[Arceid]

  “Hahaha… I’m a filial child, of course, you’d be at ease”

  Azrael grinned, but just as quickly as his grin came, his expression shifted — his gaze sharpened, his voice dipped cold. “But what about our sister?”

  I froze.

  His eyes pinned me down like a predator. “You didn’t mention her in your diary. Any particular reason why?”

  I ruffled my hair and forced a chuckle. “Nothing serious. She’s in the Gold Level region, working to prevent accidents.”

  Azrael tilted his head. “Gold Level? What’s that? There’s a lot missing from that diary, isn’t there?”

  “…Right. You’ve been out for fifteen years, after all.” I exhaled and began explaining.

  “You know about Antarctica and Europe being destroyed, but the rest of the world isn’t exactly thriving either.”

  “Figured as much.”

  “The only continents still barely holding on are Asia and Australia. And when I say barely, that’s being generous. Most major cities have fallen. The global population’s dropped below a billion. Animals? They’ve lost all reason — turned feral. To minimize further loss of human life, secured zones were created and divided into four levels: Diamond, Gold, Silver, and Bronze.”

  Azrael scoffed. “Lemme guess — Diamond’s the safest, Bronze’s the death sentence.”

  “Pretty much.”

  I continued. “Each level has 100 sectors. Higher levels mean better quality of life, lower levels… not so much.”

  “And Diamond Level has schools, hospitals, training facilities — the whole utopia package?”

  “Both Gold and Diamond do, but the difference is astronomical. Not just the facilities — the economy too. The old monetary system collapsed. Now, we use something called Credits.”

  If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  Azrael leaned against the wall. “And how do you get Credits?”

  I shot him a glare. “Stop interrupting me.”

  “Sorry, sorry. Continue.”

  I sighed. “Credits are earned by working in facilities, taking up social services, or the most lucrative — killing creatures and delivering their bodies to various associations.”

  “Associations? You mean big-ass corporations profiting off monster carcasses?”

  “Essentially. They act as intermediaries — collect materials, supply resources, and rake in profits. They basically control the economy now.”

  Azrael scoffed. “So no government?”

  “There is one. It consists of powerful ability users and scholars who establish and enforce laws. Break one, and you get demoted to a lower level.”

  Azrael chuckled bitterly. “So, from Diamond to Gold. Gold to Silver. And Silver to Bronze — where you’re practically meat for the monsters.”

  “…Exactly.”

  “And those two continents — Asia and Australia — they’re crammed with survivors from all over, right?”

  I nodded. “Yeah. Migration during the catastrophe flooded the continents with diverse populations. That’s why you’ll see foreigners everywhere. Like Junia — she’s not from here either.”

  “Yeah, I figured. I overheard you two talking.” He waved dismissively.

  “…I didn’t even introduce her to you yet.”

  “Eavesdropping’s a hobby now. Don’t mind me.”

  I scoffed. “Anyway — I lead an association called Blue Fright. Don’t ask about the name; it was impulsive.”

  Azrael’s smirk returned. “So you’re loaded now, huh?”

  “Shut up.”

  “Damn, bro. You’ve been wasting time here with me. Go get Edith already.”

  “…Right.” I checked the time. I was already late. “You’ll stay here with Junia, yeah?”

  He gave a lazy wave. “Yeah, yeah. Just don’t take too long.”

  ……

  At the College.

  I arrived at the campus, glancing around for Edith. To my surprise — she was actually talking to someone.

  Wait… is that a boy?

  Scratch that — a tall, ridiculously attractive boy. Silver hair, violet eyes, well-built physique. Something about him immediately screamed trouble.

  I approached, faking my casual demeanor. “Edith! Sorry I’m late. Let’s head home.”

  Edith’s eyes flicked to me, startled. She immediately walked over to my side.

  The boy smiled politely. “Ah, you must be Mr. Arceid. I’m Kaltain Verge — Edith’s classmate.”

  Kaltain Verge…? The name clicked in my brain.

  Kaltain Verge — Rank 1, New Generation — Class 1-A. The strongest new generation Astra known.

  I offered a handshake. “Pleasure to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

  Kaltain’s grip was firm, his smile unnervingly flawless. “The pleasure’s mine, Sir.”

  “…Thanks for keeping her company.”

  “No trouble at all. She’s… a lovely girl.”

  My internal alarms flared. “You better stay the hell away from her, you creep.”

  Forcing a smile, I said, “Well, we’ll be heading home now. Sorry to cut your time short.”

  “Not a problem. See you around, Edith.” Kaltain gave a small wave before walking off.

  As we headed to the car, I smirked. “Seems like you made a friend.”

  Edith rolled her eyes. “He’s not my friend.”

  “Yes, yes, sure.”

  “…Stop.”

  I ruffled her hair. “Admit it. He’s charming.”

  “Ugh. I hate you.”

  … …

  Later That Night.

  After dropping Edith off, I showered, worked out, spent some time with our parents, and finally decided to check in on them before bed.

  I carefully crept into their room. They were both sound asleep.

  Our parents — both well past their 80s — didn’t look a day over 40, thanks to the effects of cosmic energy.

  Dad had my darker skin tone, black hair, and a solid build. Mom was much paler, with sharp features and a nurturing presence.

  “They look… peaceful.”

  I wanted to wake them and tell them about Azrael.

  But… his request. One week.

  “…He has his reasons.”

  Still, something gnawed at me.

  Why did he really want a week?

  And then it hit me.

  Azrael wasn’t the type to seek curiosity for the unknown.

  “…What did you see in there, Azrael?”

  I closed the door quietly and headed back to my room.

  The night air felt heavier than usual.