x
Darkness. Nothing but an endless void.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2wXxc7HEB
Kumuna felt weightless, floating in the empty abyss. No sound, no sensation—just silence stretching infinitely in every direction.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6aou0OBNAQ
Was he dreaming? Was he dead?
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNycoHyc5A
He wasn’t sure.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9OqpRBBHZ
Then—
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiZCEmc0rU
A soft chime echoed around him.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIAfuTX07Ts
A solid floor materialized beneath his feet, stabilizing him, while a blue light pulsed around the floating platform.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsYrPbFUBb
He turned his head, eyes widening as a glowing blue screen flickered into existence before him.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYJdWqOd9A
⸻
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3yWL7K6q7
PLAYER: KUMUNA ROLIN
LEVEL: 1
RACE: HUMAN
CLASS: UNASSIGNED
CHARACTER LOADING…
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnC4kvrFFD
⸻
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjERBvjzVU
Kumuna blinked at the floating text. “Okay… this is weird.”
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2qDdCaB88
He reached out, attempting to touch the glowing screen, but his fingers passed through it like mist.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVo4j1GXcqv
He arched a brow. “Huh. Well, shit…”
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgngaWbVZu
Then—
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kscbYbY5p
A sudden pull.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4yuTInp5tF
His stomach flipped as gravity reasserted itself, yanking him downward. The void around him twisted, colors blending together in a chaotic swirl before—
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYqRqkmkZ6
Light.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tQY3Amxhc
Blinding, golden light.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFaXSnhYVT
⸻
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkORKobDix
The Throne Room of the Gilded Empire
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZUphgBNOR
Kumuna crashed onto a polished marble floor with an audible thud.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPzzhalAYj
“Ow—damn!” He groaned, rubbing the back of his head. “Could’ve given a guy a warning first… stupid screen.”
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYIpUpCr0R
As he sat up, his vision sharpened, revealing his surroundings—massive golden pillars stretching toward a domed ceiling, elaborate banners of gold and deep crimson draped across the walls, and a polished floor that gleamed beneath him. The scent of burning incense and metal filled the air, creating an atmosphere of both grandeur and intimidation.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0KFfxLINj
And seated before him, on an enormous golden throne, was a king.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KEV3abQzz
His presence was overwhelming. A ruler in every sense of the word. His golden cape draped over his powerful shoulders, his piercing brown eyes regarding Kumuna with careful calculation. His neatly trimmed beard, his dark weathered skin, and the sheer authority radiating from him made it clear—this was King Rhaegor Lysandor, ruler of the Gilded Empire.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZ6TBUMzul
Beside him stood a young man in fine royal attire—his son, no doubt—with a sharp, composed expression.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEF8F7mn1d4
And surrounding them—
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ytucsntqL
Ten warriors.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqy1zTyiVc
They stood in a semi-circle around the throne, each exuding sheer strength and power, clad in elaborate battle-worn armor, their weapons resting at their sides.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf16Kt7Ry4U
A mix of expressions met Kumuna’s arrival—some intrigued, others indifferent.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99Bzw81tDD
“Well now,” Kumuna muttered, pushing himself up. “Ain’t this fancy.”
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZ4nHNajB7
The warriors stiffened at his casual attitude.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmeeWbNmFI
Then—
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULqYpxrRuV
A scoff.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLw9zSuoWiW
A burly man, arms crossed, his jaw clenched with visible disdain. “This… child is supposed to be our hero?” His voice was deep, dripping with disbelief and irritation. “Surely, the gods have made a mistake.”
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxSPZ5gn9Q
Kumuna glanced at the man—a walking fortress of muscle, clad in heavily plated armor with deep scars running along his arms. His eyes burned with clear disapproval.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHx27UGMbC8
However, Kumuna remained unfazed. He stood to his feet, dusted himself off, stretched, and smirked.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWewwAcOjM
“Damn, dude. A little rude for someone you just met.”
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8fAfQbp6L
A few of the warlords chuckled, but the displeased one wasn’t amused. He took a step forward, sneering.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0sSs1sxnX
“A mere boy cannot possibly be the savior of this world. We have spent lifetimes honing our skills, leading armies, and protecting this land. Why should we entrust our fate to someone so… insignificant?”
