LightReader

Chapter 2 - Chapter 2: Gathering Allies

The school day had ended, and the sun was beginning to set, casting a warm glow over the campus. Kaito Nakamura and his friends gathered in their usual spot behind the gymnasium, a secluded area where they could talk freely. The air was filled with the sounds of distant laughter and the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze.

Kaito stood before his friends, his expression serious and determined. Aya, Ryo, Mika, and Riko watched him intently, sensing the gravity of what he was about to say. They had known Kaito for years, and while his sudden intensity was unusual, they trusted him.

Taking a deep breath, Kaito began to recount the events of the future he had lived through. "In fifteen years, the world as we know it will be gone," he said, his voice steady. "A meteor will strike the Earth, and everything will change."

His friends exchanged uneasy glances, but Kaito pressed on. "The day the meteor hits, people all over the world will fall into a deep sleep. When they wake up, the world will be in chaos. Those who didn't turn into zombies immediately will become prey."

Aya's eyes widened in disbelief. "A meteor? How could that cause a zombie apocalypse?"

Kaito nodded, understanding their skepticism. "The meteor carries a virus, something unlike anything we've ever seen. It spreads rapidly, turning people into zombies. But there's more to it. Those of us who survive... we're affected too, but in a different way."

Ryo, a tech enthusiast with a knack for gadgets, leaned forward, intrigued. "What do you mean?"

"The virus changes us," Kaito explained. "It gives us abilities—powers we never imagined. Some can control elements, others gain super strength or speed. It's as if the virus unlocks something within us."

Mika looked thoughtful. "So, you're saying we could have powers too?"

Kaito nodded. "Yes. In the future, we discovered these abilities and used them to fight back. But it wasn't enough. We were overwhelmed, and one by one, we fell."

Riko, who had been listening quietly, spoke up. "And how do we stop it? How do we change the future?"

Kaito met her gaze, determination burning in his eyes. "We prepare. We train our minds and bodies for what's coming. We learn to harness these powers before the virus hits. If we can do that, we stand a chance."

His friends absorbed his words, the weight of the future pressing down on them. But amidst the fear and uncertainty, there was a spark of hope. They had a chance to change their fate, to save the world from the devastation Kaito had witnessed.

Over the next few weeks, the group dedicated themselves to training. They met every day after school, pushing their limits and honing their skills. Kaito shared everything he knew about the future, guiding them through exercises to unlock their latent abilities.

Aya discovered she could manipulate water, shaping it with a mere thought. Ryo, with his love for technology, found that his strength was not just physical but also intellectual, allowing him to create advanced gadgets and weapons. Mika's speed was unmatched, her movements a blur as she dashed across the training field. Even Riko, Kaito's rival and now ally, found she could control fire, her fiery spirit reflected in her newfound power.

As they trained, Kaito was struck by a startling realization. They were unlocking their powers before the meteor had even hit. It dawned on him that the abilities were already within them, waiting to be awakened. The meteor was merely a precursor, a catalyst that brought these powers to the surface.

This revelation was both shocking and exhilarating. It meant they had more time than he had initially thought. They could hone their skills, become stronger, and be truly prepared for the challenges ahead.

Then, one day during training, Kaito experienced a profound awakening of his own. As he focused his energy, a surge of power coursed through him, unlike anything he had ever felt. It was as if the universe itself had opened up to him, revealing a force both awe-inspiring and terrifying.

He had unlocked a power known as Eclipsed Sovereignty—a transcendent force born from mastering both the Abyss and the Light that once sought to destroy it. The wielder could bend void energy to erase matter, command abyssal dominion to corrupt or consume, and channel the Light of the Core to purify or balance the chaos within.

Only those who had faced oblivion without losing their soul could wield this power, for it was not just a weapon, but a burden. Kaito felt the weight of it, the responsibility that came with such immense power. But he also felt a sense of purpose, a renewed determination to use this gift to protect his friends and change the future.

As Kaito reflected on his newfound power, he recalled his first encounter with the zombie boss five years after the disaster. The boss had been relentless, targeting him with an intensity that had puzzled him at the time. Now, he understood why. The boss must have sensed the potential within him, the power that could challenge its dominion. It was a chilling realization, but one that fueled his resolve.

Despite their dedication, not everyone believed in their mission. Some classmates laughed at them, dismissing their training as a silly game. But rather than discourage them, the ridicule only strengthened their resolve. They were determined to prove the doubters wrong, to show that they were preparing for something real and terrifying.

Amidst the training and challenges, something unexpected began to blossom between Kaito and Riko. Their rivalry, once fierce and competitive, softened into mutual respect and understanding. They found themselves drawn to each other, their shared experiences and goals creating a bond that went beyond friendship. It was subtle at first—a lingering glance, a shared smile—but it was undeniable.

As the episode drew to a close, the group stood together, their resolve unwavering. They were no longer just high school students; they were warriors in training, ready to face the apocalypse head-on.

And with Kaito leading them, they knew they had a fighting chance.

More Chapters