Night had fallen over the ocean, wrapping the boat in a silvery glow under the moonlight. The only sound disturbing the silence was the gentle lapping of waves against the hull.
Saki still slept, nestled in a makeshift blanket. White, sitting nearby, watched the child carefully. He sensed something different about this infant but it was only after a long moment of observation that he realized why.
The baby had no Kiritz.
In this world, Kiritz was an omnipresent force, an energy that permeated everything: water, rocks, plants... There were several elemental types: water, fire, earth, lightning, and ice. Most living beings were born with an affinity for one of them, granting them unique abilities.
White, for example, possessed an exceptional Kiritz: that of light. Enma, on the other hand, had been born with the fire Kiritz, which explained the blazing hue of his hair.
But Latia...
She too had been born without Kiritz.
Those without this energy were called the Kiritzless, a scorned minority deemed inferior in many regions, especially in Erestia, their homeland.
White broke the silence.
— "This child has no Kiritz... just like you, Latia."
Enma and Latia exchanged surprised glances.
— "That's amazing!" Latia exclaimed, her eyes lighting up. "He's like me! I'll train him to be as strong as I am!"
— "What?!" Enma blurted. "Are you insane? If the people of Erestia find out we've adopted a Kiritzless child, they'll look down on us!"
In Erestia, the Kiritzless were now officially recognized as equals, their status having evolved thanks to the legacy of great Kiritzless heroes of the past. These legendary figures had carved their names into history through their deeds, proving that the absence of Kiritz did not define their strength or worth. Because of them, minds had changed, and society had finally granted them a rightful place.
Yet despite this official recognition, prejudice lingered. Some elites and portions of the populace still viewed the Kiritzless as inferior, seeing them as anomalies in a world where Kiritz was omnipresent. This discrimination, though subtler than in the past, persisted in certain spheres, particularly in high political and military circles.
In this context, Enma, White and Latia held a crucial role as Erestia's Guardians, protectors of the kingdom and figures of respect. Among them, Latia stood out as a notable exception: as a Kiritzless, she had forged her place through raw strength, tactical brilliance and sheer determination. Beloved by the people for her courage and integrity, she had become a symbol of hope for the Kiritzless, proving that one could rise through the ranks and command respect even without wielding Kiritz. That was why she felt such affection for Saki.
Still, despite the admiration she inspired, she faced suspicious glances and whispered remarks, evidence of the deep-seated biases that remained. But Latia had never let criticism hold her back. She moved forward, indifferent to judgment, steadfast in her mission to protect Erestia alongside her comrades.
Latia shrugged, a defiant smirk playing on her lips.
— "I don't care. You're still obsessed with what others think. That's why you never move forward."
She crossed her arms and fixed him with a piercing stare.
— "Besides, have you forgotten? The Kiritzless have an advantage."
Indeed, though they couldn't manipulate the elements, the Kiritzless possessed a unique ability: heightened sensitivity to natural Kiritz. This allowed them to perceive energy flows and more easily discern others' Kiritz types.
White raised a hand, tempering the discussion.
— "Enough. If you keep shouting, you'll wake the baby."
Latia and Enma glanced at each other before looking away, slightly chastened.
White sighed and allowed a faint smile.
— "What matters is that he lives a comfortable life with his new family."
He then extended his hand, using his power to levitate several bowls toward them.
— "But first... Eat. You must be hungry."
A steaming, fragrant curry settled before each of them. At the mere scent of spices, the tension melted away.
Latia and Enma set aside their differences for the meal. Meanwhile, cradled in White's arms, Saki slept on, unaware of the extraordinary destiny that awaited.