x
Darkness. Nothing but an endless void.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvH98MZEYJZ
Kumuna felt weightless, floating in the empty abyss. No sound, no sensation—just silence stretching infinitely in every direction.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8GbG4W8Lr
Was he dreaming? Was he dead?
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lB8eMTCZN
He wasn’t sure.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qoq0An2yx
Then—
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMguVmwmf15
A soft chime echoed around him.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn95g96zPEV
A solid floor materialized beneath his feet, stabilizing him, while a blue light pulsed around the floating platform.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCH0Xvpx2Bm
He turned his head, eyes widening as a glowing blue screen flickered into existence before him.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLUxKH7sef
⸻
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQrrZN98su
PLAYER: KUMUNA ROLIN
LEVEL: 1
RACE: HUMAN
CLASS: UNASSIGNED
CHARACTER LOADING…
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2DKzHCZhp
⸻
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRPo3mSwib
Kumuna blinked at the floating text. “Okay… this is weird.”
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjf0swCFav
He reached out, attempting to touch the glowing screen, but his fingers passed through it like mist.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0MVWpYL8w
He arched a brow. “Huh. Well, shit…”
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3cSZvYGgg
Then—
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9nnLmU7vo
A sudden pull.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAwt9VL0dR
His stomach flipped as gravity reasserted itself, yanking him downward. The void around him twisted, colors blending together in a chaotic swirl before—
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2ZlH65ADM
Light.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9JBIZzXZy
Blinding, golden light.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXmqjYZmNc
⸻
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5moxiBEBM
The Throne Room of the Gilded Empire
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxN3G4ytklj
Kumuna crashed onto a polished marble floor with an audible thud.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXOAhsdqfd
“Ow—damn!” He groaned, rubbing the back of his head. “Could’ve given a guy a warning first… stupid screen.”
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRsDBKHfsr
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.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGUMWROxEk
And seated before him, on an enormous golden throne, was a king.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJmJxfKc9G
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.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡem7oPsiFEm
Beside him stood a young man in fine royal attire—his son, no doubt—with a sharp, composed expression.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HIU1dqdf5
And surrounding them—
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡula91sCpSn
Ten warriors.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JtX9KxhRa
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.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHCa4xbc7c
A mix of expressions met Kumuna’s arrival—some intrigued, others indifferent.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMqczvt7Fw
“Well now,” Kumuna muttered, pushing himself up. “Ain’t this fancy.”
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkMA1PyEei
The warriors stiffened at his casual attitude.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhevGHgNmgK
Then—
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXxDLue92j
A scoff.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXb0laBn8j
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.”
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7FQWlJsjk2
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.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgY8JwwDUHi
However, Kumuna remained unfazed. He stood to his feet, dusted himself off, stretched, and smirked.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ651EgiB6aU
“Damn, dude. A little rude for someone you just met.”
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7IyoLOrnHf
A few of the warlords chuckled, but the displeased one wasn’t amused. He took a step forward, sneering.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLbFG8rZjZ
“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?”
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgfS8llKa7
Kumuna tilted his head. “Damn, dude. We just met. Why are you hating on me this early?”
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEF6reSFYR
The man’s glare hardened, seemingly ready to argue further, but before he could, a stern commanding voice cut through the air.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJkqP7kdK3
“Kai’Zen,” the king’s voice echoed through the throne room, calm yet laced with authority. “Enough.”
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlw1zRjxKd
Kai’Zen clenched his fists, still glaring at Kumuna. After a tense moment, he exhaled sharply, turning toward the king.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Sg3W2iwKh
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.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgODPQBrczj
Kumuna watched him go, lips pursed. “That dude’s got issues.”
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDRYMnbeIA
A few of the warriors chuckled again, but others remained indifferent.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmneMvABuxV
The king finally chuckled softly, stepping forward, placing a firm hand on Kumuna’s shoulder.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8LTpUozcw
“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.”
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflCGcQc95b
Kumuna shrugged. “It’s okay, I’ve dealt with a few people like him before… a lot, actually.”
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjs4qV79yH
The king laughed heartily. “Well, you can expect a lot more from him.”
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXQxQHrci2
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.”
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGFzHRZw5A
The prince gave a slight nod, his expression reserved. “An honor to meet you, Hero.”
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxvuDmkbKQ
Kumuna grinned. “Nice to meet ya too, Prince V.”
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHH3hzoTF1E
The prince raised a brow at the nickname but chose not to comment.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXpm4f1Iv5
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.”
