The sun streamed through the tall windows of the magnificent Riven family palace, casting glimmers on the gold-embellished stone walls and crystal chandeliers. The chirping of birds from the garden and the scent of flowers carried by the breeze hinted at what should have been a peaceful day. Yet young Arisawa felt a strange heaviness; perhaps it was the headache, or perhaps the burden of responsibilities his father constantly placed upon him.
At that moment, before the door even opened, a cheerful voice rang out:
— Big brother! Big brother! Come play outside with me!
His younger sister, Kagura, appeared in the doorway with a huge smile and sparkling eyes. Only nine years old, she could hardly stay still with excitement.
Arisawa sat at the edge of his bed, examining small metal pieces used in swordmaking while rubbing his head. In a tired voice, he turned to his sister:
— No, not today, Kagura… my head hurts a little.
The child's smile instantly faded. Pouting, she murmured, looking down:
— But… you promised yesterday you'd come.
Arisawa remained silent for a moment, then seeing his sister's disappointment, he smiled and took a deep breath.
— Alright, alright… I'll come.
Kagura's eyes lit up again. She squealed with joy and ran back to her room, eager to get ready.
At that moment, a voice came from beyond the thick oak door:
— Master Arisawa, your family awaits you at the dining table.
The servant's tone was polite but serious.
Arisawa set aside his sword and walked heavily to the window. Looking out, he saw the sprawling garden, filled with colorful flowers, and the dark green forest beyond. Though it should have brought him peace, he felt a sense of confinement.
— Nobility, responsibilities, father's expectations… am I chained to all of these? — he thought silently.
The door knocked again. The servant's voice, patient but firm, called once more:
— Your parents are waiting, Master Arisawa.
"Alright, I'm coming," he replied briefly.
He gazed at the view a little longer, then took a deep breath and opened the door. Along the stone walls of the corridor hung gold-framed paintings, sunlight streaming through large windows creating sparkling reflections on the marble floor. Arisawa walked slowly along the long corridor, then descended the grand staircase. The crystal chandeliers refracted the sunlight into thousands of pieces.
Entering the hall, he was greeted by the massive dining table and kitchen, with his family and younger sister waiting at the far end. His father's expression was stern.
— Arisawa! — he bellowed.
— You are a noble now! At eleven, it's time to leave behind childish hobbies and behave like a true noble.
Arisawa paused, silent. But his mother interjected in a soft, calm voice:
— I think hobbies are very important. Besides, Arisawa's swords are quite exquisite.
Young Kagura jumped in excitedly:
— Yes! My brother makes amazing swords! I've never seen anyone better!
Arisawa felt proud of his sister's words, sitting upright with a smile:
— Of course I make good swords. One day, I'll be the best swordsmith in the kingdom.
His father furrowed his brow, speaking sharply:
— That won't happen! When you grow up, you will inherit this palace. You must carry the responsibilities of the Riven family.
Arisawa met his father's gaze with resolve:
— I can handle both. Don't you have hobbies too, father?
At that, his father's tone softened.
— Yes, I have hobbies… but I never mix them with my priorities.
Kagura proudly shouted by her brother's side:
— My brother is amazing! He can do anything!
Arisawa laughed, ruffling his hair:
— Of course I can do anything. Don't worry, Kagura, one day you'll be just as good.
But his little sister muttered, frowning:
— There are only two years between us… but I'm not good at anything.
A moment of silence fell. Arisawa quickly responded:
— Don't say that. If you work hard, you'll achieve your dreams. I believe in you.
Their mother added her support:
— Yes, we all believe in you. You're very talented in my eyes.
Arisawa smiled, concluding firmly:
— One day, you'll be a member of the council, Kagura.
The child's eyes lit up instantly, fists clenched:
— That's right! I'll become a council member one day! I'll never give up!
His father, stern but approving, said:
— A Riven family member in the council… that would be good.
The tension at the table eased. Kagura quickly finished her meal and jumped up.
— Big brother! We don't have time to play! We need to strengthen our energy!
Arisawa shook his head with a laugh:
— Alright, alright…
They left the table together and stepped into the garden. There, the Riven family's special instructor awaited them. Middle-aged, stern-eyed but caring for his students. Kagura ran up to him.
The instructor smiled and asked:
— Master Riven, why are you so excited today?
— "I need to be super strong!" Kagura panted.
Arisawa laughed:
— Looks like this time it's you who'll get tired, not me, teacher.