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsleuj7Pzz
Kumuna tilted his head. “Damn, dude. We just met. Why are you hating on me this early?”
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Fb740rH6x
The man’s glare hardened, seemingly ready to argue further, but before he could, a stern commanding voice cut through the air.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DUhUcZWyy
“Kai’Zen,” the king’s voice echoed through the throne room, calm yet laced with authority. “Enough.”
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75nCIcb4yd
Kai’Zen clenched his fists, still glaring at Kumuna. After a tense moment, he exhaled sharply, turning toward the king.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbVI62gylt
With reluctant obedience, he bowed. “Apologies, Your Majesty,” he said, though his tone was anything but sincere. He then turned sharply, storming out of the throne room, but not before giving Kumuna one last glare.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNYVKiyezi
Kumuna watched him go, lips pursed. “That dude’s got issues.”
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5E31qdjquo
A few of the warriors chuckled again, but others remained indifferent.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvzDKhig98
The king finally chuckled softly, stepping forward, placing a firm hand on Kumuna’s shoulder.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡribLqQ9BT5
“You must forgive Kai’Zen,” Rhaegor said. “He is a warrior of great pride—one who has fought in countless battles. He sees strength as something earned, not given.”
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfM9M503SG1
Kumuna shrugged. “It’s okay, I’ve dealt with a few people like him before… a lot, actually.”
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9rZRwLpcT
The king laughed heartily. “Well, you can expect a lot more from him.”
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlBc3hqvw2
He then gestured to himself and his son. “Allow me to properly introduce myself. I am King Rhaegor Lysandor, ruler of the Gilded Empire. And this—” he gestured to the young man beside him, “is my son, Prince Verric Lysandor.”
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5g41TzcjkW
The prince gave a slight nod, his expression reserved. “An honor to meet you, Hero.”
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fH56sZSF6
Kumuna grinned. “Nice to meet ya too, Prince V.”
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSFQ8OpHZB
The prince raised a brow at the nickname but chose not to comment.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssX6hH3KrZ
King Rhaegor continued, taking a step forward, his deep voice carrying throughout the grand throne room. “These warriors before you are the Ten Heavenly Warlords—the strongest warriors in the Gilded Empire. They are my most trusted champions, masters of war, and now, your mentors. They will train you, shape you, and if necessary, break you so that you may become the warrior the gods intended you to be.”
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVjcNIa7dA
Kumuna’s eyes scanned the group. Each of them carried an aura of sheer power, their presences nearly suffocating. Some looked amused, others indifferent, and a few downright unimpressed.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUakbLarWI
One by one, they stepped forward.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbogqD5qd5
The first to step forward was a tall, lean half-elf woman with flowing silver hair and piercing emerald eyes. She moved with an effortless grace, and the way she carried her rapier, resting elegantly at her hip, told him she was used to ending fights in a single stroke.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVt7bX86pc
She looked him over, not with disdain, but with an appraising gaze.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XVx5aI7mF
“I am Seraphis, The Silver Tempest. Half-elf, strategist, and master duelist,” she said smoothly, her voice carrying the weight of authority. “I specialize in speed and precision combat. If you lack discipline, you will be useless to me. But if you prove yourself, I will make sure you wield your blade with purpose.”
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLImd0GRM6
Kumuna smirked. “Precision, huh? Not gonna lie, I’ve never been great at being ‘graceful.’ But hey, if you’re willing to teach, I’ll learn.”
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxJrcm7eVv
Seraphis didn’t smile, but something in her expression softened slightly before she stepped back into line.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PmF78x3Lv
Next, a short, stocky dwarf stomped forward. His burly frame was wrapped in heavy armor, and his thick beard was woven into tight braids. A large tower shield rested against the ground beside him, nearly as tall as he was.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpBueik1mc
“Garran, The Unbroken Shield. Dwarf, defense specialist, and master of endurance,” he rumbled, his voice deep and steady. “You got strength in those legs, lad? No? Well, you better find it, ‘cause I’ll have you carrying weight till your bones scream. A warrior without endurance is a corpse waiting to happen.”
