(Oh hello there. Pay attention for what I'm about to say; since I'm gonna say this once: there will be a few (?) Solo Leveling references here and is it's own thing. If you expect this to be a male reader story, sorry. In my life of being alive, I will never do that. Gonna do this in a traditional way of storytelling)

How does one know the definition of a side character? Many watchers speculate that it's a character that is only there for shits and giggles and have no depth into them. Authors or Creators put them there to be strangers or friends to the Main Character then forget they ever existed later down the road. Ethan, is one of those side characters where he bumped into a MC. No actual characteristics to them, just a background character while the real ones talk outloud and have crazy hairstyles and hair color. Main characters are often special and they either have this thing inside of them, making everyone fear or want. Or they could be an offspring of someone powerful in a world of different breeds other than human. But why not take a look at someone who isn't part of any of that. Ethan Elms, 16, raised without a mom, dad, and many more relatives. He was an orphan who was adopted by a rich family...which had a daughter. Both of them grew strange feelings, so Ethan makes a move on her first. Thus began a perfect relationship....only to last 4 years before her passing from a injury she sustained during a car crash. Today marks her anniversary.

"Sorry," Ethan apologizes "my bad."

"Don't sweat it, bud!" Issei tapped his chest "Yuma-chan!"

Well look at that pervert. Finally grew some balls and asked out a girl ~(Ethan)

Ethan couldn't care what happens to those around them, because he had no one. No parents, uncles, aunts, cousins, grandparents, friends, or pets. The only person who was ever there for him was his late girlfriend.

Today is the day, Delilah ~(Ethan)

"Ethan, sorry about your loss." A student consoled to him

"It would be wise for you to open up more. The school, us, and even the staffs are here for you."

"Thank you. I gotta go." Ethan replied

"Alright, take care." He said "if you ever need anything, let's hang out after school. Me and my friends always head out every friday!"

Ethan brought some flowers to Kuoh Academy today, making everyone think he was confessing his love to someone else, but came to realize what day it is. The students and staffs were now deeply aware what those meant for, even the Occult Research Club gifted him something.

"Hi, Ethan. Doing any better?" Akeno asked

"Yep. Sorry Akeno, wish I could chat more, but I gotta go." Ethan bows at her

"Oh, okay. Take care, okay? Come down to the club if you ever need anything." She offered "heck, there might be something surprising waiting for you."

Once again, Ethan bows at her offer. To think everyone cared about him, is what Ethan is thinking. He arrived at the gravesite of his late girlfriend.

Delilah Adkins
1998 - 2013
Loving daughter, Friend, niece, granddaughter,

It's been 2 years since you're passing, Del. I'm 16 (almost 17) now and it's my 2nd year at Kuoh Academy, crazy! People around me tend to care, but...I fear that they don't actually care. I know you told me to never be paranoid of my surroundings but I can't help it! Never in my life have I held a conversation more than 20 second! ~(Ethan)

He spewed out some life problems he had to his girlfriend's grave, because it felt like she was really there with him, listening to ever word Ethan has to say. It was a part of her. Delilah is a good listener. Get this: Ethan takes out a bottle of Soju which is not what a 16 year old should drink! Don't drink kids unless you're over 18 or live in Germany or whatever.

Down goes one...for you ~(Ethan)

He chugs half of it.

My Fallen Angel ~(Ethan)

He left the rest at her grave since she loved drinking Soju at any occasion which is weird, but part of her. Ethan tried to talk her out of it but ends up finding a way to come back. Those memories are really suppressing his emotions of crying.

"Hey, tomorrow...I'll come back with some Nitos! I'll make sure to eat 2 packets of it!" Ethan shouted across the graveyard "probably won't save any for you~!"

