The ceiling fan made a soft whirring sound as Prince Singh lay on his bed, staring at the tiny crack in the corner of the roof. The smell of toasted bread and butter drifted in from the kitchen.
"Prince! Uth jao, school ke liye late ho raha hai!" his mother shouted.
"I'm awake, Maa," Prince said in a low voice, though he didn't move immediately.
At sixteen, Prince didn't really stand out at first glance. His height was average—5'6"—and his frame was slim but athletic, the type that looked light on its feet. His skin was soft, almost delicate, and there was a gentleness about his face that made people mistake him for shy or fragile.
But his eyes—sharp, clear, and slightly tilted at the corners—had a way of holding someone's attention, even if he wasn't trying.
Prince quickly dressed in his neatly ironed school uniform, slung his bag over one shoulder, and stepped out into the narrow street outside his house.
His father sat on the old wooden bench, sipping tea. "Maths ka test hai na aaj? You'll top again."
Prince gave a small nod. "Hmm."
"You should talk more, beta," his father said, shaking his head with a smile.
Prince just smiled faintly and started walking to school.
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🏫 The Friend Group
The school gate was buzzing with noise—bikes revving, students chatting, and groups huddled around discussing Titan Planet and First God Sanctuary. Those two places had become dreams for anyone wanting to get rich. One successful mission and your whole family could live like kings.
Prince spotted his group near the canteen: Arjun and Kabir—both full of energy—and the three girls: Anaya, Rhea, and Mira.
"Finally, the silent prince arrives," Mira teased, pulling at his sleeve. "You know, people might think you're mysterious, but we know you're just shy."
Prince looked down, a little embarrassed. "Don't start early in the morning."
"Arre yaar, leave him," Arjun laughed. "He saves all his energy for math class. Rest of the time he's in silent mode."
Rhea grinned. "Maybe he's secretly planning to run away to Titan Planet. Are you, Prince? You'll go and come back rich and never talk to us again?"
Prince shook his head, smiling slightly. "Why would I go? Not everyone comes back from there."
Anaya, the daughter of an Army colonel, crossed her arms. "But the ones who come back are millionaires. Don't tell me you're not tempted?"
Prince hesitated. "Money's not everything."
"Wah wah. So deep." Mira smirked, nudging him. "At least when we're around, try speaking more than two sentences, Mr. Philosopher."
Prince sighed and ran a hand through his hair. He wanted to say more but the words stuck in his throat.
Why am I like this? he thought.
The bell rang, cutting their conversation short. As they walked to class together, Prince's smartwatch gave a small buzz.
[System Booting… Soulforge Protocol Activated.]
Prince frowned, glancing at his wrist. System? What's this?
But before he could focus, the teacher walked in, and he had no choice but to shove the thought aside—for now.