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqf5lOW4gMe
Kumuna rubbed his chin, nodding. “Endurance, huh? I dunno, man, I’m pretty fast, but I’d rather not carry my own coffin before the fight even starts.”
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhaXIKQtmEs
Garran let out a loud laugh. “Ha! You’re quick-witted, I’ll give you that. But speed means nothing if you can’t take a hit. I’ll make sure you can stand your ground.”
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzm0qyPVyNd
Next to step forward was a beastling, his body lean and toned with sharp, wolf-like features. His golden eyes flickered with animalistic intensity, and the curved twin blades strapped to his back looked deadly sharp.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAC1UeBX2Q
“I’m Orwin, The Fangs of War. Beastling, hunter, assassin.” His voice was smooth, yet carried a dangerous edge. “You might’ve been chosen, but if you can’t hunt, if you can’t track, you’ll die before you even reach the battlefield. Survive my training, and we’ll talk.”
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXORSgAUbes
Kumuna gave a casual thumbs-up. “Survive, huh? That sounds like a challenge.”
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8ke8LErUy
Orwin grinned, revealing sharp canines. “It is.”
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0cxPPMVgj
A hooded figure emerged next—cloaked in shadows, her movements eerily silent. Even standing still, she gave the impression of someone who could disappear at a moment’s notice.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6DR66cXO1
“I am Veska, The Phantom Dancer. Human. Rogue. Assassin.” Her voice was barely above a whisper, yet it carried across the room with a ghostly presence. “Weakness is unforgivable. In battle, hesitation is death. You either strike first, or you die first.”
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI198dvSBvo
Kumuna raised an eyebrow. “And if I don’t want to be an assassin?”
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJLq6UGBvB
Veska tilted her head slightly, her expression unreadable beneath her mask. “Then you will still learn. Knowing how to kill ensures you know how to survive.”
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5MnYvrmrd
“…Okay, fair point,” he admitted.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmqa08FsMp
A towering mountain of a man stepped forward next, arms crossed over his broad chest. His fiery red and blonde hair, along with his thick beard, made him look as if he had stepped straight out of a war saga. He rested a massive warhammer against his shoulder, his muscles flexing beneath his armor.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIkm9IVA45
“Torvas, The Crimson Thunder. Human. Berserker. Wrecker of battlefields.” His voice boomed like rolling thunder. “I don’t do delicate. I don’t do careful. I break things—armor, bones, and men. If you can’t keep up, I’ll leave you in the dust. But if you survive my training? You’ll hit like a war god.” He smirked, tilting his hammer slightly toward Kumuna. “Let’s see if you got the guts, little hero.”
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSKcgwLpFu
Kumuna gave him a challenging grin. “I mean, I’d rather not get crushed on my first day, but if breaking things is part of the job, sign me up.”
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauYxloEDvY
A sharp contrast to Torvas, the next warrior was a lean, wiry man with flame-like tattoos covering his arms. His black hair was streaked with red, and a massive greatsword rested on his back, flickering with embers.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWWmRi4X5x
“Rivis, The Blazing Storm. Human. Fire wielder. Battlefield sweeper.” His crimson eyes burned with excitement as he twirled a flicker of fire between his fingers. “I like battles. The heat. The chaos. The thrill of watching weaklings crumble.” His smirk widened, flashing sharp teeth. “Don’t bore me, kid. If you do, I might just turn up the heat.”
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SkMbXrt1o
Kumuna chuckled. “I don’t plan on being anyone’s kindling, but you do have a cool entrance, I’ll give you that.”
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnG0yPFjdKu
Next was a woman—cool, calculated, and utterly unshaken. Her icy blue gaze pierced through Kumuna as if she could see straight into his soul. Her black and silver hair was braided down her back, and a frost-covered halberd rested at her side.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSHBzC8eAk
“Mira, The Frost Valkyrie. Human. Ice wielder. War tactician.” Her voice was crisp, emotionless. “Strength means nothing without control. Power without discipline leads to ruin. If you wish to be a warrior, you will learn precision, patience, and restraint. If you do not—” her cold eyes narrowed, “—you will break.”
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA64JJgzbSU
Kumuna exhaled, nodding. “You sound a little scary, not gonna lie.”
