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The Frozen Memories

HANAJI_KANACHIMOTO
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Synopsis
In a dual world, our reality intersects with another dimension inhabited by monsters and supernatural events. The Earth has been divided into two interconnected realms following an invasion by creatures from this other dimension, leading to the appearance of portals allowing these beings to cross over. As the inhabitants of Earth struggle to adapt to this chaos, a stark contrast emerges between the "Awakened"—those who have gained supernatural abilities after this merging—and ordinary humans who live under their shadow. Ryo, a student at the Academy for the Awakened, aspires to gain special powers to protect his family and face the challenges ahead. He is adopted by a loving family and feels isolated at the academy where he remains unawakened. He suffers from bullying due to his background and faces conflicts with arrogant peers like Kazuya, who flaunts his power over the weaker. In a world filled with social conflicts, class disparity, and discrimination against beings from the other dimension, Ryo navigates the challenges of being caught between humanity and the Awakened. He fights for justice for his family, for his world, and for those who suffer from discrimination. While dealing with academy issues, Ryo also discovers that greater forces are working behind the scenes to destroy the remaining balance between the worlds. As threats and divisions escalate, Ryo faces a significant test of his abilities and decisions, striving to protect his loved ones and confront enemies intent on undermining everything he stands for.
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Chapter 1 - The First mistake

The morning light seeped gently through the tightly closed curtains of Ryo's room. The room was dark, and the sparse furniture reflected the state of neglect in which Ryo lived. The study desk was cluttered with scattered papers and open textbooks. There was a large drawing board next to the bed, covered with a layer of dust, indicating it hadn't been used in a long time. As Ryo lay deeply asleep, wrapped in the blanket up to his head, he was oblivious to what was happening around him.

Suddenly, the bed shook violently as a small, energetic creature jumped onto it.

"Onii-chan! Wake up! You're going to be late for school!" shouted Hina, his little sister who was barely six years old.

Ryo opened his eyes slowly, trying to comprehend what was happening. He felt something pulling the blanket forcefully from over him, and when he turned, he saw Hina, his little sister, standing at the edge of the bed, holding the blanket with both hands, pulling it with all her might.

"Hina… why… what are you doing?" he said groggily, trying to wriggle free from her small grip.

"Wake up, Onii-chan!" Hina said with a mischievous smile on her face, while she tried her best to pull the blanket off him.

Despite his drowsiness, Ryo couldn't help but smile. This little girl was always full of energy, and she saw him as her personal hero, even though he sometimes felt powerless. Ryo had joined this family a few years ago after being adopted, but they treated him as if he was one of their own. Even though he was adopted, he always felt the love and care that he had never experienced anywhere else.

"Alright, alright, I'm awake now!" he said, patting her head as he sat on the edge of the bed, feeling some of the warmth that had been escaping him with each passing second. He moved to his wardrobe and dressed in his school clothes haphazardly, showing little concern.

Hina, with a wide smile on her face, grabbed his hand and said, "Hurry up! Breakfast is ready!"

As he descended to the ground floor, the kitchen was warm and bright, reflecting the loving family atmosphere. The table was set with breakfast items: bread, eggs, juice, and some fruit. Family photos were hung on the wall showing happy moments. The family was seated around the table, waiting for Ryo and Hina to join them.

"Good morning, Ryo. How was your night?" Misaki asked warmly, placing a plate of eggs in front of him.

Ryo replied in a low, indifferent voice, "Like usual." He took a small bite of the bread.

Miyoko, his older sister, sat on the other side of the table, looking at Ryo with concern. "Didn't you have any issues at the academy yesterday?" she asked curiously.

Ryo responded with a frown, "No, everything was as usual. No need to worry."

Kyomi, his younger sister by a year, quickly added, "I think Ryo…" but before she could finish, Ryo gave her a light nudge under the table, causing her to stop speaking.

Miyoko sighed and decided to change the subject. "I prepared some new clothes for you. I think they'll be comfortable for you."

Ryo took another bite of the bread, "Thanks, I'll see how they fit." He spoke with a smile on his face.

As Ryo got up from the table, little Hina approached him, holding her favorite doll. "Onii-chan, will you take me to the park after school?" she asked innocently.

Ryo smiled, "Okay, I'll take you to the park if I get back early."

"Make sure to come back early," Hina said, holding Ryo's hand lightly.

Ryo got up slowly, took his school bag, "I'm going now." He headed toward the door without looking back, while Misaki watched him with mixed feelings of concern and affection.

As Ryo prepared to leave the house, little Hina approached him with stumbling steps. She held her favorite doll in one hand and gently pulled him towards her. Hina smiled immediately, and she pulled her pinky finger from her other hand and linked it with Ryo's pinky finger. "We're making a pinky promise!" she said excitedly, as their pinkies were interlocked.

Hina took a step back, but her hands were still stretched toward Ryo's pinky, making sure that the promise would be kept. "Don't forget, Onii-chan, it's a promise."