He chuckled, playing those times Delilah and Ethan were laughing. For those who lost a close one, please listen to others who been in the same situation as you. You are not alone when it comes to loss. Or maybe don't. Maybe do not listen to whatever they say no matter how related to your situation is, it's your pain. Not their's. The best solution to endure the pain of a loved one passings is to ask them for silence...... and avoid any relations to the person. Losing a loved one is one of Earth's greatest pain.... death is inedible.... no matter what fate you are stuck in, you are given an expiration date. As evil as it may sound, we cannot do anything about it.

"Oh boy. So much time in my hands...guess I'll just walk around. Do I have any moneh?" Ethan just sighed that his day is so lonely and boring without Delilah "I'd rather being in casual clothes than my Kuoh uniform."

Ethan changed his uniform to fit with his taste: Black shirt, black hoodie, black pants and some black shoes. Why all black? Because Ethan feels like it.

The fact everything except my skin color is all black ~(Ethan)

"Delilah, please don't yell at me for my clothing of choice." He prayed for no scolding "I promise to get a haircut soon!"

It is messy, not very comb or was gelled. More like bed hair if you were to look at it.

"Ethan! Same as always?"

"Yes, sir!" Everytime Ethan has ever come there, he always ordered the same hot chocolate that is dressed with Marshmallows and whipped cream "best hot chocolate in town! Hey, any chance of telling me the recipe?"

"Haha! If you work here then I'll teach you everything I know." He laughs "you already know the amount, kid."

"Sure." Ethan pays up front and enjoys his drink

His enjoyment sitting alone was a whole different feeling. Is being alone affecting Ethan's mentality? No. He loved his late girlfriend very much to the point he forgot how loneliness felt like, she changed his life of being an introvert to an extrovert, but Ethan still shows his introverted side in a few ways no one can notice.

"Thank you!"

Ethan walked around town to spot Issei and Amano together like couples. He smiles and turns the other way. When was the last time he'd been happy? Probably at least more than a few years now. Just how long will Ethan remain single? Until fate decides which girl will fall into his life. Wasn't long enough for Ethan to hear screaming where the both couples were located. He rushed back and accidentally tripped on the way. What he saw is sickening as Issei's stomach were impaled by glowing red spear, which Yuma held. A glow that flashes his eyes in brightness, only being compared to the light god gave to humanity. But this one seemed corrupted as the light wasn't even close to god's vision of light, instead it was replaced by an dastardly object only fitting to be made a killer. This spear hissed, roared in pride onto impaling Issei with the user plain as day, enjoying this moment and wanting to savor it.

Oh fuck! Oh fuck! Oh fuck!! ~(Ethan)

He tried to run away but couldn't as a invisible barrier kept him trap so nothing outside or inside can cause trouble. Ethan just witnessed a murder.

"What do I do? What do I do?!" Ethan questioned himself in a tough situation "the police! That's right, the police will solve this!!"

Police can't do anything as the signals were blocked off. Why is it though? Looking up at the moon, it seems to be... moving wobbly. The atmosphere wasn't anything like before. Everywhere he looked up, it remained the same with a hint of bloodlust between them. Again, again, the same number was dialed, putting Ethan in a sense of dread and hopelessness. The police were rendered useless. His heart began rapidly pacing, blood became cold and so did his dripping sweat, legs felt heavy to move a single toe, arms became encapsulated with uncontrollable vibrations that once may call it: trembles. Trembling that a fucking murder just happened out in a park, along the idea of a goddamn force field cutting off entrances and signals to contact those on the other side. A bad dream, a very bad dream, he repeated. Gazing back, the figure transformed into something that upholds wings unparalleled to a regular human being. Wings covered in pitch-black void, dressed openly to many audiences who desire this change, a weapon only the Aztecs and Spartans used out so casually.... and a face recognizable... a long, lost, recognizable face Ethan never imagined to come across again.

R.... Raynare? ~(Ethan)

Losing his grip out of shock, the phone bounces across the ground, releasing a sound echoing around this field. Guards up. Raynare approaches the spot carefully, preparing her weapons to strike whatever came through this barrier. Glancing at the feet behind the wall, shaking uncontrollable over what he or she has witnessed, Raynare came to a conclusion it was just a human. A human who unwillingly entered a wrong place at a wrong time.

