# 🎴 **Episode 1: “The Boy Who Shouldn’t Exist”**

The city never slept.

Neon lights flickered across the rain-soaked streets of **Neo-Kyra City**, reflecting in puddles like broken stars. Cars passed. People talked. Life moved forward.

And yet… something was wrong.

Far beneath the surface—hidden from ordinary eyes—something was breathing.

Kaien Ryuu stood alone on the rooftop of his school, staring into the distance.

The wind brushed against his dark hair, his eyes quiet… almost empty.

“Another one last night,” someone said behind him.

Kaien didn’t turn.

A group of students gathered near the door, whispering.

“They said a whole building got destroyed.”

“No explosion marks… nothing normal.”

“People just… disappeared.”

Kaien closed his eyes.

*Again.*

He had heard those rumors before.

Not rumors.

Truth.

Later that evening, Kaien walked home through a narrow alley, hands in his pockets. The sky had turned deep red as the sun set, painting the city in an uneasy glow.

Something felt off.

The air.

The silence.

Even the stray dogs that usually barked had vanished.

Kaien stopped.

“…Who’s there?”

No response.

But he felt it.

A presence.

Heavy.

Watching.

A low growl echoed from the darkness.

Then—

Something stepped forward.

It wasn’t human.

Its body twisted unnaturally, like its bones didn’t belong to it. Its skin was cracked, glowing faintly with red lines pulsing underneath. Its face… barely a face… stretched into something that resembled pain.

Kaien’s breath caught.

“…A Hollow.”

The word slipped out before he even realized it.

The creature tilted its head.

Then it screamed.

Not a normal scream—something deeper. Like multiple voices crying at once.

And it rushed him.

Kaien’s body moved on instinct.

He dodged, barely avoiding the creature’s claws as they slammed into the wall behind him, leaving deep cracks.

“What the hell…?!”

He stumbled back, heart racing.

*Why do I know what this is?*

The Hollow lunged again.

This time, Kaien didn’t move fast enough.

Its claws grazed his arm—

Pain exploded through his body.

He fell hard onto the ground, vision blurring.

The Hollow loomed over him.

Its mouth opened unnaturally wide.

Ready to devour.

“Move.”

A sharp voice cut through the air.

In a flash—

The Hollow’s body split apart.

Clean.

Precise.

It froze for a second… then collapsed into black dust.

Kaien looked up, stunned.

A girl stood in front of him.

Her expression was calm. Focused.

She held a strange weapon—something like a blade made of vibrating energy.

“…You’re in the way,” she said.

Kaien blinked.

“…Who are you?”

Before she could answer—

Another presence surged.

Stronger.

Darker.

From the shadows, a second Hollow emerged.

But this one… was different.

Bigger.

More stable.

Its body pulsed with intense red energy, cracks spreading like veins across its form.

The air grew heavier.

Even breathing felt difficult.

“…Great,” the girl muttered. “A higher-grade already?”

She stepped forward, raising her weapon.

“Stay back if you don’t want to die.”

Kaien didn’t move.

Not because he was brave.

Because he couldn’t.

Something inside him was reacting.

The moment he saw that creature—

His chest tightened.

Not fear.

Recognition.

The Hollow roared and charged.

The girl moved instantly, clashing with it mid-air. Sparks of energy exploded as her weapon struck its arm.

But the creature didn’t fall.

It adapted.

Fast.

Too fast.

It grabbed her mid-attack and slammed her into the ground.

Hard.

Kaien’s eyes widened.

“…Hey!”

The Hollow raised its claw—

Aiming to finish her.

Something snapped.

Inside Kaien.

A sharp, burning sensation spread through his chest.

His heartbeat… changed.

Faster.

Louder.

He could hear it.

Feel it.

Like something was awakening.

Before he understood what he was doing—

He was already moving.

Kaien grabbed a broken pipe from the ground and rushed forward, swinging it with everything he had.

The impact connected.

But—

The pipe shattered instantly.

The Hollow didn’t even flinch.

It turned toward him.

Slowly.

Its eyes locked onto his.

And for a moment—

Everything went silent.

The girl, barely conscious, whispered:

“…Run…”

But Kaien couldn’t.

Because now—

He felt it clearly.

That thing inside him.

It wasn’t fear.

It was… hunger.

The Hollow lunged.

Kaien’s vision blurred.

Time slowed.

And then—

Something broke.

A deep crimson glow erupted from Kaien’s chest, spreading across his body like veins of light.

His eyes changed.

One of them turning a sharp, unnatural red.

Energy surged through him—wild, unstable.

Alive.

The Hollow hesitated.

Just for a second.

But that was enough.

Kaien moved.

Faster than before.

Faster than human.

He appeared in front of the Hollow and drove his fist straight into its core.

Not just a hit—

Something else.

Something deeper.

