In this world, there are chosen individuals who possess special powers—such as the ability to shapeshift or control fire from within themselves.
They are called Arclhos, marked by a red lotus-shaped tattoo on their right hand. Arclhos are neither heroes nor villains. They are simply ordinary people with extraordinary abilities. Some choose the path of good, while others are lost in darkness.
Some Arclhos have a unique trait: their hair changes color according to the special power they possess. However, this only happens to a small number of them.
---
That night, the sky was pitch black. Gray clouds hung heavy, accompanied by thunder rumbling through the ground. As if the world itself was warning that something monumental had occurred.
Beneath that dark sky stood a middle-aged man, his face full of worry as he stared upward. He was Vendra Haiga, a member of Veyron, now serving as a mentor to the next generation.
Vendra: "It seems... the cursed power that was once sealed has been used by someone..."
Vendra's eyes were filled with unease. What will the future hold? What is happening right now?
Vendra was part of Veyron, a group of protectors of Netora City who wore assassin-like outfits. Their clothing varied in color, matching their power or personal preference.
Their mission? To protect Netora from threats beyond what ordinary humans can handle.
---
Six Years Later
That night, in one of the narrow, dark alleys of Netora City, a young man lay unconscious. His pale face and weak body made him seem lifeless. His white hair streaked with blue stood out as he lay motionless.
Suddenly, footsteps echoed closer. A man dressed in full ninja-like attire approached the fallen body.
Glen Alquma: "Uhm, guys!!! I think I found something sad here..."
Glen Alquma, a young man with earth-based powers, had black hair, a dark brown costume, a mole near his eye, and deep brown eyes.
Roy Altero: "Ooh, what is it? Wait... don't tell me it's a ruined cake?"
Roy Altero, who wielded fire, had dark red hair, a blazing red uniform, and reddish-golden eyes.
Lyn Haiga: "Roy! Is your brain filled with nothing but food?! That's a person, not a cake!"
Lyn Haiga, an electricity user, had silver hair hidden beneath a hijab, wore a crystal-blue uniform, and had beautiful crystal-blue eyes.
Noa Syren: "Lyn's right, that's a human. But why is he lying here? Isn't Mr. Pinko supposed to make sure no citizens end up like this?"
Noa Syren, a water user, had black hair, a sky-blue uniform, and bluish-gray eyes that made him look charming.
Glen knelt down, examining the young man carefully.
Glen: "Noa's right, doesn't this city provide free shelters?"
But their attention was soon drawn to one detail.
Roy: "Hey, look at his finger..."
They all turned to look at the young man's thumb.
Lyn: "Wait, what's wrong with his thumb... Huh!? He's an Arclhos!"
Glen: "Why would he show up here?" (Glen aimed both hands at the young man's body.)
Noa: "We don't know what happened. Better bring him to headquarters. Maybe Master Ven can analyze him."
Glen nodded.
Glen: "Alright, help me lift him."
They quickly moved, carrying the young man to the Veyron Headquarters—a hidden fortress atop a hill.
---
At Veyron Headquarters
Upon arriving, Glen and the others brought the young man inside.
Roy: "Master! Look what we found!!!"
Roy's yell made everyone cover their ears.
Lyn: "Roy! No need to shout!"
Roy: "I did it so Master could hear clearly!"
Noa: "You think Master Ven is deaf?"
Roy: "Hey, that's not what I meant!"
Glen, staying calm, brought the young man to the guest room and laid him on the bed.
Heavy footsteps approached. Vendra Haiga finally appeared.
Roy: "See? He came quickly, didn't he?"
Noa: (sighs and rolls eyes) "Haa, whatever..."
Vendra's gaze locked onto the figure lying in the bed.
Master Ven: "What is this...? Why did you bring him here instead of to a hospital?"
Lyn pointed at the young man's thumb.
Lyn: "Dad, look at his hand."
Vendra moved closer and examined it carefully. His eyes widened.
Master Ven: "!!!!!!! He's an Arclhos!?"
Roy: (grinning proudly) "Exactly! That's why we brought him here!"
Noa: "How is he, Master?"
Vendra checked the young man's condition. After a moment, he sighed in relief.
Master Ven: "I think he just fainted from hunger. No wounds on his body."
Glen: "So, what should we do? Wait until he wakes up?"
Lyn: "Do you have a better idea than that?"
Master Ven took a deep breath.
"It's already late. All of you get some rest. We'll see tomorrow if he wakes up."
They exchanged glances. There was no other choice.