Interstellar

Chapter 1- Fallen Star

                                                                     Writer: Feroz Danish

Kazuki Tsukio[2nd year at Seiryu Academy]

The morning sun bathed the city in a soft, golden glow as Kazuki raced down the familiar streets toward Seiryu Academy. The wind rushed past him, tugging at his school blazer, but the exhilaration of the run made him feel alive. His heart pounded in his chest, not from exertion, but from the sheer excitement of the day ahead.

Kazuki's thoughts drifted to his plans for Valentine's Day, a small smile tugging at his lips. He was already imagining the day—enjoying time with friends, indulging in the carefree moments of his life. Everything felt so normal, so comfortable. As he rounded the corner near the school gates, lost in his thoughts, his sharp eyes suddenly snapped to a scene unfolding ahead.

A group of thugs, towering over a younger student, were shoving him around, their laughter cruel and harsh. The boy was clearly terrified, backing up toward the wall with nowhere to run. Kazuki's heart skipped a beat, his casual thoughts instantly replaced by a surge of anger and determination.

His body moved before his brain could process it. 

"Hey! Are you guys bored or something? Why are you picking on my junior?" Kazuki called out, his voice cutting through the tense air. A smirk tugged at his lips as he casually cracked his knuckles, the sound sharp and deliberate.

The thugs turned slowly, their sneers still plastered on their faces—until they saw who was standing in front of them. For a second, confusion flickered in their eyes. But then recognition dawned, and their expressions shifted. They weren't dealing with just anyone.

Kazuki wasn't the biggest guy, but his reputation spoke for itself. Everyone in the neighborhood knew him, and his name carried weight at school. He'd dealt with trouble before, and the last thing these thugs wanted was to mess with him.

They didn't even put up a fight as Kazuki dispatched them one by one with precise, well-placed blows. He employs a technique where he channels the wind to extend the reach of his punches, creating a compressed blast of air with each strike. This method allows him to strike from a distance, making it seem like his fists are landing blows even when he's meters away.

This approach not only keeps him at a safe distance but also disorients his opponents, making it nearly impossible for them to close in or counterattack effectively.

Even in his fury, Kazuki remained cautious. Despite his carefree attitude, he knew that in a fight, anything could happen. It didn't matter if he looked down on his opponents—he never underestimated the danger. He fought with the sharp awareness that a single misstep could turn the tide, so he kept his distance and maintained control.

Humans are not like gods—we're fragile, mortal beings who could lose everything in an instant. Everything we've ever done, everything we have, can vanish in a heartbeat. In a fight, there's no room for complacency. Underestimating your opponent or letting your guard down is a mistake you can't afford to make. The consequences are always too great.

Kazuki's lips curled into a mocking grin as he danced around them, taunting, 

"Is this really the best you've got? I thought thugs like you were supposed to be tough!" Each jab was a calculated provocation, and he could see the anger boiling in their eyes.

"Come on! You're not even trying! I've seen toddlers throw better punches!"

His words cut deeper than any physical blow, triggering their pride and fueling their frustration. They lunged at him, but he sidestepped with ease, enjoying the show.