Shun and Gronn dashed through narrow alleys, side streets, and winding paths between the colorful market stalls, exhausted yet still unable to find Willin. Finally, they collapsed under the shade of an ancient tree in the scorching midday sun. The cicadas droned like a relentless drumbeat, echoing across the clear blue sky.
-"Where on earth did Willin run off to? I still haven't seen him, not even once," Shun wiped the sweat from his forehead, his voice heavy with frustration.
-"Beats me… he's good at hide-and-seek or something. We've been searching for over an hour and not a single sign of him," Gronn grumbled, drawing a circle in the dirt with a stick.
They looked around. The sky was a crystal-clear blue, fluffy white clouds drifting lazily above. Sunlight glinted off the neatly arranged market stalls, painting the scene in vivid, lively colors—like a picture you'd want to step right into.
Shun looked up and spotted a flock of sparrows darting playfully across the sky. He instinctively reached out as if he could touch them, his eyes sparkling with delight.
-"Something on your mind?" Gronn asked, eyeing Shun curiously.
-"Nothing… it's just… the weather today is beautiful. Willin's probably off on some adventure somewhere. Why don't we take the chance to enjoy ourselves too?" Shun said with a mischievous grin, his eyes twinkling like a child's.
-"That's ridiculous… we're supposed to be looking for Willin, not playing around," Gronn frowned, half-amused, half-worried.
Shun stood, taking a deep breath and shrugging. "Maybe by evening he'll wander back on his own… we shouldn't stop him from going wherever he wants."
-"Hey! Wait for me!" Gronn shouted as he scrambled to catch up, trying to match Shun's playful pace.
The two of them moved through the warm sunlight, the sounds of birdsong and the scent of fresh air and grass filling the space around them, making the moment feel almost timeless.
Shun and Gronn strolled leisurely past the colorful market stalls, now bustling with activity as the vendors opened for the day. They wandered around, eyes scanning for anything unusual or noteworthy.
-"Eh… this market isn't too bad. Even better than the one in my village," Shun murmured, walking ahead, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.
-"Yeah… it's my first time here too. Last night I accidentally wandered into the market, ran into you right there on the street… and that's how the brawl started," Gronn sighed, recalling the chaotic moment as he followed.
A few steps later, they came across a group of children laughing and playing around a man clad in gleaming armor. The soldier held a long sword, its metallic surface glinting brilliantly under the sunlight.
-"So cool! He looks so cool!" one child shouted, eyes wide in awe.
-"Can that sword really kill monsters? It looks so powerful… and epic!" another chimed in, voice ringing with excitement like at a festival.
-"Hohoho! I am a soldier of King Yarros! And I am the hero awarded the title Dragon Slayer by the king himself, Muhahaha!" the soldier boomed, striking a confident pose.
Shun and Gronn exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of skepticism and faint admiration.
-"Eh, I think this guy is just talking big. Saying he's a soldier of the king? Bit much," Gronn muttered, frowning.
-"Maybe… but he still looks kind of weak though," Shun sighed, helpless but smiling faintly.
Suddenly, the soldier drew his sword from its sheath. Light gleamed off the metal, sparkling and almost glowing, illuminating the space around him.
-"WOW! THAT'S AWESOME!" one child yelled, bouncing up and down with excitement.
-"This sword can only be drawn by the chosen one," the soldier said proudly.
-"So you're the chosen one?! That's so cool!" the child exclaimed, eyes wide as if meeting a living hero.
Shun and Gronn just stood there, watching, caught between amusement and being swept up by the lively, almost magical scene around them.
Suddenly, the soldier noticed Shun and Gronn staring at him – he immediately felt even prouder.
-"Yo! I'm the Dragon Slayer – Mush! And you two are…?" he said cheerfully, a friendly tone in his voice.
-"I'm Shun, a hero-in-training, uhhhh… and a member of Lander Ghost," Shun introduced himself, sounding a bit awkward.
