Saga Legacy

The name hung in the air, and Akira couldn't help but feel both awe and apprehension at what lay ahead.

Akira furrowed his brow, pausing for a moment before asking, "Wait a second… don't you speak another language? How come I understand you, and you understand me?"

Oliver chuckled, pointing to his neck where a faintly glowing magic circle was etched into his skin. "Does this answer your question?"

Akira leaned closer, wide-eyed. "Whoa. When do I get one of those?"

Oliver smiled. "When you officially become a student."

Akira groaned dramatically, crossing his arms. "What if I don't want to become a student?"

Oliver blinked, momentarily taken aback. "Oh? And why not?"

Akira leaned forward, his voice dripping with frustration. "Why not? Let's see: I was dragged here against my will, attacked on the way, and then some horrendous creature tried to kill me. Care to explain all that?"

Oliver's face grew serious, his usual calm demeanor replaced with a somber intensity. He leaned back in his chair, folding his hands on the desk. "The creature that attacked you is what we call a Night Walker."

Akira tilted his head, waiting for more.

"They are dark spirits, manifestations of pure malevolence. Their origins remain a mystery, even to the greatest minds of our age. What we do know is this: they prey on humans—specifically those with deeply rooted, destructive emotions. Hatred, jealousy, despair… those who carry these burdens for too long become easy targets."

Oliver's voice dropped lower, his gaze unflinching. "Once a Night Walker takes possession, it begins to hollow out the host from within, corrupting their body and soul. In the early stages—if we catch it within the first three days—there's a chance to save the host. But…" He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in.

Akira shifted uncomfortably. "But what?"

"If the possession lasts any longer, the human is lost. Their soul is consumed, and the only option left is to destroy the Night Walker… and with it, the host."

A heavy silence fell over the room. Akira's breath caught as he processed the explanation, the gravity of it settling in his chest. "So, those people you can't save… they just… die?"

Oliver nodded, his voice quieter now but no less firm. "Yes. And if they're allowed to roam free, the damage they can do is catastrophic. That's why we act swiftly—why this institution exists. To protect humanity from threats like the Night Walkers."

Akira sat back in his chair, his expression a mixture of fear and disbelief. "This is… a lot."

Oliver gave him a moment before adding, "You've survived an encounter with one, Akira. That's not something many can say. Whether you like it or not, you're part of this world now."

Akira frowned, his frustration bubbling to the surface. "That still doesn't explain why it was chasing me. What does it want with me?"

Oliver's expression darkened, his gaze sharpening as he spoke. "That, Akira, is what's most troubling about this. Night Walkers typically reside in desolate, shadowed places—abandoned ruins, dense forests, the forgotten corners of the world. They are mindless creatures driven by an insatiable hunger. All they know is to consume and destroy. They don't plot. They don't scheme. And they certainly don't pursue a single individual."

He paused, letting the words sink in before continuing. "For one to focus on you specifically, to chase rather than devour… that's unprecedented. It suggests something deeper, something we don't yet understand. And it's not just troubling—it's dangerous."

Akira's unease grew, his hands gripping the arms of his chair. "So, what? You think I'm some sort of… target? Why would they want me?"

Oliver's voice grew quieter, but the weight in his tone remained. "That's the question, isn't it? Whether it's because of who—or what—you are, or if something darker is at play, I don't know. But one thing is certain, Akira: you're not safe. Not yet."

The room fell silent as Oliver's words settled like a heavy fog, leaving Akira to grapple with the grim reality of his situation.

Oliver's expression grew somber as he leaned forward, locking eyes with Akira. "Listen closely. If that Night Walker was specifically after you, it's not far-fetched to think your family might be next."

Akira froze, the weight of those words sinking in. "What did you just say?" he whispered, his voice trembling.

Oliver maintained his composure, but his tone turned grave. "If it was targeting you, there's a possibility it could go after your parents. We don't know for sure, but it's better to be cautious."

The moment Oliver finished speaking, Akira shot up from his seat, panic written all over his face. "And you're just now telling me this?!" he shouted, making a break for the door. "I need to get to them!"

Before Akira could even reach the door, Mikage stepped forward and delivered a swift but controlled punch to his gut. Akira crumpled to the ground, groaning in pain.

Oliver stood abruptly, his brow furrowed with concern. "Mikage, was that really necessary?"

Mikage shrugged nonchalantly, cracking his knuckles. "He was about to do something stupid. Better this than letting him run off and get himself killed."

Oliver sighed heavily, crouching beside Akira, who was curled up on the floor. "Relax, Akira. We've already taken precautions. Your parents are being watched around the clock. They're safe for now."

Akira groaned, clutching his stomach. "You couldn't have just told me that instead of letting him punch me?"

Mikage smirked. "Would you have listened?"

The scene shifted to a bustling mall, where Akira's parents were walking hand in hand. His father suddenly stopped and looked over his shoulder, his expression uneasy. "Honey," he said softly, "does it feel like we're being watched?"

His mother chuckled, dismissing his concern. "You're just being paranoid. Let's just enjoy our time together."

Unbeknownst to them, two plainclothes agents shadowed them at a distance, their eyes scanning the surroundings intently. One of them spoke quietly into a concealed microphone. "Targets are secure. No immediate threats detected."

Back in the office, Oliver stood up, extending a hand to help Akira to his feet. "You see? Your parents are under surveillance. We're doing everything possible to protect them."

Akira hesitated, brushing himself off as he got up. "I just don't want them to get dragged into this mess because of me."

Oliver placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "None of us want that, Akira. That's why we're taking every precaution. But for now, you need to focus on yourself. Whatever's coming after you, we need to be ready for it—and for that, we need you here."

Oliver leaned back in his chair, his piercing gaze fixed on Akira. "Let me give you a reason to stay in this school," he said firmly. "You need to understand what you are, learn to control the power that comes with it, and use it to protect your family. If you run now, you'll only endanger them further."

Akira hesitated, his fists clenching at his sides. "Fine," he said after a long pause, his voice heavy with determination. "Where do I start?"

A satisfied smile spread across Oliver's face as he clapped his hands together. "Now you're talking!" He gestured toward Mikage. "Mikage, take him to the testing grounds. It's time we determine his rank and see exactly what kind of potential we're dealing with."

Mikage nodded, motioning for Akira to follow him. "Let's go, newbie. This is where things start to get interesting."

Akira glanced back at Oliver one last time. "You better not be messing with me. If I'm doing this, I want results."

Oliver's expression turned serious, his voice unwavering. "You'll get results, Akira—but only if you're willing to put in the effort. Now go. This is just the beginning."

As Akira followed Mikage out of the room, a mix of apprehension and resolve churned within him. Whatever this testing was, he was ready to face it. For his family's sake—and for answers about who he truly was.