Nato7

The Awakening: Around 150 years ago, a mysterious event known as "The Rift" caused a dramatic shift in the world. This event opened portals from another dimension, bringing Essences—mysterious and powerful entities—into the world. These Essences granted some individuals extraordinary abilities and set in motion a global conflict.

Essence Warriors: These are people who possess the power of an Essence, which can take various forms depending on the individual’s soul and affinity. Some are born with their Essence powers from birth, while others awaken them later in life. These warriors are ranked according to their power level, and the rankings play a significant role in their status, training, and missions.

Essence Reborn

August sunlight poured down gently across the neighborhood as birds chirped above and the morning breeze rustled the trees. It was the first day of school — not just for the world, but for the Hayashi household.

Inside the quiet home, the air was buzzing with a mixture of excitement and nostalgia.

Kazuki stood in the entryway, backpack slightly tilted on his back, trying to fasten the front clip. Kazumi, already buckled in and neat as ever, adjusted his collar with a proud smirk.

"We look cool, right?" Kazuki asked, turning to his parents.

Riku, now 25 but still just as composed, knelt to straighten his son's badge. "Cooler than me when I was your age."

Yumi, wearing a soft white blouse and tying back her long hair, crouched beside Kazumi. "Remember to be kind. If someone's shy or alone, be the first to smile, okay?"

Kazumi nodded with her gentle brown eyes. "We will, mama."

The front door opened, and the family stepped out into the warm August morning. The car was already waiting — Reina had volunteered to drive, excited for the momentous milestone.

As they stood by the gate, backpacks secured and lunchboxes packed, Riku placed a hand on each of his kids' shoulders. "You two go have fun. No need to show off. No using essence powers at all, okay?"

But behind them, Yumi's smile wavered slightly. Her hand went to her heart, and a tear slid quietly down her cheek.

"They're so grown already," she whispered. "Feels like just yesterday they were learning to walk…"

Riku gently wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close. "I know," he murmured, voice low and calm. "They'll be okay. We raised them right."

She sniffed, then laughed softly. "I told myself I wouldn't cry."

"You did better than me. I almost cried when they outgrew their baby cloaks."

Kazuki and Kazumi turned around one last time at the gate.

"We love you!" Kazumi called, waving.

"We'll be back soon!" Kazuki added, his grin as wide as the morning sky.

Yumi waved back with a smile dampened by tears. Riku raised a hand in silent salute, heart full.

As Reina drove away with the twins, Yumi leaned into Riku's chest.

"You sure we made the right choice? Not sending them to an Essence school?"

Riku nodded. "They need to grow up with friends, not just power. Let them be kids first."

And as the sun rose higher, the proud parents stood quietly at the gate, watching the beginning of their children's journey unfold on an ordinary — and extraordinary — day.

Chapter 194: Little Steps, Big Feelings