Ryo smiled gently and returned his hand to his pocket, feeling the warmth of the moment, while Hina continued to look at him with bright eyes.

Ryo left for school, where the streets were calm, and trees lined the sides, with children playing on their way to school, and the weather was sunny. But despite all this, Ryo felt a chill inside. He walked slowly, his head lowered and shoulders drooped, indicating exhaustion and fatigue. Ryo's cheerful persona at home did not apply outside, carrying his bag on his shoulder carelessly. His school uniform reflected his mental state; his usually pressed white shirt looked wrinkled and disheveled, with one button open at the collar. His tie was hanging unevenly, almost slipping out of place. His black pants needed adjustment, as his belt was not tightened properly, making the pants appear a bit loose at the waist. His brown shoes were unpolished, with some dirt stuck on them.

Ryo's black hair was messy, with strands tangling in a random fashion as if he hadn't combed it for days. His dark eyes were surrounded by deep dark circles, reflecting long nights of insomnia and overthinking. His pale face and prominent bones added to his tired and worn-out appearance, making his state evident to everyone.

As Ryo walked, he reached the school entrance and quickly headed toward his classroom. But as he did, he was spotted by Althea, the veterinarian, a member of the Djinn race, distinguished by her beauty and human-like features. She faced difficulties at school, where some students and teachers discriminated against her and were covetous of her body. Unlike them, Ryo always treated everyone fairly, regardless of their gender or background.

"Ryo, wait a moment!" Althea said as she hurried towards him, attempting to fix his disheveled hair a bit.

Ryo looked at her gratefully but seemed embarrassed. "Oh, hi, Althea. Thanks. I was just… in a hurry."

"Let me help you tidy up your clothes a little. You don't look like you're at your best today." She said as she adjusted his shirt and straightened his tie.

As Althea tried to tidy up Ryo's appearance, Kazuya, the distinguished student known for his arrogance and self-importance, approached them. Kazuya was known for his special abilities and believed himself to be above everyone. When Kazuya saw Althea helping Ryo, his face darkened and a mocking smile appeared on his lips.

"Oh, look who's here! The trash coming to the trash!" Kazuya said derisively, spitting on the ground next to Ryo while his friends laughed.

Althea tried to stay calm and ignore him, but she couldn't prevent herself from replying, "Kazuya, you could show some respect. It's not right to talk like that."

But Kazuya didn't stop there. "You think you're special, don't you?" he said, clearly insulting Althea. "You're just weak beings who abandoned your world and honor for some monsters. What should I call you, invaders perhaps? Or intruders? No, I've got it—pests. You tried to destroy or maybe invade our world. Why didn't you just die with your world like your families did?"

Kazuya's friends began shouting, "Pest! Pest! Pest!" while laughing mockingly.

Althea felt the pressure and tension, causing her to fall to her knees, her tears welling up in her eyes as she struggled to cope with the humiliation.

Seeing Althea in this state, Ryo felt the need to step in. He placed a comforting hand on Althea's shoulder and then took a step toward Kazuya, a cold smile on his face. "You know, Kazuya? The more you talk, the more it seems like you're trying to hide something. Is it weakness? Or maybe fear of someone seeing your true self?"

Kazuya frowned and replied, "What do you mean?"

Ryo continued, as if his words were probing deep into Kazuya's mind: "You flaunt your power in front of those weaker than you just to feel in control. But what makes you act this way? Is it a lack of confidence? Or do you realize deep down that there's something wrong with you, something you can't escape?"

Ryo said coldly, "You fight to prove yourself and build your respect at the expense of others. It seems you're seeking a false victory to feel superior because you can't handle your own insecurities. Maybe you should reflect on why you resort to bullying others to give yourself a false sense of pride."

Kazuya's face turned red with anger as he clenched his fists. "How dare you speak to me like that! You're going to regret this!"

Ryo remained unmoved, a knowing smile on his face. "You know, Kazuya, anger is often the mask we wear to hide our insecurities. Keep it up, and you might find yourself losing more than just control."

Kazuya growled in frustration, his anger boiling over. "You'll pay for this, Ryo!" he yelled, as he stormed off, leaving his friends behind.

Ryo's words left their mark on Kazuya, who began to feel threatened by the precise analysis of his personality. As Kazuya walked away from them, he suddenly slammed his shoulder into Ryo's, then leaned in close to his ear and whispered, "Say goodbye to your peaceful life."

Ryo responded with a smirk, "Since when has my life been peaceful?"

After Kazuya left, Althea looked at Ryo with gratitude. "Thank you, Ryo. I… I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't stepped in."

Ryo smiled gently as he wiped away Althea's tears. "No need to thank me."

Althea replied with a hint of concern, "Will you be alright? You've angered Kazuya. He might try to get revenge."

Ryo reassured her with a smile, "Don't worry, I'll handle it. Alright?"