𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗧 𝗧𝗪𝗜𝗦𝗧 𝗡𝗢𝗢𝗞

𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗘𝗘: 𝗠𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗖𝗛𝗜

​After what seemed like an eternity of charged silence, Axel finally spoke, his voice low but steady. "I want to learn Taekwondo then. Teach me."
​Sarah and Hemal stared at him, genuine surprise plastered across their faces. Sarah was the first to recover, her expression shifting to skepticism. "You sure, Axel? The last time we told you to try, you refused. Remember? You said fighting was 'primitive.'"
​Axel rose from the low wall and walked over, settling himself firmly on the bench seat between them. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "I'm sure this time," he stated, the reluctance gone, replaced by a grim determination. "School isn't the only place I'm being bullied, and what Hemal said was right. I'm a man, and I should act like one not like some target practice. I'm sorry, Hemal. I know you dislike any of us being weak, and I've been giving you too much to worry about."
​Hemal’s taut shoulders relaxed immediately. She reached out and patted his shoulder firmly, a slight smile touching her lips. "Don't say that, Ax. I'm sorry I yelled at you. I was just venting the anger that should be for Hardin onto you. It won't happen again. So, we'll take you to a teacher then. His name is Master Chi."
​Axel’s brow furrowed. "Master what?"
​Sarah let out a small, exasperated sigh and gave Axel a mock-serious look. "Master Chi. He is our teacher, Ax. The one who got us our black belts."
​Axel placed his hand on his hip, the picture of stylish exasperation. "I don’t get you guys. Both of you have black belts in Taekwondo. Why can’t you just teach me?"
​Hemal sighed, running a hand through her short hair, and gave Axel an honest, pragmatic reply. "Look, you can't expect us to drop our studies, our college applications, and our training schedule to give you the time and focus a beginner needs. And besides," she paused, meeting his gaze, "you know you wouldn't concentrate if we were teaching you. You'd be too busy messing around."
​Axel grimaced, knowing she was right. "But don't worry," Hemal quickly added, softening her tone. "We've got your back. He's not really a harsh teacher, just... traditional."
​Axel finally gave up, the desperation for change winning over his reluctance. "Okay, fine. Since I'm desperate, introduce me to this... 'Master Chi' of yours."
​Hemal instantly brightened, packing her backpack with a briskness that suggested she was eager to start. "Let's go then."
​
​They left the familiar quiet of the rooftop and headed for the school gate. As they reached the curb, Hemal spoke up, "Let's just take the bus, guys. It's faster than walking all the way home just to drive back out." They all agreed, walking the short distance to the bus stop near the school. After a brief wait, the commuter bus arrived.
​The ride was quiet, filled with the usual after-school fatigue, but Axel felt a nervous energy buzzing beneath his skin. This decision was huge, a complete reversal of his usual avoidance tactics.
​In no time, they arrived at Hemal’s house. They entered and found Hemal’s mom, Mrs. Kwon, at the stove, already preparing lunch. Though she was technically a stepmother, there was none of the malice or coldness often tagged to step-parents in children's stories. Mrs. Kwon was the complete opposite warm, supportive, and kind.
​Hemal greeted her with a genuine hug while Sarah and Axel bowed politely. "How was school today, guys? Hope no troubles? I'm preparing lunch already, so you all go freshen up and be back downstairs to eat," Mrs. Jasmine said, smiling brightly.
​Sarah and Axel followed Hemal upstairs. Hemal's room was their sanctuary a norm since they had been friends since elementary school, often having sleepovers to coordinate their study and training sessions. They dropped their heavy bags, changed out of their uniforms and into casual clothes, and threw their school clothes into the wash-and-dry machine a stress-free luxury they all appreciated.
​Once they were back downstairs, lunch was served. They ate quickly, the food a welcome comfort, and efficiently did the dishes afterward. Hemal then approached her mom.
