Noah was an average boy living in a fantasy world. On the day he turned twelve, he was finally going to receive his blessing—an ability that would shape the rest of his life.
The walk to the church felt longer than usual.
When he arrived, boys and girls his age were already gathered outside. Some were smiling and laughing, others were crying, and a few stood quietly, waiting their turn with nervous expressions. Noah took a deep breath and stepped inside.
The church of the Luminous Covenant was spotless. Light poured through the tall windows, and priests hurried through the halls, preparing for the ceremony. Noah was led into the main chamber, where the head priest, Father Malric, stood at the altar, performing miracles one after another.
Names were called. Blessings were granted.
Noah waited until he heard it.
"Next up—Noah."
His heart began to race as he walked forward. Father Malric looked down at him with a calm, reassuring smile.
"Do not fret, child," the priest said. "God is with you."
Father Malric placed a hand on Noah's head. A blinding light filled the hall. When it finally faded, Father Malric spoke.
"Your blessing is… teleportation."
The room fell silent for a moment.
Then the whispers began.
"E-rank."
"Completely useless."
"What a waste."
Noah's chest tightened. He turned and left the church, unable to look at anyone. Scornful stares followed him all the way out. How could someone receive such a disappointing blessing in the sacred halls of the Luminous Covenant?
Noah was an orphan. This ceremony had been his last chance at a better life.
Now, that hope was gone.
The days that followed were worse. The whispers turned into insults. The insults became violence. People said he had betrayed the church. That he had been cursed.
One night, it went too far.
A sharp pain tore through his side. Noah stumbled, looking down to see a magic knife buried in him. He fell to the ground, gasping, trying to crawl away as warm blood soaked into the dirt.
His vision blurred.
Then everything went black.
Noah opened his eyes.
"How… am I alive?"
He was lying in the grass, but this wasn't where he had collapsed. Slowly, he pushed himself up and looked toward the city.
It was burning.
Flames consumed buildings, smoke filling the sky. Screams echoed in the distance. His mind struggled to understand what he was seeing.
Then someone noticed him.
"You monster!" a survivor screamed, rushing at him with a knife.
Before Noah could react, a black aura burst from his arm. It shot forward like a spear, impaling the man instantly. The body collapsed lifelessly at Noah's feet.
Noah stared in horror.
A voice echoed inside his head, deep and calm.
"You can't die yet, Noah."