Night draped over the city like a velvet curtain. The streets were silent, save for the occasional bark of a stray dog or the distant hoot of an owl. Inside the orphanage, all the children were asleep, their soft breaths a quiet symphony.
But not Zenith.
He moved carefully, a small satchel slung across his back, filled with essentials he'd packed: bread, water, a sturdy knife he'd found in the kitchen, and the map tucked safely in his pocket. His heart thudded loudly in his chest—half excitement, half fear.
He slipped out the back door, stepping lightly onto the cobblestones, careful not to make a sound. The moon hung low and full, bathing the city in silver light. It was the perfect night.
Two hours later, Zenith arrived at the edge of the city, where the trees grew wild and the air thrummed with raw mana. Beyond lay Whispering Hollow, a forsaken stretch of ruins cloaked in shadows and mystery.
The faint glow of a single tree pulsed in the distance.
There.
His breath caught in his throat.
He stepped forward, weaving through broken pillars and crumbled walls, until he stood beneath the tree—the legendary mana tree.
Its branches shimmered with an ethereal light, and nestled among the leaves hung a single fruit, glowing like a star fallen to earth.
The Fruit of Origin.
Zenith's hands trembled as he reached out and plucked the fruit. The skin was smooth, cool to the touch, and it radiated power.
He took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and bit in.
Juice exploded across his tongue—sweet, tangy, and alive with magic.
Then everything changed.
A roaring fire surged through his veins, igniting his mana core. His vision blurred as waves of power crashed over him. The world seemed to slow, colors deepening, sounds sharpening.
A voice echoed inside his mind—clear, commanding, ancient.
"Ultimate ability: Awakened."
His body hummed with new strength, his soul ablaze with potential.
The power was overwhelming, but Zenith stood tall, a smile spreading across his face.
He was no longer a mere child.
He was the hidden nightmare.
And his story had truly begun.
[...]
As the surge of power coursed through Zenith's veins, a deep, resonant voice echoed within his mind—calm, ancient, and commanding.
"I am Genesis, the Origin of All Wisdom and Power. You have awakened the Ultimate Ability."
Light unfurled behind him like majestic wings made of pure energy, shimmering with runes that pulsed with primordial magic.
A flood of knowledge poured into Zenith's consciousness—secrets of creation, the flow of mana through the world, and the intricate balance of life and death.
Along with this awakening came the sub-skills of Genesis—divine powers to guide, protect, and judge:
1. Origin's InsightInstantly analyze and understand any magical phenomenon, skill, or creature. It grants Zenith unparalleled tactical foresight and wisdom.
2. Mana VeilA protective shield of pure mana that can absorb and nullify attacks, physical or magical. It also cloaks Zenith's presence from detection.
3. Judgment SealAllows Zenith to impose binding seals on enemies or corrupted mana, restricting movement, magic, or even draining their life force temporarily.
4. Soul ResonanceThe ability to sense the true nature of beings nearby—their intentions, strength, and hidden powers—allowing Zenith to perceive threats before they act.
5. Creation's BlessingA healing aura that can mend wounds rapidly and cleanse poisons or curses from himself and allies.
Zenith felt a newfound strength ripple through his body and soul. This wasn't just power; it was a sacred duty.
He was no longer a mere boy reincarnated into a fantasy world.
He was the bearer of Genesis—the origin and judge.
And with it, he would rewrite fate itself.