As I stare at myself in the mirror, adjusting my school uniform, I can't help but think I look kind of odd. This baggy polo shirt with a vest over it? Yeah… not really my style. A simple T-shirt and some shorts would be way better.

A sharp gust of cold wind rushes past me, ruffling my hair as it sweeps back. I blink, feeling the strands shift out of place. "Welp… great. Now my hair's a mess." I mutter under my breath.

The only reason I keep going is simple, to live a happy life before I eventually pass on.

My parents were already gone by the time I was six. I don’t remember much about them, and whatever they left behind is a mystery to me. All I know is that if I want to make money, I have to get through school and become an official Soul Knight.

As I walk through the city, tall, sleek skyscrapers stretch high into the sky, their glass panels reflecting the golden morning light. Suspended bridges connect towering buildings, allowing pedestrians to move freely between them, while streams of energy-powered drones zip through the air, carrying packages and messages.

Above me, I catch sight of Spirit Gliders, people soaring effortlessly on lightweight, winged vehicles, using subtle energy manipulations and precise body movements to navigate the open skies. It looks fun, honestly. I’ve always wanted one, but I never really had the time, or the money, to get one for myself.

Thinking about it now, it’s kind of a hassle. Without a glider, my only option is flying transportation, which isn’t exactly the most flexible way to get around. But I guess it’s necessary, considering I live on sky islands, where energy storms roll in unpredictably, tearing through the air with bright streaks of soul energy.

Eventually, I arrive at an Airborne Public Transport station, a floating platform lined with glowing blue runes that stabilize its position midair. The sign above flickers slightly, displaying:

A soft hum vibrates beneath my feet as I step onto the platform, waiting for the Sky Ferry to arrive. Below, all I see is darkness, an endless void stretching far beneath the floating islands. The only thing down there is the Sunken Grounds, a lone island where people still live on solid land. From up here, it looks small, almost like a forgotten speck in the abyss.

With a soft whoosh, the Sky Ferry arrives, its sleek metallic body reflecting the neon city lights. The hatch-like doors slide open, revealing a spacious interior with rows of cushioned seats and transparent walls that offer an unobstructed view of the city below.

"Gosh… finally made it on time," I mumble to myself as I step inside.

As the doors seal shut, I sink into one of the seats near the window, pull out my phone, and start scrolling my apps. A second later, I hear the faint sound of footsteps, followed by someone sitting beside me.

I glance up real quick. Long black hair, a neatly trimmed front fringe, and deep gray eyes—so dark they’re almost black. She’s wearing the same school uniform as me, but with a checkered skirt, long socks, and white shoes.

Maybe she’s another new student here for the physical test, I think before shrugging it off and going back to my phone.

After a while, the Sky Ferry finally comes to a stop at my destination. As I step off and set foot on the island, I lift my head, and freeze...

My eyes widen as I take in the sight before me.