-"And I'm Gronn, a member and the younger brother of Lauren – leader of the White Dragon guild," Gronn added, serious but keeping a smile.
-"Yo! That sounds awesome! You two must be really strong, right? How about a friendly match?" the soldier invited, his tone playful but not forcing them.
-"Uhhh… alright, I guess, since the kids seem excited to see your power," Gronn sighed, but his eyes revealed his excitement.
-"Wow! Hero versus Hero? This match is going to be intense! Come on, everyone, gather around!" the children shouted, rushing closer with excitement.
Shun watched the scene, wondering to himself, "How strong could he really be?"
As Gronn pulled out his axe, Mush also lifted his sword, ready for action.
-"This should be fun, huh? Who do you think will win, young man?" a deep voice spoke beside Shun, startling him.
-"Wow! Where did you come from?? Uhhh… I think it's too early to call the winner before the fight even starts," Shun said, surprised and a bit anxious.
-"How the heck can he move without making a single sound?" Shun wondered, glancing at the man, puzzled, before refocusing on the match.
The man beside him wore simple clothes: a black shirt and loose pants, an unassuming appearance. Shun thought, "Is he a shop owner here? Or just another customer?"
-"I'm quite certain Mush will win," the man said calmly, with a quiet but commanding confidence.
-"Huh? How can you be so sure?" Shun looked up at him.
-"Because a member of Magical Gold never loses," he said with a gentle, yet powerful smile.
-"Magical Gold??? What kind of team is that?" Shun asked, but when he turned back… the unexpected had happened: Gronn, someone who could beat Shun in a one-on-one, had been defeated by Mush.
-"You're really strong! I admit that, but you should train more if you want to beat me!" Mush said, helping Gronn to his feet.
-"What kind of monster are you? You took three of my axe swings and still stood firm – not even a scratch on your sword!" Gronn sighed, part frustrated, part in awe.
-"Simple! I'm the Dragon Slayer, officially recognized by King Yarros for my strength! Muhahaha!" he laughed triumphantly, his eyes gleaming with pride.
-"No way… He can really do that?!" Shun exclaimed, eyes wide in disbelief.
-"Why not? I told you – a member of Magical Gold never loses," the young man said with a light chuckle, then turned and walked away.
Shun watched his figure recede, curiosity piqued. Who was he really? Shun's eyes caught a strange tattoo on his arm – the number 4, formed with interlocking chains.
-"Hey, young man! Want to spar with me?" Mush called back.
-"All right!" Shun smiled, excitement bubbling inside.
-"Excellent! That's the spirit of a warrior!" Mush replied warmly.
-"Give it your all – he's seriously strong," Gronn patted Shun's shoulder gently.
-"No worries, I'll take him on," Shun said confidently.
The children cheered even louder, splitting into teams to bet on who would win.
-"I bet on Mush! He's insanely strong!" one shouted.
-"No way, the other guy seems just as strong – maybe they're evenly matched," another countered.
The kids whispered and argued, buzzing with excitement.
Shun and Mush assumed fighting stances. Shun held the sword Mush handed him, while Mush gripped his gleaming blade.
CLANG! The swords clashed, sparks flying with every strike.
"You're a member of Magical Gold…?!" Shun asked mid-battle.
-"You know Magical Gold? Yes, I am," Mush said, pushing Shun back with a strong swing.
Shun skidded back slightly, then lunged forward again. "Magical Gold is a guild from Hard-Wirrt after graduation, right?" he asked between attacks.
CLANG!! Another collision, sparks scattering in every direction.
-"Not exactly. Magical Gold is an exploration guild – we seek out challenges and conquer them," Mush said, pressing the attack relentlessly.
Shun was pushed into a corner, unable to dodge a powerful strike, and tumbled backward.
-"You lost, young man," Mush said, sheathing his sword.
-"Yeah… I lost," Shun admitted, glancing at Mush. Questions spun in his mind: What kind of guild was Magical Gold? And who really was Mush beneath that metallic mask?
