#Water_Ian

The elects of the Four Heavenly Beasts in Mir hold a unique status as beings that transcend mere concepts like power, fame, strength, or even their renunciation of worldly ties. The Empress of Mir, wielding absolute authority, and the four divine beasts who protect her—such a grand tale seems mythical, yet many become stunned with awe after learning such a tale is real. In the streets of Mir, children race against each other, guessing and dreaming about which elect they will become when they grow up. In the marketplace, people gather to place bets on which elect will be the first to defeat the yokai. Revered and admired by the people, the elects of the Four Heavenly Beasts are burdened with great responsibility and expectations.

But for Ian, none of this held any meaning, as he had been called 'Byakko' since the day he was born. Even Ian himself found the name 'Ian' alien. While there are some who fight and resist the injustices of the world, there are also others who gradually lose interest in everything around them. Ian was one of the latter. As he endured rigorous training and discipline, he stopped questioning his circumstances, numbing himself to discomfort. He accepted his identity as Byakko and fulfilled his family's expectations without resisting. His spirit faded, and he assumed this would be his fate forever—until the moment he took someone's hand.

It was when Ian encountered a soul that burned like a wildfire yet danced like the wind, and another who was like a mirror, reflecting rationality and passion, that he first dared to dream of what lay beyond. The world he finally chose to become a part of with felt warm and full of wonder, even making his daily glass of cinnamon punch taste different.

Of course, it wouldn't be easy for Ian to change his way of life overnight. His family's scorn still stings, and the gap he left behind is met with cold indifference. So much lies ahead—new faces, unfamiliar places, and aspirations that feel distant and uncertain.

But still, doesn't he deserve this chance to start over?
Doesn't he deserve this new life?