The New World – Chapter 2: Silent Resolve

The wooden floor creaked beneath Rein's feet as he lay awake in the orphanage dormitory, staring at the ceiling. The room was silent except for the rhythmic breathing of the other children, but his thoughts were loud.

The fight from earlier replayed in his mind—the way his punches had landed without power, the way the goons had laughed at him. If Orin hadn't stepped in, Rein knew he would have lost badly. Weak. I was too weak.

A soft sigh came from the bed next to him. Orin. By tomorrow morning, he would be gone, training to become a government officer—one step closer to the future they had both dreamed of. But only one of them had earned it.

Rein turned on his side, clenching his fists. I can't stay like this. I won't.

---

The Last Morning

The next day, Rein walked with Orin toward the orphanage gate. The sky was gray, as if mourning their farewell. Orin carried a small bag over his shoulder, his uniform crisp, his expression unreadable.

"You don't have to see me off," Orin said, glancing at him.

"I wanted to," Rein replied. His voice felt hollow.

For a moment, neither spoke. Then Orin sighed. "You'll try again in four months, right?"

"Yeah."

A pause. Then, Orin placed a hand on his shoulder. "You're not weak, Rein. You just need time."

Rein didn't answer. He just nodded.

The gate creaked open, and Orin took a step forward. Then another. He didn't look back. Rein watched until he disappeared down the street. Now, I'm alone.

---

A Graveyard of Promises

That evening, as the sun bled into the horizon, Rein walked through the quiet outskirts of town. The cemetery was nearly empty. Rows of stone markers stretched in every direction, untouched by time.

He stopped at two simple graves, overgrown with weeds. His parents' names were barely visible on the worn stone.

For a long time, he stood there, silent. Then, without meaning to, his mind dragged him backward—to that day.

---

Flashback – The Night Everything Changed

The restaurant was filled with laughter and the clinking of dishes. Warm light flickered from oil lamps, casting a golden glow over the wooden tables. Rein sat between his parents, barely listening as they talked. His father laughed at something, and his mother smiled, placing a comforting hand on his head.

Then, chaos erupted.

Gunshots. Shattering glass. Screams.

The doors burst open as armed men stormed in, their faces twisted in rage. A second group, just as violent, fought back. The restaurant turned into a battleground.

"Rein!" His father's voice was sharp with urgency. "Come with me!"

He grabbed Rein's wrist and rushed toward the back. Dishes crashed. A stray bullet shattered a lantern, igniting a curtain. Someone screamed in pain.

His father yanked open the washroom door and shoved Rein inside. "Stay here. Don't move."

Rein trembled, his breath shallow. The walls shook with gunfire. He heard his mother call out his father's name—then a wet, choking sound.

Silence.

His father's grip returned, pulling him out. "We need to—"

They stepped into a nightmare.

The air reeked of gunpowder, burnt food, and something metallic—blood.

Bodies lay scattered across the floor. Some moaned in pain, others didn't move at all.

His mother stood at the center, her wide eyes searching for them. Then—

A blade plunged into her chest.

Rein's breath caught. He tried to move, to scream, but his body refused to obey.

The man yanked the knife free, and she crumpled, her gaze locking onto Rein one last time before fading into emptiness.

"NO—" His father barely got the word out before a gunshot tore through him. His body jerked, then collapsed beside his wife.

Rein's world shattered.

The killers didn't even glance at him. To them, he wasn't worth the effort.

By the time the officers arrived, the gangsters were gone. The restaurant was silent. Just another incident—one of many in a world where the strong did as they pleased.

---

Back to the Present

Rein's breath hitched as he snapped back to reality. His fingers were curled so tightly that his nails dug into his palms. He exhaled slowly, releasing the tension in his body.

The scent of blood was gone. The gunfire was gone. Only the quiet hum of the wind remained.

It had been recorded as a gang fight, nothing more. Just another report in an officer's files.

But to Rein, it was everything.

His hands trembled as he reached out, brushing dirt from the graves. "I wasn't strong enough," he murmured. His voice barely reached the wind.

A deep breath.

"I will be."

The sun dipped below the horizon, leaving only darkness. But for the first time, Rein didn't fear it.

Because from this moment on, he would carve his own path.

Alone.

Stronger.

No matter what it takes.

---

End of Chapter 2