x
Darkness. Nothing but an endless void.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQp61KQPr1t
Kumuna felt weightless, floating in the empty abyss. No sound, no sensation—just silence stretching infinitely in every direction.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhCsGrchb2
Was he dreaming? Was he dead?
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PrN9PLpR9
He wasn’t sure.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhyJdXGqCX
Then—
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡma8a2TwWiB
A soft chime echoed around him.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqJWzffTtS
A solid floor materialized beneath his feet, stabilizing him, while a blue light pulsed around the floating platform.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTE3sB1MT4
He turned his head, eyes widening as a glowing blue screen flickered into existence before him.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnfcXQwcqm
⸻
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzba7XXKCqr
PLAYER: KUMUNA ROLIN
LEVEL: 1
RACE: HUMAN
CLASS: UNASSIGNED
CHARACTER LOADING…
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YAmrBDRRM
⸻
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4eJpW9E5y
Kumuna blinked at the floating text. “Okay… this is weird.”
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FKncLXQpN
He reached out, attempting to touch the glowing screen, but his fingers passed through it like mist.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyCqCw54Iz
He arched a brow. “Huh. Well, shit…”
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4VOzxSFZB
Then—
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpneCZ8VG6L
A sudden pull.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdk6icMn0U
His stomach flipped as gravity reasserted itself, yanking him downward. The void around him twisted, colors blending together in a chaotic swirl before—
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcCdRpigjB
Light.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZoWpuvPog
Blinding, golden light.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9y1R3DTPXc
⸻
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rC5JZlMgg
The Throne Room of the Gilded Empire
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HGTIwCvZ5
Kumuna crashed onto a polished marble floor with an audible thud.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpCeyhGiPp
“Ow—damn!” He groaned, rubbing the back of his head. “Could’ve given a guy a warning first… stupid screen.”
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AdmYazr2L
As he sat up, his vision sharpened, revealing his surroundings—massive golden pillars stretching toward a domed ceiling, elaborate banners of gold and deep crimson draped across the walls, and a polished floor that gleamed beneath him. The scent of burning incense and metal filled the air, creating an atmosphere of both grandeur and intimidation.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nqrCKUuN4
And seated before him, on an enormous golden throne, was a king.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiank4CT5g5
His presence was overwhelming. A ruler in every sense of the word. His golden cape draped over his powerful shoulders, his piercing brown eyes regarding Kumuna with careful calculation. His neatly trimmed beard, his dark weathered skin, and the sheer authority radiating from him made it clear—this was King Rhaegor Lysandor, ruler of the Gilded Empire.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlO4c47r2iX
Beside him stood a young man in fine royal attire—his son, no doubt—with a sharp, composed expression.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQ5aryp0az
And surrounding them—
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd67KyalNDL
Ten warriors.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMP0WYKCOSC
They stood in a semi-circle around the throne, each exuding sheer strength and power, clad in elaborate battle-worn armor, their weapons resting at their sides.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjI7jTDdJA6
A mix of expressions met Kumuna’s arrival—some intrigued, others indifferent.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmogqn1qFdj
“Well now,” Kumuna muttered, pushing himself up. “Ain’t this fancy.”
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBM50Jh2vq
The warriors stiffened at his casual attitude.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GZBkuUrzA
Then—
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03OSvzWuAh
A scoff.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdesvoBDvn
A burly man, arms crossed, his jaw clenched with visible disdain. “This… child is supposed to be our hero?” His voice was deep, dripping with disbelief and irritation. “Surely, the gods have made a mistake.”
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3UkN0ZPty
Kumuna glanced at the man—a walking fortress of muscle, clad in heavily plated armor with deep scars running along his arms. His eyes burned with clear disapproval.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoJ1ZVV9lU
However, Kumuna remained unfazed. He stood to his feet, dusted himself off, stretched, and smirked.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBjuKW2Yv9
“Damn, dude. A little rude for someone you just met.”
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfBAA29VNh
A few of the warlords chuckled, but the displeased one wasn’t amused. He took a step forward, sneering.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HyEQ53bqQ
“A mere boy cannot possibly be the savior of this world. We have spent lifetimes honing our skills, leading armies, and protecting this land. Why should we entrust our fate to someone so… insignificant?”
