The schoolyard suddenly fell into a strange, tense silence.
Hanako stepped forward, her eyes glowing with a strange light.
Without warning, she raised her hand. A massive magical anomaly swirled out from her palm, instantly wrapping around Hiro's body like a glowing energy cage.
Hiro struggled, but his body wouldn't move—he was trapped and powerless.
"Hiro," Hanako said calmly, curiosity dripping in her voice, "what exactly are you?"
Before Hiro could answer, Satou appeared behind her and firmly placed a hand on her shoulder.
Startled, Hanako leapt backward to dodge a potential attack. She gave a sly smile.
"Oh, Satou. I've heard you're pretty strong. When you fought Kazuki's gang, I saw your power—it was impressive."
Satou shook his head.
"Oi, Hanako. Enough with the talking."
Suddenly, Satou's eyes lit up. He activated his skill—his power to copy the abilities of others.
He mirrored Hanako's anomaly magic, but the version he created was darker… more twisted… even frightening.
Hanako's eyes widened.
"You can copy magic too? But this… this is a level 20 anomaly!"
The eerie anomaly lunged toward Hanako, and this time, she couldn't move at all.
Out of nowhere, Hiro burst forward, breaking free from the energy binding him, and shielded Hanako from the attack.
"What? How did you break free from that anomaly?" Hanako gasped as she saw the energy shatter around him.
Hiro looked at her seriously.
"Hey, Hanako. Are you okay?"
She stood there frozen, eyes wide.
"Eh? Why did you protect me, Hiro?"
Hiro's eyes were filled with quiet resolve.
"I won't let anyone hurt someone who once protected me."
Hanako froze, her cheeks turning slightly red. She was completely captivated by Hiro's calm smile… and the words he spoke.
Suddenly, Akira arrived from a distance.
"Hey! What's going on with you guys?" he asked, looking confused.
Satou immediately played it cool. "Nothing at all, we were just… playing a game."
"Ehhh? Why didn't you invite me?" Akira pouted.
Hiro and Hanako both burst into quiet laughter at Akira's reaction.
Hanako raised a hand slightly. "Thank you, Hiro. And I'm sorry for being so rough earlier. I just wanted to know who you really are."
Hiro glanced at her and gave a small smile.
"I'm just an unlucky kid," he said quietly.
---
To be continued...