​"Mom, we're off to Master Chi's class."
​Mrs. Kwon looked up from a book she had picked up. "But I thought you and Sarah graduated from his class years ago?"
​Hemal nodded. "We did, Mom. But we're taking Axel there. He said he finally wants to learn Taekwondo."
​Mrs. Kwon turned to Axel, her expression softening with concern. "Oh, Axel dear, I wish you good luck. Remember, don't be hard on yourself, and make sure you sustain no injury, okay?"
​Axel bowed deeply, a flicker of appreciation for her kindness warming him. "Yes, Mom. Thank you."
​Mrs. Kwon then faced the three of them. "You all be careful, and don't come home late. You know what dinner time is." They assured her they would be home early, grabbed what they needed, and left.
​
​Back at the bus stop, the ride this time felt shorter, fueled by their purpose. They disembarked near a modern, functional building that housed the local Taekwondo studio. As they stepped onto the Dojang's training ground, the air changed it was thick with the rhythmic slap of feet, grunts of effort, and the smell of sweat and clean floor mats. A large group of students in crisp white uniforms were mid-session.
​Hemal quickly asked one of the older students where Master Chi was. They pointed toward a private office tucked into the corner.
​The three friends walked over and knocked lightly. "Come in," a deep, controlled voice commanded.
​They entered the spartan office. Behind a heavy wooden desk sat a man who looked younger than Axel expected, but whose eyes held a profound depth. Master Chi. He wore a traditional black and white Taekwondo uniform, and his posture was perfectly straight.
​Immediately upon entering, all three bowed low and respectfully.
​Master Chi gave a slight, acknowledging nod. "If it weren't for my best students, Hemal and Sarah, I might not have interrupted my work. Please, take a seat."
​They sat down, and Hemal spoke, respectful and clear. "Thank you, Master. How have you been?"
​Master Chi smiled a genuine, warm expression that eased Axel’s tension slightly. "Good as always. Is this a new student?" he asked, his gaze settling keenly on Axel.
​Sarah was the one who replied. "Yes, Master. He’s our friend who wants to learn, so we brought him over to you. He's serious this time."
​Master Chi looked at Axel, the intensity returning to his eyes. "How old are you?"
​Axel answered, his breath catching slightly. "I’m 17, sir."
​Master Chi’s eyes narrowed slightly. "Sir?"
​Axel cleared his throat, correcting himself instantly. "Master, I mean. Apologies."
​Master Chi returned his attention to Hemal and Sarah, his expression unreadable. "Does he have any basic training? Even rudimentary understanding of stance or movement?"
​Sarah and Hemal nodded politely. "We've gone over the very basics, Master. Stances, how to pivot just enough to start safely," Hemal confirmed.
​Master Chi leaned back in his chair, tapping the desk once with a thoughtful finger. "Good. Tell him to start tomorrow. I will train him personally for his foundational period, since it's you two bringing him in."
​Hemal bowed her head again, relief and gratitude coloring her tone. "Thank you, Master. That means a great deal to us."
​They all stood and bowed once more before leaving the office. They quickly headed out, feeling the rush of relief and success.
​
​Back on the bus heading toward Hemal's house, Sarah broke the silence, bumping Axel’s shoulder playfully. "You see, Axel? We told you he's nice. And getting him to train you personally? That's huge!"
​Axel nodded, giving a small smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "I'm not sure about 'nice,' but I have to admit he's... imposing. But I have to do this."
​Hemal took off the simple silver neck chain she always wore and joined the conversation, her voice full of confidence. "It's going to be easy since we taught you the basics, and you are going to be perfect in no time since he is the one teaching you. He is very good, and he is always impressed by his students' hard work. Just give him everything you have, Ax."
​The bus continued, taking Axel one step closer to a new, uncertain path. He knew the bullying wasn't going to stop overnight, but for the first time in a long time, he felt like he had been given a weapon, and now he just needed to learn how to wield it.

𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗧𝗪𝗢: 𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗗𝗜𝗡

Hemal raised her right hand again. This time, Mr. Michael nodded for her to speak. She stood confidently, her clear voice echoing across the crowded hall.

“An essay,” she began, “is a prose composition with a focused subject of discussion or a long, systematic discourse. Every good essay on any given topic is divided into three parts namely: the introduction, the body, and the conclusion. The various points or ideas to be discussed by the writer are segmented into units paragraphs.”

For a moment, the room was silent. Then Mr. Michael started clapping, breaking the stillness, and soon the entire class joined in. Hemal smiled faintly, a little embarrassed but proud all the same.

When the applause faded, Mr. Michael nodded approvingly. “Excellent, Hemal. That was perfectly said.”

He turned back to the board and continued his lecture, but throughout the rest of the class, Hemal, Axel, and Sarah could feel eyes on them especially Hemal. Whispering students glanced their way, some with admiration, others with jealousy.

Finally, the bell rang. Mr. Michael dismissed the class and left.

Axel was the first to rise. “Finally! I thought that class would never end.” He took a step toward the door only to trip and fall hard on the floor.

Laughter erupted around the room.

Someone had stretched out a leg in his path.

And the culprit was none other than Hardin leaning back casually in his chair with a smug grin and his three followers, the so-called puppets.

Sarah rushed over to help Axel up, while Hemal’s eyes narrowed.

“Do you have a problem, Hardin?” she asked, voice sharp and steady.

Hardin’s smirk widened. “Yeah. You and your two puppies.”

The students began to gather around, forming a circle, sensing drama. Hemal handed her bag to Sarah and took a step forward.

Axel whispered urgently, “Hemal, let’s just go. It’s not worth it.”

But Hemal didn’t move.

She crossed her arms, her expression calm but cutting. “First of all, they’re not puppies. If you’re talking about puppies, they’re right behind you.”

The crowd chuckled softly, and Hardin’s smirk faltered for just a second.

“Secondly,” Hemal continued, “whatever your real problem is, I’m sure even a therapist couldn’t handle it because you’re sick.”

Hardin clapped mockingly. “Oh, our genius speaks again! I’m not surprised you picked your words wisely, but here’s the truth, Hemal: even with your IQ, you’re still nothing in this school.”

Hemal laughed lightly, almost pitying. “So that’s it. You’re threatened by my IQ. Well, now I understand your real problem.”

Hardin leaned forward, still smirking. “And your problem is my popularity.”

Hemal took a step closer, her voice lowering into a calm, cold tone. “You know what, Hardin? Axel, Sarah, and I already have what we want brains, peace, and ambition. Why would we want popularity?” She made a disgusted face. “Yuck. And by the way, your popularity only exists inside this school.”

That struck a nerve. Hardin’s smirk twisted into anger. “My dad’s popular across the country!” he snapped.

Before Hemal could reply, a girl’s voice chimed in from the crowd. “And that makes him also popular. What about you, huh? Your dad’s just a construction worker!”

Hemal’s head turned sharply toward the girl. “Shut it, waste bin. I wasn’t talking to you.”

The girl stomped her foot in rage. “My name is Samantha, you—”

Hemal cut her off again. “I know who you are, waste bin. I just don’t care. Now shut it.” She turned back to Hardin. “And you are you out of words already? You know better than to provoke me or any of my friends. But you did.”

The silence that followed was heavy. Even Hardin’s cronies looked uneasy.

After a tense moment, Hardin scoffed, straightened his uniform, and motioned for his followers to leave. Samantha shot Hemal a hateful glare but followed after him.

The other students quickly scattered, murmuring among themselves about what they had just witnessed.

When the crowd was gone, Hemal let out a deep sigh. “Finally.”

Axel ran a hand through his hair, still tense. “You shouldn’t have done that,” he muttered as they walked toward the rooftop.

Sarah frowned. “Why not? Hardin deserved it.”

Axel turned to her, frustrated. “You don’t get it. They’ll come after me now. They always do. It’s never you two it’s me who ends up getting caught in the mess.”

Hemal dropped her bag on the bench with a thud and turned sharply toward him. Her eyes blazed.

“Get a grip of yourself, Axel!” she shouted. “Why are you so scared of someone who’s just as human as you? You’re a man then act like one!”

Axel stared, stunned, as Hemal took a step closer, her voice fierce. “Last time, you got beaten by that brat, and you didn’t even try to fight back. What next? Are we supposed to teach you how to defend yourself? Should we start Taekwondo lessons now?”

Her last words echoed across the rooftop, loud and sharp. Axel looked away, speechless. Sarah stayed silent too, watching as Hemal’s anger slowly softened into frustration.

