x
Darkness. Nothing but an endless void.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXHPugBZ25
Kumuna felt weightless, floating in the empty abyss. No sound, no sensation—just silence stretching infinitely in every direction.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxNfnXKCIe
Was he dreaming? Was he dead?
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHx3VTxbdhA
He wasn’t sure.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7sxDvnWDJ
Then—
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvn62BHE7w
A soft chime echoed around him.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplHwa80GXs
A solid floor materialized beneath his feet, stabilizing him, while a blue light pulsed around the floating platform.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6AeSHEmULk
He turned his head, eyes widening as a glowing blue screen flickered into existence before him.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTJHmWlKHy
⸻
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KcFXASkW8
PLAYER: KUMUNA ROLIN
LEVEL: 1
RACE: HUMAN
CLASS: UNASSIGNED
CHARACTER LOADING…
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhd87e6cmd
⸻
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KPxL9FBd2
Kumuna blinked at the floating text. “Okay… this is weird.”
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDmghNc1SF
He reached out, attempting to touch the glowing screen, but his fingers passed through it like mist.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiToFS064m
He arched a brow. “Huh. Well, shit…”
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcXjhII6Kl
Then—
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmVBe9LvmE
A sudden pull.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRFMt3bqaI
His stomach flipped as gravity reasserted itself, yanking him downward. The void around him twisted, colors blending together in a chaotic swirl before—
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ONZwAZ49o
Light.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5ilvaBmwv
Blinding, golden light.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGha3frmenQ
⸻
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyF8tdjcHF
The Throne Room of the Gilded Empire
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEM761DbDqk
Kumuna crashed onto a polished marble floor with an audible thud.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsjtrx2kEI
“Ow—damn!” He groaned, rubbing the back of his head. “Could’ve given a guy a warning first… stupid screen.”
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCn4ts9YTc
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.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNzQvwnIh6
And seated before him, on an enormous golden throne, was a king.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwLin4lhNn
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.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsx3Bj8If1
Beside him stood a young man in fine royal attire—his son, no doubt—with a sharp, composed expression.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLz2CDjKu9d
And surrounding them—
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1qJO277Wg
Ten warriors.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6c6ZtYnpI
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.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30KLBPqwiO
A mix of expressions met Kumuna’s arrival—some intrigued, others indifferent.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbVHeb46Js
“Well now,” Kumuna muttered, pushing himself up. “Ain’t this fancy.”
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPEri0bGLt
The warriors stiffened at his casual attitude.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAmkbnpF7D
Then—
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgna6rcig3A
A scoff.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9l2bUkBaS4
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.”
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSt3RCgnRO
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.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwQM6oJ05E
However, Kumuna remained unfazed. He stood to his feet, dusted himself off, stretched, and smirked.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxYXFumRr2
“Damn, dude. A little rude for someone you just met.”
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSJmhU4yCG
A few of the warlords chuckled, but the displeased one wasn’t amused. He took a step forward, sneering.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQF3QOcKSf
“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?”
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKoHFKaoBH
Kumuna tilted his head. “Damn, dude. We just met. Why are you hating on me this early?”
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESUIY8F4DG
The man’s glare hardened, seemingly ready to argue further, but before he could, a stern commanding voice cut through the air.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrionlRTjQT
“Kai’Zen,” the king’s voice echoed through the throne room, calm yet laced with authority. “Enough.”
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXkm8K862y
Kai’Zen clenched his fists, still glaring at Kumuna. After a tense moment, he exhaled sharply, turning toward the king.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9P0FDeIa9g
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.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UCp0s1kPB
Kumuna watched him go, lips pursed. “That dude’s got issues.”
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqe5gpjlZIY
A few of the warriors chuckled again, but others remained indifferent.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugmaqmqEav
The king finally chuckled softly, stepping forward, placing a firm hand on Kumuna’s shoulder.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVohsCk7Jm
“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.”
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSaFNN7Epmp
Kumuna shrugged. “It’s okay, I’ve dealt with a few people like him before… a lot, actually.”
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZTP9nT4w9
The king laughed heartily. “Well, you can expect a lot more from him.”
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghshW5fVhn
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.”
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpAYv8Hxsh
The prince gave a slight nod, his expression reserved. “An honor to meet you, Hero.”
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBShZ00wpU2
Kumuna grinned. “Nice to meet ya too, Prince V.”
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCV1rWan3cX
The prince raised a brow at the nickname but chose not to comment.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24FLEEwr0o
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.”
