System Breaker.

Flashback – The Arrival of Number 1

When Caden first arrived at Vendal City, he was only thirteen. The city was buzzing with excitement that day, as news had already spread about a young boy who had ranked Number 1 among all newly Awakened across the nation. Everyone was curious, jealous, or intimidated.

But for Caden, none of it mattered. He walked through the giant gates of Vendal High with his usual cold, emotionless face. His black hair fell lightly over his piercing grey eyes, and his aura was enough to make others step aside as he passed. The other students whispered among themselves:

"That's him… the prodigy…"

"I heard he defeated an entire squad of C-rank Awakened alone."

"Tch, he's just arrogant. Look at how he acts like he owns the place."

But Caden didn't care. For him, Vendal City was just another place to survive.

That day, as he sat alone by a window in class, gazing outside without paying attention to anyone, two people entered the room. A boy and a girl – both radiating confidence and luxury.

The boy had neatly styled hair, an elegant posture, and a smile that could freeze anyone. His name was Ared, son of one of the top five conglomerate families in Vendal City. The girl, graceful and stunning with long wavy hair and sharp eyes, wore a custom-tailored uniform with expensive accessories. She was Leila, Ared's younger sister, and known as the Princess of Vendal High.

They both walked towards Caden, ignoring the whispers of their classmates. Leila was the first to speak.

"So you're the famous Caden Dark, huh?"

Caden didn't turn his head. He continued looking out the window. Leila frowned at his indifference while Ared chuckled softly.

"You're popular already, you know. The girls can't stop talking about you, and the guys already hate you," Ared said with a teasing smile.

Finally, Caden turned slightly towards them, his eyes cold and uninterested.

"What do you want?"

Ared tilted his head and smiled even wider.

"Nothing. We just wanted to say welcome. You're new here, right? It's rare for someone to be transferred in the middle of the year."

Leila crossed her arms elegantly and said:

"We thought it would be good for you to have friends. After all, Vendal High can be… harsh to loners."

For a moment, silence fell between them. Caden observed the two – their perfectly ironed uniforms, their expensive watches and shoes, the subtle confidence that only old money could give. He recognized them immediately from the national rankings. Leila, ranked Number 2 among the new Awakened, and Ared, an upperclassman with a power almost rivaling the top ten.

Caden lowered his gaze and replied coldly:

"I don't need friends."

He stood up, grabbing his bag, ready to leave before the bell rang. As he walked past them, Ared grabbed his arm lightly. Their eyes met, and Ared's calm smile turned serious for a second.

"Whether you need them or not… remember, in Vendal City, it's better to have allies."

He let go of Caden's arm, and Caden walked out without looking back. Leila watched him leave, intrigued. Her heart beat faster than usual, and she felt a strange curiosity towards this boy who ignored her beauty and status entirely.

From that day on, Leila and Ared decided to keep him close. Not out of pity, but because they sensed something different about him – an unbreakable strength, the aura of a true King.

At lunch, they often invited him to eat with them. Ared would joke and talk about businesses, while Leila asked Caden questions he never answered. Though he never smiled back, he never left their table either.

Soon, rumors spread even more:

"Why is Number 1 always with the siblings from thisfamily?"

"I bet Leila likes him."

"No way, she only dates elites."

But Caden didn't care. Whether they were near him or not, his goal remained the same – to become strong enough to never be controlled by anyone again.