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykC7HJ8Nua
Kumuna tilted his head. “Damn, dude. We just met. Why are you hating on me this early?”
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLP5E5gUb3A
The man’s glare hardened, seemingly ready to argue further, but before he could, a stern commanding voice cut through the air.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPJhpCNeyh
“Kai’Zen,” the king’s voice echoed through the throne room, calm yet laced with authority. “Enough.”
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70BElVUXdR
Kai’Zen clenched his fists, still glaring at Kumuna. After a tense moment, he exhaled sharply, turning toward the king.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrEEyz90vU
With reluctant obedience, he bowed. “Apologies, Your Majesty,” he said, though his tone was anything but sincere. He then turned sharply, storming out of the throne room, but not before giving Kumuna one last glare.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6h64K68f4
Kumuna watched him go, lips pursed. “That dude’s got issues.”
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQw4b9Bh6qw
A few of the warriors chuckled again, but others remained indifferent.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3U00SxXMuC
The king finally chuckled softly, stepping forward, placing a firm hand on Kumuna’s shoulder.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS40bLeyPqY
“You must forgive Kai’Zen,” Rhaegor said. “He is a warrior of great pride—one who has fought in countless battles. He sees strength as something earned, not given.”
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94s7hdjSTq
Kumuna shrugged. “It’s okay, I’ve dealt with a few people like him before… a lot, actually.”
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGlOOdmDER
The king laughed heartily. “Well, you can expect a lot more from him.”
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJffxc5C8x
He then gestured to himself and his son. “Allow me to properly introduce myself. I am King Rhaegor Lysandor, ruler of the Gilded Empire. And this—” he gestured to the young man beside him, “is my son, Prince Verric Lysandor.”
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOaKgNTGC7
The prince gave a slight nod, his expression reserved. “An honor to meet you, Hero.”
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCricTg22Z1
Kumuna grinned. “Nice to meet ya too, Prince V.”
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQaD2GG0PD
The prince raised a brow at the nickname but chose not to comment.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBNigyTPQX
King Rhaegor continued, taking a step forward, his deep voice carrying throughout the grand throne room. “These warriors before you are the Ten Heavenly Warlords—the strongest warriors in the Gilded Empire. They are my most trusted champions, masters of war, and now, your mentors. They will train you, shape you, and if necessary, break you so that you may become the warrior the gods intended you to be.”
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVrjDagKTp
Kumuna’s eyes scanned the group. Each of them carried an aura of sheer power, their presences nearly suffocating. Some looked amused, others indifferent, and a few downright unimpressed.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgs9CLQ98Tu
One by one, they stepped forward.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbYbIPIQeB
The first to step forward was a tall, lean half-elf woman with flowing silver hair and piercing emerald eyes. She moved with an effortless grace, and the way she carried her rapier, resting elegantly at her hip, told him she was used to ending fights in a single stroke.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MIMBbtXMK
She looked him over, not with disdain, but with an appraising gaze.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrhXNGO85E
“I am Seraphis, The Silver Tempest. Half-elf, strategist, and master duelist,” she said smoothly, her voice carrying the weight of authority. “I specialize in speed and precision combat. If you lack discipline, you will be useless to me. But if you prove yourself, I will make sure you wield your blade with purpose.”
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmd3Yq3gRk
Kumuna smirked. “Precision, huh? Not gonna lie, I’ve never been great at being ‘graceful.’ But hey, if you’re willing to teach, I’ll learn.”
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqI6jOlyK0
Seraphis didn’t smile, but something in her expression softened slightly before she stepped back into line.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA773Lf8WU6
Next, a short, stocky dwarf stomped forward. His burly frame was wrapped in heavy armor, and his thick beard was woven into tight braids. A large tower shield rested against the ground beside him, nearly as tall as he was.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIchRkZFPKx
“Garran, The Unbroken Shield. Dwarf, defense specialist, and master of endurance,” he rumbled, his voice deep and steady. “You got strength in those legs, lad? No? Well, you better find it, ‘cause I’ll have you carrying weight till your bones scream. A warrior without endurance is a corpse waiting to happen.”
