All of this happened years ago—six, to be precise. I won't pretend that I remember every detail clearly; my memories are still hazy. But I'll try my best to tell you this story. It isn't about the clash of great powers—but of different ideologies.
On one side, there was hell. On the other, heaven.
Everyone chose heaven...
But he chose hell.
And as he moved forward, something changed—heaven and hell switched places. Heaven fell into ruin, and hell stood where heaven once shone. He was furious to see this. He tried to rush back… but it was too late. He was drifting toward heaven.
Then came a blinding flash of light—
—and the main character of this tale woke up in his classroom.
I don't remember his name exactly, but for the sake of this story, let's call him Jace. If his real name comes back to me, I'll be sure to let you know. Until then, Jace will do.
He was a normal boy—good at sports, sharp in academics. But what set him apart wasn't talent. It was his heart: kind, pure, untouched. I don't remember his exact age at the time, but I believe he was younger than sixteen. His world, too, was different. One massive supercontinent, strange ethics, and a way of life unlike ours.
Jace woke up.
His head ached. His vision blurred. He was still in his classroom, slouched over his desk. No one had noticed him.
Around him, students chatted, laughed, and buzzed with the life of a regular school day.
Jace sat up slowly, rubbing his temples.
"That dream again," he muttered, frowning. "Why does it always feel so real? I felt… angry. Like I had a grudge against someone."
But no one heard him. No one ever really did.
People knew Jace existed, sure—but it was like he was invisible. They only spoke to him when necessary: group projects, assignments, small tasks. Beyond that, he was alone.
The bell rang, snapping him from his thoughts.
He picked up his bag and left the room in silence.
No one waited for him.
But he told himself he preferred it that way.
As always, when Jace returned home, he finished his homework without delay and made his way to the IHCE.
The IHCE was a small, beautiful area filled with greenery and peaceful ponds—quiet, isolated from the noise of the outside world. It belonged to his family, though few ever visited. But Jace came often. He loved that place deeply.
And even now, six years later, it still stands. Still just as peaceful. I go there sometimes, too. For peace.
Jace lay on the grass, listening to the birds.
Then he sat up and drank from the pond, the cool water washing away some of his tension.
He'd already forgotten the dream—until it crept back into his thoughts.
He realized something: he had been having the same kind of dreams for months.
Why do I keep dreaming about this?
It's like I'm someone else. All I feel in the dream is this… grudge. This strong hatred. And power. I feel powerful in those dreams.
Maybe I've got supernatural powers or something…
That'd be nice, for a change.
He closed his eyes, letting the sunlight warm his skin—until he heard footsteps.
Opening his eyes, he saw his mother walking toward him.
"Mom? What are you doing here?" Jace asked, sitting up.
She smiled gently, though her eyes carried concern.
"I came to see you. You've been spending a lot of time alone lately."
"I'm fine, really," Jace said, brushing off the grass. "I just like it here."
"I know. But you should try connecting with people more. You never join in school activities, and I worry. Why not participate in the sports festival next week? It might help you make some friends."
Jace smiled, a little more warmly this time.
"You don't need to worry. I already signed up for the 3000-meter race. Besides, I'm not totally alone—I've got my cousin. And Elina."
They talked for a while, and then they walked home together.
Even if my memories of those days are scattered, there's one thing I know for certain:
Jace loved his mother more than anything.
So much that, if the world tried to take her from him, he would burn it down.
He would stand against fate itself without a second thought.
There were only two people he loved like that.
That night, after dinner and some games, Jace went to bed.
And once again… the dream returned.
He was running—this time with full awareness. A vast, deserted valley stretched out before him. His feet pounded the ground as he ran harder, faster.
Where am I?
Right… this is one of those dreams again.
I'm looking for something… something precious. If I don't hurry, I'll lose it. That's why I'm running.
He stopped.
Breathing hard, Jace scanned his surroundings.
"What is this place?" he whispered. "Where am I?"
Then he looked at his hands.
"…I feel strong. Really strong. And this mark on my right arm—what is it?"
He rubbed at it, but the mark wouldn't fade.
"What the hell is this?"
Suddenly—
He heard something behind him.
He turned.
And saw men, armed with swords, faces hidden in shadow—but full of hatred.
"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to!" Jace screamed—in his dream… and in real life.
His mother bolted awake and rushed to his room.
She found him sitting upright, eyes wide with tears, one hand outstretched as if reaching for something.
She ran to him.
"Jace! What happened? Are you okay?"
Jace looked at her—and broke down.
"Trust me, I swear I didn't mean to," he sobbed. "You trust me, Mom, right? It wasn't intentional. I swear…"
She pulled him close, brushing his hair softly.
"It's okay, sweetheart. You're trembling. Was it a nightmare? What did you see?"
"It was horrible… it was like…"
He looked down at his hands—horrified.
Then up at her.
"…I can't remember."
She smiled softly, reassuring him.
"Sometimes dreams feel real. But they're just that—dreams. Try not to think about it too much, alright? You've got school tomorrow. Get some sleep."
"…Yeah. Okay."
She kissed his forehead, lingering for a moment.
"Good night, sweetheart."
She turned out the light and closed the door behind her.
Jace lay back, but sleep didn't come easily.
He stared at the ceiling, that eerie feeling crawling back under his skin.
Something's wrong…
And soon…
He fell asleep.