-"Haha! Knew you'd lose, just like me!" Gronn teased.
-"Shut up! Both of you lost – what's there to be proud of?" Shun shot back with a grin.
And so, the two continued their playful bickering, while Mush chuckled triumphantly, basking in the admiration of the children who had witnessed his skill.
-"You're so strong!!" the kids exclaimed repeatedly.
-"Need I say more? Muhaha!" Mush laughed, proud and unbothered.
Shun and Gronn stood watching Mush grin triumphantly, while the children around him kept showering him with praise.
-"Who is he, do you think?" Shun whispered to Gronn.
-"You already heard… he's a member of Magical Gold. This is the first time I've heard of them too," Gronn replied, his eyes still following Mush.
-"Hey, you two," Mush turned to them, his eyes sparkling, voice inviting and full of charm. "I really like your style – would you like to meet the other members of Magical Gold?"
-"Sure, if you don't mind," Gronn agreed, his eyes glinting with curiosity.
-"Awesome! I'm sure the other members will be thrilled to meet you both!" Mush said with a bright smile, heading toward a side street. The children waved goodbye, hopping and cheering as Shun and Gronn followed him.
-"Oh, and I don't think I've properly introduced myself. I'm Mush Jarock – member number 19 of Magical Gold, just 19 years old," Mush said while walking, his voice brimming with pride.
-"Number 19? So you're the weakest member?" Shun and Gronn exchanged surprised glances.
-"Oh no, that's just the order – it doesn't measure strength, it just marks the sequence of joining," Mush explained, leading them to a large bar with a prominent sign: The Last.
Shun and Gronn gaped at the sight inside – even in broad daylight, there were already dozens of patrons.
Mush turned back, seeing the two still in awe, and spread his arms wide.
-"Welcome to my family! The Golden – also known as Magical Gold!" His voice was filled with warmth and a genuine sense of welcome.
On the other side—
Holland and Lauren were still walking around the market, following a trail of fresh blood on the ground.
-"You think we can tell whose blood that is? I bet it's from some old butcher lady. That'd explain the trail," Holland said, sounding way too childish for someone who was already 21. Lauren's face flushed with anger.
-"If you can't help, then shut your mouth!" she barked, making Holland flinch.
"Yes, ma'am! I understand, my lady!" he replied, adding a teasing tone.
-"You dare joke with me?!" Lauren lunged at him, chasing him through the market aisles.
Eventually they ended up near a big tree. As soon as Holland slowed down, Lauren kicked him hard in the butt.
-"Ow!! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" Holland pleaded.
-"Good. At least you know your place," Lauren smirked triumphantly.
They sat under the tree, catching their breath.
-"Hey… you think that blood came from a person?" Lauren asked, her tone suddenly serious.
-"Not sure… I told you, maybe it's just the butcher's. Or maybe something did happen," Holland chuckled.
-"Can you be serious for one second?! That could be someone's life on the line!" Lauren smacked him on the head, leaving a big bump.
Then they noticed a circus tent nearby—bright flames, dragon dances, and the sound of cheering. Holland turned to Lauren with pleading eyes.
-"…Fine. You've helped me before anyway," Lauren sighed and dragged him toward the circus. Outside, the market grew even busier.
Inside, rows of long red sofas lined the space. At the center was the performance stage. Holland and Lauren took a seat near the front.
-"What are they doing?" Holland asked, eyes wide with curiosity.
-"How would I know," Lauren muttered, still trying to keep her serious composure.
Suddenly, the host's voice boomed through the tent, full of excitement:
-"Ladies and gentlemen! Prepare yourselves for the most spectacular performance in circus history — the incredible duo, Lokis and Fataros!"
The host was a chubby man with a red, cheerful face and a booming, happy voice.
Applause erupted as the curtain lifted, revealing the brothers. Lokis was small and light on his feet, holding a baton, while Fataros was muscular and imposing. Both had long black hair brushing their shoulders, radiating confidence.
