--
The morning came slowly in Nova Lumina. Moon and Kai were still sitting on that same bench near the old street lamp. Their things were packed in two small bags next to them.
The night had been cold and silent. They didn't even eat the special fish they bought for their birthday. It was supposed to be a small celebration... but after being thrown out of their flat, they lost the mood.
They finally ate it in the morning — just so their stomachs wouldn't hurt. But it didn't taste like anything.
"Kai," Moon said quietly, staring at the sky. "This life… it's too small for us." Kai nodded. "There's only one path left now. Shifting Expanse."
Moon looked at him. "But how do we even reach the black hole gates? They're not public."
That was the problem. Entering the Expanse wasn't just about being strong. You needed access. You needed permission. And you needed money.
---
So they went to the one person who always helped them — their boss at the restaurant.
The man's name was Takashi Watanabe, a middle-aged ex-fighter from Old Japan. He ran the place like a quiet master, calm and kind, but with scars on his arms that told a different story.
"What's the matter, boys?" Takashi asked, noticing their serious faces.
Moon replied, "Boss… we need to enter the Expanse. We're tired of this weak life." Kai added, "We want to change our fate. We want to be strong."
Takashi looked at them for a long moment, then nodded.
"I was wondering when you two would say that," he said, turning off the stove. "I can help you, but there's a process. You'll need to register with the Human Cultivation Association. They run the legal gates into the Expanse."
Kai frowned. "And that costs money. We barely have enough to eat."
Takashi walked to the back and came out with a small metal case. He opened it and handed them two old-looking access cards.
"Consider this my gift," he said. "Don't waste it. You only get one shot." Moon and Kai both stood up and bowed slightly. "Thank you… truly."
"Go to the registration building in Sector 7C," Takashi said. "And be careful. Not everyone who enters the Expanse comes back."
---
At the Human Cultivation Association Base, the scene was crowded. People from all over the city — young fighters, old soldiers, street orphans, bounty hunters — stood in long queues. Most had come with dreams. Some with desperation.
Moon and Kai waited silently in line.
Finally, they reached the power-check station. A glowing platform scanned their bodies as a drone hovered above.
Scanning...
The result flashed on the screen: Power Level – City Tier
The operator glanced at them. "Not bad. That's better than most." Moon raised an eyebrow. "Is that enough to enter?"
"You'll be assigned to the first-level Expanse — Planetary Gate," the man replied. "You'll be transported shortly. Please pay the entry fee."
Kai handed over the card Takashi gave them. The man scanned it and nodded. "Approved."
---
Soon, they were guided to a small aircraft — sleek, grey, and lined with Expanse-grade shielding.
Inside, about twenty other beginners were already seated. Everyone was quiet. Nervous. Some were whispering prayers. Others stared at the floor.
The pilot, wearing a long black coat, turned and looked at them all.
"You are now under spiritual protection. Stay seated. Do not resist the gravity pull when we approach the Gate."
As the aircraft took off, Moon stared out the window. The sky darkened quickly. They were flying far above the city now.
Ahead, in the distance, a swirling mass of darkness opened — a giant black hole surrounded by lightning and light-bending fog.
The pilot's spiritual aura expanded, forming a calm shield around the passengers. And then, slowly, the ship crossed the final layer of light.
Moon's fingers tightened around the seat. Kai closed his eyes.
They were entering the Shifting Expanse. The real story was about to begin.
---