After a few moments, Hemal exhaled and sat down heavily on the bench. “I just hate seeing you scared of people like him,” she said quietly.

Sarah joined her, nodding in agreement. “She’s right, Axel. Hardin’s only powerful because everyone lets him be.”

Axel rubbed the back of his neck, finally managing a weak smile. “Yeah… maybe you’re both right. I’ll try to stand up next time.”

Hemal leaned back, her gaze distant. “Good. Because something tells me ‘next time’ is coming soon.”

The wind blew softly across the rooftop, carrying the last of the day’s light. The three friends sat in silence, unaware that the world around them was beginning to shift that forces far beyond school fights and reputations were slowly stirring beneath their feet.

𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗢𝗡𝗘: 𝗙𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗦

“Guys! Guys! It’s Tom and Jackson again they’re fighting on the field!”

A teenage girl in uniform burst into the classroom, breathless with excitement. The noise that followed was instant. Chairs scraped, books fell, and in seconds, almost the entire class rushed out through the door, eager to witness the chaos.

Almost everyone except three.

At the back of the room sat Axel, Sarah, and Hemal. Hemal, the quiet one with the round glasses, didn’t even look up from her notebook. Sarah tilted her head toward the door, her curiosity clearly battling her disinterest. Axel, however, was the first to speak.

“Tom and Jackson just never stop their stupidity,” he muttered, flipping his pen in the air.

Sarah smirked. “You could say that to their faces, you know.”

Hemal giggled softly without raising her head.

Axel scoffed and tapped the desk lightly. “Of course, I can say it to their faces! How vain do you think I am?”

Sarah leaned forward, teasing. “We won’t dare you. We don’t want your butt getting kicked by either of them let alone both.”

Axel shot her a mock glare. “Stop it, Sarah. That was then. I’m a man now.”

Both girls burst into laughter. Sarah’s laugh was loud and contagious, while Hemal’s was small and restrained, the kind that faded into a sigh.

After their laughter died down, Hemal finally looked up from her notes. “Enough, guys. Remember, we skipped lunch so we could study.”

Axel groaned dramatically. “Chill, Hemal! You know what they say ‘Just work and no play makes Jack a dullard!’”

Sarah couldn’t help but laugh again. “Idiot! That’s not how you say it.”

“Then how do you say it?” Axel challenged, folding his arms.

Sarah shrugged, smirking. “I don’t know.”

Axel shook his head in disbelief. “I knew it. You’re both hopeless.”

Hemal smiled faintly and began packing her books. “Maybe we should head to the rooftop. We can still read and get some fresh air.”

The other two agreed without hesitation. The rooftop was their place a quiet haven above the noise and gossip of school life. It had become their routine to escape there whenever things got too loud or too boring.

The three friends climbed the stairs, their laughter echoing in the narrow stairwell, until they finally stepped out into the open air. The rooftop greeted them with the warmth of the afternoon sun and the gentle hum of wind against the railing.

They settled at their usual spot beneath a faded water tank, surrounded by old benches and scattered chalk marks from past students. Axel lay back lazily, hands behind his head, while Sarah crossed her legs and opened her notebook. Hemal, as always, sat upright, organizing her papers with careful precision.

After a few minutes of quiet, Sarah broke the silence. “So, Hemal, your birthday’s in a week, right? How are you planning to celebrate?”

Axel chimed in immediately. “That’s right, Hemal! You didn’t tell us your plans.”

Hemal gave a small smile, resting her chin on her hand. “Honestly, I haven’t thought about it much. I just... want a perfect gift from my dad this year. Maybe visit my mom’s grave.” Her voice softened at the end, and for a moment, even the wind seemed to still.

Axel sat up and gently held her hand. “Whatever you decide, we’re in. Always.”

Sarah nodded, her usual teasing tone replaced with warmth. “Yeah, you don’t even have to ask.”

Hemal smiled, her eyes glinting behind her glasses. “Thanks, guys. You’re the best.”

They spent the next hour half-studying, half-talking about life, their future, and how close graduation was. The thought of leaving the school of leaving each other felt strange.