The Hollow screamed.

Its body began to crack.

Not from damage—

From inside.

Kaien’s hand sank deeper into the creature.

And then—

He felt it.

Energy.

Raw.

Burning.

Flowing into him.

“…What… is this…?”

The Hollow collapsed, its body disintegrating into particles that didn’t scatter…

But were pulled into Kaien.

Absorbed.

Consumed.

Silence fell.

Kaien stood there, breathing heavily.

The red glow flickering around him.

Then—

It faded.

Just as suddenly as it appeared.

He dropped to his knees.

“…What… did I just do…?”

The girl slowly sat up, staring at him.

Her expression—no longer calm.

Shaken.

Confused.

Afraid.

“…That’s not possible…”

Kaien looked at her.

“…What?”

She didn’t answer immediately.

Instead, she stood up, gripping her weapon tightly.

As if unsure whether to protect him…

Or attack him.

“…Hollows don’t get purified like that,” she said quietly.

“They get destroyed.”

She stepped closer.

Eyes locked onto his.

“But you…”

A pause.

“…You devoured it.”

Kaien froze.

Before either of them could say more—

A new presence arrived.

A man appeared on the rooftop above them, looking down.

Tall.

Calm.

Watching everything.

“…So it’s true,” he said.

His voice carried weight.

Like someone who had seen too much.

The girl looked up.

“…Master Veyl.”

The man’s gaze shifted to Kaien.

Sharp.

Measuring.

“…Interesting,” he murmured.

Then—

He disappeared.

And reappeared right in front of Kaien.

Too fast to follow.

Kaien flinched, but couldn’t move.

The man leaned slightly closer.

Studying him.

“…Tell me, boy,” he said.

“Who taught you to use Vein like that?”

Kaien swallowed.

“…I don’t even know what that is.”

Silence.

Then—

For the first time—

The man smiled.

“…That’s exactly the problem.”

The wind picked up again.

The city lights flickered in the distance.

And somewhere—

Far below—

Something stirred.

Master Veyl turned away.

“…You’re coming with us.”

Kaien frowned.

“…Us?”

The girl crossed her arms.

“…Binders,” she said.

“We deal with things like that.”

She paused.

Then added—

“…And now, you’re involved.”

Kaien looked at his hands.

Still shaking.

Still warm.

As if that energy hadn’t fully left.

“…What am I…?” he whispered.

Neither of them answered.

High above the city—

Beyond sight—

A massive, unseen presence opened its eye.

Watching.

Waiting.

And for the first time in a long time—

It was interested.

# 🔥 **End of Episode 1**

TO BE CONTINUED....

🎴 Episode 2: “The World Beneath the World”

The city looked the same.

People walked. Cars moved. Shops opened.

No one knew.

No one could know.

That just beneath their feet… monsters existed.

Kaien sat in the back seat of a black vehicle, staring out the window.

Silent.

Processing.

Everything from last night replayed in his mind—the Hollow, the fight… the moment he absorbed it.

His hand tightened.

That wasn’t normal.

Across from him sat the girl from before.

Arms crossed.

Watching him carefully.

“…You’re too calm,” she said.

Kaien didn’t look at her.

“…What am I supposed to do? Panic?”

“…Most people would.”

“…Most people didn’t just almost die.”

That shut the conversation down.

After a few seconds, she sighed.

“…Airi.”

Kaien blinked.

“…What?”

“My name,” she said. “You should at least know that.”

A pause.

“…Kaien.”

“…I know.”

The car slowed.

Then stopped.

Kaien looked up.

In front of him stood a massive gate—hidden between two abandoned buildings.

Covered in markings.

Symbols he didn’t understand.

But somehow…

They felt familiar.

The gate opened.

Inside—

A completely different world.

A large compound stretched out beyond the entrance.

Training grounds. Buildings. People moving with purpose.

Some wore uniforms.

Others carried strange weapons.

Energy—Vein—flowed faintly through the air.

Kaien stepped out slowly.

“…This place…”

“…Binder Academy,” Airi said.

“Where people like us learn to survive.”

“Or die trying,” another voice cut in.

Kaien turned.

A boy leaned against a pillar nearby, arms crossed.

Sharp eyes.

Confident posture.

Annoying energy.

“…So this is the guy?” he said, looking Kaien up and down.

“Doesn’t look like much.”

Airi frowned.

“Ren, not now.”

Ren smirked.

“Relax. I’m just curious.”

He pushed himself off the wall and walked closer.

Stopping right in front of Kaien.

“…They said you did something impossible,” Ren said.

His voice dropped slightly.

“…Prove it.”

Kaien stared back.

“…I don’t even know how I did it.”

Ren tilted his head.

“…Then you’re useless.”

Before Kaien could respond—

A sudden pressure filled the air.

Heavy.

Overwhelming.

