Chapter One: The Red Knight
Riven walked down a normal, quiet path like any ordinary person would.
Man… I'm hungry, he thought. Why can't anyone acknowledge the Red Knight… ME!
He looked like an average man in his twenties nothing special at first glance. A red Hawaiian shirt hung loosely on him, paired with shorts, and a navy-blue cloak draped over his shoulders. A cutlass rested at his side.
Man, I hate having this red chi, Riven thought bitterly. Everyone thinks I'm a cursed wizard.
Once, Riven had been one of the strongest knights of his order, proudly serving his kingdom. That all changed the day he unlocked his chi. Chi was barely known in his lands, and when the other knights witnessed it, fear spread instantly. The king, the knights—everyone saw him as a curse.
They stripped him of his knight armor. They took his knight sword.
And then they banished him.
Now, Riven walked through foreign lands like a normal person. He chose a cutlass—not because it was perfect, but because it made him feel like a knight again. Even if it was a pirate's sword.
As he wandered, Riven stumbled upon a crowded underground fight club. The noise hit him immediately—cheering, shouting, chaos.
Oh man, finally some money to earn, he thought. Can't wait to get my lunch.
He stopped to read the rules, but before he could finish, a loud voice echoed across the arena.
LISTEN UP, FOLKS! the commentator shouted. THIS FIGHT CLUB DOES NOT ALLOW WEAPONS! AND FOR THE WINNERS—500 CREDITS EACH! THAT'S A TOTAL OF 1000 CREDITS!!
The crowd erupted in cheers.
Riven froze.
Wait… each?
So it's a 2v2? Which means I need a guy with me…
He looked around, scanning the fighters nearby, until his eyes landed on a massive bald man with beads wrapped around his hands and neck. The man stood calmly, like a monk.
Excuse me there, big guy. Wanna pair up with the infamous Red Knight?
Well, you don't look like a knight to me, the man said calmly. But I'll accept it. I'm Tetsuro Arakawa.
Yoo, Tetsuro. I'm Riven.
Soon, the two stepped into the arena. Their opponents appeared—two powerful-looking aliens clad in armor bearing a strange logo.
Woah, Tetsuro. Those guys sure look strong. You think we can take them?
Maybe not. Look at the faction they're in. The Apex Gods.
Apex Gods? Oh dear… not them.
The fight began.
Bare-handed clashes echoed across the arena. One alien threw a heavy punch—Tetsuro caught it and countered. Nearby, Riven dodged a barrage of attacks before landing a flashy gut punch.
The aliens barely flinched.
They paused—then began beating them down like it was nothing more than a warm-up.
Tetsuro gathered his chi. A glowing yin-and-yang symbol formed, confusing his opponent. A focused chi punch knocked the alien out cold.
Riven was pushed to the brink. Bruised and nearly broken, he screamed.
His right arm erupted into red chi, forming a blazing red chi cutlass. With a powerful slash, he sent the alien flying through the walls.
Silence fell.
Hold up! the commentator shouted. IS THAT A WEAPON MADE FROM THIN AIR?! IS HE USING MAGIC?! I SAID NO WEAPONS ALLOWED! SECURITY—GET THOSE TWO BRATS!
Before security could reach them, a purple energy ray blasted down from the roof, drilling into the ground.
RUN EVERYONE! THERE IS AN UNKNOWN BEING CRASHING THE PARTY—RUNNN!!!
They fled the building.
A figure stomped down from the sky—purple hair, purple katana, teenage demon-like appearance.
Where is Molgathar, the demon demanded, before I slice you both.
Back off, demon, Tetsuro said, gripping his scythe-chain baton. We do not know who he is.
Very well, you brats.
Before he could strike, a four-armed warrior swung a naginata.
Get over here, you little demon!
The demon vanished in a purple flash.
Are you two boys alright? the warrior asked. I've got you now.
Who was that? And who are you?
I am Mukuroshibo, of the Stone Gods faction. That demon was Veldrin of the Throne Gods. He came searching for powerful chi and found yours instead. I felt your chis as well.
Come with me. I shall make you two worthy… and make your chis powerful.
End of Chapter One