Chapter 1: The Mask, the Boy, and the Future
Year 2000 — The World in Chaos
Every nation was at war. The skies were blackened by smoke, and hope was a dying ember. Amidst the destruction, one scientist worked in secret, far from the battlefield. His creation? A mask. Not just any mask—but a masterpiece of power.
It granted its wearer supernatural abilities: superhuman speed, flight, enhanced strength, and control over the five elemental magics.
The scientist stood before his invention, eyes wild with obsession.
"Hahaha! This mask will help me create a new world!" he cackled, madness in his voice.
But before he could take another step, a knife pierced his back.
The scientist gasped, staring down at the blood staining his white coat.
Behind him stood a boy—no older than ten. Cold determination filled his young eyes.
"Sorry, Dad," the boy said, voice calm. "But this mask belongs to me."
He looked up, a twisted smile forming.
"I am Madphyco."
At that moment, the mask sealed itself, locking its power away.
Madphyco: "NOOOOOOOOO!"
---
81 Years Later — Year 2081, Nepal
Inside an underground laboratory, the elderly Madphyco, now 81 years old, stared at the mask that had haunted him for a lifetime.
"I still can't unlock it," he muttered, running a trembling hand over the surface. "I think my father added AI to it..."
He adjusted his glasses and leaned closer. Despite his madness, he couldn't help but admire one thing about his father.
"That jealous fool... he created the best AI I've ever seen. It's what made this mask unstoppable."
Suddenly, the lab door creaked open.
A younger scientist peeked in. "Hey, Dr. Madphyco!"
Startled, Madphyco quickly threw a cloth over the mask.
The scientist continued, unaware. "The class nine students will be arriving soon."
Madphyco forced a smile. "Ah, yes... of course."
---
Scene Shift — Modern Higher Little Academy
In a vibrant classroom of Class 9, a teacher took attendance.
"Roll No. 6?" she called out.
The door slid open.
A boy walked in, slightly panting. He ran a hand through his short, messy black hair. His dark eyes, though tired, carried a quiet fire. Dressed in a loose white hoodie with blue mountain text and snug dark jeans, he had a laid-back, adventurous air.
"Sorry, sir," the boy said.
The class burst into laughter.
Three boys on the front bench—Pakhaa, Raja, and Rosaj—whispered among themselves.
Raja: "Loser's here."
Rosaj: "Yeah, he fails all his subjects."
Pakhaa: "Shh… He might hear us."
But Yush Basel heard it all.
He walked quietly to his seat, thoughts heavy.
"They're right..."
---
Yush (Narrating):
I'm Yush Basel. I'm sixteen. I fail my exams, and yeah… I'm ugly.
But I love anime.
My favorite character? Mizuhana, from Her is Girlfriend.
She's perfect...
---
At his desk, Yush was greeted by Tish, a kind classmate.
Tish: "Did you finish your math notes?"
Yush: "WHAT?! No!"
Yush (Narrating):
Tish is a good friend. One of the few people who talks to me without mocking.
Another boy, Chal, leaned over.
Chal: "Don't worry, we've got voting during math period. No class."
Yush (thinking):
That's good…
I was too busy watching anime to study.
---
Later, Second Period
Yush: "Ma'am, may I go to the washroom?"
Teacher: "Okay, go."
The class laughed again as he left.
Walking down the hallway, Yush felt the sting of their laughter.
"Why do they always laugh at me…?" he wondered.
But just then, he noticed a girl at the water fountain. A girl with long brown hair tied to the side. Her school uniform was neat—white blouse, beige vest, red bow tie, dark green blazer, and a plaid brown skirt. A matching bag rested at her side.
She smiled gently as she filled her bottle.
Yush (thinking):
Her hair… just like Mizuhana's...
He continued walking to the washroom, still thinking about her.
---
3:50 PM — End of Day
Yush: "Finally, the day is over."
Teacher: "Wait! Tomorrow you're all visiting the science lab. Come in full uniform!"
Yush paused.
Yush (thinking):
Science lab, huh...
---
Scene Shift — The Mask
It sat in darkness. A sleek, matte black upper-face mask with sharp edges and glowing dark-purple runes. Shadowy flame-like extensions curled from the sides. Its narrow, intense eyes glowed faintly, and on its forehead, the abyssal swirl symbol pulsed… as if waiting.
And..
The Next Morning — At School
The sun rose over the hills of Nepal, casting golden rays across Modern Higher Little Academy. Yush Basel entered the classroom quietly, spotting his friends near the window. They laughed at something he couldn't hear, but he didn't mind. He just walked to his seat and sat down.
