Limit Breaker Zero

Awakening Limit Breaker Zero– Episode 1: AwakeningThe sharp trill of an alarm clock echoed through the room. Joseph Aikon jolted awake, hair a mess, eyes half-shut."…Shit. I'm late!"He tumbled out of bed, rushing into the bathroom. A splash of cold water, a quick brush of teeth, half-tucked shirt, and his bag slung over his shoulder—he dashed down the stairs two at a time."Mom! Why didn't you wake me up?" he complained, grabbing a slice of bread from the counter.Clara Aikon didn't even look up from the sink. "Because, Joseph, you need to learn responsibility. You're not a little boy anymore."He sighed, biting the bread as he stepped out the door. "Yeah, yeah. Responsibility…"---Shinsei High School loomed tall in front of him, its gates buzzing with students. Joseph introduced himself at the front of the classroom, his Japanese accented but understandable."Uh, hey. I'm Joseph Aikon. I just moved here from America."A ripple of whispers spread across the room."That doesn't sound Japanese…" one boy muttered."Yeah, where's he really from?"Joseph just scratched his cheek awkwardly. "Like I said… America."The introductions continued. But Joseph's eyes kept drifting toward the back corner. By the window sat a boy with jet-black hair, gaze distant, shoulders slouched. He didn't say a word.Joseph leaned toward the girl sitting next to him. "Hey, who's that guy? He looks kinda… lonely."She whispered back, "That's Ren Kurogane. He's a transfer too, but… don't bother. He's an introvert. Keeps to himself."Joseph looked at him a little longer, curiosity gnawing at him.---When the school day ended, Joseph packed up and caught Ren just as he was leaving."Hey—Ren, right? You going this way?"Ren didn't even pause. "No. Not the same way.""Cool, uh… see you around then." Joseph scratched the back of his neck and turned toward his street.Ren slipped his hands into his pockets and walked the other direction. His phone buzzed almost immediately.He answered without hesitation. "Ren Kurogane."A metallic voice responded. "HQ calling. A Soul Beast has manifested in Sector 7. Class-C threat. Lightning Beast. Neutralize immediately."Ren froze. Sector 7. That was the direction Joseph had taken.His heart sank. "…Tch."Without another word, he broke into a sprint.---The city block was already in ruins by the time he arrived. Buildings torn open like paper. Cars smoldering in the street. The air reeked of ozone, stray arcs of electricity still crackling along shattered power lines.Bodies lay scattered. Dozens of them.And in the middle of the devastation stood Joseph Aikon.His school uniform was scorched, blood spattered across his sleeves. In his hand dangled something heavy—the severed, sparking head of the Lightning Beast.Ren stopped dead in his tracks, eyes wide. "…What the fuck…?"Joseph turned, his gaze empty, steps slow and deliberate as he approached."My mom is dead," he said flatly.Ren's breath caught.Joseph's face was pale, void of expression. His voice didn't shake, didn't crack. He just repeated it, softer this time—"My mom is dead… but I can't even cry."Ren couldn't move. Couldn't speak. All he could do was stare at the boy who, only hours ago, had been a clueless transfer student.Now, standing among the ruins, Joseph Aikon looked like something else entirely.---End of Episode 1