"Oh my, someone must've entered- ETHAN!!??"

"R...Raynare....t-that wasn't you, c-correct? I must s-still be suffering Shellshock! The Raynare I know won't kill someone!" Ethan panicked "and- and what was that dragon stuff about? Surely this is a cosplay or a movie shooting involving Issei and me?"

"Ethan... i'm.......*sigh*" She summoned her spear that stabbed Issei "I didn't want to show you this side of me since Delilah's passing."

"Raynare, think about it! You don't have to kill me, y-you can just wipe away my memories! Yeah, yeah. That should do it!" Ethan's heart pumped blood faster and faster "you're an angel, it's plausible, right!?"

"Y...you know I don't have that ability. This is the only way i can dispose a witness..." Raynare clearly didn't want to kill Ethan "forgive me."

"R-raynare.... I don't want to die..." Ethan nervously smiled as death approaches him "I really don't...... AAHH!!"

His body dodges the spear, confusing Raynare. Ethan wants to live. Live as Delilah wished. Delilah wants Ethan to live forever with someone who truly loves him as much as he loves her or him. Shame it has to end this early

"Oh shit. Oh shit!" His feet won't even make a centimeter of movement "h-help! She's trying to kill me!!"

"Ethan, please do not make this difficult."

"Anyone!! God!! I don't care what's your status is in life, please!!" The last moment Ethan has been holding onto a string of life finally began ripping, dropping him into the vast void called death. It seems to welcome him home, as it has been chasing this victim for years

At last, some strength is given, making Ethan escape slowly. Not running or jogging, but walking. Must he die right now at the hands of his friend?

"Issei. Issei! Buddy, you got to call of your girlfriend!" Ethan timorous laughed when he approaches Issei, laying on a pool of his own blood "look, look! You gotta tell her man!"

Finally, Raynare tore off skin and fabrics behind his back.

"AAAAAAAAAGHHHHHHHH!!! FUCK, IT BURNS, WHY DOES IT BURN?!?!?"

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry..."

"FUCK!! RAYNARE, PLEASE!!! THINK ABOUT THE TIME I MADE CHOCOLATE!!!"

Raynare ends it with just another slash. Blood began watering down and made a tiny pool. The adrenaline rush has started to kick in as the pain disappears, or maybe it was because he was in a state of shock that pain is ignored. He tried to stretch the distance between himself and Raynare, but her walking speed is greater than his. All hope is lost...

"Raynare, why are you doing this?"

"Ah...you wouldn't like it if I answered so...I did it because I love you." She said

"Love...? Is this how love is supposed to be?" He questioned "nobody kills another man out of love."

"You don't have the right to say that! Ever seen or heard about my feelings about you? My feelings are boiled up whenever I see you and Delilah together, but what about me? Am I just some friend or 3rd wheeler in the group? Was I never good enough to become noticed?! I tried and tried to make you notice me but Delilah always one-upped my love!"

"Raynare..."

"No! Don't even fucking talk!! I loved you as much as Delilah did!! I wouldn't even care if we shared you, as long I get to spend my life with the man I love!! But noooo, the slut took this as a competition and did everything better. Sure the skill I had wasn't near as Delilah but look! My wings have become black!! It's a trade off for power and love!!"

"Was this... just for me?"

"Yes!! That's what I been saying!! Ethan, when you took my hand as the other angels mocked me because of my mom and dad's ranking, you never cared about it. You only saw what is good....that what made me fall in love with you...have I ever wished to just hold your hand? Yes!" Raynare widened her eyes when Ethan gently applied his hand...on her head "Ethan...?"

"Well.... forgive me then. For not noticing you....I don't blame you... I'm sorry for this... but it's too late, isn't it?" Ethan lost a lot of blood so he had to pause "for.... give...."

