really are as popular as they say."
From a distance, a boy watched the flood of attendees pour into the venue. A scowl crept across his face.
A deep resentment boiled within him.
If only they knew the truth behind Tokyo's so-called 'best actors'...
He remained glued to the window, eyes fixed on the endless wave of fans.
—Footsteps? One of the maids? But they already brought me my food and medicine. Why would they come back?
Knock.
"Come in."
He turned his head, expecting a maid. Instead, he froze.
The man standing in the doorway wasn't unfamiliar. No—not unfamiliar. Just... unexpected.
"You've got a performance tonight, Father. Shouldn't you be getting ready? Wouldn't want to be late."
His tone was respectful—professional, even. Like he was addressing a boss, not a parent. He kept his gaze low, avoiding the man's eyes.
The man stepped closer, standing silently beside the boy's bed. His eyes wandered out the window, fixated on the flashing lights of the venue.
"Is there something—"
"You know," his father interrupted, "I always had high expectations for you. I thought you could be the next star—after me and your mother."
A heavy sigh escaped him.
"What a shame. That illness of yours… Can't go outside. Can't make friends. Can't explore the world. Can't even enjoy your 15th birthday."
—He remembered?
"But rejoice."
The man finally looked at him. His eyes burned red. His clothes were pitch-black. And his smile—twisted and demonic.
"Today… I'll put you out of your misery."
The boy's heart sank as his father sat beside him, gripping his shoulder tightly.
"F-Father, what are y—"
He felt something press against the side of his head.
Cold. Heavy. Icy fingers of fear crawled up his spine.
No… No, no, no…
He couldn't breathe. His body froze.
Is this really happening?
Is the gun loaded?
Is this how it ends?
His father whispered something, but the words were drowned by the ringing in his ears. His vision blurred.
"F-Father… Please don—"
BANG.
Darkness swallowed him.
Somewhere Else...**
—Congratulations, it's a boy!
—Lilana, are you alright?!
—Yeah… just a little tired.
The boy heard voices.
They weren't in Japanese, yet he understood them. Faint… echoing… like a dream.
—Is he still asleep? He's not even crying.
What…? Am I… dead?
Who's speaking?
Is this… the afterlife?
His thoughts swirled in confusion.
—Hey, he's waking up!
I feel… light…
Is this reincarnation? Like in those anime?
A flash of light engulfed him.
He blinked.
His eyes opened.
"He's awake!"
He found himself staring up at two unfamiliar faces—a man and a woman. Neither resembled his previous father… and neither looked human.
Their skin was otherworldly. Their presence—majestic.
"So… have you decided on a name yet?"
"Shiebe," the woman said warmly. "His name will be Shiebe Zackaria."
"The boy born to the greatest bloodline in history," the man added, proud.
"I'm sure… he will grow up to be someone truly extraordinary."