The instructor smiled and opened his hands:
— Then prepare yourselves, let's begin training.
— Alright!!
Hours of energy training began. The two siblings pushed each other, learning to control their powers, falling and rising again. After three hours, they collapsed, drenched in sweat.
The instructor chuckled:
— Weren't you supposed to tire me out this time? Yet it seems you're the ones exhausted.
Kagura panted, stubbornly shouting:
— I'm not done yet!
But Arisawa stopped her:
— Kagura, don't you remember? Yesterday, father said we'd be going to Eldravon.
— Ah! Yes… I completely forgot!
The instructor intervened:
— Then let's end today's training.
The siblings nodded and started walking home. Kagura approached her brother excitedly:
— Big brother… what kind of place is Eldravon?
— How many times have we been there? Are you still asking?
— But we always go to the council palace! I want to see the city.
Arisawa paused, looking at his sister. He knew their father would never allow it, but seeing the excitement in Kagura's eyes, he smiled inwardly.
— Alright, alright. We'll explore the city.
— What?! How??
Arisawa winked:
— Leave that to me.
It was early morning. The sky was a gray veil over the city, and the wind blew cool from the forest. Arisawa and young Kagura hurriedly dressed, packing a few items into their bags—blankets, a couple of pieces of bread, and Arisawa's mysterious orange-colored drink.
Kagura held the bottle, inspecting it carefully.
— Big brother… this smells kind of weird.
Arisawa answered seriously:
— It's my special recipe. It'll help us on the journey.
Although she didn't fully understand, she nodded. As they descended the stairs, the quiet of the house pressed down on them ominously. In the courtyard, a carriage waited. Their father scrutinized them sternly while the guard stood by the horses.
Their father approached his son and daughter.
— So you've arrived. Good, we won't waste time.
Kagura asked timidly:
— W-won't mother come?
His father's reply was brief and firm:
— No. Your mother will not be joining us today.
The siblings lowered their heads silently. Just as they were about to board, their father noticed the items in their hands.
— That blanket and… that strange orange drink, what's all that?
Arisawa didn't break his composure.
— For sleeping on the road. And this drink is my special recipe.
His father furrowed his brows but said nothing.
— I see. — and sat by the driver.
Arisawa, Kagura, and the guard took the back of the carriage. The wheels began to turn, horses' hooves echoing through the forest.
The journey lasted hours. On narrow forest paths, glimpses of the sky appeared through the trees. Soon, a magnificent sight emerged on the horizon: the palaces of Eldravon… twelve massive structures visible even beyond the mist.
Kagura shouted in awe:
— Big brother, look! There… huge buildings!
Arisawa smiled faintly, nodding:
— Yes. These are the palaces of the twelve council members.
He then turned to the guard beside him:
— Hey, guard, I want you to test this special liquid.
The guard took the bottle without hesitation.
— At your command.
After one sip, his face contorted.
— This liquid… is extremely sour!
Arisawa raised his eyebrows, nodding seriously.
— Understood. Thanks for testing. I suppose I won't be drinking it myself.
Kagura burst out laughing. The guard scratched his head, about to speak, but his lips trembled and he collapsed.
Arisawa murmured softly:
— Stage one complete. Now let's approach Eldravon… then move on to stage two.
Kagura nodded, her eyes filled with a mix of fear and excitement.
When the carriage reached the city gates, Arisawa spread the blanket. He turned to his sister:
— Ready? Let's jump.
As the carriage slowed, they leapt out simultaneously, rolling on the ground and kicking up dust. Arisawa immediately checked his sister.
— Kagura, are you okay?
The young girl nodded excitedly:
— I'm fine, big brother! That was amazing!!
Before them, the capital of Velmorya, Eldravon, rose in all its glory. Massive walls, golden roofs, towering palaces… The streets were crowded with people, and the scents of spices from the market filled the air.
Kagura whispered in awe:
— A-awe-inspiring…
Arisawa squinted and smiled.
— Absolutely.
As the two walked through the bustling streets of the city, a loud, energetic man approached them. Broad-shouldered and smiling, he called out:
— Hello! I'm Takari. I take it this is your first time here?
Arisawa looked him over carefully.
— Yes, it is.
Takari grinned and continued:
— There are many beautiful places you haven't seen yet. If you like, I can show you around.
Kagura jumped up with excitement.
— Really?!
Arisawa furrowed his brow.
— Why would you show us around?
Takari shrugged in a friendly manner.
— I like helping people.
Arisawa immediately shook his head.
