Short, Light, Free - Chapter 2: Dystopian Determination

Pendulum clocks replaced sand glasses; the world’s first pocket watch ticked through its 100th year. Steam power welcomed the advent of machinery; industries took over farmlands. The study of Science brought humankind out of the clutches of superstitions and pushed them to a path of endless possibilities. And one man witnessed it all.

He was a moth among mayflies, fluttering through as generations replaced generations- fuelled by an endless thirst for knowledge. But fate decided to introduce him to a butterfly- someone alike, yet so different.

Follow ‘The Actor’ Xavier Godwin and ‘The Seeress’ Yue Lin as they delve into the world hidden from the common eyes- a world of magic and mysticism- as they evade the sights of countless hidden organisations, and create a secret society of their own.

One rule: Survive. Everything else is optional.Reika Kagetsu doesn’t want to be a hero. She just wants to feel—pain, fear, adrenaline—anything to remind her she’s still alive.Tenshiko Academy promised her that.What she got instead? Brutal training. No rest. No second chances. And monsters—inside and out.Now she’s fighting the Shikiban: creatures born from blood, madness, and buried secrets. But the deeper she goes, the more she begins to wonder...What if she’s one of them?Power always comes with a price. And Reika is about to pay it in full.

Yuder was a commoner Omega who rose to the top with his ability.

When he woke up again after being falsely accused and executed, he was back 11 years ago before everything began.

A chance to get back……

He must not repeat the same mistake he did before.

To survive, and to save the world, now he had to save the man he had killed!

In history, the most notorious Holy Knight! Corrupt Light! Holy Sinner! Blasphemer! The Irreverent! Wright has many well-known titles within the Church of the Holy Light.Angel: “The Goddess tells us to guard against fire, theft, and Wright!”Evil God: “Could you stop targeting me alone when you fleece us?”Evil Dragon: “He not only extorted my money but also abducted my precious daughter!”Devil: “Hell is still too kind and pure for Wright to handle!”Yet this man, whom the Goddess of Holy Light considers a thorn in her side, has become the world's most terrifyingly powerful Holy Knight!!Wright: “Do you believe in the light?”