“Enough.”

Master Veyl.

Standing above them on a balcony.

Looking down.

“Ren,” he said calmly, “you’ll get your answer.”

A pause.

“…Soon.”

Ren clicked his tongue and stepped back.

“…Fine.”

But his eyes stayed locked on Kaien.

“…Follow me,” Airi said.

They walked through the academy.

Students trained in open arenas—clashing with weapons, releasing bursts of Vein energy.

Some fast.

Some precise.

Some… terrifying.

Kaien watched everything.

Trying to understand.

Trying to keep up.

“…Vein exists in all living things,” Airi explained.

“Most people never awaken it.”

She glanced at him.

“…Some are forced to.”

They stopped in front of a large hall.

Inside—

Rows of students.

A central arena.

And at the front—

Master Veyl.

“…Welcome,” he said, his voice echoing across the room.

“Today, we have something… unusual.”

His gaze shifted.

Landing directly on Kaien.

“…A boy who survived contact with a Hollow…”

A pause.

“…And consumed it.”

Murmurs spread instantly.

Confusion.

Shock.

Disbelief.

“That’s impossible—”

“No one can do that—”

“He’s lying—”

Kaien felt every eye on him.

Veyl raised a hand.

Silence returned.

“…We’re going to test him,” Veyl continued.

“Right now.”

Kaien’s heart skipped.

“…Test?”

Airi stepped back slightly.

“…Good luck,” she muttered.

The floor of the arena shifted.

Opening.

From below—

Something rose.

A Hollow.

But smaller than before.

Contained.

Restricted.

“…This one is controlled,” Veyl said.

“It won’t kill you.”

A small pause.

“…Probably.”

Kaien stared at it.

His chest tightened again.

That same feeling.

That same pull.

“…Fight,” Veyl ordered.

The Hollow moved first.

Fast.

Straight at him.

Kaien reacted—barely dodging its attack.

He stumbled back.

Think.

What did I do before?

The Hollow attacked again.

Relentless.

Kaien blocked with his arm—

Pain shot through him.

He gritted his teeth.

Come on…

That power…

Nothing.

The Hollow grabbed him.

Lifting him off the ground.

“…Is this it?” Ren muttered from the side.

“Pathetic.”

Kaien struggled.

His vision blurring again.

Not like this…

Then—

A voice.

Soft.

Faint.

From somewhere deep inside him.

“Take it.”

His eyes widened.

The same heat returned.

Stronger.

Faster.

Red veins spread across his arm.

“…There it is,” Veyl whispered.

Kaien grabbed the Hollow’s arm—

And this time—

He didn’t resist.

He accepted it.

Energy surged.

Wild.

Violent.

The Hollow screamed—

Its body cracking again—

And in seconds—

It was gone.

Absorbed.

Silence.

Kaien dropped to the ground, breathing heavily.

The room didn’t react immediately.

Because no one knew how to.

Then—

Whispers exploded.

“He did it again—”

“That’s not normal—”

“What is he—?”

Ren stared.

Not mocking anymore.

Serious.

“…Now that’s interesting,” he said quietly.

Airi looked at Kaien.

Her expression unreadable.

Master Veyl stepped forward.

Slow.

Calm.

“…It’s confirmed,” he said.

“…Broken Vein.”

The words echoed.

Heavy.

Important.

Kaien looked up.

“…What does that mean?”

Veyl stopped in front of him.

“It means,” he said,

“…you are either the strongest weapon this world has…”

A pause.

“…or its greatest threat.”

Kaien’s breath caught.

Veyl turned away.

“…Training starts tomorrow.”

As the students began to disperse—

One thing became clear.

Kaien Ryuu—

Was no longer just a normal student.

He was something else.

Something dangerous.

And everyone—

Had started to notice.

🔥 End of Episode 2

To be continued...

Episode 3: “First Mission”

Morning came too fast.

Kaien barely slept.

Every time he closed his eyes, he felt it again—that strange pull inside him. That hunger. Like something was waiting… watching.

“Get up.”

A voice snapped him out of it.

Kaien opened his eyes.

Airi stood at the door.

“…Training starts,” she said.

Outside, the academy was already alive.

Students sparred. Energy clashed. Commands echoed.

But today felt different.

Heavier.

Kaien approached the main hall.

Ren was already there, leaning casually—but his eyes were focused.

“…Don’t slow us down,” Ren said without looking at him.

Before Kaien could reply—

Master Veyl entered.

Silence fell instantly.

“…You three,” Veyl said, pointing at Kaien, Airi, and Ren.

“Your first mission begins now.”

A screen behind him lit up.

A map of the city.

One section blinking red.

“…Sector 9,” Veyl continued.

“Multiple disappearances. Strong Vein distortion.”

A pause.

“…Likely a developing Hollow nest.”

Airi’s expression tightened.