— No, we'll pass.
But Kagura looked at him with pleading eyes.
— Please… Mr. Takari doesn't seem bad.
Arisawa sighed deeply inside. He couldn't refuse his sister.
— Alright. But we need to be careful.
Takari led the way, with them following behind through the streets. Indeed, every turn revealed even more magnificent sights. Slowly, Arisawa's suspicion began to fade.
After a while, Takari turned into a narrow alley.
— Behind this street is Eldravon's most beautiful avenue.
Arisawa raised a skeptical brow.
— Are you sure? There aren't many people here.
Takari smiled mockingly.
— Don't worry… you'll see.
But as they turned the corner, Takari suddenly stopped. The siblings looked on in surprise.
— Mr. Takari, why did we stop? — Kagura asked.
The man's friendly smile twisted into a menacing expression.
— So easy… to trick children like you.
Kagura gasped.
— T-Takari… what are you saying?
Arisawa pulled his sister behind him, trying to run. But suddenly, two men leapt down from the rooftops, blocking their path.
Their eyes glinted with greed.
— Who are these kids?
— Weren't you bringing the rich ones?
Takari laughed.
— These are nobles. Their families will pay handsomely.
Kagura trembled.
— M-money? Big brother… what are they saying?
Arisawa stayed calm, though his heart raced.
— Stay calm, Kagura.
But Takari lunged forward, reaching for Kagura. Arisawa threw himself in front of his sister with all his strength. A punch hit his stomach, and he fell. But he got back up, standing in front of her again.
The men laughed.
— Look, look… trying to be a hero.
All three attacked Arisawa at once, knocking him down and kicking him mercilessly. His face was covered in blood. Kagura screamed in terror.
— Stop!! Leave my brother alone!!
But the men didn't care. The blows continued. Arisawa, bloodied, looked at his sister and whispered through gritted teeth:
— K-Kagura… run… escape…
The little girl froze, tears streaming down her face.
— But… brother!
— P-please… run…
Finally, Kagura screamed and bolted. Takari shouted in rage:
— As if we'd let you!
Despite his injuries, Arisawa made one last stand. Takari froze.
— Still alive, huh?
Arisawa smiled at his sister. His face was bloodied, his breath weak, but that smile never faded.
Takari began to gather energy into his fist, furious. The men panicked.
— Hey! You'll kill him!
— SHUT UP!! — Takari roared, swinging his fist at Arisawa.
But just then, a powerful hand grabbed his arm. Takari's eyes widened in horror.
Before them stood a palace soldier, shining armor gleaming in the dim light.
The men saw the soldier and ran in panic. Takari flailed.
— Hey! Don't leave me!! Help!!
The soldier's voice was icy.
— Attacking someone with energy for no reason… an attempt at murder. You'll rot in a cage for most of your life.
With a single punch, he sent Takari crashing to the ground and chained him up.
Kagura ran to her brother, sobbing.
The soldier nodded.
— If your sister hadn't warned me, you'd already be dead. Thank her.
Arisawa smiled, placing a hand on his sister's hair.
— You saved my life, Kagura… thank you.
Kagura sobbed loudly.
— But why, brother?! You were dying to protect me! It's all my fault!!
Arisawa opened his arms and hugged her tightly.
— Because you're my sister. I'll protect you, no matter what.
The little girl cried even harder, pressing against her brother's chest.
The soldier handed them over to their parents. Their father's face was filled with anger and disappointment. Seeing their children in such a state, he decided to return home immediately.
When they arrived home at midnight, their mother was shocked to see Arisawa's bloodied face.
— What… what have you done!? — she shouted.
Arisawa and Kagura quietly went to their rooms. That night, neither of them could sleep for a long time.
The night was silent. Or at least, it seemed so.
Arisawa tossed and turned in bed, sleep heavy on his eyelids but his inner unrest refusing to let him rest. The only light came from the pale moon filtering through the window—but even the moonlight felt different tonight, as if warning of something to come.
After staring at the ceiling for a while, he went to the window. Placing his hands on the sill, he took a deep breath. Mist waves hovered over the forest, flickering in the moonlight. And then… he heard something strange.
Voices.
At first, he thought it was the wind. But listening closely, he realized it wasn't. Whispers, muffled conversations… as if a group of people were conspiring in the silence of the night.
He frowned, immediately moving to his sister's room. Peeking inside, he found Kagura sitting on her bed, hands on her knees. When their eyes met, she jumped up.