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFEQsilK8I
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.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6IMZ9jDx7
One by one, they stepped forward.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZeKmPqwKk
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.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPLYHuhM1z
She looked him over, not with disdain, but with an appraising gaze.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfviFeEibYF
“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.”
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VeH3J8AVt
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.”
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOsVqDYcT4
Seraphis didn’t smile, but something in her expression softened slightly before she stepped back into line.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQ1buoKJRj
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.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡviDqn8Ei6K
“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.”
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbTKCq2A7x
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.”
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5zsKYeE0g
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.”
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVycaxwiC5
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.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOx23VqJbH
“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.”
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfhoCBIVFu
Kumuna gave a casual thumbs-up. “Survive, huh? That sounds like a challenge.”
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnab98kMJ3
Orwin grinned, revealing sharp canines. “It is.”
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYErjDWJV7T
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.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQb5HjQnQP
“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.”
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gFYMNIJkP
Kumuna raised an eyebrow. “And if I don’t want to be an assassin?”
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJgEdFAtbx
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.”
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡva3J0vEvO8
“…Okay, fair point,” he admitted.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8GizNgIWD
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.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSFilC0Pkp
“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.”
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9BOFPkI2P
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.”
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2odbHYu2I
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.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9jvQcCCGJ
“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.”
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjQPuXiG09
Kumuna chuckled. “I don’t plan on being anyone’s kindling, but you do have a cool entrance, I’ll give you that.”
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CmH1ANwFh
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.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGvggeQOXe
“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.”
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeL7hy3L0wG
Kumuna exhaled, nodding. “You sound a little scary, not gonna lie.”
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0KXTOPmAB
Mira blinked. “Good.”
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdt5vPUA5vS
Kumuna wasn’t sure if she was joking.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQcN3n7042
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.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZTUdumBXT
Kumuna blinked. “And you are…?”
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡom5lx365ur
The man let out a low grunt.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTZRWd1MJX
“Darius, The Iron Juggernaut. Half-orc.” His voice was deep and gravelly, few words wasted. “I crush.”
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPyxHM4tURT
“…That’s it?”
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwxVKBbRSQ
Darius stared at him. “That’s all that matters.”
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGYVAohWbZ
Kumuna nodded slowly. “Alright, man, I respect the simplicity.”
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoyR8zyO1q
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.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7SZv2prX5
“Well, well,” he mused. “Our ‘Hero’ doesn’t look like much.”
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFmyNGQSlH
Kumuna sighed. “Man, you guys gotta stop saying that.”
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnBzBVLhcU
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?”
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmGCfTk36n
Kumuna shrugged. “I’ll try my best. Can’t make any promises.”
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPi0TnRmRD2
The warlords exchanged glances before stepping back, their introductions complete.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghM2zDRtqs
King Rhaegor spoke once more. “Your training begins tomorrow.”
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPge2pVhP0
Kumuna stretched. “Alright. Sounds fun.”
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WKpciwAeL
Prince Verric raised a brow. “You don’t seem very… concerned.”
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZGAV9kfJi
Kumuna shrugged. “Why worry? This is exciting. I get magic, badass teachers, and a whole kingdom backing me up? What’s not to like?”
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7zIBpx4Du
Kai’Zen scoffed. “Arrogant brat.” He mumbled in the corner of the room.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUDUQB08dv
Kumuna smirked at him. “I heard that You’ll warm up to me eventually.”
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1ERKQdebE
Kai’Zen rolled his eyes and left the room, for real this time.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTWza2c61s
Kumuna chuckled to himself “Very uptight”
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVu698XIjx
“You’ll get used to it,” Orwin spoke patting Kumana on the shoulder.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGJ5sHo5is
“If you say so…” Kumuna sighed.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnSymOeDmZ
A Moment of Reflection
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMPOb8ozai
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.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrUStpZUAZ
He flopped onto the bed, stretching his arms behind his head.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9iSgN9Zy8
“Man… this is crazy.”
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡniUsPXviET
But despite his confidence, his thoughts drifted.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRirGxbRnq
Kaida, Tsubaki, Mishell.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScOj3ogAB2
Where were they?
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9s7DJkUgnn
Were they safe?
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxyqTJqrvF
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.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmes5NbGltW
Still…
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KRAfcHUUg
“Hope you guys are out there,” he muttered.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT54mJIFVTb
As he lay there, exhaustion finally crept in.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMXnteoaLZ
His eyelids grew heavy.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjqETIg7n5
And soon—
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknnNGA9KK8
Sleep took him.
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8Lwu9WzAp
Tomorrow, his journey would begin.
