x
Darkness. Nothing but an endless void.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rNRDW5eXr
Kumuna felt weightless, floating in the empty abyss. No sound, no sensation—just silence stretching infinitely in every direction.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJAq18oRU9
Was he dreaming? Was he dead?
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDorxjohen0
He wasn’t sure.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6840DAANnn
Then—
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxNKeSto0n
A soft chime echoed around him.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvU0rk0j84K
A solid floor materialized beneath his feet, stabilizing him, while a blue light pulsed around the floating platform.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNp3SewwTQJ
He turned his head, eyes widening as a glowing blue screen flickered into existence before him.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6YHOUVQGL
⸻
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7ELNKREQH
PLAYER: KUMUNA ROLIN
LEVEL: 1
RACE: HUMAN
CLASS: UNASSIGNED
CHARACTER LOADING…
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJj6Cp34zz
⸻
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1d7QQ6rhij
Kumuna blinked at the floating text. “Okay… this is weird.”
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3OFmUyVSn
He reached out, attempting to touch the glowing screen, but his fingers passed through it like mist.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgykEOaNgD
He arched a brow. “Huh. Well, shit…”
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Jzusd9VJH
Then—
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFWxL1QAWG
A sudden pull.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KY2rOvQYz
His stomach flipped as gravity reasserted itself, yanking him downward. The void around him twisted, colors blending together in a chaotic swirl before—
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWxZaUtZkv
Light.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcOcOaDCyZN
Blinding, golden light.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJGbK747lL
⸻
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXpQeaQrV2
The Throne Room of the Gilded Empire
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3iAcw3HE3O
Kumuna crashed onto a polished marble floor with an audible thud.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvyUe6btyX
“Ow—damn!” He groaned, rubbing the back of his head. “Could’ve given a guy a warning first… stupid screen.”
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSDp8BnwmK
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.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9rdExpbnd
And seated before him, on an enormous golden throne, was a king.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGrSEdWRrr
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.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0ZcORnGZD
Beside him stood a young man in fine royal attire—his son, no doubt—with a sharp, composed expression.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjwwSc7rsd
And surrounding them—
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkatjUoGlnv
Ten warriors.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyoZbBWMka9
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.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXBFHS7bRp
A mix of expressions met Kumuna’s arrival—some intrigued, others indifferent.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQamiYSvBaZ
“Well now,” Kumuna muttered, pushing himself up. “Ain’t this fancy.”
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfuXOEmboV
The warriors stiffened at his casual attitude.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKoft0YeKZ
Then—
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbZ4KXWxSx
A scoff.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIDmrNawTc
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.”
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYIGMOSjTN
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.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPJ0mehA4V
However, Kumuna remained unfazed. He stood to his feet, dusted himself off, stretched, and smirked.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fsFao6YyO
“Damn, dude. A little rude for someone you just met.”
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJo0ztnrLSE
A few of the warlords chuckled, but the displeased one wasn’t amused. He took a step forward, sneering.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKaHEaFsyS
“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?”
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg56ikNndMt
Kumuna tilted his head. “Damn, dude. We just met. Why are you hating on me this early?”
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZLgSnKAVJ
The man’s glare hardened, seemingly ready to argue further, but before he could, a stern commanding voice cut through the air.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAvmMpKSNC
“Kai’Zen,” the king’s voice echoed through the throne room, calm yet laced with authority. “Enough.”
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmGXOadpKU
Kai’Zen clenched his fists, still glaring at Kumuna. After a tense moment, he exhaled sharply, turning toward the king.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WokFIJiq7
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.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIetoxieQg
Kumuna watched him go, lips pursed. “That dude’s got issues.”
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejXgO7ArCD
A few of the warriors chuckled again, but others remained indifferent.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjZVIwG8Bx
The king finally chuckled softly, stepping forward, placing a firm hand on Kumuna’s shoulder.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPbaFe5dyq
“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.”
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUxEiJodVy
Kumuna shrugged. “It’s okay, I’ve dealt with a few people like him before… a lot, actually.”
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKd0EdHJU9
The king laughed heartily. “Well, you can expect a lot more from him.”
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkq5uByWeL
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.”
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8o8j1x0k0l
The prince gave a slight nod, his expression reserved. “An honor to meet you, Hero.”
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhAKvXqlmi
Kumuna grinned. “Nice to meet ya too, Prince V.”
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnEOQcRdLx
The prince raised a brow at the nickname but chose not to comment.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡleaDZWtMAN
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.”