-"Wow, the show's starting!" Holland whispered excitedly.
-"Oh really… fine, whatever," Lauren sighed, finally giving the performance her full attention.
The spotlight hit the two performers. They drew their swords, stepping into a strange, rhythmic dance. One of them took a mouthful of alcohol—
Then—
Fwoosh!!
Fataros blew the alcohol out, and flames erupted. Lokis followed, filling the space with waves of fire, heat, and excitement.
Even Lauren—who came in uninterested and annoyed—found herself drawn in, eyes locked onto the stage.
The applause and cheers grew louder and louder, the circus tent swelling with excitement until even Holland and Lauren were swept up in it, eyes locked on the next act.
"The Magic Hand."
The crowd gasped in anticipation. Holland whispered, "Magic Hand? What's that supposed to be?"
He got his answer immediately.
Lokis tossed his flaming sword high into the air.
The entire tent fell silent—every heartbeat suspended.
And just as the blazing blade came falling back down—
Lokis caught it between two fingers, snuffing out the fire as if crushing a candle flame.
The room exploded with applause. Holland's jaw dropped, his eyes gleaming. Even Lauren—the eternal skeptic—let a small smile slip.
-"Not bad," she smirked, trying to hide her interest.
Right then, Fataros stepped toward them with a mischievous grin.
-"Hey, kid. Wanna be our test subject for the next act?"
-"U-uh—okay!" Holland blurted out instantly, way too excited to think straight. Lauren's face drained of color.
-"Wait—are you sure? That looks dangerous!" she grabbed his arm, voice trembling slightly.
-"I'll be fine! Trust me!" Holland beamed and ran up onto the stage.
Every eye in the circus locked on him. The MC's voice boomed:
-"Ladies and gentlemen! Prepare yourselves for the next performance by Lokis and Fataros—The Golden Shift!!!"
The crowd roared.
Lauren swallowed hard, a knot of dread tightening in her stomach.
Fataros handed Holland a gleaming suit of armor and motioned for him to put it on.
Once Holland was fully geared up, Lokis opened a small wooden box and pulled out… a throwing dart.
The entire tent held its breath.
In the blink of an eye, the dart vanished from Fataros's hand—
and reappeared behind Holland, having shot straight through the thick armor like it was nothing.
The armor shattered and fell apart.
Holland didn't have even a scratch.
The audience erupted into wild cheers. Lauren finally exhaled.
-"You okay?" she asked, still tense.
-"I'm great! I think I'm starting to love these risky tricks!" Holland laughed, glowing like a kid who just won the lottery.
-"Grakk!!" Willin roared, his voice echoing through the pitch-black void like thunder trapped in a cavern.
-"Calm down," Grakk said, his smile fading into a cold, heavy tone. "I'm not here to hurt you or your team."
He stepped closer.
In the darkness, Willin was bound, forced to kneel on the cold ground, his face streaked with bruises and dried blood.
Grakk's eyes glowed a sharp, shifting blue—color swirling as if it could change at will—making his face look even more monstrous.
-"What do you want?!" Willin snarled, trembling with rage. "You took the person I loved most! And now you're here to wipe out everyone else important to me?! I swear I'll—"
He didn't get to finish.
-"No," Grakk cut him off, voice sinking even lower. "I'm here… to cooperate."
-"Cooperate?" Willin let out a brittle, bitter laugh. "With the one who killed my family? With the one who kidnapped me? Do I look stupid to you?"
-"I know you won't trust me easily." Grakk came even closer, his glowing eyes flaring. "But what I'm about to say concerns everything. If you refuse… not just your loved ones—everyone will die."
Willin froze. A flicker of doubt, a flicker of fear. But he forced a grin.
-"Trying to scare me again? Really?"
-"You'd better think carefully." Grakk turned away, opening the door so a harsh beam of midday sunlight slashed into the room. "If you agree… I'll give you what you've always wanted."