— Brother… what are you doing here? Can't sleep either? — she asked anxiously.
Arisawa nodded silently.
— Some sounds… do you hear them?
Kagura didn't understand at first, then listened. Within seconds, she too heard them. Heavy, muffled male voices… whispers… footsteps.
Her eyes widened with fear.
— Brother, what's happening?
Arisawa's expression grew serious.
— I don't know. Let's go to Mom and Dad.
The two moved down the corridor. The stone walls of the palace glowed dimly by candlelight, but at this hour, everything looked far more ominous. Their footsteps echoed, making the sounds feel even closer.
Finally, they reached the room where their parents stayed. Arisawa opened the door and his heart sank.
Their parents were in a panic, hurriedly packing suitcases. The room was in chaos; cupboards emptied, chests opened, clothes scattered everywhere.
— W-what's happening!? — Arisawa shouted.
His mother tried to calm down at the sight of them but couldn't hide the panic.
— Arisawa, Kagura… nothing has happened.
Their father's voice was sharp.
— Go to your rooms!
Arisawa stepped forward.
— But… why are you packing?
His father's tone grew sterner.
— I said nothing's wrong! Go to your rooms immediately!
Helpless, Arisawa pulled his sister along. As they walked down the corridor, Kagura whispered:
— Brother… why were they packing?
Arisawa bit his lip.
— I don't know. We'll ask them tomorrow.
But the dark feeling settling in his chest only grew heavier.
Their room was pitch-black. Kagura clung tighter to her brother.
— Brother… I'm scared. Don't leave me.
Arisawa stroked her head.
— Alright. Tonight, I'll stay with you.
Kagura lay down. As her eyelids grew heavy, Arisawa moved to the window, watching the moonlight. But then, the sounds returned—louder, closer, more numerous.
Neighing horses. Shouts of men. And suddenly… the shattering of glass.
It sounded as if the palace itself was being torn apart.
Arisawa's face darkened. He quickly drew the curtain. The growing fear felt like a stone in his throat. He stayed by his sister until she fell asleep. But as soon as she did, he intended to leave the room.
Just as he reached the door… he felt a strange warmth.
At first, he thought it was sweat. But no. This was no ordinary heat. It radiated from within, scorching him.
When he opened the door, his eyes widened in horror.
The corridor was engulfed in flames.
Red fire licked the stone walls, collapsing wooden beams one by one, turning everything to hell.
— W-what is this! These flames… we must get out!
Arisawa ran, carrying Kagura on his back, covering her mouth with his arm, dodging through the burning corridor. He reached the stairs but tripped on a knife.
— Aaahhh!
His leg was deeply cut, blood pouring. But he didn't let go of his sister. Crawling, he pushed forward.
At the end of the corridor, he saw the door—and his parents!
— Mom! Dad! We're here!
His mother turned, eyes wide.
— Ch-children… they're inside!!
His father gritted his teeth.
— Forget them! We need to leave now! Or we'll die!
His mother hesitated, looking at her burning children. Tears filled her eyes. Finally… she turned and climbed into the carriage.
Arisawa's heart shattered. He screamed, tears streaming.
But he looked at Kagura. Trying to wake her:
— Kagura! Kagura! Get up!!
But she didn't move. Silent as if in a deep sleep. Panic consumed him.
— Kagura… Kagura! Please get up!!
He carried her. Her leg was bloodied, her skin burned by the flames. Yet he pressed forward. The pain was unimaginable, every second a battle against the fire consuming her.
Time passed. Minutes? Hours? He didn't know. The pain never stopped.
Clutching his sister amidst the flames, he looked down. His eyes widened.
Kagura was gone from his arms.
Only ashes and bones remained.
— Ka… gu… ra…
Tears streaming from his eyes evaporated before reaching his cheeks.
His body continued to burn. Arms, legs… even bone was exposed. Yet he did not die. Days? Hours? He couldn't remember.
The pain gradually faded. Slowly… he no longer felt the burn. Fire still raged around him, but his body no longer reacted.
Trembling, he stood.
— W-what… what's happening… why am I not burning… how…
The palace was reduced to ashes. Arisawa stood alive amidst the ruins. No hunger, no thirst. Only emptiness.
He emerged from the wreckage. Days must have passed. Deep in the forest, he spotted a horse. The animal recoiled in fear. Yet Arisawa approached and mounted it.
He set his course for the capital, Eldravon.
Destroyed, burned, having lost everything… and now transformed into something far beyond human.