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvBfd2xHcr
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.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKwhPnAtR9
One by one, they stepped forward.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8YjX6WZ6q
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.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRiSn8sXFoO
She looked him over, not with disdain, but with an appraising gaze.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyuHBihbLC
“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.”
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSTxZRDYs4
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.”
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjauUcwbGm
Seraphis didn’t smile, but something in her expression softened slightly before she stepped back into line.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv80itkG2uU
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.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zBFyfV5Be
“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.”
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2ouaePrRn
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.”
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgf0zMbkdn8
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.”
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CkGMCpktY
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.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfJ4yMqWAS
“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.”
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fXccDiSml
Kumuna gave a casual thumbs-up. “Survive, huh? That sounds like a challenge.”
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotwVIHI5BA
Orwin grinned, revealing sharp canines. “It is.”
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DilYSytNP
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.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAS34HtZdmc
“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.”
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡduGtA0t6gc
Kumuna raised an eyebrow. “And if I don’t want to be an assassin?”
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGZl7lM9aV
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.”
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVz5OmNvUci
“…Okay, fair point,” he admitted.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77hu4e21R4
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.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWx9A8u1Yz
“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.”
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRPhCDav3e
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.”
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInpCBspxTA
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.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtY1QTCXk0l
“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.”
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTleMh5sEY
Kumuna chuckled. “I don’t plan on being anyone’s kindling, but you do have a cool entrance, I’ll give you that.”
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeHAcg8MoT
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.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQHneh7z2z
“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.”
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVl5t5hUnnx
Kumuna exhaled, nodding. “You sound a little scary, not gonna lie.”
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwdhUXdQiQ
Mira blinked. “Good.”
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudgNPRwVIL
Kumuna wasn’t sure if she was joking.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVuLyHpqEH
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.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqabKJ5rs8N
Kumuna blinked. “And you are…?”
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacFj3N7YzV
The man let out a low grunt.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHTNZecFk0
“Darius, The Iron Juggernaut. Half-orc.” His voice was deep and gravelly, few words wasted. “I crush.”
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnEtS36hxzq
“…That’s it?”
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvR33xPp53W
Darius stared at him. “That’s all that matters.”
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51cySVLyTR
Kumuna nodded slowly. “Alright, man, I respect the simplicity.”
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMfts6FvVc
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.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYjjnM1a8K
“Well, well,” he mused. “Our ‘Hero’ doesn’t look like much.”
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCO2X2vl5By
Kumuna sighed. “Man, you guys gotta stop saying that.”
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡda7JRVvDi0
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?”
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTkDS9MgvO
Kumuna shrugged. “I’ll try my best. Can’t make any promises.”
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGm5c8CUuDW
The warlords exchanged glances before stepping back, their introductions complete.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJfsjmitaW
King Rhaegor spoke once more. “Your training begins tomorrow.”
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75MY6W0LlY
Kumuna stretched. “Alright. Sounds fun.”
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfepNreRlm
Prince Verric raised a brow. “You don’t seem very… concerned.”
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwXmsIQEe7
Kumuna shrugged. “Why worry? This is exciting. I get magic, badass teachers, and a whole kingdom backing me up? What’s not to like?”
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtOK22XyhL
Kai’Zen scoffed. “Arrogant brat.” He mumbled in the corner of the room.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9kzSvxwmO
Kumuna smirked at him. “I heard that You’ll warm up to me eventually.”
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpn4dBYP6j
Kai’Zen rolled his eyes and left the room, for real this time.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEKIM1q54D
Kumuna chuckled to himself “Very uptight”
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXrZ6oAisB
“You’ll get used to it,” Orwin spoke patting Kumana on the shoulder.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HIHbo3DtF
“If you say so…” Kumuna sighed.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKROzAP5s8
A Moment of Reflection
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQKnE1NRpz
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.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡseZhIguyt5
He flopped onto the bed, stretching his arms behind his head.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUKiB4JR8T
“Man… this is crazy.”
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUbh3UPStM
But despite his confidence, his thoughts drifted.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzlrdvyqhv
Kaida, Tsubaki, Mishell.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kib2XKrFv
Where were they?
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqFy1GEKzM
Were they safe?
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79W8MyODxc
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.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJz0TXy7Z1P
Still…
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlISbIYuxD1
“Hope you guys are out there,” he muttered.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRPotfqDkO
As he lay there, exhaustion finally crept in.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnASu8ZlG9
His eyelids grew heavy.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvijabv2wUz
And soon—
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkZ6MTG6GN
Sleep took him.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg09MsYtc6U
Tomorrow, his journey would begin.
