Flashback: Ayana's 18th Birthday

Ayana grinned as she recalled the memory.

“On my 18th birthday, while I was opening the office door, I realized the place was dark and very quiet. I started to get worried... but suddenly, all the workers—including Najime and his big head—shouted, SURPRISE!”

She giggled.

“But the moment they shouted, a bright spark-type light came from my bracelet.
Everyone was shocked... and then Najime’s chain started glowing too.”

Within seconds, both of their Arsils had awakened in full view of the entire company.

Ayana’s smile faded a little.

“Unfortunately, because many people despise Arsil users—thinking we’re connected to gangs—our boss pulled us aside afterward.
He told us, ‘After today, just because it’s Ayana’s birthday, you guys are to pack your bags and never come back.’”

Back to Present

Saigoichi clenched his fists.

“Man, that sucks... getting fired on your birthday.”

He hesitated.

“So... how did this happen? What caused the Arsils to awaken?”

Najime adjusted his bag strap.

“Well, I asked around. It turns out Arsils usually awaken between ages 16–18.
When an Arsil first awakens, it releases a shockwave that lets other Arsil holders sense it.”

He rubbed his forehead.

“And because I didn’t have mine fully awakened yet; my body reacted way too much—causing mine to release too.”

Ayana nodded.

“We had to train a little to control it after that.”

Saigoichi smiled faintly.

“Yo, that’s pretty dope.”

As they neared the delivery shop, Saigoichi glanced up at the sky, deep in thought.

"So, awakening happens between 16–18... triggered by emotion?
I wonder what kind of Arsil I would get..."

As the trio walked into Mr. Miura’s shop, they were greeted by an annoyed boss.