The New World – Volume 1, Chapter 4 "From Shadows to Strength"

The morning light seeped through the window, casting golden streaks across the wooden floor.

Rein's eyes slowly opened.

For a moment, he just breathed.

Something felt… different. His body was light. No soreness, no lingering pain from his injuries. He sat up, stretching his arms—and froze.

"…Huh?"

His physique had changed. He wasn't bulky, but his muscles were more defined. Strong, yet not overwhelming. He ran a hand over his stomach, searching for the spot where the goon had stabbed him.

Nothing.

No wound. No scar. Not even a bruise.

Rein's breath slowed.

"I really have powers."

A thrill ran through his veins. His fists clenched as he stood, testing his body. It felt perfect.

Dropping down, he started his usual workout—push-ups, sit-ups, running, weightlifting.

But something was… off.

Everything was too easy

Before, he struggled to finish his sets. Now? He could do them effortlessly.

"This exercise feels way easier than before."

He paused, wiping the sweat—or what little there was—from his forehead.

His thoughts raced.

My speed… my strength… and I can heal myself. But do I have a specific ability?

Stepping onto the orphanage terrace, Rein glanced at the city below. Kids played in the courtyard, townspeople bustled through the streets.

Everything seemed normal.

But then—something shifted.

His gaze lowered. The shadows.

From his perspective, they were darker. Deeper. Not just normal shadows, but something more… alive.

His smirk widened.

"I'm bored. When's the exam gonna start?" He stretched lazily. "With these new powers, I can easily pass."

Then, his eyes flicked toward the orphanage's main gate.

"Let's hang out for a while."

And then—

The world shifted.

A strange sensation rushed over him. It was like sinking into water—then suddenly, he was somewhere else.

Cool air brushed against his skin. The orphanage was behind him. The streets were in front of him.

Rein blinked.

He was standing behind a tree near the main gate.

For a moment, he just… stood there. Processing.

Then—excitement flashed in his eyes. A slow smirk formed on his lips.

"So, I have an ability other than physical enhancement…" He stepped forward, glancing at his shadow. "I can merge into shadows and move through them."

The possibilities were endless.

His fingers twitched with anticipation.

"I need to test this."

---

The Same Night 

The darker streets of the city were always lively at night.

Not with celebrations, but with crime.

Rein moved through the alleys, his senses sharp.

It didn't take long.

A group of thugs stood in a corner, surrounding a trembling merchant. One held a knife, laughing, while the others rummaged through the man's bag.

Rein stepped forward.

One of them noticed him. "Keep walking, kid. This ain't your problem."

Rein tilted his head, shoving his hands into his pockets. "You guys always talk too much."

The nearest thug lunged, slashing at him with the knife. Too slow.

Rein sidestepped, grabbed his wrist, and twisted it violently. A loud snap echoed in the alley.

The thug screamed, dropping the blade.

The others reacted immediately. One swung a wooden club—Rein ducked, moving purely on instinct. He countered with a brutal gut punch, sending the man staggering backward.

Another thug charged. Rein vanished.

He reappeared behind the thug, stepping out of his shadow. Before the man could react—Rein grabbed his head and slammed it into the wall.

Blood splattered. The remaining thugs froze.

Fear flickered in their eyes.

Rein smirked. "You done?"

One of them, panicked, pulled a hidden blade.

Rein stepped forward—and disappeared.

The next second, he was behind him.

Before the man could turn, Rein wrapped an arm around his throat and drove a knee into his spine.

The last thug? He ran.

Rein let him go. Instead, he crouched near the groaning man on the ground. His voice was low, dangerous.

"Your bad time starts now, criminals." His eyes burned with conviction. "Once I become an IBE officer, your whole gang will be over."

---

(Time Skip) – Two Months Later

Two months of intense training.

And now—

The Imperial Bureau of Enforcement Entrance Exam had arrived.

---

Imperial Bureau of Enforcement Headquarters. Orvann , Velmora. 

The IBE headquarters loomed over the district, a fortress of authority. Hundreds of candidates gathered—each one prepared to prove themselves.

The exam was conducted into two categories. The first is the written test and the second is the physical test.

The Written Exam

Rein sat with the other examinees, scanning the questions. Laws, strategy, investigation skills…

For most, the test was difficult.

For Rein? Too easy.

He finished ahead of time, subtly glancing around. Some were sweating. A few—like him—were calm.

Endurance & Combat Trials

The next phase was brutal.

A 20-kilometer run. Rein finished in the top 5.

Strength trials—lifting, carrying, and pushing weights. He held back, keeping his power controlled.

Hand-to-hand combat.

Here—he showcased ruthless efficiency.

Every opponent was taken down in under a minute.

The examiners took notes. Some candidates had enhanced abilities, but Rein's raw skill stood out.

Final Rankings

An hour later, the results were posted.

Rein's eyes scanned the board. His name—2nd place.

He exhaled. "Exactly as planned."

But then—his gaze flicked upward.

1st place. A name he didn't recognize.

He turned slightly—and saw her.

A girl stood near the results board. She was calm, composed—her presence dangerous.

Rein's smirk widened.

"Interesting."

The exam was over. The next step awaited.

But first—he had something to do.

__

Later that evening, Rein walked through the graveyard.

He stopped before two headstones.

His parents.

For a long moment, he stood silent. The wind whispered around him.

Then—softly, he murmured,

"I made it."

His fists clenched.

"I'll make sure this world changes. No one will suffer like we did."

Turning away, his eyes burned with determination.

The real journey was just beginning.

---

End of Chapter 4