The Beginning of Everything

​A hundred years ago, the peaceful Earth suddenly turned into a living hell.

​Creatures that later became known as demons emerged from various corners of the world. They slaughtered humans without mercy, destroyed civilizations, and brought major cities to ruin.

​The world's militaries tried to fight back. Tanks, missiles, fighter jets—even the most advanced weaponry humanity prided itself on—were deployed into the battlefield.

​Yet, it was all in vain.

​In the face of the demons' absolute power, human technology was nothing more than a pile of scrap metal. For years, humanity lived in utter despair.

​Until one day, a glimmer of hope finally appeared.

​A man named Kazuki Kaito successfully defeated a demon with the help of a mysterious entity that called itself a Spirit. That Spirit was named Yushin.

​This discovery rewrote human history.

​Humans finally learned that they could form contracts with Spirits to obtain powers capable of fighting back against the demons. From that moment on, Spirit Contractors began to emerge. Though they were few in number, their existence became humanity's beacon of hope. They were deeply respected, admired, and revered as the protectors of the world.

​And since that fateful day... Earth was never the same again.

​"Hmm..."

​Haruto closed the history book he was reading. He sat quietly in the corner of the school library. The evening sunlight filtered through the large window, illuminating his dark hair. His sharp eyes stared outside for a brief moment before he murmured softly, "The world really did change after that."

​Not far from him, several female students were secretly watching him.

​"Hey, look at that... Haruto-kun is reading."

"He looks so incredibly handsome when he's being serious like that."

​Faint whispers began to echo among them. Hearing this, Haruto could only let out a subtle sigh. Situations like this had already become a daily routine for him. As one of the most popular students in school, he often became the center of attention without ever wanting to be.

​Haruto turned toward the girls and gave them a polite smile. "Everyone, please don't be too loud. This is a library."

​"Eh?!"

​The girls gasped, startled.

​"W-We're sorry, Haruto-kun!"

"Yeah, we'll keep it down."

​Haruto gave a small nod. "It's fine."

​One of the girls lowered her head, her face flushing bright red. "By the way... Haruto-kun looks really handsome today."

"Yeah! Just like always!"

"Is that so?" Haruto smiled awkwardly. "Thank you."

​For a second, the air went completely silent. Then—

​"Kyaaa!"

​The girls covered their blushing faces in embarrassment. Haruto could only sigh in resignation.

​A few hours later, the school bell finally rang, signaling the end of the day. Students poured into the corridors, eager to leave. Haruto packed his books into his bag, getting ready to head home.

​Suddenly, someone clapped his shoulder from behind.

​"Hey, Haruto!"

​Haruto didn't even need to turn around to know who it was. The person speaking was also one of the school's popular students.

​"What is it, Ren?"

​Takeshi Ren grinned broadly. "How about a footrace all the way home?"

"No thanks."

​Haruto's response came without a single second of hesitation. Ren's smile froze instantly.

​"Eh? Why not?"

"No particular reason." Haruto lifted his bag. "I just don't want to."

"Oh, come on!" Ren immediately threw an arm around Haruto's shoulder. "It's been forever since we last raced!"

"We just raced three days ago."

"That is forever!"

​Haruto looked up at the classroom ceiling as if praying for strength. "Hah..." Ultimately, he gave in. "Fine."

​"Yes!" Ren pumped his fist in excitement.

​But before he could say anything else, another voice drifted from behind them.

​"Can you guys keep it down a bit?"

​The two turned around. A black-haired youth was leaning back in his chair, rubbing his eyes. Nemui Reo—another popular student, just like Haruto and Ren. He was their classmate, notoriously known for always being drowsy.

​"I'm trying to sleep here," Reo complained.

Ren laughed awkwardly. "Sorry about that."

​Haruto glanced at Reo. "Didn't you already sleep through the entire lecture earlier?"

"I only slept for a few hours." Reo let out a wide yawn. "That's nowhere near enough."

"Of course it isn't," Ren chuckled. "Well, how about we just walk home together instead? We'll postpone the race for now."

​Haruto nodded. "Whatever works."

​The three of them left the school together. All the way home, Ren talked nonstop about various random things. On the other hand, Reo kept complaining about how tired he was, while Haruto simply walked alongside them, quietly listening.

​Even though the world was still plagued by the threat of demons, their daily lives seemed as peaceful as any ordinary teenagers'. At least, for the time being.

​Nightfall.

​Haruto had just arrived home when he suddenly realized something.

​"...The book."

​He opened his bag and double-checked the contents. It wasn't there. The history book he had been reading earlier was left behind in the classroom.

​Haruto sighed deeply. "Seriously..."

​Whether he liked it or not, he had to go back to school. Fortunately, his house wasn't too far away.

​A few minutes later, he arrived at the completely deserted school gates. The night sky was covered in dark, heavy clouds, leaving the corridor lights as the only source of illumination. With quiet steps, Haruto slipped inside.

​It didn't take long for him to retrieve the forgotten book from his classroom.

​"Alright." He gripped the book tightly. "Now, time to head back."

​However, just as he was about to step out of the classroom—

​"Hahahaha..."

​An unfamiliar voice suddenly echoed through the silence. Haruto stopped dead in his tracks. His eyes narrowed.

​The voice was clear, yet he couldn't pinpoint exactly where it was coming from.

​"Why is there a little ant here?" the voice mocked, its tone dripping with absolute derision.

​Haruto instantly put up his guard. "Who's there?" He scanned his surroundings sharply. "Come out. Stop hiding."

​"Hoh?" The voice sounded genuinely amused. "This little ant turns out to be quite brave."

​A tense silence filled the room. Then...

​"Very well."

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