The morning sun began to peek through the curtains, but Soko was already wide awake.

  He felt unusually energetic today, a wide grin pstered on his face as the floorboards creaked under his feet. From the kitchen, the familiar, comforting voice of his grandmother drifted through the house.

  "Soko! Hurry up! Breakfast is getting cold!" she called out.

  Without a second thought, Soko dashed toward the kitchen, his stomach growling in anticipation. He found her standing by the stove, the table id out with fresh bread and warm tea.

  "Soko, sit down and eat. Everything is ready," his grandmother said with a warm smile.

  "Alright, Grandma! It smells amazing!" Soko chirped, reaching out hungrily for a piece of the warm bread.

  Smack!

  Before his fingers could touch the crust, his grandmother lightly tapped his hand with a wooden spoon.

  "Soko! You haven't washed your hands yet! How many times do I have to tell you? Go on, wash up!" she scolded, though her eyes twinkled with affection.

  Soko rubbed his hand, ughing sheepishly. "Hehehe, I totally forgot! My bad, Grandma!"

  After a quick wash and a few hurried bites, Soko grabbed his bag and bolted out the door.

  Waiting just outside the gate was Fansy, leaning against the fence with his arms crossed.

  "Soko! You're te again!" Fansy groaned, kicking a pebble. "If we don't hurry, we're going to miss the start of school. Let's go!"

  The two boys began their daily trek toward the vilge academy.

  As they walked through the bustling market, Soko’s pace slowed.

  His eyes drifted toward a familiar figure—Era. She was arranging flowers, her hair catching the morning light. Soko stared, completely lost in admiration.

  Fansy nudged him hard in the ribs. "Soko? What are you staring at? Your mouth is literally hanging open."

  Soko jumped, his face turning bright red. "Oh! Nothing! I... I wasn't looking at anything!"

  He looked at the vilge clock and his eyes widened. "Crap! We're really te!"

  Fansy started running. "You’re the one who slowed us down! Now Kamato-Sensei is going to kill us because of you!"

  "Hahaha, sorry, sorry!" Soko yelled back, struggling to keep up.

  When they reached the school gates, they crouched low, trying to sneak past the windows like shadows. They moved with light, silent steps, hoping to reach their seats before the lecture started.

  "Hey! You two boys! What do you think you're doing?"

  A booming voice shattered their pn. Soko and Fansy froze in their tracks, looking up to see Kamato-Sensei standing over them, his arms folded and a stern expression on his face. They looked at each other, paralyzed with fear.

  "I asked a question," Kamato-Sensei growled. "Do I have to repeat myself? What are you doing sneaking around? Go to the punishment hall.

  NOW!"

  "Please, Kamato-Sensei!" Soko and Fansy pleaded in unison, their hands csped together. "It won't happen again! Just this once, please!"

  "I said GO!" the teacher roared, pointing toward the hall.

  The Punishment Hall

  The sun was higher in the sky now, but for Soko and Fansy, the day had turned into a nightmare of dust and sweeping.

  "Damn it, Soko!" Fansy snapped, leaning on his broom. "Because of you, we’re going to have to clean the entire arena!"

  Soko sighed, wiping sweat from his forehead. "Can you stop whining for just one second? We’re almost halfway done."

  Fansy stopped sweeping and looked at the ceiling, his expression turning serious. "Soko... what’s your dream?"

  Soko paused, then ughed sarcastically. "What kind of question is that? My dream? Hmm... to get married, I guess."

  "To hell with you, Soko!" Fansy shouted, frustrated by his friend's ck of ambition.

  "What about you then?" Soko asked, leaning back against a wooden pilr.

  "I want to join The Watchmen," Fansy said firmly, his eyes shining with a sudden intensity.

  Soko let out a mocking ugh. "Are you serious? They are on a whole different level of power,

  Fansy. Normal people like us don't just 'join' them."

  "Then I’ll become that strong," Fansy replied, gripping his broom like a sword. "Whatever it takes."

  Before Soko could respond, a soft voice

  Lyra passes by, handing them water)

  Lyra: "You two must be exhausted. Here, take some water."

  Soko: "Th-th-thank you..." (Staring at her with a dazed look).

  Thank you for reading the first chapter of The Sunrise then the Dusk! If you enjoyed this dark start, please consider Following the story and leaving a Rating. Your support helps this world grow out of the shadows. See you in the next chapter!