‎Kairo Renshin woke up expecting morning light, but instead he opened his eyes to complete darkness.

‎

‎Not early-morning darkness.

‎Not cloudy-sky darkness.

‎But a heavy, silent blackness — as if the sun refused to rise.

‎

‎Confused, he grabbed his sword and stepped outside.

‎

‎The entire village was frozen.

‎

‎People stood still in strange positions — a man carrying water, a woman sweeping the ground, children running — all stuck in place like statues. Even the air felt dead. No sound. No movement. No life.

‎

‎Kairo’s heart raced.

‎“What is happening…?”

‎

‎He took a few steps forward—and that’s when he saw her.

‎

‎A girl around his age, standing alone in the silent village.

‎Long silver hair.

‎Bright purple eyes.

‎Calm, as if she had seen this before.

‎

‎She looked directly at him.

‎

‎“Good,” she said softly. “You’re awake.”

‎

‎Kairo tightened his grip on his sword.

‎“Who are you?”

‎

‎“My name is Aira,” she replied. “And something terrible has happened.”

‎She pointed at the sky.

‎“Time has stopped… and tomorrow has been stolen.”

To be continued...