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhTfG9Rc1U
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.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC85R1ofPoF
One by one, they stepped forward.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQlT9OMhOX
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.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cZY4gl0yS
She looked him over, not with disdain, but with an appraising gaze.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp63GFC8vhq
“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.”
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdWr7QGAM4
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.”
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFk1VZaWgC
Seraphis didn’t smile, but something in her expression softened slightly before she stepped back into line.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMMAodSpnP
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.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjA6LqTTD9S
“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.”
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfgMc9OXOl
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.”
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnorV71ep0
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.”
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Ho4kxKoma
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.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKBGxGwJVX
“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.”
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcVLgmJb9c
Kumuna gave a casual thumbs-up. “Survive, huh? That sounds like a challenge.”
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9UoWESDKP
Orwin grinned, revealing sharp canines. “It is.”
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKVg0LutUC
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.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBfLdfE0A8
“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.”
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ol0XMfjh1
Kumuna raised an eyebrow. “And if I don’t want to be an assassin?”
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhsYthe58C
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.”
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAMUlAJfJr
“…Okay, fair point,” he admitted.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7c0r51td6
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.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OeUDzDuWx
“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.”
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZ3ZsRI3kf
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.”
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWw4U0RQ4S
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.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFISu76dUZt
“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.”
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj51FpzxWRf
Kumuna chuckled. “I don’t plan on being anyone’s kindling, but you do have a cool entrance, I’ll give you that.”
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3s6cPu4m3v
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.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmS0YU9BEla
“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.”
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSNnbSjkTd
Kumuna exhaled, nodding. “You sound a little scary, not gonna lie.”
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOJpZhdjcJ
Mira blinked. “Good.”
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdqwRFEp85
Kumuna wasn’t sure if she was joking.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFijZaxLkq
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.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw36ZWp5wOO
Kumuna blinked. “And you are…?”
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyxmrMOnKu
The man let out a low grunt.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDixp26ZpT
“Darius, The Iron Juggernaut. Half-orc.” His voice was deep and gravelly, few words wasted. “I crush.”
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylMcCzU4PX
“…That’s it?”
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4GnaOpXd5
Darius stared at him. “That’s all that matters.”
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdClgmdDnhW
Kumuna nodded slowly. “Alright, man, I respect the simplicity.”
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSIpr9TSN2
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.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjYFRX3FKx
“Well, well,” he mused. “Our ‘Hero’ doesn’t look like much.”
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvjyCRkAbH
Kumuna sighed. “Man, you guys gotta stop saying that.”
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VGwXbxW42
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?”
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa17CZ7dl7H
Kumuna shrugged. “I’ll try my best. Can’t make any promises.”
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQfR8gQoAb
The warlords exchanged glances before stepping back, their introductions complete.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzFigZrXqY
King Rhaegor spoke once more. “Your training begins tomorrow.”
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlZ5FAjV2p
Kumuna stretched. “Alright. Sounds fun.”
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7gRciAh9h
Prince Verric raised a brow. “You don’t seem very… concerned.”
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFha7hjlmKU
Kumuna shrugged. “Why worry? This is exciting. I get magic, badass teachers, and a whole kingdom backing me up? What’s not to like?”
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnPzmox8xk
Kai’Zen scoffed. “Arrogant brat.” He mumbled in the corner of the room.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOv6Ldxk69L
Kumuna smirked at him. “I heard that You’ll warm up to me eventually.”
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MuCjeHmgx
Kai’Zen rolled his eyes and left the room, for real this time.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNzZmlDB6B
Kumuna chuckled to himself “Very uptight”
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7Fnq8vYt2
“You’ll get used to it,” Orwin spoke patting Kumana on the shoulder.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuptRCZldq
“If you say so…” Kumuna sighed.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUCxi1aWKa
A Moment of Reflection
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbMGfNJK79
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.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdR8kzOBkxL
He flopped onto the bed, stretching his arms behind his head.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vTjD8FIP2
“Man… this is crazy.”
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3tBFMWcpV
But despite his confidence, his thoughts drifted.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1xLuE305Z
Kaida, Tsubaki, Mishell.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡluhKkwCCE8
Where were they?
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUX7MhW5BK
Were they safe?
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJCqH6GkWk
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.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIKdmWzFyx
Still…
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8PMC4hTDS
“Hope you guys are out there,” he muttered.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkvREeCTyN
As he lay there, exhaustion finally crept in.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJkzy6wfMd
His eyelids grew heavy.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJfug0ejOL
And soon—
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOmjIkSuCs
Sleep took him.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0nb1SOFmp
Tomorrow, his journey would begin.
