In the grand city of Arestha stood an orphanage named Evergrow.
To the outside world, it was just another home for the forgotten — but to the children who lived there, it was a sanctuary. A place where loss met healing, and sorrow slowly faded into laughter. Yet peace had not always reigned within its walls.
Just two years ago, the land had been torn apart by a brutal war.
Famine swept through villages. Families were shattered. Many orphanages closed their doors, choosing self-preservation over compassion. But not Evergrow.
Evergrow stayed open.
It welcomed every child — hungry, frightened, broken — no matter their story. Food was scarce, yet always shared. Blankets were worn, yet passed around with love. And somehow, that year, the harvest turned kind. For the first time in many years, each child received a new blanket.
But despite the return of comfort, one fear still lingered…
The Clones.
They were once a dominant race — feared, powerful, and near mythical. Long ago, Clones had the terrifying ability to shapeshift into anything they consumed. Beasts, humans, even angels.
They devoured divine beings and walked among men disguised as gods.
Legends whispered that their power didn't come from magic — but from devouring human souls. Even now, dark rumors claimed that ancient clone powers could be revived through sacrifice.
And what easier targets than forgotten orphaned children?
Because of this, Evergrow remained vigilant. Cautious. Protective.
---
Among the children was a boy named Rai.
Sharp-featured and 14 years old, Rai had jet-black hair and piercing blue eyes that didn't quite match his age. He had lived in Evergrow for as long as he could remember. No memories of his parents. No records of his past.
Only a silver locket. His sole connection to whatever life came before.
Though he lacked formal training, Rai had somehow learned to cast simple spells. Physically, he wasn't the strongest — but when it came to swordplay, he was untouchable among the orphans.
Three strikes. That's all he needed to disarm nearly anyone.
But Rai's dreams stretched far beyond the orphanage walls.
He longed to join the Academy of Swords and Magic, a legendary school spoken of in the few books Evergrow had. But even that wasn't enough.
His true goal? To achieve the Soulbound rank — the highest rank a swordsman could ever reach. A rank of legend.
And the Academy was the only path.
---
One day, without warning, a grand carriage arrived at Evergrow's gates.
Painted in deep crimson and gold, it bore the crest of the Dracus Guild, one of the most respected guilds in the region. The children gathered quickly, whispering among themselves.
It was announced: someone had come to adopt a child.
Excitement rippled through the crowd like wildfire.
From the carriage stepped a merchant, his wife, and their two children. They were well-dressed but warm in demeanor. Smiles all around. They greeted the head of the orphanage with respect and began speaking to the children.
But Rai paid them no mind.
He stood off to the side, silently practicing sword strikes with a wooden blade. Focused. Calm.
The merchant noticed him.
> "Where did you learn to use a sword?" he asked.
> "From a book," Rai replied, without pausing.
> "Do you do this every day?"
Rai stopped. Turned.
> "Yes. Because one day, I want to become Soulbound — the highest rank a swordsman can reach."
The merchant looked into the boy's eyes… and saw something rare: a quiet, unshakable fire.
---
The next morning, Rai was called into the office of the orphanage head.
> "Congratulations," the old man said, smiling. "You've been adopted by the Zestar family. From now on… you are Rai Zestar."
Rai stood speechless. A name. A family.
Hope began to bloom in his heart.
He packed the few belongings he owned, said goodbye to the only home he'd ever known, and climbed into the waiting carriage. As they pulled away, he looked back at Evergrow one last time.
For the first time in his life… he was leaving it behind.
---
The Zestar family welcomed him kindly. The merchant's daughter and son chatted with Rai like he had always been there. And when they reached the Zestar estate, Rai was stunned — the mansion loomed tall and elegant, unlike anything he had ever imagined.
Fretz, the merchant's eldest son, led Rai to his room — a simple but warm space with a window view that stretched far into the hills.
At dinner that night, Mr. Zestar stood up to speak.
> "In our family," he said, "no child follows the same path. We give each of our children three choices — and they must prove themselves worthy of the one they choose."
> "First, if you have the talent and strength, you may join the Military Academy.
Second, if you have courage and ideas, you may build and run the family business.
And third…"
He looked directly at Rai.
> "If you truly have the will, the blood, and the heart of a warrior — you may go to the Academy of Swords and Magic."
> "You may not be of our blood," Mr. Zestar continued, "but if you want it — and you can earn it — we will support you."
He raised his glass, grinning.
> "Competition begins tomorrow. So rest up. Tonight, we welcome Rai Zestar."
---
That night, Rai lay in his bed, holding his silver locket to his chest.
For the first time, he whispered a prayer — not of grief or loss — but of gratitude.
This was it. His chance.
And no matter what stood in front of him...
He would win.