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbq2fErSGV
Kumuna rubbed his chin, nodding. “Endurance, huh? I dunno, man, I’m pretty fast, but I’d rather not carry my own coffin before the fight even starts.”
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIc2gJOQ1YN
Garran let out a loud laugh. “Ha! You’re quick-witted, I’ll give you that. But speed means nothing if you can’t take a hit. I’ll make sure you can stand your ground.”
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfh50pLapel
Next to step forward was a beastling, his body lean and toned with sharp, wolf-like features. His golden eyes flickered with animalistic intensity, and the curved twin blades strapped to his back looked deadly sharp.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6Hvrfme0c
“I’m Orwin, The Fangs of War. Beastling, hunter, assassin.” His voice was smooth, yet carried a dangerous edge. “You might’ve been chosen, but if you can’t hunt, if you can’t track, you’ll die before you even reach the battlefield. Survive my training, and we’ll talk.”
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3mzKkn0kT
Kumuna gave a casual thumbs-up. “Survive, huh? That sounds like a challenge.”
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39I9ag37u1
Orwin grinned, revealing sharp canines. “It is.”
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrR5jMCfKm
A hooded figure emerged next—cloaked in shadows, her movements eerily silent. Even standing still, she gave the impression of someone who could disappear at a moment’s notice.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLl7cWQF99X
“I am Veska, The Phantom Dancer. Human. Rogue. Assassin.” Her voice was barely above a whisper, yet it carried across the room with a ghostly presence. “Weakness is unforgivable. In battle, hesitation is death. You either strike first, or you die first.”
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihL1dvZmBx
Kumuna raised an eyebrow. “And if I don’t want to be an assassin?”
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1uwoO4BDUP
Veska tilted her head slightly, her expression unreadable beneath her mask. “Then you will still learn. Knowing how to kill ensures you know how to survive.”
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjvabK5ZU0
“…Okay, fair point,” he admitted.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUf1k0BB0zV
A towering mountain of a man stepped forward next, arms crossed over his broad chest. His fiery red and blonde hair, along with his thick beard, made him look as if he had stepped straight out of a war saga. He rested a massive warhammer against his shoulder, his muscles flexing beneath his armor.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqh9PS4cX6
“Torvas, The Crimson Thunder. Human. Berserker. Wrecker of battlefields.” His voice boomed like rolling thunder. “I don’t do delicate. I don’t do careful. I break things—armor, bones, and men. If you can’t keep up, I’ll leave you in the dust. But if you survive my training? You’ll hit like a war god.” He smirked, tilting his hammer slightly toward Kumuna. “Let’s see if you got the guts, little hero.”
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJKDqVXkmZ
Kumuna gave him a challenging grin. “I mean, I’d rather not get crushed on my first day, but if breaking things is part of the job, sign me up.”
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKp2PUMVad7
A sharp contrast to Torvas, the next warrior was a lean, wiry man with flame-like tattoos covering his arms. His black hair was streaked with red, and a massive greatsword rested on his back, flickering with embers.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3HMxjcAhv
“Rivis, The Blazing Storm. Human. Fire wielder. Battlefield sweeper.” His crimson eyes burned with excitement as he twirled a flicker of fire between his fingers. “I like battles. The heat. The chaos. The thrill of watching weaklings crumble.” His smirk widened, flashing sharp teeth. “Don’t bore me, kid. If you do, I might just turn up the heat.”
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tT3M1IRX6
Kumuna chuckled. “I don’t plan on being anyone’s kindling, but you do have a cool entrance, I’ll give you that.”
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqOA22Swnv
Next was a woman—cool, calculated, and utterly unshaken. Her icy blue gaze pierced through Kumuna as if she could see straight into his soul. Her black and silver hair was braided down her back, and a frost-covered halberd rested at her side.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUG2Oed4xcx
“Mira, The Frost Valkyrie. Human. Ice wielder. War tactician.” Her voice was crisp, emotionless. “Strength means nothing without control. Power without discipline leads to ruin. If you wish to be a warrior, you will learn precision, patience, and restraint. If you do not—” her cold eyes narrowed, “—you will break.”
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRm8PFI1v8o
Kumuna exhaled, nodding. “You sound a little scary, not gonna lie.”
