"In a world torn long ago by powers unknown, two kingdoms rose and grew apart, each certain of its own path.
To the east, the warriors of Shoryu forged strength through pain and discipline, hiding sorrow behind stoic eyes.
To the west, the wizards of Aetheria embraced the flow of magic, living side by side with wondrous creatures and ancient legacies.
But in the shadows of honor and beauty… a single choice can ignite a war of blood, tears—and love."
At the edge of the silent forest, Shoryu
A heavy thud echoed as the trunk of a massive tree splintered and crashed to the ground.
Shinitshi stepped back, his chest rising and falling with quiet fury. His black hair clung to his forehead with sweat, and his tanned skin glistened under the pale dawn light. His build was strong and balanced—trained for speed as much as strength.
A voice broke the silence:
"HEEEY, SHINITSHI! You just got back from your mission! You shouldn't be training already!"
Kenta, short and wiry with messy brown hair, jogged closer, his face open and friendly.
Shinitshi didn't look at him. His voice was low and cold:
"I have to. If I want to stand among the Legendary Guardians at the next Challenge Game."
Kenta let out an awkward laugh.
"If you keep going like that, you'll probably die trying."
Shinitshi raised his hand, gripping his sword tighter.
"That's more than enough for me."
With a swift motion, he cut through another thick trunk as if it were paper.
Kenta sighed.
"Alright, then tell me—if you really became a Legendary Guardian… who would you want to replace?"
Shinitshi's eyes narrowed.
"It's not polite to talk about that."
"Come on! I'm your only friend! You know you wanna tell someone!"
Shinitshi paused. His gaze turned to the ground, then away.
"No."
In his mind:
If I must replace one of them… it would have to be Master Hayato. He's the weakest. And… I've always preferred his legendary weapon over the others…
Far away, within the stone halls of the Great Master's palace
Darkness filled the high-ceilinged room, lit only by narrow shafts of cold morning light.
On a raised dais sat the Great Master himself—a towering figure draped in black robes. His face lay hidden in shadows, but his deep voice rumbled through the silence.
"I have… unpleasant news for you."
In front of him stood three warriors:
Takemaru: tall and broad-shouldered, wearing a calm expression and the same cropped black hair as his student, Shinitshi—but with a few strands of gray hinting at years of discipline.
Reika: of average height, her hair cut short and black, with streaks of white at the ends. Her body was stronger than most women, and her sharp gaze missed nothing.
Kaien: the largest of them all, with a hulking build and very short black hair. His head hung low, as though weighed down by regret… or memories.
And beside them, leaning against a column, was Hayato: extremely tall, his long black hair straight and shifting with every whisper of air. His arms crossed, and an arrogant smirk curled his lips.
Takemaru spoke first, his voice respectful yet firm:
"What is it, Master? Is it the Blue Fire Gang again?"
Reika rolled her eyes.
"You remain unaware as always. Clearly, this is something far bigger."
Kaien drew in a heavy breath, but stayed silent.
The Great Master spoke:
"It is Aetheria. Their princess has entered our land… and I have decided: she must die, immediately."
Hayato stepped forward, excitement breaking through his arrogance:
"Please, Master—let me handle this. I promise I won't disappoint you!"
"No." The Great Master's voice dropped even lower. "This is a test… Takemaru, inform your student. He will take this mission."
Takemaru bowed, hiding the spark of pride in his eyes:
"Yes, Master. It will be done."
From behind, Hayato's smirk faded into a scowl. His gaze burned with silent resentment.
Later, on the stone steps outside
Takemaru found Shinitshi, who stood waiting, the handle of his sword resting against his shoulder.
Takemaru spoke:
"You heard. This mission… it is more than an order. It is a chance to prove yourself to the Great Master."
Shinitshi lowered his gaze, fighting to keep his voice calm:
"Yes. And I won't fail. I never have."
Takemaru placed a strong hand on his student's shoulder.
"I know. You are the future of this kingdom… my future."
A brief silence passed—rare, yet filled with unspoken trust.
Shinitshi nodded.
"That is my honor, Master."
Elsewhere, in the courtyard of the Ninja Academy
A messenger in black robes rushed to Kenta, breathing heavily.
"Important news for you, Master Kenta!"
Kenta blinked, confused:
"What?!"
"By the order of the Great Master—you are now the new Master of the Ninja Academy."
Kenta's jaw dropped.
"What kind of joke is… wait, you're serious?!"
The messenger nodded, expression grave.
Kenta let out a nervous laugh.
"That… that's an honor! I'll do my best!"
In his mind:
But why me? Shinitshi is a hundred times stronger… and smarter… Why me?
At the edge of the darkening forest
Shinitshi walked alone, the sky above him turning to dusk.
In his mind:
This is it. One more life to take… and then I can stand beside Master Takemaru.
I shouldn't feel this way. It's an enemy. The order is clear… But… why am I… excited?
What does she look like? What is Aetheria truly like?
No. I must follow my order… and end this quickly.
Meanwhile, in a Shoryu forest near a village:
A young woman stood by the rocky path, her long purple hair swaying in the breeze. She wore a royal dress, ornate yet slightly torn from travel. Her smile was bright—but her violet eyes held worry.
"Wow… this place is so damn BORING!" she complained to the empty air.
But her expression softened as she placed a hand over her chest.
"But I have to prove it… I have to prove myself… for her…"
The End of Chapter 1:"Orders and Desires"
Next Chapter:"The Sword VS The Truth"