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJVBg3tKVE
Mira blinked. “Good.”
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCI2JJUoCa
Kumuna wasn’t sure if she was joking.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdNffuVASi
A hulking figure stepped forward, towering even over Torvas. His massive frame was covered in heavy armor, thick plates layered over muscle upon muscle. He carried a battle axe that looked like it could cleave through mountains. Unlike the others, he did not speak immediately.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6JOc8hFfF
Kumuna blinked. “And you are…?”
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs35elBbHEF
The man let out a low grunt.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBBmBZPwj7
“Darius, The Iron Juggernaut. Half-orc.” His voice was deep and gravelly, few words wasted. “I crush.”
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhFEpeEqmh
“…That’s it?”
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSo3tiZ7rHe
Darius stared at him. “That’s all that matters.”
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNXNi2UQqX
Kumuna nodded slowly. “Alright, man, I respect the simplicity.”
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbmWJ86VJb
The last warlord, dressed in a blend of armor and mage robes, stepped forward with a smirk. He carried twin curved blades, each glowing faintly with infused magic. His sharp violet eyes studied Kumuna with amusement.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Qhh9MuW77
“Well, well,” he mused. “Our ‘Hero’ doesn’t look like much.”
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBv5TBmh2it
Kumuna sighed. “Man, you guys gotta stop saying that.”
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrxiQXhz6P
Ronan chuckled. “Ronan, The Arcane Gladiator. Human. Spellblade. Master of the arcane arts.” He flourished one of his swords, the runes glowing brighter. “You’re cocky. That’s not necessarily a bad thing—confidence fuels progress. But make sure it’s backed up with skill, or you’ll be nothing but an overconfident corpse.” He sheathed his blades, tilting his head. “Try not to die too quickly, yeah?”
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMA4x5Id5Rf
Kumuna shrugged. “I’ll try my best. Can’t make any promises.”
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNwRFtCw0k
The warlords exchanged glances before stepping back, their introductions complete.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTeV7kiheF
King Rhaegor spoke once more. “Your training begins tomorrow.”
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqudLXCTH1T
Kumuna stretched. “Alright. Sounds fun.”
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4WUK8uTC6
Prince Verric raised a brow. “You don’t seem very… concerned.”
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CHehaUt0U
Kumuna shrugged. “Why worry? This is exciting. I get magic, badass teachers, and a whole kingdom backing me up? What’s not to like?”
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvt4Penai8w
Kai’Zen scoffed. “Arrogant brat.” He mumbled in the corner of the room.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYpuKelxoI
Kumuna smirked at him. “I heard that You’ll warm up to me eventually.”
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pSTFnVtTM
Kai’Zen rolled his eyes and left the room, for real this time.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1J6yOSWZEq
Kumuna chuckled to himself “Very uptight”
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjLar5PfFc
“You’ll get used to it,” Orwin spoke patting Kumana on the shoulder.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhxbbHmvjF
“If you say so…” Kumuna sighed.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5YH1bMjmF
A Moment of Reflection
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSR9K6UsHq
Later, Kumuna was escorted to his chambers—massive, luxurious, far too fancy for his taste. A king-sized bed, velvet curtains, a balcony overlooking the city—it was wealth beyond anything he had ever seen.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjtAyYvMtW
He flopped onto the bed, stretching his arms behind his head.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHiLBHUei6Q
“Man… this is crazy.”
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHOtHb1KYs
But despite his confidence, his thoughts drifted.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mGifwb0vI
Kaida, Tsubaki, Mishell.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWE94l5jLnT
Where were they?
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Qxztybyso
Were they safe?
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk62ySkBfhK
His grin faded slightly, his expression thoughtful. He exhaled slowly, staring up at the ceiling. He couldn’t worry too much just yet—he had no answers, and panicking wouldn’t help.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRSWxakptB
Still…
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOGsjavzaf
“Hope you guys are out there,” he muttered.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnP7QKMmAN
As he lay there, exhaustion finally crept in.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBFXHOOfgY
His eyelids grew heavy.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXj7miwuihH
And soon—
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPOjzfX78c
Sleep took him.
116Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70GwWAX5YS
Tomorrow, his journey would begin.