“…A nest already?”

Ren smirked slightly.

“Finally something worth doing.”

Kaien stayed quiet.

But his chest… reacted.

That same feeling again.

“…You are not there to show off,” Veyl said sharply.

“You observe, contain, and eliminate if necessary.”

His gaze locked onto Kaien.

“…And you—do not lose control.”

Kaien nodded.

“…I’ll try.”

Veyl didn’t look convinced.

“…That’s what worries me.”

🚧 Sector 9

The area was deserted.

Shops abandoned. Windows broken. Silence everywhere.

Even the air felt… wrong.

Airi stepped forward, scanning.

“…Stay alert.”

Ren cracked his knuckles.

“I’ll take point.”

Kaien followed behind.

Every step felt heavier.

Like something beneath the ground was… moving.

“…Do you feel that?” Kaien asked.

Airi nodded.

“…Yes.”

Ren smirked.

“…Good. Means we’re close.”

Suddenly—

A loud crash echoed from inside a nearby building.

All three froze.

“…There,” Airi said.

They entered carefully.

The inside was dark.

Cold.

Then—

A whisper.

“…help…”

Kaien’s head snapped up.

“…Did you hear that?”

Airi frowned.

“…There shouldn’t be any survivors—”

“…help me…”

The voice came again.

Weak.

Desperate.

Kaien moved.

“…Wait—” Airi tried to stop him.

Too late.

He turned the corner—

And saw it.

A person.

Sitting on the ground.

Head down.

Shaking.

“…Hey,” Kaien said, stepping closer.

“Are you okay?”

The person slowly lifted their head.

Their eyes—

Glowing red.

“…found you…”

Everything exploded.

The “person” twisted violently, transforming into a Hollow mid-motion.

Claws slashing straight at Kaien.

He barely blocked—

Thrown back into the wall.

“…Trap!” Airi shouted.

More movement.

From the ceiling.

From the walls.

From the darkness—

Multiple Hollows emerged.

“…This isn’t a nest,” Airi said, shocked.

“…It’s already active.”

Ren grinned.

“…Even better.”

He dashed forward—fast.

Striking the first Hollow with a powerful blow, sending it crashing through debris.

Airi moved next—precise.

Her energy waves disrupted another Hollow’s movement, locking it in place.

Kaien stood up slowly.

Breathing hard.

Focus.

Don’t lose control.

A Hollow lunged at him.

This time—

He moved differently.

Calmer.

He dodged.

Countered.

Struck.

But—

It wasn’t enough.

The Hollow didn’t break.

“…Kaien!” Airi shouted.

Two more attacked at once.

He blocked one—

But the second hit—

Sending him sliding across the floor.

Pain surged.

Not enough…

Ren glanced at him mid-fight.

“…Use it,” he said.

Kaien froze.

“…What?”

Ren smirked.

“…That power. Or you’re dead weight.”

Another Hollow charged.

Kaien clenched his fist.

No…

If I lose control—

The Hollow got closer.

Closer—

“…Take it…”

That voice again.

His heartbeat changed.

“…Damn it…”

Red energy burst out.

Kaien stepped forward—

And this time—

He didn’t hesitate.

He grabbed the Hollow—

And absorbed it instantly.

Then—

Turned—

And did it again.

Faster.

Stronger.

The battlefield shifted.

Hollows began targeting him specifically.

“…They’re reacting to him,” Airi said.

Ren laughed.

“…Of course they are.”

Kaien stood in the center.

Surrounded.

But now—

His eyes weren’t normal.

They were glowing.

“…Come,” he said quietly.

The Hollows attacked all at once.

And Kaien—

Moved like something else entirely.

Striking.

Absorbing.

Destroying.

Too fast.

Too aggressive.

“…Kaien, stop!” Airi shouted.

But he didn’t.

He couldn’t.

Because now—

That hunger—

Was in control.

When the last Hollow fell—

Silence returned.

Kaien stood there.

Breathing heavily.

The red energy still flickering.

“…Kaien…?” Airi said slowly.

No response.

Ren watched carefully.

“…He’s not stopping.”

Kaien’s head tilted slightly.

His gaze shifted—

Toward them.

For a second—

Just a second—

He looked like a Hollow.

Then—

Everything faded.

He collapsed.

Silence.

Airi ran to him.

“…Kaien!”

He was unconscious.

But alive.

Ren exhaled.

“…He’s insane.”

Airi looked down at Kaien.

Worried.

“…No,” she said quietly.

“…He’s unstable.”

High above—

Hidden in the shadows of a broken building—

A figure watched.

Smiling.

“…So it begins,” the figure whispered.

Back at the academy—

Master Veyl stood alone.

“…They encountered it sooner than expected…”

A pause.

“…The Abyss is moving.”

🔥 End of Episode 3

To be continued...