The story that begins now takes place in Palaniya, a country isolated from the rest of the world. At the same time, Palaniya is an island surrounded by a vast and endless sea, as if nothing existed beyond its dark waters. For decades, this place was known for its stability and prosperity, but that was now just a distant memory.
At the center of this narrative was Wang, a seventeen-year-old boy.
He wore the standard school uniform: simple black clothes, without any flashy details. His physique was average, neither too thin nor too robust. His dark hair fell haphazardly over his forehead, and his black eyes held a serious, almost cold look, unusual for someone his age.
At that moment, Wang was being cornered by three students from a rival institution.
He had no involvement in territorial disputes between schools. Even so, he had been chosen as an example—a silent warning to the others. Since leaving school, he had realized he was being followed. Minutes passed until, upon entering a secluded street, the feeling of being watched was confirmed.
Without hesitation, Wang voluntarily entered a dead-end alley, filled with rusty garbage bins. He walked to the end, turned, and faced the three young men surrounding him.
One of them, visibly larger and more confident, stepped forward. His smile carried arrogance and contempt.
"You're on our school grounds," the student said cynically. "Don't you know the rules? Or are you too stupid to understand?"
He laughed.
"Maybe I should teach you now… no. Better yet: you'll serve as an example."
Wang sighed, maintaining his composure.
"Can't we just pretend this didn't happen?" he replied. "I have no problem with any of you. I'm not even part of these idiotic fights. I just study at another school… and honestly, this is all a waste of time."
They wouldn't listen.
The three raised their fists and spread out around Wang, grinning like confident predators. Suddenly, the largest of them shouted, giving the signal.
They attacked simultaneously.
None landed.
Wang moved with impressive precision, dodging by inches. Then he lunged forward. His fists struck stomachs and faces with calculated force. In seconds, the three bullies were on the ground, groaning, unable to get up.
"Just leave me alone," Wang said, his voice firm. "Let's pretend this never happened. I won't tell anyone. I'm in my last year, I've never had trouble here."
He stared at them.
"You've been fighting for three years. That's why this school is in decline. The best students left… and that's why even someone like me managed to get in here. The tuition became too cheap."
Without waiting for a reply, Wang turned his back and walked away.
The road to his house was long and almost deserted.
Wang lived in a poor area, marked by crime and neglect. It was there that he had learned to fight to survive. His father, now deceased, had taught him to confront people—but had never spoken to him about morality or ethics. That, Wang had learned from his mother… who had also recently died.
The suburb where he lived was controlled by a gang. Fortunately, only one faction dominated the area, maintaining a fragile peace—as long as the monthly fee was paid.
After almost an hour's walk, Wang arrived at his house. It wasn't beautiful, nor comfortable. Rustic, simple, perhaps that was the best description. He survived on the savings left by his parents, waiting to turn eighteen so he could work legally.
The television was on, as always.
The country was collapsing.
News reports spoke of territorial conflicts, financial crisis, gangs stronger than the government. Corruption eroded any remaining vestige of state credibility. Everything indicated that the definitive fall of order was only a matter of time.
Palaniya was divided into three major forces.
The weakened government still tried to maintain democracy with obsolete technology, worn-out weapons, and few soldiers.
The Shogunate, a brutal group inspired in a distorted way by ancient samurai. They wore leather and metal armor, red and purple uniforms. They had no honor. Only violence. Their leader, Shogun Gangon, was known for his cruelty.
And finally, the Knights of Steel—a mysterious, rapidly expanding group. They wore clothes that imitated silver armor and possessed magic and ancient artifacts. They preached the destruction of modern technology, believing that only strength and magic could save the island.
Wang lived in an area disputed between the government and the Shogunate.
Screams at night were common.
The next day, Wang went to school as if nothing had happened.
He saw the same boys in the hallways. They stared at him… but didn't approach. Something was wrong. Still, Wang ignored it and continued studying until the end of the term.
Leaving school, he followed his usual route.
Until, as he passed through an alley, someone forcefully shoved him inside.
Wang rolled on the ground, but quickly got up.
The same three students were there.
"You again?" Wang said. "Didn't I make it clear I don't want trouble?"
The tallest one appeared among them, holding a sword encased in a dark sheath.
"I got this from some contacts," he said, laughing. "A cursed sword. They say it can cut even thoughts."
He pointed at Wang.
"After we kill you, we'll loot your house. You're alone. Nobody will miss you."
Laughing, the student tried to draw the sword. It resisted, but with effort, it came out of the sheath.
However…
There was no blade.
A black smoke began to spread.
"What the hell is this?!" shouted the bully. "Is this sword fake?!"
"Looks like trusting suspicious people wasn't such a good idea," Wang commented. — But this smoke… is it gathering?
The smoke began to take shape.
A humanoid silhouette emerged, slowly descending to the alley's exit. A being dressed entirely in black, wearing a mask, revealing only bright blue eyes.
— I've finally been freed from that filthy sword… — said the creature. — But where am I? This isn't Vram…
Before anyone could react, the being turned into smoke and passed through the students, appearing behind them.
Quick strikes.
The three fell to the ground, unconscious. The last one, who was at the alley's entrance, fled in desperation.
Wang took a deep breath.
— Great… now I'm alone with a spirit or whatever you are. Those idiots knew it was cursed… and opened it anyway.
The creature slowly turned its face to Wang.
— Great… — it said, in a somber tone. — Now it's just you left.