Two deaths in one day. Must be a world record for Raynare, first was Issei who had this sacred gear growing inside him, and the other was her friend. Childhood friend. She never meant to do this, at Ethan I mean. She scoffed softly and walked away. Never showing emotions towards the dying boy.

So this is how I die? By the hands of my friend...wow...I bet this is only 1% of the backstabbing around the world. Oui. That is crazy ~(Ethan)

Issei is still bleeding while remaining motionless.

Pervert and non pervert, dying side by side by the same women. God must really hate you then...at least....that's what I think. Is god even alive? ~(Ethan)

He chuckled as he coughed up blood.

Maybe? Don't know. I'm not religious in any way ~(Ethan)

There is a door waiting for Ethan. He must've thought it was the doorway to heaven or something. Whatever it is, it's glowing. Calling for him. The door spoke his name in full.

Ahhhh, a door. Where could you take me? ~(Ethan)

His arms barely made the door move an inch. It must be made out of some heavy materials.

Come on. Open ~(Ethan)

Whoever was on the other side obeyed his command and at ease, was Ethan finally opening the door. Was he in a space of solitary life or what? Life on the other side shows nothing but grass and a blue sky.

Haha...heaven. look how peaceful it is ~(Ethan)

Elms is hallucinating, is his first guess. He must think this is heaven in disguise.

You have entered the first test room

Checking player requirements.....
Checking player requirements.....

Unconfirmed ability being discovered

You have met the requirements

Difficulty is now being lowered

Difficulty ~(Ethan)

Elms sees a goat pop out of nowhere, and it's telling him to kill it. Yep, a hallucination Ethan is going through. The blood he lost is a crazy amount for a human body. But...Elms didn't hesitate to kill it.

You have passed the test

Unconfirmed ability discovered

Your job has been determined

Ha...my eyes can't stop closing ~(Ethan)

He had no idea what this meant. The black smoke almost looked like it was twisting in pain. It felt like they were stretching a hand towards him, asking him to rescue them. Would it be weird to say that he could...hear screaming? Then it suddenly engulfed Ethan inside showing nothing at his surroundings.

"Was that you? Are you the reason for waking us up? If so, what are you? In what God's name you have a reason to call us out?"

"Now, now. He was calling for help earlier. The poor kid has suffered betrayal from the only friend he had left. Judging from those eyes, he had everything abandoned by life itself. Perhaps.... such an ill fate was bestowed upon you."

"Haha! Oh you poor human. That must be heartbreaking to hear... to you anyways. I could imagine what sorts of questions are filling up your head."

"You poor soul."

"Eh whatever. Not like we were designed to emphasize life. Switching back to topic: we are looking for a suitable host. Someone with a little... hmm.... how do you say it? With a little pizzazz, if you will. Maybe that's when you come in. That little pizzazz needed in our life."

"We... are your guide. As of right now, we are willing to help you. You and I know that many civilians across the entire world are experiencing your pain as each minutes go by... yet, you called us out first. We chose you, and you chose us. Could this be a coincidence?"

"You get what's she's saying? You're gonna be a fucking main character! Rejoice in gratitude young boy!"

"Language. Grab onto us, bond with us, and recall what you have lost...... and bestow us a name [and bestow us a name]."

"Ian...... Elle......"

"Ian, huh? I like it. Unlike my other name, this one is quite enjoyable. Ian. Just rolls off the tongue."

"Excellent choice of naming, master."

"Listen here you fucking punk, the road to becoming the Strongest is nothing a devil or angel should go down on. Those who have reached the pinnacle of strength had to toss away something critical just to achieve their power."

"Many have tried to reach one ranking but it was too much for them to handle. But when you have us, it'll be difficult to a point. The more you hunt, the more we grow. We feed, you fill."

"If you ever made any promise to never kill someone, drop it. Cut loose end, invite chaos."

"Try not to lose your life for power. We must not lose another suitable host to handle us."

"Did you get that? Oh, he's bleeding ferociously. Is he still breathing I wonder.