Hell and Heaven Coexist
Perhaps hell and heaven do not truly exist as places.
Perhaps this world itself is the only hell and the only heaven there is.
Some people live lives that feel like heaven—warm, safe, and forgiving.
Others wake up every day in something no different from hell—burning, cruel, and merciless.
The distance between hell and heaven is not measured in realms or skies.
It is the distance between a person living a good life and one trapped in a broken one.
So distant that even conversation between them feels impossible.
Can the fire of hell reach heaven?
Yes—it does.
A single bitter word, spoken without care, can drag someone into hell.
But does that mean the one who speaks it rises closer to heaven?
Yes… and no.
A thief may steal to quiet his hunger.
Another may steal out of pure greed.
Yet both are called criminals—so why is the punishment often the same?
Some will argue that it isn't.
That every country, every system, judges by circumstance.
That intent matters.
And yet, if that is true—
then morality itself cannot be absolute.
Or perhaps…
it is both objective and subjective at the same time.
In the mansion's courtyard, surrounded by lush plants and blooming greenery, dozens of children were playing together. Their laughter echoed through the open space, carried gently by the wind.
They ran freely.
They laughed without worry.
Among them, a boy—around twelve years old—came running forward, his footsteps hurried, his face glowing with excitement. He stopped in front of his elder brother, his chest rising and falling as if he could barely contain himself.
"Big brother," he said, his voice trembling with joy.
"My power… it finally awakened."
A boy—around nineteen years old—with black hair and striking blue eyes looked toward his younger brother. A handsome face lit up with excitement and pride as he smiled.
"Woah, Leo," he said. "Show me. What kind of power did you awaken?"
Just as Leo was about to demonstrate his ability, his gaze shifted past his brother and fell upon Rameen, who was standing beside Zuraiz.
"Big sister, sorry," Leo said quickly. "I didn't notice you."
Rameen, with her long black hair and deep red eyes, stepped forward with a gentle smile. She placed her hand on Leo's head and softly patted it.
"It's okay, Leo," she said warmly. "That happens when you're excited."
She tilted her head slightly, her smile widening.
"Now go on—show us your power."
Leo grew nervous. He slowly extended his hand forward and closed his eyes, forcing himself to focus.
From deep within his mind—his prefrontal cortex—he tried to draw out his life energy, just as he had been taught.
At first, nothing happened.
Then, slowly, a faint white aura began to appear around Leo's body. It shimmered softly, almost fragile. Seeing this, more children gathered around him, their curiosity pulling them closer.
Leo's palm began to feel damp.
At first, it looked like sweat.
But it wasn't.
It was water.
Minute by minute, the moisture continued to gather, pooling into his open palm. What once could have been laughed off as nervous sweat now became something undeniable—clear water collecting in visible amounts.
This was no accident.
This was power.
Leo opened his eyes, his breathing heavy and uneven.
Some of the children stared at him in awe, their faces filled with excitement. To them, this was hope—proof that one day, they too would awaken their own powers.
But not everyone reacted the same way.
Among the children who had already awakened, one of them spoke calmly, almost casually.
"Water control, huh?" he said, glancing at Leo. "Big sister Rameen will be able to train well with you."
Zuraiz looked at Leo and nodded.
"It's a very useful power," he said. "And a popular one too. Most kids want either water or fire. In those superpower shows, those abilities are always the most overpowered… and the coolest."
Rameen turned her gaze toward Zuraiz and shook her head slightly.
"Maybe," she said. "But children, in the end, it depends on the person. On where they choose to use their power… and how hard they train to become strong."
Leo clenched his fist, his eyes shining with excitement and determination.
"One day," he said firmly,
"I'll become a hero."
The moment those words left his mouth, Lee froze.
Shock flashed across his face—then anger.
"Leo," he snapped, turning toward him. "Heroes are weak. You know that."
His voice lowered, sharp with restraint.
"You also know how angry Father would be if he heard you say that."
Lee took a breath, his fists tightening at his sides.
"He never said anything to you. Never stopped you from saying things like this. Because if he had restricted you even once, it could have affected your prefrontal cortex. And if that happened…"
Lee's voice hardened.
"You might never have awakened your power."
He looked away, bitterness slipping through his words.
"I've been scolded for an entire year. I stopped myself from doing so many things."
Suddenly, Leo realized something. All the other children were still around, listening to their conversation. And just like that… he had made a blunder.
Lee's eyes went wide, a mix of disbelief and nervousness flashing across his face.
"Haha… no one laughed! I was just joking," he stammered, trying to cover it up.
He reached out and gently tapped Leo on the back, pretending to play.
Leo frowned, irritation creeping in.
"Stop it, it hurts."
"Oh, sorry… wait, you're weak, haha," Lee said, smirking.
That was it. Leo's face flushed red with anger.
"I challenge you—one-on-one. After a month."
Lee's grin only widened.
"Deal. Bet's on."
Lee managed to shift the topic, but for a few moments, the children couldn't help but wonder… what had he meant by that?
Zuraiz noticed the blunder immediately, but he stayed calm. Raising his voice slightly so the children could hear, he said with a smirk,
"Looks like Lee had a nightmare… and he wet his pants."
The children burst into laughter, their excitement echoing through the courtyard.
Leo's lips curled into a smirk as he pointed at Lee.
"That's why you smell, Lee."
Lee ignored him at first, looking at Zuraiz with a frustrated glare.
"Was that necessary?" he muttered.
Zuraiz shrugged, smiling.
"What can I say? I said what came to mind… and look, it worked perfectly."
Lee's smirk returned, now mixed with anger.
"Worked, huh? Well… now you're not getting away with it."
He thrust his hand forward. In an instant, a green aura burst around his body. His palm pointed at Zuraiz, and countless sharp branches shot out at terrifying speed.
The children scattered a little, eyes wide with awe.
Just before the branches could strike Zuraiz's chest, a shimmering barrier appeared, stopping them in midair. Lee's eyes went wide—how could his attack be stopped so easily?
The branches recoiled back into Lee's palm, but Zuraiz had already used a barrier to cut them off at the source. Lee stumbled backward, fear flashing across his face.
Before the branches could even hit the ground, Rameen thrust her hands toward them. Fire erupted along each branch, propelling them upward toward the sky. The flames curled and flickered, dissipating into the air with a roar.
The children cheered and gasped, eyes fixed on the spectacle.
At the same time, Zuraiz extended his hand toward Lee's feet. Instantly, a barrier formed beneath him. Lee lost his balance and dropped onto it, instinctively sitting down.
Before he could even react, the barrier shot upward, carrying Lee along with it—rising rapidly into the sky.
Lee's eyes went wide as the ground pulled away beneath him.
"Not againnnnnnn!" he screamed, clinging to the barrier as it continued to soar upward at terrifying speed.