Emotions?

Atsuki Saito had grown accustomed to solitude. It wasn't a choice but a necessity. With no family left and no one willing to stay by his side, he had learned to rely solely on himself. He managed the daily chores—doing laundry, cooking meals, and cleaning his modest home—all without a single complaint. He didn't mind. After all, he had long since resigned himself to the reality that no one else would care for him.

On a bright, sunny morning, Atsuki woke to the sound of chirping birds outside his window. The light streamed through the thin curtains, warming the room with its golden glow. As always, his routine was set. First, he did the laundry, hanging his clothes to dry under the clear sky. Then, he prepared breakfast—a simple meal of rice, miso soup, and grilled fish. It wasn't fancy, but it was enough to keep him going. Once he was ready, he left his home and boarded the bus that would take him to the office.

The bus ride was ordinary at first. The familiar rumble of the engine and the faint chatter of other passengers filled the air. Atsuki stared out the window, watching the buildings blur past. However, something felt off. From the corner of his eye, he noticed an old man sitting a few rows behind him. The man was staring at him intently, his gaze unwavering. Atsuki shifted uncomfortably but brushed it off. "It's probably nothing," he thought.

When the bus reached Atsuki's stop, he stepped off and began walking toward his office. Yet, as he glanced over his shoulder, he noticed the old man had also disembarked. Atsuki quickened his pace, trying to dismiss the unease creeping into his mind. "Maybe it's just a coincidence," he muttered under his breath. But when the man continued to follow him down the same path, Atsuki's suspicion grew.

Once Atsuki reached the office, he pushed the unsettling encounter to the back of his mind. He greeted his coworkers with a polite nod and settled into his desk. Work had always been his escape, a place where he could lose himself in the tasks at hand. His intelligence and innovative ideas had earned him respect within the company, and his ability to complete tasks efficiently made him a valuable employee. By midday, he had already finished most of his assignments.

As lunchtime rolled around, Atsuki decided to step out for a quick meal. The nearest convenience store was his go-to spot, and he grabbed his favorite instant ramen—a spicy flavor he particularly enjoyed. As he left the store, bag in hand, a chill ran down his spine. The mysterious old man was there again, standing across the street and watching him. Atsuki's heart raced. "What does he want?" he wondered. Without a second thought, he hurried back to the office, trying to shake the feeling of being followed.

The rest of the day passed uneventfully, but Atsuki couldn't shake the lingering paranoia. When the clock struck six, signaling the end of the workday, he hesitated before leaving. He scanned the street outside, searching for any sign of the old man. Seeing none, he let out a sigh of relief and made his way home.

As Atsuki unlocked his front door, he felt a momentary sense of calm. That calm shattered the instant he stepped inside. Sitting in his living room was the same old man, dressed in what looked like a wizard's robe. Atsuki's instincts kicked in. Summoning his fire powers, he hurled a blazing attack toward the intruder. The flames shot across the room, but the man raised his hand, stopping the attack mid-air. Though his fingers were scorched, they healed in moments, the skin knitting itself back together.

"WHO ARE YOU, AND WHAT IN THE WORLD ARE YOU DOING IN MY HOUSE?!" Atsuki yelled, his voice filled with both anger and fear.

The old man raised his hands in a gesture of peace. "Calm down, boy. I'm not here to harm you," he said. "Let me explain."

Atsuki's eyes narrowed. "Explain? You've been following me all day! Why shouldn't I believe you're a Voidbringer?"

The man chuckled softly. "A Voidbringer? That's a good one. No, I assure you, I'm not your enemy."

"Then why were you spying on me?" Atsuki demanded, his fire still flickering at his fingertips.

"Alright, alright," the man said, lowering his hands. "I admit I was following you, but I had a reason. My name is Raiden Kurogami (雷電黒神), and I'm an Arcane Warrior."

The words hit Atsuki like a thunderclap. An Arcane Warrior? He had heard of them but had never met one in person. They were legendary figures, the protectors of humanity who fought against the Voidbringers. Seeing Atsuki's stunned expression, Raiden continued.

"The Celestial Concord sent me," Raiden explained. "They've heard rumors about you, about your powers. They believe you have the potential to become an Arcane Warrior."

Atsuki's mind raced. The Celestial Concord was the governing body of the Arcane Warriors, an organization revered and feared in equal measure. To be approached by them was no small matter.

"Why me?" Atsuki asked, his voice quieter now. "I've never even fought a Voidbringer."

"Exactly," Raiden said. "You've been living in the shadows, hiding your abilities. But your powers are exceptional—not just special, but extraordinary. The Concord sees potential in you, and they want you to join their ranks."

The offer hung in the air, heavy with implication. Atsuki's thoughts swirled. For years, he had avoided using his powers, fearing the consequences. But now, he was being given a chance to use them for something greater. Could he do it? Could he shoulder the responsibility of being an Arcane Warrior?

"I… I need time to think about it," Atsuki finally said.

Raiden nodded, standing to leave. "Take all the time you need," he said. "But remember, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The Voidbringers aren't going to wait forever."

As the old man left, Atsuki sank into his chair, his mind awash with uncertainty. Would he accept the offer and become an Arcane Warrior? Or would he continue to live in the shadows, hiding from his destiny?