Setting the Scene: Yuto returns home clutching the mysterious book, "The Shrouded Veils," and the peculiar scrap of paper. Mikoto's words echo in his mind: "Something is hidden inside you." A new kind of restlessness stirs within him, one he's never felt before. It's not just his love for Haruna, but a hint of a larger truth connected to his parents' enigmatic deaths.
Secret Research and Growing Unease: Yuto confines himself to his room, delving deep into the ancient book and the paper fragment late into the night. The book is filled with strange symbols, ancient incantations, and mentions of different worlds. He begins to grasp that his parents' demise and Haruna's abduction were no ordinary events. They are intertwined with something beyond this world's comprehension. The sensation of warmth in his palm returns whenever his gaze falls upon the book's cryptic markings. He feels the presence of a latent power within himself, a sensation that ignites both fear and curiosity.
Peculiar Occurrences and Clues: The next day at school, Yuto struggles to focus in class. His mind remains fixated on the mysterious book. Suddenly, strange occurrences begin around him. Objects seem to move on their own, and faint whispers are heard that no one else perceives. As Yuto notices these phenomena, the warmth and tremor in his palm return. He realizes these events are connected to him. He thinks to himself, "Is this the power Mikoto spoke of?"
Mikoto's Curiosity and Help: Mikoto observes Yuto's unusual changes closely. During lunch break, she approaches him.
"Yuto-kun, are you hiding something? Strange things are happening around you." Mikoto's eyes convey deep concern.
Yuto initially tries to brush her off, but seeing Mikoto's persistence, he hesitates. He shows her the book he found in the library and the scrap of paper.
Mikoto flips through the pages. She has an interest in history and some knowledge of ancient languages. She notices that some of the symbols in the book are familiar to her.
"These symbols... I've seen them before," Mikoto whispers. "My grandfather has some old manuscripts in his library that feature similar markings. Perhaps they belong to an ancient secret society."
Yuto is surprised by Mikoto's words. "Your grandfather?"
"Yes, he researches ancient artifacts. Perhaps he can help us," Mikoto suggests.
Meeting Mikoto's Grandfather: After school, Yuto accompanies Mikoto to her grandfather's house. Her grandfather, an elderly and wise man, welcomes them warmly. His house is like a small library, filled with countless old books and manuscripts.
When Yuto presents him with "The Shrouded Veils" and the paper fragment, a flicker of concern crosses the old man's eyes.
"These symbols... these are the marks of 'Aetherial Crystals'," the grandfather mutters. "They are connected to a different world, one unimaginable to ordinary people."
He informs Yuto that there are individuals on Earth who originate from another world and possess special powers. Yuto's parents might have been among them. And Haruna's abduction might be linked to a powerful entity or organization from that different realm.
"Did my parents also have this power?" Yuto asks, a glimmer of hope in his voice.
The grandfather sighs. "Perhaps. But they sought a peaceful life on this Earth, so they hid their abilities."
He further explains that Haruna's abduction could disrupt the balance of this world and signifies a greater danger.
First Burst of Power: As the grandfather speaks about "Aetherial Crystals," the sensation in Yuto's palm intensifies dramatically. His body begins to tremble slightly. Small objects in the room float into the air and emit a faint light. Both Mikoto and her grandfather stare at Yuto in astonishment.
"This boy... that power is latent within him!" the grandfather exclaims in wonder.
Yuto himself is taken aback. This is the first clear manifestation of magic in his life. He realizes he isn't weak; he possesses immense power that could help him retrieve his sister.
The grandfather tells Yuto that he must learn about this magical world and how to control his abilities. This is the only way to reach his sister.
New Resolve and Cliffhanger: There is no longer just sadness in Yuto's eyes, but the fire of a new resolve. He understands that a new, perilous path has opened before him. Mikoto stands beside him, her eyes filled with support and courage.
"I will bring Haruna back," Yuto declares firmly. "No matter the cost."
The grandfather watches Yuto and nods. "But you must understand, this path will not be easy. Behind it lie powers you cannot even imagine."
The final scene shows Yuto gazing at his palm. The power within him seems to be slowly awakening. He knows this path will lead him on an entirely new adventure, and he won't be alone.
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Next Chapter: Yuto will delve deeper into his powers. Is his encounter with the mysterious girl named Akari Shinoda merely a coincidence? And have dangerous forces from the other world already begun to pursue them?