His mind drifted back to yesterday's voting day.
Yush (thinking):
Who was that girl…?
---
[Flashback — The Day Before]
Yush: "May I come in, ma'am?"
Teacher: "Come in. My class is over anyway. Go ahead, everyone, and vote for your class captain."
Everyone headed toward the hall.
Tish: "What's going on with you, Yush?"
Chal: "Haha, I think our guy fell in love."
Tish: "He already loves someone."
Chal: "Who?"
Tish: "Mizuhana. From that anime."
All three of them laughed as they entered the hall. But suddenly—
Yush: "Oh no…"
Tish: "What happened?"
Yush: "No, it's nothing…"
Yush (thinking):
That girl… it's her again!
Before he could react, the girl gently grabbed his hand and led him to the voting area. He blushed.
Yush (thinking):
Her hair… just like Mizuhana's.
---
[Back to Present]
Yush (thinking):
That moment was so awkward… and exhausting.
Just then, Tish and Chal entered the classroom, slightly late.
Tish & Chal: "We're late again."
Yush: "Yeah…"
Their teacher entered.
Teacher: "Everyone, head to the bus. We're visiting the science lab today."
---
On the Bus
Everyone boarded and sat down.
Tish: "You know the results come out tomorrow, right?"
Chal: "Yep! I'll definitely pass."
Yush (sighing): "Huh…"
Chal (laughing): "Come on, man."
The bus drove on. Yush looked out the window.
Yush (thinking):
I always fail... why even try?
---
One Hour Later — The Science Lab
The students arrived and followed a scientist inside.
Scientist: "Welcome! This is a new kind of AI-powered computer that helps with studying."
Student: "Looks normal to me…"
Scientist: "But it can explain lessons like a real teacher!"
---
In Another Room — Madphyco's Lab
Madphyco: "Please unlock… come on…"
Suddenly, the lab's mainframe triggered a warning.
Computer Alert: Danger detected.
Madphyco (shocked): "No… it can't be. The time has come…"
Madphyco (thinking):
My idiot father was right…
---
[Flashback — Years Ago]
Madphyco's Father: "I'm home."
Young Madphyco: "Dad!"
Father: "Sorry, son… I don't have time to play."
Young Madphyco (sad): "You never do…"
---
Back in the Lab
Madphyco (muttering):
He said in 2081, aliens would come to destroy Earth.
Only the mask can save us…
---
Meanwhile — Yush in the Lab
Yush: "Excuse me, sir. Where's the washroom?"
The class laughed.
Scientist: "Turn left and go."
Yush: "Okay, thanks."
As he walked, he passed by a strange room—Madphyco's lab—but he ignored it and continued.
---
Madphyco: "I have to try again…"
---
After using the washroom, Yush walked back and glanced inside Madphyco's lab.
Yush (thinking):
That's Madphyco… the famous scientist?
---
In Space — Another Planet
Alien ships floated above a dark, swirling sky.
Alien Leader: "I am Kracknoir. Today is the day… we destroy Earth!"
Aliens: "Yessss!"
---
Back on Earth — The Ground Shakes
Yush (thinking):
Everything's shaking—what's happening!?
He lost his balance and slipped… flying out of the building. As he soared through the air, he stared at the sky in panic.
Yush (thinking):
I'm just a loser. If I die… no one would care.
All I wanted was to be a manga writer.
But people always laughed at me… even the teachers.
---
Inside the Lab
Madphyco: "Yes! It's unlocking!"
The mask glowed. But suddenly—it slipped from his hands and flew out of the lab.
Madphyco: "NOOO!"
---
In the Sky
Yush, falling, saw something coming toward him.
It was the mask.
He caught it instinctively.
Yush: "What… is this?"
The mask pulsed in his hands. Without thinking, he put it on.
A surge of power exploded around him.
He stopped falling—floating in mid-air.
---
Madphyco (watching from afar):
He's wearing it… but who is he?
That mask… it grants incredible power.
---
Yush (thinking):
I… I feel it. Power. Real power.
Suddenly, a portal opened in the sky.
Aliens appeared.
Alien Leader: "Who are you, Masked Man!?"
Yush looked at his reflection in a glass window, seeing the dark, glowing mask on his face.
Yush (thinking):
Shadow… a mask… I'm the Shadow Masked Man.
Yush (aloud):
I am… Shadow Masked!
---
To be continued…