As the sun slowly rose into the vast morning sky, golden light spilled across the land like a blessing from the heavens themselves. Creatures with wide wings soared above the clouds, their silhouettes dancing between rays of light, while below, fields of flowers bloomed in vibrant colors—reds, blues, yellows—swaying gently as the fresh morning wind swept through the trees. Leaves rustled softly, whispering secrets of a world filled with magic, destiny, and unseen danger.
In a quiet village known as Katekyo, where wooden houses stood neatly aligned and the scent of baked bread lingered in the air, a young boy suddenly sat upright in his bed.
His black hair was messy from sleep, sticking in different directions, while his crimson eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Today…!"
He clenched his blanket tightly.
"Today's the day!"
The boy, Rentaro, quickly jumped out of bed, nearly tripping over his own feet in the process. He rushed toward the door, his heart pounding with anticipation. Every child in the world waited for this moment—the day they would receive their weapon, their destiny, their identity.
At the age of seven or eight, all children underwent the sacred ritual known as the Baptism of Arms, conducted by the Holy Church. It was said that on this day, the gods themselves would look upon each child and grant them a weapon tied to their soul—a power they would carry for the rest of their life.
Rentaro burst out of his room and dashed toward the stairs.
"I'm finally gonna get mine—!"
His foot slipped.
"—WAAAH—!"
THUD!
He tumbled down the stairs in a messy roll before landing flat on the floor.
For a moment, silence filled the house.
Then—
"Rentaro!"
A woman rushed toward him, her long maroon hair flowing behind her. Her warm amber eyes were filled with concern, yet her smile carried a gentle warmth, like the sun itself.
"Are you okay?"
Rentaro slowly sat up, rubbing the back of his head.
"Yeah, Mom… I'm okay," he said with a small laugh. "I just slipped…"
His mother sighed, placing a hand on her chest.
"You're smiling even after falling down the stairs…" she said softly. "You must really be excited."
Rentaro's eyes lit up again, brighter than before.
"Of course I am! Today's the day I get my weapon! I'll finally create a bond with it… a Soul Lock!"
His mother gently placed her hand on his head, ruffling his hair.
"I know," she said. "Your father was once a great hero too."
At the mention of his father, Rentaro's expression changed. His small hands clenched into fists, filled with determination.
"Yeah!" he said. "When I grow up, I want to be just like him! Strong enough to protect everyone… strong enough to join the Aegis Seven!"
His voice echoed with pure ambition.
"I'll save people… just like he did."
His mother smiled, though there was something deeper behind it—something he didn't notice.
"I believe you will," she said softly. "The gods will surely grant you a weapon unlike any other."
She stood up and extended her hand.
"Now come on. Let's eat first."
Rentaro nodded eagerly.
"Yeah!"
After breakfast, the two set off toward the grand city known as Colossus Haizen.
The journey itself felt like stepping into another world.
As they entered the city, Rentaro's eyes widened in awe. The streets were filled with people—warriors, mages, adventurers—each carrying weapons of different shapes and sizes. Some rode flying beasts through the sky, their shadows gliding across the streets below. Others walked confidently, their weapons resting on their backs or hanging at their waists.
The energy of the city was alive—vibrant and powerful.
"I can't wait!" Rentaro said, practically bouncing with excitement. "What if I get a spear? Or a sword? Or maybe even something rare—!"
"Careful," his mother warned gently. "You might bump into someone."
"I will—!"
He turned around—
—and collided straight into a large, muscular man.
"—Ah!"
Rentaro stumbled back.
The man towered over him, his presence intimidating. A deep scar ran across his left eye, and his expression was far from friendly.
His mother quickly stepped forward.
"I'm so sorry, sir," she said, bowing slightly. "My son is just excited—"
The man scoffed.
"You should watch where you're going, kid," he said coldly. "This place isn't for children playing games."
Rentaro's expression hardened.
"Hey! I'm not a little kid!"
The man raised an eyebrow.
"Oh?"
Rentaro clenched his fists.
"After I get my baptism… I'll become the strongest Soul Lock in the whole world! Just you wait!"
For a moment, there was silence.
Then the man burst into laughter.
"Hahaha! You?" he said mockingly. "You're not even tall enough to hold a proper weapon!"
His companions laughed along with him.
"Let's go," the man said, turning away. "This kid's not worth the time."
As they walked off, Rentaro stood frozen, his hands trembling.
His mother gently held his hand.
"Don't listen to them," she said softly. "I know you'll become strong."
Rentaro took a deep breath… then smiled again.
"Yeah… I will."
They soon arrived at a massive white structure, its design elegant and sacred. A large cross of green and gold stood above its entrance, glowing faintly under the sunlight.
His mother looked down at him.
"This is it," she said. "Are you ready?"
Rentaro nodded firmly.
"Yeah."
They stepped inside.
A long blue carpet stretched across the hall, leading to a priest standing at the far end. He held a golden staff, and above it floated a glowing blue orb that pulsed with mysterious energy.
Many children were already gathered inside, each one filled with nervous excitement.
They took their seats.
The priest raised his staff.
"Let the baptism begin," he announced.
One by one, children were called forward.
The first child stepped onto the carpet and bowed her head.
The priest lifted his staff and began to chant:
"From the Infinite Weaver, a thread descends,
To bind the hand to the tool of fate.
Sky-Father, Earth-Mother, look upon this spark;
Grant them the weight to hold the world's burden.
Let the resonance begin, let the two become one,
Until the breath fails and the light fades.
Descend, O Sacred Bond!"
The orb glowed brightly.
"Say the word," the priest instructed. "Manifest."
"Manifest!"
Light formed above her hand—
—and a dagger appeared.
Applause filled the hall.
One by one, children received their weapons.
Swords. Spears. Bows. Shields.
Each one unique.
Then—
"Next."
Rentaro stepped forward.
He lowered his head.
The chant began again.
But this time…
Something felt different.
The world around him grew silent.
When he opened his eyes—
He was no longer in the church.
He stood in an endless white void.
"…Mom?"
No answer.
Then—
A crack.
Reality itself seemed to break, forming a dark, distorted void.
From it… an enormous eye emerged.
"You must be the son of Reyjun," it said.
Rentaro froze.
"Y-You know my dad?"
"Not personally," it replied. "But I owe him a debt."
The void trembled.
"I was once imprisoned… until he freed me."
Rentaro's heart pounded.
"I was told… to give you something."
The space shook violently.
"There is no time."
Before Rentaro could speak—
Everything shattered.
He returned to the church.
"…What?"
The priest looked confused.
"This… is impossible."
Murmurs spread.
"He has no weapon?"
"No element?"
"Is he cursed?"
His mother rushed forward.
"Please!" she pleaded. "Do something!"
The priest shook his head.
"I cannot."
Rentaro stood there… empty.
From that day on—
He was known as the weakest.
Years passed.
Now older, Rentaro stood before the gates of Arebalyan Academy.
Students flew, fought, and displayed their power proudly.
He tightened his grip on his bag.
"…I don't belong here."
But still—
He walked forward.
Unaware—
That the power he feared…
Was the one that could change everything