chapter 2:3 years later

Chapter 2

In this world, your future is almost certainly decided at birth. To be born rich is to be born human. To be born poor is to be born as livestock, filler. You are but a side character created because the hero needs someone to save, the villain needs someone to kill, and because it's boring if the world is filled with only protagonists.

Miracles hardly ever happen because this world is one where you can't be recognized as a person unless you do something extraordinary. It's as if it was intentionally made for the poor to become poorer and the rich richer.

This means that there are very few things a person born poor can do to become exceptional. Like many others, Tokubetsu had accepted his destiny. Yet, he dreamed of becoming an officer of the Special Task Force for Chrono Human and alien threats. He dreamed of it every day since he was a child.

"Tokubetsu! Tokubetsu!" shouted Minaru.

"Huh? What's wrong?" asked Tokubetsu, snapping out of his daydream.

"Why are you zoning out? Can't you see that the Roman Church has arrived?" Sho said with enthusiasm.

"O...oh yeah, that's right. I totally forgot," said Tokubetsu with a nonchalant expression, though his heart raced with anticipation. This was his chance—maybe, through a miracle, he could accomplish his dream.

Everyone has abilities, but sometimes they remain dormant, while they become active in others at certain ages. Dormant abilities can be awakened with the use of cell stimulants. The problem is these stimulants cost a lot of money and can only be taken by children between the ages of 12 and 14. The village of Kanagawa cannot afford to buy even one stimulant without risking financial ruin. That's why charity organizations like the Roman Church offer two vials of these stimulants each year to underprivileged communities.

"Do you think you'll get picked?" Tokubetsu asked Sho.

"Of course I will! Who do you think I am? I have the best genes in the whole village!" Sho said confidently, his chest puffed out with pride.

Minaru rolled her eyes. "Best genes or not, it's a lottery, Sho. It's all about luck."

As they walked to the village square, the tension among the villagers was palpable. Groups of children whispered excitedly, while their parents watched with hopeful eyes. Tokubetsu noticed his own parents standing a little way off, their faces a mix of anxiety and hope.

"Remember last year? When Kenta got picked and he couldn't handle the stimulant? He was sick for weeks," Minaru said softly.

"Yeah, but he's fine now. Stronger, even," Sho replied. "I'm not worried."

Tokubetsu's mind wandered to the previous selections. The excitement, the hope, the disappointment. He clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms. This year had to be different.

"Hey, look!" Minaru pointed to the center of the square where the Roman Church officials were setting up. The vials of stimulant glinted under the sunlight, like precious jewels.

Suddenly, a commotion broke out near the edge of the square. A group of older kids was picking on a smaller boy, shoving him around. Tokubetsu recognized the bullies: Jiro, Taro, and Kenji, notorious for causing trouble.

"Leave him alone!" Tokubetsu shouted, rushing over. Minaru and Sho followed closely.

"Stay out of this, Tokubetsu," Jiro sneered. "This is none of your business."

"It's everyone's business when you're picking on someone weaker," Tokubetsu said, standing his ground.

Sho stepped forward, his stature imposing. "Back off, or you'll regret it."

The bullies hesitated, then retreated with muttered threats. The smaller boy, tears in his eyes, looked up at Tokubetsu with gratitude.

"Thank you," he whispered.

"No problem. Just stick with us," Tokubetsu said, giving him a reassuring smile.

As the ceremony was about to begin, Tokubetsu felt a knot in his stomach as he joined the crowd. The Roman Church's head priest stepped forward, holding the vials high.

"Today, we continue our tradition of giving hope to the next generation," he announced. "May those chosen today use their abilities to better our world."

Tokubetsu's mind raced, the priest's words barely registering. He glanced at Sho and Minaru, his resolve hardening. No matter what happened today, he wouldn't give up on his dream.