As the bell rang for the final class of the day, Axel groaned loudly. “Ugh. General class. I hate general class. Too many students packed in one place.”

Hemal slung her bag over her shoulder and raised an eyebrow. “And yet, it’s the most important subject. You’ll have to deal with it till graduation.”

Sarah laughed. “She’s right, Axel. You can’t run from English forever.”

“Watch me,” Axel muttered, but followed them anyway.

The hallway buzzed with noise as they walked together toward the main hall where the general class was held. Dozens of students filled the seats already, chattering and laughing. The trio managed to find a spot five rows from the back, their usual area.

The chatter quieted when a tall man with neatly combed gray hair stepped onto the podium.

“Good afternoon, students,” he greeted.

“Good afternoon, Mr. Michael!” the class replied in unison.

Mr. Michael adjusted his glasses and placed his worn textbook on the desk. “Now, before we begin today’s lesson, who remembers what we studied last time?”

A boy near the front raised his hand. “Paragraphing, sir!”

“Correct,” said the teacher. “Now, before we move on, can anyone explain what paragraphing is? Close your books no peeking.”

Hemal’s hand shot up immediately, confident and steady.

Mr. Michael gave a small chuckle. “Not you, Hemal. Someone else this time.”

The class fell silent. No one moved, no one dared to speak.

Mr. Michael sighed. “You see, this is your problem. You rely on the same few students every time.” He turned back to the board. “Very well. Let’s continue. Today’s topic is Essay Writing. You’ve all been taught this before, but this is an advanced form so pay attention.”

As the lecture went on, Axel leaned toward Sarah and whispered, “I told you this class was boring.”

Sarah bit her lip to stifle a laugh. Hemal glanced at them from the corner of her eye, whispering, “Focus, you two.”

Axel groaned softly, opening his notebook. “Fine, fine. But if I die of boredom, bury me on the rooftop.”

Sarah whispered back with a smirk, “Next to the water tank?”

“Exactly.”

Hemal rolled her eyes, but a small smile tugged at her lips.

𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗦𝗧 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗗𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗣𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗢𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗥𝗢𝗪 ‼️‼️

𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗣𝗔𝗧𝗘 ‼️‼️

𝗠𝗔𝗜𝗡 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦

ʜᴇʀᴍᴀʟ ᴡᴇʟʟɪɴɢᴛᴏɴ : ᴘʀᴏᴛᴀɢᴏɴɪsᴛ

ᴅᴀᴠɪᴅ ᴡᴇʟʟɪɴɢᴛᴏɴ : ᴘʀᴏᴛᴀɢᴏɴɪsᴛ ғᴀᴛʜᴇʀ

ᴊᴀsᴍɪɴ ᴡᴇʟʟɪɴɢᴛᴏɴ : ᴘʀᴏᴛᴀɢᴏɴɪsᴛ sᴛᴇᴘᴍᴏᴛʜᴇʀ

sᴀʀᴀʜ ᴊᴀᴍᴇs : ᴘʀᴏᴛᴀɢᴏɴɪsᴛ ᴄʟᴏsᴇ ғʀɪᴇɴᴅ

ᴀxᴇʟ ɴᴏʀᴍᴀɴ : ᴘʀᴏᴛᴀɢᴏɴɪsᴛ ᴀɴᴅ sᴀʀᴀʜ's ᴄʟᴏsᴇ ғʀɪᴇɴᴅ

ʜᴀʀᴅɪɴ ᴡɪʟʟɪᴀᴍs : ᴇɴᴇᴍʏ ᴛᴜʀɴ ғʀɪᴇɴᴅs

THE BOOK OF ALL
【Introduction】

In the age before memory, there existed a book a forbidden scripture that held the secrets and powers of the three realms: Heaven, Earth, and Hell. Within its pages lay the essence of creation itself the light of the divine, the breath of mortals, and the fire of the damned.

But when greed and desire consumed the realms, the book’s power tore the balance asunder. To restore order, the divine and the damned alike joined hands, sealing it deep within the Forest of the Living, where no sun dares to shine and no soul dares to linger.

A thousand years passed. Its name was lost to dust, its power to silence.
UNTIL