Willin's head snapped up.
-"All right. What do you want? What do I have to do?"
Grakk faced him again, his pupils shifting into a blazing red.
-"This mission is difficult. And dangerous. Are you sure?"
-"Say it," Willin replied firmly. "If I can do it, I will."
Grakk drew in a long breath.
The air grew suffocating, as if invisible hands were tightening around the whole room.
-"Your mission… is to investigate the one who stripped me of all my power.
A being erased from history—every record wiped clean.
Someone strong enough to defeat the Sun God and turn him into a servant with a single glance."
Willin swallowed hard.
-"A god? If he's a god, I can't even reach Heaven to—"
-"No." Grakk interrupted sharply. "He is not a god. This creature… even I felt fear when I learned what he truly is."
Grakk leaned down, whispering with a voice like a demon breathing against Willin's ear:
-"He is…"
Willin's eyes widened. Cold sweat slid down his jaw.
-"What…?" he whispered, trembling.
That night, the sound of footsteps echoed as Willin stepped into the tavern. He looked up and saw Shun, Gronn, Lauren, and Holland waiting for him.
-"You're late, kid," Holland said softly, more like a gentle scolding than real anger.
-"Did big bro go on a date or something?" Shun teased with a stupid grin.
-"Shut it, Shun! He just got back! Anyway—what happened? And what's with the kids from earlier?" Gronn barked at Shun before turning to Willin again.
-"Kids shouldn't stay out this late," Lauren muttered. She didn't say another word—just walked up and kicked Willin hard on the butt.
-"Ow!!" Willin yelped.
-"Hahaha! So? What happened?" Holland laughed as he looked at Willin again.
-"I… ran into someone from my past," Willin finally said. "He told me to investigate someone important. I can't say more yet, because this is—"
He was cut off by a calm but chilling voice.
-"It's closing time. You all should return to your rooms," the butler, Hollombo, said. His red eyes flicked toward Willin, and that alone made Willin flinch.
Willin stared after Hollombo's fading silhouette.
Everyone else followed his gaze.
-"What's with that look? Got something against Hollombo?" Holland teased again.
-"N-no… nothing at all." Willin swallowed.
---
The creator of every duality in the cosmos—light and darkness, good and evil, order and chaos—was The God, who first forged the primordial opposites:
Darkness and Light.
A door opened.
Hollombo stepped into Emma's luxurious gold-themed room.
-"Hollombo! Want to sleep with me tonight?" Emma asked, her voice sweet and childishly clingy—despite being the mistress of the mansion.
-"Of course, my lady," Hollombo replied with absolute obedience and quiet gentleness.
Long ago, The God created everything—time, space, universes, dualities, and living beings.
History began to move.
In the late 19th century, humans discovered two of The God's books:
The Darkness
and
Light of Life.
One of them was stolen—
and even now, in the 20th century, nothing has been found about the missing book:
The Darkness.
-"Wish me good night," Emma murmured as she lay on Hollombo's lap.
-"Very well. Good night, my lady," he whispered politely.
Unlike other dualities, darkness cannot coexist with anything.
If it grows large enough—it devours everything.
-"Hollombo, what do you think about Holland's team? I think they're interesting. His little brothers are cute, too," Emma giggled inside his arms.
Hollombo didn't react—no emotion, no smile. Only his crimson eyes.
-"Me? I think they're very human. Just like you've said before."
For every living being, the space around them is always filled with darkness.
That darkness has a name.
A form.
A vessel.
He is the embodiment of Darkness—the first son of The God.
-"Humans always share the same habits," Hollombo said, staring out the window. "They love to get involved… and investigate the friends they don't trust completely."
The embodiment of Darkness:
Hollombo Drya.
-"They're obedient… and yet they dislike me. Like everyone else," he added calmly.
His red eyes glowed brighter.
And the thing Willin did not know—
Hollombo cannot be defeated.