CHAPTER 5:THE BIRTH OF RINGBORNS

Chapter 5: The Birth of the Ringborns

The sky was painted with hues of orange as the sun set, casting a warm glow over the city. The aftermath of the battle against the cursed warriors still lingered in the air—streets lay in ruins, helicopters smoldered in the distance, and the echoes of terrified screams were replaced by the murmurs of relief.

Akira sat on the pavement, his hands trembling as he wrapped himself in a blanket he found nearby. His face was pale, his breath shaky. "We… we just fought monsters," he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. "This isn't normal."

Hajime, standing beside him, nodded solemnly. "Yeah… We didn't just get some cool powers. We've been dragged into something way bigger than we ever imagined."

Ryo stood in front of them, his arms crossed, deep in thought. He clenched his fists. "This power... It's not just some game. Those cursed warriors were real threats. And if they keep coming, who knows what's next?"

A loud voice interrupted them.

"Alright, kid, time for jail!" a police officer shouted, pointing at Yuuma.

Yuuma blinked in disbelief. "Bro, are you serious right now? After everything I just did to help?"

"You were the one causing trouble this morning, weren't you? Threatening people, shooting cloud bullets? Yeah, we've got enough witnesses for that," the officer replied sternly.

Yuuma sighed, raising his hands in surrender. "Fine, fine, but let's be real—I was just testing my powers."

As the authorities moved in, the scene was being broadcasted on national television. Across Japan, millions of people sat glued to their screens, watching the chaos unfold. Reports flooded the news.

"A strange phenomenon has taken over Japan! Shadow-like soldiers, known as 'cursed warriors,' have been attacking civilians, but in an even stranger twist, some individuals have gained supernatural abilities. Experts are baffled by the sudden emergence of these so-called 'Ringborns'—humans who possess mysterious rings that grant them powers beyond human comprehension!"

The entire nation was thrown into panic. Governments around the world took notice. Discussions in high-security meetings began immediately.

Inside a grand conference room, Japan's top officials gathered. The atmosphere was tense.

"We cannot ignore this any longer," a government official declared, slamming his hand on the table. "These rings are appearing everywhere. We have already confirmed sightings in other countries as well. People are using them—some for good, others for destruction."

Another official adjusted his glasses. "The existence of these rings could change the balance of power in the world. If we don't act now, chaos will spread."

An older, high-ranking officer leaned forward. "Then let's use them to our advantage. Imagine if we could harness these powers for law enforcement, military advancements, even disaster relief! With the right training, Ringborns could be the key to solving crimes, preventing wars, and advancing humanity!"

"But what if they turn against us?" a skeptical official countered. "Giving people unchecked power is dangerous. If these rings fall into the wrong hands, we'll be facing a catastrophe far worse than anything we've seen before."

A heavy silence filled the room.

"Then we'll test them," the commander finally said, his voice decisive. "A tournament. We will host a grand competition where every Ringborn will be invited. It will serve as a way to determine their true nature—who is worthy of wielding these powers and who poses a threat to society."

The officials murmured in agreement. It was risky, but it was the best plan they had.

Meanwhile, back at the police station, Ryo, Hajime, Ren, Akira, and Yuuma sat in a holding room, waiting for further questioning.

Hajime sighed. "So let me get this straight. We went on a simple picnic, found some weird rings, and now we're literally in the middle of a worldwide crisis?"

Ren leaned back in his chair, cracking his knuckles. "Yeah, pretty much."

Yuuma smirked. "Sounds like an anime plot."

Akira groaned. "This is real life, Yuuma!"

Just then, a high-ranking officer entered the room, his eyes scanning them carefully. He placed a file on the table, opening it to reveal pictures of other people across the country who had also awakened their ring powers.

"You five aren't the only ones," he stated. "Reports indicate that rings have chosen hundreds—maybe even thousands—of people across the world. Some are using them for good. Others… not so much."

Ryo leaned forward, his expression serious. "So what's next? Are you gonna lock us up?"

The officer shook his head. "No. You're going to participate in the tournament."

They all exchanged glances.

"A tournament?" Ren repeated.

The officer nodded. "The government has decided that the best way to handle this situation is to test all Ringborns. We will separate the heroes from the threats. Only those who prove themselves worthy will be trusted with their powers."

Hajime's eyes widened. "Wait… so we have to fight other Ringborns?"

"Precisely." The officer's gaze darkened. "And let me warn you now—this isn't just a game. There will be no second chances for those who step out of line."

Ryo clenched his fists. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest.

The generation of the Ringborns had begun.