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUUuRJBBAU
Mira blinked. “Good.”
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsAeINE6x4o
Kumuna wasn’t sure if she was joking.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxo25TfDf9u
A hulking figure stepped forward, towering even over Torvas. His massive frame was covered in heavy armor, thick plates layered over muscle upon muscle. He carried a battle axe that looked like it could cleave through mountains. Unlike the others, he did not speak immediately.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMVIr7oKYZ
Kumuna blinked. “And you are…?”
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYnaOyBG94
The man let out a low grunt.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS854ZbwLWr
“Darius, The Iron Juggernaut. Half-orc.” His voice was deep and gravelly, few words wasted. “I crush.”
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qr4hVsAC7
“…That’s it?”
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiQa4bITyv
Darius stared at him. “That’s all that matters.”
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgnQLUKm3y
Kumuna nodded slowly. “Alright, man, I respect the simplicity.”
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv896cPwtQt
The last warlord, dressed in a blend of armor and mage robes, stepped forward with a smirk. He carried twin curved blades, each glowing faintly with infused magic. His sharp violet eyes studied Kumuna with amusement.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJ5FRWFKw1
“Well, well,” he mused. “Our ‘Hero’ doesn’t look like much.”
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwaoHwiHVN
Kumuna sighed. “Man, you guys gotta stop saying that.”
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLceNY2G4mW
Ronan chuckled. “Ronan, The Arcane Gladiator. Human. Spellblade. Master of the arcane arts.” He flourished one of his swords, the runes glowing brighter. “You’re cocky. That’s not necessarily a bad thing—confidence fuels progress. But make sure it’s backed up with skill, or you’ll be nothing but an overconfident corpse.” He sheathed his blades, tilting his head. “Try not to die too quickly, yeah?”
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyjJ6N0xyT
Kumuna shrugged. “I’ll try my best. Can’t make any promises.”
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MtvL7bgdz
The warlords exchanged glances before stepping back, their introductions complete.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cu4wd6IPL
King Rhaegor spoke once more. “Your training begins tomorrow.”
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl12HXE9Owq
Kumuna stretched. “Alright. Sounds fun.”
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSaGl9PIqW
Prince Verric raised a brow. “You don’t seem very… concerned.”
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGU0B9kswFl
Kumuna shrugged. “Why worry? This is exciting. I get magic, badass teachers, and a whole kingdom backing me up? What’s not to like?”
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZJCjGVgHy
Kai’Zen scoffed. “Arrogant brat.” He mumbled in the corner of the room.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOltLP4z6Yv
Kumuna smirked at him. “I heard that You’ll warm up to me eventually.”
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTSIeAeecH
Kai’Zen rolled his eyes and left the room, for real this time.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIw9vj3BWf
Kumuna chuckled to himself “Very uptight”
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZknEGRYGpd
“You’ll get used to it,” Orwin spoke patting Kumana on the shoulder.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9sWVNP3Zz2
“If you say so…” Kumuna sighed.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9m3CKsUlH
A Moment of Reflection
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYfe0RPciv
Later, Kumuna was escorted to his chambers—massive, luxurious, far too fancy for his taste. A king-sized bed, velvet curtains, a balcony overlooking the city—it was wealth beyond anything he had ever seen.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfb4KIcV7a
He flopped onto the bed, stretching his arms behind his head.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzMVFYSzxV
“Man… this is crazy.”
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYeCSyCQfrG
But despite his confidence, his thoughts drifted.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwB7dg9A26
Kaida, Tsubaki, Mishell.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8v2Wqec2E
Where were they?
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrrcPODuI0
Were they safe?
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHI8fZ0opkK
His grin faded slightly, his expression thoughtful. He exhaled slowly, staring up at the ceiling. He couldn’t worry too much just yet—he had no answers, and panicking wouldn’t help.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMR2rdMfGo7
Still…
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclvwTqwrLi
“Hope you guys are out there,” he muttered.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiu3r7l5XAi
As he lay there, exhaustion finally crept in.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdJKS9Leq5
His eyelids grew heavy.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSuSrkiLFD
And soon—
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05cxfCEvBf
Sleep took him.
208Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYufPHZYKJW
Tomorrow, his journey would begin.
