Chapter 1: The power of will

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Haru’s first day at Celestia Academy is a harsh wake-up call. The sprawling campus is filled with students performing feats of magic and superhuman strength. As Haru walks into the school grounds, he watches a student summon a flame from her hands and another boy glide through the air with wings made of pure energy. Haru, however, is just... a regular boy with no abilities to show for himself.

When he tries to talk to some classmates, he's quickly shut down or ignored. Most of the students don't even acknowledge him, while others whisper behind his back, calling him "powerless" and "weak." This is especially true for Kaito, a popular student who uses telekinesis to torment Haru, and Mika, a girl with the ability to manipulate emotions, who enjoys playing cruel mind games.

Haru spends the first few weeks of school in isolation, trying to stay out of their way, but the bullying continues. One day, after Kaito pushes him into a wall using telekinesis, Haru can’t take it anymore. He stands up and, with a shaking fist, shouts back, "I’m not weak!"

That day, Haru decides he’s had enough of being bullied. He begins looking for ways to fight back—through determination and grit, not magic or superpowers.

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While searching for answers, Haru encounters a group of students who don’t seem to care about the power dynamics at Celestia Academy. There's Aria, a brilliant strategist who specializes in illusions but chooses not to use her powers often; Kai, a boy who has no magical abilities either, but is a martial arts expert; and Sena, an alchemist who creates potions to enhance physical abilities for a short time. They accept Haru, showing him that friendship and teamwork don’t require powers.

Aria encourages him to think outside the box, asking, “What is your true strength, Haru? Maybe it’s something you haven’t found yet.”

Meanwhile, Kaito and Mika continue to bully him, believing that Haru will never measure up. But Haru begins to show signs of resistance, refusing to be intimidated by their taunts.

In an attempt to impress his new friends, Haru challenges Kaito to a duel. Kaito laughs, thinking it’ll be an easy victory, but Haru surprises everyone by using his intelligence and quick thinking to outmaneuver Kaito's telekinesis. Although Haru doesn't win the duel, he gains the respect of his peers, and even Kaito grudgingly acknowledges him.

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Determined to find his own abilities, Haru embarks on a quest for knowledge. He studies ancient tomes, practices physical training, and explores the school’s hidden corners, searching for a clue about his powers. He finds an old relic, a mysterious artifact that seems to resonate with him. It’s a strange crystal orb that reacts when he holds it, glowing faintly.

Sena explains that the orb is a long-forgotten relic of the original founders of Celestia Academy. It is rumored to amplify the latent potential in people who lack magical powers, allowing them to unlock hidden abilities. Haru doesn’t hesitate to try and use it. At first, nothing happens—but when Haru focuses deeply, his surroundings begin to shift. The orb creates a shimmering barrier around him, allowing him to momentarily feel a surge of power.

Haru’s journey is far from over, but he starts to believe that he doesn’t need to be a copy of the others. His strength lies in his determination and his ability to find the unexpected.

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Word spreads about Haru’s duel with Kaito, and soon, he becomes a symbol of resilience for those without powers. However, Mika, the emotional manipulator, sees this as a threat. She challenges Haru to a psychological duel, using her powers to play with his emotions and manipulate his actions.

Instead of succumbing to her tricks, Haru leans into his friendships, realizing that his true power doesn’t come from magical abilities, but from the bonds he forms with others. With the support of Aria, Kai, and Sena, Haru outwits Mika in a battle of wits, turning her emotions against her.

Haru’s orb begins to reveal its true power, and he learns that his abilities lie in his mind. Unlike the flashy, immediate powers of his classmates, Haru’s potential is cerebral—he has the ability to analyze situations and create strategies that rival even the most powerful students. His intellect becomes his superpower, and through careful planning, he is able to help his friends defeat the school’s challenges, showing that strength can take many forms.

Though Haru still lacks conventional powers, he has something far greater: the ability to inspire others and the courage to take a stand. He’s no longer just the powerless boy in a school of superhumans. He’s Haru Takashiro, and he will carve out his own path.

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